CN112955235B - Snowshoe with sole including a crampon area - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a snowshoe comprising a base structure forming a raised area, said base structure comprising a plurality of transverse tread elements (20) of substantially elongated shape, the tread elements (20) comprising a front side wall (25) and rear sidewall (26); (i) in the front part of the raised area, at least a portion of the tread elements (20) comprise a rear sidewall (26) inclined towards the rear of the shoe; (ii) ) In the rear part of the raised area, at least a part of the tread elements ( 20 ) comprise a front side wall ( 25 ) inclined towards the front of the shoe.

Description

Snowshoes with soles including stud areas

technical field

The invention relates to a snowshoe comprising a base structure forming a foot area and a flotation area. The flotation area includes lateral protrusions on each side of the foot area, and the flotation area extends towards the rear of the foot area to form a tail. Snowshoes exhibit favorable properties of flexibility and ergonomics.

Background technique

Snowshoes are an item known for many years. They were originally designed to enable individuals to travel over ground covered with large amounts of snow. They are also very common in northern countries that are often affected by heavy snowfall. However, these extreme conditions are increasingly not representative of the actual conditions of current snowshoe use. Specifically, these days, hikers use them primarily in a "sports and recreation" setting. Because the skill levels of those who engage in such practices vary widely, from beginners to experts, the needs of each level vary widely. This lack of uniformity forces manufacturers to continually develop new products to best meet varying expectations. As a result, several products exist today, each with its own unique benefits. However, manufacturers are still looking for innovative solutions that offer greater comfort and more dynamic performance.

Typically, snowshoes consist of a lattice-like frame structure, toe, rear section, and binding system. This basic configuration makes traveling on snow easier due to better flotation, preventing the user from sinking into the snow.

The toe and tail are also designed to allow easy walking as the foot turns, making walking easier by making walking more natural. However, this is often not possible due to the bulkiness of snowshoes, whose shape and surface area often make them difficult to control. As a result, snowshoe wearers often experience strenuous walking in use because the walker must lift the front of the snowshoe, pull the snowshoe forward, and then lay it down instead of in a natural and anthropomorphic manner. The ergonomic way to turn the foot. These limitations mean that the vast majority of users will quickly show signs of fatigue and/or discomfort even after short trips.

Many users only use snowshoes on rare occasions, such as during a stay at a winter resort. In this case, the snowshoes are rented from a specialty store. Renters often want to keep gear for as long as possible in order to be profitable, and require manufacturers to produce products that are highly robust and durable. In response to these needs, manufacturers offer snowshoes with rigid structures.

This situation presents several disadvantages. First, the lack of flexibility makes the snowshoes somewhat unergonomic. Snowshoes with a rigid structure do not conform to the shape of the boot or the shape of the surface on which the boot is placed. Secondly, the main purpose of choosing the materials used is to meet the needs of light weight, durability and rigidity. These types of materials generally provide poor or mediocre traction performance. To mitigate the effects of these limitations, some products are fitted with metal inserts designed to increase grip on snow or ice. This feature is practical for these types of surfaces, but the user may need to walk on hard surfaces, such as when crossing a road, in which case snowshoes are not suitable at all.

Finally, to compensate for the stiffness of snowshoes and to make walking easier, snowshoes are either bi-pointed (i.e. have a raised toe at the front of the foot and another raised end at the rear), Either the front has a very raised toe combined with a substantially flat rear portion. These features allow the user to walk more naturally than a completely flat snowshoe. However, the front toe forces the user to lift the foot relatively high, so each step requires extra effort. Without this unnatural movement, the front toe could hit an obstacle and/or get stuck on the ground and cause a fall. Also, since the feet have a slight crossover, the rear ends (tails) may interfere with each other when walking. If they bump into each other, there is a risk of falling.

On the other hand, again with regard to improving the user's comfort when walking in snowshoes, the ergonomics of snowshoes have been improved along different lines of development. One of these directions concerns the grip of snowshoes using soles made of elastomer and equipped with dimples and/or spikes.

For example, document WO9506502 describes a snowshoe formed from a semi-flexible board comprising connection means for connecting the user's boot to the board. The plate is molded from a semi-flexible plastic material such as, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane, which is able to bend with the boot. The hardness of the plate is between 50 Shore D and 90 Shore D at about 18°C. This characteristic results in a snowshoe that is relatively flexible, but not flexible enough for real comfort when the foot is turned. In addition, the bottom surface of the plate is formed with depressions and/or protrusions to improve grip when using the snowshoes. Each circular opening contains elliptical grooves oriented according to their position on the bottom surface. Although there is still room for improvement, the semi-flexible plastic material and dimples do improve the level of grip on the snowshoe.

