Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SNOWSHOE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/441,188 to Kreutzer et at., filed February 9, 2011,
entitled
"Snowshoe".
10002] The present application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-
part
application of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/218,192 to Kreutzer et al.,
filed August 25,
2011, entitled "Collapsible Snowshoe," which is a continuation of U.S. Patent
Application No. 11/982,880 to Kreutzer et at., filed November 5, 2007,
entitled
"Collapsible Snowshoe", now U.S. Patent No. 8,006,412, issued August 30, 2011,
and
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/857,696 to
Kreutzer, filed November 7, 2006 and entitled "Convertible Winter Sports
Footwear".
[0003] The present application relates to U.S. Patent Application No.
11/982,880 to
Kreutzer et al., filed November 5, 2007, entitled "Collapsible Snowshoe", and
which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/857,696
to Kreutzer,
filed November 7, 2006 and entitled "Convertible Winter Sports Footwear".
[0004] The present application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial
No. 60/761,994 to Kreutzer, filed January 24, 2006 and entitled "Multi-Purpose
Sports
Shoe".
[0005] The present application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial
No. 61/337,020 to Krcutzer, filed January 28, 2010 and entitled "Collapsible
Snowshoe".
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0006] The present invention relates to footwear. Specifically, the present
invention
relates to winter sports equipment. It relates to items worn on feet, shoes
that convert for use
on different surfaces, or items that attach to shoes and convert them for use
on different
surfaces such as pavement, snow, ice, and/or other surfaces.
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BACKGROUND
[0007] Over the years, the footwear technologies evolved to a greater level in
providing individuals with various types of footwear. Typically, footwear is
designed
with a particular purpose in mind. Besides the basic types of footwear, e.g.,
shoes, boots,
sandals, and slippers, there are special type of footwear such as hiking
boots, running
sneakers, rollerblades, ice-skating boots, snowshoes, ski boots and other
types of
specialty footwear.
[0008] Walking on snow covered surfaces is entirely different than walking on
hard surfaces. This is because snow, especially powder snow, has lesser
density than
other hard surfaces, such as, soil, asphalt, stones, etc. Because of this,
walkers typically
would struggle walking on snow in regular footwear and oftentimes would fall
through
the snow. As such, snowshoes are typically used for walking on snow surfaces.
Conventional snowshoes (illustrated in FIG. 2b) include larger sole surface to
provide
greater support and floatation on the snow to their user. To secure the
snowshoes on
user's feet, the snowshoes include bulky bindings that provide support and
coupling of
the snowshoe to the user's feet during walking. Snowshoe bindings typically
secure the
front of the user's feet to the sole of the snowshoe. User's heels (or the
back of the foot)
are typically secured by a binding strap or any other means. The heels are
typically are
not peimanently/tightly secured to the snowshoe's sole. This allows relative
motion of the
heel with respect to sole of the snowshoe, when the user is walking. The front
of the
snowshoe is typically curved/tilted in an upward direction, which aids in
making steps
and general walking capability. When walking in snowshoes, the user typically
puts one
foot forward thereby putting pressure on that foot, while the other foot
remains behind the
first foot and the majority of the sole of the snowshoe of the other foot is
lifted off of the
walking surface (the front of that snowshoe's sole is what typically remains
on the
surface).
[0009] Further, in order to provide adequate support and maneuverability to
the
user on the snow, a snowshoe should have proper flotation, articulation,
control, and
traction (hereinafter, "FACT"). Flotation provides the user of the snowshoes
with
adequate support on the surface of the shoe. Proper articulation of the
snowshoe allows
the user flexibility during walking on snow, i.e., lifting snowshoes off of
the ground and
allowing elevation of the user's heels. Control allows the user to make
precise movements
of the snowshoes during walking. Traction prevents sliding and tripping. Some
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conventional snowshoes have attempted to combine all four characteristics but
at the cost
of sacrificing one quality for the other, i.e., the snowshoes can have good
traction, but fail
to provide adequate articulation. Other conventional snowshoes attempt to
provide its
user with good floatation but poor control on the snow.
[0010] Further, conventional snowshoes fail to provide users with requisite
versatility. As such, many such snowshoes lack compactness, convenience, and
low-cost.
As illustrated in FIG. 2b, conventional snowshoes are bulky, heavy, and
cumbersome in
operation when walking on snow. Additionally, conventional snowshoes typically
are
incapable of being collapsed. As such, conventional snowshoes require large
amount of
storage space. Because of their large size, it is difficult to carry such
snowshoes (e.g., it is
difficult to fit such snowshoes into a backpack).
[0011] Thus, there is a need for a snowshoe that is collapsible, versatile,
light-
weight, compact and provides its user with adequate floatation, articulation,
control, and
traction.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present invention relates to an article of footwear. In some
embodiments, the present invention relates to a collapsible snowshoe including
a frame
having a first supporting cross-bar configured to interact with a second
supporting cross-
bar, wherein the cross-bars are configured to alternate between an open
position and a
closed position: a first supporting material configured to be coupled to the
cross-bars and
further configured to extend between the cross-bars, whereby the extended
supporting
material creates a support surface for walking when the cross-bars are in the
open
position; and a frame-locking mechanism including a first portion pivotally
coupled to
the first supporting cross-bar, a second portion pivotally coupled to the
second supporting
cross-bar, the first portion is configured to be pivotally coupled to the
second portion,
wherein upon the first portion and second portion are configured to interlock
with one
another to secure said cross-bars in said open position.
[0013] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a system for
walking using a collapsible snowshoe. The system includes a plurality of cross-
bars
configured to interact with each other, wherein the cross-bars are further
configured to
switch between an open position and a closed position, whereby in the open
position,
outermost tips of the cross-bars are configured to move away from one another,
and in the
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closed position, the outemiost tips of the cross-bars are configured to move
toward each
other; an extendable supporting material secured to at least portions of the
cross-bars and
configured to provide largest support area when the cross-bars are in the open
position;
and a locking mechanism including a first portion pivotally coupled to the
first supporting
cross-bar, a second portion pivotally coupled to the second supporting cross-
bar, the first
portion is configured to be pivotally coupled to the second portion, wherein
upon the first
portion and second portion are configured to interlock with one another to
secure said
cross-bars in said open position.
[0014] In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for
walking using a snowshoe, having a supporting cross-bar pivotally coupled to
another
supporting cross-bar, wherein the cross-bars are configured to alternate
between an open
position and a closed position, a supporting material configured to be coupled
to the
cross-bars and further configured to extend between the cross-bars, whereby
the extended
supporting material creates a surface for walking when the cross-bars are in
the open
position, and a frame-locking mechanism including a first portion pivotally
coupled to the
first supporting cross-bar, a second portion pivotally coupled to the second
supporting
cross-bar, the first portion is configured to be pivotally coupled to the
second portion,
wherein upon the first portion and second portion are configured to interlock
with one
another to secure said cross-bars in said open position. The method includes
rotating
cross-bars from the closed position to the open position; and securing the
supporting
material to the front portion of the cross-bars using the frame-locking
mechanism.
[0015] In yet other embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of
manufacturing a snowshoe, having a first cross-bar configured to interact with
a second
cross-bar, wherein the cross-bars are configured to alternate between an open
position and
a closed position, a first supporting material configured to be coupled to the
cross-bars
and further configured to extend between the cross-bars, whereby the extended
first
supporting material creates a surface for walking when the cross-bars are in
the open
position, a second supporting material configured to restrain rotation of the
cross-bars,
and a frame-locking mechanism including a first portion pivotally coupled to
the first
supporting cross-bar, a second portion pivotally coupled to the second
supporting cross-
bar, the first portion is configured to be pivotally coupled to the second
portion, wherein
upon the first portion and second portion are configured to interlock with one
another to
secure said cross-bars in said open position. The method includes steps of
providing
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cross-bars; securing the cross-bars to each other; coupling at least a portion
of the first
supporting material to the back portion of each of the cross-bars; coupling at
least a
portion of the second supporting material to the front portion of each of the
cross-bars,
wherein the second supporting material is configured to extend between the
front portion
of the cross-bars when the cross-bars are in the open position; and securing
frame-locking
mechanism to at least another portion of the first supporting material.
