FOAM SNOWSHOE

Abstract

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to snowshoes and, in particular, to a snowshoe with a flotation platform and/or or a binding made at least in part from a foam material such as a lightweight foam resin.

2. Description of Related Art

Snowshoes have traditionally been used as a convenient means to traverse relatively deep snow. It is believed that snowshoes have been used by Native American people for more than 1,000 years to move in snow and on ice. Originally, rawhide straps were used for the webbing of the snowshoes with the bindings formed by a number of loose straps.

With the increased interest in outdoor activities, the use of snowshoes in the backcountry has grown significantly. Modern snowshoes generally include a platform for providing flotation in snow and a binding for engaging footwear of the user. The platform is typically formed by decking of strong, flexible material attached to a perimeter structure or frame formed from lightweight structural material such as aluminum tubing. The binding may be mounted on a plate that pivots so as to facilitate a natural walking or running motion on snow and also allowing a crampon to engage ice more hard-packed snow. While this design has generally proved to be effective, the materials and construction costs are not insignificant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, one objective of the present invention is to provide a snowshoe with reduced construction and materials costs compared to known snowshoes.

Another objective is to afford a user with increased comfort during snowshoeing activities.

A further objective is to increase the ability of an outdoorsman to float or be buoyant during snowshoeing activities.

One or more of the above objectives and additional advantages may be realized by an inventive snowshoe that includes a platform that can accept or receive footgear (e.g. shoe, boot) and a binding for restraining and controlling movement of the footgear in relation to the platform, where the platform and/or binding is formed at least in part from a foam material. For example, the foam material may be a lightweight foam resin such as ethylene vinyl acetate. Additionally or alternatively, the foam may be a memory foam such as a visco-elastic polyurethane foam or other polyurethane foams, a polystyrene foam such as expanded or extruded polystyrene foams, or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) foam, and the like. In certain embodiments, the base is formed substantially entirely from the foam material. Also, in certain embodiments, the binding is formed from at least one foam member extending upwardly from the platform and at least one strap attached to the foam member. An associated method of construction involves providing a foam material and molding the foam material to form at least a part of a platform or a binding of the snowshoe.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a snowshoe is provided including a platform for flotation, and a binding for attaching the platform to a wearer's footwear, wherein at least one of the platform and the binding is formed at least in part from a foam material. Use of a foam material to construct at least a portion of the snowshoe provides many advantages. For instance, the use of a foam material provides a durable snowshoe of reduced cost and weight. Moreover, foam materials are often waterproof and smooth or nonporous so as to discourage snow collection and wetness during use and facilitate cleaning after use. In one implementation, at least one of the platform and the binding is formed at least in part from a lightweight foam resin. In another, at least one of the platform and the binding is formed at least in part from ethylene vinyl acetate. In even others, the platform is formed substantially entirely from the foam material, or the binding is formed from at least one foam member extending upwardly from the platform and at least one strap attached to the foam member. In yet another implementation, the binding is mounted on the platform so as to allow pivoting of the binding in relation to the platform. Such pivoting provides increased traction and comfort during snowshoeing. For instance, the pivoting can be enabled by a fabric hinge formed from the foam material or via a hardware hinge.

In addition, the snowshoe may include at least one crampon, and such crampon can be attached to the foam material and/or be formed from plastic and/or mounted within a recess formed from the foam material. The at least one crampon affords a user with additional traction or gripping ability on slippery surfaces such as ice and the like. In another implementation, the platform comprises at least a first layer of foam material that is bonded to a second layer of foam material. In a variation of that approach, the platform further comprises an intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The intermediate layer can add additional or bolster existing properties of the snowshoe. For example, the intermediate layer can include stiffeners in the form of plastics or metals such as aluminum or carbon fiber to limit torsion of the platform and/or allow for more equal weight distribution. In other variations, the intermediate layer may additionally or alternatively be composed of shock absorbing or cushioning members to increase user comfort. Other approaches contemplate that the platform has a bottom surface that can be molded to impart desired traction characteristics, or the binding includes a molded foam member dimensioned to receive and substantially enclose a toe section of the wearer's footwear.

