WAX CAPSULE AND WAXING DEVICE FOR A RUNNER THAT GLIDES OVER SNOW

Abstract

A capsule for containing wax to be applied to a surface of a runner that is adapted to glide over snow, and to a waxing device including the capsule. The capsule includes a compartment for containing wax and heat conduction device for heating the wax to a melting temperature. The compartment includes an application surface that is permeable or perforated or adapted to be perforated, to allow molten wax to exit the compartment via one or more perforations or pores, to apply the molten wax to the surface of the runner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device and method for waxing skis, snowboards and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for applying wax to a surface such as the underside of a ski, snowboard or the like.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

The application of heated and melted wax, called hot wax, is used in improving the performance of skis and other runners used to glide over snow (such as snowboards, snowmobile feet etc.). Many sports equipment stores offer a hot waxing service which may employ stationary machinery to apply hot wax to skis. Hot wax is available in different formulas, where a given formula may be particularly suited to certain snow conditions or weather conditions. When deciding which hot wax formula to use, factors may be considered including temperature, hardness and/or granularity of the snow, air temperature, air humidity, etc.

There are also sets and kits available to enable individuals to apply hot wax to their own skis, for example at home. As shown in FIG. 1A, such sets may include an iron 30 which may have a shape that is particularly suited to waxing skis. Such an iron 30 also typically has a temperature controller which allows an operating temperature or temperature range to be set. In order to apply hot wax to an underside of a ski 20, the ski 20 is placed with its underside up on a workbench 10, optionally via supports 15. Preferably, clamps (not shown) are used to immobilize the ski 20. Masking tape (not shown) may be applied to prevent wax from getting on a binding (not shown) of the ski 20. A wax block 50 is selected, for example based on snow conditions or weather conditions. Typically, a single wax block 50 is large enough to provide enough wax for multiple applications of hot wax to skis. When the iron 30 reaches a specified temperature, the iron 30 is held above the ski 20 and the solid wax block 50 is held in contact with a heating surface 35 of the iron 30. This causes molten wax 52 to drip onto the ski 20, to distribute an uneven wax layer 55 along the ski 20. At this stage, the wax layer 55 hardens on the ski 20 to form droplets, splatters and threads. In other words, at this stage the wax layer 55 is not evenly distributed over the surface of the ski 20.

In a following step, shown in FIG. 1B, the hot iron 30 is placed on the ski 20 and moved slowly over the length of the ski 20 to re-melt the wax layer 55 and cause it to evenly coat the entire surface of the underside of the ski 20. This step also enables the wax layer 55 to seep into and effectively bind with the surface material of the underside of the ski.

The final steps of the process take place after allowing the ski 20 with the wax layer 55 to cool completely. Excess wax is shaved off the underside of the ski 20 using, for example, a scraper, a metal spatula or the like. The underside of the ski 20 may then be brushed or polished. The masking tape may be removed from the bindings. The edges of the skis 20 may be freed from excess wax and/or sharpened. Finally, the ski 20 may be unclamped from the workbench 10.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Such home waxing sets for applying hot wax to skis have several disadvantages. There is a risk of burns, as the person applying hot wax to the ski must hold the solid wax block 50 in contact with the heating surface 35 of the iron 30. Furthermore, such hot waxing sets usually require a dedicated workspace and are not easily transportable. This is because hot wax is apt to adhere to the workbench 10, the iron 30 and other tools over the course of applying the hot wax, which can cause a mess and be difficult to remove. Because the process can be messy and the wax is hard to contain, hot wax application is usually done in a dedicated workspace with dedicated storage for the tools involved, rather than outdoors or near the ski slopes. This can have the disadvantage that a chosen wax applied at home may not be optimally suited to the skiing conditions on the slopes, in case the weather (such as the temperature or humidity) or snow conditions change quickly or unpredictably.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a device, a capsule and a method which address one or more of the above disadvantages.

The proposed capsule is for containing wax to be applied to a surface of a runner that is adapted to glide over snow. The capsule comprises a compartment for containing wax and heat conduction means for heating the wax to a melting temperature. The compartment comprises an application surface that is permeable or perforated or adapted to be perforated, to allow molten wax to exit the compartment via one or more perforations or pores, to apply the molten wax to the surface of the runner. Such an encapsulation of the molten wax can have the advantage of making wax application less messy and/or more easily performed outside of a dedicated workshop setting. It can also decrease a risk of burns, for a person using the capsule.

In a first aspect, a capsule is suggested, which comprises a wiper which is adapted to conform to the surface of the runner, and to push excess wax applied to the surface of the runner in a direction of movement of the capsule relative to the surface of the runner. This can enable a more even application of molten wax and can also prevent excess wax from making a mess as any excess is redistributed along the runner.

