Patents by Inventor Rupert Hofbauer

Rupert Hofbauer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4336654
    Abstract: An adjusting device for determining the thrust force of a ski binding capable of movement along the longitudinal axis of a ski, which thrust force is adapted to urge the heel binding into engagement with the heel of the ski boot. The adjusting device includes a rail having a slide slidably mounted thereon. Both the rail and the slide have support surfaces for engaging, respectively, the toe and the heel of a ski boot. A scale having indicia thereon is provided on the rail and the position of the slide relative to the rail is indicated by an indicator juxtaposed the indicia on the scale. The ski binding is then adjusted to a corresponding scale notation on the ski to thereby set the ski binding at the desired position and, consequently, the thrust force at the desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Svoboda, Rupert Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 4263806
    Abstract: A device for measuring the release force of ski bindings mounted on a ski having a first device for fixedly holding the ski and a second device for adjustably loading through an output member the ski boot. The ski boot is connected to the fixed ski through the safety ski binding. A plate assembly is provided for initially receiving the ski boot thereon. The plate assembly has a first part which is movably supported against the force of a spring. A translating mechanism is connected to the movable first part of the plate assembly, and indicates during the testing procedure the centerpoint or a mark on the ski boot or the ski. The translating mechanism also effects an automatic proportional adjustment of the second device relative to the mark. The measured values are generated by at least one wire strain gauge and fed to an electronic measuring-, balancing-, indicating device for evaluation, comparison with stored desired values and meaningful interpretation by the issuance of a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Svoboda, Rupert Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 4234206
    Abstract: A ski brake for use on a ski having a mounting structure adapted to be mounted on the ski and a pedal structure pivotally secured to the mounting structure. The pedal structure includes a pair of laterally spaced and elongated guideways opening outwardly in a bottom surface thereof opposing the upper surface of the ski. The guideways each have at least a pair of angled segments. A pair of ski brake arms is pivotally secured to the mounting structure for movement about a universal type pivot joint with the ends remote from the snow engaging ends having angled guide segments received in the respective one of the guideways in the pedal. There is an operative connection between the pedal and the guide segments on the ski brake arms for preventing a separation of these members during use. Resilient structure is provided for continually urging the pedal to an upright position to effect a positioning of the snow engaging ends of the ski brake arms beneath the bottom surface of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Rupert Hofbauer, Friedrich Leichtfried, Josef Svoboda
  • Patent number: 4194387
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing the sliding characteristics of the soles of ski boots. The testing apparatus includes a lever arm for applying a downwardly directed force onto an upwardly facing boot sole adjacent structure engaging either the toe or heel of the ski boot. A drive mechanism is utilized to draw the member which is applying the downwardly directed force laterally of the ski boot. A measuring device is provided for detecting the sliding characteristic of the member which applies the downwardly directed force onto the upwardly facing boot sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Rupert Hofbauer, Josef Svoboda
  • Patent number: D438170
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Otto Bock Orthopaedische Industrie Besitz-und Verwaltungs-Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventor: Rupert Hofbauer