WO2009019692A2

WO2009019692A2 - A system and a method for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved sole, to match a person

Info

Publication number: WO2009019692A2
Application number: PCT/IL2008/001081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yossi Alush; Yael Alush; Sivan Alush
Original assignee: El-Ya Orthopedics
Priority date: 2007-08-08
Filing date: 2008-08-07
Publication date: 2009-02-12
Also published as: EP2185018A2; CA2708390A1; US20120054137A1; WO2009019692A3; AU2008285126A1; IL185717A0

Abstract

A system for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles, to match a person, the system includes: (a) a center of gravity determination unit, which is adapted to determine a current center of gravity of the person; and (b) a processor, which is adapted to: (i) determine an anatomical center of the person; and (ii) determine the type of curved sole out of the limited group of types of curved soles, to match the person, in response to the anatomical center.

Description

A System and a Method for Selecting a Type of a Curve Sole out of a Limited Group of Types of Curved Sole, to Match a Person

Related applications

[001] This application claims the priority of U. S provisional patent serial number 60/954,591, filing date 08, August, 2007; and the priority of Israeli patent application serial number 185717, filing date 04, September, 2007.

Field of the invention

[002] The invention relates to systems and methods for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved sole, to match a person.

Background of the invention

[003] It is a well known fact that over the years a height of a person changes, wherein in an average age of 18 the person reaches his or her maximal height. Over the years, and most notably when the person is over 50 years old, the height of the person gradually decreases. One of the main reasons for this height decrease is a degradation of cartilage tissue, and most notably in the vertebral column, in the knees and in other part of the body. This degradation of cartilage tissue, as well as other factors, such as changes in posture, weakening of muscles which support posture and over all aging of the body, result in a shifting of a center of gravity of the body of the person, typically from an primary anatomical center of the body in the youth of the person to another center to which the center of gravity have shifted over the years .

[005] This condition is known to be problematic and potentially harming, and may cause among other results pains of different level to the person. It is therefore desirable to find means and methods for shifting the center of gravity towards the anatomical center of the body.

[006] In order for the person to adopt a new posture and develop the needed muscles, flexibility and so forth, in which the center of gravity is closer to the anatomical center, an exercising of the body is needed. One way of exercising the body is using dedicated footwear, a sole of which is shape so as to facilitate a shifting of the center of gravity of the patient to a desired location.

[007] It is noted that a successfully selecting a type of a curve sole to match the person facilitates correction of the treading of the foot of each individual for one or more of the following purposes: (a) strengthening of calf muscles (b) correcting imbalances of the gait (c) improving foot imbalances and pain; (d) improving ankle pain; (e) improving knee pain; (f) improving hip pain; (g) improving low back pain; (h) improving posture of upper and lower back; (i) improving cervical posture and pain, and additional medical purposes •

[008] It is therefore desirable to find reliable and simple means of selecting the type of a curve sole out of the limited group of types of curved sole, to match the person

Summary of the invention

[009] A system for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles, to match a person, the system includes: (a) a center of gravity determination unit, which is adapted to determine a current center of gravity of the person; and (b) a processor, which is adapted to: (i) determine an anatomical center of the person; and (ii) determine the type of curved sole out of the limited group of types of curved soles, to match the person, in response' to the anatomical center.

[0010] An adjustable curve sole for a footwear, the adjustable curve sole includes: (a) a top surface, which is adapted to physically connect to the footwear; (b) a curved bottom surface; and (c) a curve modifier, which is adapted to modify the curved bottom surface to match a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles.

[0011] A method for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles, to match a person, the method includes: (a) determining a current center of gravity of the person; (b) determining an anatomical center of the person; and (c) determining the type of curved sole out of the limited group of types of curved soles, to match the person, in response to the anatomical center.

