FR3097136A1 - Snowshoe - Google Patents

Abstract

Snowshoe (1) comprising a support structure (2) including a foot area (3) and a lateral projection (5) on each side of the foot area (3), a traction structure (4) arranged under the lift structure (2), a front shell (6) arranged on top of the lift structure (2) and shaped to at least partially cover the front of a shoe placed in the foot area, the foot structure traction (4) and the front shell (6) being integral and forming a unitary part with at least one connecting zone (7) connecting the shell (6) and the traction structure (4). FIGURE 1

Description

Snowshoe

The present invention relates to a snowshoe comprising a base structure forming a boot zone and a lift zone. The lift zone includes a lateral overhang on each side of the shoe zone and extends towards the rear of the shoe zone to form a rear spatula. The snowshoe has advantageous characteristics of flexibility and ergonomics.

Snowshoes have been known objects for many years. They were originally designed to allow people to move on ground covered with a large amount of snow. They are also very widespread in the Nordic countries, which are frequently affected by heavy snowfalls. However, these extreme conditions reflect less and less the reality of the current use of snowshoes. Indeed, nowadays, they are mainly used in a "sport and leisure" setting by hikers. The followers being of very varied levels, starting from the amateur beginner to the expert hiker, the requirements of each level are very different. This heterogeneity forces manufacturers to constantly develop new products to best meet the various expectations. Today, there are several product lines, each with specific advantages. But manufacturers are still looking for innovative solutions likely to provide greater comfort and increased dynamic performance.

In general, snowshoes are composed of a sieve, a front spatula, a rear portion and a fastening system. This basic configuration allows you to move easily on the snow due to increased lift, avoiding sinking into the snow.

The front and rear spatulas are also provided to allow an easy gait, with an unrolling of the foot, facilitating walking by making it more natural. However, this objective is generally not achieved because of the size of the snowshoes, their shape, the shoe support and their surface often making them unwieldy. Thus, in use, the snowshoer's gait is often difficult, because the walker must lift the front of the snowshoe, tow the snowshoe forward, then lay it flat, without being able to perform a natural and ergonomic rolling motion of the foot. . These constraints have the effect that the vast majority of users quickly show signs of fatigue and/or discomfort even after a short hike.

Many users use snowshoes very occasionally, for example during a stay in a winter resort. In these cases, the rackets are rented in specialized stores. To respect profitability constraints, rental companies want to keep equipment for as long as possible and require manufacturers to produce very robust and durable products. In response to these requirements, manufacturers offer snowshoes with a rigid structure.

This aspect has several drawbacks. First of all, the lack of flexibility makes the snowshoes not very ergonomic. The rigid structure racket does not follow the shape of the shoe or the surface on which it is placed. Secondly, the materials used are selected with the primary aim of meeting the requirements of lightness, durability and rigidity. These types of materials generally provide poor to poor tensile performance. To overcome these limitations, several products are equipped with metal inserts designed to increase grip on snow or ice. This feature is practical for these types of ground, but users may have to walk on hard ground, when crossing a road for example, where snowshoes are no longer suitable. In addition, the inserts require assembly steps, increasing the complexity and cost of the product.

Finally, to compensate for the rigidity of the snowshoe and facilitate walking, the snowshoes have either an articulation or a double spatula, that is to say a spatula at the front of the foot and another at the back. back or a very raised front spatula associated with a substantially flat rear portion. These features allow the user to have a more natural gait than with fully flat snowshoes. However, the front spatulas require the user to lift their foot relatively high, requiring extra effort with each step. Without this movement, which is not natural, the front spatula may hit an obstacle and/or catch on the ground and cause a fall. In addition, because the feet have a slight opening angle, the rear spatulas can interfere with each other when walking. If they get stuck together, there is a risk of falling.

The shoes are fixed on an articulated support with the sieve to facilitate the pivoting of the foot when walking. This articulation is often complex, requires assembly phases, and increases costs.

Various documents illustrate the different types of existing snowshoes having the aforementioned drawbacks.