Document FR2743501 describes a shoe for walking, in particular on snow, made of a substantially flat plate and equipped with said foot for reversibly fastening the user's foot to a porous elastomer. Board device. These snowshoes are lightweight and stiff, yet have a degree of elasticity and provide good grip. The bottom surface comprises studs produced by molding and distributed according to the load distribution in use. These features allow the user to have snowshoes that are more comfortable than conventional snowshoes and enjoy better grip due to the distribution of the studs. However, the grip provided by the elastomeric studs and their distribution does not allow for an optimal grip on the snowshoe. Additionally, the front portion of the snowshoe forces the user to lift the foot higher than usual, which can lead to premature fatigue.

The present invention provides various technical means to remedy these various shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

First of all, the first object of the present invention is to provide a flexible, ergonomic snowshoe with good grip and braking performance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a snowshoe with good portability and optimal grip on all types of ground, especially on more or less deep snow.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a snowshoe that is simple and cheap in design.

Finally, another object of the invention is to provide a snowshoe that makes walking easier and has the necessary characteristics to allow the user to walk as naturally as possible.

To achieve this object, the invention provides a snowshoe comprising a base structure forming a flotation area, said snowshoe comprising a contact surface and a solid surface, on the contact surface side said flotation area comprising:

(i) a plurality of tread elements made of elastomeric material and arranged over all or part of the foot area, said tread elements being of substantially elongated shape and spanning the flotation area in width , the certain width is greater than 25% and preferably greater than 40% of the width of the flotation area where the pattern element is located, the pattern element comprising a front side wall and a rear side wall;

(ii) In the front portion of said flotation zone, at least a portion of the tread elements comprise a rear side wall inclined such that the free edge ridge of the wall is smaller than the edge ridge adjoining the rest of the sole. offset towards the rear of the snowshoe;

(ii) in the rear portion of the flotation area, at least a portion of the tread elements comprise a front side wall inclined such that the free edge ridge of the wall faces towards the snow compared to the edge ridge adjoining the rest of the sole The front of the shoe is offset.

This design allows for optimum performance in every area of the sole. Because the sole is flexible and ergonomic so that the foot turns similar to normal walking, each area of the foot is dedicated, with the front area being used more for traction and the rear area more for traction. for braking performance. More particularly, the studs inclined in opposite directions between the front and the rear make it possible to optimize the performance of each of these areas. In addition, the front area provides good grip, while the rear area provides optimal braking. Furthermore, the profile of the tread elements forms edge ridges which exert particularly effective grip and braking forces on snow.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the snowshoe comprises a plurality of substantially elongated peripheral tread elements made of elastomeric material, oriented in the longitudinal direction of the snowshoe and arranged on at least one lateral projection , said tread element comprising a lateral wall (towards the outside side of the snowshoe) and a medial wall (towards the center of the sole), at least part of the peripheral tread element comprising a medial wall inclined so as to adjoin the edge ridge adjoining the rest of the sole The free edge ridge of the wall is offset towards the center of the sole compared to the ridge.

The layout of the peripheral tread elements gives the snowshoe better stability, especially when the snowshoe is in a laterally inclined position, for example along a mountainside. Furthermore, the profile of the tread element with its inclined inner sidewall forms an edge ridge which exerts a particularly effective grip and braking force on snow.

Advantageously, the pattern elements are continuous or discontinuous.

Also advantageously, said tread elements span the foot region over a width which is greater than 50% of the width of the foot region in which said tread elements are located. This arrangement allows for better transfer of forces from the foot to the ground.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the main axes of the tread elements are substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the snowshoe.

According to different embodiment variants, the tread elements are substantially rectilinear between the front and the tail of the snowshoe and are "V"-shaped or inverted "V"-shaped.

A layout with a "V" shaped area and an inverted "V" shaped area improves grip and braking while respecting the natural rotation of the foot while walking. Specifically, tread elements in a "V" shape on the front of the snowshoe enhance grip, while tread elements in an inverted "V" shape on the rear of the snowshoe enhance braking. The combined use of the "V" shape and sloping walls allows for a particularly high level of performance.

Advantageously, said tread elements are arranged such that their main axes form an angle α of less than 60° and preferably less than 45° with respect to the transverse axis of the snowshoe.