According to a further aspect, a capsule is suggested, wherein the heat conduction means comprises one or more electrical heating wires arranged along the application surface of the compartment. This may reduce a risk of burns to a person using the capsule, as a person's hands and fingers are not instrumental in guaranteeing a proximity between a wax block and elements for heating the wax.

According to a further aspect, a capsule is suggested, wherein the electrical heating wires are arranged on an inner side of the compartment for containing wax. This can increase the efficiency of heating the wax, as heat does not need to travel across the material which constitutes the application surface of the compartment in order to reach the wax. Furthermore, this can increase the safety of the device, as the hottest part of the device—the electrical heating wires—are within the capsule rather than exposed on the exterior.

According to a further aspect, a capsule is suggested, further comprising attachment means for attaching the capsule to a waxing device. This can enable wax capsules to be easily inserted and removed from a waxing device, for example when the wax has been used up or when a different wax is required, e.g. due to different weather conditions or snow conditions.

According to a further aspect, a capsule is suggested, further comprising identification means for allowing the capsule to be identified by the waxing device. This can allow the waxing device to automatically adjust parameters such as a heating temperature to correspond to the type of wax capsule being used.

According to a further aspect, a capsule is suggested, wherein the compartment is made of a material that is solid at the melting temperature of the wax. This can prevent unforeseen damage to the compartment during application of wax.

According to a further aspect, a capsule is suggested, further comprising at least one sensor selected from the following: a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the wax, an ambient temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature, and/or a humidity sensor for sensing an ambient humidity. This can enable accurate control of heat conduction means contained within the capsule. Alternatively or in addition, this can enable changes in the environment to be sensed and adjustments in wax application parameters to be automatically performed, to enhance the overall performance of the runner after it has been waxed.

According to a further aspect, a capsule is suggested, further comprising a portion of wax that is contained in the compartment. The portion of wax may correspond to the amount of wax needed to wax a single pair of skis or a single snowboard. This can enable safer, less messy and more controlled application of wax.

According to a further aspect, a capsule is suggested, wherein a composition of the portion of wax corresponds to an identity of the capsule. This can allow the waxing device to automatically adjust parameters such as a heating temperature to correspond to the type of wax within the capsule.

A waxing device is also proposed, for applying wax to a surface of a runner that is adapted to glide over snow. The waxing device comprises a housing adapted to removably receive a capsule according to any one of the aspects described above.

According to a first aspect, a waxing device is suggested, further comprising clamping means for clamping the capsule to the housing. The clamping means preferably comprises a hinged frame. This can enable different wax capsules to be easily and safely inserted into and removed from the device, and can also help contain the wax and prevent it from making a mess.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, wherein the clamping means of the waxing device are complimentary to a latching means of the hinged frame. This can enable the frame to be immobilized with respect to the waxing device in a simple and easy-to-use manner.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, further comprising a biasing means that is adapted to apply a force to an upper portion of the compartment of the capsule when the capsule is received in the housing, said upper portion of the compartment of the capsule being located opposite the application surface of the compartment of the capsule. This can promote the flow of molten wax exiting the compartment and/or may cause the flow of wax to be more controlled or more even.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, wherein the force applied to the upper portion of the compartment of the capsule biases the wax contained within the compartment toward the application surface. Again, this can promote the flow of molten wax exiting the compartment and/or may cause the flow of wax to be more controlled or more even.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, further comprising perforating means for perforating the application surface of the capsule when the capsule is first attached to the housing. This can ensure that wax within the compartment remains uncontaminated until its first use, and can furthermore ensure ease of use when preparing a new wax capsule for application.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, further comprising contact means for supplying energy to the heat conduction means of the capsule. This can help ensure that the capsule, which may be disposable, has a smaller ecological footprint than it would have if heat-generation means were provided on the capsule. It can also simplify the overall design.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, further comprising communication means for reading a sensor provided with the capsule and/or for reading an identification means of the capsule in order to identify the capsule. This can enable parameters related to application of the wax, such as a melting temperature of the wax and/or an operating temperature within the capsule, to be automatically registered, thus promoting correct application of the wax.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, further comprising a controller for controlling the energy supplied to the heat conduction means of the capsule depending on a sensed temperature or humidity received from the capsule and/or based on the identification of the capsule. This can simplify operation of the device and reduce errors by reducing user involvement in setting the operating temperature.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, further comprising an interface comprising: a display for displaying a status of the waxing device, and/or a port for connecting the waxing device to another computing device. This can promote usability of the device.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, further comprising an energy input for connecting the waxing device to an energy source. This can reduce the overall size and weight of the device, as no on-board energy supply is required in this case.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, comprising at least one sensor selected from the following: a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the wax contained within the removable capsule, an ambient temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature, and/or a humidity sensor for sensing an ambient humidity. This can enable accurate control of heat conduction means contained within the capsule. Alternatively or in addition, this can enable changes in the environment to be sensed and adjustments in wax application parameters to be automatically performed, to enhance the overall performance of the runner after it has been waxed.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, further comprising a switch for activating the heat conduction means of the capsule. This can improve safety and usability of the design.

