Abstract: A vacuum cleaner which includes a closed loop air system is disclosed. The closed loop air system has an entering chamber, a fan in communication with the chamber, an electrical motor which drives the fan, a filtering unit connected to the entering chamber via a hose, an air jet nozzle located adjacent the chamber, and a hose connecting the nozzle to the filtering unit. Air laden with dirt and debris is picked up from the surface being cleaned and is sucked into the chamber via the fan. The air is directed to the filtering unit where it removes the dirt and debris. The cleaned air is returned to the nozzle. The air stream is again polluted by dirt and dust and is immediately sucked into the cleaner by the fan into the entering chamber. In a further embodiment, an additional fan or blower is employed to increase the air pressure at the nozzle.

Abstract: A door closer comprises a cylinder and a piston rod mounted in the cylinder and has an exposed section outside the cylinder. A retainer plate, an elastic element, a switch rod, and an end cap are mounted around the exposed section. The retainer plate has an arrestor. The elastic element has a first end attached to the cylinder and a second end attached to a side of the retainer plate. The switch rod includes a first side in contact with the other side of the retainer plate. The end cap is attached to a second side of the switch rod for enclosing the switch rod and the retainer plate. The end cap includes two longitudinal slots through which the retainer rod and the arrestor of the retainer plate extend outward such that the retainer rod and the arrestor of the retainer plate are rectilinearly movable along the longitudinal slots.

Abstract: A rotary damper device includes a case in which a viscous fluid it filled and sealed, a rotation shaft relatively rotatable supported by the case, a rotation vane formed protruded from the rotation shaft, and a check valve mounted on a tip part of the rotation vane. A passage where the viscous fluid passes through is formed in the rotation vane. The check valve is provided with an opposing face part facing the passage and a frame body interposing the rotation vane. An elastic member for energizing the opposing face part of the check valve for closing the passage of the rotation vane is formed in either the rotation vane or the opposite side of the frame body of the opposing face part.

Abstract: A grip main portion includes supporting members disposed on both sides thereof. An assist grip can be rotated to switch between a non-operational position and an operational position projected into a compartment through the supporting members. An attaching portion of the compartment is provided with the first and second temporary attaching holes. One of the supporting members is provided with a pole protrusion passing freely through the first temporary attaching hole. The other supporting member is provided with an elastic protrusion to be engaged when inserted into the second temporary attaching hole. The elastic protrusion can be pulled out from the second temporary attaching hole when the grip main portion is rotated by a predetermined angle with the pole protrusion being pulled out from the first temporary attaching hole.

Abstract: An anti-lock turning shaft for positive and reverse turning on a single element consists of a shaft body which has an anchor section connecting a spindle, and a sleeve which has a pivotal section coupling with the spindle. The pivotal section connects a first elastic section and a second elastic section. The first elastic section and the second elastic section form a positive and reverse turning on a single element to allow dynamic and static friction forces close to each other, and to allow gripping forces reaching a natural balance to increase useful life, and to generate a loose and a tight condition, thereby to prevent lock phenomenon from happening, and avoid the installation main body from damaging.

Abstract: A hinge device includes female and male connecting members with two mounting sections fastened to two components of an electronic device for relative rotational movement. A tubular sleeve section of the female connecting member is formed integrally with the mounting section and confines an accommodation space therein. A cylindrical section of the male connecting member is formed integrally with the mounting section and is insertable into and is frictionally rotatable in the accommodation space. A grease receiving channel portion is formed in an outer surrounding surface of the cylindrical section, and includes two opposing channels and an interconnecting groove communicating with the channels such that grease is distributed evenly therein for obtaining a good lubricating effect.

Abstract: The self-fastening handle assembly includes a carrier panel with an aperture. A base member has a central bore and a bottom surface. Fingers, which extend from the bottom surface of the base member, are in a first arrangement which has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the aperture and thereby capable of being routed therethrough. The fingers are expandable from the first arrangement to a second arrangement having a diameter greater than the diameter of the aperture. A spreader pin resides within the bore and within the fingers. The spreader pin is movable from a first position with the fingers at the first arrangement to a second position within the fingers to a second arrangement with the finger engaging surface in communication with the fingers. A handle, pivotally connected to the base member by a pivot; has an impact end which drives the spreader pin into the fingers upon rotation of the handle.

