CN1761505A - Frames and cleats for snowshoes and related systems and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A snowshoe includes a lightweight frame that, when placed on at least one of: the frame provides traction and maintains the shape of the snowshoe when walking on snow, compacted snow and ice; also included is a binding that fastens the snowshoe to a boot with a gloved hand. The frame includes a perimeter member having a length, a height perpendicular to the length, and a width perpendicular to the height and at least twice shorter than the height at all locations along the height. The binding includes a strap and a retention element attachable to the strap. The retention element includes a body forming a main channel within which the strap is disposed when coupled with the retention element; an inlet passage through which the strap passes to enter the main passage; and a locking element securing the strap to the retention element.

Description

Frame and bolt for snowshoes and related systems and methods

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/444,331, currently pending and belonging to the applicant, entitled WhiteLitening Snowshoe, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Background technique

Many people use snowshoes to get around the rough edges in winter when snow blankets the area. Depending on the latitude and altitude of the area, snow can often collect to a depth of a foot or more. Walking in snow of this depth is very difficult because a person's feet are sunk a foot or more into the snow, requiring the person to expend considerable energy lifting their feet out of the snow hole for another step. Therefore, many people wear one snowshoe per foot when walking in such areas to buoy their feet above the snow, i.e. to prevent one's feet from sinking into more than six inches of snow.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional snowshoe 10 . The snowshoe 10 includes a base plate 12 that distributes a person's weight over an area of the snow surface (not shown) that is greater than the area of its footprint, and a frame that supports the person's weight and prevents the base plate from deforming significantly while distributing the person's weight. 14. The base plate 12 is generally secured to the frame 14 by wrapping a raised tab 16 of the base plate 12 around a portion of the frame 14 and securing the raised tab to the frame 14 as shown in FIG. 2 . The frame is generally circular in cross-section as shown in Figure 2 and may be hollow like a tube or solid like a rod to give the frame the desired strength and stiffness to support the weight of a person and Prevent the bottom plate 12 from being deformed. The snowshoe 10 also includes a buckle 18 to fasten the snowshoe to a boot (not shown) on one's foot. The buckle 18 is generally mounted on the frame 14 and includes a strap 20 and a buckle 22 that are releasably connected together so that one can securely fasten the snowshoe 10 to one's boot and remove it from the boot. Take off the snowshoe 10 on. The strap 20 and buckle 22 also enable one to fasten the snowshoe 10 to boots of different sizes.

Unfortunately, the snowshoe 10 has some problems. While the snowshoe 10 works well in powdered snow, the snowshoe 10 often does not provide sufficient traction for walking on compacted hard snow and ice. When walking on hard compacted snow and ice the frame 14 often does not have access to the surface, so much of the snowshoe contact with the surface is that of the frame 14 with the surface. Since the frame 14 has a circular or square cross-section, the frame 14 easily slides along the surface, making it difficult to traverse, climb and descend hills when the surface of the hill has hard compacted snow or ice.

Another problem with the snowshoe 10 is that the buckle 18 is difficult to operate with gloved hands. In order to fasten the snowshoe 10 to a person's boot, the person must unfasten the strap 20 from the buckle 22 so that the person can easily put his boot into the buckle 18 . But then one must go back and thread the strap 20 into the buckle 22 to fasten the snowshoe 10 to the boot. Doing this with gloved hands is often difficult and often unsuccessful. Another method of fastening the snowshoe 10 to one's boot may be to move the buckle 22 toward the end of the strap 20 without undoing the buckle 22 from the strap 20 . However, one then has to slide one's boot into this buckle 18 . This is also often difficult and can fail because the straps with buckles 22 can snag on one's boots and gator which are often worn by snowshoes.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect of the invention, a frame for a snowshoe includes peripheral members that provide traction and maintain the shape of the snowshoe when walking on at least one of the following surfaces: snow, hard compacted snow, and ice. The perimeter member includes a length, a height perpendicular to the length, and a width perpendicular to the height and shorter than twice the height at all locations along the height. With a width at least twice shorter than the height, the perimeter member is able to provide a contact surface on compacted snow or ice that is smaller than that provided by conventional snowshoe frames, thus providing traction. And the peripheral member prevents the snowshoe from deforming significantly when the snowshoe is used by a person walking on at least one of the following surfaces: snow, compacted snow, and ice. Furthermore, the perimeter member makes the frame lighter than that of conventional snowshoes.

