With Binding Permitting Foot To Pivot Patents (Class 36/125)
-
Patent number: 12194368Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Inventor: Ryan C. Hoth
-
Patent number: 11805849Abstract: A single-pull tightened snowshoe binding is provided, the binding comprising: a sole plate configured to be hingedly interconnected to a 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 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 extending outward from the sole plate, wherein the first lateral strap is configured to wrap upward along a lateral aspect of the shoe and extend toward a posterior aspect of the shoe; a second lateral strap extending 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 first tightening strap having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first tightening strap interconnected to aType: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Kwik Tek, Inc.Inventors: Corey A. Lewison, Kevin J. Kresch
-
Patent number: 11633002Abstract: A frame of a snowshoe has an annular frame, a vamp, a plurality of teeth and an upper, wherein the annular frame is made from a metal pipe with a triangular cross-section, the front end of the annular frame is upturned, the middle portion of the annular frame is horizontal, and the rear portion of the annular frame is horizontal or upturned; the annular frame has a top surface for mounting a vamp and has a bottom surface with a sharp downward angle, and the lateral teeth for anti-skid effect are mounted on the bottom surface of the frame. The snowshoe is simple in structure, light and easy to carry, high in strength, and firm and stable to mount, and is lightweight, safe and skid proof when walking on the snow and is convenient for climbing, so that it is suitable for people who like snow sports.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Ninghai Xingda Leisure Products Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jinxue Hu
-
Patent number: 11590407Abstract: A system for securing a snowboard binding to a snowboard may be an intermediary between the snowboard binding and the snowboard. In some embodiments, the system includes an expandable snowshoe attachment device. The system for securing a snowboard binding to a snowboard may include an upper piece and one or more lower pieces. The upper piece may be configured to attach to a lower surface of a baseplate of a snowboard binding. The one or more lower pieces may be rails. The rails may be fastened to a snowboard. The upper piece may include one or more extensions. The one or more extensions may deploy to increase a bottom surface area of the upper piece. Increasing the bottom surface area of the upper piece may increase the flotation of the upper piece on surfaces such as snow.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Inventors: Jayson Boren, Nelson Tate Floyd
-
Patent number: 11154767Abstract: The invention relates to a snowshoe including a base structure forming a shoe area and a lift area, in which the lift area comprises a side projection on each side of the shoe area, a front portion of the snowshoe substantially corresponding to the front of the shoe area.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: MARTIN PLASTIQUE PARTICIPATIONSInventors: Joël Varaine, Hervé Piron, Olivier Reboullet
-
Patent number: 10834994Abstract: Sole (20) for a sports shoe, notably for a cross-country ski boot, comprising a first component (1) acting as a framework and at least one second component (21) assembled with the first component (1), characterized in that the second component (21) comprises an anterior part (32) extending substantially longitudinally in the anterior part of the sole (20).Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: ROSSIGNOL LANGE S.R.L.Inventors: Giuseppe Garbujo, Giovanni Meneghini, Massimo Poloni
-
Patent number: 9107469Abstract: A snowshoe with an integrated articulating link is provided, where a surface support structure and a foot connector plate are connected by a multi-axial articulating link. The surface support structure, the foot connector plate and the articulating link constitute a structural unit, a mono-construction. The multi-axial tilt motion in the articulating link is achieved by extension and compression in the material structure. The extension and compression in the material structure is controlled by one or more corrugations in the arms.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: SNOWMOTION ASInventors: Christian Brunsvig, Fredrik Wenstøp, Kristian Wenstøp, Liam Thomas Frank Woolley
-
Patent number: 8931188Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: K-2 CorporationInventor: Chris Barchet
-
Publication number: 20140041258Abstract: A snowshoe with an integrated articulating link wherein said surface support structure and said foot connector plate are connected by a multi-axial articulating link. The surface support structure, said foot connector plate and said articulating link constitute a structural unit, a mono-construction. The multi-axial tilt motion in said articulating link is achieved by extension and compression in the material structure. The extension and compression in the material structure is controlled by one or more corrugations in the arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: SNOWMOTION ASInventors: Christian BRUNSVIG, Fredrik WENSTØP, Kristian WENSTØP, Liam Thomas Frank WOOLLEY
-
Patent number: 8595958Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Easton Technical Products, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Chartrand, Teddy D. Palomaki, Gregory J. Easton
-
Patent number: 8544194Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: Chao-Ming Lin
-