Abstract: A visor clip of unitary construction is presented along with a method for manufacture. The visor clip includes an engagement portion that frictionally engages with an engagement target, which may be a sun visor in an automobile. A payload portion is designed to receive and frictionally couple to a payload, where the payload may include a number of small objects such as toothpicks. The payload portion includes a number of extended portions on one or more of the surfaces that define the payload portion. The inclusion of the extended portions provides a number of force application points that enhance the frictional engagement of the payload.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards an apparatus for securing and adjusting a strap. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards a buckle assembly having a pivotable member pivotably attached to opposed regions of the buckle frame. In one embodiment, a sport-goggle assembly has a pivotable buckle assembly attached to one end of a strap. In another embodiment, a sport-goggle assembly has a pivotable buckle assembly attached to each of the two straps. In other embodiments, the pivotable buckle assembly can be used in association with a strap-lengthening member.

Abstract: To provide a surface fastener that can be easily produced, is excellent in strength, has necessary engagement force and can withstand the repetition of use.

Abstract: A clothes clip has a biasing spring that imparts a symmetrical force to each of the gripping members of the clothes clip. The two distal ends of the spring press against the fixed jaw of the clip at point equidistant from the central axis, and a central loop of the spring presses against the movable jaw of the clip along its central axis.

Abstract: A structure of a U-shaped lace buckle is disclosed. The U-shaped lace buckle comprises a shallow trench located at a central region. A releasing hole and a fastening hole are disposed within the central hollow region. The dimension of the releasing hole is larger than that of fastening hole. The releasing hole and the fastening hole are connected by a gradually tapering hole, wherein the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with the releasing hole is larger and the dimension of the tapering hole connecting with fastening hole is smaller. And the fastening hole comprises a plurality of protruded elements projecting from the inner surface. Further, the lace buckle comprises a through channel that passes from one end to the other end and connected through an arch-shaped groove located in between said two ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for machining a join surface of a workpiece, and solves the problem of the leakage attributable to the streaks formed by the abrasive grains thereby to provide the join surface having a high hermetic property.

Abstract: A machine tool rotational indexing device is provided that is capable of avoiding or restraining the reduction in the preload force of any of rolling element rows or restraining the reduction in the support rigidity of the rotary-side coupling even if the preload is decreased. Rolling elements are arranged in a plurality of rolling element rows between a rotary-side coupling and a stationary-side coupling and a prescribed preload force acts when a joint coupling is located in an unclamped position. The rolling element rows are constructed of a first rolling element row arranged in a direction in which the preload force increases as the joint coupling moves to a clamped position and a second rolling element row arranged in a direction in which the preload force decreases. The first rolling element row is positioned farther apart from the meshing engagement portion of the couplings than the second rolling element row.

Abstract: A quick disconnect hub which is secured to the motor drive shaft receives a high pitch threaded pad driver disk to which a burnishing pad is mounted. The hub includes a conically tapered surface, as does the driver disk for centering. A spring-loaded locking pin extends between the burnishing motor and selectively locks the drive hub against rotation for removal of the driver disk by rotating approximately one or two times, thus allowing the removal of the pad driver from the motor and allowing the centered mounting of the burnishing pad to the driver remote from the machine. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an interlock switch is coupled to the spring-loaded locking pin such that, when the hub is locked against rotation for removal of the driver disk, the switch prevents inadvertent activation of the motor when the hub is locked.

Abstract: A method for forming a hollow part (18) that allows the use of hydroforming in cases where the part interconnects between sections having extreme variations in cross-section. A complete hollow part (18) is formed by joining a hydroformed hollow section with hollow sections. A method for securing a fastener sleeve (102) insert in a pre-fabricated hollow part (100) is also provided. In this method, the hollow part (100) is deformed slightly to form flanges (108) that secure the insert (102) in the part. Once the insert (102) is secure in the hollow part, fasteners can be applied to the part without collapsing it.