In another aspect of the invention, the framework may include a cross-member component supporting the perimeter component. The cross-member part may extend from the first portion of the peripheral part toward the second part of the peripheral part. Alternatively or additionally, the frame may comprise stiffening rods comprising curved regions of the peripheral part to reinforce the peripheral part.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a buckle for a snowshoe includes a strap, and a retaining element connectable to the strap to fasten the snowshoe to a boot. The retaining element includes a main body forming a main channel in which the strap is disposed when connected to the retaining element; an inlet channel through which the strap enters; and securing the strap in the Locking elements on retaining elements. Thanks to the entry channel, the strap can easily be inserted with gloved hands into the main channel in order to connect the retaining element with the strap.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional snowshoe.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the frame and chassis included in the snowshoe shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

Figure 3a is a perspective, partially exploded view of a snowshoe incorporating a frame and cleat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3b is a perspective view of an anchor included in the clasp of Figure 3a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3c is a cross-sectional view of the anchor in Fig. 3b according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a frame included in the snowshoe of Figure 3b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the snowshoe of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is a top view of a bottom plate clip included in the snowshoe of FIG. 3 .

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a frame according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

The following description enables any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles can be applied to other embodiments, the application of which does not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

3 is a perspective, partially exploded view of a snowshoe 30 including a frame 32 and cleat 34 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The frame 32 provides traction and maintains the shape of the snowshoe when walking on at least one of the following surfaces (not shown): snow, compacted snow, and ice. Thus, one can use snowshoe 30 to walk on at least one surface including those described above. For example, one can use the snowshoes 30 to walk across, climb, or descend an ice slope on a hill. The clasp 34 (described in more detail elsewhere in conjunction with FIG. 3 ) includes a strap 36 and a retaining element 40 that allows a person to connect the strap 36 to the retaining element 40 and to remove the strap 36 from the retaining element 40 without taking off the glove. untie the strap 36. Thus, it is easy for a person to fasten and unfasten the snowshoe 30 from the boot.

The frame 32 includes a perimeter member 42 whose geometry (described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4 ) provides a contact surface 44 on compacted snow or ice that is smaller than that provided by conventional snowshoe frames, thus providing Adhesion. Furthermore, the geometry of the peripheral element prevents the snowshoe 30 from deforming significantly when one is snowshoeing on snow or ice. The frame 32 may include cross member components 46 (detailed in connection with FIG. 4 ) to support the peripheral elements, or the frame 32 may not. Alternatively or additionally, the frame 32 may include reinforcing rods (not shown, but will be described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 7 ) to reinforce the perimeter member 42 , or the frame 32 may not.

The strap 36 of the buckle 34 is connectable to the retaining element 40 to fasten the snowshoe 30 to the boot. The retaining element 40 includes a main body 48 forming a main channel 50 in which the strap 36 is disposed when the strap 36 is connected to the retaining element 40; channel 50 through which the strip 36 can pass; and a locking element 54 that secures the strip 36 to the retaining element 40 .

In one embodiment, the buckle 34 may wrap around a portion of one's boot to fasten the snowshoe to the boot. The clasp may include a pad 56 with a first strap 36a extending from the pad 56 and a second strap 36b also extending from the pad 56 . The buckle 34 may also include a first retention element 54a connectable to the strap 36a to fasten the snowshoe 30 to a boot, and a second retaining element 54a connectable to the strap 36b to fasten the snowshoe 30 to a boot. Two holding elements 54b. Each retaining element 54a and 54b may include a respective body 48a and 48b that includes a hook and from which a respective locking element 54a and 54b extends.

In operation, a person may fasten snowshoe 30 to their boot by arranging the straps 36a and 36b to extend away from their respective retaining elements 40a and 40b. A person can then put their boot into the buckle by stepping on the pad 56 . Second, through the entry channel 52A of the retaining element 40a, one can insert the strap 36a to position the strap 36a in the main channel 50A. Second, a person can pull the end 57a of the strap 36a to fasten the strap 36a and pad 56 around a portion of the person's boot. One can then insert locking member 54A through hole 58 in strap 36a to secure strap 36a to retaining member 40a, as shown by the connection of strap 36b and retaining member 40b in FIG. Since the locking element 54A extends through the aperture 57 in the strap 36a, the locking element 54a prevents the strap 36a from sliding relative to the retaining element 40a. To release the strap 36a from the retaining element 40a, one withdraws the locking element 54A from the hole 57 and removes the strap 36a from the main channel 50A. The straps 36b and retaining elements 40b can also be connected and disconnected in a similar manner to secure the snowshoe 30 to one's boot.

