Abstract: A touring skibinding (1) comprises a support element (2) which can be fastened to the ski, a bearing element (3) with a skiboot reception (4) which is designed in such a way that the skiboot (5) can be mounted in the skiboot reception (4) such that the skiboot can pivot about a first pivot axis (S1) with respect to the skiboot reception (4) and a convex supporting surface (6) on which the skiboot (5) can roll, the bearing element (3) being connected to the support element (2) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (S2) from an initial state into a pivoted state, wherein the skiboot (5) is moveable from a standing state, in which the skiboot (5) stands on the convex supporting surface (6), into a pulling state, in which the skiboot (5) is at least partially lifted from the convex supporting surface (6), wherein, starting from the standing state, the skiboot (5) is movable on the convex supporting surface (6) in the direction of the pulling state in such a manner that the skiboot (5) rolls on the conve

Abstract: A spin-tightened snowshoe binding is provided, the binding comprising a sole plate configured to be hingedly interconnected to a snowshoe an axis extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowshoe, a toe cap interconnected with the sole plate with a first anterior strap and a second anterior strap, wherein the anterior straps are configured to wrap around the medial aspect and the lateral aspects of a toe box of a shoe inserted within the snowshoe binding, and wherein the toe cap is configured to interface with a top aspect of the shoe, a first lateral strap extends outward from the sole plate, wherein the first lateral strap is configured to wrap upward along a medial portion of the shoe, and extend toward a posterior aspect of the shoe, a second lateral strap extends outward from the sole plate, wherein the second lateral strap is configured to wrap upward along a lateral aspect of a shoe, and extend toward the posterior aspect of the snowshoe binding, a belt having a first end and

Abstract: A device for donning a face mask. Straps on either side of the back of the mask are connected to each other through a looped handle. When pulled by the user, the handles tighten the straps of the mask to create an airtight seal on the mask. The handles eliminate the need to separately tighten each individual strap to create the airtight seal and allow the user to tighten the mask even if the user is wearing gloves. The device may also include an adherent material attached to the back of the mask and the handles such that the handles have a resting platform once they are adjusted by the user.

Abstract: A beach shoe system including a beach shoe and a stabilizing member. The stabilizing member, when attached to the beach shoe, being below the beach shoe and being removably attached to the beach shoe. The stabilizing member includes a porous, substantially planar section underlying a sole of the beach shoe and extending transversely beyond peripheral sides of the beach shoe. The stabilizing member preferably includes a peripheral rim attached to the planar section and extending downwardly and upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible snowshoe. The collapsible snowshoe includes an optional guard member, an optional deck, two or more removable support members, one or more cross members, a snowshoe binding, an optional connector, and one or more crampons. Methods of using the collapsible snowshoe are also provided.

Abstract: A binding device for a snowboard boot to rest upon to secure user to a climb and slide device in selective modes including a split ski climbing mode and an attached ski section sliding mode, for traversing mainly over snow and ice covered terrain. A binding device includes a mounting base including multiple direct locking features in the mounting base with which to interact with mating interfaces on a ski shaped touring device binding interfaces. An axle pivot pin axis system is also disclosed that may selectively articulate the mounting plate in a walking motion on the ski touring device. A selective locked heel mode with locking ability directly on the mounting plate is disclosed.

Abstract: A snowshoe has an improved spring-loaded suspension system that reduces or eliminates snow flip as the user lifts the boot and advances it forward. In a principal embodiment the footbed and front claw of the binding are positioned on a spring-suspended frame in such a way that the footbed/claw can freely rotate relative to the snowshoe deck beyond a certain degree of pitch angle.

Abstract: An exoskeleton (E) for connecting footwear to sporting equipment. The exoskeleton has an underfoot base (7), an ankle cuff (3) connected to a heel portion of the underfoot base, a first restraining brace (2a) having an anterior end connected to the medial side of a forefoot portion of the underfoot base (7), and extending rearwardly and diagonally at least to the lateral side of the ankle cuff, and a second restraining brace (2b) having an anterior end connected to the lateral side of the forefoot portion of the underfoot base (7), and extending rearwardly and diagonally at least to the medial side of the ankle cuff. The first and second restraining braces (2a, 2b) are configured such that when an item of footwear is enclosed by the exoskeleton (E), the restraining braces extend over and support a portion of the item of footwear.