Patent number: 8302331Abstract: The snowshoe has a hinge member for mounting a harness to the snowshoe's frame, the hinge member having a rigid pivot rod for extending between first and second side segments of the frame and comprising opposite first and second end portions, the pivot rod for pivotally receiving the harness. The hinge member also includes a first rigid rod attachment mount having a first frame socket for pivotal attachment to the frame first side segment so as to be pivotable about the frame first side segment, and a first rod socket wherein the rigid pivot rod first end portion is pivotally mounted, the first rod socket being spaced apart from the first frame socket so as to allow the pivot rod to pivot about an axis which is generally parallel to and spaced from the first frame socket.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Faber & Co., Inc.Inventors: Guy Faber, Richard Faber
-
Patent number: 8020321Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: K-2 CorporationInventors: Gregory Vinton Matthews, Francis E. Mahoney
-
Patent number: 7984572Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: TSL Sport EquipmentInventor: Philippe Gallay
-
Publication number: 20110173845Abstract: The snowshoe has a hinge member for mounting a harness to the snowshoe's frame, the hinge member having a rigid pivot rod for extending between first and second side segments of the frame and comprising opposite first and second end portions, the pivot rod for pivotally receiving the harness. The hinge member also includes a first rigid rod attachment mount having a first frame socket for pivotal attachment to the frame first side segment so as to be pivotable about the frame first side segment, and a first rod socket wherein the rigid pivot rod first end portion is pivotally mounted, the first rod socket being spaced apart from the first frame socket so as to allow the pivot rod to pivot about an axis which is generally parallel to and spaced from the first frame socket.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Guy Faber, Richard Faber
-
Publication number: 20110113651Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventor: Chris Barchet
-
Patent number: 7930842Abstract: Provided is a snowshoe with crampons, whose portion equipped with the crampons can be removed from a snowshoe body, and that is compactly portable.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Mont-Bell Co., Ltd.Inventor: Isamu Tatsuno
-
Patent number: 7797858Abstract: A snowshoe (1) whose binding (5) for retaining of the boot is mounted on a cross-piece (9) whose ends are mounted laterally to the snowshoe itself, characterized in that the aforementioned ends are mounted via two couplings (7a, 7b) of two rings, namely a left coupling (7a) and a right coupling (7b).Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: TSL Sport EquipmentInventor: Philippe Gallay
-
Patent number: 7793439Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Easton Technical Products, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Chartrand, Teddy D. Palomaki, Gregory J. Easton
-
Publication number: 20100132225Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: Rudy Lucas Samuels, Chris Barchet, Dodd Grande, Rachel Lin, Mark S. Williams, Scott Youmans
-
Patent number: 7716855Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: TSL Sport EquipmentInventors: Philippe Gallay, Bruno Deloustal
-
Publication number: 20090265957Abstract: A snowshoe including a platform for flotation and a binding for attaching the platform to a wearer's footwear. At least one of the platform and the binding can be formed at least in part from a foam material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: CRESCENT MOON SNOWSHOESInventor: Tamara Lynn Laug
-
Patent number: 7594666Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Sunshine Distribution, Inc.Inventor: Andreas C. Wegener
-
Patent number: 7497034Abstract: A binding for a snowshoe has, in several different embodiments, a pair of straps to draw the binding tight over a user's boot, the two straps reversing direction at side loop points and being secured to a pair of buckles on a floating tongue at the top of the binding, generally over the ball area of the foot. In one form the straps are anchored at toe points on the binding and extend back in a crossing, X configuration, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,360. In another form the straps are shorter and do not cross, the forward ends being replaced with toe-cradling strap-like members that extend up and back and come together at a pivot connection with a tongue, in this case a shorter tongue, to which the two buckles are connected. The binding tends to open with release of the straps. In a third form the tongue is a larger, padded X-shaped flexible member under which the boot is slid to engage the binding.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: K-2 CorporationInventors: Daniel T. Emerson, Rudy Lucas Samuels
-
Patent number: 7493709Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventors: David V. Trask, Brian C. Trask, Valorie J. Downs, Renae L. Trask Schwartz
-
Publication number: 20090007456Abstract: A snowshoe accessory is provided. The snowshoe accessory can be purchased at low cost as an after-market device and be installed easily by the purchaser on his/her own snowshoes for upgrading them or snowshoes can also be purchased along with the snowshoe accessory already installed. The snowshoe accessory is to be installed on snowshoes having a tubular outside frame to provide lateral longitudinal crampons for preventing side-sliding. Lateral longitudinal crampons are disposed in a region proximate to the portion of the snowshoe where the weight of the snowshoer is applied—i.e., near the foot pivot system and the heel stand—and penetrate in the snow to efficiently prevent side-sliding when snowshoeing on a tilted snow surface for example and to provide additional traction. A snowshoe accessory without crampon can also be provided to provide spacing between the tubular frame and the ground in order to prevent early wear out of the pivot strap or the deck.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventor: Louis GARNEAU
