U.S. patent application number 10/164300 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-05 for adjustable snowshoes.
Invention is credited to Settelmayer, Joseph J..
Application Number | 20030101623 10/164300 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22593870 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030101623 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Settelmayer, Joseph J. |
June 5, 2003 |
Adjustable snowshoes
Abstract
A snowshoe having a floatation structure and a binding
configured to secure a wearer's foot to the snowshoe. The
floatation structure is adapted to distribute the weight of the
wearer over an area larger than the wearer's foot. The snowshoe may
include a pivot adjuster secured to the snowshoe and configured to
enable selective adjustment of pivotal movement occurring between
the binding and the floatation structure. The pivot adjuster
typically is configured to enable operation by the wearer while
wearing the snowshoe. Additionally, or alternatively, the snowshoe
may include a pivot limiter configured to enable selective
adjustment of a permitted range of pivoting between the binding and
floatation structure. In addition to or instead of these features,
the snowshoe may include an extension configured for selective
attachment to the floatation structure so as to permit selective
variation of the area over which weight is distributed by the
snowshoe.
Inventors: |
Settelmayer, Joseph J.;
(Fieldbrook, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
520 S.W. YAMHILL STREET
SUITE 200
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
22593870 |
Appl. No.: |
10/164300 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/124 ;
36/125 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 15/06 20130101;
A63C 13/001 20130101; A63C 13/005 20130101; A63C 13/006 20130101;
A63C 13/008 20130101; A63C 13/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/124 ;
36/125 |
International
Class: |
A43B 005/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 30, 2001 |
WO |
PCT/US01/45274 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A snowshoe, comprising: a binding configured to receive a foot
of a wearer; a floatation structure to which the binding is
pivotably secured, the floatation structure being configured to
distribute weight over an area larger than the wearer's foot; and a
pivot adjuster secured to the snowshoe and configured to enable
selective adjustment of pivotal movement occurring between the
binding and the floatation structure, where the pivot adjuster is
configured to be operable by the wearer without the wearer having
to remove the snowshoe.
2. The snowshoe of claim 1, where the pivot adjuster includes a
limiter configured to enable selective adjustment of a permitted
range of pivoting between the binding and floatation structure.
3. The snowshoe of claim 2, where the limiter includes a strap
connected between the binding and floatation structure, the strap
having a variable operative length that determines the permitted
range of pivoting between the binding and floatation structure.
4. The snowshoe of claim 3, where the operative length of the strap
is variable via selective engagement of a protrusion on the
floatation structure with one of a plurality of spaced apart holes
defined through the strap.
5. The snowshoe of claim 3, where the strap extends aftward from
the binding and is configured to enable manipulation of the strap
from an upper side of the snowshoe.
6. The snowshoe of claim 1, further comprising a floatation
structure extension configured to be selectively secured to and
removed from the floatation structure so as to selectively vary the
area over which weight is distributed by the snowshoe.
7. The snowshoe of claim 1, further comprising a heel riser secured
to the snowshoe and selectively movable between an enabled and a
disabled position, where the heel riser is configured to maintain a
minimum pivotal displacement between the wearer's foot and the
floatation structure when in the enabled position.
8. The snowshoe of claim 1, where the floatation structure includes
a perimeter frame spanned at least partially by decking
material.
9. The snowshoe of claim 1, where the floatation structure includes
an instep cutout configured to permit the wearer to employ a
narrower stance when walking or running.
10. A snowshoe, comprising: a binding configured to receive a foot
of a wearer; a floatation structure to which the binding is
pivotably secured, the floatation structure being configured to
distribute weight over an area larger than the wearer's foot; and a
pivot limiter secured to the snowshoe and configured to enable
selective adjustment of a permitted range of pivoting between the
binding and floatation structure.
11. The snowshoe of claim 10, where the pivot limiter is configured
to enable the wearer to adjust the permitted range of pivoting
while wearing the snowshoe.
12. The snowshoe of claim 10, where the pivot limiter includes a
strap connected between the binding and floatation structure, the
strap having a variable operative length that determines the
permitted range of pivoting between the binding and floatation
structure.
