Try-on device for ski or snowboard boots

Abstract

The invention relates to a try-on device (1) for ski or snowboard boots, comprising at least one base structure (2) and at least one support frame (3), wherein the support frame (3) is hinged laterally on the base structure (2) to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (SA1), and at least one support plate (4, 4') for receiving at least one ski or snowboard binding (5, 5'), wherein the at least one support plate (4, 4') is connected to the support frame (3) to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (SA2). Particularly advantageously, at least one lifting device (7) is arranged in an edge region (1') of the try-on device (1), between the base structure (2) and the support frame (3), said edge region being opposite the first pivot axis (SA1), the inclination of the support frame (3) and / or of the support plate (4) with respect to a horizontal set-down plane (SE) being able to be adjusted by means of said lifting device.

Description

[0001] Fitting device for ski or snowboard boots

[0002] The invention relates to a fitting device for ski or snowboard boots according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0003] The design and function of ski or snowboard boots are well known. Depending on the particular winter sport and the intended use, these boots can be constructed differently. They are typically connected to the respective sports equipment, such as a ski or snowboard, via a binding, particularly a ski or snowboard binding. The momentum generated by the athlete is transferred to the ski or snowboard via the ski or snowboard boots, which are attached to the ski or snowboard by means of the binding.

[0004] When buying new ski or snowboard boots, the biggest challenge is finding a ski or snowboard boot with a perfect fit. A perfect fit is crucial for both safety and enjoyment. For example, if a ski or snowboard boot is too tight or doesn't fit tightly enough to precisely transfer the athlete's turn control to the skis or snowboard, this not only reduces enjoyment but also safety, especially on poor piste conditions.

[0005] When trying on ski or snowboard boots in a retail store, it is possible to manually or electronically measure an athlete's feet to identify a ski or snowboard boot that is generally suitable in terms of design and size and thus likely to fit perfectly from a wide range of boots from different manufacturers available on the market. However, the disadvantage of trying on these selected models in a retail store is that they are not carried out under "real" conditions of use, in particular not under the load of the foot during movement or in a slope position with different inclines.

[0006] Therefore, it often happens that the chosen ski or snowboard boot fits during the fitting in the store, but on the first few runs, the boot is either too tight or too wide, or the athlete doesn't feel comfortable enough. The disadvantage of trying on ski or snowboard boots in a store is that it's not possible to determine how well the ski or snowboard boot will fit in a typical downhill position, especially whether the boot is tight enough and / or whether the upper of the ski or snowboard boot properly encloses the athlete's calf area.Based on this, the invention is based on the object of specifying a fitting device for ski or snowboard boots, which facilitates the selection of a suitable ski or snowboard boot for a winter sports enthusiast and with which the fit of the ski or snowboard boot can be determined quickly and easily during the fitting when the foot is loaded during the downhill movement.

[0007] The problem is solved by a fitting device for ski or snowboard boots based on the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 by its characterizing features.

[0008] A fitting device for ski or snowboard boots according to the invention comprises at least one stand and at least one support frame, wherein the support frame is pivotally connected to the side of the stand so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis, and at least one support plate is provided for receiving at least one ski or snowboard binding. The at least one support plate is pivotally connected to the support frame so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis. According to the invention, at least one drive or lifting device is arranged between the stand and the support frame in an edge region of the fitting device opposite the first pivot axis, by means of which drive or lifting device the inclination of the support frame and / or the support plate relative to a horizontal installation plane can be adjusted.Particularly advantageously, the fitting device according to the invention can be used to simulate the downhill position of a skier or snowboarder on the slope and thus to check the accuracy of fit of a ski or snowboard boot when subjected to the load in the downhill position or

[0009] downhill movement or uphill movement can be determined quickly and easily. Furthermore, at least a first and / or second support plate is advantageously provided for receiving a respective binding part of the ski or snowboard binding, wherein the first and second support plates can preferably each be pivoted independently of one another about a second pivot axis. The separate pivotability of the support plates receiving the ski or snowboard binding enables a particularly realistic downhill position. Not only can the inclination of the slope be adjusted by means of the fitting device by pivoting about the first pivot axis, but pivoting of the ski or snowboard boots vertically to the inclination of the slope is also possible, comparable to a swing movement. For this purpose, the first pivot axis and the at least one second pivot axis run perpendicular to one another.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lifting device is designed as a mechanical or motorized lifting device. The mechanical lifting device can be designed, for example, as a scissor-type lifting device that can be operated manually or also by motor. The lifting device can also be a motorized spindle lifting device. This allows for simple manual adjustment of the inclination of the support frame and / or the support plate relative to a horizontal installation plane.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the mechanical or motorized lifting device has at least one drive unit, which is implemented, for example, in the form of an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive unit, wherein the respective drive unit is preferably controllable via an associated control unit. The pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit can, for example, be designed in the form of a lifting cylinder unit. In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit is formed by an electric motor unit. This particularly advantageously enables mechanical and controlled adjustment of the fitting device. To input the control commands required for this purpose, an operating unit is connected to the control unit or this is linked to the control unit.Using the control unit, both the user and the salesperson in a store can quickly and easily set the desired incline or move to a different incline.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the fitting device according to the invention has a basic or entry position and at least one exit position, which can be reached by means of the lifting device. These positions are preferably preset and thus enable simple and problem-free, and above all, reproducible, fitting conditions.