Referring to FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c , the buckle 34 may also include a fastener 144 to fasten the strap 36 a to the cushion 56 . The fastener 144 helps to position the strap 36a to extend away from the retaining member 40a, thus facilitating one's fastening and loosening of the boot to and from the snowshoe, as described above. Furthermore, the fastener 144 allows one to easily adjust the length of the strap 36 a that one uses to connect to the retaining element 40 . In one embodiment, the fixing member 144 includes a first channel 148 , a second channel 150 and a protruding portion 152 to prevent the strap 36a from moving in the X direction. To fasten the strap 36a to the cushion 56 , one inserts the end 146a into the first channel 148 , around the extension 152 and through the second channel 150 . One then aligns the protrusion 152 with one of the desired strap holes 58 . Since the protruding portion is inserted into the hole 58, the strap 36a is prevented from moving in the X direction. The clasp 32 may include additional fasteners 144 to fasten respective additional straps, such as strap 36b.

Still referring to FIG. 3 , the snowshoe 30 may further include a bottom plate 60 to allow the snowshoe 30 to float on the snow. In one embodiment, the base plate 60 may be fabricated from any desired material and may be attached to the peripheral member 42 in any desired manner. For example, the chassis can be made of a flexible material, such as urethane-coated nylon or other coated plastic cloth, and chassis clips 62 (detailed in connection with FIG. 6 ) can attach the chassis 60 to the peripheral member 42 .

Snowshoe 30 may also include studs 64 to improve snowshoe traction and to provide a mount for cleat 34 . In one embodiment, the cleat 64 may include a protruding portion 66 to contact the surface of the terrain. The cleat 64 may also be pivotally mounted to the cross member member 46 (described in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 4 ), and the clasp 34 may be mounted to the cleat in any desired manner. For example, the clasp 34 may be attached to the stud 64 with a rivet 68 . In one embodiment, the studs may be pivotally mounted to the base plate 60 using any desired fastening technique, such as straps. This may be desirable when the base plate 60 is rigid, to save weight. Also, in another embodiment, the clasp 34 can be fastened with removable fasteners, such as screws and nuts, so that people can replace the clasp 34 when it is damaged or a different clasp is desired. Button 3. When pivotally mounted on the cross-member component 46, the cleat 64 and the pin 34 can rotate between two positions relative to the cross-member component 46 (detailed in conjunction with FIG. , people's feet can rotate relative to the snowshoe 30. Thus, when snowshoe 30 bears a person's weight, substantial frame contact surface 44 is able to maintain contact with the surface of the terrain.

Still referring to FIG. 3 , the snowshoe 30 may include a televator 70 to assist one in climbing a mountain. In one embodiment, the lifter 70 may include a rod 72 pivotally mounted on the peripheral member 42 and held in an extended position (not shown in FIG. 3 but shown in FIG. 5), wherein the rod 72 is suspended above the bottom plate 60 . The rod 72 may be fabricated from any desired material capable of withstanding a person's weight and may be pivotally secured to the peripheral member by any desired securing means also capable of withstanding a person's weight. For example, the rod 72 may be fabricated from spring steel, and the lifter 70 may include a lifter mount 74 that pivotally holds the rod 72 so that it 72 remains in the extended position. In the extended position, the bar 72 can support the heel of one's boot above the base plate 60 so that the person's foot can form an angle relative to the base plate, thereby reducing the strain normally experienced by the calf muscles when climbing.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of frame 32 included in snowshoe 30 of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The frame 32 includes peripheral members 42 that provide snowshoe traction and maintain the shape of the snowshoe when walking on at least one of the following surfaces (not shown): snow, compacted snow, and ice. The frame 32 also includes a cross member member 46 extending from the first portion 80 of the peripheral member 42 to the second portion 82 of the peripheral member to support the peripheral member 42 . The perimeter member 42 has a length measured in the direction indicated by arrow 84 , a height measured in the direction indicated by arrow 86 , and a width measured in the direction indicated by arrow 88 . The height is orthogonal to the length, and the width is orthogonal to and intersects the height. In order to provide traction on compacted snow or ice while preventing the snowshoe 30 from deforming significantly when walking on such a surface, the width is at all locations 90 along the height (only three are shown for clarity). positions, but there are infinitely many) at least twice as short as that height. The cross member component 46 may or may not have the same ratio of width to height.