According to a further aspect, a waxing device is suggested, wherein the switch is manually pressed, or wherein the switch is located at a position on the waxing device such that the switch is automatically pressed as a result of a proximity between the waxing device and the surface of the runner to which wax is to be applied. This can simplify use of the device.

A method is also proposed for applying wax to a surface of a runner that is adapted to glide over snow. According to the proposed method, a removable capsule is inserted into a waxing device as described above. The wax is then heated to a melting temperature. The waxing device is then moved along the length of the runner so as to apply molten wax to the surface of the runner.

According to a first aspect, a method is proposed, further comprising a selecting step prior to the inserting step, said selecting step comprising selecting the removable capsule based on an air temperature, a snow temperature, an air humidity, and/or a geographic location.

According to a further aspect, a method is proposed, wherein the step of heating the wax to a melting temperature is carried out by determining the melting temperature based on a type of wax contained in the removable capsule that was selected in the selecting step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when being considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a prior art method for applying hot wax to a ski;

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a further step in the prior art method shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a waxing device for applying hot wax to a surface of a runner;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a frame for enclosing a capsule used by the waxing device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing sides and top of a capsule for containing hot wax;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing an underside of the capsule shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a cross-section showing the plane defined by A-A′ of the capsule shown in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a finished assembly including the waxing device of FIG. 2, the frame of FIG. 3, and the capsule of FIGS. 4A and 4B; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of electronics which may be incorporated in the waxing device of FIG. 2 and/or in the capsule of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the Figures, like elements are denoted by identical reference numerals and repeated description thereof may be omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

In FIG. 2, a waxing device 200 is shown. The waxing device comprises a handle 210 and a capsule containing portion 230.

The handle 210 is shown as being generally cylindrical. In alternative embodiments, the handle 210 may take other forms, such as a prism, a generally L-shaped or U-shaped bar, or any other suitable shape. The handle 210 is preferably dimensioned so as to be comfortably held in a user's hand. The handle 210 may be made of a material such as a plastic or resin, or any other material that has sufficient structural stability to support the weight of the device 200. Preferably, the material of the handle 210 is insulative so as to protect a user gripping the handle 210 from heat generated in a space near the capsule containing portion 230. A surface of the handle 210 may be provided with a coating that provides a better grip to a user. Alternatively or in addition, a surface of the handle 210 may be formed with nubs, ridges or other structures to enhance the grip and/or reduce slipping between the handle 210 and a user's hand. The handle 210 may be formed with a hollow portion, such that an interior of the handle 210 is sufficient to accommodate some or all of the electronics that are used to power, monitor and control the device 200. The handle 210 may be conjoined with a battery receptacle or power cable (not shown) so as to provide power to the waxing device 200.

As described in more detail in the following paragraphs, the capsule containing portion 230 serves the purpose of accommodating a wax capsule (described below with respect to FIG. 4), as well as providing interfaces for power connections and/or data connections between the waxing device 200 and the wax capsule. Furthermore, the capsule containing portion 230 comprises means for attaching a frame (described below with respect to FIG. 3) that is used to immobilize the wax capsule with respect to the waxing device 200.

Specifically, the capsule containing portion 230 comprises a recess 240 for accommodating an upper portion of a wax capsule. The recess 240 is in the shape of a rectangular prism and is preferably dimensioned to correspond to outer dimensions of the wax capsule. In alternative embodiments, the shape of the recess 240 may take other forms: for example, the recess 240 may be circular, irregular, and/or have one or more curved or beveled edges. In some cases, the recess 240 may not be provided at all; in other words, the capsule containing portion 230 may have a flat or convex outer surface. In any case, the outer surface of the capsule containing portion 230 and in particular the recess 240 should correspond in form to the outer dimensions of the wax capsule.

In some embodiments, a surface of the recess 240 may be provided with springs or other biasing means (not shown) to cause a surface of the recess 240 to press against a wax capsule when a wax capsule is inserted into the waxing device 200. These springs or other biasing means may be provided in an interior of the capsule containing portion 230 and may extend into the handle 210. The springs or other biasing means may provide a constant force against the capsule, or they may provide a force that varies with a displacement of the surface of the recess 240. The spring force may be delivered to the wax via one or more wall enclosing the capsule; or, alternatively, the spring force may be applied to the wax—in solid or molten state—directly. In any case, the amount of spring force should be chosen such that wax in a molten state will exit the capsule, whereas wax in a solid state will remain within the capsule.