Advantageously also, the front portion of the snowshoe is raised and also includes a plurality of tread elements on the contact surface. These tread elements act specifically at the end of the turning phase of the foot to minimize or avoid the tendency to side-slip and slide, which is commonplace when only the front end of the snowshoe remains in contact with the ground.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the front part of the snowshoe corresponds substantially to the front of the foot area. Removing the front spade toe results in an ergonomic snowshoe for maximum performance.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the base structure comprises reinforcing elements with which at least a part of the tread elements are fitted in cooperation.

Advantageously, the reinforcing element comprises a main reinforcing element comprising at least three sections substantially "T"-shaped and corresponding respectively to the areas supporting the first metatarsal, the fifth metatarsal and the heel, At least a portion of the tread elements are fitted cooperatively with said primary reinforcing elements. Such an arrangement distributes the user's weight over a greater surface area of the snowshoe. This feature optimizes the flotation of the snowshoe. This layout also allows for good stability while walking. This layout is also well adapted to the bones of the foot for increased effectiveness and optimum comfort.

Also advantageously, the base structure and the pattern elements are elastically deformable. This layout makes it possible to obtain a snowshoe that is flexible enough to adapt to the undulations of the ground and at the same time stiff enough to provide a good level of flotation and a good grip thanks to the reinforcing elements. This feature meets the demands of physiological walking while still allowing the foot to turn in an ergonomic and natural manner.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the base structure comprises a solid surface. There is no lattice frame structure, holes or holes, which provides better flotation and creates insulation between the snow and the boot.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the base structure is made of a material of thermoplastic type, preferably included in the list of the following series: thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers such as polyvinyl acetate or for example styrene butadiene diene styrene).

These materials are able to withstand the harsh environment of use, provide good resistance to wear (in particular frictional wear) and enable the production of substantially flexible and particularly light structures. All of these features contribute to user comfort and greater user enjoyment. The density of polyvinyl acetate is essentially 0.1 to 0.2, and that of thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer is essentially 0.4 to 0.8.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the base structure comprises second reinforcing elements having a stiffness level lower than that of the main reinforcing elements, said second reinforcing elements being between said sections of the main reinforcing elements By extension, at least a portion of the tread element is fitted cooperatively with said second reinforcing element. This layout can provide a good level of flotation while maintaining structural flexibility that promotes good snowshoe ergonomics.

According to another embodiment variant, the pattern elements comprise slots. These slots are preferably oriented in the same direction as the direction of the pattern elements. The slots may be external slots and/or internal slots. In the case of internal grooving, if wear occurs, the internal grooving becomes exposed when the level of wear corresponds to the position of the internal grooving.

Description of drawings

Details of all embodiments are given in the following description, which is supplemented by FIGS. 1 to 4D , which are given by way of non-limiting example only, and in these figures:

- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a snowshoe contact surface;

- Figure 2 is a schematic view from above of a snowshoe capable of using the contact surface shown in Figure 1;

- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the snowshoe of Fig. 2;

- Figure 4A is a schematic illustration of an example of snowshoe contact surfaces arranged flat so that all areas can be seen on the same plane;

- Figure 4B is a longitudinal sectional view of the sole of Figure 4A showing the profile of the tread elements along the sole;

- Figures 4C and 4D are cross-sectional views of the sole of Figure 4 in different positions, showing the profile of the tread elements over the entire width of the sole.

Reference signs used in the figures:

1 Snowshoe 2 Base structure

3 foot area 4 flotation area

5 Lateral extension 6 Housing

7 Front part 8 Front lip

9 Side edge 10 Top cover

11 End section 12 Anti-kick area

13 Backstop 14 Fastener

15 end cutout 17 base structure contacts bottom surface

18 Lashing element 19 Rear end opening

20 Lateral tread elements 21 Peripheral tread elements

23 Contact surface 24 Front side wall

26 Rear side wall 27 Outer side wall

28 inner wall.

Detailed ways

Snowshoe Body and Base Structure

1 to 3 show examples of snowshoes according to the invention from different angles. As clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the snowshoe 1 comprises a base structure 2 comprising a foot region 3 and a flotation region 4 which surrounds the foot region 3 (except where the snowshoe The front part of the foot area terminates, thereby forming the front part 7). The front part comprises a front lip 8 substantially corresponding to the front of the foot area 3 . This results in a snowshoe without a spade-like toe, which results in significantly improved ergonomics and walking comfort. In addition, the user can use their snowshoes by walking in a manner similar to normal walking in a boot, turning the foot (that is, the foot drops the heel first, then the ball of the foot, and finally the front of the foot). Then, continue the rotation by lifting your heels and keeping your toes on the ground. As shown, the front lip 8 is advantageously of curved shape, forming a kind of protective shell for the front end of the boot.