The width may be any distance desired, and may vary at each location along the height of the section 92 of the perimeter member 42, or remain constant, if desired. In addition, a number of sections of similar width to the perimeter member 42, each perpendicular to the length, may or may not vary relative to one another, if desired. For example, in one embodiment, the width may be 0.090 inches, and the height along the section 90 may be substantially the same, and throughout the entire length of the perimeter member 42, and the height may be in the range of 0.59 inches to 1.1 inches . Since the peripheral member 42 has substantially the same width throughout its length, the peripheral member 42 can be manufactured inexpensively by cutting or punching the member from sheet material and then bending the member into the desired shape. In other embodiments, the width may increase as its position progresses along height and in direction 86 . This may be desirable to further reduce the area of contact surface 44 to improve adhesion on ice. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the width along the height of one section 92 may be different than the width along the other section (not shown) to locally increase the stiffness of the perimeter member 42 to correspond to the force experienced. local increase.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , the perimeter member 42 may be fabricated from any desired material capable of withstanding the loads placed thereon in use and formed into the desired shape to form the snowshoe 30 . For example, in one embodiment, the perimeter member 42 may be fabricated from aluminum 7075-T6 and formed like a rectangle to form the interior region 94 of the frame 32 and the perimeter of the snowshoe 30 . Thus, the perimeter member 42 is able to protect the edge of the base plate 60 (FIG. 3), which is desirable since a portion of the frame may break when walking through bushes or ice. In other embodiments, the frame 32 may be fabricated from other metals or hard durable plastic and formed into a teardrop-like shape. Additionally, in other embodiments, the perimeter member 42 may be fabricated from any desired composite material, such as carbon fiber and epoxy.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , the frame 32 may include one or more cross member components 42 . For example, in one embodiment, the frame may include a first cross-member component 96 and a second cross-member component 98 each extending from the first portion 80 to the second portion 82 . Each cross-member member 96 and 98 may be disposed in interior region 94 , also supporting a person's foot, and may be secured to peripheral member 42 with rivets 100 . The first cross-member component 96 may be coupled to the cleat 64 (also described further elsewhere in connection with FIG. 4 ) and support a person's hallux, while the second cross-member component 98 may support a person's heel. The first cross member component 96 may include a first end 102 secured to the first portion 80 of the perimeter component 42 and a second end 104 secured to the second portion 82 of the perimeter component 42 . The second cross member component 98 may include a first end 106 secured to the first portion 80 and a second end 108 secured to the second portion 82 . The end portions 102, 104, 106 and 108 are configured to absorb the energy generated by bending of the lower perimeter member under the strain of a person's weight and/or movement. Each cross-member member 96 and 98 may be fabricated from any desired material, such as plastic or metal such as steel.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the second cross member 98 may include a heel counter 110 to retain the heel of a person's boot and prevent the boot from sliding relative to the cross member member 98 . This is desirable when walking down hills. The heel counter 110 may include a protruding portion 112 to elastically deform or enter the heel of a person's boot to prevent the heel from sliding relative to the second cross-member component 98 . If the second cross-member part 98 includes a heel counter 110, the bottom plate 60 in FIG. 3 may include a narrow slot so that the protruding portion of the counter 110 contacts the heel of a person's boot.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , to improve traction, the perimeter component 42 may include traction elements 114 and the cross member component 46 may include cross member traction elements 116 . The traction element 114 may extend along the length of the perimeter member 42 as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the traction elements 114 extend along the first portion 80 and the second portion 82, respectively, and may include one or more extensions 118 (only eleven are shown in FIG. 4 for clarity) , to focus pressure on ice or compacted snow. Each cross member component 96 and 98 may include a respective cross member traction element 116 that may extend a substantial distance between the first portion 80 and the second portion 82 . Each cross member traction element 116 may include one or more extensions 120 (only four are labeled in FIG. 4 for clarity) to concentrate pressure on the ice or compacted snow.

This pressure is typically created by the weight of the person when standing or walking on the snowshoe 30 . By concentrating the pressure, each protrusion in contact with the ice surface can either locally melt the ice beneath that protrusion—much like what roller skates do—to enter the ice, or not melt the ice locally to enter the ice Surface - very much like an ice pick would do. Once in the ice, the ice around the end of the extension prevents the frame from sliding relative to the ice. If the surface is a compacted snow surface, each protrusion in contact with the snow surface can enter the snow surface without locally melting the snow.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , studs 64 may be mounted on frame 32 to improve snowshoe traction. In one embodiment, the cleat 64 includes one or more extensions 122 that may be pivotally mounted to the first cross-member member 96 via a cleat mount 124 that may be used in any Desired fixing means, such as rivets, are fixed on the first cross member part 96 . The cleat mount 124 may include two flanges 126 each having a hole (omitted for clarity) to receive a respective pin 128 . The cleat 64 may include a body 130 that includes two flanges 132, each corresponding to one of the cleat mounting flanges 126, and each having a hole (omitted for clarity) to receive a respective pin 128. ) to pivotally mount the stud on the first cross member part 96 .