Abstract: A snowshoe having a binding for a downhill ski boot on a binding platform which can pitch, i.e., rotate about a transverse axis of the snowshoe. The binding platform is supported on a front strap which is attached to the sides of the framework for the snowshoe, which is of sufficient flexibility to pitch and, preferably, roll, i.e., rotate about the longitudinal axis of the framework. Decking between the binding platform and the framework has a front aperture to permit the binding platform to pitch and roll; is of such length as to permit extension of the framework, which is made possible by having the framework be a tubes separated on its first and second sides and containing an insertable tube in the areas of the separations; and has such flexibility as to enable the decking to fold underneath the binding platform when the tube of the framework is unextended.

Abstract: A snowshoe including a unitary molded polymer deck having a bottom surface defining a toe portion and a heel portion. The toe portion is divided from the heel portion. A toe panel together with the toe portion defines a generally enclosed space into which a lighting module including a battery, a switch; electrical leads and at least one electrically illuminated light source. The light module is substantially contained in the enclosed space and the at least one electrically illuminated light source is located in at least one light source pocket that passes through a portion of the unitary molded polymer deck such that the electrically illuminated light source is visible from above the deck. The switch selectively completes a circuit between the battery and the electrically illuminated light source upon actuation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowshoe and rucksack for its storage with an application in the sports sphere and in particular on snow covered and ice-frozen terrains. The inflatable snowshoe contains a corpus and fixing belts. The corpus consists of a cylindrical air chamber and protective case. The air chamber forms a closed contour having the form of an elliptical ring with a circular cross section and is placed in the protective case. The air chamber has a valve mounted on it the end of which passes through an opening formed in the rear part of the protective case. The protective case is made of separate sections of a strong, wear-resistant material. The frontal part of protective case contains three sections which are raised in relation to the horizontal axis under an angle of a, which falls within the interval between 35° to 40°. Over the entire internal circumference of protective case there is a zipper, ensuring quick and easy placing of the air chamber in casing.

Abstract: A snowboard system and methods are disclosed adapted for board stabilization while a user attaches the snowboard binding and boot from a standing position. The system includes an anchoring stake, a retainer and retractable cord, and an anchoring line, or loop. A safety retainer line from the stake may also be provided.

Abstract: A length-adjustable snowshoe includes a frame and a carrier fixed to the frame. A connecting member mounted to the frame includes two receiving holes. A pivotal portion is formed on a top side of the connecting member. A compartment extends from the pivotal portion through one of the receiving holes. An extension member includes legs slideably received in the receiving holes and is slideable between first and second positions. A sliding member is mounted on the extension member to move therewith. A positioning member is received in the compartment and pivotable between a stop position and a releasing position. The positioning member in the stop position retains the extension member in any location including and intermediate the first and second positions. The extension member can slide between the first and second positions when the positioning member is in the releasing position.

Abstract: A snowshoe with binding suspended by tension straps secured to a frame is assembled from a generally U-shaped nose, and an aft section which can be a midsection and a tail. In one embodiment the nose has sufficient strength to resist inward pulling under tension to suspend the binding resiliently, without significant strength contribution from aft portions of the frame. The aft portion of the snowshoe includes traction elements, i.e. rows of teeth, positioned to engage into snow and ice. An important aspect of the invention is that the nose and aft sections are non-integral and very dissimilar in cross section, in a suspended-binding snowshoe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking device for a buckle. The device comprises a housing, a lever and an arm. The lever has a first strap engaging end and a locking portion. The lever is connected to the housing for movement relative to the housing. The locking portion is cooperable with the housing to be retained in it. The housing is configured to receive a strap. The arm is resiliently connected to the housing and has a second strap engaging end and a lifting end portion. The lifting end portion is disposed towards the first strap engaging end, such that in a locked position, when the locking portion cooperates with the housing, the second strap engaging end is urged into engagement with the strap. The lifting end portion contacts the first strap engaging end to lift it away from the strap.

Abstract: A length-adjustable snowshoe includes a frame and a carrier fixed to the frame. A connecting member is mounted to the frame and includes two receiving holes. A pivotal portion is formed on a top side of the connecting member. A compartment extends from the pivotal portion through one of the receiving holes. An extension member includes first and second legs slideably received in the receiving holes. The extension member is slideable between first and second positions. A sliding member is mounted on the extension member to move therewith. A positioning member is received in the compartment and pivotable between a stop position and a releasing position. The positioning member in the stop position retains the extension member in the first or second position or any location between the first and second positions. The extension member can slide between the first and second positions when the positioning member is in the releasing position.

