Abstract: A snowshoe includes a perimeter frame carrying sheet-type floatation and having a hinge rod supported transversely of the frame. A bearing sleeve or bushing is disposed about the hinge rod and a cooperates therewith to enable snap-on assembly and release of a claw plate having a binding supported thereon, thereby enabling interchanging of claw plates and bindings for a particular snowshoe frame and decking. The hinge rod and bushing cooperate to vary the frictional resistance to relative rotation between the claw plate and hinge rod, and thereby provide a shock absorber effect. Various features of the claw plate enable adjustment of the frictional resistance to rotation of the claw plate about the hinge rod to accommodate different uses of the snowshoe and different characteristics of the user. Other features include an improved arrangement for securing the outer marginal edge of the sheet-type decking or floatation material to the frame.

Abstract: A snowshoe includes a perimeter frame carrying sheet-type floatation and having a hinge rod secured transversely of the frame by hinge rod straps. A foot plate is pivotally mounted on the hinge rod and supports a binding to attach the snowshoe to a user's shoe or the like. A bearing sleeve is disposed between the hinge rod and a retainer plate secured to the underside of the foot plate. The hinge rod, bearing sleeve, retainer plate, and hinge rod straps, act independently or cooperatively to vary the frictional resistance to relative rotation between the foot plate and hinge rod, and thereby provide a shock absorber effect. Various features enable variation of the shock absorbing characteristics to accommodate different uses of the snowshoe and different characteristics of the user. Other features provide improved discharge of snow which accumulates on the snowshoe, and improved retention of the user's boot longitudinally within the binding.

Abstract: A snowshoe including a perimeter frame having a horizontal center line and horizontally spaced side portions, each of the frame side portions having a width, sheet-like material extending between the frame side portions, and a cleat having an upper surface, the cleat being connected directly to the sheet-like material and not directly to the frame so that a portion of the upper surface of the cleat is adjacent to and within a distance not greater than the width of a frame side portion from one of the frame side portions and below the horizontal center line of the frame.