[0013] Another advantage is that the support frame, or rather the support plates mounted on it, forms an acute angle in the downhill position, for example, between 5° and 50°. This allows for the simulation of almost all natural slope gradients. For this purpose, any acute angle, preferably in the range between 5° and 50°, can be reached using the lifting device.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, one or more downhill positions are preset with a predetermined angle, between which a user can select by controlling the lifting device accordingly. For example, a first downhill position is preset, with the angle set such that the fitting device simulates a ski slope with a transverse or longitudinal gradient of a maximum of 25 percent. This particularly advantageously simulates the gradient of a "blue" ski slope according to the standards DIN 32912 and ÖNORM S 4610.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, a second downhill position can be preset, with the angle adjusted so that the fitting device simulates a ski slope with a transverse or longitudinal gradient of over 25 percent up to 40 percent. This is particularly advantageous for simulating the gradient of a "red ski slope" according to DIN 32912 and ÖNORM S 4610.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, a third downhill position can be preset, in which the angle is set such that a ski slope with a transverse or longitudinal gradient of more than 40 percent is simulated by means of the fitting device.

[0017] This is particularly advantageous in simulating the gradient situation of a "black" ski slope according to the standards DIN 32912 and ÖNORM S 4610.

[0018] A display unit connected to the control unit can also be provided, by means of which the currently set downhill position can be displayed to the user. For example, a display unit can be provided that shows the currently set ski slope, i.e., blue, red, or black. For this purpose, it can, for example, have several correspondingly colored display areas, the selection of which is visually indicated externally via a display element, for example, in the form of a pointer element. The user of the fitting device can thus easily visually check whether the desired downhill position has been set.

[0019] Another advantage is that the fitting device is at least partially modular. For example, several support plate modules can be provided on which different ski or snowboard bindings are mounted. This allows the fitting device to be quickly and easily converted to fit ski boots or snowboard boots.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stand and the support frame are each formed by a frame-like metal frame, wherein the support plate is connected to the support frame by means of at least one hinge-like element so as to be pivotable about the second pivot axis. This makes it possible to realize a particularly stable fitting device with a low dead weight. The stand is therefore preferably made of metal, wood or plastic or of a combination of the aforementioned materials. A step plate can also be provided to facilitate entry into the fitting device. Advantageously, the step plate can form an advertising surface for accommodating an advertising message. Furthermore advantageously, the stand frame has rollers at least in one end region so that the fitting device can be brought into a transport position by tilting it onto one end, into which position the fitting device can be moved while rolling.

[0021] Furthermore, a plate-shaped shaking and / or vibration unit can be advantageously provided for subjecting the at least one support plate and / or the support frame to shaking and / or vibration movements. This recreates the natural downhill motion when skiing or snowboarding as faithfully as possible.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, at least a first and a second lifting device can be arranged between the stand and the support frame, preferably in opposite edge regions of the fitting device, wherein the second lifting device is assigned a further pivot axis opposite the first pivot axis. By means of both lifting devices, the inclination of the support frame and / or the support plate relative to a horizontal installation plane can be adjusted, but with respect to opposite pivot axes. This makes it particularly advantageous to simulate both a downhill movement and an uphill ride using the fitting device according to the invention. Alternatively, the support plates holding the ski or snowboard bindings can of course also be mounted on the support frame rotated by 180° in order to simulate an uphill ride.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the first and second support plates have a distance that can be adjusted along the first pivot axis, which can, for example, be continuously or stepped. Advantageously, guide means can be provided on the support frame parallel to the first pivot axis or incorporated therein, which allow adjustment of the support plates along the first pivot axis. This allows the fitting device to be adapted to the leg spacing of the respective user, which can vary greatly between short and tall people.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the support plates are pivotally connected to the support frame about the second pivot axes by means of pivot elements, wherein the pivot elements are arranged in the region of the opposite, free-end ends of the support plates. This enables the support plates to pivot almost freely about the second pivot axis, preferably by at least 180°, so that different types of ski bindings can be mounted on the opposite sides of the support plates, namely on the front and back. For example, an alpine ski binding can be mounted on the front and a touring ski binding on the back. The set angle of inclination can also be visually displayed to the user by means of a display unit.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, instead of the hinge-like elements or the pivot joint elements, at least one ball joint arrangement could be used for pivotally connecting a support plate to the support frame, in order to provide additional pivot and / or rotation axes in addition to the second pivot axis. For support and / or guidance along the pivot and / or rotation axes, several mechanical or motorized lifting devices could also be arranged, preferably in opposite edge and / or corner areas of the support frame, each of which is connected to the support frame and the support frame.