On each side of the foot area 3 , the flotation area 4 comprises lateral projections 5 . At the rear, the flotation area 4 extends beyond the foot area 3 to form a scoop-shaped rear end portion 11 . As clearly visible in Figure 2, the base structure comprises a solid surface. Thus, the flotation area 4 provides an optimal weight distribution for minimizing sinking in the snow and for well balanced walking. The continuity of the surface also provides good thermal insulation, thus preventing the feet from getting cold and wet.

For even better ergonomics and improved comfort and ease of use, preferably the base structure 2 is made of elastically deformable material, giving it great flexibility in use. When the walker turns the heel toward the ground and lowers it, the deformability of the base structure causes the rear end to flex under the walker's weight. As mentioned above, the flexibility of the snowshoe also makes it possible to optimize the ergonomic behavior to conform to and conform to the biomechanics of the foot so that the rotation of the foot is used to achieve walking.

The base structure 2 is advantageously made of a material of thermoplastic type preferably included in the list of the following series: thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer. Polyvinyl acetate or styrene butadiene styrene is advantageously used. Depending on the application, the material of the base structure 2 may or may not be expanded.

As shown in the example of FIG. 2 , the posterior tip 11 is preferably asymmetrical and advantageously comprises a cutout 15 releasing the inside. As shown in FIG. 3 , the rear end portion 11 is raised and/or twisted towards the outside. It preferably includes an opening 19 .

pattern element

The snowshoe 1 includes a contact surface 23 and a solid surface 24 . The contact surface 23 advantageously corresponds to the bottom surface 17 of the base structure 2 . A plurality of tread elements 20 made of rubber material are arranged on the whole or part of said foot region 3 . These pattern elements may be continuous or discontinuous.

As shown, tread element 20 has a substantially elongated shape and spans foot region 3 at a width greater than at least 25% and more preferably greater than 40% of the width of the region, where This width is measured at the position where the tread element concerned is located. Such a design makes it possible to create a number of relatively long continuous edge ridges which are effective in terms of grip and braking. The area that the snowshoe is used to create many elongated edge ridge areas is maximized.

In a variant, tread element 20 spans foot area 3 over a width greater than 50% of this area.

The pattern elements may have several types of profiles, eg a substantially rectilinear profile or a "V" shaped profile.

In the example of FIGS. 1 and 4 an arrangement with opposed tread elements 20 is shown. In these examples, on the front of the snowshoe, the tread elements 20 are arranged in a V shape, with the tip of the "V" pointing towards the front of the snowshoe. At the rear of the snowshoe, the tread elements 20 are arranged in an inverted "V" shape, ie the tip of the "V" points towards the rear. These reversed arrangements allow for better control of grip (especially with the tread elements located on the front of the snowshoe, as shown in Figure 1) and braking (especially with the tread elements at the rear of the snowshoe, also shown in Figure 1). Show). Several elements in the shape of a "V" may follow one another, with or without intervening spaces.

As shown in FIG. 1 , some tread elements 20 are arranged such that their main axes form an angle α of less than 60° and preferably less than 45° relative to the transverse axis of the snowshoe.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the tread element 20 includes a front side wall 25 and a rear side wall 26 . In the front part of the foot area, at least one part of the tread elements 20 comprises a rear side wall 26 inclined such that the free edge ridge of this wall, compared with the edge ridge adjoining the rest of the sole, Offset toward the rear of the snowshoe.

In the rear part of the foot area, at least a part of the tread elements 20 comprises a front side wall 25 inclined such that the free edge ridge of this wall, compared with the edge ridge adjoining the rest of the sole, Offset toward the front of the snowshoe. The slope of the inclined wall is between 5° and 30°, and more preferably between 8° and 20°.

