Snowshoe and Its Method of Construction

Abstract

Snowshoe with upper side fixable to a ski boot and lower side interface-able with terrain, a frame having a pair of lateral struts, arranged on opposite sides of the frame's centreline plane, directed along a prevailing direction of the longitudinal axis, the side members extending from a front end to a rear end, each side member extending on an opposite side with respect to the centreline plane. In correspondence with front and rear ends, respectively, the frame includes front and rear crossbeams that mechanically connect said ends with each other, the crossbeams arranged astride the centreline plane. Lateral struts, front and rear ends are made of different materials and/or have different shapes or thicknesses so the lateral struts have increased rigidity versus the front/rear ends. The snowshoe comprises a central body mechanically connected to the lateral struts and having at least one central crampon positioned on the lower side.

1 . A snowshoe comprising an upper side, suitable for being attached to a ski boot and a lower side suitable to interface with the terrain,
 a frame provided with a pair of lateral struts, positioned on opposite sides in relation to a centreline plane of the frame, directed along a main longitudinal direction,   wherein the lateral struts each extend from a front end to a rear end, each lateral strut extending on only one of said opposite sides in relation to the centreline plane,   wherein, at said front and rear ends, the frame respectively comprises a front crossbeam and a rear crossbeam which mechanically connect said ends to each other, the crossbeams being positioned astride the centreline plane,   wherein, the lateral struts and the front and rear ends are made of different materials and/or have different shapes or thicknesses so that the lateral struts have an increased rigidity compared to the front and rear ends,   wherein the snowshoe comprises a central body, fitted with at least one central crampon positioned on the lower side, the central body being mechanically connected to the lateral struts.   
     
     
         2 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein the lateral struts define the transversal dimensions of the snowshoe, along a transversal direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         3 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein the lateral struts constitute perimetral elements which define at least partially the perimeter of the frame of the snowshoe. 
     
     
         4 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein the lateral struts have a tubular cross-section in relation to a cross-section plane perpendicular to said main longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         5 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one lateral strut comprises a plurality of parts joined to each other by respective intermediate joints. 
     
     
         6 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connection between the front and rear ends of the lateral struts and the respective front and rear crossbeams is made by means of mechanical connection means such as rivets, pins, screws. 
     
     
         7 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connection between the front and rear ends of the lateral struts and the respective front and rear cross-beams is made by over-injection of the crossbeams on the ends of the lateral struts. 
     
     
         8 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein the front and rear crossbeams are elements moulded in plastic. 
     
     
         9 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said front and rear crossbeams is made in one piece with the central body. 
     
     
         10 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein the central body comprises at least a pair of appendages which connect mechanically, on opposite sides of the centreline plane, to the lateral struts. 
     
     
         11 . The snowshoe according to  claim 1 , wherein said lateral struts are fitted with teeth or crampons, on the lower side of the snowshoe. 
     
     
         12 . The snowshoe according to  claim 11 , wherein said teeth or crampons are in one piece with the lateral struts. 
     
     
         13 . The snowshoe according to  claim 11 , wherein the teeth or crampons are joined to the lateral struts in such way that the lateral struts have a closed circular cross-section. 
     
     
         14 . The snowshoe according to  claim 13 , wherein said closed tubular cross-section of the lateral struts is circular. 
     
     
         15 . The snowshoe according to  claim 13 , wherein the lateral struts have a closed tubular cross-section fitted with a flat surface resting on the ground. 
     
     
         16 . The snowshoe according to  claim 15 , wherein the teeth or crampons are attached to the lateral struts at said flat support surface. 
     
     
         17 . The snowshoe according to  claim 15  wherein said tubular section of the lateral struts is hexagonal. 
     
     
         18 . A method of making a snowshoe comprising the steps of:
 providing a frame of the snowshoe fitted with a pair of lateral struts, positioned on opposite sides in relation to a centreline plane of the frame, directed along a main longitudinal direction, wherein the lateral struts each extend from a front end to a rear end; each lateral strut extending on only one of said opposite sides in relation to the centreline plane,   providing a front crossbeam and a rear crossbeam and mechanically connecting the front crossbeam to the front ends of the lateral struts and the rear crossbeam to the rear ends of the lateral struts, said crossbeams being positioned astride the centreline plane,   wherein the lateral struts and the front and rear ends are made of different materials and/or have different shapes or thicknesses so that the lateral struts have an increased rigidity compared to the ends,   providing a central body, fitted with at least one central crampon positioned on a lower side of the snowshoe and mechanically connecting said central body to the lateral struts.   
     
     
         19 . The method of making a snowshoe according to  claim 18 , comprising the step of:
 fitting the lateral struts with teeth or crampons, on the lower side of the snowshoe.   
     
     
         20 . The method of making a snowshoe according to  claim 19 , comprising the steps of:
 making the lateral struts and the teeth or crampons by means of an extrusion step in relation to an extrusion axis parallel to the main direction of the struts, in such way that the lateral struts have a closed tubular cross-section and are provided, in one piece therewith, with a rib,   making, by machining said rib, said teeth or crampons.