[0026] Another advantageous feature is that the angle of inclination enclosed by pivoting about the second pivot axis between the support plate and the support frame is adjustable, wherein particularly preferably the support plates set at a predetermined angle of inclination can be fixed in such a way that further pivoting about the second pivot axis is blocked. This allows the inclination of the support plates to be adjusted relative to the plane of the support frame, thus also enabling precise adjustment of ski boots for people with bow legs or knock knees. The support plates can be secured against unintentional rotation about the second pivot axis by means of securing means on the pivot elements or the support frame. Unintentional pivoting of the support plates, for example by 180°, is thus effectively prevented.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the first and second support plates are designed to accommodate two different ski bindings or binding types, so that a quick adaptation of the fitting device for ski boots requiring different binding types is possible.

[0028] The support plate, together with the hinge-like element or the pivot elements, can also form a replaceable plate module, which can be removed from the fitting device and replaced with an alternative plate module. A plate module can be dimensioned and designed in such a way that it forms, for example, a test track for hiking boots. This allows for the perfect simulation of downhill or uphill hiking trails, with the surface of the test track being able to replicate a wide variety of hiking trail surfaces (stones, gravel, wooden beams, paved or unpaved, even uneven surfaces, etc.). This variant makes it possible to use the fitting device according to the invention in summer / autumn and simultaneously test the perfect fit of hiking boots.The fitting facility can therefore be used by the associated specialist retailer all year round, and valuable sales space, which would normally have to be made available for a comparable test track for hiking boots, can be eliminated and used for another product presentation, for example.

[0029] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally part of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and figures. They show, by way of example:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a fitting device according to the invention in a basic or entry position,

[0032] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the fitting device according to the invention in a downhill position,

[0033] Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the fitting device according to the invention in the basic or entry position according to Figure 1,

[0034] Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a mechanical drive unit of the fitting device according to the invention in a sectional view,

[0035] Fig. 5. a schematic side view of an embodiment of the fitting device according to the invention and

[0036] Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of the fitting device according to the invention shown in Fig. 5.

[0037] Identical reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The invention is also illustrated by way of example in the figures using schematic views to explain the basic principle of the invention.

[0038] Figures 1 and 2 each show, by way of example, a schematic side view of a fitting device 1 according to the invention for ski or snowboard boots, specifically in Figure 1 in a basic or entry position and Figure 2 in a downhill position. Figure 5 shows a variant of the fitting device 1 according to the invention, which, in addition to a basic and entry position, a downhill position, also includes a climbing position.

[0039] In the basic or entry position, the athlete enters the fitting device 1 according to the invention with the ski or snowboard boots to be tried on. In the basic or entry position, the fitting device according to the invention is still in the horizontal position, ie a slope is not yet simulated in this position.

[0040] In the downhill position, the fitting device 1 according to the invention simulates a preset or freely selectable slope gradient. After reaching this downhill position, the athlete can use the fitting device 1 according to the invention to test the fit of the ski or snowboard boots in a typical downhill position. This means that in the downhill position, a typical downhill position on the slope and / or the associated downhill movement is simulated using the fitting device 1 according to the invention. Similarly, the slope gradient in the uphill position is also adjustable. Thus, when trying on touring ski boots, not only the downhill gradient but also the uphill gradient can be adjusted.

[0041] The fitting device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one support frame 2 and at least one supporting frame 3, wherein the supporting frame 3 is pivotally connected laterally to the support frame 2 about a first pivot axis SA1. The support frame 2 is essentially flat and extends horizontally. Furthermore, the support frame 2 is preferably frame-like and designed for installation on a horizontal installation plane SE. For example, the floor of a room forms the horizontal installation plane SE for the installation of the support frame 2. The support frame 2 preferably extends along the installation plane SE and / or runs essentially parallel to it. The support frame 3 can be pivoted about the first pivot axis SA1 either at the lateral edge of the support frame 2 or in the central region of the support frame 2. Figure 5, for example, shows a pivotal connection of the support frame 3 in the central region or middle region of the support frame 2.