Abstract: A snowshoe with binding suspended by tension straps secured to a frame is assembled from a generally U-shaped nose, and an aft section which can be a midsection and a tail. In one embodiment the nose has sufficient strength to resist inward pulling under tension to suspend the binding resiliently, without significant strength contribution from aft portions of the frame. The aft portion of the snowshoe includes traction elements, i.e. rows of teeth, positioned to engage into snow and ice. An important aspect of the invention is that the nose and aft sections are non-integral and very dissimilar in cross section, in a suspended-binding snowshoe.

Abstract: A snowshoe of molded plastic material has a tail section with greater flexibility than the main body section, thereby allowing the tail to give and deform as the snowshoe tail is engaged against the terrain during the gait of the user. At the same time, the tail is stiff enough to provide flotation needed when the full weight of the user is on one snowshoe fully engaged against terrain, such as soft snow.

Abstract: A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.

Abstract: A snowdeck includes a latching mechanism for detachable mounting to a traction component such as a boot. The latching mechanism includes a base member which is mounted to the snowdeck and which has a recess for accommodating a longitudinal slider which is movable longitudinally to and from a first position and a second position. The slider has a longitudinal wall and a lateral wall which, in combination with a wall of the recess defines a space. The space is filled with a filler member, preferably made of a compressible and resilient material and preferably which is in the form of a removable insert.

Abstract: A snowshoe having a pivot axle for pitch rotation of the footbed platform relative to the snowshoe frame is supported from the frame in a manner that provides for significant lateral flexing, i.e. pivoting on the roll axis, to accommodate use of snowshoes on side hill terrain. Instead of a relatively rigid support from the snowshoe frame, the footbed platform is supported by left and right tension bands that are connected to the snowshoe frame and to left and right ends of the transverse pivot rod that provides pitch rotation. Preferably the connection to each end of the pivot rod is with a rotatable spindle over which the tension band engages, such rollers being connected at right angles to the two ends of the pivot rod. A rotation limiter can be included to limit free rotation of the binding in the pitch direction to a selected arc. The footbed support system can be employed on any type of snowshoe, whether a tubular frame, non-tubular frame or molded composite snowshoe.

Abstract: A snowshoe (1) whose webbing includes a flexible wall (4) maintained in tension inside a framework (2) by portions of the flexible mounting wall which define flexible mounting projections. Supplemental protection parts (8) are disposed surrounding the mounting projections to protect them from wear and impact.

Abstract: A molded or plastic composite snowshoe is formed of two assembled sections, in a way that imparts flexibility to the snowshoe, allowing some degree of torsional twisting or warping flexibility so that the snowshoe adapts to uneven terrain. In a principal embodiment the molded snowshoe is divided into forward and aft sections along a line slightly behind the nose area and near the pivot axis in the case of a pitch-pivoting binding. Joints between sections are in narrow rims at left and right, at opposed sides of a large central opening for the crampon/binding and boot. The joints are designed to securely hold the forward and aft molded sections together but to allow a degree of torsion between them when needed. Steel structural traction rails extend across the joints but are constructed and secured to the snowshoe sections in a manner that preserves the desired flexibility.

Abstract: The snowshoe defines opposite front and rear ends, opposite first and second sides and opposite top and bottom surfaces and comprises a rigid peripheral frame member comprising a top portion corresponding to the top surface of the snowshoe and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom surface of the snowshoe and having a frame member thickness defined between the top and bottom portions. The snowshoe also has a decking that is at least semi-rigid and that comprises a central load-bearing portion and a number of tongue members fixed to the load-bearing portion and attached to the frame member whereby the frame member carries the decking. The snowshoe further has a harness pivotally attached to either one of the decking and the frame member for allowing a person's foot to be releasably attached to the snowshoe. The tongue members have a staggered attachment configuration relative to the thickness of the frame member.

Abstract: A snowshoe (1) made of a frame (2) holding a deck (3) meant to hold the user's boot, the aforementioned boot being held on the deck by a binding, characterized in that the snowshoe includes a transverse retaining element (4) extending transversely at the front of the user's foot, the aforesaid transverse element (4) being held by its lateral ends to the frame (2), while the aforementioned transverse element (4) is made of the combination of an upper transverse element (4a) and a lower transverse element (4b) so that the frame (2) is sandwiched between the ends of the respective transverse elements (4a, 4b).

