FR3059874A1 - REMOVABLE SNOW RACKET ADAPTABLE ON ICE CRAMPON DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable snowshoe (10) adapted to be removably mounted on a shoe (6) equipped with an ice cleat device (5) comprising: - a perforated plate (1) (1f) in U-shaped or horseshoe shape comprising two lateral branches (1a1, 1a2) defining on the underside bearing surfaces in a common plane (P), spaced so as to be able to contain a shoe (6) equipped with said cleat device with ice (5), - a front cross member (1b) providing the connection of the two lateral branches, comprising a tongue (1c) adapted to be interposed between the front portion of the sole (6a) of the shoe and a front portion (5-1) of the cleat device (5), - an intermediate cross member (2) between and below said side branches (1a1, 1a2), behind said tongue, able to block laterally and downwardly a part of the spike device relative to said plate, and - at least one member fixing member (4) adapted to secure said plate (1) with the shoe (6) and / or with the cleat device (5) in a non-articulated manner.

Description

Holder (s): FRENEE JEAN-MARC.

Agent (s): CABINET BEAU DE LOMENIE Civil society.

REMOVABLE SNOWSHOE ADAPTABLE ON AN ICE CLAMP DEVICE.

FR 3 059 874 - A1 (5y) The present invention relates to a removable snowshoe (10) capable of being removably mounted on a shoe (6) equipped with an ice crampon device (5) comprising:

- a perforated plate (1) (1 f) in the shape of a U or horseshoe comprising two lateral branches (1 a1,1 a2) defining on the underside of the bearing surfaces in a common plane (P), spaced apart from so as to be able to contain a shoe (6) equipped with said device for ice spikes (5),

- a front crossmember (1b) ensuring the connection of the two lateral branches, comprising a tongue (1c) capable of being inserted between the front part of the sole (6a) of the shoe and a front part (5-1) of the crampon device (5),

an intermediate crosspiece (2) between and below the said lateral branches (1 a1,1 a2), behind the said tongue, capable of blocking laterally and downwards a part of the clamp device relative to the said plate, and

- At least one fastening element (4) capable of securing said plate (1) with the shoe (6) and / or with the spike device (5) in a non-articulated manner.

Removable snowshoe adaptable to a device of ice crampons.

The present invention relates to a snowshoe capable of being removably mounted on a shoe equipped with an ice crampon device.

This device is intended to limit the sinking into the snow of a mountaineer or hiker equipped with ice spikes by increasing the support surface while retaining the effectiveness of the spikes on hard snow, in order to cope with variations in quality and thickness of snow.

A crampon device is an assembly of spikes that you attach under shoes to allow progression on snow and ice.

On snow slopes of varying hardness and density, the mountaineer must be able to guarantee their safety on snow and ice by wearing crampons, but also limit their sinking and therefore their fatigue in areas with soft or powdery snow by wearing snowshoes. You have to be able to switch from one mode to another quickly and without ever leaving the crampons that provide security.

In WO 2014/071232, there is provided a snowshoe adaptable to a shoe equipped with ice spikes, intended to be mounted between the shoe and the spike device, interposed or sandwiched between the sole of the shoe and the device crampons. Such a racket requires the removal of the cleat device to install or separate the snowshoe from the shoe.

In US 5,901,470, a snowshoe that can be adapted to a shoe fitted with studs is described without detaching the stud device from the shoe. However, this snowshoe is hingedly attached to the front of the assembly of the shoe equipped with the studs, the heel thus being able to lift. This articulated binding requires a liner-shaped binding element on the upper face of the racket intended to retain the front part of the shoe as well as a lower plate intended to secure the front part of the cleat device. This articulated binding combined with a length and a shape of the racket, in particular with a front part curved upwards and forwards with respect to the cleat device, does not promote rapid and fluid walking in all circumstances, in particular on a steep slope, and does not favor an easy turnaround or change of direction. In addition, it is a racket made from a frame of bent tubes. These tubes form rounded edges which makes the snowshoe very slippery when crossing a slope because of it and quite dangerous when going down in hard snow. It is a snowshoe whose combination with a crampon device is suitable for powder snow and for low slopes but inappropriate for steep slopes (30 ° to 45 °) and ice.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a removable snowshoe that can be adapted and removed from a shoe fitted with a spike device without having to separate the spike device from the shoe in order to install or remove it from on the one hand and on the other hand with a simplified fixing allowing an easy and fast installation and removal.

Another object is to provide such a snowshoe suitable for steep slope and / or ice as well as powder snow and / or slight slope.

More generally, another object of the present invention is to provide an improved snowshoe allowing easier and more efficient use in all circumstances.