[0016] In yet other embodiments, the present invention relates to a
collapsible
snowshoe including a frame having a plate configured to secure a plurality of
structural
members; a supporting material configured to be secured to the structural
members;
wherein the members are configured to expand into an open position thereby
providing a
support surface area for the user, and collapse into a closed position,
wherein in the
closed position the structural members are configured to be secured underneath
the plate;
and, a locking mechanism configured to secure the members in the open
position.
[0017] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a collapsible
snowshoe including a frame having a first supporting cross-bar configured to
interact
with a second supporting cross-bar, wherein the cross-bars are configured to
alternate
between an open position and a closed position, a first supporting material
configured to
be coupled to the cross-bars and further configured to extend between the
cross-bars,
whereby the extended supporting material creates a support surface for walking
when the
cross-bars are in the open position; and a frame-locking mechanism configured
to secure
the cross-bars in the open position, wherein the frame locking mechanism
includes a top
portion pivotally connected to the bottom portion. Each the portion of the
frame-locking
mechanism includes at least one groove configured to accommodate placement of
the
crossbar. The portions are configured to interlock with one another using a
securing
mechanism.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or
functionally
similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number
identifies the
drawing in which the reference number first appears.
[0019] FIGS. la- lg illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible
snowshoe, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2a illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible snowshoe
in
a collapsed state, according to some embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2b illustrates a conventional snowshoe.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a collapsible
snowshoe, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of a collapsible
snowshoe, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a front portion of an exemplary collapsible
snowshoe,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a back portion of an exemplary collapsible snowshoe,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-bar of an exemplary collapsible snowshoe,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a traction mechanism of an exemplary collapsible
snowshoe, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 9a-9j illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a collapsible
snowshoe, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] FIGS. 10a-10i illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of a
collapsible snowshoe, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 11a-1 if illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a collapsible
snowshoe, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0031] FIGS. 12a-12f illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of a
collapsible snowshoe, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] FIGS. 13a-13b are block diagrams of an exemplary locking mechanism for
a collapsible snowshoe shown in FIGS. ha-1 if and 12a-12f, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
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[0033] FIGS. 14a-n illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of a
collapsible
snowshoe, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The present invention relates to an article of footwear. Specifically,
the
present invention relates to a collapsible snowshoe.
[0035] Some of the advantages of the present invention are its smaller size
and
lightweight constructions. As opposed to conventional snowshoes (FIG. 2b), the
present
invention's snowshoes are less cumbersome and can be slid into a sack and
strapped to
backpacks or carried with greater ease than conventional snowshoes. Further,
the present
invention's snowshoes are easily deployed (extended) and/or retracted
(collapsed) for
convenience. Small (collapsed) size of the snowshoes is easy to transport
(multiple pairs)
in cars, on public transport, or anywhere else. Also, the present invention's
snowshoes
can be easily stored in closet corners, shelves, and/or fit into standard size
luggage for
travel. Additionally, in retail, very little shelf space needs to be devoted
to them,
therefore allowing a greater number of units to be displayed, stacked, and/or
stored. This
is very advantageous for schools, health clubs, resorts or other public
organizations that
may wish to procure many units, but have limited storage space.
[0036] Further, the present invention's snowshoes can be used in military,
alpine
(e.g., hikers and rescue personnel), or other types of applications where
limited carrying
capacity exists and the equipment is desirable to have available. In cases
where there is an
uncertain need for snowshoes, the decision to take them "just in case" is
simplified by the
ease of carrying and use. May be considered safety gear.
[0037] Unlike conventional snowshoes, the present invention's snowshoes do not
require straps, buckles, snaps and/or other adjustments that make the
conventional
snowshoe bulky and cumbersome. Further, the manufacturing cost of the present
invention's snowshoes is substantially less than that of the conventional
snowshoes.
[0038] Additionally, conventional snowshoes must be left outside upon entering
most buildings (including homes, restaurants, shops, ski lodges, schools,
public buildings,
other), thereby making them vulnerable to theft. The collapsible snowshoe,
like an
umbrella, can be collapsed upon arrival, conveniently carried with the
owner/user, and
easily re-deployed upon leaving the building.
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[0039] Some of the embodiments of the present invention may include a shoe
suitable for walking on any surface, such as a dry ground surface. The shoe
may also
incorporate one or more features that convert the shoe for use on snow, ice,
and/or other
types of surfaces. The following is a description of various exemplary
embodiments of a
shoe according to the present invention.
[0040] FIGS. la-lg illustrate various views of an exemplary collapsible
snowshoe
100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Specifically,
FIG. la is a
top perspective view of the snowshoe 100. FIG. lb is a bottom perspective view
of the
snowshoe 100. FIG. lc is a top view of the snowshoe 100. FIG. id is a bottom
view of
the snowshoe 100. FIG. le is a bottom perspective view of the snowshoe 100.
FIG. if is a
bottom view of a portion of the snowshoe 100. FIG. lg is a perspective view of
the cross-
bars of the snowshoe 100.
[0041] In some embodiments, the collapsible snowshoe 100 includes a primary
supporting material or scaffolding material 102, a secondary supporting
material 104, a
first cross-bar 106, a second cross-bar 108, a connector 110, and a frame-
locking
mechanism 112. The frame-locking mechanism can also include an ice-carving
blade
122. In some embodiments, the snowshoe 100 can also include a shoe-holder 114.
[0042] The shoe holder 114 can be configured to accommodate insertion of any
type shoe. Such shoe-holders 114 can be a rubber slide-on (there are many
brands that are
nearly identical, for example, "Get-a-Grip" brand is one of the available ones
from Base
Gear, LLC (www.basegear.com)).
[0043] The cross-bars 106 and 108 can be configured to constitute a frame of
the
snowshoe 100. As illustrated in FIGS. la-if, the cross-bars 106 and 108 are
configured to
interconnect using a connector 110. In some embodiments, the connector 110 can
be a
pivotal connector that allows pivotal motion of the cross-bars and allows the
cross-bars to
be folded together, as illustrated in FIG. lg.
[0044] The shoe-supporting material 102 further includes a top portion 103a
and a
bottom portion 103b. The cross-bars 106 and 108 are configured to be adjacent
to the
bottom portion 103b and opposite of the top portion 103a of the material 102.
The
supporting material 104 also includes a top portion 105a and a bottom portion
105b.
Similar to the material 102, the bottom portion 105b is configured to be
adjacent to the
cross-bars 106 and 108 and the top potion 105a is configured to be opposite of
the cross-
bars 106 and 108.
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[0045] The shoe-supporting material 102 further includes a front part 132, a
back
part 131, and sides 135 and 137. The sides 135 and 137 are disposed between
the front
part 132 and the back part 131. The back part 131 is further configured to be
disposed
between tips 125a and 125b of the cross-bars 106 and 108. The ends of the back
part 131
are configured to be permanently coupled to the tips 125 (a, b). Such coupling
can be
using welding, soldering, gluing, stapling, sewing, or by way of any other
means or
methods. In some embodiments, the back part is further configured to form a
catenary
curve (also can be called the "alysoid," "funicular," and/or "chainette")
between the tips
125. This means that the back part includes a varying degree of concavity as
compared to
a straight line connecting the tips 125. In some embodiments, the radius of
the catenary
curve formed by the hack part 131 can be in the range of 5 to 500 inches. In
other
embodiments, the radius of this catenary curve can be 10 inches. As can be
understood by
one skilled in the art, the catenary curve formed by the back part 131 can
have any other
radius in the range, below the lowest number in the above range, or above the
highest
number in the above range.
[0046] The shoe-supporting material 104 also includes a front part 133, a back
part 139, and sides 136 and 138. The sides 136 and 138 are configured to be
disposed
between the front part 133 and the back part 139. The front part 133 is
further configured
to be disposed between tips 123a and 123b of the cross-bars 106 and 108. The
ends of the
front part 133 are also configured to be permanently coupled to the tips 123
(a, b). Such
coupling can be also done using welding, soldering, gluing, stapling, sewing,
or by way
of any other means or methods. In some embodiments, the front part is further
configured
to form a catenary curve between the tips 123. This means that the front part
133 includes
a varying degree of concavity as compared to a straight line connecting the
tips 123. In
some embodiments, the radius of the catenary curve formed by the front part
133 can be
in the range of 7 to 500 inches. Alternatively, the range can be 100 to 400
inches. In other
embodiments, the radius of this catenary curve can be 25 inches. As can be
understood by
one skilled in the art, the catenary curve formed by the front part 133 can
have any other
radius in the range, below the lowest number in the above range, or above the
highest
number in the above range.