Brief description of the drawings

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the different views, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a shoe which has curved sole, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a system for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles, to match a person, according to an embodiment of the invention [0015] Figures 3a through 3d illustrate different ways of determining an anatomical center of the person, according to different embodiments of the invention

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates an adjustable curve sole, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Figure 5a illustrates an adjustable curve sole, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 5b is a bottom view of a top portion of an adjustable curve sole, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates a method for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles, to match a person, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

[0020] It is known to a person who is skilled in the art that footwear which has a curved shape sole may assist in the shifting of the center of gravity of the person. However, prior art solution conventionally implement making individual soles for each person, in a process which is slow, costly, and laborsome.

[0021] The invention therefore involves selecting the curved sole of the footwear out of a limited available curved sole. According to an embodiment of the invention, the invention involves selecting the curved sole out of five optional curved soles for each size. For example, for a person with a shoe size of 12, the selection may be out of^* curved sole types which are indicated by 12J, 12K, 12L, 12M, 12N, wherein the letters J, K, L, M, and N indicate different type of curved sole. It is however noted that according to different embodiments of the invention, the number of types of curved soles is different than five. By way of example only, and not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, some of the embodiments of the invention facilitate selecting form groups of types of curved soles which include 4 to 10 types of curved soles.

[0022] Conveniently, the types of the curved soles are differentiated by a different location of an apex of the curve of the curved sole, and/or by different shapes of the curves.

[0023] It is noted according to different embodiments of the invention, the curved sole is curved either in one or two dimensions out of the longitudinal dimension and the sagittal dimensions.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates shoe 210 which has curved sole 220, according to an embodiment of the invention. Apex 222 is the lowermost portion of curved sole 220. according to an embodiment of the invention, a height of the curved sole is between 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters.

[0025] It should be noted that the invention may be implemented using different types or parts of curved soles, e.g. curved outsoles, curved midsoles, and curved insoles, which may be either fixed to the shoe (or other footware), or detachably attached to it (or supported within it), thus being replaceable and/or removable.

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates system 300 for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles, to match a person, according to an embodiment of the invention. System 300 includes center of gravity determination unit 310, which is adapted to determine a current center of gravity of the person; and (b) processor 320, which is adapted to: (i) determine an anatomical center of the person; and (ii) determine the type of curved sole out of the limited group of types of curved soles, to match the person, in response to the anatomical center.

[0027] It is noted that according to the teaching of the invention, the anatomical center of the person is a location which is responsive to physical, anatomical and postural aspects pertaining to the person, and that conveniently, and that when the center of gravity of the person- coincides with the anatomical center of the person, stresses of physical, anatomical and/or postural aspects are weakened. Conveniently, the anatomical center of the body correlates to a center of gravity of the skeleton of the person, excluding muscles, soft tissues and the like. It is thus clear to a person who is skilled in the art that it is desirable to determine the anatomical center of the person, and to determine a type of curved sole out of the limited group of types of curved soles which conveniently facilitates a shifting of the center of gravity of the person towards the anatomical center of the person.

[0028] It is noted that according to the teachings of the invention, the determination conveniently involves perpendicular projections, of both the center of gravity of the person and of the anatomical center of the person, onto a surface on which the person stands (which is typically horizontal). It is therefore noted that references to the center of gravity and to the anatomical center of the person, may either refer to the actual centers, or to projections of each of the centers onto a plane, which is conveniently a horizontal plane on which the person stands.

[0029] Additionally, it should be noted that, conveniently, a possible result of the determining of the type of the curved sole is that no type of curved sole matches the person. That is, system 200 is conveniently adapted to identify persons for which treatment using curved soles as herein discussed is not required (e.g. if they are within a norm) , or is not suitable for their situation.

[0030] Furthermore, it would be clear to a person who is of skill in the art that the determining of the type of the curved sole is individual; i.e. different types of curved sole may be determined for any two different persons (even though clearly, as there is a limited amount of types , some people would be matched with a single type of a curved sole).