An associated method for use in manufacturing a snowshoe is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of providing a foam material, and molding the foam material to form at least a part of a platform or a binding of the snowshoe. In one implementation, the method further includes attaching at least one component to the foam material. Variations contemplate the step of attaching comprises attaching at least one strap to the foam material to form a binding, and the step of attaching comprises attaching a crampon to the base.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D show various views of a snowshoe constructed in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a snowshoe in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the; and

FIG. 3 shows a snowshoe in accordance with a still further embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for constructing a foam snowshoe in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1A-1D, a snowshoe constructed in accordance with one embodiment is generally identified by the reference 100. The snowshoe 100 broadly includes a platform 102 that is adapted to accept footgear (e.g. boot, shoe) and a binding 104 that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the footgear and secure the portion of the footgear generally against a top surface of the platform 102. As illustrated, the platform 102 is formed from a single piece of molded foam material. Preferably, the foam material is a lightweight foam resin, such as an ethylene vinyl acetate material. Constructing the platform 102 of a foam allows the construction of a lightweight snowshoe 100 that exhibits excellent buoyancy properties for walking along snow, ice and the like. One material that is particularly well-suited for this application is the closed-cell foam resin material marketed by Crocs, Inc. of Boulder, Colo., under the trade name Croslite. Moreover, use of foam such as Croslite in the construction of the platform 102 imparts anti-microbial and odor resistant properties to the snowshoe 100, and allows recycling of the snowshoe 100 after discarding of the snowshoe 100. In other embodiments, the platform 102 can be constructed of one or more foams including a memory foam such as a visco-elastic polyurethane foam or other polyurethane foams. A memory foam would allow the platform 102 to mold itself to the shape of the object (e.g. foot, shoe, boot) disposed on top of the platform 102 and can relieve pressure points situated near sensitive body regions. In even further embodiments, the platform 102 could be manufactured of a polystyrene foam such as expanded or extruded polystyrene foams, or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) foam, and the like.

The platform 102 may have any appropriate thickness to afford adequate strength and rigidity to the snowshoe 100 in addition to adequate buoyancy during snowshoeing activities. For example, the platform 102 may be constructed of a foam having a thickness of between ⅛ inches and 1 inch, and more preferably a thickness of between ¼ inches and ¾ inches. Further, the overall dimensions of the platform 102 can be varied depending on the weight or skill of the user of the snowshoe 100, the size of the user's footgear, local snow conditions, the load being carried or other factors. In this regard, the platform 102 of the snowshoe 100 can be provided in various lengths and widths to accommodate a range of conditions. For instance, the length can be between 20 and 30 inches, and more preferably between 23 and 27 inches. Moreover, the width can be between 6 and 10 inches, and more preferably between 7 and 9 inches. As such, the platform 102 may have the overall shape of a “tear-drop” to facilitate walking through environments such as snow. While not specifically shown, the top surface of the platform 102 can have indentations or be specifically molded or otherwise appropriately formed to ergonomically accept footgear or a foot.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, the binding 104 includes a toe trap 106 that may also be formed from the same material that the platform 102 is formed from (e.g. foam), although it should be recognized that the toe trap 106 can be constructed of various other materials. The toe trap 106 may generally be oriented in a “concave down” orientation towards the top surface of the platform 102 to allow a user's footgear to be received within the toe trap 106. The toe trap 106 may have a pair of opposing mounting portions 107 that are interconnected by a cross member 109. The cross member 109 may include an opening (not shown) situated towards a front portion of the platform 102 that would allow a portion of the toe portion of footgear to protrude therethrough for increased comfort and performance. While the mounting members 107 and cross member 109 are shown as being one-piece, in other embodiments the mounting members 107 and the cross member 109 are formed of separate components. Further, the mounting members 107 can be mounted or otherwise appropriately attached to the top surface of the platform 102 by way of adhesives, rivets, etc.

The binding 104 further includes a foot strap 108 and a heel strap 112. Each of the foot strap 108 and the heel strap 112 may be flexible and be appropriately attached to a portion of the toe trap 106 by threading the foot and heel straps 108, 112 through grommets 110 and 114, respectively, which are mounted to portions of the toe trap 106. The foot and heel straps 108, 112 may also be attached to portions of the toe trap by other methods such as riveting, stitching, etc. Moreover, each of the foot and heel straps 108, 112 includes portions that pivotally depend or extend from each of the grommets 114. As such, the binding 104 is at least partially pivotally attached relative to the platform 102. Further, such depending portions may be detachably connected to each other. For instance, the depending portions of foot strap 108 may be detachably interconnected by hook and loop (not shown) and the depending portions of the heel strap 112 may be detachably interconnected by a snap buckle 115 (only shown in FIG. 1A for clarity). Other types of detachable interconnecting arrangements or even non-detachable interconnecting arrangements are contemplated for the foot and heel straps 108, 112. Additionally, the foot and heel straps 108, 112 can be adjustable along their respective lengths to accommodate users and footgear of various dimensions.

