Snowshoe with wings
The snowshoe with integrated fins and angled facets addresses grip and lift issues, offering improved traction and braking, while maintaining ergonomic comfort and consistent performance across varied terrains and weather.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023000075
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-04
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-01-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing snowshoes lack improved grip characteristics on various terrains and weather conditions, particularly on wet, loose snow or icy packed snow, and do not effectively balance lift, bulk, and ergonomics.
A snowshoe design featuring a sieve with integrated or attached fins and openings, angled to enhance lift and grip, with reinforced leading edges and angled facets for improved traction and braking, and a convex portion to manage snow flow.
The design provides enhanced grip and lift on diverse terrains, maintains ergonomic comfort, and ensures consistent performance across weather conditions without significant degradation.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Snowshoe with fins Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a snowshoe comprising a sieve provided on one side with a ground contact surface and on the opposite side with a shoeing surface. The snowshoe has advantageous characteristics of flexibility, ergonomics and grip. Prior art
[0002] Snowshoes have been known 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 Nordic countries, which are frequently affected by heavy snowfall. However, these extreme conditions reflect less and less the reality of current snowshoe use. Indeed, these days, they are mainly used in a "sport and leisure" context by hikers. Since enthusiasts are of very varied levels, from the 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, we therefore find several product ranges, each with specific advantages.But manufacturers are still looking for innovative solutions that can provide greater comfort and improved dynamic performance.
[0003] Generally speaking, snowshoes are composed of a sieve, a front spatula, a rear portion, lateral zones on each side of the shoe, and a binding system. This basic configuration allows you to move easily on the snow due to increased lift, avoiding sinking into the snow.
[0004] Thus, snowshoes are often optimized to provide a high level of lift, to avoid or minimize the phenomenon of sinking into the snow.
[0005] However, the bearing qualities do not ensure good grip characteristics in snow or on ice. There is therefore a need for snowshoes with improved grip characteristics.
[0006] Some snowshoes have crampons or other means to improve traction characteristics. For example, WO2020089735 describes a snowshoe comprising an arrangement of tread elements specifically arranged to act in snow. Such treads are, however, subject to clogging and loss of effectiveness when used on loose, wet snow or on icy, packed snow.
[0007] To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides various technical means.
[0008] Summary of the invention
[0009] First of all, a first objective of the invention is to provide a snowshoe with improved grip characteristics.
[0010] Another objective of the invention is to provide a snowshoe with optimal grip on all types of ground and on varied terrain.
[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a snowshoe of simple and inexpensive design.
[0012] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a snowshoe providing high lift while minimizing the bulk to respect the ergonomics of walking or running.
[0013] Finally, another objective of the invention consists of providing a snowshoe with performance guaranteed in all weather, without significant degradation.
[0014] To this end, the invention provides a snowshoe comprising a sieve provided on one side with a ground contact surface and on the opposite side with a shoeing surface, the sieve comprising a plurality of fins extending opposite the shoeing surface and a plurality of fin openings adjacent to said fins.
[0015] The fins make it possible to increase the lift of the snowshoe when moving on soft snow and to improve the braking characteristics on hard snow. The openings are preferably of the same shape and size as the fins and make it possible to eject the snow onto the top of the snowshoe. The minimum surface area of the fin openings is 200 mm2 and more preferably 300 mm2. These minimum dimensions are required to allow snow to flow towards the top of the snowshoe without obstructing the opening.
[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least part of the fins are integral with the sieve.
[0017] This embodiment with a single-piece screen and fins simplifies manufacturing and ensures better longevity than for added fins.
[0018] Alternatively, the fins can also be attached to the screen: the fins can be partially or completely attached. Indeed, to increase longevity, a wear part can simply be added to the leading edge of the fin.
[0019] Advantageously, each fin comprises a folding zone ensuring the junction between the screen and a fin body located under the screen.
[0020] Also advantageously, at least a portion of the fins comprise a leading edge provided with a reinforcement.
[0021] The reinforcement helps reduce wear on the fin and protects the leading edge against the risk of tears or cracks in the fin.
[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least part of the fins form an angle of between 60° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis AA of the racket.
[0023] Advantageously, at least some of the fins form groups comprising at least two fins aligned transversely to the axis AA of the racket.
[0024] Preferably, at least part of the fins have a rectangular or trapezoidal profile.
[0025] According to another advantageous embodiment, at least a portion of the fins are inclined with an angle of inclination INC of at least 90° and more preferably between 100° and 130° opposite the screen.
[0026] This angle helps improve the grip of the fins.
[0027] Advantageously, the fins arranged in front of the shoe are oriented so that the leading edge is towards the rear of the racket, and the fins arranged behind the heel are oriented so that the leading edge is towards the front of the racket.
[0028] The rear fins are thus particularly effective in generating a braking force on the racket while the front fins are particularly effective in generating a traction force on the racket.
[0029] Also advantageously, at least a portion of the fins comprise two facets forming between them an angle FA of between 120° and 179°. This configuration makes it possible to stiffen the fins. Brief description of the drawings
[0030] All the details of the embodiment are given in the following description, supplemented by figures 1 to 6, presented solely for the purpose of non-limiting examples, and in which: Fig.l
[0031] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] illustrates an example of a racket seen from below; Fig.2
[0032] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a fin of the racket of [Fig.l]; Fig.3
[0033] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a front view of a fin of the racket of [Fig.l]; Fig.4
[0034] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a longitudinal section of a fin of the racket of [Fig.l]; Fig.5
[0035] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a top view of the racket of [Fig.l]; Fig.6
[0036] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows an alternative embodiment of the racket of [Fig.l] seen from side.