To do this, the present invention provides a removable snowshoe capable of being removably mounted on a shoe equipped with an ice lug device without needing to separate the lug device from the shoe, comprising:

- an openwork U-shaped plate or horseshoe comprising two lateral branches extending vis-à-vis in a longitudinal direction, defining in the underside of the bearing surfaces in part at least in a main bearing plane common of the plate, spaced in a transverse direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction in said main support plane so as to be able to contain between the two lateral branches a shoe fitted with said ice lug device,

- a front crossmember ensuring a transverse connection on the front of the two lateral branches, extending by a tongue extending in the front part of the empty space between the two branches, capable of being inserted between the front part of the sole of the shoe and a front part of the cleat device until said front cross member blocks the relative forward movement of the cleat device relative to said plate,

- An intermediate cross member ensuring a connection in said transverse direction between and below said lateral branches, behind said tongue, capable of laterally and downwardly blocking part of the spike device relative to said plate at a level where spikes of the cleat device and preferably a part of the sole of the shoe, arrive below the said main support plane of the plate, and

- At least one fastening element capable of securing said plate with the shoe and / or with the cleat device at least by blocking the relative movement of the shoe and cleat device up and rearward relative to the said plate.

The racket is defined by the position of its elements when said snowshoe is mounted on a shoe fitted with said ice crampon device.

We understand that:

- Said lateral longitudinal branches of the racket extend in a said longitudinal direction of the racket opposite each other from an axial longitudinal direction; and

- The blocking of the relative movement of the crampon device relative to the said plate, towards the front by the said front cross member or towards the rear by the said fixing element, means a relative movement in the said longitudinal direction when the snowshoe is mounted on a shoe fitted with said ice lug device;

the lateral blocking of the boot and of the spike device by said intermediate crosspiece means a blocking of any relative movement of the boot and of the spike device in said transverse direction thus maintained in a said longitudinal direction between the two side branches;

the blocking down of the shoe and of the cleat device means a blocking of relative movement towards the bottom of the shoe and of the cleat device in a direction perpendicular to said main support plane;

- The space between the two lateral branches outside of said intermediate cross member, is entirely perforated, and follows on the front a curved outline of the shoe by differentiating the internal and external sides; and

- Said tongue prevents the front part of the shoe from detaching from the racket by (a) relative displacement in the direction perpendicular to the common plane of said bearing surfaces on the underside of the two arms and (b) relative displacement in the longitudinal direction towards the front of the boot and crampon device with respect to the snowshoe.

Said fastening element therefore achieves a non-articulated fixing without lifting the heel of the shoe and of the cleat device relative to the racket.

A snowshoe according to the invention therefore makes it possible to quickly associate and dissociate the support plate and the ice crampon device, without having to remove the crampon device from the shoe during the ascent. The mountaineer thus remains safe during alternating snow and ice, while avoiding wearing a pair of heavier snowshoes with their own crampons. The occasional hiker who is not used to walking with ice crampons can familiarize himself in complete safety because the plate protects him from the sharp points of the crampon device.

Adding a removable racket without removing the crampons allows the hiker, mountaineer or surfer to safely switch from climbing in crampon mode to a snowshoe walk, by combining the two devices. The main support on a hard surface is on the crampon device, the racket plate resting on the ground when the crampon sinks into the snow. This snowshoe therefore makes it possible to evolve in soft or powder snow and to return to the "crampons only" configuration as soon as the snow slope becomes very hard or icy again, without having to remove the ice crampons.

A snowshoe according to the invention having a non-articulated binding, that is to say without lifting the heel of the shoe, is more manageable and easier to use in practice. You can walk with a smooth and fast step or run downhill, the plate not beating against the heel due to this non-articulated attachment. And, it is possible to turn around and change direction on the slope without risking falling, which is more difficult with a classic articulated racket with the same bearing surface. In addition, the non-articulated fixing prevents excessive lateral bending of the ankle when crossing a slope, and allows the rear points of the crampon to slow down.

The protrusion of the shoe sole under the bearing surfaces of the plate provides good grip of the crampons in all snow.

Finally, snowshoes according to the invention are compact and light. When not in use, their compactness and lightness (700g / pair) does not bother the mountaineer who has little space in his bag. In addition, they are compatible with an anti-avalanche airbag which prohibits the external attachment of snowshoes.

More particularly, a snowshoe according to the invention is capable of being removably mounted on a shoe equipped with an ice crampon device of the type comprising:

i) a front frame supporting spikes and at least one front stop capable of retaining the shoe, and ii) a rear frame supporting spikes and preferably at least one clamping and / or wedging means on the rear part of the shoe, and iii) a rigid spar extending in said longitudinal direction of the spike device ensuring the connection of said front frame and said rear frame, preferably at an adjustable distance from each other in said longitudinal direction, said racket. snow characterized in that it comprises:

- an openwork plate comprising two said lateral branches, each comprising an outer longitudinal edge folded under the said main support plane of the plate inclined with respect to said transverse direction,

- A flat front cross member on the underside in the same main support plane and a flat tongue extending below said main support plane of the plate, said tongue being inclined at an angle a2 in particular from 5 to 15 ° relative to the longitudinal direction of the plate, capable of being interposed between the front part of the sole (6a) of the shoe and the upper face of said front frame of the cleat device until said front crosspiece comes abut on a said front stop of the crampon device when the snowshoe is mounted on a shoe fitted with said ice crampon device,