13. The snowshoe of claim 12, where the strap extends aftward from
the binding and is configured to enable manipulation of the strap
from an upper side of the snowshoe.
14. The snowshoe of claim 12, where the operative length of the
strap is variable via selective engagement of a protrusion on the
floatation structure with one of a plurality of spaced apart holes
defined through the strap.
15. The snowshoe of claim 12, where the snowshoe is configured to
enable the wearer to adjust the operative length of the strap while
wearing the snowshoe.
16. A snowshoe, comprising: a binding configured to receive a foot
of a wearer; a floatation structure to which the binding is
pivotably secured, the floatation structure being configured to
distribute weight over an area larger than the wearer's foot; a
floatation structure extension configured to be selectively secured
to and removed from the floatation structure so as to selectively
vary the area over which weight is distributed by the snowshoe; and
a pivot adjuster secured to the snowshoe and configured to enable
selective adjustment of pivotal movement occurring between the
binding and the floatation structure, where the pivot adjuster is
configured to be operable by the wearer without the wearer having
to remove the snowshoe.
17. The snowshoe of claim 16, where the pivot adjuster includes a
limiter configured to enable selective adjustment of a permitted
range of pivoting between the binding and floatation structure.
18. The snowshoe of claim 17, where the limiter includes a strap
connected between the binding and floatation structure, the strap
having a variable operative length that determines the permitted
range of pivoting between the binding and floatation structure.
19. The snowshoe of claim 18, where the operative length of the
strap is variable via selective engagement of a protrusion on the
floatation structure with one of a plurality of spaced apart holes
defined through the strap.
20. The snowshoe of claim 18, where the strap extends aftward from
the binding and is configured to enable manipulation of the strap
from an upper side of the snowshoe.
21. The snowshoe of claim 16, where the floatation structure
includes a perimeter frame spanned at least partially by decking
material.
22. The snowshoe of claim 16, where the floatation structure
extension is a removable tail piece configured for selective
attachment to and removal from an aft portion of the floatation
structure.
23. The snowshoe of claim 22, where the removable tail piece is one
of a plurality of different sized removable tail pieces, such that
the binding, floatation structure and removable tail pieces define
a snowshoe kit permitting end-user assembly of plural different
snowshoe configurations.
24. A snowshoe, comprising: a binding configured to receive a foot
of a wearer; a floatation structure to which the binding is
pivotably secured, the floatation structure being configured to
distribute weight over an area larger than the wearer's foot; a
floatation structure extension configured to be selectively secured
to and removed from the floatation structure so as to selectively
vary the area over which weight is distributed by the snowshoe; and
a pivot limiter secured to the snowshoe and configured to enable
selective adjustment of a permitted range of pivoting between the
binding and floatation structure.
25. The snowshoe of claim 24, where the pivot limiter is configured
to enable the wearer to adjust the permitted range of pivoting
while wearing the snowshoe.
26. A snowshoe, comprising: a binding configured to receive a foot
of a wearer; a floatation structure to which the binding is
pivotably secured, the floatation structure being configured to
distribute weight over an area larger than the wearer's foot; a
pivot adjuster secured to the snowshoe and configured to enable
selective adjustment of pivotal movement occurring between the
binding and the floatation structure; and a heel riser secured to
the snowshoe and selectively movable between an enabled and a
disabled position, where the heel riser is configured to maintain a
minimum pivotal displacement between the wearer's foot and the
floatation structure when in the enabled position.
27. A snowshoe, comprising: a binding configured to receive a
wearer's foot; a floatation structure to which the binding is
secured, where the floatation structure is configured to distribute
weight over an area larger than the wearer's foot; and a floatation
structure extension configured to be selectively secured to and
removed from the floatation structure so as to selectively vary the
area over which weight is distributed by the snowshoe.
28. The snowshoe of claim 27, where the floatation structure
includes a perimeter frame spanned at least partially by decking
material.
29. The snowshoe of claim 27, where the floatation structure
extension is a removable tail piece configured for selective
attachment to and removal from an aft portion of the floatation
structure.