[0047] The back part 139 of the supporting material 104 and the front part 132
of
the supporting material 102 are configured to be adjacent to each other, as
illustrated in
FIG. I a. This allows the supporting materials 102 and 104 to form a
substantially uniform
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surface that is configured to support a user when snowshoeing on the snow. In
some
embodiments, such uniform surface can have a total surface area in the range
of 75 square
inches to 375 square inches. Depending on the weight (or otherwise any
characteristic) of
the user, the surface area can be in the range of 75 to 225 square inches for
a smaller user.
Alternatively, the surface area can be in the range of 125-300 square inches
for a medium
size user. Yet alternatively, the surface area can be in the range of 175-375
square inches
for a larger user. In some embodiments, the total surface area can be 150
square inches
for a smaller user, 190 square inches for a medium size user, and 275 square
inches for a
larger user. As can be understood by one skilled in the art, the above ranges
and sizes can
be adjusted based on particular characteristics of the user (e.g., weight,
height, foot size,
etc.). Additionally, the above sizes can be also adjusted based on the surface
conditions
for which the user intends to use the snowshoe.
[0048] Further, the sides 136 and 137 of the supporting materials 104 and 102,
respectively, are configured to form a substantially uniform side. Similarly,
sides 138 and
135 are also configured to form a substantially uniform side. As illustrated
in FIG. lb.
these unifoun sides are configured to extend away from the cross-bars 106 and
108 and
provide a large or otherwise sufficient support surface area to the user
walking in the
snowshoes. Further, the distances from the respective cross-bars to the sides
135, 136,
137, and 138 are configured to increase toward the connector 110 (as
illustrated in FIG.
lb). Similar to the front and back parts 133 and 131, respectively, of these
supporting
materials, such uniform sides are also characterized by catenary curves. In
some
embodiments, these catenary curves can be configured to have a radius in the
range
between 30 inches to 500 inches. Alternatively, the radius of the catenary
curves can be
65 inches.
[0049] In some embodiments, the support materials 102 and 104 are configured
to
include an opening 141. The opening 141 allows for insertion of the frame-
locking
mechanism 112. The frame-locking mechanism 112 is configured to secure the
cross-bars
106 and 108 in an open position, as illustrated in FIG. lb. In the open
position, the cross-
bars 106 and 108 are configured to be spread apart and thus, the tips 123a and
123b, as
well as, tips 125a and 125b are configured to extend away from each other to a
maximum
possible distance. The open position of the cross-bars 106 and 108 is also
configured to
allow the user to use the snowshoes 100 for walking. A closed position of the
cross-bars
106 and 108 is illustrated in FIG. 1g. In the closed position, the cross-bars
106 and 108
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are configured to be substantially adjacent to each other. In the closed
position, the
snowshoes 100 can be stored in a case, bag, closed, etc. Such closed position
allows for
compact storage of the snowshoes 100. In the open position (as illustrated in
FIG. lb), the
cross-bars 106 and 108 form an angle between each other. In the closed
position, the
cross-bars 106 and 108 are configured to be substantially parallel to each
other, as
illustrated in FIG. lg.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. lg, the cross-bars 106 and 108 can be configured
as
two tubes interconnected by the connector 110. In some embodiments, the cross-
bars 106
and 108 can be four tubes connected by the connector 110. The tubes 106 and
108 can be
configured to rotate or pivot about the connector 110, thereby making
connector 110 a
pivotal connector. In the embodiments having four separate tubes, each tube
can be
configured to separate rotate or pivot around the pivotal connector 110. In
some
embodiments, each cross-bar 106 and 108 can be configured to have a flattened
section
that is further configured to match the other cross-bar's flattened section,
where the
flattened section overlay and are secured to each other (by way of a bolt,
screw, nail,
etc.), thereby forming the pivotal connector 110. As can be understood by one
skilled in
the art, the pivotal connector can be formed in any other way, including, ball-
and-socket
connection, roller connection, or any other suitable connection that allows
rotation,
oscillation, pivoting motion, or any other circular motion.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, illustrating the cross-bar 106 (or 108), and FIG.
lb.
the cross-bars can be configured to include front portions 109(a, b) and back
portions
107(a, b). In some embodiments, the front and back portions are separated by
the
connector 110. In other embodiments, the portions 109a, 109b, 107a, and 107b
can be
separate portions configured to perform angular or circular motions around the
connector
110. The front portions 109 are configured to secure the shoe-supporting
material 104.
The frame-locking mechanism 112 also secures to the front portions 109, as
illustrated in
FIG. lb. The cross-bars' front portions also include a rounded portion 702,
which allows
partial curving of the front portions 109. The front portions are configured
to curve in an
upward direction and away from the plane of the walking surface. In some
embodiments,
the front portions are configured to curve at an angle a, which can be in the
range of 10
to 90 . Alternatively, the range can be 20 to 70 . In some embodiments, a =
34 . The
curvature of the front portions allows the user to walk noimally as the user
would walk in
normal shoes (i.e., putting one foot forward, bending the other foot at the
toes of the foot,
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and then carrying over the other foot forward, while bending the first foot,
and so on). As
can be understood by one skilled in the art, a can vary from one snowshoe's
cross-bars to
another snowshoe's cross-bars (i.e., the pair of snowshoes need not have an
identical
angle a), as well as, a can vary from one cross-bar's front portion to the
other cross-bar's
front portion on the same snowshoe.
[0052] In some embodiments, the cross-bars can be collapsible, as illustrated
in
FIG. 7. The front portion is configured to include nested sections 705(a, b,
c). The nested
sections are configured to fit one within the other in the collapsed stated
and further
configured to expand and lock to each other in the expanded state of the cross-
bar.
Further, in order to be collapsible, the sections 705 can be telescopically
arranged, that is,
section 705a can have a smaller diameter than section 705b, which can have a
smaller
diameter than section 705c. Reverse arrangement as well as any other
arrangement of
diameters of the sections 705 is also possible. As can be understood by one
skilled in the
art, there can be any number of sections 705. Further, other ways of
collapsing the
snowshoe's front portion are possible, such as folding sections 705, one onto
the other.
Further, the back portion's sections 704(a, b, c) are also configured to be
collapsible
similar to the front portion's sections 704(a, b, c). Thus, the above
description of sections
705 is applicable to the sections 704.
[0053] As further illustrated in FIG. 7, the back portion 107 further includes
optional additional support sections 707. The support sections 707 can be
configured to
be permanently (or removably) attached to the back portions 707 and provide
further
support to the user during overloading conditions. An overloading condition
can be
defined as a situation when excessive pressure is placed by the user on the
snowshoe's
surface. In some embodiments, the support sections 707 can be rigid rubber (or
any other
suitable material) tubing configured to join together parts of the back
portion 107. As
such during nounal (non-overload) conditions, the tubing 707 is configured to
behave
similar to an inflexible cross-bar. However, during overload conditions, the
tubing 707 is
configured to flex allowing the user the extra support, control, and as well
as, improving
snowshoe's FACT characteristics.
[0054] As stated above, the front and back portions of the cross-bars can be
substantially round tubes. In some embodiments, the tubes can be hollow in
order to
reduce weight of the snowshoe. The tubes can be manufactured from aluminum,
stainless
steel, titanium, plastic, wood, carbon fiber, magnesium, magnesium-lithium
alloy, steel,
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fiber, or any other suitable material. The diameter of the tubes can be in the
range of 8
millimeters ("mm") to 40 mm. Alternatively, the diameter range can be 15 mm to
25 nun.
Alternatively, the diameter of the tubes can be 19 mm. As can be understood by
one
skilled in the art, the diameter of the tubes can vary from one tube to the
other (i.e., from
one cross-bar to the other), as well as, it can vary from portion of the cross-
bar to the
other portion of the cross-bar. Further, within each specific portion of the
cross-bar, the
diameter of the tube can vary as desired. In some embodiments, the tubes can
have a
uniform diameter throughout. Further, in the telescopic cross-bars embodiment,
discussed
in connection with FIG. 7 above, the diameter of each section 704 (and/or 705)
can vary
from one another. Additionally, the cross-bars can have a round, oval, square,
rectangular,
polygonal, irregular, or any other desired cross-section.