[0037] Description of the embodiments
[0038] Figures 1, 5 and 6 illustrate, from various points of view, examples of snowshoes according to the invention. As clearly visible in [Fig. 1] and more particularly in [Fig. 6], the snowshoe 1 comprises a sieve 2 provided on one side with a contact surface 4 on the ground and on the opposite side with a shoeing surface 3.
[0039] The snowshoe 2 comprises a plurality of fins 5 extending from the sieve 2 opposite the shoeing surface 3. Each fin is completed by an opening 8 made at the sieve and adjacent to the fin. The opening 8 advantageously has a width identical to that of the fin, and more preferably a surface identical to that of the fin. This also makes it possible to form the fins by cutting directly at the sieve. Furthermore, the alignment of the opening with the fin makes it possible, during a walking phase in heavy snow, to generate a flow of snow between the ground and the top of the snowshoe, avoiding the accumulation of snow against the fins which would impair their effectiveness. Furthermore, the fin provides increased lift on soft snow.
[0040] The preferred minimum surface area of the fins and fin openings is 200 mm2 and more preferably 300 mm2. These dimensions are required on the one hand so that the fins provide a good level of grip on the ground, and to allow a flow of snow towards the top of the snowshoe without obstructing the opening, in all weather, even with sticky snow.
[0041] The fins 5 are advantageously made in one piece with the screen. It is thus easy to manufacture the rackets directly integrating the fins by molding or thermoforming.
[0042] Alternatively, the fins can also be attached to the sieve, for example by gluing or clipping.
[0043] [Fig. 2] is an enlarged view of a preferred fin shown in profile. The same fin is also shown in front view in [Fig. 3]. It can be seen that the fin comprises a folding zone 9 ensuring the junction between the screen 2 and a fin body 6 located under the screen. As illustrated, the fins form an inclination angle INC of at least 90° and more preferably between 100° and 130° in sieve angle. This angle allows the fins to dig into the snow and thus improve grip and lift.
[0044] As illustrated, the leading edge, or free end of the fin of [Fig.2] is reinforced by means of a reinforcement 7. The reinforcement is either integral with the body of the fin or attached to it, for example by gluing or clipping.
[0045] As illustrated in [Fig.4], which shows a cross-section of an advantageous variant of a fin, these comprise two facets 10, which form between them a facet angle FA. This angle is preferably between 120° and 175°. The angle can be variable along the height of the fin. Alternatively, the fin has a concave profile. This angle or profile makes it possible to increase the stiffness coefficient of the fin without having to increase the thickness.
[0046] As seen in [Fig.5], the fins are advantageously inclined at an angle of between 60° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis AA of the racket. The inclined fins provide good efficiency during lateral maneuvers and / or on inclined ground.
[0047] Figures 1 and 5 show an example of a racket in which the fins are arranged in transverse groups of at least two fins. In each group, the fins are aligned transversely to the axis AA of the racket. For example, the fins form groups of 2, 3, 4 or 5 fins.
[0048] These same figures also illustrate an advantageous configuration of fins having a rectangular or trapezoidal profile.
[0049] As illustrated, the fins are preferably provided in the rear portion of the snowshoe, more precisely behind the user's foot. They then serve to optimize the braking characteristics of the snowshoe. Alternatively, or in addition, fins may also be provided arranged in the front portion of the snowshoe, to optimize the traction characteristics in the snow. To optimize the grip, the fins arranged in the front half of the snowshoe are oriented so that the leading edge is toward the rear of the snowshoe, and the fins arranged in the rear half are oriented so that the leading edge is toward the front of the snowshoe.
[0050] [Fig.6] is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a snowshoe whose sieve 2 includes a convex portion 11 arranged behind the user's foot. This convex portion makes it possible to generate a volume accommodating the snow worked by the fins when the snowshoe touches the snow-covered ground. The snow lodged in this volume allows the fins to exert a significant grip effect. The convex shape also makes it possible to direct the snow into the openings, to ensure a flow of snow from below to above the snowshoe, reinforcing this grip effect. List of reference signs
[0051] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10 11 Snowshoeing Sieve Footing surface Ground contact area Sieve fin Fin body Winglet leading edge Fin opening Folding area Fin facet Convex portion of the sieve
Claims
Claims
1. Snowshoe (1) comprising a screen (2) provided on one side with a contact surface (4) on the ground and on the opposite side with a shoeing surface (3), characterized in that the screen (2) comprises a plurality of fins (5) extending opposite the shoeing surface (3) and a plurality of fin openings (8) adjacent to said fins (5).
2. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 1, in which at least a portion of the fins (5) form an angle of between 60° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis AA of the snowshoe.
3. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 1, in which at least a portion of the fins form groups comprising at least two fins aligned transversely to the axis AA of the snowshoe.
4. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 1, in which at least a part of the fins (5) are integral with the screen.
5. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 1, in which each fin (5) comprises a folding zone (9) ensuring the junction between the screen (2) and a fin body (6) located under the screen.
6. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 1, in which at least a portion of the fins (5) comprise a leading edge provided with a reinforcement (7).
7. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which at least a portion of the fins have a rectangular or trapezoidal profile.
8. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which at least a portion of the fins are inclined with an angle of inclination INC of at least 90° and more preferably between 100° and 130° opposite the screen.
9. A snowshoe (1) according to claim 8, wherein the fins disposed in front of the shoe are oriented so that the leading edge is towards the rear of the snowshoe, and the fins disposed behind the heel are oriented so that the leading edge is towards the front of the snowshoe.
10. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which at least a portion of the fins comprise two facets (10) forming between them an angle FA of between 120° and 179°.