- An intermediate cross member comprising a flat upper part defining a complementary bearing surface between said lateral branches and substantially in the same said main bearing plane and a lower part extending, preferably vertically, below said plane of main support, said lower part comprising a central notch able to (il) receive and laterally block said rigid spar of the cleat device, and (i2) allow blocking by said upper flat part of the relative movement of the shoe and of the cleat device downwards with respect to said plate at a level where (i2a) a central part of said sole in front of a heel abuts on said flat upper part and (i2b) said rigid spar, the spikes of the spike device, the said central part of the sole and the said heel of the shoe arrive below the said main support plane, when the snowshoe is mo ntée on a shoe equipped with said ice cleat device, and

- At least one fastening element capable of securing said plate with the shoe, preferably a rear part of the shoe, and / or with the cleat device, to prevent the rear part of the shoe from detaching from the racket at snow by blocking (ii.l) the relative movement of the shoe and the cleat device upward relative to said plate and (ii.2) the relative movement in said longitudinal direction towards the rear of the shoe and of the crampon device relative to said plate.

It is understood that said central part of the sole corresponds to the level of the arch of the foot.

The functions of the intermediate sleeper are to constitute:

- in its said flat upper part, a horizontal bearing surface of the sole,

- in its so-called vertical lower part, a rigidified mechanical connection between the two lateral branches, acting as a complementary crampon and opposing the sliding of the plate on the soft snow towards the front and incidentally facilitating the positioning of the plate during the shoeing plate under the crampon device by resting on the ground before fixing by the fastening element and incidentally also serving as a stop against which the heel of the shoe abuts and blocks the relative movement in the longitudinal direction towards the front of the shoe and crampon device with respect to the snowshoe, and

- a lateral wedging groove of the crampon device.

It is understood that said intermediate crosspiece is fixed on the underside of the two lateral branches of the plate, at the level of the central part of the sole at the level of the arch of the foot, preferably just in front of the heel of the shoe when the racket is snow is mounted on a shoe fitted with said ice lug device.

The flat shape of the front crossmember allows - with a thickness of it sufficiently thin - to promote good penetration of the plate in compacted snow or crusted by frost during the frontal kick in snow in steep uphill slope . And, the fixed plate thus driven into the snow creates a reliable support in the snow layer, unlike an articulated plate.

The folded down shape of the external longitudinal edges of the two lateral branches of the plate makes it possible to promote good penetration of the plate into compact snow or crusted with frost, and to act as a square as well as to stiffen the plate.

The inclined arrangement and the short length of the tongue favor the intercalation of the latter below the front part of the sole because the latter is often slightly bent upwards.

Preferably, said front cross member does not protrude from the front end of the cleat device when the boot fitted with the cleat device is mounted on said snowshoe.

The front crossmember, set back with respect to the crampon device, implies that the protrusion of the spikes of the crampon at the front of the crampon device can be planted in the snow and provide good grip, especially for climbing steep slopes from the front .

A snowshoe according to the invention which does not extend towards the front of the cleat device, shorter, and also more manageable and easier to use in practice. We can therefore walk with a smooth and fast step or run downhill, and it is possible to turn around and change direction on the slope without risking falling.

The U-shaped plate or horseshoe can be opened on the back. However, more preferably still, said racket further comprises a rear cross member forming a rear transverse connection portion extending between the two lateral branches capable of forming an additional bearing surface substantially in the same said main bearing plane, extending between the two lateral branches behind the cleat device and preferably beyond behind said lateral branches in said longitudinal direction. Said rear cross member therefore extends rear of the rear crampons of the crampon device when the snowshoe is mounted on a shoe fitted with said ice crampon device to allow the heel of the crampon device to pivot and its insertion in the snow in particular on the descent.

Preferably, said rear cross member has relative flexibility with respect to said plate and said rigid intermediate cross member, capable of allowing relative deformation with respect to the plate and said intermediate cross member. It can notably be a deformation at the rear towards the top of the plate favoring the sinking of the heel of the cleat device in the snow when descending or a lateral deformation towards the top of the plate in the event of crossing direction transverse to the slope, the lateral part of the rear cross member deforming towards the top of the plate on the high side of the slope and allowing a deformation of the plate such that the lateral branch of the high side of the slope deforms towards the top relative to the lateral branch on the bottom side of the slope.

Preferably, external lateral edges of the rear cross-member are folded downwards inclined symmetrically by an angle α1, in particular from 15 to 45 °, relative to and below the said main support plane of the plate, substantially in alignment with the outer longitudinal edges of said plates similarly folded below and inclined at the same angle relative to said main support plane of the plate. This characteristic gives the same advantages of good penetration of the plate in hard snow or crusted by the gel, as well as stiffening of the plate.

More particularly still, said fastening element capable of securing said plate with a rear part of the shoe and / or of the cleat device, comprises at least one strap.