When pivotally mounted on the first cross member component 96, the cleat 64 can rotate between two positions relative to the first cross member component 96 (detailed in conjunction with FIG. , allowing the person's foot to rotate relative to the snowshoe 30 . To prevent the cleat from rotating too much, the cleat 64 includes a cleat stop 134 . In one embodiment, the cleat 64 includes two cleat stops 134 , each extending from a respective one of the flanges 132 . Accordingly, each cleat stop 134 rotates relative to the first cross-member component 96 as the cleat 64 rotates. To prevent the cleat from rotating past the desired limit (detailed in connection with FIG. 5 ), one or both cleat stops 134 contact the cleat mount 124 and/or the first cross member part 96 (shown in phantom in FIG. 5 ). .

FIG. 5 is a side view of the snowshoe 30 of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Buckle 34 is rotatable relative to first cross-member member 96 (FIG. 4), as shown in phantom and solid lines in the embodiment of buckle 34, to allow a person's foot to rotate relative to snowshoe 30 as the person walks. . The solid line illustration of the cleat 34 shows the position of the cleat 34 when a person is standing on the snowshoe 30 . In this position, the weight of the person is supported by both cross-member members 96 and 98 (FIG. 4). The dotted line view of the clasp 4 shows the position of the clasp 34 at its maximum rotation away from the second cross member member 98 . In this position, one or both of the cleat stops (only one is shown for clarity) contact the cleat mount 123 ( FIG. 4 ) and/or the first cross member part 96 to prevent the cleat 64 from moving further. Rotate away from the second cross-member component.

The angle a between the two positions can be any angle desired. In one embodiment, the angle α may be 67.5° to allow for better control of the snow when one lifts the snowshoe 30 off the ground to move and repositions the snowshoe 30 on the ground to begin the next step. Shoes 30. Since the alpha angle is 67.5°, the stud stop 134 also prevents the tip 136 of the snowshoe 30 from touching the person's shins when the person lifts the snowshoe 30 to take the next step.

Still referring to FIG. 5 , the lifter 70 is rotatable relative to the peripheral member 42 as shown by the dashed and solid lines of the lifter 70 . The solid line illustration of the riser 70 shows the position of the riser 70 when a person is walking on a flat or substantially flat area. In this position, the riser 70 is on or just above the floor (not shown in FIG. 5 but shown in FIG. 3 ) so that the riser 70 does not interfere with the person's feet as they traverse the surface. relative to the rotation of the first cross member component. The dotted line illustration of the riser 70 shows the position of the riser 70 when a person is on a climbing slope. In this position, the lifter 70 extends above the floor to support the person's heel above the floor and prevents the heel from moving further toward the second cross-member member 98 . Therefore, the lifter 70 can reduce the stretching of a person's calf muscle when climbing a hill.

6 is a top view of a bottom plate clip 62 included in the snowshoe 30 of FIG. 3 in accordance with an implementation of the present invention. The base plate clip 62 connects the base plate 60 to the peripheral part 42 at an inner region 94 . Thus, the perimeter member 42 can provide additional protection for the chassis. For example, if base plate 60 covers frame 14 ( FIG. 2 ) similar to base plate 12 ( FIG. 2 ) and covers perimeter member 42 , then, due to shrubs colliding with snowshoes or other similar types of contact, the If it comes into contact with the snowshoes on, the base plate 60 may be damaged.

The floor clip 62 may be fabricated from any desired material and may be configured to attach the floor 60 to the interior region 94 when desired. In one embodiment, the base plate clip 62 may be fabricated from aluminum 7075-T6 and may include an end 136 to which the base plate 60 is secured, and a head 138 that connects the end 136 to the peripheral element 42 . The peripheral element 42 may include a narrow slot 140 sized to allow insertion of the end portion 136 into the interior region 94 therethrough, but not allow the head portion 138 to pass through the narrow slot 140 into the interior region 94 . Thus, the head portion 138 prevents passage of the chassis clip 62 through the slot 140 when the end portion 136 enters the interior region 94 through the slot. The bottom plate 60 may be secured to the end 136 by any desired fastening means, such as rivets or other penetration type fasteners, or removable type fasteners.

Other embodiments of connecting the base plate 60 to the peripheral member 42 are also contemplated. For example, the base plate may be strapped to the perimeter member 42 . In one embodiment, the base plate 60 may comprise a tab extending through the narrow slot 140 and then over the top of the perimeter member 42 to strap itself. In another embodiment, the perimeter member 42 may include two narrow slots, and the bottom plate 60 may include a tab through which one extends the slot and then closes the slot to clamp the tab, thus holding the bottom plate 60 It is connected to the peripheral part 42 .