[0042] The stand frame 2 is made, for example, of metal or a metal alloy. However, alternative materials or material combinations that have comparable rigidity and load-bearing capacity can also be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. In particular, the stand frame 2 can be made of several detachably connected metal components.

[0043] In one embodiment, the stand 2 is formed, for example, by a frame-like metal frame having a square or rectangular basic shape. The frame-like metal frame is made, for example, from several tubular metal elements that are firmly connected to one another. Particularly preferably, tubular metal elements are welded to one another and form a frame structure that surrounds at least some sections. Alternatively, plate-shaped metal elements and / or metal profiles can also be used, which are preferably detachably connected to one another. The tubular metal elements can have a circular, square, or otherwise polygonal cross-section. At least some of the metal elements can also be made from a solid material in order to achieve increased stability of the stand 2 due to the resulting increased weight.Alternatively, stability can also be achieved by providing additional weight elements and / or widening the base.

[0044] The stand 2 can also have a plurality of legs 2.1, which, for example, are part of the frame-like metal structure and / or are made of tubular metal elements. The legs 2.1 can alternatively be designed as additional components that can be interchangeably connected to the stand 2. For example, the use of radially protruding stand elements is also conceivable to ensure greater stability. These can either form the legs 2.1 or be provided in addition thereto. Rollers can also be provided on at least two of the legs 2.1 to facilitate moving the fitting device 1.

[0045] Preferably, three or four support legs 2.1 are provided, which extend, for example, along the transverse sides and / or are arranged in the corner regions of the stand frame 2. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3 as well as 5 and 6, for example, four support legs 2.1 are provided, which are arranged in the corner regions of the stand frame 2. In the embodiment shown, the frame-like metal frame or the stand frame 2 comprises several firmly connected tubular metal elements that form a closed, preferably rectangular frame that extends parallel to the installation plane SE and encloses a freely accessible interior space or inner region. The support frame 3, for example, can be at least partially accommodated in the interior space or inner region.

[0046] The frame-like metal frame 2 comprises, for example, two longitudinal strut sections 2.2 and two transverse strut sections 2.3, which are each arranged spaced apart from one another and opposite one another. The frame-like metal frame 2 is dimensioned in terms of its longitudinal extent and width in such a way that a secure stand of the fitting device 1 according to the invention is ensured, but the accessibility of the fitting device 1 is not thereby hindered for the user.

[0047] Figures 5 and 6 show a variant of the fitting device 1, in which the support frame 2 has two wall elements 2.2' which adjoin the longitudinal strut sections 2.2 in the direction of the support frame 3 and which have, for example, a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section and in whose upper central region the support frame 3 is laterally hinged, pivotable about the first pivot axis SA1. In this variant, the support frame 3 is, for example, plate-shaped and thus forms a substantially flat receiving surface on its upper side. Advantageously, the plate-shaped support frame 3 can be pivoted both forwards and backwards from the horizontal due to the articulation in the central region of the support frame.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the four support legs 2.1 are formed by additional tubular metal elements, via which, for example, the free end of a longitudinal strut section 2.2 is connected to the free end of a transverse strut section 2.3, in such a way that the preferably rectangular frame of the support frame 2 is spaced from the installation plane SE. In this embodiment, the support legs 2.1 are part of the support frame 2, and the additional tubular metal elements forming the support legs 2.1 extend, for example, perpendicular to the installation plane SE.

[0049] The support frame 3 is made, for example, of metal or a metal alloy and is pivotally mounted on the frame-like metal structure or its supporting legs 2.1 about the first pivot axis SA1. It is understood that alternative materials or material combinations can also be used to manufacture the support frame 3, which have comparable rigidity and load-bearing capacity to support the athlete on it along with their ski and snowboard boots.

[0050] The support frame 3 is connected to the stand frame 2, for example, by means of two axle elements that protrude laterally from the support frame 3 and are accommodated in bearing units arranged, for example, in the frame-like metal structure. The axle elements can be formed, for example, by screw or pin elements.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot axis SA1 runs parallel to the installation plane SE, specifically in the region of the free edge of the stand frame 2. Alternatively, the first pivot axis SA1 can run in the central region of the stand frame 2, analogous to Figures 5 and 6, but also parallel to the installation plane SE. The support frame 3 has at least a first and a second receiving or holding section 3.1, 3.2, which extend in the interior space enclosed by the frame-like metal frame, preferably parallel to the first pivot axis SA1. The receiving or holding sections 3.1, 3.2 are flat and designed to receive hinge-like elements 6, 6'. Alternatively, a continuous receiving or holding section 3.1, 3.2 can be provided, which largely fills the interior space and can be formed by a plate-shaped component. Accordingly, the support frame 3 can also be designed as a single piece and / or in a plate-shaped manner.