More particularly still, said fastening element comprises two straps each fixed at one end to one of the two lateral branches, preferably at the level of said intermediate cross member, and capable of passing behind the collar of the shoe, to be fixed to the to each other at their other ends, preferably using a tightening loop.

More particularly still, said intermediate crossmember is fixed on the underside of the two lateral branches of the plate so as to be adjustable in position in the longitudinal direction of the racket. It is understood that in this way the racket can be adapted to shoes of different sizes, the adjustment of the crampon device being itself adaptable to shoes of different sizes in a known manner by adjusting the length of said rigid spar.

More particularly still, the total length of the snowshoe is less than or equal to twice its maximum width. This short relative shape of the racket facilitates its reversal, especially on a steep slope.

More particularly still, the maximum width of the racket is located in the longitudinal direction at a level between said front cross member and said intermediate cross member, preferably substantially at mid-distance.

More particularly still, the width of the front end of said front cross member is less than the width of the racket behind the boot when the snowshoe is mounted on a boot fitted with said ice lug device. This shape of the front cross member makes it easier to penetrate into the snow and anchor the crampons when climbing a steep slope while preserving sufficient support for said bearing surfaces at the heel.

More particularly still, the width of said rear cross member is greater than the width of the front end of said front cross member of transverse connection and less than the maximum width of the racket situated in the longitudinal direction at a level between said front cross member and said intermediate cross member, preferably substantially at mid-distance.

More particularly still, said rear crossmember is fixed on the underside of the two lateral branches so as to be adjustable in position in said longitudinal direction of the plate. It is understood that thus the racket can be adapted to shoes of different sizes or according to the type of crampon device.

More particularly still, the said lateral branches have holes extending in the said longitudinal direction so as to be able to adjust the position in the longitudinal direction of the said intermediate cross member and / or of the said rear cross member. More particularly, these holes are able to cooperate with screw-nut systems to effect said adjustment.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows, given in an illustrative and nonlimiting manner, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figures IA and IB show a spike device 5 without shoe (Figure IA) and with shoe facing (Figure IB);

- Figures 2A to 2E show a racket in top view (Figure 2A and 2B), in side view in section (Figure 2C), in bottom view (Figure 2D) and in front side front view (Figure 2E) ;

- Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show a snowshoe according to the invention mounted on a crampon device 5 in top view (Figure 3A), in bottom view (Figure 3B and 3C) and in side view in section AA in Figure 3B (Figure 3D).

In the present description, the expressions or terms "forward" and "backward" refer to a direction oriented on the side closest to the closed end of the plate 1 or front end of the crossbeam lb for "forward" and on the side closer to the open end of the plate or rear end of the rear crossmember for "backwards".

On the other hand, the transverse direction YY 'means the direction of the intermediate cross member 2 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XX' passing substantially in the middle position in the direction YY 'at the level of the front crossbeams 1b and intermediate cross member 2, in said main bearing plane P. And, the direction ZZ ′ is the direction perpendicular to the main bearing plane P and to the plane XY.

In FIG. 1A, the ice lug device 10 comprises:

i) a rigid front frame 5-1 partly perforated supporting front spikes 5al, and lateral spikes on the underside of each side 5a2,5a3,5a4 and an upper front stop 5bl on each side cooperating with a retaining means 5b suitable to contain and maintain the front part of the shoe 6, and ii) a rigid perforated rear frame 5-2 supporting on the underside of each side lateral spikes 5a5 and rear spikes 5a6 and at least one fixing means or heel piece 5d suitable for contain and maintain the rear part 6b of the boot in combination with upper rear retaining means 5b2, and iii) a rigid spar 5c extending in the longitudinal direction (XX ') of the spike device ensuring the connection of said front frame 5 -1 and said rear frame 5-2, at an adjustable distance from each other in the longitudinal direction.

The front restraint system 5b is of the plastic flange or metal wire type. The rear restraint system 5d comprises a heel piece 5d2 fixed to the rear frame 5-2 using rods 5dl fixed articulated in 5d3 to the frame 5-2. The heel piece 5d2 cooperates with a flexible link 5e which is fixed to it and tightening around the ankle, passing through the strap 5b.

The length of the rigid spar 5c is adjusted according to the size of the foot, comprising a perforated central bar with a plurality of aligned perforations 5cl. The perforated spar is linked to the front frame 5-1 with a 5c2 screw system allowing it to be locked on the rear frame

5-2 with variable distance depending on the 5cl perforation chosen.

In FIG. 1B, the mountaineering boot 6 adapted to the ice crampon device 5 comprises a semi-rigid or rigid sole 6a with a heel 6b protruding towards the ground forming a step 6bl relative to the central part of sole 6c opposite the arch of the foot. The rear 6d of the shoe may include a rear groove in the heel capable of cooperating with the heel piece 5d.

In FIGS. 2A to 2E, the snowshoe according to the invention 10 comprises a rigid plate 1 of steel or metal, in particular aluminum or synthetic material such as epoxy composite material with carbon fibers in horseshoe shape comprising two lateral branches lal, la2 cooperating with a cross 2 and a complementary rear support surface 3 and two straps for fixing to the shoe 4-1 and 4-2.