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a frame 160 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The frame 160 is similar to the frame 32 previously discussed, but does not include a cross member component (46 in FIGS. 3 and 4). The frame 160 also includes a perimeter member 162, which is similar to the perimeter member 42 discussed above, when walking on at least one of the following surfaces (not shown): snow, compacted snow, and ice. Provides traction and maintains the shape of the snowshoes. The peripheral member 162 may be mounted on a rigid base plate 164 to support the peripheral member 162; or the peripheral member 162 may not be so. Additionally or alternatively, the perimeter member 162 may include reinforcing rods 166 to reinforce the perimeter member 162, or the perimeter member may not.

If the peripheral components are mounted on a rigid base plate 164, the base plate 164 can be made of any desired material and can be attached to the peripheral component 162 in any desired manner. For example, the base plate 164 is fabricated from any desired metal such as aluminum and steel, or any desired hard plastic, and base plate clips 168, similar to base plate clips 62 in FIGS. 162. In another embodiment, base plate clips 164 may be fabricated from a flexible material, such as urethane-coated nylon cloth, and conventional fasteners, such as rivets, bolts, or adhesives, may be used to attach base plate 164 to peripheral components. 162. If the peripheral part includes reinforcing rods 166, the reinforcing rods may be of any desired shape and formed as part of the peripheral part 162 or mounted on the peripheral part 162. For example, in one embodiment, the perimeter member 162 may include a reinforcing rod 166 forming part of the perimeter member 162 . The reinforcement bar 166 may have a cross section including a U-shape, and may extend along the length of the peripheral member. In another embodiment, the stiffener 166 may have other shaped cross-sections, such as a V-shape, and may extend in other directions, such as along the height of the perimeter member, or a combination of height and length of the member. direction extension. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffener may be a single piece of material adjacent to and mounted to the perimeter member 162 . Also, the perimeter member 162 may include more than one reinforcing rod.

Claims (64)

1. one kind is used for the framework that snowshoe has definite shape, and this framework comprises:

Circumferential component, it has certain-length, highly intersect perpendicular to the height of this length and perpendicular to this height and with this and be shorter than this width of twice highly at least in all positions along this height, wherein when this framework and following at least a surface: when the snow face of snow face, compacting contacts with the ice face, this circumferential component provides adhesive force, and wherein when people with snowshoe on following at least a surface: when walking on the snow face of snow face, compacting and the ice face, this circumferential component keeps the shape of this snowshoe; With

The cross-member of extending to the second portion of this circumferential component from the first of this circumferential component is in order to support this circumferential component.

2. according to the framework of claim 1, be identical basically wherein along this width on all positions of this height.

3. according to the framework of claim 1, be identical basically wherein at this width on perpendicular to all positions of each cross-sectional height of this circumferential component of this length.

4. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this circumferential component limits the girth of this snowshoe.

5. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this width is 0.090 inch.

6. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this width is 0.090 inch, and should highly be at least 0.59 inch.

7. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this circumferential component comprises traction elements, to improve the adhesive force of this framework.

8. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this circumferential component comprises traction elements, and this traction elements has extension, pressure is concentrated on the following at least a surface: the snow face of snow face, compacting and ice face, to improve the adhesive force of this framework.

9. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this cross-member comprises cross-member traction element, to improve the adhesive force of this framework.

10. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this cross-member comprises cross-member traction element, this traction elements has extension, pressure is concentrated on the following at least a surface: the snow face of snow face, compacting and ice face, to improve the adhesive force of this framework.

11. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this cross-member is exercisable, admitting crampon, thereby improves the adhesive force of this framework.

12. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this cross-member is passed the interior zone that is formed by this circumferential component from the first of this framework and is extended to the relative second portion of this framework.

13. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this cross-member comprises first end that is connected in this circumferential component first and second end that is connected in this circumferential component second portion.

14. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this cross-member comprises heel stabilizer, to keep the heel of boots, prevents this cross-member slip relatively of this boots.

15. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this cross-member comprises heel stabilizer, this stabilizer has exercisable extension, so that the part distortion of boots bottom prevents this cross-member slip relatively of this boots.

16. according to the framework of claim 1, wherein this framework comprises that two cross-member are to support this circumferential component:

First cross-member, the second portion that the interior zone that is formed by this circumferential component extends to this framework passes in its first from this framework, this first cross-member comprises cross-member traction element, to improve the adhesive force of this framework, and this first cross-member is exercisable to admit crampon, improve this framework adhesive force and

Second cross-member, it also passes the second portion that interior zone extends to this framework from the first of this framework, this second cross-member comprises cross-member traction element, to improve the adhesive force of this framework, this second cross-member comprises heel stabilizer, to keep the heel of boots, prevent boots this second cross-member slip relatively.