30. The snowshoe of claim 29, where the removable tail piece is
attachable to and removable from the floatation structure via
operation of a latch mechanism including a depressible release tab
provided on the floatation structure.
31. The snowshoe of claim 29, where the removable tail piece is one
of a plurality of different sized removable tail pieces, such that
the binding, floatation structure and removable tail pieces define
a snowshoe kit permitting end-user assembly of plural different
snowshoe configurations.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120
from PCT Application Ser. No. PCT/US01/45274 filed Nov. 30, 2001
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to snowshoes, and
more particularly to snowshoes that may be adjusted to perform
differently under varied loads, snow conditions and terrain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Snowshoes are widely used to facilitate travel over
snow-covered terrain. Snowshoe designs vary considerably, but
commonly employ some form of a binding configured to secure the
wearer's foot in place. The binding typically is attached to a
floatation structure, which distributes weight over an area larger
than the wearer's foot to provide the desired floatation effect.
The attachment between the binding and floatation structure
normally allows for some amount of pivotal motion to occur between
the two components. This enables the wearer to walk in a more
natural manner than would be possible without the pivoting.
[0004] The ability of a given snowshoe design to provide a desired
level of performance depends on a number of factors. One
significant factor is the load placed on the shoe. A snowshoe that
performs well for a 150-pound user will probably perform poorly
when used by a 200-pound person carrying a 50-pound backpack. Snow
quality and terrain are also important factors. For example, the
floatation performance of a given snowshoe will diminish with
lighter, more powdery snow. Designs well suited for trekking on
relatively flat terrain may not be as well suited to rolling
terrain or steeper inclines. The particular activity is also
important to snowshoe design. Lightweight, small snowshoes
typically are preferable for running or jogging on packed snow,
while larger shoes are preferred for multi-day backcountry trips
where one is likely to encounter deep powder. The pivoting
characteristics of the connection between the binding and
floatation structure will also affect performance in a given
setting.
[0005] Many different snowshoe designs exist, with the vast
majority being best suited for a relatively narrow range of uses
and/or conditions. More specifically, the floatation and pivot
characteristics of most designs are fixed and cannot be adjusted.
Thus, while these designs perform adequately in some contexts,
users often experience poor performance in other settings.
Accordingly, manufacturers tend to produce and sell many different
snowshoe models at significant expense in order to provide a
product line that covers a wide range of contemplated uses and
users.
[0006] Certain snowshoe designs provide some degree of adjustment,
allowing performance to be modified by the user of the snowshoe,
though the known adjustable designs suffer from various
disadvantages. Some of these designs require the wearer to remove
the snowshoe and/or operate complex mechanisms in order to make the
adjustments. Tools are often required to make the adjustments.
Complicated structures and/or mechanisms with multiple moving parts
are often employed to provide the adjustment capability, increasing
manufacturing costs. In addition to these disadvantages, many of
the designs provide only a limited range of adjustment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a snowshoe
having a binding secured to a floatation structure, which is
configured to distribute the weight of the wearer over an area
larger than the wearer's foot. The snowshoe may also include a
pivot adjuster secured to the snowshoe and configured to enable
selective adjustment of pivotal movement occurring between the
binding and the floatation structure. The pivot adjuster typically
is configured to be operable by the wearer while wearing the
snowshoe. Additionally, or alternatively, the snowshoe may include
a pivot limiter configured to enable selective adjustment of a
permitted range of pivoting between the binding and floatation
structure. In addition to or instead of these features, the
snowshoes of the present invention may include an extension
configured to be selectively secured to and removed from the
floatation structure so as to selectively vary the area over which
weight is distributed by the snowshoe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a snowshoe according to the
present invention, including a binding, floatation structure and a
plurality of different sized extensions that may be selectively
attached to the base floatation structure.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of another snowshoe according to the
present invention, including depiction of a pivot adjuster
configured to adjust the pivotal motion occurring between the
binding and floatation structure of the snowshoe.