The two lateral branches lal, la2 extend opposite in a said longitudinal direction XX '. They define planar bearing surfaces extending in the same main bearing plane P under the face of said lateral branches. The two lateral branches are spaced d2, dl in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction so as to be able to contain in the empty space lf, lf-1, lf-2 between the two branches a shoe 6 fitted with said cleat device with ice 5 when said snowshoe is mounted on a shoe 6 fitted with said ice cleat device 5.

The plate 1 comprises a transverse front connecting part or fixed front cross member lb extending transversely between the front ends of the two lateral branches and ensuring the connection on the front of the two lateral branches. Said front transverse link part 1b is extended by a flat tongue, perforated Here extending a short length I in the direction XX ′ in the empty space lf, lf-1, inclined at an angle a2 from 5 to 15 ° with respect to the longitudinal direction XX ', downwards with respect to the front crossmember, the latter being in the same main bearing plane P of the two lateral branches.

The tongue is short enough with a length I in the direction XX 'of 20 -30mm to be inserted during the mounting of the plate at the start between the front part 6a of the sole and the front part of the cleat device, in plate position slightly tilted down.

The front edges of the front cross member and the longitudinal side edges of the side branches are fine and not brittle in the cold but devoid of sharp edges so as not to risk injuring the leg opposed to walking. The thickness of the plate including the front cross member and the so-called tongue is 1.5 to 3mm.

Said bearing surfaces on the underside of the plate are coated with a non-stick material for snow like epoxy powder paint for an aluminum plate.

In FIG. 2E, the external lateral longitudinal edges 1-1 of the branches lal and la2 behind the tongue le, folded downwards inclined symmetrically at an angle al from 15 to 45 ° relative to the transverse direction YY ′, which allows to promote good penetration of the plate in hard snow or crusted by frost, as well as stiffen the plate 1 and act as edge. These folded external lateral longitudinal edges 1-1 extend over approximately 20 to 30% of the width of the lateral branches lal and la2 in the transverse direction YY '.

FIGS. 3A to 3D, the tongue 1c is capable of being inserted between the front part of the sole 6a of the shoe 6 and the upper face of said front frame 5-1 of the spike device 5 until said front part of transverse link lb comes to abut on said upper front stops 5bl of the crampon device 5 when the snowshoe is mounted on a shoe 6 equipped with said ice crampon device 5.

Said front crossbeam lb does not protrude from the front end of the crampon device 5 so that the front points 5al protrude from the front of the front part lb of the plate when the shoe fitted with the crampon device is mounted on said racket snow.

The contours of the outer front edges lbl of the plate at the junctions between the front end of the front cross member lb and the front side edges of the side branches lal and la2 are curved and convex. The contours of the front internal edges lb2 of the plate at the junctions between the front end of the front crossbeam lb and the front side edges of the lateral branches lal and la2, and on either side of the tongue are curved and concave so as to substantially follow the outline of a shoe.

A lateral space is left between the lateral branches and the shoe which helps to break and take off any possible accumulation of compact snow.

A rigid intermediate crossmember 2 of steel or metal, in particular aluminum or synthetic or preferably composite material, constitutes an intermediate transverse connection part attached on the underside of the plate 1. The crossmember 2 extends transversely between the two lateral branches substantially at mid length of said lateral branches.

The intermediate cross member 2 comprises a horizontal flat part 2a in two parts fixed on the underside of the lateral branches forming an angle with a lower part in the form of a vertical plate 2b extending below the common plane P of said bearing surfaces on the underside of the plate.

The dimension 12 of the upper flat part 2a 12 in the direction XX 'allows its passage between the successive spike tips in the direction XX' 5a4 and 5a5 during the tilting of the plate according to YY 'necessary for fitting the plate under the device crampons.

The dimension h2 in the direction ZZ ′ of said lower part 2b is such that its lower end recedes vertically by 5 to 10 mm relative to the lower end of the 2 adjacent spike tips 5a4 and 5a5 between which it is located in the direction XX ', in order to let the end of these 2 points bite into hard snow.

The empty space lf-1 between the intermediate crosspiece 2 and the front crosspiece lb has a maximum width dl in the direction YY 'at a position in the direction XX' substantially halfway between the intermediate crosspiece 2 and the front crosspiece lb .

3A to 3D, the vertical lower part 2b comprises a central notch 2c suitable for (il) receiving and laterally blocking said rigid spar 5c of the clamp device 5 and (i2) suitable for blocking the relative movement of the shoe and the device spikes down with respect to the snowshoe 10 at a level where said rigid spar (5c), the spikes 5al-5a6 of the spike device and the central part 6c and the heel 6b of the sole of the shoe arrive in Pl at a height hl less than Vi of h2 below the said plane P of the said bearing surfaces, when the snowshoe is mounted on a shoe 6 fitted with the said ice cleat device 5. This vertical part 2b serves to stiffen the crosspiece 2 while bypassing the spar 5c of the crampon device, and also acts as a complementary crampon and incidentally serves, if necessary, as a stop for the step 6bl of the heel 6b thus blocking the relative movement towards the front of the heel. The flat upper part 2a is itself in two parts 2a-l, 2a-2 arranged symmetrically respectively on either side of the axial notch 2c. The bar 5c of the crampon arrives at the lower end of the notch but it does not support the weight of the assembly in support because this weight is supported by the support surfaces 2al, 2a2de said upper flat part 2a.

