The Brannock Device is a measuring instrument used to determine a person's shoe size, invented by Charles F. Brannock as an improvement on the wooden RITZ Stick that had served as the shoe trade's prior standard. Brannock patented his first prototype in 1925 and a refined version in 1927, then formed the Brannock Device Company to manufacture and sell it, heading the company until his death in 1992. The device measures a foot's length, width and arch length in a single setting, and is fitted with separate left and right heel cups so it can be rotated to measure the other foot in turn. It remains the shoe-fitting trade's standard measuring tool, familiar as the metal plate underfoot in shoe stores.
Facts
Introduced When (Circa) OriginCharles F. Brannock spent two years developing a single instrument to measure a foot's length, width and arch length together, replacing the wooden RITZ Stick that had been the shoe trade's prior standard. 1 Introduced era (class) In the Other Atlases
Sources
1. Brannock Device (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead paragraph, first half
He eventually improved on the wooden RITZ Stick, the industry standard of the day, patenting his first prototype in 1925 and an improved version in 1927.
Lead paragraph, second sentence
Brannock spent two years developing a simple means of measuring the length, width, and arch length of the human foot.
View the Source Frequently Asked Questions
How long did it take Charles Brannock to develop his measuring device?
Two years, before he patented his first prototype in 1925.
Charles F. Brannock spent two years developing a single instrument that could measure a foot's length, width and arch length together, replacing the wooden RITZ Stick that had been the shoe trade's prior standard.
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