In operation, a user first inserts his or her footwear into the toe trap 106 which is dimensioned to receive the footwear and substantially enclose a toe portion of the footwear. The foot strap 108 can then be positioned over the footwear and secured in place by Velcro, buckles, clamps or the like. The heel strap 112 extends around a heel section of the footwear and can also be secured in place by buckles, clamps, Velcro or the like. As previously mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment the foot strap 108 is secured by hook and loop (not shown) and the heel strap 112 is secured by a snap buckle 115.

Some additional and optional features of the snowshoe 100 are shown in FIGS. 1B-1D. The snowshoe 100 may also include at least one crampon 116 for improved traction on ice or hard-packed snow for instance. The illustrated crampon 116 may be formed from hard plastic and can have a number of molded teeth 118 for traction. Alternatively, the crampon could be formed from metal or other appropriate material. The crampon 116 may be positioned or otherwise disposed within a molded recess 119 appropriately formed on a bottom surface of the platform 102. The crampon 116 may be secured within the recess by way of an adhesive and/or fasteners such as rivets that extends through the platform 102.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the snowshoe 100 may also include stiffeners 122 for stiffening the snowshoe 100 along the length thereof (not shown in FIG. 1C for clarity). For example, the stiffeners 122 may be provided in the form of metal or plastic ribs disposed along the edges of the snowshoe 100. The stiffeners 122 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the snowshoe 100 to improve forward tracking or may be set at that angle in relation to the longitudinal axis of the snowshoe for improved traction. In some embodiments, the stiffeners 122 have traction devices in the form of teeth, serrations, and the like to increase traction during operations. Moreover and as shown in FIG. 1C, the bottom surface of the platform 102 may include structure 120 for further improving traction. In the illustrated embodiment, the structure 120 includes a number of transverse molded recesses formed on the bottom surface of the platform 102. It will be appreciated that the structure 120 may alternatively be provided in the form of appropriately formed protrusions extending from the bottom surface of the platform 102. The structure 120 may alternatively include scaling or ripple patterns that may facilitate forward shuffling motion or resist sliding as desired. In addition, the upper surface of the platform 102 may be textured, at least in desired locations, for improved traction in relation to the user's footwear.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a snowshoe 200 in accordance with another embodiment. The snowshoe 200 may include a platform 202 and a binding 204. The binding 204 includes a web 206 that extends under the toe section and ball section of the user's footwear and around the side of the user's footwear. The web 206 may include a base portion 207 for mounting the web 206 to a portion of the platform 202, and a plurality of depending portions 209 each of which is adapted to accept or otherwise connect to a strap or other appropriate connecting device for securing the snowshoe 200 to a user's footgear. The platform 202 and the web 206 may be formed from a foam material and from myriad dimensions and shapes as discussed above. In addition, the platform 202 may be formed from a top layer 230 and a bottom layer 232, each of which may be formed from foam material with an intermediate layer 234 interposed between the top and bottom layers 230, 232. If included, the intermediate layer 234 may be formed from a foam material or a different material. For example, the intermediate layer 234 may be selected to provide improved stiffness and/or cushioning, and in this regard, may be constructed of plastics, metals, wood, gelatinous materials, and composites thereof. In addition, the top and bottom layers 230, 232 of foam material may be formed from the same foam material or different foam materials, and may be appropriately bonded to each other using various materials and/or methods. For example, the bottom layer 232 may be formed from a harder or more durable material.

The illustrated binding 204 includes a first foot strap 208, a second foot strap 214 and a heel strap 220. The first foot strap 208 may be attached to a depending portion 209 of the web 206 by fasteners 212 such as rivets or other appropriate mounting devices and may be secured in place by a securing device 210. In one embodiment, the securing device 210 allows the first foot strap 208 to slide therethrough so as to tighten the strap 208 but resists loosening unless a lever is pressed by the user. Similarly, the second strap 214 is attached to the web 206 by fasteners 216 such as rivets or other appropriate mounting devices and can be secured by a securing device 218. Also, the heel strap 220 can be attached to the web 206 by fasteners 212 such as rivets and is secured by a securing device 222.