In FIGS. 3B and 3C, the plate 1 does not protrude from the front points 5al of the crampon to allow the ascent of steep front slopes. And the plate 1 is higher than the sole of the shoe (seen in section AA) in order to obtain a significant overshoot of the lower lateral points 5a2-5a5 and rear points 5a6 of the clamp device under the plate 1 for effective grip in the snow. The shoe rests on the intermediate cross member 2 at the level of the notch 2c opposite the hollow 6c of the sole in front of the heel 6b, under the arch of the foot.

Said intermediate transverse connection part 2 is fixed on the underside of the two lateral branches of the plate so as to be adjustable in position in the longitudinal direction of the racket. To do this, screws ldi cooperate with said aligned and juxtaposed perforations ld of said lateral branches and perforations 2d opposite the flat part 2a of the crossmember 2 to fix the crossmember 2 at a variable distance in the longitudinal direction XX 'of the lateral branches. It is advantageous to replace this screw-nut system with a device that does not require any tool to adjust it. It is possible, for example, to use 2 latches ¹ A in turn or 2 adjustable cam levers linked to the intermediate crosspiece 2 and locking on the plate 1, or else a guide system for the intermediate crosspiece 2 by lateral slides on the plate 1 and blocking of the translation by indexes fixed to a spring plate on each side, said plate being fixed to the intermediate crosspiece 2 and lifting manually to insert the index into a hole in the plate 1.

Said flat part 2a of the intermediate cross member 2 defines a complementary bearing surface between said lateral branches and substantially in the same plane P as the bearing surfaces beneath said lateral branches lal, la2.

Two straps 4-1,4-2 each fixed at one end 4al, 4a2 to one of the two lateral branches, at the level of said crosspiece 2, are able to pass behind the collar 6d of the shoe 6, to be fixed to the one to the other at their other ends 4bl, 4b2 of the two straps 4-1 and 4-2 make it possible to secure said plate 1 with the rear part 6d of the shoe, and with the clamp device 5, to prevent the part rear of the shoe to detach from the snowshoe by blocking (ii.l) the relative movement of the shoe and crampon device upward relative to the snowshoe and (ii.2) by blocking the relative movement in the longitudinal direction towards the rear of the boot and of the cleat device with respect to the snowshoe.

The short strap 4-2 comprises the tightening loop 4b2, 4-1 and passes behind the collar 6d then passes over the foot. The long strap 41 passes behind the collar 6d then passes over the foot and also possibly into the front strap 5b and then attaches to the tightening loop 4b2.

The plate 1 further cooperates with a rear crossmember or rear part of a removable transverse connection 3 extending between the two lateral branches lal, la2 and behind them to form a complementary bearing surface substantially in the same plane of main support P than the support surfaces on the underside of said lateral branches. The rear cross member 3 is made of a flexible synthetic or composite material that does not break when cold, such as HDPE. The rear cross member 3 extends between the two lateral branches and beyond the said lateral branches in the longitudinal direction behind the rear spikes 5a6 of the spike device 5 when the snowshoe is mounted on a shoe 6 equipped with said device. ice spikes 5.

The rear crossmember 3 is fixed on the underside of the two lateral branches so as to be adjustable in position in the longitudinal direction of the racket. Said lateral branches have holes extending in said longitudinal direction so as to be able to adjust the position in the longitudinal direction of said rear crossmember 3 by fixing with screws lel passing through perforations 3c of the crossmember rear 3. In FIG. 2E, the external lateral edges 3-1 of the rear cross member 3 are shown, also folded downwards inclined symmetrically by an angle al of 15 to 45 ° relative to the transverse direction YY ′, the fold line being substantially in alignment with that of the folded longitudinal edges 11 of the plate. Its flexibility allows it to conform to the shape of the fold of the plate by deformation during tightening.

The rear cross member 3 comprises a concave rounded front edge 3a facing the rounded rear edge of the heel 6b and a rounded rear edge 3b convex.

Total length L1 of the snowshoe including the rear crossmember 3 is substantially equal to twice its maximum width D.

The maximum width D of the plate is located in the direction XX ′ between the tongue le and said intermediate crossmember 2 at a distance 11 from the front end of the front crossmember lb.

The width D3 of said rear cross member 3 is greater than the width D1 at the front end of said front transverse link portion 1b. But the width D3 is less than the width D2 of the rear part of the plate 1.