Abstract: A can end (1) having a chuck wall (3) which is inclined at an angle of between 30° and 60°. The chuck wall (3) is provided with an image (9) such as a logo, pattern, printed or etched image, typically for promotional purposes.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a bellows by bulge forming, an annealing step is carried out during the bulge forming process of the bellows so that the capability of the material to elongate is recovered, and the workability of the bellows is improved in effect. In particular, the ratio of the outer diameter to the outer diameter can be made greater than a value that can be achieved by a single forming step. Therefore, the deflection (stroke) of each annular bulge or pleat can be increased for a given stress or the number of annular bulges and the length of the bellows can be decreased for a given stroke of the bellows.

Abstract: A method for coating surfaces of a screw machine. The method includes the steps of providing at least one of a plurality of screw machine components including a rotor housing having at least a pair of parallel, overlapping bores; at least a conjugate pair of intermeshing rotors located in the bores, wherein each of the rotors has helical lobes having radially outward tip portions and intervening radially inward root portions; rough coating a surface of at least one of the plurality of components with a conformable coating, wherein the coating is substantially unevenly applied to the surface and has variable thickness over said surface; and leveling the conformable coating to a substantially uniform thickness prior to final assembly of the plurality of components, the substantially uniform thickness selected to ease assembly of the components, while maintaining coating performance criteria.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a golf club head which realizes the sharpening of edges of score lines even in the case that the score lines are formed by press working. Score lines 10 are formed on a face 3 by press working. Then, the face 3 is formed flat by machining process. In an alternative form of the invention, the score lines 10 are formed on the face 3 by press working, and then the face 3 is formed flat by press working process. Thus, it is possible to make the edge portion of each score line 10 flush with the surface of the face, enabling the sharpening of the edge angle thereof, so that balls are able to be easily caught on the edges, whereby there can be provided a method for manufacturing a golf club head which is able to put a spin on a ball effectively.

Abstract: In a natural state of a probe (41), a plunger (61) is distanced from a rod (62) by a spring (63), the rod (62) is held in contact with a contact element (75) by a spring (74), so that the rod (62) is connected to a common conductor of a base plate via a barrel (55). On the other hand, when an end of a wire comes into contact with an end of the plunger (61) to push it toward the rod (62), the rod (62) is distanced from the contact element (75). To be electrically disconnected from the common conductor of the base plate. Thus, all the barrels (55) and contact elements (75) of a plurality of probes (41) can be held at a specified potential only by a wiring for the signal common conductor.

Abstract: A green ceramic heater including a green heating resistor formed of an electrically conductive ceramic (e.g., suicide or carbide of a metal element such as W, Ta, or Nb) and an insulative ceramic (e.g., silicon nitride) and power supply leads (e.g., made of W), a first end of each power supply lead being connected to a corresponding end of the green heating resistor, the green heating resistor and the power supply leads buried in a green substrate formed of a material (e.g., silicon nitride) is fired, and subsequently, the resultant ceramic heater is heat-treated at 900 to 1,600° C., to thereby enhance flexural strength of the ceramic heater. The heat treatment is preferably carried out prior to forming a glass layer on an outer circumferential surface of the ceramic heater.

Abstract: A fixing band-tightening apparatus comprises a holding section for gripping a shaft section at both ends in an axial direction, the holding section being provided rotatably in a circumferential direction in accordance with a driving action of a rotary driving source, a stopper section arranged in a lateral direction substantially horizontal with respect to the holding section, for positioning a projection of a fixing band in the lateral direction except for a vertical direction, and a band-tightening section for forcibly nipping the projection of the fixing band positioned by the stopper section to tighten the fixing band.

Abstract: A fixing band-tightening apparatus comprises a holding section for gripping a shaft section at both ends in an axial direction, the holding section being provided rotatably in a circumferential direction in accordance with a driving action of a rotary driving source, a stopper section arranged in a lateral direction substantially horizontal with respect to the holding section, for positioning a projection of a fixing band in the lateral direction except for a vertical direction, and a band-tightening section for forcibly nipping the projection of the fixing band positioned by the stopper section to tighten the fixing band.