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, center of gravity determination unit 310 includes multiple sensors 312 which are adapted to sense pressures which are applied by the person at different locations on surface 314 of center of gravity determination unit 310. According to an embodiment of the invention, center of gravity determination unit 310 includes a multitude of pressure sensors 312, such as hundreds or thousands of pressure sensors 312. It is clear to a person who is skilled in the art that by taking into account pressure information which is obtained by the multitude of sensors 312, center of gravity determination unit 310 can analyze a distribution of applied pressure by one or two feet soles of the person, and thereof to determine the current center of gravity of the person.

[0032] It is noted that whereas according to an embodiment of the invention center of gravity determination unit 310 is adapted to determine the current center of gravity independently, conveniently using a center of gravity determination unit processor (not illustrated), according to another embodiment of the invention, the actual determination of the current center of gravity of the person is carried out by processor 320 of system 300, in response to information (conveniently pressure measurements) which is provided to processor 320 by center of gravity determination unit 310.

[0033] It is further noted that a device which is known in the art and which includes such a multitude of pressure sensors is known in the art as a podometer.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, center of gravity determination unit 310 is adapted to reiterate a sensing of the pressures, and wherein results of multiple iterations of sensing are averaged for the determining of the type of curved sole. For example, According to an embodiment of the invention, 10 successive measurements are made over a span of 15 seconds . [0035] Figures 3a through 3d illustrate different ways of determining anatomical center 460 of the person, according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0036] First line 420 connects first point 412 and second point 414, wherein first point 412 is a point in a vicinity of a first metatarsal bone of foot 418 of the person, and second point 414 is a point in a vicinity of a medial heel of foot 418.

[0037] The middle of first line 420 is middle of first line point 422. Second line 430 connects middle of first line point 422 and current center of gravity 440.

[0038] Referring now to figures 3a and 3b, according to an embodiment of the invention, processor 320 is adapted to determine anatomical center 460 by carrying out a calculation which is equivalent to: (a) locating middle of first line point 422, (b) determining indicating line 450, which crosses first line 420 at middle of first line point 422, wherein indicating line 450 crosses at first angle 452 over second line 430; and (c) locating crossing point 462 which is the crossing point of indicating line 450 and reference line 470. It is noted that conveniently, above calculation is carried out so as to locate crossing point 462 which is either anatomical center 460, or in the vicinity of anatomical center 460. [0039] It is noted that, according to an embodiment of the invention, first angle 452 is a between 35 and 55 degrees, and that according to an embodiment of the invention such as those which are illustrated in figures 3a and 3b, first angle 452 is about 45 degrees.

[0040] The determining of the type of curved sole to match the person may very well be a beginning point for a treating process of the person which involves wearing of a shoe (or other footwear) that includes a curved sole matching the type selected, for a period of time. Such treating process may involve wearing primarily such shoes, or wearing such shoes for limited amount of times (e.g. half an hour every day, and so forth). Such a treating process would usually be stopped once a satisfactory condition has been achieved (e.g. bringing the center of gravity of the person toward the anatomical center), or for other reasons.

[0041] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, center of gravity determination unit 310 is further adapted to determine a later center of gravity, in a later time than the determining of the current center of gravity, and processor 320 is further adapted to determine an ending of a treating process of the person which comprised a curved sole of the type of curved sole. The later time may be weeks, months, or other period of time, later than the time of the first determining.

[0042] Referring now to figure 3a, according to an embodiment of the invention, processor 320 is adapted to determine indicating line 450 which crosses at first angle 452 over second line 430 for a person the current center of gravity 440 of whom is anterior to perpendicular bisector 480 of first line 420; wherein indicating line 450 is posterior to second line 430.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, multiple points (denoted on the drawing as J, K, L, M, and N) on line 470 indicates the different types of curved soles, and the determining of the type is carried out by selecting the type indicated by the point which is closest to point 462. In the example illustrated in figure 3a, the type which matches the person is denoted as J.