Each of the securing devices 210, 218, 222 can represent any type or form of fastening structure or assembly capable of removably fastening at least a portion of first foot strap, second foot strap and heel strap 208, 214, 220 to the web 206. Examples include, without limitation, clamps, buckles, loops, clasps, or any other suitable fastener or fastening means. For instance, the securing devices 210, 218, 222 may be elastically biased one-way loop-type buckles. Each of the securing devices 210, 218, 222 may comprise a looped portion (not labeled) and an elastically biased engaging portion (not labeled) configured to biasedly engage a portion of the first foot strap, second foot strap or heel strap 208, 214, 220, respectively. In certain embodiments, a plurality of teeth can be provided on the elastically biased engaging portion to bias against the strap and only allow such strap to travel in a single direction. For example, such teeth may allow the strap to be pulled and tightened through the securing device over or about a user's footgear but also prevent such strap from being loosened from the web 206 unless the elastically biased engaging portion is engaged or otherwise manipulated. Further, each of the foot and heel straps 208, 214, 220 may pivotally depend or extend from the fasteners 212, 216 and or securing devices 210, 218, 222 and in this regard, the binding 204 can be at least partially pivotally attached relative to the platform 202. The illustrated binding may further include a toe harness 226 that extends around the toe section of the user's footwear. For example, the toe harness 226 may be formed from durable plastic, metals or composites. The toe harness 226 is attached to a portion of the web 206 via at least one fastener 228 such as a rivet. The toe harness 226 may be generally in the form of a strap that includes an opening 227 or plurality of openings 227 extending through a portion thereof. As seen in FIG. 2, the harness 226 may be further held in position due to the threading of the first and second foot straps 208, 214 through the openings 227 in the harness 226. The base portion 207 of the web 206 may be attached to the platform 202 by way of fasteners 236 such as rivets or other appropriate devices. In operation, a user can first either loosen one or more of the first and second foot straps 208, 214 and heel strap 220 or else completely remove such straps 208, 214, 220 from the various portions of the web 206. Footgear can be inserted into the web 206 such that the footgear is disposed on top of the base portion 207 and platform 202 and between the depending portions 209. Thereafter, the straps 208, 214, 220 can be appropriately connected and/or tightened to a desired degree.

FIG. 3 shows a still further embodiment of a snowshoe 300 in accordance with the present invention. The snowshoe 300 broadly includes a platform 302 and a binding 304. The platform 302 may be formed from a foam material and from the various dimensions and shapes as discussed above. The binding 304 may in one embodiment generally resemble a sandal upper. Specifically, the binding 304 may have a first foot strap 308, a second foot strap 310, a heel strap 306 and a side strap 314. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the binding 304 may have more or fewer straps to provide a desired level of comfort, stability and adjustability. The first and second foot straps 308 and 310 may extend through slits 309 in the platform 302 and may be appropriately secured to the platform 302 such as by stitching, rivets, and the like. The first foot strap 308 and the side strap 314 may be connected by a ring 312 such as a D-ring. The second foot strap 310 and the heel strap 306 may also be interconnected by a pair of rings 312 such as D-rings. The side strap 314, which enhances binding rigidity can be attached at one end to the second foot strap 310, for example, by being sewed or otherwise stitched thereto. In other embodiments, the side strap 314 may be secured to the ring 312 that interconnects the second foot strap 310 and the heel strap 306. The first foot strap 308, second foot strap 310 and heel strap 306 may all have at least two depending portions (not labeled) that can be secured to each other by way of hook and loop (e.g. Velcro®) or other appropriate fasteners. Each of the straps 308, 310, 306, 314 may pivotally depend or extend from the rings 312 and/or platform 302, and in this regard, the binding 304 can be at least partially pivotally attached relative to the platform 302.

In operation, a user can first either loosen one or more of the first and second foot straps 308, 310 and heel strap 306 or else completely disengage the depending portions (not labeled) of such straps 308, 310, 306 from each other, and then insert the footgear into the binding 304 such that the footgear is disposed underneath the first and second foot straps 308, 310 and on top of the platform 302. Thereafter, the straps 208, 214, 220 can be appropriately attached and/or tightened to a desired degree.