For example, the document FR3027813 describes a snowshoe consisting of an elongated sieve having a longitudinal axis extending from the front to the rear, the front comprising a spatula the rear constituting the heel of the snowshoe, which forms, via its underside, the bearing surface of the racket, while said lower surface comprises attachment means which project downwards, said racket comprising means for retaining the boot, the racket comprising adjustment means the longitudinal position of the attachment means, making it possible to position said attachment means so as to position them under the heel of the shoe. Such a racket, with many independent parts requiring assembly and adjustment phases, is relatively complex and expensive.

WO2008134175 discloses a racket having a frame assembly, a pivot assembly pivotally attached to the frame assembly, and a binding assembly pivotally attached to the pivot assembly. The racquet may also include first and second cleats pivotally attached to the frame assembly, the first cleat being configured to pivot relative to the frame assembly substantially independently of the second cleat. Additionally, at least one of the first and second cleats can be moved laterally relative to the frame assembly. The racquet may also include a resilient heel support assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The racket has many elements made independently and requiring assembly and adjustment phases, resulting in a relatively complex and expensive product.

To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides various technical means.

First of all, a first objective of the invention consists in providing a flexible and ergonomic snowshoe.

Another objective of the invention consists in providing a snowshoe having good range and optimum grip on any type of ground and on varied terrain.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a snowshoe of simple and inexpensive design.

Finally, another objective of the invention consists in providing a snowshoe facilitating walking and having the characteristics necessary for the user to have the most natural gait possible.

To do this, the invention provides a snowshoe comprising:
i) a bearing structure including a footing area and a side overhang on each side of the footing area;
ii) a traction structure, arranged at least under the support structure;
iii) a front shell, arranged on top of the bearing structure and shaped to at least partially cover the front of a shoe placed in the foot area;
the traction structure and the front shell being integral and forming a unitary part with at least one connecting zone connecting the shell and the traction structure.

Such an embodiment makes it possible to produce an ergonomic racket, with a high level of grip performance, by considerably simplifying the manufacture of the racket, which comprises a reduced number of parts to be manufactured, for example two parts if the straps are excluded. These characteristics make it possible to obtain a racket of simple, comfortable and inexpensive design. In addition, each of the two parts can be optimized according to its own performance criteria, namely lightness, and a good compromise between lift rigidity and flexibility to facilitate the gait for the lift structure, and the characteristics of grip and grip for the tensile structure.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the racket comprises at least one connection zone arranged at the front of the shell.

As a variant, the racket comprises at least one connection zone on each side of the shell.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the traction structure is subdivided into a plurality of fins connected to the periphery of the shell.

Advantageously, the bearing structure comprises a plurality of slots arranged between the foot area and the lateral overhang, each of the slots allowing the passage of a connection area.

This embodiment makes it possible to provide a shell to which fins serving as traction zones are attached. The manufacture, for example by molding, is simple and inexpensive.

Advantageously, the shell extends axially from the front of the racquet to the kick.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the shell extends laterally on each side of the forefoot.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, a connection zone passes in front of the lift structure at the front of the racket.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the bearing structure comprises one or more lateral extensions.

Such an implementation frees crampons which provides a particularly useful traction zone at the end of the foot's unfolding. In such an implementation, the racket does not include a spatula. This feature improves ergonomics by allowing the user to perform a gait similar to normal walking with shoes where the foot performs a gradual roll from the heel to the toes. Thanks to these characteristics, and in particular to the fact that the front of the racquet and the front of the foot area correspond, ergonomics and comfort are optimized. In addition, the user uses the snowshoe in normal gait, with a roll of the foot respecting the biomechanics of the body, for increased comfort and improved performance. The racket also has increased safety, in particular by preventing falls.

Advantageously, the bearing structure comprises a rear overhang, surrounding the heel.

This embodiment variant makes it possible to optimize the lift characteristics of the racquet.

Alternatively, the lift structure comprises a front overhang, forming a racket tip.

Advantageously, the bearing structure is elastically deformable. This characteristic makes it possible to respect the physiological gait, moreover by allowing an ergonomic and natural rolling of the foot.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the bearing structure comprises a solid surface. The absence of screens, holes or perforations provides better lift and creates thermal insulation between the snow and the shoe.