[0044] Referring now to figure 3b, according to an embodiment of the invention, processor 320 is adapted to determine indicating line 450 which crosses at first angle 452 over second line 430 for a person the current center of gravity 440 of whom is posterior to the center of the heel of the foot 410, which is represented by line 492; wherein indicating line 450 is anterior to second line 430. [0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, multiple points (denoted on the drawing as J, K, L,M, and N) on line 470 indicates the different types of curved soles, and the determining of the type is carried out by selecting the type indicated by the point which is closest to point 462. In the example illustrated in figure 3b, the type which matches the person is denoted as J.

[0046] Referring now to figures 3c and 3d, according to an embodiment of the invention, processor 320 is adapted to determine anatomical center 460 of the person by: (a) locating middle of first line point 422; (b) determining indicating line 450 which crosses first line 420 at middle of first line point 420 and divides angle 432 at a predetermined proportion; wherein angle 432 is defined between first line 420 and second line 430; and (c) locating crossing point 462 which is the crossing point of indicating line 450 and reference line 470.

[0047] Referring now to figure 3c, according to an embodiment of the invention, processor 320 is adapted to determine indicating line 450 which divides angle 452 at a predetermined proportion of about 1:2, for a person the current center of gravity 440 of whom is posterior to perpendicular bisector 480 of first line 420. [0048] It is noted that according to an embodiment of the invention, processor 320 is adapted to determine indicating line 450 which divides angle 452 at a predetermined proportion of about 1:2, for a person the current center of gravity 440 of whom is posterior to perpendicular bisector 480 of first line 420anterior to a center of a heel of foot 410, which is represented by line 492; wherein indicating line 450 is posterior to second line 430.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, multiple points (denoted on the drawing as J, K, L, M, and N) on line 470 indicates the different types of curved soles, and the determining of the type is carried out by selecting the type indicated by the point which is closest to point 462. In the example illustrated in figure 3c, the type which matches the person is denoted as J.

[0050] Referring now to figure 3d, according to an embodiment of the invention, processor 320 is adapted to determine indicating line 450 which is a bisector of angle 452. according to said embodiment of the invention, the predetermined proportion is a 1:1 proportion.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, multiple points (denoted on the drawing as J, K, L, M, and N) on line 470 indicates the different types of curved soles, and the determining of the type is carried out by selecting the type indicated by the point which is closest to point 462. In the example illustrated in figure 3d, the type which matches the person is denoted as J.

[0052] It is noted that other methods apart from those described pertaining to figures 3a through 3d could be utilized in the selection of the type of the curve sole out of the limited group of types of curved sole, to match the person according to different embodiments of the invention, and that the offered methods were offered by way of example only in order to clarify and to exemplify the invention, without limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

[0053] Figures 4 and 5a, illustrate adjustable curve sole 820 for a footwear such as shoe 810. Adjustable curve sole 820 includes: top surface 822, which is adapted to physically connect to the footwear (such as shoe 810); curved bottom surface 824; and a curve modifier, which is adapted to modify curved bottom surface 824 to match a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles.

[0054] It is noted that according to different embodiments of the invention, adjustable curved sole 820 facilitates adjusting of curved bottom surface 824 by the curve modifier either in one or two dimensions out of the longitudinal dimension and the sagittal dimensions.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates adjustable curve sole 820, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the curve modifier of adjustable curve sole 820 includes at least one adjustment screw 830, which is adapted to modify a shape of curved bottom surface 824.

[0056] It is clear to any person who is skilled in the art that the turning of one or more of the at least one adjustable screw 830 will result in a lengthening or in a shortening of the turned one or more adjustable screws 830, and thus will facilitate the shaping of curved bottom surface 824. It is noted that different embodiments of the invention facilitate access to the screws in different ways (such as via curved bottom surface 824, via a side of adjustable curve sole 820, via top surface 822, and so on).

[0057] Figure 5a illustrates adjustable curve sole 820, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein top portion 842 of adjustable curve sole 820 includes track 844, and the curve modifier includes slidable curved bottom surface 846 which is adapted to be moved along track 844, wherein adjustable curve sole 820 further includes a fixing component (not shown) which is adapted to fix slidable curved bottom surface 846 to top portion 842.