While various embodiments have been described in detail, it is apparent that further modifications and adaptations will occur to those skilled in the art. For instance, the binding of any of the embodiments could be further pivotally attached to the platform via a fabric hinge that may be formed from one or more of the aforementioned foam materials. Further, each of the various straps may be constructed of any appropriate material and may be adjustable to accommodate users and footgear of various dimensions. For instance, the straps could be in the form of straps, cords, strings, ropes, or the like. The straps may also be formed of any number or combination of materials including for example, nylon, elastomers cotton, polypropylene, or any other suitable material. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process 400 for constructing a snowshoe in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated, based on the previous discussion, that various embodiments of the invention are contemplated. Accordingly, various ones of the following steps may be omitted or varied, and the sequence of steps may change, depending on the specific implementation. Moreover, additional steps will be involved. Accordingly, the following discussion should be understood as one example in accordance with the invention.

The illustrated process is initiated by molding (402) the snowshoe uppers and binding. As noted above, in some cases, at least a portion of the binding may be molded from a foam material. In such cases, that portion of the binding may be molded together with the snowshoe upper layer in a unitary process. Alternatively, that portion of the binding may be molded separately and thereafter bonded to the snowshoe upper. Of course, in cases where the binding does not include a moldable portion, the process 400 would be varied.

The process 400 continues with molding (404) the snowshoe bottom. It will be appreciated that this step particularly relates to processes as disclosed above where the snowshoe upper and snowshoe bottom are formed in discrete layers. In other cases, the foam snowshoe platform may be molded in a unitary process. Similarly, in cases where the snowshoe includes a separate midsole layer, that layer is also formed (406), e.g., by molding, cutting or other appropriate processes.

In the illustrated implementation, the uppers, bottom and midsole are then bonded (408). In cases where all of these items are formed from foam materials, this may involve adhesively bonding the items together or riveting or otherwise attaching the layers as discussed above.

As noted above, in certain embodiments of the invention, openings or pass-throughs for the binding straps are formed in the foam portion of the bindings. With specific reference to such embodiments, the process 400 further involves forming and reinforcing (410) strap pass-throughs. In this regard, such openings may be formed in the molding process. Alternatively, such openings may be cut through the foam at the appropriate locations in a separate process step. As a still further alternative, a strap, buckle or the like may be riveted to the foam material, thereby forming a pass-through, The opening may be reinforced, and adjustment of the straps may be facilitated by reinforcing the opening with a plastic insert or grommet.

Finally, in the illustrated process 400, the straps are inserted (412) into the binding and secured in place. In some embodiments, this may involve riveting or otherwise attaching the strap or associated structure to the binding or snowshoe body. In other cases, this may involve threading the strap through the binding or snowshoe body, doubling the strap back on itself and sewing the strap in place. In other cases, the strap may simply be threaded into a buckle or the like.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

1. A snowshoe comprising: a platform for flotation; anda binding for attaching the platform to a wearer's footwear, wherein at least one of said platform and said binding is formed at least in part from a foam material.

2. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one of said platform and said binding is formed at least in part from a lightweight foam resin.

3. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one of said platform and said binding is formed at least in part from ethylene vinyl acetate.

4. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 1, wherein said platform is formed substantially entirely from said foam material.

5. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 1, wherein said binding is formed from at least one foam member extending upwardly from said platform and at least one strap attached to said foam member.

6. A snowshoe is set forth in claim 1, wherein said binding is mounted on said platform so as to allow pivoting of said binding in relation to said platform.

7. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 6, wherein said pivoting is enabled by a fabric hinge formed from said foam material.

8. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a crampon.

9. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 8, wherein said crampon is attached to said foam material.

10. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 8, wherein said crampon is formed from plastic.

11. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 8, wherein said crampon is mounted within a recess formed from said foam material.

12. A snowshoe set forth in claim 1, wherein said platform comprises at least a first layer of foam material and a second layer of foam material, wherein said first and second layers of foam material are bonded together.

13. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 12, wherein said platform further comprises an intermediate layer disposed between said first layer of foam material and said second layer of foam material.

14. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 1, wherein said platform has a bottom surface that is molded to impart desired traction characteristics.

15. A snowshoe as set forth in claim 1, wherein said binding includes a molded foam member dimensioned to receive and substantially enclose a toe section of the wearer's footwear.

16. A method for use in manufacturing a snowshoe, comprising the steps of: providing a foam material; andmolding the foam material to form at least a part of a platform or a binding of said snowshoe.

17. The method as set forth in claim 16, further comprising the step of attaching at least one component to said foam material.

18. A method as set forth in claim 17, wherein said step of attaching comprises attaching at least one strap to said foam material to form a binding.

19. A method as set forth in claim 17, wherein said step of attaching comprises attaching a crampon to said base.