-
Patent number: 7461471Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: K2 Snowshoes, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Kiniry, Francis E. Mahoney, Steven R. Burke
-
Publication number: 20080184599Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: Lane Ekberg
-
Publication number: 20080178494Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Philippe Gallay, Stephane Latruffe
-
Publication number: 20080141564Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Gregory Vinton Matthews, Francis E. Mahoney
-
Patent number: 7308767Abstract: 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?).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Inventors: Antonio Cutando Soriano, Antonio Del Castillo Lopez
-
Patent number: 7194825Abstract: The snowshoe includes an opened U-shaped frame supporting a semi-rigid decking having a toe hole and a harness pivotally attached to the decking near the toe hole. The absence of a rear tail portion on the frame forms a gap that helps prevent the dragging effect of the snowshoe while it trails on the ground during gait. Also, the harness is pivotally attached to the decking by means of a harness attachment that includes an anti-torsion shoulder that will abut on the edge of the decking in the toe hole, to prevent the harness from rotating about an axis that is transversal to the decking.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Faber & Co. Ltd.Inventors: Guy Faber, Richard Faber
-
Patent number: 7150464Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for a configurable snowshoe and ski device. The device may include a base member having a bottom for traversing over snow, and a plurality of wings rotatably coupled to the member, the wings convertible between a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow and a snowshoe configuration in which the wings extend outward laterally. Also, the device may include a traction device connected to the base member and configured for gripping snow or ice when the plurality of wings is in the snowshoe configuration. The method may include rotatating a plurality of wings coupled to a base member outward laterally to form a snowshoe configuration, and rotating the plurality of wings inward to form a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Inventor: Lane Ekberg
-
Patent number: 7080850Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for a configurable snowshoe and ski device. The device may include a base member having a bottom for traversing over snow, and a plurality of wings rotatably coupled to the member, the wings convertible between a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow and a snowshoe configuration in which the wings extend outward laterally. Also, the device may include a first locking device configured to maintain the plurality of wings in the snowshoe configuration, and a second locking device configured to maintain the plurality of wings in the skiing configuration. The method may include rotatating a plurality of wings coupled to a base member outward laterally to form a snowshoe configuration, and rotating the plurality of wings inward to form a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Inventor: Lane Ekberg
-
Patent number: 6931769Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: K2 Snowshoes, Inc.Inventors: Francis E. Mahoney, Daniel P. Kiniry
-
Patent number: 6898874Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: K2 Snowshoes, Inc.Inventors: Daniel T. Emerson, Rudy Lucas Samuels, Charles Bentley Warner
-
Publication number: 20040250453Abstract: A snowshoe includes numerous adjustment mechanisms for accommodating varied snow conditions and terrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventor: Joseph J. Settelmayer
-
Publication number: 20040231200Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: William Edwin Forrest, Jane Andrea Verrall
-
Publication number: 20040187355Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: TUBBS SNOWSHOE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Francis E. Mahoney, Daniel P. Kiniry
-
Publication number: 20040083626Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: David V. Trask, Brian C. Trask, Valorie J. Downs, Renae L. Trask Schwartz
-
Patent number: 6694645Abstract: A binding for a snowshoe has a base secured to a footbed connected to the snowshoe frame, and a tongue piece above the footbed, connected at front to the footbed in a flexible hinge and positioned to engage the top of a user's boot, from the toe to the arch. At each side of the binding, between the tongue piece and the footpad, lacing extends in zig-zag configuration from the front to the back of the binding, passing through lacing eyes and slidable through the eyes with relatively low friction, for drawing the tongue piece down onto the boot. At the back of the binding, a heel strap is positioned to extend around the heel of the foot, and this heel strap is connected to the lacing at both sides, such that when the heel strap is tightened via slip-through type adjustment buckles, this pulls on the lacing to tighten the lacing at both sides and snug the tongue piece down against the boot, firmly engaging the boot in the binding.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Winterquest LLCInventors: Nathan J. Messmer, Charles Bentley Warner, Deirdre O'Mara, Luca Innocente, Franco Bastasin, Giancarlo Pozzobon
-
Publication number: 20030167657Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Daniel P. Kiniry, Francis E. Mahoney
-