Abstract: A fixture for pre-loading a pivot assembly has a stationary base and a tool that is axially movable relative to the base. The tool has a platen with a pre-load mass and a cylindrical enclosure. A sphere is suspended within the enclosure but is free to roll and move laterally along three degrees of freedom. The pivot assembly has an external sleeve with a coaxial shaft mounted on bearings. Each ball bearing has an inner ring, an outer ring, and balls in between. The rings are adhesively bonded to the shaft and sleeve. The pivot is placed on the base of the fixture and the tool is lowered. The sphere is free to “float” within the enclosure until it makes contact with the inner ring of the upper bearing in the pivot. Upon contact, the compliant, rolling sphere automatically self-aligns with the pivot. The pre-load mass applies the desired force against the pivot until the adhesive cures.

Abstract: An automotive framing system is disclosed for positioning an underbody component with at least two body side components wherein the body side components are positioned on top of the underbody component to form a body preassembly. The system includes a conveyor for sequentially moving body preassemblies to a predetermined assembly station. At least two frames are selectively positioned at the assembly station and each frame includes structural beams extending over and around the sides of a body preassembly position at the assembly station. At least one lifting rail is vertically slidably mounted to each frame and movable between an upper and a lower position. In its upper position, one or more locators on the lifting rail register with locator receptors on the underbody component so that, as the lifting rail moves from its lower and to its upper position, the lifting rail elevates the underbody component from the conveyor to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A method is provided for deconstructing an integrated circuit package comprising: taking an integrated circuit package comprising a lead frame having a plurality of wire bond pads for placing a die into electrical contact with the lead frame, and an encapsulant encapsulating the wire bond pads; and removing the encapsulant to expose the wire bond pads; wherein at least a portion of the encapsulant is removed by a lapping process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabrication of ZnO nanowires, which uses the sputter deposition technique to form the ZnO nanowires on non-single-crystal the copper metallized substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic shaping method and structure of fin and connection element. A feeder drives a material belt to enter a punch having a continuous die. The material belt passes a guide device, a bottom die, and a top die of the continuous die to perform operations of punching a central hole, shaping of outer appearance, and hole expansion and drawing. After an a period's interval, the top die is used to shear the material belt, and a pressure piece moves downwards for side shearing. At the same time of shearing, shaped sheet fins are pressured onto the connection element. A stepping device drives the pressure piece to stack the fins on the connection element one by one. The connection elements are arranged at the feeder. The connection element is sent into a positioning device one by one. After the fins are stacked, automatic replacement is performed.

Abstract: By providing a dual cutting head module which is constructed for precisely cutting beards and mustaches in a wide variety of alternate widths using one cutting blade, while also trimming and cutting nose/ear hair using a second cutting blade, an easily employed, dependable, reliable, multi-purpose beard/mustache and nose/ear hair trimming system is achieved. In one embodiment, the dual cutting blade head member is constructed for removable mounted engagement with the support base, as well as being arcuately pivotable relative thereto, enabling either of the two desired cutting blades to be moved into the operating position whenever desired by the user. In an alternate embodiment, the dual cutting blade head member is mounted to the support base for pivotable movement only, enabling the desired multi-purpose use and operation to be provided, with reduced simplicity in manufacturing.

Abstract: A folding tool such as a knife or multitool has a handle defined by opposed side walls with a slot therebetween. An implement such as a blade is pivotally connected to the handle. A spring such as a liner disposed between the implement and one side wall has a longitudinal slot cut therein and opening on the end adjacent the implement attachment to define a spring arm. The slot includes a constricted zone that is preferably substantially V shaped and has an apex aligned with the pivot axis of the implement. A pin on the implement rides in the slot. When the pin is on the rearward side of the apex the spring arm applies pressure to the implement and prevents it from moving into the open position. The implement is thus safely and securely locked into the handle.

Abstract: A folding knife having a blade and handle further includes a sheath which receives the exposed edge and knife point of the blade in an accommodating slot. A leaf spring in registry with the accommodating slot has a locking face that locks the blade into place and an unlocking face that releases the blade when the handle is rotated about the locked blade, thus allowing the knife to be released from the sheath in an open position. By use of the sheath, the blade can be double edged and can be longer than the handle.