[0058] Figure 5b is a bottom view of top portion 842 of adjustable curve sole 820, according to an embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, track 844 is a longitudinal track across top portion 842.

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates method 500 for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles, to match a person, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0060] Method 500 starts with stage 510 of determining a current center of gravity of the person. The determining of the current center of gravity of the person facilitated differently according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 510 includes stage 511 of sensing, by a center of gravity determination unit, pressures which are applied by the person at different locations on a surface of the center of gravity determination unit.

[0062] It is noted that according to an embodiment of the invention, the center of gravity determination unit includes multiple sensors which are adapted to sense pressures which are applied by the person at different locations on the surface of the center of gravity determination unit, wherein the sensing is facilitated by the multiple sensors . According to an embodiment of the invention, the center of gravity determination unit includes a multitude of pressure sensors, such as hundreds or thousands of pressure sensors. It is clear to a person who is skilled in the art that by taking into account pressure information which is obtained by the multitude of such sensors, the center of gravity determination unit can analyze a distribution of applied pressure by one or two feet soles of the person, and thereof to determine the current center of gravity of the person.

[0063] It is noted that whereas according to an embodiment of the invention the center of gravity- determination unit is adapted to determining the current center of gravity independently, conveniently using a center of gravity determination unit processor, according to another embodiment of the invention, the actual determining of the current center of gravity of the person is carried out by a processor of the system which carries out at least one out of stages 520 and 530, in response to information (conveniently pressure measurements) which is provided to the processor by the center of gravity determination unit. [0064] It is further noted that a device which is known in the art and which includes such a multitude of pressure sensors and is adapted to carry out or to participate in stage 511 is known in the art as a podometer.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 510 includes reiterating the sensing of pressures, and averaging results of multiple iterations of sensing.

[0066] Stage 510 is followed by stage 520 of determining an anatomical center of the person. It is noted that according to the teaching of the invention, the anatomical center of the person is a location which is responsive to physical, anatomical and postural aspects pertaining to the person, and that conveniently, and that when the center of gravity of the person coincides with the anatomical center of the person, stresses of physical, anatomical and/or postural aspects are weakened. Conveniently, the anatomical center of the body correlates to a center of gravity of the skeleton of the person, excluding muscles, soft tissues and the like. It is thus clear to a person who is skilled in the art that it is desirable to determine the anatomical center of the person, and to determine a type of curved sole out of the limited group of types of curved soles which conveniently facilitates a shifting of the center of gravity of the person towards the anatomical center of the person.

[0067] It is noted that according to the teachings of the invention, the determinations of method 500 conveniently involves perpendicular projections, of both the center of gravity of the person and of the anatomical center of the person, onto a surface on which the person stands (which is typically horizontal). It is therefore noted that references to the center of gravity and to the anatomical center of the person, may either refer to the actual centers, or to projections of each of the centers onto a plane, which is conveniently a horizontal plane on which the person stands.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 520 includes stage 521 of carrying out a calculating which is equivalent to: (a) locating a middle of a first line which connects (i) a point in a vicinity of a first metatarsal bone of a foot of the person, and (ii) a point in a vicinity of a medial heel of the foot; (b) determining an indicating line which crosses the first line at the middle of the first line, wherein the indicating line crosses at a first angle over a second line which connects the middle of the first line and the current center of gravity; and (c) locating a crossing point of the indicating line and a reference line; wherein the first angle is a between 35 and 55 degrees.