Advantageously, the bearing structure has a higher level of rigidity than that of the traction element.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the bearing structure and/or the traction structure is made of material of the thermoplastic type, preferably included in the list of the following families: thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer such as for example polyethylene vinyl acetate or styrene butadiene styrene, PP or PE, rubber, or thermosetting material or cross-linked elastomer preferably diene.

These materials withstand a rigorous environment of use, offer good resistance to wear (in particular by friction), and make it possible to achieve a structure that is noticeably flexible and particularly light. All these characteristics contribute to the comfort of the user and provide an increased pleasure of use. The density of polyethylene vinyl acetate is substantially 0.1 to 0.2, and thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer substantially 0.4 to 0.8.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the material of the bearing structure is expanded or not.

Advantageously, the rear of the shoe zone has a clearance releasing the inner and preferably asymmetrical side of the racket. Such an embodiment makes it possible to avoid interference between the two rears of the shoe zone, and facilitates walking, in particular at high speed, where the risks of collisions between the snowshoes are higher.

Also advantageously, the rear of the shoe area is raised and/or twisted outwards and/or has an opening.

Such an arrangement with a portion that goes up avoids friction and interference with the ground and any obstacles. The raised portion provides a more ergonomic and natural foot roll. This arrangement allows the snow to be evacuated to the sides, avoiding projections. The twisted structure also provides stiffening of the racquet. Any opening also serves as a means of gripping and/or hanging.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a shoe is integrated into the foot area.

All the implementation details are given in the following description, supplemented by Figures 1 to 11, presented solely for the purpose of non-limiting examples, and in which:

Fig.1

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example of racket;

Fig.2

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second example of racket;

Fig.3

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third example of racket;

Fig.4

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the constituent elements of an example racket;

Fig.5

Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the constituent elements of the racket of Figure 4;

Fig.6

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating the constituent elements of another example of racket;

Fig.7

Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the constituent elements of the racket of Figure 6;

Fig.8

Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the constituent elements of another example of racket;

Fig.9

Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the constituent elements of the racket of Figure 8;

Fig.10

Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the constituent elements of another example racket;

Fig.11

Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating the constituent elements of the racket of Figure 10.
RACKET BODY AND STRUCTURE

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate three embodiments of a racket according to the invention. The racquet 1 comprises a bearing structure or plate 2 comprising a foot zone 3 and a lateral rim 5 which surrounds the foot zone 3, except at the front of the boot zone, where, in these embodiments, the racket ends at the front of the foot area 3. The foot area corresponds substantially to the location provided for a user's shod foot. The foot area is preferably defined by the side rim 5 integrated into the bearing structure. The lift structure is designed to provide some rigidity to the snowshoe to ensure good lift in soft snow. For maximum lift and an optimal surface, the lift structure is preferably solid, that is to say without the plurality of holes or openings found on conventional snowshoes. The support structure has a certain flexibility or elastic deformability in order to allow an easy and ergonomic gait of the user. The full lift zone 4 provides an optimal weight distribution effect, for minimal sinking in the snow, and for a well-balanced gait. The continuity of the surface also helps to provide good thermal insulation, protecting the feet from cold and humidity.

To further promote ergonomics and promote ease of use and comfort, the bearing structure 2 is preferably made from an elastically deformable material, giving it great flexibility of use. The deformability of the support structure allows the rear spatula to flex under the effect of the weight of the walker when the latter brings his heel to the ground and puts it down. The flexibility of the snowshoe also makes it possible to optimize ergonomic behavior, in accordance with and respecting the biomechanics of the foot, which generates walking with a roll of the foot, as previously mentioned.

The function of the bearing structure being to ensure a good compromise between the rigidity allowing a good level of bearing and the elastic flexibility to allow a good level of ergonomics, the bearing structure is advantageously devoid of elements making it possible to ensure racket pull. This makes it possible to use materials and/or densities that are well suited to this lift function alone, the materials ensuring the traction preferably being different and/or of different density and/or of different hardness.

The bearing structure 2 is advantageously made of material of the thermoplastic type, preferably included in the list of the following families: thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, PE, PP. Advantageously, polyethylene vinyl acetate or styrene butadiene styrene is used. The material of the base structure 2 can be expanded or non-expanded, depending on the applications.