17. a snowshoe comprises:

Framework, this framework comprises:

Circumferential component, it has certain-length, highly intersect perpendicular to the height of this length and perpendicular to this height and with this and be shorter than this width of twice highly at least in all positions along this height, wherein when this framework and following at least a surface: when the snow face of snow face, compacting contacts with the ice face, this circumferential component provides adhesive force, and wherein when people with snowshoe on following at least a surface: when walking on the snow face of snow face, compacting and the ice face, this circumferential component keeps the shape of this snowshoe; With

The cross-member of extending to the second portion of this circumferential component from the first of this circumferential component is in order to support this circumferential component;

Be connected and exercisable base plate with this framework, so that this snowshoe floats on the snow face; And

Exercisable button bolt is to be fastened on boots on this snowshoe.

18. according to the snowshoe of claim 17, wherein this snowshoe is exercisable, to walk on the ice slope of hill.

19. according to the snowshoe of claim 17, wherein this base plate comprises flexible material.

20. according to the snowshoe of claim 19, wherein this flexible material comprises the nylon cloth that applies with urethane.

21. according to the snowshoe of claim 17, also comprise exercisable deck clip, so that this base plate is connected in this framework.

22. according to the snowshoe of claim 21, wherein this deck clip extends into the interior zone that is limited by this circumferential component from this circumferential component, and comprises and be arranged on exercisable end in this interior zone, with fastening this base plate.

23. according to the snowshoe of claim 17, also comprise crampon, to improve the adhesive force of this snowshoe.

24. snowshoe according to claim 17, also comprise crampon, to improve the adhesive force of this snowshoe, wherein this crampon be installed on this cross-member and relatively this cross-member be pivotable, and comprise exercisable crampon stop, to stop the rotation of this crampon.

25. according to the snowshoe of claim 17, wherein this framework comprises that two cross-member are to support this circumferential component:

First cross-member, the second portion that the interior zone that is formed by this circumferential component extends to this framework passes in its first from this framework, and comprise cross-member traction element, to improve the adhesive force of this snowshoe, and this first cross member has crampon mounted thereto, with the adhesive force that improves this framework and

Second cross-member, it also passes the second portion that interior zone extends to this framework from the first of this framework, and it comprises exercisable cross-member traction element, to improve the adhesive force of this second cross member, and comprise exercisable heel stabilizer parts, to prevent this second cross-member slip relatively of boots heel.

26. according to the snowshoe of claim 17, also comprise exercisable lifter, be suspended from the top of this framework with heel with boots.

27. according to the snowshoe of claim 17, also comprise being placed on this circumferential component and can being pivoted to the lifter of expanded position, be suspended from this framework top with heel with boots with respect to this circumferential component.

28. snowshoe according to claim 17, wherein this button bolt comprises tape and holding element, unclamp boots so that boots is fastened on this snowshoe and from this snowshoe, wherein this holding element is exercisable, need not can fasten and unclamp this tape from ungloving on hand.

29. according to the snowshoe of claim 28, wherein this holding element and this tape are discerptible, by between this tape and this holding element the substep so that people can be fixed in boots this snowshoe.

30. method that moves from the teeth outwards:

Snowshoe is installed on the boots;

This snowshoe is placed from the teeth outwards;

Circumferential component and cross-member with the framework of this snowshoe support people's weight, wherein this circumferential component have certain-length, perpendicular to the height of this length, and highly intersect perpendicular to this height and with this and be shorter than this width of twice highly at least in all positions along this height; And

On this surface, walk.

31. according to the method for claim 30, wherein this surface comprises the snow face.

32. according to the method for claim 30, wherein this surface comprises the ice face.

33. according to the method for claim 30, wherein this surface comprises the snow face of compacting.

34., wherein snowshoe is installed in fastening this of holding element that comprises on the boots with buckleing bolt and buckles the tape of bolt according to the method for claim 30.

35., wherein fix this tape and comprise that the access road by this holding element inserts this tape, so that this tape is arranged in the main channel of this holding element with holding element according to the method for claim 34.

36. according to the method for claim 30, the weight that wherein supports the people comprises that the traction elements with this circumferential component improves the adhesive force of this snowshoe.

37. according to the method for claim 36, the adhesive force that wherein improves this snowshoe comprises:

With traction elements exerted pressure in the surface and

Extension with this traction elements is concentrated this applied pressure.