[0069] It is noted that stage 521 is exemplified in figures 3a and 3b which are described in details above.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 521 includes stage 522 of determining an indicating line which crosses at a first angle of about 45 degrees over the second line.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the invention which is exemplified in figure 3a, the determination of the indicating line which crosses at the first angle over the second line is carried out for a person the current center of gravity of whom is anterior to a perpendicular bisector of the first line; wherein the indicating line is posterior to the second line.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the invention which is exemplified in figure 3b, the determination of the indicating line which crosses at the first angle over the second line is carried out for a person the current center of gravity of whom is posterior to a center of a heel of the foot; wherein the indicating line is anterior to the second line.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage

520 includes stage 523 of carrying out a calculating which is equivalent to: (a) locating a middle of a first line which connects (i) a point in a vicinity of a first metatarsal bone of a foot of the person, and (ii) a point in a vicinity of a medial heel of the foot; (b) determining an indicating line which crosses the first line at the middle of the first line, wherein the indicating line divides at a predetermined proportion an angle which is defined between the first line and a second line which connects the middle of the first line and the current center of gravity; and (c) locating a crossing point of the indicating line and a reference line.

[0074] It is noted that stage 523 is exemplified in figures 3b and 3d which are described in details above.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the invention, which is exemplified in figure 3d, stage 523 includes stage 524 of determining an indicating line which is a bisector of the angle which is defined between the first line and the second line.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the invention, which is exemplified in figure 3c, stage 523 includes stage 55 of determining an indicating line which divides the angle which is defined between the first line and the second line at a predetermined proportion of about 1:2.

According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 525 is carried out for a person the current center of gravity of whom is posterior to a perpendicular bisector of the first line.

[0077] Stage 520 is followed by stage 530 of determining the type of curved sole out of the limited group of types of curved soles, to match the person, in response to the anatomical center.

[0078] Additionally, it should be noted that, conveniently, a possible result of the determining of the type of the curved sole is that no type of curved sole matches the person. That is, according to an embodiment of the invention, method 500 is conveniently adapted to identify persons for which treatment using curved soles as herein discussed is not required (e.g. if they are within a norm), or is not suitable for their situation.

[0079] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, a possible result of the determining of the type of the curved sole is that no type of curved sole matches the person.

[0080] It would be clear to a person who is of skill in the art that the determining of the type of the curved sole is individual; i.e. different types of curved sole may be determined for any two different persons (even though clearly, as there is a limited amount of types, some people would be matched with a single type of a curved sole) . [0081] According to an embodiment of the invention, stage 530 is followed by stage 540 of adjusting an adjustable curve sole to match the type of curved sole, wherein the adjustable curve sole includes: a top surface, which is adapted to physically connect to the footwear; a curved bottom surface; and a curve modifier, which is adapted modify the curved bottom surface to match the type of a curve sole.

[0082] Referring to the examples set forth in drawings 4, 5a and 5b, the adjustable curve sole is adjustable curve sole 820, which includes: top surface 822, which is adapted to physically connect to the footwear (such as shoe 810); curved bottom surface 824; and a curve modifier, which is adapted to modify curved bottom surface 824 to match a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles.

[0083] It is noted that according to different embodiments of the invention, the adjusting of the adjustable curved sole includes adjusting the curved bottom surface either in one or two dimensions out of the longitudinal dimension and the sagittal dimensions.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the invention, which is exemplified in figure 4, stage 540 includes sage 541 of adjusting at least one adjustment screw of the curve modifier, wherein the adjustment screw is adapted to modify a shape of the curved bottom surface.

[0085] it is clear to any person who is skilled in the art that the turning of one or more of the at least one adjustable screw will result in a lengthening or in a shortening of the turned one or more adjustable screws, and thus will facilitate the adjusting of the curved bottom surface.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the invention, which is exemplified in figures 5a and 5b, stage 540 includes stage 542 of: (a) moving a slidable curved bottom surface of the adjustable curved sole across a track which is included in a top portion of the adjustable curved sole; and (b) fixing the slidable curved bottom surface to the top portion.

[0087] It is noted that the determining of the type of curved sole to match the person may very well be a beginning point for a treating process of the person which involves wearing of a shoe (or other footwear) that includes a curved sole matching the type selected, for a period of time. Such treating process may involve wearing primarily such shoes, or wearing such shoes for limited amount of times (e.g. half an hour every day, and so forth) . Such a treating process would usually be stopped once a satisfactory condition has been achieved (e.g. bringing the center of gravity of the person toward the anatomical center), or for other reasons.

