Snowshoe

• US 5,014,450 A
• Filed: 08/21/1989
• Issued: 05/14/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James J. Mcgrath
• Original Assignee: James J. Mcgrath
• Inventors: McGrath, James J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Meyers, Steven N.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kavanaugh, Ted
• Application Number:
  US07/396,084
• Time in Patent Office: 631 Days
• Field of Search: 36/122, 36/123, 36/124, 36/125, 280/11.3, 280/611
• US Class Current: 36/124
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 13/001 Bindings therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 13/005 Frames therefor

Abstract

A snowshoe constructed of a solid piece of rigid material having a cross brace for pivotally supporting a binding for the boot of the wearer. An opening forward of the cross brace permits the toe of the boot to pivot downwardly. The snowshoe is provided with braces of L-shaped construction and openings to reduce weight. Studs may be employed for traction on hardpacked snow and ice. The solid piece making up the platform of the shoe is made from a light weight rigid plastic material such as polypropylene.

Claims

1. A snowshoe for use with a boot having a toe portion comprising a platform of single piece, rigid construction having a binding mounted thereon,

a. said platform comprising (i) a laterally extending main brace of circular cross section in outer regions and a circular forwardly facing section in a central region and forming the rear edge of a forward opening in said platform to accomodate the toe portion of said boot in said binding;

(ii) a central rib extending rearwardly from said main brace to the rear of said platform along a central axis of said platform; and

(iii) a plurality of intermediate, spaced laterally extending ribs located to the rear of said main brace, said laterally extending ribs being rectangular with a lip forming a L-shaped in cross section;

b. said binding having means pivoted on said main brace to support said boot to permit the toe of said boot to pass into said opening; and

c. said binding being constructed completely of a flexible material having an extended portion wrapped around said main brace, bolt means for attaching said extended portion to said main brace, side walls extending up to enclose a portion of said boot for supporting the latter, said binding including strap means joining a pair of lateral ribs in said platform passing over the instep of said boot to prevent the shin of the wearer from being impacted by the toe of said snowshoe.