The invention relates to a device for measuring footwear ergonomically.

Service providers in the field of measuring footwear perform a part of their work in a posture that is not ergonomically sound. After all, they must bend down, squat or lie on their knees to be able to measure at the height of the feet of a client.

The invention aims to provide a device that offers a solution for this.

The invention hereto provides a device comprising a base and a frame, which is mounted on the base, wherein the frame comprises a work platform with a standing surface for a person, which is suitable for placing measuring means, wherein the device comprises lifting means for moving the frame relative to the base between a rest position, wherein the frame occupies a lowest position, and an adjustable working position, wherein the frame occupies a higher position.

The device according to the invention enables a client to move upwards while standing on the work platform from a rest position or entry position to a working position that is higher. The height of the working position is adjustable by the service provider him- or herself and is generally the height at which the service provider can perform his or her work in an ergonomically responsible position. The client can moreover stand on various kinds of measuring devices, which can be placed on the work platform.

The device according to the invention is especially suitable for service provides in the field of orthopaedics, podiatry and podology when measuring soles or shoes. The device according to the invention is also suitable for use in sporting goods stores for fitting and trying on sports shoes and ski boots.

In a first preferred embodiment the device according to the invention comprises one or more uprights, which extend from the base, and wherein the frame comprises one or more columns, which extend from the work platform, wherein the columns are slidable over the uprights. In the first preferred embodiment the device according to the invention is very compact, both in rest position and in working position, and it takes up a minimal space on the floor surface.

In a further preferred embodiment, the work platform in the device according to the invention is provided with supports for a person standing on it. The supports provide stability and security to the client during the use of the device. In an elaboration of a further preferred embodiment, the supports are attached to the columns. This measure contributes to the compact form of the device according to the invention. In an elegant, preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the work platform extends substantially above the base. In the rest position the work platform conceals the base from view.

In an extensive preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention also comprises a chair for the person. The client can now both stand and sit during the measurement of the feet or the fitting of footwear. The measurements can therefore both be carried out loaded and unloaded. Preferably the chair is attached to the columns. In a further elaboration of the extensive preferred embodiment the chair extends at least partially outside of the work platform. In use this allows for an optimal weight distribution to be achieved wherein the centre of gravity lies in the area of the columns.

In an optimal preferred embodiment the lifting means are accommodated in the uprights. Preferably the uprights comprise a number of telescopically slidable tubes and a drive for sliding the tubes. Even more preferably the drive comprises a spindle, for example an electrical spindle.

In an efficient preferred embodiment the frame is detachably mounted on the base. The device can easily be disassembled for transport.

In a user-friendly preferred embodiment the base is provided with a number of wheels, making the device easily movable.

In a complete preferred embodiment the device further comprises an auxiliary platform, which is arranged on the frame above the work platform and is slidable between a position of use, wherein the auxiliary platform is located substantially above the work platform, and a rest position, wherein the auxiliary platform largely leaves the standing surface on the work platform free. The slidable auxiliary platform provides the service provider the opportunity to install auxiliary means thereon, such as scan and measuring equipment, and use these auxiliary means in an ergonomic way when necessary.

In a practical preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention the work platform is detachably mounted to the frame. This makes it possible to optimally adjust the device to the intended application by various service providers.

The invention will further be explained using the following figures, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention in the rest position;

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the device of figure 1 in a working position;

Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the device of figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention in a working position; Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the device according to the second preferred embodiment with a number of parts in a different position; and

Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the device according the second preferred embodiment, wherein a number of parts are broken away.

Equal reference signs in different figures refer to equal parts.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention in the rest position. The device 1 comprises a base 10 and a frame 20, which is mounted on the base. The frame 20 comprises a work platform or main platform 21 with a standing surface 22. The standing surface is intended for a person for measuring soles and/or shoes. The work platform 21 also provides space for placing measuring means, for example a feet scanner on which the person can stand. The device 1 comprises lifting means for adjusting the height of the frame 20 relative to the base 10.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the device 1 of figure 1 in a working position. The device 1 comprises one or more uprights 12, which extend upwards from the base 10. The frame 20 comprises one or more columns 23, which extend from the work platform 21. In use of the device 1 the orientation of the base 10 is substantially horizontal. The uprights 12 extend themselves substantially transversely on the base 10 and have a substantially vertical orientation. The orientation of the work platform 21 is substantially parallel to the base 10, in other words substantially horizontal. The columns 23 extend themselves substantially transversely on the work platform 21 and have a substantially vertical orientation. The columns are slidable over the uprights 12 by means of the lifting means.

