Snowshoe binder

Abstract

An elongated panel of resilient flexible material having a forward toe portion including a pair of opposed side extensions folded thereunder and a forward extension also folded thereunder so as to define a toe enclosing pocket. A reinforcing strip overlies the forward toe portion and tie cords engage through the opposed ends of the reinforcing strip and the corresponding sides of the toe portion. The binder panel, rearward of the toe portion, includes an enlarged boot receiving aperture therethrough.

Description

The present invention generally realtes to snowshoes, and is more particularly concerned with a boot accommodating binder for a snowshoe.

Among the objects of the invention are the provision of a binder which is adapted to securely receive the boot while retaining the heel portion thereof exposed and freely upwardly movable independently of the heel portion of the snowshoe so as to allow for a substantial degree of freedom of movement as is necessary to the proper use of the snowshoe.

Other objects of the invention include the provision of a binder which is of a relatively simple and economical construction both easily mounted in operative position on a snowshoe and readily accommodated to a boot.

The basic objects of the invention are achieved through the provision of a binder formed of an elongated panel of resilient flexible material having a boot accommodating aperture or opening through the rear portion thereof and a forward toe portion including opposed outwardly extending side extensions and a forward extension, all of which are folded downwardly and inwardly so as to define a toe enclosing pocket. A toe pocket reinforcing strap extends transversely across the forward portion of the binder and cording is extended through the opposed end portions of the reinforcing strap and the underlying folded binder panel sections for securement of the forward portion of the binder to the web straps of a snowshoe. The heel or rear portion of the binder engages about a received boot with the heel of the boot remaining exposed and capable of vertical pivotal movement about the secured forward portion.

The following United States patents are exemplary of the state of the art: 1,542,130 2,821,031 2,323,935 2,954,617 2,385,944 3,596,374 2,462,281 3,636,643 2,511,087 3,638,333 2,619,742

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the binder mounted in position on a snowshoe;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 2--2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing long line 3--3 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a plan view, on a reduced scale, of the binder forming panel prior to a folding and mounting thereof.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 is used to generally designate the binder comprising the present invention. This binder, as will be readily appreciated from the drawings, is particularly adapted to be affixed to the webbing 12 of a conventional snowshoe 14.

It is contemplated that the binder be formed primarily of a single panel of relatively strong resilient flexible material. The panel, generally designated by reference numeral 16, will be elongated and include a forward toe portion 18 and a rear foot portion 20. The forward toe portion 18 includes, along the opposed sides thereof, a pair of laterally projecting extensions 22 which, in use, are folded downwardly and under the forward portion 18.

In addition, the forward portion 18 includes a forwardly projecting extension 24 connected to the forward portion by a relatively narrow neck 26 and, forward of the neck 26, being of a width greater than that of the main body of the panel 16. This forward extension 24 is folded donwward and rearward so as to lie over and between the inwardly folded side extensions 22. The opposed edges of the forward extension 24, designated by reference numeral 28, are, upon a downward and rearward folding of the forward extension 24, folded upwardly so as to lie against the undersurface of the toe portion 18. Upon a folding of the side and front extensions 22 and 24 in this manner, a pocket for the reception of a boot toe is formed.

The rear portion of the panel, adapted for the reception of the remainder of the boot, including the heel, includes an elongated elliptical opening 30 therein. Rearward of the boot receiving opening 30 is a small gripping aperture 32 to facilitate a mounting of the boot within the binder.

The mounting of the binder 10 on the webbing 12 of a snowshoe 14 is effected by utilizing cords 34 engaged through the opposed sides of the toe section 18 through the underlapped extensions 22 and 24. This formed toe portion is reinforced by a transversely orientated overlying strap 36 with the cord passing through the opposed end portions thereof, as well as through a pair of retaining blocks 38 which overlie the end portions of the strap 36 and provide an enlarged bearing surface for the knotted cord. As a practical matter, one cord will be attached, with the boot positioned within the binder, and then the other cord attached and adjusted so as to properly retain the boot. The binder should be tied in a manner so as to allow for a free working thereof as the snowshoe is used. In this connection, it will be noted that the heel of the boot is exposed and free to, in conjunction with the rear portion of the binder, pivot vertically in use. The cords, once properly tightened and knotted, can be fixed with an appropriate waterproof adhesive.

It will also be noted that the narrow neck 26 connecting the forward extension 24 to the toe portion 18 allows for the provision of breathing ports 40. Also, as will be appreciated from the drawings, upon a mounting of the boot within the binder through the aperture 30, the engagement of the binder with the boot will deform the binder upwardly so as to provide in effect a sealed engagement about the boot and a downwardly draped portion 42 which, while overlying and protecting the lower rear portion of the boot, does not form a complete enclosure therefore and allows for a desired movement as the snowshoe is used.

Should the binder be too tight, the hole 30 can be enlarged by a careful trimming of the edges thereof. Should it be necessary to reduce the size of the binder so as to properly engage the boot, the rear portion thereof can be folded inwardly and upwardly through the opening 30, providing in effect a double layer and thus a reduction in the size of the hole.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a simple although highly unique binder for snoeshoes has been defined. This binder is formed essentially of a single panel folded in a manner so as to provide a toe enclosing pocket portion which is affixed to the binder and a rear boot shielding portion which, while encircling the boot, leaves the heel free and allows for a vertical working of the rear portion of the boot during use of the snowshoe.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shows and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A snow shoe binder comprising a pannel of resilient flexible material, said panel having a forward toe portion and rear boot receiving portion, said forward portion including a pair of opposed side extensions folded downward and under the front forward portion, and a front extension folded downward and rearward under the forward portion, said rear boot receiving portion including an enlarged opening defined therethrough for the reception of the boot.

2. The binder of claim 1 wherein the forward portion, between the folded side extensions, defines a toe receiving pocket.

3. The binder of claim 2 wherein the rear boot receiving portion is adapted to surround a boot upward from the heel thereof and taper downwardly and outwardly in a manner so as to shield the lower portion of the boot while leaving the heel of the boot exposed.

4. The binder of claim 3 including a reinforcing strap positioned transversely across the forward portion, and cord means engaged between the opposed ends of the reinforcing strap and the underlying sections of the forward portion annd folded side and front extensions for a tying of the binder to the web of a snowshoe.

5. The binder of claim 4 wherein the front extension is integrally connected to the forward portion by a neck narrower than the forward portion.

6. The binder of claim 5 wherein the front extension is of a greater width than the forward portion and defines a pair of edge sections which fold upwardly and inwardly, underlying the forward portion.

7. The binder of claim 2 wherein the front extension is integrally connected to the forward portion by a neck narrower than the forward portion.

8. The binder of claim 7 wherein the front extension is of a greater width than the forward portion and defines a pair of edge sections which fold upwardly and inwardly, underlying the forward portion.