The width of the plate 1 gradually decreases from its maximum width D located in the longitudinal direction XX 'at a level between the said front cross member lb and the said intermediate cross member 2, on the one hand to its front end lb following the external front edges convex lbl and on the other hand up to its rear end at the rear cross member 3 following the external limits lb4 rectilinear inclined symmetrically with respect to the direction XX 'of the external longitudinal edges 1-1 of the n two branches lateral lal and la2.

The empty space lf-2 between the intermediate crossmember 2 and the rear crossmember 3 and between the parallel rear internal edges lb4 of the two lateral branches is of the width in the direction YY 'substantially constant d3 less than the maximum width dl of the empty space before lf-1 between the cross member before lb and the intermediate cross member 2.

The dimensions of the plate will be declined, in particular in terms of bearing surfaces, in at least two models homothetically adapted to two categories of total mass of users equipped, namely less than 75 kg and more than 75 kg, these two models being compatible with the same sleepers 2 and 3.

By way of illustration, the following dimensions are indicated below for a racket adapted to a total user mass of 45 to 75 kg (to be increased for a total mass of 75 kg to 100 kg):

- L2: total length in direction XX 'of the plate without the rear crossmember 3 of 356 mm;

- L1: total length in the direction XX 'of the plate with the rear crossmember 3 from 400 to 440 mm (depending on setting in the direction XX' of the rear crossmember 3);

- 12 = dimension in direction XX ’of the intermediate crosspiece 2 of 32 mm;

- h2 = height in direction ZZ 'of the vertical plate 2b of 44 mm;

- Dl = the width in the direction YY 'of the front end of the front crossbar lb of 76 mm;

- D = the maximum width of the plate 1 in the direction YY 'of 230 mm located at ll = 150mm in the direction XX' of the front end lb;

- D2 = width in the direction YY 'of the plate at the rear just in front of the rear crossmember 3 of 200 mm;

- D3 = maximum width in the direction YY 'of the rear crossmember 3 of 190 mm;

- L3 = maximum length in direction XX 'of the rear crossmember 3 of 120 mm;

- 13 = dimension in direction XX ′ of the rear crossmember 3 at the axial level of 66 mm;

- dl = maximum width in the direction YY 'of the central empty space lf-1 of the plate 1 of 130 mm;

- d3 = width in the direction YY 'of the central void space lf-2 of the plate 1 at the heel (upstream of the rear crossmember 3) of 110 mm;

- d2 = width in the direction YY 'of the intermediate crossmember 2 of 166 mm;

- d = width in the direction YY 'of the tongue le of 50 mm;

- 1 = dimension in the XX 'direction of the tongue le from 20 to 30mm; and

- hl = depth in the direction ZZ 'of the notch 2c of 18 mm.

Claims (15)