In the shown preferred embodiment of the device 1, the uprights 13 are part of the lifting means. In the shown preferred embodiment the uprights 13 comprise a number of telescopically slidable tubes, which are movable by means of a drive, preferably an electrical drive. An example of a suitable electrical drive is an electrical spindle motor.

The work platform 21 is provided with supports 24 for a person standing on it. In the shown preferred embodiment, the supports 24 are attached to the columns 23 and the supports extend parallel to the columns 23. The supports are provided with handles 25.

In the shown preferred embodiment the base 10 is generally U-shaped and comprises two legs 11 , which are mutually connected by a crossbeam 12. The work platform 21 extends substantially above the base 10. The work platform 21 has a generally rectangular shape and is large enough to cover the base 10 in the rest position.

In the shown preferred embodiment the device 1 also comprises a chair 30 for the person. The chair 30 extends at least partially outside of the work platform 21. The chair 30 is attached to the columns 23. The chair 30 comprises a seat 31, that rests on a cross bar 26 which connects the columns 23. The seat 31 of the chair 30 extends substantially outside the standing surface 22 of the work platform 21. This is shown well in figure 3, wherein the device 1 is shown in a schematic side view in a working position

In the shown preferred embodiment the chair 30 further comprises a backrest 32, which is connected with the seat 31 by means of a connecting element 33, and arm supports 34 with optional armrests 35. The arm supports 34 are also connected with the columns 23.

Preferably the device 1 can also take a transport position. The frame 20 is thereto mounted detachably on the base 10. Furthermore, the supports 24 are mounted rotatably on the frame 20 and the chair 30 is attached detachably to the frame 20.

Optionally, the base 10 is provided with a number of wheels (not shown).

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a second preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention in a working position. Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the device 101 according to the second preferred embodiment with a number of parts in a different position. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the device 101 , wherein a number of parts have been broken away.

The parts of the device 101 according to the second preferred embodiment that match with the parts of the device 1 according to the first preferred embodiment are provided with the same reference signs. The parts of the device 101 that differ from the parts of the device 1 are provided with reference signs that have been incremented with the number 100.

An auxiliary platform or auxiliary panel 140 is arranged on the frame 20, which is slidable between a position of use, shown in figure 4, and a position of rest, shown in figure 5. In the position of use, the auxiliary platform 140 is located substantially above the work platform 121. In the rest position, the auxiliary platform 140 largely leaves the standing surface 122 on the work platform 121 free. The frame 20 and the auxiliary platform 140 are provided with cooperating guiding means for sliding the auxiliary platform 140 between the rest position and the position of use. In the shown second preferred embodiment the guiding means on the auxiliary platform 140 comprise guiding elements 141 , in this example protruding edges 141 on either side. The guiding elements on the columns 23 of the frame 20 comprise two guiding supports 142, wherein the guiding elements have been accommodated slidably. In this example the guiding supports 142 are there to each provided with a groove 143 for accommodating one of the edges 141.

In the shown second preferred embodiment the device 101 comprises a work platform or main platform 121 that is attached detachably to the frame 20. The work platform 121 is provided with support elements 127 which are couplable to the coupling supports 129 which are arranged on the columns 23 of the frame 20. In this example the support elements 127 are provided with cams 128 and the coupling supports 129 are provided with recesses for the receival of the cams128. The openings in the recesses are under an angle of substantially 90 degrees, such that the coupling and decoupling can take place by means of a simple tilt movement.

The auxiliary platform 140 accommodates measuring and scanning equipment 50 for measuring and scanning feet.

The main platform 121 is optionally provided with a glass plate and mirror 60 for inspection of the feet.

In the base 10 there is space between the legs 11 for placing extra equipment 70, for example an oven for heating soles.

The detachable main platform 121 and the slidable auxiliary platform 140 can also be used separately in the device according to the invention.

In the shown second preferred embodiment the supports 124 are arranged on top of the columns 23 and the supports 124 extend upwards from the columns 23. The supports 124 are provided with handles 125.

The invention is based on the inventive idea of providing a device for fitting footwear ergonomically, which is comfortable for the service provider and for the client.

The invention is naturally not limited to the described and shown preferred embodiments, but also comprises all combinations thereof. The drive can for example also be conducted pneumatically or hydraulically or even manually. The operation of the drive can be arranged in the work platform.

The invention extends itself to any embodiment falling within the scope of protection, such as defined in the claims and seen in the light of the preceding description and accompanying figures.