Abstract: A somewhat broad grip has been attached by a screw at the outer edge Of each of the 2 blades that comprise the scissors. A free-standing scissor has been invented in which the grips have been given a shape that make them easy to grasp by hand, and on the grips' outer surfaces, support in sections to enable free-standing have been provided such that they are nearly perpendicular to the plane of the blades. Further, the 2 blades are attached by a shaft, and at the rear of the shaft, a spring has been attached inside the grips, assisting in the opening of the blade tips, and keeping the blades always able to cut materials such as paper. Therefore, with the invention placed on a desk or other flat surface, if the front of the top grip is pressed from above, the blade tips close, enabling cutting of materials such as paper, and when the user's hand is released, the blade tips open again, enabling use even by persons with little fingertip strength.

Abstract: Multifunction folding tool comprising at least one two lever instrument that can close and open by the rotation of one of the two levers and whose said lever is firmly held in a resting position when said instrument is open, thus increasing the convenience of use and the security of the tool.

Abstract: A transverse handle for an elongated tool is preferably shipped attached to an elongated tool, but in a comparatively low profile, stowed position from which it can be placed relatively quickly and easily in an operating position by a consumer, preferably without the need for a tool. The handle is connected to the elongated tool with a mounting device that permits the handle to be pivoted between at least two positions: a stowed position, in which the handle is clamped and oriented approximately in the same direction as the elongated tool; and an operating position, in which it is clamped in a transverse orientation to the elongated tool.

Abstract: A spoon having: a handle portion; and a head portion connected to the handle portion, the head portion being at least partially fabricated from a shape memory material, the head having a first shape to hold a liquid when the temperature of the liquid is less then a predetermined threshold temperature and a second shape so as to not hold the liquid when the temperature of the liquid is greater than the predetermined threshold. The first shape is preferably a concave shape and the second shape is a substantially flat shape. Alternatively, the first shape is a concave shape and the second shape is a concave shape having at least one opening in the concave shape. A fork is also disclosed having times that change shape when the temperature of food held thereon is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A leveling assembly for setting a vertical prop comprised of inclined surface setting member 20 and horizontal surface forming member 30 wherein; the horizontal surface forming member 30 has a horizontal surface 32 to be adjusted as being horizontal and a first adjusting surface 31 formed by surface not parallel to horizontal surface 32, the inclined surface setting member 20 has a setting surface 21 facing a slope inclined surface 11 and a second adjusting surface 22 facing the first adjusting surface 31 formed by a surface not parallel to setting surface 21, and, the horizontal surface forming member 30 and inclined surface setting member 20 to be piled up to make the first adjusting surface 31 and the second adjusting surface 21 next to each other, and, the horizontal surface 32 to be horizontal to the slope inclined surface 11 by rotating relatively the position and changing degree between the horizontal surface 32 and the setting surface 21.

Abstract: The printing or digital displaying of sets of two numbers in consecutive order, in one of three configurations that along with the existing number, printed or designed, form in proportion two of the three sides of a 3 by 4 by 5 increment 90-degree right-angled triangle, or any other right triangle where the three sides form increments in whole numbers or whole numbers and simple fractions, on or in all types of measuring devices that measure distance or angles in some form of increments including tape measure blades, optical reader tape measures, rulers yard sticks etc. The printing or digital display of the cosine formula for finding angles when two sides of a triangle are known and indicating the cosines for angles of 90 degrees or less.

Abstract: A tool for inspecting and verifying weld beads in a pipeline includes a plate-like structure which has a surface and edges adapted for inspecting and verifying various weld bead attributes. The surface is imprinted with several identification marks, including for example, wall thicknesses and ratios of weld bead width to wall thickness. The tool can be used to verify weld bead convexity, weld bead concavity, and weld bead width for many different wall thicknesses. The tool is capable of verifying weld bead width and axial alignment of successive sections of pipe along the pipeline. All verifications and measurements are visual and tactile, without need for complex machinery or calculations, and can be accomplished with a single, lightweight tool. Additionally, a single tool can be used to verify weld beads for a variety of different pipe thicknesses.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the concentricity of cartridges (30, 31), more particularly rifle cartridges, is essentially composed of a main body (1) provided with chambers (2) for cartridges of one or a plurality of calibers. The cartridges are radially retained in the chambers by so-called diameter compensators (9) but rotatable about their longitudinal axis. In the area of the point (39) of the projectile, an access for a measuring means (3) is provided, e.g., a dial gauge, the latter indicating the deviation of the projectile from perfect concentricity by the magnitude of its deflection variation when the cartridge (30, 31) is rotated. An aligning device (4) that is preferably also provided allows to exert a lateral pressure on the projectile in order to obtain an improved concentricity.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring wrist motion is provided. The device allows for direct determination of wrist position in the radial/ulnar and flexion/extension planes, without needing calibration or determination of the center of rotation of the wrist. The goniometer comprises a forearm component locating at least three displacement measuring devices. The forearm component is adapted to be releasably affixed to a forearm of a user. A hand component is also provided adapted to be releasably affixed to a hand of the user. The displacement measuring devices include cables adapted to be connected to the hand component. The displacement measuring devices are configured to measure angular displacement of the hand component relative to the forearm component. Two of the cables may be provided adjacent and substantially parallel to each other at substantially the same height above the base of the forearm component.