The capsule containing portion 230 also comprises an energy supply interface 232 for supplying energy in the form of electricity or thermal heat to the capsule, and data connections 234. In some embodiments, the energy supply interface 232 and data connections 234 may be provided in common via shared pins or ports. The energy supply interface 232 may be a solid interface or may include fluid transfer means to supply heat to the capsule.

Furthermore, the capsule containing portion 230 comprises hinge pins 222A, 222B and latching pins 224A (latching pin 224B not shown) to enable attachment of a frame 250 as shown in FIG. 3.

The frame 250 comprises hinge knuckles 252A, 252B for surrounding the hinge pins 222A, 222B, allowing the frame 250 to swing about an axis defined by hinge pins 222A, 222B. Furthermore, the frame 250 comprises latching hooks 254A, 254B that can latch onto latching pins 224A (and 224B, not shown) when the frame 250 is flush with the outer surface of capsule containing portion 230.

Instead of hinge pins 222A, 222B and hinge knuckles 224A, 224B, other known hinge means may be provided to removably or non-removably attach frame 250 to the waxing device 200. For example, an adhesive strip with a flexible band or stripe may be provided as part of frame 250 or device 200 to provide a hinged connection between these parts. Instead of adhesive, screws or nails or other fixing means may be used as part of the hinged connection between frame 250 and device 200. Furthermore, the frame 250 may be entirely removable from device 200, that is, without any hinge function. In yet another possible alternative, the frame 250 may be provided integrally with the waxing device 200, with a slot provided for insertion/removal of wax capsules. Such a slot may be covered or uncovered.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the frame 250 comprises a recess 260 for accommodating a lower portion of the wax capsule. The recess 260 is in the shape of a rectangular prism and is preferably dimensioned to correspond to outer dimensions of the wax capsule. In alternative embodiments, the shape of the recess 260 may take other forms: for example, the recess 260 may be circular, irregular, and/or have one or more curved or beveled edges. In any case, the surface of the recess 260 should correspond in form to the outer dimensions of the wax capsule.

In FIG. 3, the lower part of the recess 260 is completely open; in other words, the recess 260 constitutes a rectangular cutout or hole within frame 250. In alternative embodiments, a lower surface of the recess 260 may be partially covered or masked, for example to provide more structural stability when holding a wax capsule sandwiched between the waxing device 200 and the frame 250. In still other embodiments, the lower surface of the recess 260 may be covered except for one or more slits or perforations, which would allow molten wax to exit the wax capsule through the recess 260. In any case, the recess 260 should be formed in such a way that there is at least one path for molten wax to exit.

The frame 250 comprises notches 270A, 270B which are used for alignment of the wax capsule within the frame 250, and relative to the waxing device 200, as described in more detail below.

FIGS. 4A 4B and 4C show an embodiment of a wax capsule 100. The wax capsule 100 comprises a wax compartment with an upper portion 140 and a lower portion 160 for containing a wax block (50, not shown). Along a perimeter of the wax capsule 100, a ledge 130 is provided for interface and alignment purposes, with respect to the waxing device 200.

As mentioned previously, the upper portion 140 of the wax compartment corresponds in size and shape to the recess 240 provided in the waxing device, and the lower portion 160 of the wax compartment corresponds in size and shape to the recess 260 in the frame 250. An overall size of the wax compartment, defined as a total volume enclosed by the upper portion 140 and the lower portion 160, is preferably suited to contain a single application of wax. In other words, an amount of wax contained within the wax compartment may be sufficient for a single application of hot wax to a pair of skis or to a snowboard. In alternative embodiments, the wax compartment may be larger, to allow two or more applications of wax from a single capsule. An upper limit of the size of the wax compartment is bounded only by overall considerations regarding size and weight of the waxing device 200 containing a fully loaded capsule 100: the device 200 should in any case be small and light enough to operate by a person, preferably using one hand. In principle, a capsule 100 containing enough wax for hot wax applications to multiple or even dozens of pairs of skis is conceivable.

The ledge 130 comprises an energy supply interface 132 for receiving energy supplied from the waxing device in the form of electricity or thermal heat. The ledge 130 also comprises data connections 134. In some embodiments, the energy supply interface 132 and data connections 134 may be provided in common via shared pins or ports. The energy supply interface 132 may be a solid interface or may include fluid transfer means to supply heat to the capsule 100.

In alternative embodiments, energy or heating means may be provided directly within the capsule 100, for example as a single-use or rechargeable battery or as a single-use or reusable chemical heat pack. In this case, no energy supply interfaces 232, 132 are necessary.