[0055] Referring back to FIGS. la-lg, the frame-locking mechanism 112 is
configured to secure the cross-bars 106 and 108 in the open position.
Referring to FIG. 8,
illustrating the side view (at the top) and the top view (at the bottom) of
the frame-locking
mechanism 112, the mechanism 112 includes a body 801 having a top portion 804,
a
bottom 806, a side 811, an icing blade 813, and grooves 809 (a, b). The
grooves 809 are
disposed diagonally within the body 801 and are configured to match the size
of the
cross-bars 106 and 108. The diagonal disposition of the grooves 809 can be
determined
by the angle that the cross-bars form in the open position. The grooves are
further
configured to snap onto the cross-bars 106 and 108 and secure the cross-bars
in the open
position. As can be understood by one skilled in the art, the grooves 809 can
secure the
cross-bars in the open position in any other manner, such as friction-fit,
lock the bars
using screws, bolts, nails, VELCROThi, or any other way. In some embodiments,
the
frame-locking mechanism 809 includes the traction element or an ice blade 813
that is
configured to provide further traction to the snowshoe 100 (the traction
element 813 is
also illustrated in FIGS. la-g) and/or to improve FACT characteristics of the
snowshoe
100. The traction element 813 can include a plurality of extensions 815 that
may be sharp
so as to allow better interaction of the shoe 100 with the walking surface.
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the front portions 109 of
the
cross-bars 106 and 108 along with the secondary shoe-supporting or scaffolding
material
504. The material 504 is configured to have a front portion 533, a back
portion 539, and
sides 536, 538. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the front and back portions 533, 539
are
configured to have catenary curves. The radius for those curves can be in the
ranges
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indicated above for FIGS. 1a-1g. The catenary curve of the back portions 539
allows a
large opening 141, which provides the user with flexibility in location on the
cross-bars,
when attaching frame-locking mechanism to the cross-bars. FIG. 6 illustrates a
rear
portion 107 of each of the cross-bars 106 and 108. As shown in FIG. 6, the
supporting
material 602 (similar to material 102) also includes a catenary curve
discussed above.
[0057] FIGS. 2a, 3 and 4 illustrate alternate embodiments of the snowshoe,
according to the present invention. FIG. 2a (section entitled "Present
Invention")
illustrates a collapsed arrangement of the snowshoe. The collapsed arrangement
is
compared to the conventional snowshoe design (on the right side of FIG. 2a,
entitled
"Prior Art"). Clearly, the collapsed snowshoe is much smaller, and can be
easily stored
either in the user's backpack, bag, closed, or any other place without taking
up a lot of
space. Additionally, because of the present invention's snowshoe's lightweight
construction, the snowshoe can be easily carried around and can be quickly put
on user's
feet for snowshoeing.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary snowshoe 300, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. Snowshoe 300 includes two cross-bars
302(a, b)
that are configured to cross each other inside the shoe-supporting or
scaffolding material
304. The supporting material 304 can be configured to include channels 306(a,
b) that are
further configured to accommodate placement of the cross-bars 302(a, b),
respectively. In
some embodiments, the cross-bars 302 can be sewed inside the material 304
within
channels 306. Further, the material 304 can include a top sheet 308a and a
bottom sheet
308b (not shown in FIG. 3). The sheets 308 can be stitched together using
stitching 307.
Stitching 307 also stitches together channels 306 that have cross-bars 302
placed inside
them. A shoe-holder (not shown in FIG. 3, but is illustrated in FIGS. 1 a-lg)
can be
configured to be secured to the material's top sheet 308a. A traction element
or an ice
blade (not shown in FIG. 3, but illustrated in FIGS. la- 1g) can be secured to
the bottom
sheet 308b in a similar fashion as illustrated in FIGS. la-lg. Further, the
embodiment in
FIG. 3 can also include a frame-locking mechanism that is similar to the frame-
locking
mechanism 112 (illustrated in FIGS. la-1 g). The frame locking mechanism can
also be
secured to the cross-bars 302 in a similar fashion as the frame locking
mechanism 112.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary snowshoe 400, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The snowshoe 400 includes plurality
cross-bars
405. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the snowshoe 400 includes four cross-bars 405.
The
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snowshoe 400 includes shoe-supporting or scaffolding material that is composed
of a top
sheet 402a and a bottom sheet 402b that are configured to be stitched together
via
stitching 403. In some embodiments, stitching 403 can be located along the
edges of the
sheets 402. The sheets 402 are stitched so as to form a plurality of channels
406(a, b, c,
d). Channels 406 are configured to accommodate placement of cross-bars 405,
respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 4, channel 406a is configured to cross
with channel
406b and channel 406c; channel 406b is configured to cross with channel 406d;
and
channel 406c is configured to cross with channel 406d. Such crossing of
channels 406
further allows crossing of cross-bars 405 at the points where channels 406
intersect. In the
embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the cross-bars 302 and 405 are not connected to
each
other by way of connectors and, as such, are secured to the shoe-supporting
material by
way of respective channels 306 and 406. Such arrangement allows the user
further
flexibility when using the snowshoe. Similar to FIG. 3, the supporting
material is
composed of a top sheet 402a and a bottom sheet 402b. The support material can
also
include an opening 407 for placement of frame locking mechanism (similar to
mechanism
112 of FIGS. la-lg), attachment of a shoe holder (similar to the shoe holder
114 of FIGS.
la-lg), and an optional traction mechanism/ice blade. FIGS. 3 and 4 also
illustrate (on the
right side of the figures) how a user's shoe can be secured to the respective
supporting
materials.
[0060] When snowshoes 300 and 400 are not in use, they can be folded/collapsed
into a thin enclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 2a.
[0061] In some embodiments, the shoe-supporting material can be polymer,
polyethylene, polypropylene, plastic, Mylar, silk, cotton, nylon, Kevlar,
polyester, or any
other material, whether it is synthetic, natural, woven, or any other type of
material. In
some embodiments, the thickness of the material can be in the range between 2
mil and
30 mil, where 1 mil = 1/1000 inches. Alternatively, the thickness can be in
the range of 10
mil to 20 mil. In some embodiments, the thickness can be 15 mil.
[0062] The following is a description of some alternate embodiments of the
collapsible snowshoe.
[0063] FIGS. 9a-9j illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a snowshoe,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0064] FIGS. 9a-9d illustrate various view of a snowshoe 902, according to
some
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 9a is a top perspective view of the
snowshoe
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902. FIG. 9b is a top view of the snowshoe 902. FIG. 9c is a top perspective
view of the
snowshoe 902 in a process of being collapsed. FIG. 9d is a top perspective
view of the
snowshoe 902 in a collapsed state.
[0065] Snowshoe 902 includes a collapsible platform 910 to which includes a
center connector 912 and collapsible portions 914 (a, b, c, d, e, f ).
Portions 914a and
914b are located in the front of the snowshoe 902. Portions 914c and 914d are
located in
the middle of the snowshoe 902. Portions 914e and 914f are located in the back
of the
snowshoe 902. The portions 914 are separated by the fold lines 916 (a, b, c,
d, e, f) and
spaces 918(a, b). In particular, the portions 914a and 914b are separated by a
space 918a;
the portions 914a and 914d are separated by a fold line 916b; the portions
914b and 914c
are separated by a fold line 916a; the portions 914d and 914f are separated by
a fold line
916e; the portions 914c and 914e are separated by a fold line 916f; the
portions 914f and
914e are separated by the space 918b. The fold lines 916 can be configured to
provide
support to the user by allowing the portions to fold in a downward direction
by not in the
upward direction (as illustrated in FIGS. 9c and 9d). The fold lines 916a,
916b, 916e and
916f are configured to be parallel to each other. The fold lines 916c and the
fold lines
916d are configured to be parallel to each other. The fold lines 916a, 916b,
916e, 916f are
configured to be perpendicular to the fold lines 916c and 916d.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 9c and 9d, the portions 914 fold around the connector
912 toward one another. Specifically, the portions 914c and 914d toward one
another in a
downward direction; the portions 914f and 914d fold toward one another; the
portions
914e and 914c forward toward one another; and similarly with regard to other
portions
(see, FIGS. 9c and 9d). The thickness of the connector 912 can be configured
to allow
such folding.
