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: 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 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: 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 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: A snowshoe of the general type as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,630 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: A molded plastic snowshoe of the type with a boot binding permitting pivoting in the pitch direction has a boot heel contact area formed of a flexible material. This provides for a soft strike as the boot comes in contact with the snowshoe deck in each step, eliminating the noise that usually accompanies the heel strike on a hard deck, and also increases comfort in use of the snowshoe, with the hard strike feel eliminated. Another advantage is that with a cleat mounted at the bottom of the soft section of decking the snowshoe adapts better to irregularities of terrain since the heel cleat is essentially suspended relative to the stiffer molded portions of the snowshoe. The flexibly suspended heel cleat can be pushed down to engage with snow or ice despite the irregular surface of the terrain and the rigidness of the snowshoe deck surrounding the cleat area.

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.