38. according to the method for claim 30, the weight that wherein supports the people comprises the adhesive force that improves this snowshoe with the cross-member traction element of this cross-member.

39. according to the method for claim 38, the adhesive force that wherein improves this snowshoe comprises:

With cross-member traction element exerted pressure in the surface and

Extension with this cross-member traction element is concentrated this applied pressure.

40. according to the method for claim 30, the weight that wherein supports the people comprises the adhesive force of using the crampon that is installed on this framework to improve this snowshoe.

41. according to the method for claim 30, the weight that wherein supports the people comprises when at least a surface below: when walking on the snow face of snow face, compacting and the ice face, keep the shape of snowshoe.

42. according to the method for claim 30, wherein walking comprises following at least a from the teeth outwards: cross the hillside, climb the hillside and go down the hillside.

43. according to the method for claim 41, wherein walking comprises from the teeth outwards:

Relative this boots this snowshoe that pivots,

This snowshoe is lifted on this surface and

Crampon stop with crampon stops this snowshoe to pivot above certain limit.

44. be used for the bolt of buckleing of snowshoe, this button bolt comprises:

Tape; With

The holding element that can be connected with this tape, so that this snowshoe is fastened on boots, wherein this holding element comprises: limit the main body of main channel, this tape is arranged in this main channel when being connected with this holding element; An access road, this tape by this access road to enter this main channel; And locking element, it is fixed on this tape on this holding element.

45. according to the button bolt of claim 44, wherein this main body is a hook.

46. according to the button bolt of claim 44, wherein this locking element extends from this main body.

47. according to the button bolt of claim 44, wherein this locking element comprises from this main body and extends and can insert extension this tape by the hole, so that this tape is fixed on this holding element.

48. button bolt according to claim 44, also comprise the mat on the crampon that can be installed in this snowshoe, wherein this tape and this holding element extend from this mat, and this tape, holding element and mat are around the part of this boots, so that this snowshoe is fastened on boots.

49. one kind is installed in method on the boots with snowshoe, this method comprises:

Boots is placed on this tape of buckleing bolt and this is buckled between the holding element of bolt;

Access road by this holding element main body inserts this tape, this tape is inserted in the main channel of this holding element main body; And

This tape is connected with this holding element.

50. according to the method for claim 49, wherein this tape being connected with this holding element comprises and makes this this boots of tape extend through.

51. according to the method for claim 49, the locking element that comprises this holding element that will extend from this main body that wherein this tape is connected with this holding element inserts the hole of this tape.

52. according to the method for claim 49, also comprise from this holding element and untie this tape, so that this snowshoe is taken off from boots.

53., wherein untie this tape and comprise according to the method for claim 52:

Make this tape by this access road with this tape is taken out from this main channel and

Move this tape and leave this holding element, so that this snowshoe is installed on the boots in another time.

54. a crampon that is used for snowshoe, this crampon comprises:

Can be installed on this snowshoe and the main body that pivots of this snowshoe relatively; With

From the crampon stop that this main body is extended, rotate to stop this main body.

55. according to the crampon of claim 54, wherein this crampon stop prevents that this main body rotation from surpassing certain limit.

56. according to the crampon of claim 54, wherein this crampon stop prevents that the base plate rotation of relative this snowshoe of this main body is above 67.5 °.

57. according to the crampon of claim 54, wherein this crampon comprises two crampon stop.

58. according to the crampon of claim 54, wherein this crampon comprises two flanges, each admits pin separately, so that pivotally this crampon is installed on this snowshoe, and each comprises exercisable crampon stop, to contact this snowshoe, stops the rotation of this main body.

59. a framework that is used for snowshoe, it has definite shape, and this framework comprises:

Circumferential component, it has certain-length, highly intersect perpendicular to the height of this length and perpendicular to this height and with this and be shorter than this width of twice highly at least in all positions along this height, wherein when this framework and following at least a surface: when the snow face of snow face, compacting contacts with the ice face, this circumferential component provides adhesive force, and wherein when people with snowshoe on following at least a surface: when walking on the snow face of snow face, compacting and the ice face, this circumferential component keeps the shape of this snowshoe.

60., be identical basically wherein at this width on all positions of height according to the framework of claim 59.

61. according to the framework of claim 59, wherein on all positions of hanging down as for each cross-sectional height of this circumferential component of this length, this width is identical basically.

62. according to the framework of claim 59, wherein this circumferential component comprises bracing piece, to strengthen this circumferential component.

63. according to the framework of claim 59, wherein this bracing piece forms the part of this circumferential component.

64. according to the framework of claim 59, wherein this circumferential component can be installed on the base plate, this base plate comprises solid material, to support this circumferential component.

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