[0088] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, method 500 further includes determining a later center of gravity, in a later time than the determining of the current center of gravity, and determining an ending of a treating process of the person which comprised a curved sole of the type of curved sole. The later time may be weeks, months, or other period of time, later than the time of the first determining.

[0089] The present invention can be practiced by- employing conventional tools, methodology and components. Accordingly, the details of such tools, component and methodology are not set forth herein in detail. In the previous descriptions, numerous specific details are set forth, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it should be recognized that the present invention might be practiced without resorting to the details specifically set forth.

[0090] Only exemplary embodiments of the present invention and but a few examples of its versatility are shown and described in the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.

Claims

What is claimed is :

1. A system for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles, to match a person, the system comprises: a center of gravity determination unit, which is adapted to determine a current center of gravity of the person; and

a processor, which is adapted to: (a) determine an anatomical center of the person; and (b) determine the type of curved sole out of the limited group of types of curved soles, to match the person, in response to the anatomical center.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein a possible result of the determining of the type of the curved sole is that no type of curved sole matches the person.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity determination unit is further adapted to determine a later center of gravity, in a later time than the determining of the current center of gravity, and wherein the processor is further adapted to determine an ending of a treating process of the person which comprised a curved sole of the type of curved sole.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity determination unit comprises multiple sensors which are adapted to sense pressures which are applied by the person at different locations on a surface of center of gravity determination unit.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the center of gravity determination unit is adapted to reiterate a sensing of the pressures, and wherein results of multiple iterations of sensing are averaged for the determining of the type of curved sole.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is adapted to determine the anatomical center by carrying out a calculation which is equivalent to: (a) locating a middle of a first line which connects (i) a point in a vicinity of a first metatarsal bone of a foot of the person, and (ii) a point in a vicinity of a medial heel of the foot; (b) determining an indicating line which crosses the first line at the middle of the first line, wherein the indicating line crosses at a first angle over a second line which connects the middle of the first line and the current center of gravity; and (c) locating a crossing point of the indicating line and a reference line; wherein the first angle is a between 35 and 55 degrees.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first angle is about 45 degrees.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the processor is adapted to determine the indicating line which crosses at the first angle over the second line for a person the current center of gravity of whom is anterior to a perpendicular bisector of the first line; wherein the indicating line is posterior to the second line.

9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the processor is adapted to determine the indicating line which crosses at the first angle over the second line for a person the current center of gravity of whom is posterior to a center of a heel of the foot; wherein the indicating line is anterior to the second line.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is adapted to determine the anatomical center by carrying out a calculation which is equivalent to: (a) locating a middle of a first line which connects (i) a point in a vicinity of a first metatarsal bone of a foot of the person, and (ii) a point in a vicinity of a medial heel of the foot; (b) determining an indicating line which crosses the first line at the middle of the first line, wherein the indicating line divides at a predetermined proportion an angle which is defined between the first line and a second line which connects the middle of the first line and the current center of gravity; and (c) locating a crossing point of the indicating line and a reference line.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the processor is adapted to determine an indicating line which is a bisector of the angle which is defined between the first line and the second line.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the processor is adapted to determine an indicating line which divides the angle which is defined between the first line and the second line at a predetermined proportion of about 1:2, for a person the current center of gravity of whom is posterior to a perpendicular bisector of the first line.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the type of the curved sole is a type of a curved sole which is curved either in at least one dimension out of the longitudinal dimension and the sagittal dimensions.

14. An adjustable curve sole for a footwear, the adjustable curve sole comprises: a top surface, which is adapted to physically connect to the footwear; a curved bottom surface; and a curve modifier, which is adapted to modify the curved bottom surface to match a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles.

15. The adjustable curve sole according to claim 14, wherein the curve modifier comprises at least one adjustment screw, which is adapted to modify a shape of the curved bottom surface.