In alternative embodiments, no data is exchanged between the capsule 100 and the waxing device 200, for example because any sensors used to control operation of the waxing device 200 are provided exclusively within the waxing device 200 and/or within the frame 250, but not within the capsule 100. In these cases, no data connections 234, 134 between the waxing device 200 and the capsule 100 are necessary.

The ledge 130 comprises notched recesses 170A, 170B that correspond in position and size to notches 270A, 270B of the frame 250. Instead of notches, other alignment means as known in the art can be provided, such as pins, tabs, or other designs with form-fitting means to promote alignment. Furthermore, the notches 270A, 270B need not be provided on the frame 250, but can instead be provided within recess 240 or on a lower surface of the capsule containing portion 230 of the waxing device 200 itself.

In alternative embodiments, the ledge 130 may be provided at a position such that the upper and lower portions 140, 160 of the wax compartment are of approximately equal volume. However, the ledge 130 may also be provided at a different height, so that the upper portion 140 is more voluminous than the lower portion 160, or vice versa. The ledge may be provided so high or so low that either the upper or lower portion 140, 160 is omitted entirely.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 140 of the capsule 100 may be made of a flexible material so as to allow springs or biasing means that are provided within the recess 240 of the waxing device 200 to compress the volume of the wax compartment. This can speed the exit of molten wax from the compartment.

In alternative embodiments, the ledge 130 may not surround the entire perimeter of the capsule 100, but instead may be provided on only one or more sides of the capsule 100.

In alternative embodiments, interface means (including energy supply interface and data connection) and alignment means (such as notches) may be provided directly on the wax compartment—either on the upper portion 140 or on the lower portion 160—rather than on the ledge 130. Preferably, the interface means are provided at a location that they cannot be inadvertently touched by a user when the waxing device 200 is in operation.

The lower portion 160 of the wax compartment comprises an application surface 162 which is in proximity or in contact with the surface of a ski or the like when hot wax is being applied to the ski or the like. The application surface 162 comprises heat conductors 164 and perforations 166 for allowing molten wax to exit the wax compartment.

The application surface 162 has a rectangular shape and covers substantially the entire lower surface of the lower portion 160 of the capsule 100. However, in alternative embodiments, the application surface 162 may cover less than the entire surface, and may take a form other than the rectangular form shown (such as circular or irregular). The application surface 162 is shown in FIG. 4B as being a single contiguous surface, but in alternative embodiments the application surface 162 may comprise two or more surfaces, of the same or different shapes or sizes, that are disjoint or only partially joined. In one preferred embodiment, the application surface 162 may be dimensioned to substantially match the width of the ski to which wax is to be applied.

Before the first use of a capsule 100, the application surface 162 may be covered with a foil or reusable cover. In this case, when a capsule 100 is selected, then before it is inserted into the waxing device 200, the foil or reusable cover is first manually removed to expose at least a portion of the application surface 162. In alternative embodiments, the waxing device 200 may include puncturing means such as pins or blades for puncturing the foil or cover when a capsule 100 is inserted into the device 200, so as to expose at least a portion of the application surface 162. In this case, the foil or cover is non-reusable. However, in case the capsule 100 is equipped with a reusable cover, the reusable cover can be applied after hot wax application when the capsule 100 is removed from the waxing device 200.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the application surface 162 comprises heat conductors 164 which may be made of nichrome wire or similar, which convert electrical energy into heat. The heat conductors 164 are provided in parallel at equal intervals, and are separated by lines of perforations 166. Alternative embodiments should contain at least one heat conductor 164, but may contain more, which may be separated by larger or smaller intervals, or may be provided at irregular intervals. Furthermore, the heat conductors 164 may take other shapes such as wavy or zig-zag lines, wider lines such as strips or bands, and/or surfaces such as plates. Furthermore, or the heat conductors 164 may be provided in a lattice or other patterns rather than in parallel lines.

The one or more heat conductors 164 may function by transforming electrical energy into thermal energy so as to heat wax that is contained within the wax compartment. Alternatively, the heat conductors 164 may be conduits containing fluid which is heated within another part of the capsule 100 or within the waxing device 200. In yet another alternative, the heat conductors 164 may be made of a material with a high thermal conductivity, such that a heat source applied at one end of a heat conductor 164 is conducted throughout the entire heat conductor so as to heat the wax.