Abstract: A snowshoe of molded plastic material has a tail section with greater flexibility than the main body section, thereby allowing the tail to give and deform as the snowshoe tail is engaged against the terrain during the gait of the user. At the same time, the tail is stiff enough to provide flotation needed when the full weight of the user is on one snowshoe fully engaged against terrain, such as soft snow.

Abstract: A snowshoe (1) includes a binding (4) intended to retain the boot of the user and a plate pivoting around a transverse pivot axis (X, X?) including a retaining assembly for the boot. A longitudinal position of the rear retaining assembly is adjustable for in order to conform the longitudinal dimension of binding, with the size of the boot, by displacement toward the front or towards the rear and locking it in the chosen position. The front retaining stirrup is mounted to a front horizontally extending plate (7), which is pivotally retained on the webbing around the pivot axis (X, X?), while the rear retaining part is mounted on a lower support wall (9), extended toward the front by a sliding member (10) intended to cooperate, with a slide channel of corresponding form defined under the front plate (7) of the front retaining assembly (4a).

Abstract: A snowshoe binding engages the sole of the user's boot in a region between the arch and the widest part of the sole, gripping the sole laterally and sufficiently firmly that the boot will not pull out of the binding during use of the snowshoe, even in the absence of a heel strap. The arch area of the boot typically is narrower in width than the ball of the foot, providing a rearwardly tapering region for positive engagement against pulling back of the boot in the binding. By engaging the boot at the sole, the binding can put pressure on the boot not felt by the user. In one form the sole engaging binding device has a width adjustment with a sliding element, and the firmly clamping sole engagement preferably is accomplished with a cam that engages when a strap is tightened. An efficient buckle and strap are also disclosed.

Abstract: A skate assembly has a boot having a substantially completely open base with a sole plate of more rigid material than the boot secured over the open base. The base has an opening extending along at least substantially the entire length of the boot from the heel to the toe, with side rims extending along opposite sides of the base opening. The sole plate may be releasably or permanently secured to the boot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively supporting sporting equipment such as a snowboard. Also systems and methods for removably or permanently attaching an apparatus to a snowboard boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof such that the apparatus may be used to support the weight of sporting equipment such as a snowboard while a user of the sporting equipment is seated (e.g., while riding a chairlift). Systems and methods for fabricating an integral support within a boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof. These systems and methods include after-market items affixed to commercially-available boots, soles, or sub-components thereof by a snowboarder, snowboard professional, or the like, or, alternatively, such systems and methods may be incorporated by a boot or sole manufacturer during manufacture of the boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof. The systems and methods may be permanent or removable.

Abstract: The snowshoe defines opposite front and rear ends, opposite first and second sides and opposite top and bottom surfaces and comprises a rigid peripheral frame member comprising a top portion corresponding to the top surface of the snowshoe and a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom surface of the snowshoe and having a frame member thickness defined between the top and bottom portions. The snowshoe also has a decking that is at least semi-rigid and that comprises a central load-bearing portion and a number of tongue members fixed to the load-bearing portion and attached to the frame member whereby the frame member carries the decking. The snowshoe further has a harness pivotally attached to either one of the decking and the frame member for allowing a person's foot to be releasably attached to the snowshoe. The tongue members have a staggered attachment configuration relative to the thickness of the frame member.

Abstract: A boot binding for a snowshoe, suspended within the snowshoe for flexibility of the boot relative to the snowshoe in the pitch direction, has a binding footbed that is flexible and allows bending of the boot in the pitch directed, as steps are taken by the user.

Abstract: An improved snowshoe (49, 138, 220) having a binding (105) attachable to a flotation platform (51). The snowshoe (49, 138, 220) may be adjusted to accommodate to changes in snow conditions and terrain while on a snowshoe excursion. Certain embodiments permit quick removal of the binding (105) from the platform (51) for use as a detached walking crampon (203). Certain platforms (51) may be adjusted in size to present a plurality of footprint sizes to ssnow.

Abstract: A boot binding for a snowshoe, suspended within the snowshoe for flexibility of the boot relative to the snowshoe in the pitch direction, has a binding footbed that is flexible and allows bending of the boot in the pitch direction, as steps are taken by the user.