Abstract: A cabinet marking device has a mating member. A plate has a first face and a second face. The first face is attached to the mating member. A marker is attached to a second face of the plate.

Abstract: A guide tool assembly is provided for use with a tape measuring device to measure, scribe or cut drywall or the like. The guide tool assembly consists of two parts, one a slidable guide element including a mounting slot for enabling the slidable guide element to be slidably mounted on the measuring tape of the tape measuring device and a knife guide element adapted to be affixed to the measuring tape at the free end thereof. The knife guide includes a transverse opening therein for, in one application, receiving a cutting blade. In this application, the slidable element is set at the desired measuring point along the tape and with the slidable element in engagement with the edge of the drywall panel to be cut, the slidable element and the cutting blade are moved in parallel to provide a cut of the desired width. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly is used for making arcuate cuts or inscriptions.

Abstract: A combination ultraviolet curing and infrared dryer system which allows both an ultraviolet curing unit to be used at the same time an infrared dryer is used. The infrared dryer and ultraviolet curing unit are placed in an enclosure having a cooling system which cools both the ultraviolet curing unit and the infrared dryer. The cooling system may comprise an air supply system, or may comprise an air supply system and a water cooling system.

Abstract: Presently in the health, beauty, and athletic spas, no consistent, readily available absolute prevention exists for the spread of foot and nail disease. My invention of the clear, plastic, disposable spa slipper provides an inexpensive solution to this dilemma. The consistent, one time use of this product by spa patrons guarantees that no existing foot/nail fungus, virus or bacteria can be transmitted to other patrons and that no presently available disease in the spa wet areas can be contracted by the wearer.

Abstract: A sole assembly for a shock resistant shoe includes a sole having a heel region and a ball region. A first cone spring, disposed within the sole, includes a large diameter terminal end and an opposing small diameter terminal end. The large diameter terminal end is disposed above the small diameter terminal end.

Abstract: Devices and systems for providing dynamic foot support to a user are described. A device includes a heel support shelf, a foot support shelf, and a dampening device that allows relative motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf. When a wearer has on footwear that includes such a device, his or her foot is bent and flexed within the footwear during natural walking motion, thereby promoting blood flow, preventing stress, increasing comfort and reducing pain.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional spatial shoe vamp, including multiple longitudinal straps, latitudinal straps, and support straps. The longitudinal straps and the latitudinal straps respectively overlap each other in an intersecting manner along longitudinal and latitudinal directions. The support straps, the longitudinal straps and the latitudinal straps form a triangular relationship. The support straps pass through the longitudinal straps and the latitudinal straps in a corrugated manner. Each of the support straps initially crosses a top of each of the longitudinal straps, and then crosses a bottom of each of the latitudinal straps. Thus, the longitudinal straps, the latitudinal straps and the support straps may intersect and knit a three-dimensional spatial shoe vamp which has a substantially triangular spatial structure.

Abstract: The boot for gliding sports, particularly for skiing, comprises a rigid shell (2) for partially surrounding a user's foot, a collar (3) articulated on the shell (2), and an inner boot, said shell (2) including an open part that makes it easier to put the boot on and to take it off. The boot also comprises at least one flexible element (6) covering said open part so as to close the boot, and a semirigid element (7, 8) superposed over said flexible element (6), and means (9) for fixing said elements on the rigid shell (2).

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.