The one or more heat conductors 164 may be provided on an outer surface of the lower portion 160 of the wax compartment. In alternative embodiments, the heat conductors may be provided within the application surface 162 or on an inner surface of the wax compartment, either along the inner surface of the lower portion 160 or elsewhere. Preferably, the heat conductors 164 should be provided in a vicinity of the wax block 50 so as to cause the wax block 50 to at least partially melt, when the heat conductors 164 provide heat.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4B, perforations 166 (which may also be called pores) are provided as rows of circular cutouts between each of the heat conductors 164. In alternative embodiments, the perforations 166 may have a different shape, such as a slot-shape whose length is similar or equal to the length of the heat conductors 164. In other alternative embodiments, larger or smaller perforations 166 may be used. In general, the number, size, shape, and placement of the perforations 166 may be chosen in any way, as long as molten wax can exit the compartment through one or more perforations 166.

In alternative embodiments, the capsule 100 may be provided without any perforations 166 at all, or with predetermined breaking points delineating future perforations 166, or with perforations 166 that are initially covered by a protective foil or plastic layer. Before a first use of the capsule 100, perforations 166 may then be punctured (either manually using a separate tool or automatically using puncturing means provided in the waxing device 200) or exposed (e.g. by removing the foil cover).

In other alternative embodiments, in addition to or instead of providing perforations 166 or predetermined breaking points for perforations 166, the application surface 162 may be covered with a permeable material such as a porous paper or felt. The permeable material contains pores or holes that allow wax to seep through when the wax is in a molten state, but contain the wax when it is in a solid state.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the wax capsule 100 may further comprise one or more wipers or lips 168A, 168B to sweep excess wax. A first wiper or lip 168A may be provided on an edge that follows behind the application surface 162 with respect to the direction of travel of the device 200 as it is moved over a ski or the like. A second wiper or lip 168B may be provided on the opposite edge of the application surface 162, in case the device 200 is moved in the opposite direction. The wipers 168A and/or 168B may stick out above the profile of the application surface 162 so as to collect excess wax. The wiper or lip 168 may be made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone that preferably can withstand the temperatures of the molten wax without damage to its material properties.

FIG. 5 shows an assembly of the waxing device 200 containing a wax capsule 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the frame 250 is rotatably joined to the waxing device 200 by means of hinge pins 222A, 222B and corresponding hinge knuckles 252A, 252B. A wax capsule 100 is inserted between the waxing device 200 and frame 250 such that the application surface 162 of the capsule 100 extends into the recess 260 in the frame 250. Preferably, the capsule 100 is aligned with the frame 250 in such a way that the application surface 162 is partially or, better yet, fully exposed via the recess 260. Preferably, the application surface 162 extends slightly beyond a lower surface of the frame 250, so that when the application surface 162 is applied to a ski or the like, the lower surface of the frame 250 remains free of wax.

When the capsule 100 has been inserted and correctly aligned, the frame 250 is used to lock the capsule 100 in place with respect to the waxing device 200. This is done by rotating the frame 250 about the axis defined by hinge pins 222, until the latching hooks 254A, 254B of the frame 250 are in alignment with latching pin 224 of the waxing device 200. A latching mechanism 256 is then used to clamp the frame 250 in a closed position.

In the perspective shown in FIG. 5, an on/off switch 295 is visible on the capsule containing portion 230 of the device. In alternative embodiments, the switch 295 may be provided on the handle 210 or on the frame 250. In particular, the switch 295 may alternatively be located at a position on the waxing device 200 such that the switch 295 is automatically pressed as a result of a proximity between the waxing device 200 and the surface of the runner 20 to which wax is to be applied.

Although FIG. 5 shows a single bar as a latching mechanism 256, the latching mechanism can also be provided as a single lever or as two or more separate levers, e.g. with one lever for each latching pin/latching hook assembly. Alternatively, different types of latches known in the art may be used to immobilize the frame 250 with respect to the waxing device 200. In case the frame 250 is provided integrally with the waxing device 200, no latching mechanism 256 is necessary.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 4 shows wipers 168A, 168B as being provided on the wax capsule 100, in alternative embodiments one or more wipers or lips 168 may be provided, in addition or alternatively, on the frame 250 and/or on the waxing device 200. The wiper or lip 168 may stick out above the profile of the frame 250 and/or application surface 162 so as to collect excess wax.

FIG. 6 shows the electronics of the capsule 100 and of the waxing device 200 as a block diagram.

The capsule 100 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 comprises a microcontroller 180, a transceiver 182, a sensor 184, a memory 186, and electrical heat conductors 164. The microcontroller 180 controls the function of the transceiver 182, one or more sensors 184, memory 186 and electrical heat conductors 164.

It is contemplated that an alternative embodiment of the capsule 100 could be provided without any microcontroller 180, or with a controller in place of the microcontroller 180. In case no microcontroller 180 is provided, the electrical heat conductors 164 could be controlled directly by the waxing device 200. The transceiver 182 would then be superfluous. The rest of the electrical circuitry (including one or more sensors 184 and memory 186) could be omitted or controlled directly by the waxing device 200 via dedicated communication channels.