16. The adjustable curve sole according to claim 14, wherein a top portion of the adjustable curve sole comprises a track, and the curve modifier comprises a slidable curved bottom surface which is adapted to be moved along the track, wherein the adjustable curve sole further comprises a fixing component which is adapted to fix the slidable curved bottom surface to the top portion.

17. The adjustable curve sole according to claim 14, wherein the adjustable curved sole is curved in at least one dimension out of the longitudinal dimension and the sagittal dimensions. '•

18. A method for selecting a type of a curve sole out of a limited group of types of curved soles, to match a person, the method comprises:

determining a current center of gravity of the person; determining an anatomical center of the person; and

determining the type of curved sole out of the limited group of types of curved soles, to match the person, in response to the anatomical center .

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein a possible result of the determining of the type of the curved sole is that no type of curved sole matches the person.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising determining a later center of gravity, in a later time than the determining of the current center of gravity, and determining an ending of a treating process of the person which comprised a curved sole of the type of curved sole.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein determining of the type of the curved sole comprises determining a type of a curved sole which is curved either in at least one dimension out of the longitudinal dimension and the sagittal dimensions.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein the determining of the center of gravity comprises sensing, by a center of gravity determination unit, pressures which are applied by the person at different locations on a surface of the center of gravity determination unit.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the determining of the center of gravity comprises reiterating the sensing of pressures, and averaging results of multiple iterations of sensing.

24. The method according to claim 18, wherein the determining of the anatomical center is carrying out a calculating which is equivalent to: (a) locating a middle of a first line which connects (i) a point in a vicinity of a first metatarsal bone of a foot of the person, and (ii) a point in a vicinity of a medial heel of the foot; (b) determining an indicating line which crosses the first line at the middle of the first line, wherein the indicating line crosses at a first angle over a second line which connects the middle of the first line and the current center of gravity; and (c) locating a crossing point of the indicating line and a reference line; wherein the first angle is a between 35 and 55 degrees.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the determining of the indicating line comprises determining an indicating line which crosses at a first angle of about 45 degrees over the second line.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the determination of the indicating line which crosses at the first angle over the second line is carried out for a person the current center of gravity of whom is anterior to a perpendicular bisector of the first line; wherein the indicating line is posterior to the second line.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein the determination of the indicating line which crosses at the first angle over the second line is carried out for a person the current center ^' of gravity of whom is posterior to a center of a heel of the foot; wherein the indicating line is anterior to the second line.

28. The method according to claim 18, wherein the determining of the anatomical center comprises carrying out a calculating which is equivalent to: (a) locating a middle of a first line which connects (i) a point in a vicinity of a first metatarsal bone of a foot of the person, and (ii) a point in a vicinity of a medial heel of the foot; (b) determining an indicating line which crosses the first line at the middle of the first line, wherein the indicating line divides at a predetermined proportion an angle which is defined between the first line and a second line which connects the middle of the first line and the current center of gravity; and (c) locating a crossing point of the indicating line and a reference line.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the determining of the indicating line comprises determining an indicating line which is a bisector of the angle which is defined between the first line and the second line.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein the determining of the indicating line comprises determining an indicating line which divides the angle which is defined between the first line and the second line at a predetermined proportion of about 1:2, and wherein the determining of the indicating line is carried out for a person the current center of gravity of whom is posterior to a perpendicular bisector of the first line.

31. The method according to claim 18, further comprising adjusting an adjustable curve sole to match the type of curved sole, wherein the adjustable curve sole comprises: a top surface, which is adapted to physically connect to the footwear; a curved bottom surface; and a curve modifier, which is adapted modify the curved bottom surface to match the type of a curve sole.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting at least one adjustment screw of the curve modifier, wherein the adjustment screw is adapted to modify a shape of the curved bottom surface.

33. The method according to claim 31, wherein the adjusting comprises: (a) moving a slidable curved bottom surface of the adjustable curved sole across a track which is comprised in a top portion of the adjustable curved sole; and (b) fixing the slidable curved bottom surface to the top portion.