Abstract: A binding for securing the boot of a user to a snowshoe has a semi-rigid base with integral boot toe and boot heel control members and flexible upper members of a softer and more compliant material then that of the base connected to the base for embracing the boot upper; toe stops are fixed to the boot toe control members for engagement by and proper positioning of the toe of the boot; a heel strap extends between the boot heel control members and embraces the boot heel for securing the boot to the binding; and a 3-point closure system with quick mid-point connect/disconnect interconnects between the flexible upper members for varying the pressure exerted by the upper members on the boot upper while permitting easy separation of the upper members.

Abstract: A snowshoe apparatus having a frame assembly, a pivot assembly pivotally attached to the frame assembly, and a binding assembly pivotally attached to the pivot assembly is disclosed. The snowshoe apparatus may also include first and second crampons pivotally attached to the frame assembly, with the first crampon configured to pivot relative to the frame assembly substantially independent of the second crampon. In addition, at least one of the first crampon and the second crampon may be laterally movable relative to the frame assembly. The snowshoe apparatus may also comprise a resilient heel support assembly coupled to the frame assembly. A corresponding method of assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that traverses snow and ice covered terrain. The device includes footwear that has the ability to mount directly to a sliding device or snowshoe and pivot without the need of a mounting plate or base plate. The footwear may also be configured for use in snowboard boot retaining bindings. The footwear may have strapless and detachable crampons. Additionally, the crampons may have a coating for repelling snow and ice covering exterior surfaces of the crampon. A configurable crampon may additionally be joined to a rear portion of the footwear. Furthermore, a mounting plate with a toe cleat and heel cleat are disclosed as being removably coupled with the mounting plate able to be attached to sliding or snowshoe devices in a quick-release manner and quick connecting manner. Also disclosed is a movable traction system that may be raised and lowered through a sliding surface.

Abstract: A snowshoe (1) made of a frame (2) holding a deck (3) meant to hold the user's boot, the aforementioned boot being held on the deck by a binding, characterized in that the snowshoe includes a transverse retaining element (4) extending transversely at the front of the user's foot, the aforesaid transverse element (4) being held by its lateral ends to the frame (2), while the aforementioned transverse element (4) is made of the combination of an upper transverse element (4a) and a lower transverse element (4b) so that the frame (2) is sandwiched between the ends of the respective transverse elements (4a, 4b).

Abstract: A collapsible snowshoe is provided. The snowshoe includes a frame having a first supporting cross-bar configured to interact with a second supporting cross-bar, wherein the cross-bars are configured to alternate between an open position and a closed position, a first supporting material configured to be coupled to the cross-bars and further configured to extend between the cross-bars, whereby the extended supporting material creates a support surface for walking when the cross-bars are in the open position; and a frame-locking mechanism configured to secure the cross-bars in the open position.

Abstract: A snowshoe of the type with a peripheral frame formed of metal tubing and a stretched and suspended deck connected to the frame has different regions of the frame partially flattened into an approximate elliptical cross section, the major dimensions of the ellipses being in different planes in different regions of the frame. Most of the nose loop at the front end of the snowshoe frame is elongated in cross section within the plane of the nose loop, while the sides of the frame, aft of the binding suspension, may be elongated in a generally vertical plane. The orientation of these elongated cross sections in specific regions affords more strength to the frame where needed, enabling the frame to be produced of lighter material. In addition, selected local regions of the frame can be swaged to form recesses at desired sides of the frame to receive and hold the binding suspension bands or deck connecting material that wraps over the frame.

Abstract: A perfected device for walking on snow or ice consisting of platforms (1) that are fitted on the upper face of the rackets (20) and have a swivel mechanism (6) formed by a spherical or similar piece equipped with axles (22) at the heel end. At the bottom of the platforms (1), they also have housings (24), spikes (8), rackets (20) and, at the heel end, semi-cylindrical parts (23) and (23?) equipped with fastening elements (10) and (10?).