[0010] FIG. 2B is an enlarged partial view of the pivot adjuster
shown in FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an isometric view showing traction devices that
may be used on the snowshoes of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an isometric view showing further traction devices
that may be used on the snowshoes of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a pair of snowshoes, and depicts
a cutout configuration that may be employed with the snowshoe
floatation structures of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a snowshoe 10 according to the present
invention. Snowshoe 10 includes a binding 12 for securing a
wearer's foot to the snowshoe. Binding 12 is secured to floatation
structure 14, which generally surrounds and extends outward from
the binding. Floatation structure 14 typically is larger than
binding 12, so as to distribute the wearer's weight over an area
larger than the foot and provide the desired floatation effect when
used on snow. As will be described in more detail below, snowshoe
10 may be adjustable and/or easily placed in alternate
configurations by the end user, so as to provide optimal
performance under varied loads, snow conditions, and terrain.
[0015] Floatation structure 14 may be configured in any desired
shape but typically includes a tip or toe 16, sides 18 and 20, and
a tail 22, as depicted in FIG. 1. The outer perimeter of the
floatation structure may be formed as a frame 24, with the area
bounded by the frame being spanned by decking material 26. Frame 24
typically is metal and formed to have a lightweight tubular
construction, though other materials and frame configurations may
be used, provided they are sufficiently sturdy. Decking material 26
may be leather, rubber, molded plastic or any other suitable
material, and may be disposed over the area bounded by frame 24 as
an unbroken expanse or in a configuration having holes or gaps. For
example, in the depicted snowshoe, the decking material is a
flexible vinyl-type material that spans frame 24 so as to cover
substantially the entire area bounded by the frame. The outer edge
of the decking material includes a number of flaps 26a that are
wrapped around the tubular frame and secured in place via rivets 28
or like structures.
[0016] Yet another option for the floatation structure is to omit
the frame-type construction altogether, and instead provide
floatation with a rigid or semi-rigid frameless structure. For
example, floatation structure 14 may be configured as a frameless,
unitary platform formed via injection molding or other fabrication
methods.
[0017] The dimensions of the floatation structure will vary
according to a number of factors. Larger floatation structures will
be needed for higher anticipated load ranges, or where snow is
particularly light and powdery. Smaller structures are better
suited to activities requiring quick foot movements, such as
jogging. As will be discussed in more detail below, the snowshoes
of the present invention may be easily adjusted by the wearer to
vary the size of the floatation structure, and thus to vary the
area over which the user's weight is distributed by the
snowshoe.
[0018] Referring still to FIG. 1, binding 12 is configured to
receive and secure the user's foot to the snowshoe. Binding 12
includes a rigid or semi-rigid footbed 30 sized to extend along at
least a portion of the user's foot. As indicated, the upper surface
of the footbed may include ridges 32 or like structures to improve
the contact between the user's foot (e.g., a boot sole) and the
binding, so as to reduce slipping or other undesired foot movement
relative to the binding.
[0019] Binding 12 further includes an upper portion, which
typically has various adjustable structures for tightly securing
the user's foot to the snowshoe. For example, the depicted upper
includes a toe portion 34 adapted to wrap over the toe of the
user's foot and up along the top of the user's foot toward the
ankle. Binding 12 further includes a pair of straps 36 and 38
received through slits in toe portion 34 and arranged in diagonal
crisscross fashion. A heel strap 40 is provided at the rear of
footbed 30. Thus, when a user's foot is received within binding 12,
toe portion 12 and heel strap 40 cooperate to prevent fore-and-aft
movement of the foot, and straps 36 and 38 hold the foot firmly
down onto footbed 30. Straps 36, 38 and 40 typically are adjustable
via operation of buckles or like structures 42. As depicted with
reference to straps 36 and 38, adjustment mechanisms may be
provided at both ends of the straps. The adjustment mechanisms may
alternatively be provided in any other suitable location.