In these three non-limiting embodiments, the snowshoe is without a front spatula, considerably improving ergonomics and walking comfort. In addition, the user can use his snowshoes by walking in a manner similar to normal walking with shoes, by unrolling the foot, that is to say by placing the heel first, then the sole of the foot, and finally the forefoot. The unfolding then continues with the lifting of the heel and ends with the propulsion at the level of the toes.

At the rear, the lift zone 2 extends beyond the foot zone 3 to form the rear of the foot zone 3. As shown, the rear of the foot zone 3 is raised and/or or twisted outwards and preferably has an opening 15.

To ensure attachment and protect the front zone of the walker's shoe, a shell 6 is provided on top of the bearing structure 2. As shown, the shell 6 is advantageously in curved shape, forming a kind of shell of protection for the front end of the shoe.

Considering the racket in the axial direction, that is to say in the direction of the length, the shell 6 consists of a single piece covering at least partially the shoe from the front to the kick. This unitary piece is generally elastic, either with an elastic material or with areas of elasticity. In the examples illustrated, the shell 6 forms a housing suitable for housing and maintaining the front part of the shoe.

In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, a tightening element, such as for example a lacing or a strap or a belt 13, cooperates with the shell.
TRACTION

To ensure a good level of traction and braking, the snowshoe comprises a traction structure 4, arranged under the structure or bearing plate 2. The traction structure comprises gripping elements, such as studs, spikes, slats, grooves, or any combination of these elements, designed to mark strong discontinuities and thus ensure a higher level of traction than the bearing plate or structure. The traction structure preferably comprises offering a high level of grip on snowy or icy ground, such as, for example, without limitation, a rubber material, or thermosetting material or cross-linked elastomer, preferably diene.

In order to reduce the number of parts of the racket, simplify manufacturing and reduce costs, the traction structure 4 and the shell 6 are made in one piece and made in one piece, for example by molding.

Thanks to this implementation, the final assembly of the racket is particularly simple and quick to perform.

Figures 4 and 5, then Figures 6 and 7 illustrate exploded side and perspective views of an embodiment of a racket in order to clearly visualize the two key parts of the invention, namely on the one hand the lift plate or structure 2 and on the other hand the traction structure 4 made in one piece with the shell 6.

Figures 8 and 9 are exploded perspective views from above and below of another embodiment of a racket provided with fins 4 cooperating with slots 8, as previously described in relation to Figure 3.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate exploded side and perspective views of an embodiment of a racket comprising a front spatula 11.

Alternatively, the hull 6 is fixed at least partially or to the bearing structure 2.

1. Snowshoe
2. Bearing structure or plate
3. foot area
4. Tensile structure
5. Lateral overhang
6. Shell
7. Connection zone between shell and tensile structure
8. Lift structure slot
9. Pulling fins
10. –
11. Front or rear spatula
12. –
13. Belt
14. –
15. spatula opening

Claims (10)

Snowshoe (1) comprising:

1. a bearing structure (2) including a foot area (3) and a lateral overhang (5) on each side of the foot area (3);
2. a traction structure (4), arranged at least under the bearing structure (2);
3. a front shell (6), arranged on top of the bearing structure (2) and shaped to at least partially cover the front of a shoe placed in the foot area;

characterized in that the traction structure (4) and the front shell (6) are made in one piece and form a unitary part with at least one connecting zone (7) connecting the shell (6) and the traction structure (4 ). Snowshoe according to Claim 1, comprising at least one connection zone (7) arranged at the front of the shell. Snowshoe according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising at least one connection zone (7) on each side of the shell. Snowshoe according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the traction structure (4) is subdivided into a plurality of fins (9) connected to the periphery of the shell (6). Snowshoe according to Claim 4, in which the bearing structure (2) comprises a plurality of slots (8) arranged between the foot area (3) and the lateral overhang (5), each of the slots allowing the passage of a connecting zone (7). Snowshoe according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the shell (6) extends axially from the front of the snowshoe to the kick. Snowshoe according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the shell (6) extends laterally on each side of the forefoot. Snowshoe according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which a connection zone (7) passes in front of the support structure at the front of the snowshoe. Snowshoe according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the bearing structure comprises a rear overhang, surrounding the heel. Snowshoe according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the bearing structure comprises a front overhang, forming a snowshoe tip.