Publication number: 20030126765Abstract: A binding for a snowshoe has a base secured to a footbed connected to the snowshoe frame, and a tongue piece above the footbed, connected at front to the footbed in a flexible hinge and positioned to engage the top of a user's boot, from the toe to the arch. At each side of the binding, between the tongue piece and the footpad, lacing extends in zig-zag configuration from the front to the back of the binding, passing through lacing eyes and slidable through the eyes with relatively low friction, for drawing the tongue piece down onto the boot. At the back of the binding, a heel strap is positioned to extend around the heel of the foot, and this heel strap is connected to the lacing at both sides, such that when the heel strap is tightened via slip-through type adjustment buckles, this pulls on the lacing to tighten the lacing at both sides and snug the tongue piece down against the boot, firmly engaging the boot in the binding.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Nathan J. Messmer, Charles Bentley Warner, Deirdre O'Mara, Luca Innocente, Franco Bastasin, Giancarlo Pozzobon
-
Publication number: 20030126764Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Daniel T. Emerson, Rudy Lucas Samuels, Charles Bentley Warner
-
Publication number: 20030101623Abstract: A snowshoe having a floatation structure and a binding configured to secure a wearer's foot to the snowshoe. The floatation structure is adapted to distribute the weight of the wearer over an area larger than the wearer's foot. The snowshoe may include a pivot adjuster secured to the snowshoe and configured to enable selective adjustment of pivotal movement occurring between the binding and the floatation structure. The pivot adjuster typically is configured to enable operation by the wearer while wearing the snowshoe. Additionally, or alternatively, the snowshoe may include a pivot limiter configured to enable selective adjustment of a permitted range of pivoting between the binding and floatation structure. In addition to or instead of these features, the snowshoe may include an extension configured for selective attachment to the floatation structure so as to permit selective variation of the area over which weight is distributed by the snowshoe.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventor: Joseph J. Settelmayer
-
Patent number: 6526629Abstract: A snowshoe having a boot harness assembly includes one or more cam lock type buckles through which webbing straps are tightened. The cam lock buckle allows low friction pulling of the tail end of a strap for tightening, while providing a positive lock against slippage in the opposite direction. A particular configuration of cam lock buckle is disclosed by which friction in tightening the strap is reduced further.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Tubbs Snowshoe Company LLCInventors: Charles Bentley Warner, Daniel T. Emerson
-
Patent number: 6505423Abstract: An improved snowshoe includes a frame at least partially covered by a membrane, a front claw, and biased mounting means for pivotally attaching the front claw to the frame at an offset relative to a neutral frame plane. The biased mounting permits the user's foot to pivot the front claw downward increasing friction with the underlying terrain, but also urges the snowshoe to pivot toward an angle restoring the offset when the snowshoe is lifted. This results in the back of the snowshoe being urged downward, minimizing snow throwing by the snowshoe back, without producing dragging. At the same time, the front of the snowshoe is urged upward, tending not to trip the user. The biased mounting preferably includes at least one resilient strap attached to the frame and, at the strap center, to the front claw. The preferred embodiment includes a rear cleat mounted to the upper membrane surface, and including at least one wall projecting downward through the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Tubbs Snowshoe CompanyInventors: Perry A. Klebahn, James D. Klingbeil
-
Publication number: 20020162249Abstract: Insert for the sole of a boot of a snowshoe (100), characterized by the fact that said insert runs transversely, whereby its two ends are positioned on the lateral edges of said sole, so as to be able to work with holdings means (101) that are provided on the snowshoe, while the length of the insert is independent of the size of the boot, whereby it is understood that said insert is designed to be used on at least two different sizes of boots so that the length of the insert will be the same for at least two boots of different sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventor: Thierry Barboux
-
Publication number: 20020104234Abstract: A system for binding a boot on a support surface of a sports apparatus, of the type in which the binding system includes a rear binding. The binding system is provided with a front binding in the form of a hook that is affixed to the sports apparatus and which demarcates a notch open longitudinally rearwardly and transversely on both sides to receive a front transverse rod of the boot. The rear binding longitudinally immobilizes the boot in a position such that the transverse rod of the boot is maintained within the notch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2002Publication date: August 8, 2002Applicant: SALOMON S.A.Inventors: Bruno Lancon, Eddy Yelovina
-
Publication number: 20020104235Abstract: An improved binding for use with snowshoes and like sport apparatus is disclosed which employs a novel mounting arrangement similar to the calcanean wrapping technique used by athletic trainers to wrap the ankles of athletes, thereby resulting in an ambidextrous binding which comfortably and securely fits a wide variety of sizes of feet in an ergonomic manner while enhancing the performance of both the binding and the snowshoe to which it is attached. The binding has left and right side members pivotally mounted on a base member between the front and an intermediate longitudinal position thereupon, and left and right calcanean wrap members pivotally mounted on the base member near the rear thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Terrence K. Mahon, Daniel A. Matre