[0067] In some embodiments, the snowshoe 902 can be configured to include a
shoe holder 920 that is configured to be attached to the connector 912. Thus,
when the
snowshoe 920 is in an unfolded state, the shoe holder 920 is configured to sit
on top of
the platform 910. This way, the user can insert his/her foot into the shoe
holder 910. The
unfolded platfot ________________________________________________ in 910
provides adequate support to the user. In the folded state (FIG.
9d), the shoe holder 920 can be configured to wrap around the folded platform
910. The
shoe holder 920 can be configured to be coupled to the connector 912 using
VELCRO FM,
bolts, screws, glue, welding, or any other means. The shoe holder 920 can be
configured
to be removably or permanently coupled to the connector 912.
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[0068] In some embodiments, the front portions 914a and 914b can be configured
to allow upward tilting, as illustrated in FIG. 9a. Such tilting allows for
improvement of
the support for the user, floatation of the snowshoe, and tracking on the
surface. The
embodiment shown in FIGS. 9a-9d allows a user to provide for a compact
snowshoe that
can be easily folded into a small package.
[0069] FIGS. 9c-9j illustrate another exemplary snowshoe 952, according to the
some embodiments of the present invention. Similarly to the snowshoe 902, the
snowshoe
952 includes a platfolin 954, a plurality of platfoinis 956 (a, b, c, d, e)
coupled by a
plurality of fold lines 958 (a, b, c, d). The fold lines 958 are configured to
be parallel to
each other. The fold lines 958 are configured to fold in a downward direction
but not in
an upward direction, as illustrated in FIGS. 9g and 9h. In a folded state, the
platforms 956
are configured to fold one on top of another as illustrated in FIGS. 9i and
9j. The
snowshoe 952 is configured to include a shoe holder 960 that is similar to the
shoe holder
920 and can be configured to be attached to one of the platforms 956 (platform
956c as
shown in FIG. 9h). As can be understood by one skilled in the art, there can
be any
arrangement of platforms and fold lines that allows folding a snowshoe in a
compact
state. As can be understood by one skilled in the art, at least one fold line
in the snowshoe
platforms can be parallel to at least one other fold line. Further, there can
be any number
of fold lines that are parallel to each other, for example, one fold line can
be parallel to a
second, a third, a fourth, etc. fold line. Further, the snowshoe can include
fold lines that
are not parallel to each other at all.
[0070] FIGS. 10a-10i illustrate another embodiment of a snowshoe 1000,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The snowshoe 1000 can
be
configured to be a collapsible snowshoe that uses structural members 1001 (a,
b, c, d, e)
that hold a fabric or membrane 1003 in a spread out configuration for snow
flotation.
When not needed, the members 1001 are configured to rotate or otherwise
collapse to
decrease the overall size of the snowshoe.
[0071] FIGS. 10b-10d are top views of the snowshoe 1000 having a plate 1010
and scaffolding or shoe-supporting material 1006. In some embodiments, the
material
1006 can be split into a plurality of portions 1006a and 1006b, as illustrated
in FIGS. 10b-
10d. This allows folding of the material in two different directions. The
material folds
under the plate 1010, when the snowshoe 1000 is not in used. The folded
configuration is
illustrated in FIGS. 10e-lOg and 10i.
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[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 10h, the material 1006 is configured to be
secured to
the structural members 1001. As illustrated, there are eight structural
members 1001.
Back structural members 1001a and 1001b are disposed at the back of the plate
1010 and
are configured to rotate around respective pivotal connectors 1012a and 1012b
in and out
of the folded state (as illustrated in FIGS. 10e- lOg and 10i). The front
members 1001e
and 1001f are configured to rotate around respective pivotal connectors 1012c
and 1012d.
The side members 100 lc-d and 100 lg-h are also configured to rotate around
respective
pivotal connectors 1012c and 1012d (i.e., members 1001c-d rotate around
connector
1012c and members 1001a-h rotate around connector 1012d). The materials used
for the
members 1001, material 1006, and the plate 1010 can be similar to the
materials
discussed above. In some embodiments, the members 1001 can be configured to
include
locking mechanisms to prevent them from freely oscillating around the
connectors 1012.
Such locking mechanisms can be any conventional locking mechanisms.
[0073] FIGS. 11a-11f; 12a-12f; 13a-b illustrate another exemplary collapsible
snowshoe 1100, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
Specifically.
FIG. ha is a top perspective view of the snowshoe 1100. FIG. 1 lb is a bottom
perspective view of the snowshoe 1100. FIG. 11c is a top perspective view of
the
snowshoe 1100 along with a storage bag 1101 and a prior art snowshoe 1199.
FIG. lid is
another top perspective view of the snowshoe 1100. FIG. lie is another bottom
perspective view of the snowshoe 1100. FIG. 1 If is a bottom view of a portion
of the
snowshoe 1100.
[0074] In some embodiments, the collapsible snowshoe 1100 includes a primary
supporting material or scaffolding material 1102, a secondary supporting
material 1104,
an additional secondary supporting material 1150, a first cross-bar 1106, a
second
crossbar 1108, a connector 1110, and a frame-locking mechanism 1112. The frame-
locking mechanism 1112 can also include friction control etchings 1122
disposed on the
bottom surface of the locking mechanism 1112 to provide additional grip. In
some
embodiments, the snowshoe 1100 can also include a shoe-holder 1114. The shoe
holder
1114 is similar to the shoe holders discussed in connection with FIGS. la-10i
above.
[0075] The cross-bars 1106 and 1108 can be configured to constitute a frame of
the snowshoe 1100. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 1 a-11f, the cross-bars 1106 and
1108 are
configured to interconnect using the pivotal connector 1110. In some
embodiments, the
connector 1110 can be a pivotal connector that allows pivotal motion of the
cross-bars
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and allows the cross-bars to be folded together. The pivotal connector 1110
can also
include pivotal etchings on its bottom surface to provide additional grip to
the snowshoe
during use.
[0076] The primary supporting material 1102 further includes a top portion
1103a
and a bottom portion 1103b. The cross-bars 1106 and 1108 are configured to be
adjacent
to the bottom portion 1103b and opposite of the top portion 1103a of the
material 1102.
The secondary supporting material 1104 also includes a top portion 1105a and a
bottom
portion 1105b. The material 1102 can be configured to include openings 1124a
and 1124b
that disposed toward rear end tips of the crossbars 1106 and 1108, as shown in
FIG. ha.
Such openings can be configured to increase flow of air during snowshoeing and
hence
ease user's ability to lift the snowshoe off the ground. Similar to the
material 1102, the
bottom portion 1105b is configured to be adjacent to the crossbars 1106 and
1108 and the
top potion 1105a is configured to be opposite of the crossbars 1106 and 1108.
The
material 1104 can be configured to include openings 1124c and 1124d that are
disposed
toward the front end tips of the crossbars 1106 and 1108, as shown in FIG. ha
and can be
further configured to serve a similar purpose as openings 1124a and 1124b. In
some
embodiments, the snowshoe 1100 also includes an additional secondary
supporting
material 1150 that is disposed between crossbars 1106 and 1108, as shown in
FIGS. 1 la-
11f. Such supporting material 1150 is configured substantially adjacent the
rear portion of
the crossbars 1106 and 1108 and extend, at least partially, over the primary
supporting
material 1102. The support material 1150 can be configured to provide
additional support
for the user's shoe when it is inserted into the shoe holder 1114. In some
embodiments,
the supporting material 1150 can be configured to assume a stretched out or
tensioned
state upon crossbars 1106 and 1108 being pulled into an open position, as
shown in FIG.
ha. Supporting material 1150 can be manufactured from materials similar to the
materials used for the supporting materials 1102 and 1104, as discussed above
in
connection with FIGS. la-10i. In some embodiments, the supporting material
1150 can be
configured to be coupled to the frame-locking mechanism 1112 using attachment
devices
1130 (a, 11) (e.g., bolts, screws, welding, etc.), as shown in FIG. ha.
[0077] the primary supporting material 1102 is configured to be coupled to the
crossbars 1106 and 1108 in a similar fashion as supporting material 102 shown
in and
discussed with regard to FIGS. la-hg. Also, the secondary supporting material
1104 is
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configured to be coupled to the crossbars 1106 and 1108 in a similar fashion
as
supporting material 104 shown and discussed with regard to FIGS. la-lg.