[0052] Preferably, two hinge-like elements 6, 6' are provided for establishing a pivotable linkage of at least one support plate 4, 4' on the support frame 3 about the second pivot axis SA2. Alternatively, instead of the hinge-like elements 6, 6', pivot joint elements or a ball joint arrangement (not shown in the figures) may also be provided.

[0053] For this purpose, the hinge-like elements 6, 6' each comprise a lower and upper hinge part 6.1, 6.2, which are pivotally connected to one another about the second pivot axis SA2, wherein the lower hinge part 6.1 is connected to the first or second receiving or holding section 3.1, 3.2 of the support frame 3 and the upper hinge part 6.2 is connected to a support plate 4, 4'. The connection is preferably rigid and detachable in each case. The first hinge part 6.1 can also be formed integrally with the first or second receiving or holding section 3.1, 3.2 and the second hinge part 6.2 can be formed integrally with the support plate 4, 4', for example, manufactured in one piece or molded thereon.

[0054] The support plate 4 is provided for receiving at least one ski or snowboard binding 5, 5'. In one embodiment, for example, a support plate 4 is provided which is hinged to the support frame 3 via two hinge-like elements 6, 6'. The ski or snowboard binding 5, 5' is mounted on the support plate 4 in a similar manner to a ski or snowboard.

[0055] The ski or snowboard binding 5 is typically constructed in two parts, namely a first binding part 5 for the right ski or snowboard boot and a second binding part 5' for the left ski or snowboard boot. If only one support plate 4 is provided, the binding parts 5, 5' for the left and right ski or snowboard boots are mounted on one support plate 4. This allows, for example, the riding motion of a snowboard or a monoski to be simulated.

[0056] Alternatively, two support plates 4, 4', namely a first and a second support plate 4, 4', can be provided, which are each hinged separately to the support frame 3 via two hinge-like elements 6, 6' in order to simulate an independent movement of the left and right skis and thus also of the left and right ski boots. The first and second support plates 4, 4' are each pivotally connected to the support frame 3 about a second pivot axis SA2, SA2'. It is understood that the support frame 3 can also be constructed in several parts, so that each support plate 4, 4' can be assigned a support frame 3 that is independently hinged to the stand frame 2. This makes it possible to simulate different slope gradients for the left and right ski and snowboard boots, as is the case, for example, when crossing a ski slope.Alternatively, the pivotable connection about the second pivot axes SA2, SA2' can also be achieved by means of pivot joint elements 6, 6' attached to the free end of the first and second support plates 4, 4', which enable pivoting or rotating the first and second support plates 4, 4' by, for example, 180° or 360°, respectively. This embodiment, shown in Figures 5 and 6, enables the mounting of two binding types, for example an alpine ski binding and a touring ski binding, on a front or rear side of the first and second support plates 4, 4', respectively. Advantageously, the fitting device 1 can thus be quickly and easily adapted for testing alpine and touring ski boots that require different binding types.In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the distance A between the preferably parallel first and second support plates 4, 4' is adjustable along the first pivot axis SA1, in order to adapt the fitting device 1 to different leg distances. For example, a continuous or stepped adjustability of the distance A can be realized. For this purpose, the support frame 3 preferably has suitable guide means by means of which the connection of the support plates 4, 4' to the support frame 3 can be adjusted along the pivot axis SA1. Figure 3 shows, by way of example, a schematic plan view of a fitting device 1 according to the invention comprising two support plates 4, 4' in the basic or entry position. The first support plate 4 is connected to the first receiving or holding section 3 via a hinge-like element 6.1 of the support frame 3 and via a further hinge-like element 6' to the second receiving or holding section 3.2 of the support frame 3. Analogously, the second support plate 4' is connected via a hinge-like element 6 to the first receiving or holding section 3.1 and via a further hinge-like element 6' to the second receiving or holding section.