[0020] The connection between floatation structure 14 and binding
12 typically is adapted to allow some degree of pivoting to occur
between the structures. Typically, the permitted pivoting occurs
along the short axis of the floatation structure, near the ball of
the user's foot. This prevents the floatation structure from
interfering with the natural "rocking" motion of the user's foot,
by allowing the heel to rise off the ground without bringing the
floatation structure with it. Without such pivoting, the leverage
required to rock the entire snowshoe makes it very difficult to
walk in a natural manner.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 2B, 3 and 4, the pivotable
connection between the binding and floatation structure will be
described in more detail. In the depicted embodiment, pivoting is
achieved via a pivot rod or axle 50, which is received through a
sleeve-like bracket 52 mounted to the bottom of footbed 30. The
axle may be extended between opposing sides of frame 24, as
depicted, or secured to the snowshoe in any other suitable
configuration. Typically, the axle and bracket are provided near
the ball of the user's foot. The precise location of the pivot axis
may be varied according to user preference and/or the intended use
of the snowshoe.
[0022] The characteristics of the pivoting connection can affect
the performance of the snowshoe and/or the desirability of a given
design for use in a particular setting. For example, some snowshoe
designs allow low-friction pivoting between the binding and
floatation structure over a relatively large range of angular
displacement. Such snowshoes are poorly suited to jogging or
running, because the floatation structure tends to flop around and
interfere significantly with the movement of the wearer's feet.
Unrestricted pivoting can also result in the toe portion of the
floatation structure rotating around to a point where it strikes
the shin of the wearer.
[0023] Accordingly, the snowshoe embodiments of the present
invention may include a pivot adjuster 54 configured to selectively
vary the pivotal movement occurring between the binding and the
floatation structure. Pivot adjuster 54 may include a pivot limiter
such as strap 56, which is configured to enable the user to
selectively adjust the permitted range of pivoting that may occur
between binding 12 and floatation structure 14. Strap 56 typically
has a first end connected to heel end 30a of footbed 30. The
opposite end of the strap is secured to floatation structure
14.
[0024] As heel end 30a of footbed 30 pivots upward and away from
plane 58 defined by floatation structure 14 (FIG. 2), the slack in
strap 56 is taken in. Eventually the strap becomes taut, as
depicted in FIG. 2, so as to prevent further pivoting of the
binding relative to the floatation structure. It will thus be
appreciated that the range of permitted pivotal motion varies with
the operative length of the strap. "Operative length" means the
length of the strap between its two connection points to the
snowshoe. The longer the operative length, the greater the range of
permitted pivotal motion.
[0025] As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 2B, a protrusion 60 extends from
floatation structure 14 and is configured to cooperate with one of
a number of holes 62 (FIG. 2B) provided along the length of strap
56. The operative length of the strap may be varied by disengaging
the strap from protrusion 60 and re-engaging the strap using a
different one of holes 62. In addition to, or instead of this
arrangement, plural protrusions may be provided on floatation
structure 14, such that a given one of the holes may be engaged
selectively with any of the protrusions in order to vary the
operative length of the strap.
[0026] It will often be desirable to configure the pivot adjuster
so that adjustment may be made by a wearer of the snowshoe without
having to remove the snowshoe. For example, on a given outing, the
wearer may encounter sufficient variation in snow and terrain
conditions to justify frequent adjustments to the pivoting
characteristics.
[0027] The pivot adjuster of the depicted embodiment allows
adjustments to be made easily and without requiring removal of the
snowshoe. At least a portion of the pivot adjuster is accessible to
a wearer of the snowshoe so that the adjuster may be operated
without having to take off the snowshoe. More specifically, the
depicted strap (i.e., strap 56) extends away from heel end 30a of
footbed 30, and passes through one or more slits or openings in
decking material 26, such that opposite end 56a of the strap is
accessible from the top side of the decking material in a location
to the rear of the user's heel. This end of the strap may be easily
gripped and manipulated by the wearer while the snowshoe is still
secured to the wearer's foot, allowing the user to quickly and
easily vary the operative length of the strap, and thus vary the
permitted range of pivoting. Manipulation may be further
facilitated by forming an enlarged handle area 64 at the end of the
strap, as indicated.
[0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict various traction devices that may be
used with the snowshoe embodiments of the present invention. As
indicated on both snowshoe 10' and snowshoe 10", a forefoot crampon
70 may be provided in the region of pivot axle 50. Forefoot crampon
70 includes three rows of teeth: two parallel rows 70a and 70b
extending 15 downward from opposing sides of the bottom of footbed
30, and row 70c parallel to and forward of pivot axle 50.