Abstract: A step-in binding system (20, 220) including a binding (24, 224) and an engagement member (26, 226) for securing a snowshoe to footwear (22). In one embodiment, the binding includes a pivotable latch (78) and a fixed latch (80), each having a pair of catches (116) for engaging a corresponding receiver (110) on the engagement member. The pivotable latch is pivotable between a closed position (CP) and an open position (OP) and is biased into the closed position by a helical rotational spring (100). The binding further includes an adjustment mechanism (32) extending between a toe member (28) and a heel member (30) that allows the distance between the toe and heel members to be selectively changed by a user. In another embodiment, the binding includes a pair of pivotable latches (278, 280), each biased into its closed position by two torsional rotational springs (300).

Abstract: A carpet slide for use as a recreational entertainment device includes a first member having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size. The first member is formed from a flexible sheet of material having an upper surface and a bottom surface. An at least one strap like member having a first end and a second end is provided. A first mechanism is disposed along the upper surface of such first member adjacent a first outer edge portion thereof between a front portion of the first member and a back portion of such first member for engaging a first end of the at least one strap like member. A second mechanism is disposed along the upper surface adjacent a radially opposed second outer edge portion thereof between the front portion of such first member and the back portion of such first member for engaging a second end of such at least one strap like member.

Abstract: A snowshoe has a frame and a pivot axle assembly extending across an opening in the frame for pivotally supporting a boot binding assembly for limited front and rear rotation, a resilient pad is disposed between the pivot axle assembly and the boot binding assembly for permitting frontal plane, side to side movement of the boot binding assembly.

Abstract: A snowshoe has a pivoted mounting on its boot harness, for rotation about a pitch axis for a first degree of freedom in movement of the user's boot relative to the snowshoe; and provision for a second degree of freedom of motion along a roll axis, allowing the user's boot to tip from side to side, particularly for uneven or sidehill terrain. In both axes the boot preferably is spring-biased toward a neutral position. At the same time, freedom of movement is restricted and essentially prevented between the boot and snowshoe relative to a third axis, the yaw or vertical axis. Several different structural arrangements are disclosed in several types of snowshoes, for achieving the second degree of freedom.

Abstract: A snowshoe includes numerous adjustment mechanisms for accommodating varied snow conditions and terrain.

Abstract: A snowshoe includes a lightweight frame that provides traction and maintains the snowshoe's shape when traveling over at least one of the following surfaces: snow, hard-packed snow and ice, and a binding to fasten the snowshoe to a boot with a gloved hand. The frame includes a peripheral component having a length, a height orthogonal to the length, and a width orthogonal to the height and at least two times shorter than the height at all locations along the height. The binding includes a strap, and a retention element coupleable with the strap. The retention element includes a body defining a main passage in which the strap is disposed when coupled with the retention element, an access passage through which the strap passes to enter the main passage, and a locking element to secure the strap to the retention element.

Abstract: A snowshoe binding has a body member which is molded from an elastomeric synthetic material which easily conforms to the contour of a wide range of boot configurations and incorporates a pair of ladder cinch buckles mounted on synthetic straps positioned over the instep of the boot, the buckles not being anchored to any supporting component on the body member and operating in opposite directions, the straps being permanently installed in the buckles, and secured against removal from the buckles by the placement of snap hardware on the straps.

Abstract: A ski system for allowing a ski to slide in forward motion and grip in backward motion for a variety of people in a cost effective manner. The ski system includes a flat base member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a plurality of gripping members extending from the lower surface of the base member, and a securing structure attached to the upper surface of the base member for securing a shoe of a user. The gripping members each have a front portion having a downwardly angled structure. The gripping members each include a rear portion that extends upwardly from the lower end of the front portion towards the lower surface of the base member. The gripping members preferably have a U-shaped cross sectional shape. The front portion of the gripping members are for gliding upon a snow surface allowing forward movement and the rear portion is for engaging the snow surface for preventing rearward movement.

Abstract: An inflatable snowshoe. In its deflated state, it can be flattened and rolled, which allows a pair of these snowshoes to be stored inside the cowling of a snowmobile. The snowshoe consists of a web flotation deck that has a tubular shaped air bladder frame. When inflated, the frame and deck take on the properties of a rigid conventional snowshoe. A puncture and abrasion resistant fabric covers the inner membrane that forms the bladder type, tubular air chamber. This air chamber makes up the peripheral frame of the snowshoe and is held to its teardrop shape by the multi-point restraint of the nylon web flotation deck. The nylon web flotation deck distributes the weight of the wearer. The binding attachment and the cross points of the nylon straps that form the deck are affixed with metal rivets, which also act as traction studs.