[0078] In some embodiments, the support materials 1102 and 1104 are configured
to include an opening 1141. The opening 1141 allows for insertion of the frame-
locking
mechanism 1112. The frame-locking mechanism 1112 is configured to secure the
cross-
bars 1106 and 1108 in an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 11b. In the
open position,
the cross-bars 1106 and 1108 are configured to be spread apart and thus, the
tips 1123a
and 1123b, as well as, tips 1125a and 1125b are configured to extend away from
each
other to a maximum possible distance. The open position of the cross-bars 1106
and 1108
is also configured to allow the user to use the snowshoes 1100 for walking. A
closed
position of the cross-bars 1106 and 1108 is illustrated in FIG. 12e. In the
closed position,
the cross-bars 1106 and 1108 are configured to be substantially adjacent to
each other. In
the closed position, the snowshoes 1100 can be stored in a case, bag, closed,
etc., as
shown in FIG. 12f. Such closed position allows for compact storage of the
snowshoes
1100. In the open position, the cross-bars 1106 and 1108 form an angle between
each
other. In the closed position, the cross-bars 1106 and 1108 are configured to
be
substantially parallel to each other.
[0079] Similarly to FIGS. la- lg, the cross-bars 1106 and 1108 can be
configured
as two tubes interconnected by the connector 1110. In sonic embodiments, the
cross-bars
1106 and 1108 can be four tubes connected by the connector 1110. The tubes
1106 and
1108 can be configured to rotate or pivot about the connector 1110, thereby
making
connector 1110 a pivotal connector. In the embodiments having four separate
tubes, each
tube can be configured to separate rotate or pivot around the pivotal
connector 1110. In
some embodiments, each cross-bar 1106 and 1108 can be configured to have a
flattened
section that is further configured to match the other cross-bar's flattened
section, where
the flattened section overlay and are secured to each other (by way of a bolt,
screw, nail,
etc.), thereby forming the pivotal connector 1110. As can be understood by one
skilled in
the art, the pivotal connector can be formed in any other way, including, ball-
and-socket
connection, roller connection, or any other suitable connection that allows
rotation,
oscillation, pivoting motion, or any other circular motion.
[0080] FIGS. 13a-b are block diagrams illustrating an exemplary frame-locking
mechanism 1112, according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG.
13a
illustrates an open mechanism 1112 and FIG. 13b illustrates a closed mechanism
1112.
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The mechanism 1112 can be configured to have two pivotally-connected portions
1302
and 1304 connected to one another using a pivot 1320 on one side of each
portion and a
locking or a securing mechanism 1310 (e.g., a latch, ball-and-chain, snap-on,
strap, hook,
fastener, button, VELCRO, or any other type of locking mechanism) at the
opposite to the
pivot end, as shown in FIGS. 13a-b. Each portion 1302, 1304 includes an
interior crossbar
locking side 1312, 1314, respectively. The locking sides 1312, 1314 include
crossbar
grooves 1306(a, b), 1308(a, b), respectively. The crossbar grooves 1306, 1308
are
configured to be sized to fit over the crossbars 1106 and 1108 when the frame-
locking
mechanism is placed over the crossbars, as shown in FIG. ha. In some
embodiments, the
grooves 1306, 1308 can be configured to have a semi-circular shape, as shown
in FIG.
13a, to correspond to the circular shape of crossbars 1106, 1108. The grooves
1306, 1308
are further disposed a sufficient distance apart from one another, wherein
such distance
corresponds to the distance between crossbars 1106, 1108 when the crossbars
are in the
open position, as shown in FIG. 11a. The locking mechanism 1112 allows the
frame to
maintain a proper distance between the crossbars 1106, 1108, when applied to
lock the
frame of the snowshoe 1100. As stated above, in some embodiments, the locking
mechanism 1112 can be configured to be coupled to the additional secondary
supporting
material 1150. Thereby upon coupling the locking mechanism 1112 to the
crossbars 1106,
1108, the locking mechanism 1112 is configured to further tension the
supporting
material 1150, as the material 1150 tensions between its attachments to the
crossbars
1106, 1108 and the locking mechanism 112. In some embodiments, the material
1150 can
be also configured to be coupled to the pivotal mechanism 1110.
[0081] In some embodiments, the grooves 1306, 1308 can be disposed only in one
of the portions 1302 and 1304, wherein one of the portions includes the
grooves
configured to accommodate an entire crossbar (as opposed to its semi-circular
portion),
and the other portion is placed adjacent to the first portion. In some
embodiments, the
grooves can have any desired shape, where such shape can be configured to
depend on
the cross-section of a crossbar.
[0082] Upon closing of the mechanism 1112 and thereby locking the crossbars in
their open position, the locking mechanism 1310 can be further applied to
secure the
mechanism 1112 in its place. As shown in FIG. 12e, once the locking mechanism
1310 is
unlocked, the frame-locking mechanism 1112 can be removed and the snowshoe
1100
can be collapsed. Since the frame locking mechanism 1112 can he attached to
the
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additional secondary supporting material 1150, the user does not have to be
concerned
with losing the locking mechanism 1112 upon collapsing the snowshoe.
[0083] FIGS. 14a-14n illustrate another exemplary collapsible snowshoe 1400,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 14a
is a top
perspective view of the snowshoe 1400. FIG. 14b is a side perspective view of
the
snowshoe 1400. FIG. 14c is a bottom perspective view of the snowshoe 1400.
FIG. 14d is
another bottom view of the snowshoe 1400. FIG. 14e is a bottom perspective
view of
cross-bars 1406, 1408 of the snowshoe 1400. FIG. 14f is a top perspective view
of the
cross-bars 1406, 1408 of the snowshoe 1400. FIGS. 14g-k illustrate exemplary
frame-
locking mechanism 1412 of the snowshoe 1400. FIG. 141 is a bottom view of
folded
cross-bars 1406, 1408 along with the frame-locking mechanism 1412. FIG. 14m is
a side
perspective view of the folded cross-bars 1406, 1408 along with the frame-
locking
mechanism 1412. FIG. 14n is a bottom view of a portion of the folded cross-
bars 1406,
1408 along with the frame-locking mechanism 1412.
[0084] In sonic embodiments, the collapsible snowshoe 1400 includes a primary
supporting material or scaffolding material 1402, a secondary supporting
material 1404, a
first cross-bar 1406, a second crossbar 1408, a connector 1410, and a frame-
locking
mechanism 1412. The frame-locking mechanism 1412 can also include friction
control
etchings 1422 disposed on the bottom surface of the locking mechanism 1412 to
provide
additional grip. In some embodiments, the snowshoe 1400 can also include a
shoe-holder
1414. The shoe holder can be similar to those shown and discussed in
connection with
FIGS. la-13b. In some embodiments, the shoe holder 1414 can include a shoe-
holding
platfomi 1481 that can be configured to be coupled to the primary supporting
material or
scaffolding 1402. In some embodiments, the material 1402 can be configured to
include
an additional supporting reinforcement section 1452 that can provide
additional support
for the shoe holder 1414. Straps 1485a and 1485b can be coupled to the
platform 1481 at
front of the platfolin 1483a, 1483b, respectively and at the back of the
platform 1484a,
1484b, respectively. The straps 1485 can also have respective loose ends 1487a
and
1487b. A user of the snowshoe 1400 can be place his/her foot inside the shoe
holder 1414
on the platform 1481 and wrap the loose ends 1487 around the heel of his/her
foot (or a
regular shoe) and secure the loose ends either to one another or to the
platform 1481 or in
any other fashion. The shoe holder 1414 can be manufactured from any suitable
material,
including, resin, plastic, fabric, etc.
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[0085] The cross-bars 1406 and 1408 can be configured to constitute a frame of
the snowshoe 1400. As illustrated in FIGS. 14a-14n, the cross-bars 1406 and
1408 are
configured to interconnect using the pivotal connector 1410. In some
embodiments, the
connector 1410 can be a pivotal connector that allows pivotal motion of the
cross-bars
and allows the cross-bars to be folded together. The pivotal connector 1410
can be bolted,
screwed, welded, etc. to the cross-bars 1406 and 1408. The cross-bars 1406 and
1408 can
be configured to include teeth or etchings disposed on the bottom portions of
the cross-
bars 1406 and 1408 and in a vicinity of the pivotal connector 1410, as shown
in FIG. 14c.