1. Removable snowshoe (10) able to be removably mounted on a shoe (6) fitted with an ice lug device (5) without requiring the lug device to be separated from the shoe, comprising: - a perforated plate (1) (lf) in the shape of a U or horseshoe comprising two lateral branches (lal, la2) extending opposite in a longitudinal direction (XX '), defining on the underside of the bearing surfaces at least partly in a common main bearing plane (P) of the plate, spaced in a transverse direction (YY ') perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (XX') in said main bearing plane (P) so as to be able to contain, between the two lateral branches (lai, la ₂ ), a shoe (6) fitted with said ice lug device (5), - a front crossmember (lb) ensuring a transverse connection (YY ') on the front of the two lateral branches, extended by a tongue (le) extending in the front part of the empty space (lf-1) between the two branches, capable of being inserted between the front part of the sole (6a) of the shoe and a front part (5-1) of the cleat device (5) until said front crosspiece (lb) blocks the relative forward movement of the crampon device (5) relative to said plate (1), - an intermediate crossmember (2) providing a connection in said transverse direction (YY ') between and below said lateral branches (lal, la2), behind said tab (le), capable of blocking laterally and downwards a part of the cleat device (5) relative to said plate at a level where spikes (5al-5a6) of the cleat device and preferably a part (6c, 6b) of the sole of the shoe, arrive below (Pl) the said main support plane (P) of the plate, and - At least one fastening element (4) capable of securing said plate (1) with the shoe (6) and / or with the cleat device (5) at least by blocking the relative movement of the shoe and cleat device upwards and backwards with respect to said plate. 2. Snowshoe (10) according to claim 1 adapted to be removably mounted on a shoe (6) equipped with an ice-cleat device (5) of the type comprising: i) a front frame (5-1) supporting spikes (5al, 5a2,5a3,5a4) and at least one front stop (5bl) capable of retaining the boot, and ii) a rear frame (5-2) supporting points (5a5, 5a6) and preferably at least one clamping and / or wedging means (5d) on the rear part of the shoe, and iii) a rigid spar (5c) extending in said longitudinal direction (XX ' ) of the crampon device ensuring the connection of said front frame (5-1) and said rear frame (5-2), preferably at an adjustable distance from each other in said longitudinal direction, said snowshoe ( 10) being characterized in that it comprises: - a perforated plate (1) (lf) comprising two said lateral branches (lal, la2) each comprising an external longitudinal edge (1-1) folded under the said main support plane of the inclined plate (P) (al) with respect to said transverse direction (YY '), - a front crossmember (lb) flat on the underside in the same main support plane (P) and a flat tongue (le) extending below said main support plane (P) of the plate, said tongue being inclined (a2) relative to the longitudinal direction (XX ') of the plate, capable of being interposed between the front part of the sole (6a) of the shoe and the upper face of said front frame (5-1) of the cleat device (5) until said front crossmember (lb) abuts on a said front stop (5bl) of the cleat device (5) when the snowshoe is mounted on a shoe (6) equipped with said ice cleat device (5), - an intermediate crosspiece (2) comprising a flat upper part (2a) defining a complementary bearing surface between said lateral branches and substantially in the same said main bearing plane (P) and a lower part (2b) s' extending, preferably vertically, beneath said main support plane (P), said lower part (2b) comprising a central notch (2c) able to (il) receive and laterally block said rigid spar (5c) of the spike device , and (i2) allow the blocking by said flat upper part (2a) of the relative movement of the shoe and of the cleat device down relative to said plate at a level where (i2a) a central part (6c) of said sole in front of the heel (6b) of the shoe abuts on said flat upper part (2a) and (i2b) said rigid spar (5c), the spikes (5al-5a6) of the spike device, said central part ( 6c) of the sole and the said heel (6b) of the boot arrives below (Pl) the said main support plane (P), when the snowshoe is mounted on a boot (6) fitted with said ice lug device (5), and - at least one fastening element (4) capable of securing said plate (1) with the shoe (6), preferably a rear part (6d) of the shoe, and / or with the spike device (5), to prevent the rear part of the shoe from detaching from the snowshoe by blocking (ii.l) the relative movement of the shoe and the cleat device upward relative to said plate and (ii.2) the relative movement in said longitudinal direction towards the rear of the shoe and of the cleat device with respect to said plate. 3. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said front crossmember (lb) does not protrude from the front end of the cleat device (5) when the boot equipped with the device crampons is mounted on said snowshoe. 4. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said racket further comprises a rear crossmember (3), preferably flexible, forming a rear part of transverse connection extending between the two lateral branches (lal, la2) capable of forming an additional bearing surface substantially in the same main bearing plane (P) as the bearing surfaces on the underside of said lateral branches, extending between the two branches lateral and beyond behind said lateral branches in said longitudinal direction. 5. Snowshoe (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said rear crossmember (3) has a relative flexibility with respect to said plate (1) and said rigid intermediate crossmember (2), able to allow a relative deformation with respect to said plate and said intermediate crosspiece (2). 6. Snowshoe (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said rear crossmember (3) is fixed on the underside of the two lateral branches in an adjustable manner in position in the longitudinal direction (XX ') of said plate. 7. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that external lateral edges (3-1) of the rear crossmember (3) are folded down symmetrically inclined (al) with respect to and below the said main support plane of the plate (P), substantially in alignment with the external longitudinal edges (1-1) of the said plates folded similarly below and inclined at the same angle (a1) relative to the said main support plane of the plate (P). 8. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said fastening element (4) capable of securing said plate (1) with a rear part of the shoe and / or of the device of studs, includes at least one strap (4-1,4-2). 9. Snowshoe (10) according to claim 8 characterized in that said fixing element (4) comprises two straps (4-1,4-2) each fixed at one end (4al, 4a2) to one of two lateral branches, preferably at the level of said intermediate crosspiece (2), and able to pass behind the collar (6d) of the shoe (6), to be fixed to each other at their other ends (4bl, 4b2). 10. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said intermediate crossmember (2) is fixed on the underside of the two lateral branches of the plate so as to be adjustable in position in the longitudinal direction of the said plate. 11. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the total length (L1, L2) of the snowshoe is less than or equal to 2 times its maximum width (D) and the maximum width (D) of the racket (10) is located in the longitudinal direction (XX ') at a level between said front crossmember (lb) and said intermediate crossmember (2), preferably substantially at mid-distance. 12. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the width (Dl) of the front end of said front crossmember (lb) is less than the width (D2, D3) of the racket behind the shoe when the snowshoe is mounted on a shoe (6) equipped with said ice lug device (5). 13. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the width (D3) of said rear crossmember (3) is greater than the width (Dl) of the front end of said crossmember front (lb) and less than the maximum width (D) of the racket (10) located in the longitudinal direction (XX ') at a level between said front crossmember (lb) and said intermediate crossmember (2), preferably substantially mid-distance. 14. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that said rear crossmember (3) is fixed on the underside of the two lateral branches in an adjustable manner in position in said longitudinal direction (XX ' ) from the plate. 5 15. Snowshoe (10) according to one of claims 3 to 14, characterized in that said lateral branches have holes (ld, le) extending in said longitudinal direction so as to be able to adjust the position in the longitudinal direction (XX ') of said intermediate crossmember (2) and / or of said rear crossmember (3). 1/10