Furthermore, at least one lateral projection 5 of the contact surface 23 comprises a plurality of peripheral tread elements 21 which are substantially elongated and oriented in the longitudinal direction of the snowshoe. In a similar manner to the transverse tread elements 20, the peripheral tread elements 21 arranged on the edge and oriented in the longitudinal direction of the snowshoe provide for an arrangement of active edge ridges which stabilize well Snowshoes to prevent the snowshoes from slipping when the walker is on laterally sloping terrain. In this example, the peripheral pattern elements 21 give a zigzag arrangement. This zigzag arrangement has two effects: firstly, the sections oriented in the longitudinal direction enable the snowshoe to be stabilized on slopes or on ground with transverse slopes. Secondly, the sections in the transverse direction are able to transmit grip and braking forces when the tread elements in the foot area have little or no contact with the snow. These peripheral tread elements 21 are also able to create an outer grip area that is complementary to the rest of the snowshoe.

As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D , the peripheral tread element 21 has a lateral side wall 27 on the outside of the snowshoe and a medial side wall 28 towards the inside of the sole.

At least some of the peripheral tread elements 21 comprise an inner side wall 28 inclined such that the free edge ridge of the wall is offset towards the center of the sole compared to the edge ridge adjoining the rest of the sole.

The slope of the inclined wall is between 5° and 30°, and more preferably between 8° and 20°.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the front portion 7 of the snowshoe is raised and also includes a plurality of tread elements 20 on the contact surface. These tread elements extend the traction area to allow force to be transmitted until the end of the foot rotation phase.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the snowshoe, the front part 7 of the snowshoe substantially corresponds to the front of the foot area 3 , as shown for example in FIGS. 2 and 3 . This arrangement, combined with the tread elements 20 and the peripheral tread elements 21 , makes it possible to obtain perfectly ergonomic snowshoes with significantly improved performance. Specifically, the natural walking motion and the turning of the foot in line with human biomechanics means that increased forces can be transmitted to the area of the sole compared to conventional snowshoes. The tread elements thus receive practically undisturbed mechanical impulses from the pedestrian and can thus convert these impulses into grip or braking, as the case may be. The grip and braking properties thus obtained exceed the potential performance of conventional snowshoes, which are compromised by imperfect ergonomics and the presence of the front toe.

In an advantageous variant, base structure 2 comprises reinforcing elements. In order to optimize the grip of the snowshoe, at least a part of the tread elements 20, the peripheral tread elements 21 are fitted in cooperation with at least a part of the reinforcing elements. Thus, the forces exerted by the walker are transmitted directly to the tread elements, which can therefore act directly on the snow for optimum effect.

Claims (8)

1. Snowshoe (1) comprising a base structure (2) forming a floating zone (4), said snowshoe (1) comprising a contact surface (23) and a solid surface (24), said floating zone (4) comprising, on the contact surface side:

(i) A plurality of pattern elements (20), said pattern elements (20) being made of elastomeric material and being arranged on all or part of the foot region (3), said pattern elements (20) being of elongated shape and spanning the floating zone over a width greater than 25% of the width of the floating zone on which said pattern elements (20) are located, said pattern elements (20) comprising a front side wall (25) and a rear side wall (26);

(ii) In the front part of the floating zone, at least a part of the tread elements (20) comprise a rear side wall (26) inclined so that its free edge ridge is offset towards the rear of the snowshoe compared to the edge ridge adjoining the rest of the sole;

(iii) In the rear part of the floating zone, at least a part of the tread elements (20) comprises a front side wall (25) inclined so that the free edge ridge of this wall is offset towards the front of the snowshoe compared to the edge ridge adjoining the rest of the sole,

characterized in that it comprises a plurality of elongated peripheral tread elements (21) made of elastomeric material, said peripheral tread elements (21) being oriented in the longitudinal direction of the snowshoe and being arranged on at least one lateral projection (5), said peripheral tread elements (21) comprising an outer lateral wall (27) and an inner lateral wall (28), at least part of the peripheral tread elements (21) comprising an inner lateral wall inclined so that the free edge ridge of the wall is offset towards the centre of the sole compared to the edge ridge contiguous with the rest of the sole.

2. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inclination of the inclined walls is comprised between 5 ° and 30 °.

3. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tread elements (20) are continuous or discontinuous.

4. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 3, wherein said tread element (20) crosses said foot region (3) over a width greater than 50% of the width of the foot region (3) in which said tread element (20) is located.

5. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 3, wherein the main axis of the tread elements (20) is substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the snowshoe.

6. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 3, wherein the tread elements (20) are substantially rectilinear.

7. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 3, wherein the tread elements (20) have a "V" shape.

8. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 3, wherein said tread elements (20) are arranged so that their main axis forms an angle a of less than 60 ° with respect to the transverse axis of the snowshoe.

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