The transceiver 182 may be adapted to provide wireless communication or hardwired communication with the waxing device 200. This may allow the microcontroller 180 to receive information about a power level that should be used to drive electrical heat conductors 164 or to transmit information collected by one or more sensors 184.

The sensor 184 may comprise one or more sensors for sensing a temperature of the wax or of the wax compartment, for sensing a fill level of the wax within the wax compartment, for sensing a pressure within the wax compartment, and/or for sensing an ambient temperature or an ambient humidity. Sensed values may be used by controller 180 to adjust a power level of heat conductors 164. Alternatively or in addition, sensed values may be stored temporarily in memory 186 or communicated via controller 180 to transceiver 182, for transmission to the waxing device 200. The waxing device 200 may record a temperature profile and/or a fill profile over time, or may use the sensed values to communicate control instructions to the capsule 100 for adjusting a power level of heat conductors 164.

The memory 186 may store identification information for identifying the capsule 100. The identification information may comprise a serial number or a bit pattern that encodes information about the capsule 100. For example, the identification information may indicate which type of wax is contained in the capsule 100, for example by listing the name of the wax or a serial number corresponding to the type of wax. This may be plugged into a look-up table to ascertain further properties of the wax, such as its melting temperature and its preferred uses (e.g. what snow conditions and weather conditions it is adapted for). Alternatively, information about melting temperature and/or uses may also be stored as part of the identification information. The identification information may, alternatively or in addition, contain other information relating to the capsule 100, such as a width of the application surface 162. The identification information may be used to track how long a capsule 100 has been in use and may be associated with an estimate of an amount of wax left within the capsule 100.

In alternative embodiments, the identification information may be provided within an RFID tag in the capsule 100, or within a barcode or the like that is optically scannable. In this case, the waxing device may be provided with corresponding means for obtaining the identification information.

The waxing device 200 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 comprises a controller 280, a transceiver 282, a sensor 284, a display 286, and a power supply unit 288. The controller 280 controls the function of the transceiver 282, one or more sensors 284, display 286, power supply unit 288, and port 290.

It is contemplated that an alternative embodiment of the waxing device 200 could be provided without any controller 280, or with a microcontroller in place of the controller 280. It is also contemplated that some or all of these components could be provided within the frame 250 rather than in the waxing device 200. In case no controller 280 is provided, the electrical heat conductors 164 could be powered directly by the power supply unit 288. The transceiver 282, one or more sensors 284, display 286, and port 290 would then be superfluous, as well as most or all of the circuitry of the capsule 100.

The transceiver 282 may be adapted to provide wireless communication or hardwired communication with the capsule 100. This may allow the controller 280 to send information about a power level that should be used to drive electrical heat conductors 164, to receive information collected by one or more sensors 184 of the capsule 100, or to transmit information collected by one or more sensors 284 of the waxing device 200.

The sensor 284 may comprise one or more sensors for sensing a temperature of the wax or within the wax compartment, or for sensing an ambient temperature or an ambient humidity.

The display 286 may be a LCD or LED display, and may also be a touchscreen display (to enable inputs from a user to be received). In alternative embodiments, a user interface such as switches, control buttons, a mouse or even a keyboard may be used as an input device. The display 286 may indicate a status of the waxing device, a sensed temperature, a recommended operating parameter, or the like to a user.

The power supply unit 288 may comprise a standard AC input for collecting to an electric grid, as well as a transformer. Alternatively, the power supply unit 288 may comprise an interface with a DC power source or an on-board power source such as a battery. In yet another alternative, the power supply unit 288 may be omitted entirely if chemical rather than electrical means (such as a chemical hot pack) is used to supply heat to melt the wax.

The port 290 may be a USB port, wireless port (e.g. BlueTooth) or other standard communications port that enables the device 200 to connect to an external device such as a smartphone, laptop or other computing device. This may enable a selection of a wax capsule and/or temperature parameters when applying hot wax to be adjusted based on external data such as weather data and/or data on location or altitude. This may also enable data relating to the hot wax application to be exported, e.g. for performance tracking and analysis. In alternative embodiments, the port 290 may be omitted, so that the device 200 acts as a stand-alone device and does not communicate with external computing devices.

The transceiver 182 of the capsule 100 may communicate with the transceiver 282 of the waxing device 200 via a datalink 300, which may be a wireless link or a hardwired link, such as a standard communications port.