[0057] 3.2. The first binding part 5, which holds the right ski or snowboard boot, is mounted on the first support plate 4, and the second binding part 5', which holds the left ski or snowboard boot, is mounted on the second support plate 4'.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the support frame 3 comprises, for example, in addition to the first and second receiving or holding section 3.2, two longitudinal frame elements

[0059] 3.3 and two transverse frame elements 3.4, which are each arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another. These form a closed frame structure in which the support plates 4, 4' and the binding parts 5, 5' mounted thereon are accommodated. The first and second receiving or holding sections 3.2 run, for example, parallel to the transverse frame elements 3.4 and are accommodated between the two longitudinal frame elements 3.3. It is understood that the support frame can also be designed as a closed support body and / or as a multi-part support device without thereby departing from the concept of the invention.

[0060] According to the invention, at least one lifting device 7 is provided in an edge region 1', 1" of the fitting device 1, opposite the first pivot axis SA1, between the support frame 2 and the supporting frame 3, by means of which the inclination of the supporting frame 3 and / or the at least one support plate 4, 4' can be adjusted with respect to a horizontal installation plane SE receiving the support frame 2 or the support frame 2. By means of the at least one lifting device 7, the support frame 3 can be pivoted with respect to the support frame 2 about the first pivot axis SA and thus the fitting device 1 according to the invention can be moved from the basic and entry position into the down position or up position. The lifting device 7 can be operated manually and / or controlled via a control unit.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of an example of a mechanical

[0062] An embodiment of a lifting device 7 is shown, which is designed in the form of a scissor lifting device. The structure and operation of such scissor lifting devices are well known.

[0063] The lifting device 7 according to Figure 4 has a first and second upper lifting arm 7.1, 7.2 and a first and second lower lifting arm 7.1', 7.2', which are each hingedly connected to one another at their free ends and form a closed frame structure. The lifting arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.1', 7.2' are preferably made of metal or a metal alloy and are particularly preferably formed by tubular metal elements.

[0064] The upper free ends of the first and second upper lifting arms 7.1, 7.2 are, for example, hinged to the longitudinal frame section 3.3 of the support frame 3. The lower free ends of the first and second lower lifting arms 7.1' are similarly positioned. 7.2' in an articulated connection with the cross strut section 2.3 of the stand frame 2. The lower free ends of the upper lifting arms 7.1, 7.2 are each articulated via a slide element 7.3, 7.3' to the upper free ends of the lower lifting arms 7.1', 7.2', wherein the two slide elements 7.3, 7.3' are connected to one another via a horizontally arranged threaded spindle element 7.4, in such a way that rotating the threaded spindle element 7.4 about a drive axis AA in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction causes a spindle-like movement of the slide elements 7.3, 7.3' towards or away from one another along the drive axis AA.

[0065] If the slide elements 7.3, 7.3' are moved toward each other, the lifting device 7 is extended and the free end of the support frame 3 opposite the first pivot axis SA1 is raised. Conversely, the lifting device 7 is retracted and the free end of the support frame 3 opposite the first pivot axis SA1 is lowered, provided the slide elements 7.3, 7.3' are moved away from each other. As an alternative to manual actuation of the threaded spindle element 7.4, the rotary movement can be generated mechanically.

[0066] In the downhill position, the support frame 2 forms an acute angle w with the support frame 3 or the support plates 4, 4' mounted thereon, which angle w is preferably between 5° and 50°. In one embodiment, the angle w can be moved to any desired angle using the lifting device 7, so that the user can individually adjust the slope gradient simulated by the fitting device 1 according to the invention by moving the fitting device 1 according to the invention into the respective downhill position. Alternatively or additionally, one or more downhill positions can be preset with a predetermined angle w, between which the user can select by appropriately controlling the lifting device 7.

[0067] For example, a first downhill position can be provided in which the angle w is set such that a "blue" ski slope is simulated by the fitting device 1, i.e. a slope with a transverse or longitudinal gradient of a maximum of 25 percent. The angle w in the first downhill position is, for example, between 5° and 15°.

[0068] In a second downhill position, the angle w is set to simulate the slope gradient of a "red" ski slope, namely a slope with a transverse or longitudinal gradient of over 25 percent to 40 percent. For this purpose, the angle w is selected, for example, between 15° and 22°.

[0069] Finally, a third downhill position with an angle w can be specified that simulates a "black" piste, namely a slope with a transverse or longitudinal gradient of more than 40 percent. In the third downhill position, the angle w is therefore between 22° and 45°.

[0070] The gradient situations "blue", "red" and "black" of a ski slope can be found in the standards DIN 32912 and ÖNORM S 4610. It is understood that the setting options mentioned are not exhaustive, but any other gradient situations can also be simulated using the fitting device 1 according to the invention.