[0086] The primary supporting material 1402 includes a top portion 1403a and a
bottom portion 1403b. The cross-bars 1406 and 1408 are configured to be
adjacent to the
bottom portion 1403b and opposite of the top portion 1403a of the material
1402. The
secondary supporting material 1404 also includes a top portion 1405a and a
bottom
portion 1405b. The material 1404 can be configured to include openings 1424a
and 1424b
that disposed toward front end tips of the crossbars 1406 and 1408, as shown
in FIGS.
14a-d. Such openings can be configured to increase flow of air during
snowshoeing and
hence ease user's ability to lift the snowshoe off the ground. Similar to the
material 1402,
the bottom portion 1405b is configured to be adjacent to the crossbars 1406
and 1408 and
the top potion 1405a is configured to be opposite of the crossbars 1406 and
1408.
[0087] The primary supporting material 1402 is configured to be coupled to the
crossbars 1406 and 1408 in a similar fashion as supporting material 102 shown
in and
discussed with regard to FIGS. la-lg. Also, the secondary supporting material
1404 is
configured to be coupled to the crossbars 1406 and 1408 in a similar fashion
as
supporting material 104 shown and discussed with regard to FIGS. la-lg.
[0088] In some embodiments, the supporting materials 1402 and 1404 are
configured to fotm an opening 1441. The opening 1441 allows for insertion of
the frame-
locking mechanism 1412. The frame-locking mechanism 1412 is configured to
secure the
cross-bars 1406 and 1408 in an open position, as illustrated in FIGS. 14a-d.
In the open
position, the cross-bars 1406 and 1408 are configured to be spread apart and
thus, the tips
1423a and 1423b, as well as, tips 1425a and 1425b are configured to extend
away from
each other to a maximum possible distance. The open position of the cross-bars
1406 and
1408 is also configured to allow the user to use the snowshoe 1400 for
walking. A closed
position of the cross-bars 1406 and 1408 is illustrated in FIGS. 141-n (these
figures
illustrate the snowshoe 1400 without the supporting materials 1402 and 1404).
In the
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closed position, the cross-bars 1406 and 1408 are configured to be
substantially adjacent
to each other. In the closed position, the snowshoes 1400 can be stored in a
case, bag,
closet, etc. An exemplary storage bag is illustrated in FIGS. 12e-f. Such
closed position
allows for compact storage of the snowshoes 1400. In the open position, the
cross-bars
1406 and 1408 form an angle between each other. In the closed position, the
cross-bars
1406 and 1408 are configured to be substantially parallel to each other.
[0089] Similarly to FIGS. la- lg, the cross-bars 1406 and 1408 can be
configured
as two tubes interconnected by the connector 1410. In some embodiments, the
cross-bars
1406 and 1408 can be four tubes connected by the connector 1410. The tubes
1406 and
1408 can be configured to rotate or pivot about the connector 1410, thereby
making
connector 1410 a pivotal connector. In the embodiments having four separate
tubes, each
tube can be configured to separately rotate or pivot around the pivotal
connector 1410. In
some embodiments, each cross-bar 1406 and 1408 can be configured to have a
flattened
section that is further configured to match the other cross-bar's flattened
section, where
the flattened section overlay and are secured to each other (by way of a bolt,
screw, nail,
etc.), thereby forming the pivotal connector 1410. As can be understood by one
skilled in
the art, the pivotal connector can be formed in any other way, including, ball-
and-socket
connection, roller connection, or any other suitable connection that allows
rotation,
oscillation, pivoting motion, or any other circular motion.
[0090] FIGS. 14e-k illustrate an exemplary frame-locking mechanism 1412,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14e-
f, the
frame locking mechanism 1412 can be configured to be pivotally coupled to
cross-bars
1406 and 1408 at the front portions of the respective cross-bars. The
mechanism 1412
further includes two interlocking portions 1475 and 1477, whereby portion 1475
is
configured to be pivotally coupled to the cross-bar 1406 at a pivotal
connection 1471 and
portion 1477 is configured to be pivotally coupled to the cross-bar 1408 at a
pivotal
connection 1473. The interlocking portions 1475 and 1477 are also configured
to be
pivotally coupled to one another at a pivotal connection 1476 (as shown in
FIGS. 14h-i).
The interlocking portions 1475 and 1477 are configured to have a locked state
(FIGS.
14e-g) and an unlocked state (FIGS. 14h-k). In the locked state, the portions
1475 and
1477 are configured to form a substantially unitary structure that is
substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the snowshoe 1400 (an axis that is
parallel to the
cross-bars 1406, 1408, when the cross-bars are in a folded state, as shown in
FIGS. 141-
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n). In the unlocked state, the portions 1475 and 1477 are configured to rotate
about
pivotal connections 1476, 1473, and 1471 in a forward fashion and toward the
front of the
cross-bars, as shown in FIGS. 14h-i. Continued rotation of the portions 1475
and 1477
around pivotal connections 1471, 1473, and 1476 causes the cross-bars 1406 and
1408 to
approach one another until they are in disposed substantially parallel to one
another, as
shown in FIGS. 141-n.
[0091] In some embodiments, the interlocking portions 1475 and 1477 can be
configured to include a hook 1474 disposed on the portion 1477 that is
configured to
interact with a latch 1479 disposed on the portion 1475. The hook 1474 and the
latch
1479 are configured to snap the interlocking portions into a position shown in
FIGS. 14f-
g. Upon depressing the latch 1479, the hook 1474 is released and the
interlocking portions
1475 and 1477 can begin rotation, thereby folding the snowshoe 1400 into a
closed
position. As can be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant
art, the
portions 1475 and 1477 can be configured to interlock with one another using
any other
mechanism, such as, a latch, ball-and-chain, snap-on, strap, hook, fastener,
button,
VELCRO, or any other type of locking mechanism. The locking mechanism 1412
allows
the frame to maintain a proper distance between the crossbars 1406, 1408, when
applied
to lock the frame of the snowshoe 1400.
[0092] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a system for
walking using any of the above collapsible snowshoes illustrated in FIGS. la-
14n. The
system can include a plurality of cross-bars configured to interact with each
other,
alternatively the cross-bars can be pivotally coupled to each other. The cross-
bars can be
configured to switch between an open position and a closed position. In the
open position,
cross-bars' outermost tips can be configured to rotate away from one another.
In the
closed position, the outermost tips can be configured to rotate toward each
other. The
system also includes a stretchable support material secured to at least
portions of the
cross-bars and configured to provide largest surface support area when the
cross-bars are
in the open position. The system also includes a locking mechanism (as shown
in FIGS.
a-lg; 1 1 a-13b, 14a-14n) configured to secure the cross-bars in the open
position.
[0093] In some embodiments, the frame-locking mechanism can include a single
locking mechanism member. In alternate embodiments, the frame locking
mechanism
and/or any of its constituents can be entirely or partially removable from the
snowshoe.
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Alternatively, the frame-locking mechanism and/or any of its members or
constituents
can be pivotally coupled to at least one of the cross-bars or frame members.
[0094] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for
walking using the collapsible snowshoe shown in FIGS. la-14n. The method can
include
steps of rotating cross-bars from the closed position to the open position and
securing the
shoe-supporting material to the front portion of the cross-bars using the
frame-locking
mechanism. Additionally, a user's shoe can be inserted into the shoe holder
that is
secured to the snowshoe.
[0095] Further, in some embodiments, the present invention also relates to a
method of manufacturing the snowshoe shown in FIGS. 1a-14n. The method can
include
steps of providing cross-bars, securing (whether pivotally or not) the cross-
bars to each
other, coupling at least a portion of the shoe-supporting material to the back
portion of
each of the cross-bars, coupling at least a portion of another shoe-supporting
material to
the front portion of each of the cross-bars, wherein another shoe-supporting
material is
configured to stretch between the front portion of the cross-bars when the
cross-bars are
in the open position, and securing frame-locking mechanism to at least another
portion of
the shoe-supporting material. Alternatively, a shoe holder can be also secured
to the
supporting material.