[0029] In addition to, or instead of the above traction devices,
other traction devices may be provided to the rear of pivot axle
50, in the heel region of floatation structure 14. For example,
snowshoe 10" includes a heel crampon 72 secured to the underside of
floatation structure 14. Similar to forefoot crampon 70, heel
crampon 72 has two generally parallel rows of teeth. Snowshoe 10'
includes an alternative heel-region traction device, including
studs 74. Studs 74 may be provided in pairs, as depicted, and
typically are fixed within bracing structure 76 secured to the
underside of floatation structure 14. The depicted stud traction
structures may be used alone in either the forefoot or heel region,
or may be used in combination with the tooth-type crampon
structures.
[0030] As discussed above, the floatation effect provided by a
snowshoe is determined in part by the area over which the user's
weight is distributed by the snowshoe. In general, the larger the
area, the greater the floatation. Significant floatation can be
desirable and/or necessary in the case of heavy loads or snow that
is particularly light and powdery. However, large snowshoes can be
bulky and unwieldy to use. Therefore, it is normally desirable that
the floatation structure be no larger than necessary to provide the
desired floatation.
[0031] Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 1, the snowshoes of the
present invention may be provided with one or more extensions, such
as removable tail pieces 80 (designated individually as 80a, 80b
and 80c). Each of tail pieces 80 snaps onto the rear of floatation
structure 14 and is secured in place via operation of a resilient
latch mechanism 82. Latch mechanism 82 includes a depressible tab
84 which releases the latch mechanism to allow removal of the
mounted tail piece. In embodiments employing such removable tail
pieces, the floatation structure may be configured to allow the
snowshoe to be operated whether or not a tail piece is attached.
Adding, removing and/or changing tail pieces varies the area over
which the snowshoe distributes the user's weight, and thus changes
the floatation properties of the snowshoe. Typically, tail pieces
80 are provided in various sizes, as in the depicted embodiment,
allowing the floatation characteristics of the snowshoe to be
easily tailored to a given user of the snowshoe, or to particular
snow and terrain conditions.
[0032] Whether or not removable tail pieces are employed, the tail
region of the floatation structure may include a rudder device 86,
as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. In certain terrain and snow
conditions, rudder device 86 can facilitate tracking of the
snowshoe as the floatation structure drags along the snow
surface.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, the snowshoe embodiments of the
present invention may be equipped with a heel riser 90. Heel riser
90 is disposed on floatation structure 14 in the heel region and,
when engaged, prevents the wearer's heel from rotating down level
with the plane of floatation structure 14. Essentially, heel riser
sets a minimum angle between binding footbed 30 and floatation
structure 14. When deployed in this manner, heel riser 90 can
reduce calf strain and otherwise facilitate travel, particularly
when the snowshoe is used to ascend inclines. Typically, heel riser
90 is configured so that the wearer may easily retract the riser
from the engaged position (e.g., by flipping it out of the way)
without having to remove the snowshoe.
[0034] FIG. 5 depicts a pair of snowshoes 100 having alternately
configured floatation structures 102. Specifically, each floatation
structure has a cutout 104 located toward the rear of the snowshoe
in the instep region. Cutouts 104 facilitate a more natural walking
motion, by allowing the wearer to employ a narrower walking stance
than would be possible without the cutouts. This is illustrated in
the figure, which shows the pair of snowshoes with one in front of
the other, as would occur during walking or jogging. The dashed
line near the front shoe cutout indicates a possible profile of the
floatation structure were the cutout omitted, illustrating that
snowshoes without cutouts require a wider, exaggerated stance to
prevent the individual shoes from striking or otherwise interfering
with each other during use. It will be appreciated from this that
the cutouts minimize the bulkiness of the design, and allow for a
narrower, more natural stance when walking or running.
[0035] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments,
those skilled in the art will understand that many variations may
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined in the following claims. The description of
the invention should be understood to include all novel and
non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and claims
may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and
non-obvious combination of these elements. Where the claims recite
"a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claims
should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such
elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such
elements.
* * * * *