[0071] The lifting device 7 is implemented in the form of a mechanical or motorized lifting device. For example, an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive unit can be provided, which can be controlled via an associated control unit. The control commands are input via an associated control unit connected to the control unit. The electric drive unit is preferably formed by an electric motor unit.

[0072] The fitting device 1 according to the invention can also have its own supply unit, via which the required drive medium, for example, electrical energy, compressed air, or hydraulic oil, is stored and supplied in a controlled manner to the respective drive unit. The supply unit can be designed, for example, as a battery or accumulator unit, which is accommodated in the fitting device 1 and supplies the electric motor unit with electrical energy. Furthermore, a display unit can be provided, by means of which the user of the fitting device 1 according to the invention can be shown the currently set slope gradient or the set difficulty levels "blue," "red," and "black."The display unit can, for example, be indicated by a pointer element mounted on the side of the stand frame 2 and a corresponding display panel mounted on the side of the support frame 3. The display panel has adjacent blue, red, and black colored display areas. With the appropriate adjustment of the fitting device 1, the pointer element also points directly into the associated blue, red, or black colored display areas of the display panel. Advantageously, the set slope gradient is thus also directly visually displayed to the user.

[0073] By means of the operating unit, the user of the fitting device 1 according to the invention can select between the basic and entry position and the at least one downhill position, in particular the first to third downhill position, and by corresponding actuation can specifically approach these or switch between the preset downhill positions in order to simulate a ski ride as faithfully as possible.

[0074] Additionally, the fitting device 1 according to the invention can have holders for ski poles to more accurately recreate the downhill position. Alternatively or additionally, a support rod or holding device connected to the stand frame 2 can also be provided for the user.

[0075] The stand frame can also have a step plate, or a free end of the stand frame can form a step plate section, which makes it easier for a user to enter the fitting device 1. The visible surface of the step plate or step plate section can form an advertising space for accommodating an advertising message.

[0076] Furthermore, a preferably plate-shaped shaking and / or vibration unit can be provided, by means of which the fitting device 1 according to the invention is subjected to shaking and / or vibrating movements. This makes it possible to simulate the shaking and / or vibrating movements that occur during descents over terrain. Such a shaking or vibration unit is preferably arranged between the support frame 2 and the support frame 3 and / or between the support frame 3 and the support plates 4, 4'. It preferably has an electric shaking or vibration device, although implementation using hydraulic or pneumatic shaking or vibration devices is also possible. In one embodiment, the fitting device 1 according to the invention has a modular design, with the support frame 2, the support frame 3, and the support plates 4, 4' forming individual modules.For example, the support plates 4, 4' and the ski and snowboard bindings 5, 5' mounted thereon can be exchanged quickly and without tools, thus allowing the fitting device 1 to be quickly and easily adapted to the types of ski or snowboard boots to be tested.

[0077] The inclination of the support frame or the support plates can also be adjusted using a remote control.

[0078] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0079] List of reference symbols

[0080] 1 fitting device

[0081] 1', 1" edge areas

[0082] 2 stand frame

[0083] 2.1 Mainstay

[0084] 2.2 Longitudinal strut section

[0085] 2.2' wall elements

[0086] 2.3 Cross brace section

[0087] 3 supporting frames

[0088] 3.1 first receiving or holding section

[0089] 3.2 second receiving or holding section

[0090] 3.3 Longitudinal frame section

[0091] 3.4 Cross frame section

[0092] 4, 4' support plate

[0093] 5.5' ski and snowboard bindings

[0094] 6, 6' hinge-like element

[0095] 6.1 lower hinge part

[0096] 6.2 upper hinge part

[0097] 7 Lifting device

[0098] 7.1 first upper lifting arm

[0099] 7.2 second upper lifting arm

[0100] 7.1' first lower lifting arm

[0101] 7.2' second lower boom

[0102] 7.3, 7.3' slide element

[0103] 7.4 Threaded spindle element

[0104] A distance

[0105] AA drive axle

[0106] SA1 first swivel axis

[0107] SA2 second swivel axis(es)

[0108] SE Installation level w Angle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Fitting device (1) for ski or snowboard boots, comprising at least one stand (2) and at least one support frame (3), wherein the support frame (3) is pivotally connected laterally to the stand (2) about a first pivot axis (SA1), and at least one support plate (4, 4') for receiving at least one ski or snowboard binding (5, 5'), wherein the at least one support plate (4, 4') is pivotally connected to the support frame (3) about a second pivot axis (SA2), characterized in that in an edge region (1') of the fitting device (1) opposite the first pivot axis (SA1), between the stand (2) and the support frame (3), at least one lifting device (7) is arranged, by means of which the inclination of the support frame (3) and / or the support plate (4) relative to a horizontal installation plane (SE) can be adjusted.

2. Fitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one first and / or second support plate (4, 4') is provided for receiving a respective binding part of the ski or snowboard binding (5).

3. Fitting device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and second support plates (4, 4') can each be pivoted independently of one another about a second pivot axis (SA2, SA2').

4. Fitting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first pivot axis (SA1) and the at least one second pivot axis (SA2, SA2') run perpendicular to each other.

5. Fitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device (7) is designed in the form of a mechanical or motorized lifting device.

6. Fitting device according to claim 5, characterized in that the mechanical lifting device (7) is designed as a scissor lifting device.

7. Fitting device according to claim 5, characterized in that the mechanical or motorized lifting device (7) has at least one drive unit.

8. Fitting device according to claim 7, characterized in that the drive unit is formed by an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit which can be controlled via an associated control unit, wherein the pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit can be designed, for example, in the form of a lifting cylinder unit.

9. Fitting device according to claim 8, characterized in that an operating unit is connected to the control unit for inputting control commands.

10. Fitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a basic or entry position and at least one departure position, which can be approached by means of the lifting device (7).

11. Fitting device according to claim 10, characterized in that the stand (2) with the support frame (3) or the support plates (4, 4') mounted thereon encloses an acute angle (w) in the downhill position, which is for example between 5° and 50°.

12. Fitting device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that any desired acute angle (w), preferably in the range between 5° and 50°, can be approached by means of the lifting device (7).

13. Fitting device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that one or more down positions are preset with a predetermined angle (w), between which a user can select by correspondingly controlling the lifting device (7).

14. Fitting device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a first downhill position is preset, in which the angle (w) is set such that a ski slope with a transverse or longitudinal gradient of a maximum of 25 percent is simulated by means of the fitting device (1).

15. Fitting device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that a second downhill position is preset, in which the angle (w) is set such that a ski slope with a transverse or longitudinal gradient of more than 25 percent up to 40 percent is simulated by means of the fitting device (1).

16. Fitting device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that a third downhill position is preset, in which the angle (w) is set such that a ski slope with a transverse or longitudinal gradient of more than 40 percent is simulated by means of the fitting device (1).

17. Fitting device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that a display unit connected to the control unit is provided, by means of which the currently set departure position can be displayed to the user.

18. Fitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fitting device is at least partially modular.

19. Fitting device according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the stand (2) is formed by a frame-like metal frame.

20. Fitting device according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the stand (2) is made of metal, wood or plastic or of a combination of said materials and / or that the stand (2) has rollers at least in one end region 21. Fitting device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the support plate (4, 4') is pivotally connected to the support frame (3) by means of at least one hinge-like element (6, 6') about the second pivot axis (SA2).

22. Fitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plate-shaped shaking and / or vibration unit is provided for subjecting the at least one support plate (4, 4') and / or the support frame (3) to shaking and / or vibration movements.

23. Fitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a first and a second lifting device (7) are arranged between the stand (2) and the support frame (3), preferably in mutually opposite edge regions (1') of the fitting device (1), wherein the second lifting device is assigned a further pivot axis opposite the first pivot axis (SA1).

24. Fitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support frame (3) is articulated about the first pivot axis (SA1) on the lateral edge of the stand frame (2) or in the middle region or central region of the stand frame (2).

25. Fitting device according to one of claims 2 to 24, characterized in that the first and second support plates (4, 4') have a distance (A) which is adjustable along the first pivot axis (SA1).

26. Fitting device according to claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the support plates (4, 4') are connected to the support frame (3) by means of pivoting elements (6, 6') so as to be pivotable about the second pivot axes (SA2, SA2'), wherein the pivoting elements (6, 6') are arranged in the region of the opposite, free-end ends of the support plates (4, 4').

27. Fitting device according to claim 26, characterized in that the angle of inclination enclosed between the support plate (4, 4') and the support frame (3) can be adjusted by pivoting about the second pivot axis (SA2, SA2').

28. Fitting device according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the support plates (4, 4') adjusted at a predetermined angle of inclination can be fixed in such a way that further pivoting about the second pivot axis (SA2, SA2') is blocked.

29. Fitting device according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the support plates (4, 4') can be secured by means of securing means against unintentional rotation about the second pivot axis (SA2, SA2') on the rotary joint elements (6, 6') or the support frame (3).

30. Fitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second support plate (4, 4') are designed to accommodate two different ski bindings (5, 5').

31. Fitting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support plate(s) together with the hinge-like element or the swivel elements form an exchangeable plate module.

Images