[0096] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a collapsible
snowshoe. The snowshoe can include a frame having a first supporting cross-bar
configured to interact with a second supporting cross-bar, wherein said cross-
bars are
configured to alternate between an open position and a closed position. The
snowshoe
frame can also include a first supporting material configured to be coupled to
said cross-
bars and further configured to extend between said cross-bars, whereby said
extended
supporting material creates a support surface for walking when said cross-bars
are in said
open position. The frame can further include a frame-locking mechanism
including a first
portion configured to be coupled to at least one of the first and second
supporting cross-
bars, wherein the frame-locking mechanism is configured to selectively secure
said cross-
bars in said open position.
[0097] In some embodiments, the present invention can also include the
following
optional features. The frame locking mechanism can include a second portion
pivotally
coupled to the second supporting cross-bar. The first portion can be
configured to be
pivotally coupled to the first supporting cross-bar and pivotally coupled to
the second
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portion, wherein upon the first portion and second portion are configured to
interlock with
one another to secure said cross-bars in said open position.
[0098] The snowshoe can include shoe holder coupled to said frame and further
configured to secure a shoe to said frame. Each cross-bar can include a front
portion and a
back portion, wherein said front portion is curved upwards. The front portion
can be
curved upwards at an angle of 100 to 90 relative to said back portion. The
snowshoe can
include a pivot configured to pivotally couple said cross-bars, wherein said
cross-bars can
be configured to rotate about said pivot to a predetermined angle. The
snowshoe can
include a second supporting material configured to restrain rotation of said
cross-bars
about said pivot, wherein said first supporting material can further include a
top portion
and a bottom portion and said bottom portion of said first supporting material
is
configured to be adjacent to said pivot and said cross-bars. At least a
portion of said first
supporting material can be configured to be permanently coupled to said back
portion of
each said cross-bar and said second supporting material can be configured to
be
permanently coupled to said front portion of each said cross-bar. The frame-
locking
mechanism can be configured to restrain rotation of said cross-bars from said
open
position to said closed position. The cross-bars can be configured to be
substantially apart
to each other in said open position and said cross-bars can be configured to
be
substantially adjacent from each other in said closed position.
[0099] The frame-locking mechanism can be configured to be secured to at least
a
portion of said first supporting material.
[00100] In some embodiments, a distance between outermost tips of said front
portions of said cross-bars, located away from said pivot, can be configured
to be greater
than a distance between outermost tips of said back portions of said cross-
bars, located
away from said pivot, when said cross-bars are in said open position.
[00101] The first supporting material can be configured to be permanently
coupled to said back portion of each said cross-bar and, using said frame-
locking
mechanism, to be detachably coupled to said front portion of each said cross-
bar. The first
supporting material can be configured to be detachably coupled to said front
portion of
each said cross-bar between said pivot and outermost tips of said front
portion of each
said cross-bar.
[00102] The cross-bars can be manufactured from aluminum, titanium, stainless
steel, fiberglass, fiber, wood, steel, magnesium, carbon-fiber, magnesium-
lithium alloy,
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and/or plastic, and/or any other material, and/or various combinations of the
above. The
supporting materials can be micro-fiber, nylon, acron, and Kevlar, polyester,
polymer,
polyethylene, polypropylene, Mylar, silk, and/or cotton and/or any other
material, and/or
various combinations of the above.
[00103] In some embodiments, a diameter of said cross-bars can be in a range
of 8
mm to 40 mm. A total surface area of said supporting materials can be in a
range of 75
square inches to 375 square inches.
[00104] The supporting material can further include two sides, wherein one
side is
configured to extend between said front portion of said first cross-bar and
said back
portion of said second cross-bar and another side is configured to extend
between said
front portion of said second cross-bar and said back portion of said first
cross-bar. The
supporting material can include a back side configured to extend between each
said back
portion of said first cross-bars, when said cross-bars are in said open
position, wherein
each said side is configured to have varying degrees of concavity.
[00105] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a system for
walking using a collapsible snowshoe. The system can include a plurality of
cross-bars
configured to interact with each other, wherein said cross-bars are further
configured to
switch between an open position and a closed position, whereby in said open
position,
outermost tips of said cross-bars are configured to move away from one
another, and in
said closed position, said outetmost tips of said cross-bars are configured to
move toward
each other, an extendable supporting material secured to at least portions of
said cross-
bars and configured to provide largest support area when said cross-bars are
in said open
position, and a frame-locking mechanism. The frame-locking mechanism can
include a
first portion configured to be coupled to at least one of the first and second
supporting
cross-bars, wherein the frame-locking mechanism is configured to selectively
secure said
cross-bars in said open position. The frame locking mechanism can further
include a
second portion pivotally coupled to a second cross-bar in the plurality of
cross-bars. The
first portion can be pivotally coupled to a first cross-bar in the plurality
of cross-bars. The
first portion can be configured to be pivotally coupled to the second portion,
wherein
upon the first portion and second portion are configured to interlock with one
another to
secure said cross-bars in said open position.
[00106] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for
walking using a snowshoe. The snowshoe can include a supporting cross-bar
configured
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to interact with another supporting cross-bar, wherein the cross-bars are
configured to
alternate between an open position and a closed position, a supporting
material
configured to be coupled to the cross-bars and further configured to extend
between the
cross-bars, whereby the extended supporting material creates a surface for
walking when
the cross-bars are in the open position, and a frame-locking mechanism
including a first
portion configured to be coupled to at least one of the first and second
supporting cross-
bars, wherein the frame-locking mechanism is configured to selectively secure
said cross-
bars in said open position. The method can include extending cross-bars from
the closed
position to the open position, and securing the supporting material to the
front portion of
the cross-bars using the frame-locking mechanism.
[00107] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for
manufacturing a snowshoe. The snowshoe can include some of the above-described
components. The method can include providing cross-bars, pivotally securing
the cross-
bars to each other, coupling at least a portion of the first supporting
material to the back
portion of each of the cross-bars, coupling at least a portion of the second
supporting
material to the front portion of each of the cross-bars, wherein the second
supporting
material is configured to extend between the front portion of the cross-bars
when the
cross-bars are in the open position, and securing frame-locking mechanism to
at least
another portion of the first supporting material. The frame-locking mechanism
can
include a second portion pivotally coupled to the second cross-bar, a first
portion
pivotally coupled to the first cross-bar, the first portion is configured to
be pivotally
coupled to the second portion, wherein upon the first portion and second
portion are
configured to interlock with one another to secure said cross-bars in said
open position.
The method can also include securing a shoe holder to at least yet another
portion of the
first supporting material.
[00108] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a collapsible
snowshoe. The snowshoe can include a frame having a plate configured to secure
a
plurality of structural members, a supporting material configured to be
secured to said
structural members. The members can be configured to expand into an open
position
thereby providing a support surface area for the user, and collapse into a
closed position,
wherein in said closed position said structural members are configured to be
secured
underneath said plate. The frame can include a frame-locking mechanism
including a first
portion configured to he coupled to at least one of the first and second
structural members
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in the plurality of members, wherein the frame-locking mechanism is configured
to
selectively secure said first and second structural members in the plurality
of members in
said open position.
[00109] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a collapsible
snowshoe. The snowshoe can include a frame. The frame can have a first
supporting
cross-bar configured to interact with a second supporting cross-bar, wherein
said cross-
bars are configured to alternate between an open position and a closed
position, a first
supporting material configured to be coupled to said cross-bars and further
configured to
extend between said cross-bars, whereby said extended supporting material
creates a
support surface for walking when said cross-bars are in said open position,
and a frame-
locking mechanism. The frame-locking mechanism can include a first portion
pivotally
coupled to the first supporting cross-bar, a second portion pivotally coupled
to the second
supporting cross-bar. The first portion can be configured to be pivotally
coupled to the
second portion, wherein upon the first portion and second portion are
configured to
interlock with one another to secure said cross-bars in said open position.
[00110] Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as structure
and
operation of various embodiments of the invention, are disclosed in detail
below with
references to the accompanying drawings.
[00111] Example embodiments of the methods and components of the present
invention have been described herein. As noted elsewhere, these example
embodiments
have been described for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting.
Other
embodiments are possible and are covered by the invention. Such embodiments
will be
apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings
contained herein.
Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by
any of the
above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in
accordance with
the following claims and their equivalents.