It will be obvious for a person skilled in the art that these embodiments and items only depict examples of a plurality of possibilities. Hence, the embodiments shown here should not be understood to form a limitation of these features and configurations. Any possible combination and configuration of the described features can be chosen according to the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 Workbench

15 Supports

20 Ski

30 Iron

35 Heating surface

50 Wax block

52 Molten wax

55 Wax layer

100 Capsule

130 Ledge

132 Energy supply interface

134 Data connection

140 Upper portion of wax compartment

160 Lower portion of wax compartment

162 Application surface

164 Heat conductors

166 Perforations

170A, 170B Notched recesses/alignment means

180 Microcontroller

182 Transceiver

184 Sensor

186 Memory

200 Waxing device

210 Handle

222A, 222B Hinge pins

224A Latching pin

230 Capsule containing portion

232 Energy supply interface

234 Data connection

240 Recess for upper portion

250 Frame

252A, 252B Hinge knuckles

254A, 254B Latching hooks

256 Latching mechanism

260 Recess for lower portion

270A, 270B Notches/complimentary alignment means

280 Controller

282 Transceiver

284 Sensor

286 Display

288 Power supply unit

290 Port

295 On/Off switch

300 Data link

Claims

1. A capsule for containing wax to be applied to a surface of a runner that is adapted to glide over snow, said capsule comprising: wherein said compartment comprises an application surface that is permeable or perforated or adapted to be perforated, to allow molten wax to exit the compartment via one or more perforations or pores, to apply said molten wax to said surface of said runner.

a compartment for containing wax; and

heat conduction means for heating the wax to a melting temperature;

2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the capsule further comprises a wiper which is adapted to conform to the surface of the runner, and to push excess wax applied to the surface of the runner in a direction of movement of the capsule relative to the surface of the runner.

3. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the heat conduction means comprises one or more electrical heating wires arranged along the application surface of the compartment, wherein preferably the electrical heating wires are arranged on an inner side of the compartment for containing wax.

4. The capsule of claim 1, further comprising attachment means for attaching the capsule to a waxing device and/or identification means for allowing the capsule to be identified by the waxing device.

5. The capsule of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor selected from the following: a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the wax, an ambient temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature, and/or a humidity sensor for sensing an ambient humidity.

6. The capsule of claim 1, further comprising a portion of wax that is contained in the compartment, wherein a composition of the portion of wax preferably corresponds to an identity of the capsule.

7. A waxing device for applying wax to a surface of a runner that is adapted to glide over snow, said waxing device comprising a housing adapted to removably receive a capsule according to claim 1.

8. The waxing device of claim 7, further comprising clamping means for clamping the capsule to the housing, said clamping means preferably comprising a hinged frame.

9. The waxing device of claim 8, wherein the clamping means of the waxing device are complimentary to a latching means of the hinged frame.

10. The waxing device of claim 7, further comprising a biasing means that is adapted to apply a force to an upper portion of the compartment of the capsule when the capsule is received in the housing, said upper portion of the compartment of the capsule being located opposite the application surface of the compartment of the capsule, wherein preferably the force applied to the upper portion of the compartment of the capsule biases the wax contained within the compartment toward the application surface.

11. The waxing device of claim 7, further comprising perforating means for perforating the application surface of the capsule when the capsule is first attached to the housing.

12. The waxing device of claim 7, further comprising at least one of the following:

contact means for supplying energy to the heat conduction means of the capsule;

communication means for reading a sensor provided with the capsule and/or for reading an identification means of the capsule in order to identify the capsule;

a controller for controlling the energy supplied to the heat conduction means of the capsule depending on a sensed temperature or humidity received from the capsule and/or based on the identification of the capsule;

an interface comprising: a display for displaying a status of the waxing device, and/or a port for connecting the waxing device to another computing device;

an energy input for connecting the waxing device to an energy source; and/or

at least one sensor selected from the following: a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the wax contained within the removable capsule, an ambient temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature, and/or a humidity sensor for sensing an ambient humidity.

13. The waxing device of claim 7, further comprising a switch for activating the heat conduction means of the capsule.

14. The waxing device of claim 13,

wherein the switch is manually pressed, or

wherein the switch is located at a position on the waxing device such that the switch is automatically pressed as a result of a proximity between the waxing device and the surface of the runner to which wax is to be applied.

15. A method for applying wax to a surface of a runner that is adapted to glide over snow, said method comprising:

inserting a removable capsule according to claim 1 into a waxing device;

heating the wax to a melting temperature; and

moving the waxing device along the length of the runner so as to apply molten wax to the surface of the runner.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising a selecting step prior to the inserting step, said selecting step comprising selecting the removable capsule based on an air temperature, a snow temperature, an air humidity, and/or a geographic location, wherein the step of heating the wax to a melting temperature is preferably carried out by determining the melting temperature based on a type of wax contained in the removable capsule that was selected in the selecting step.