Snowshoe and harness assembly

A harness for a snowshoe having toe chord is shown as having an elongated binding extending generally tranversely of said snowshoe and being secured generally medially of opposite first and second ends to said toe chord as to have said first and second ends movable with respect to said snowshoe, first and second toe straps respectively secured to said first and second ends of said binding, a first strap fastener carried by said first strap, third and fourth heel strap respectively secured to the first and second ends of said binding, a second strap fastener carried by said third heel strap, the first and second toe strap being operative for drawing the first and second ends of the binding against opposite sides of a boot worn by a person walking on the snowshoe and the first fastener being effective to maintain the first and second ends tightly against the boot regardless of the size or configuration of the boot, the third and fourth heel straps being operative for drawing and holding the toe portion of the boot within the tightly engaging first and second ends and the second fastener being effective to maintain the third and fourth heel straps against the heel of the boot regardless of the size and configuration of the boot; the binding being formed of moisture impervious material which is flexible in one direction and substantially rigid in directions generally transverse to that one direction and which is dimensionally substantially stable regardless of exposure to moisture and frigid temperatures.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to the field of snowshoes and more 
particularly to the harness assembly employable in detachably connecting 
the snowshoe to a person's foot. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART STATEMENT 
Heretofore, the prior art has proposed various configurations of snowshoe 
harness each, allegedly, providing benefits over what was known prior 
thereto. Generally, in the art of snowshoes, certain problems and/or 
considerations exist regardless of the configuration of the snowshoe, per 
se, and regardless of the particular use of such snowshoe. For example, 
the characteristics which would be desirable in a snowshoe harness would 
be having such snowshoe harness: (a) light in weight as to thereby 
minimize the energy expended by the person wearing the snowshoes; (b) easy 
to apply and detachably secure to the person's foot and shoe; (c) flexible 
as to readily conform to the configuration of the shoe on the foot of the 
person wearing the snowshoe; (d) infinite adjustability as between its 
minimum and maximum sizes thereby enabling the close attachment thereof to 
the person's shoe; (e) stability in dimensions thereby avoiding having the 
harness become loose, or tightened, while being worn by the person; (f) 
easily detached from the shoe of the person wearing the snowshoe; (g) 
resistant to damage from moisture and frigid temperatures; and (h) 
permitting normal foot movement of the person wearing the snowshoe while 
still assuring lateral stability of the snowshoe relative to the direction 
of intended travel of the snowshoe. 
Even though some of the prior art snowshoe harnesses have provided some of 
such desirable characteristics, none have succeeded in providing all of 
such desirable characteristics. 
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,747,213 dated Feb. 18, 1930, discloses a 
snowshoe harness comprised of a leather foot strap assembly having a 
transverse leather toe strap (10), provided with a plurality of spaced 
holes therethrough, which carries a toe cap member (16) and is provided 
with a buckle assembly (14) having a tongue for selective cooperate 
engagement with the holes in the leather toe strap. A rearwardly extending 
leather foot strap assembly (22) is of a generally U-shaped configuration 
with the ends thereof wrapped around rings or loops (17 and 18); such 
loops being made as from lamp wicking material. The loops (17 and 18) pass 
through the webbing of the snowshoe and are intended to form pivotal-like 
connections for the end loops (21 and 20) of the leather foot strap 
assembly (22) as well as pivotal connecting portions for the looped ends 
of leather toe strap (10). An additional leather instep strap assembly 
(24) is provided and as at its opposite ends as by the loop portions (27) 
connected to the rearwardly extending leather foot strap assembly (22) as 
to thereby keep the rearwardly extending leather foot strap assembly (22) 
at a selected height at the heel of the person's boot or shoe. In this 
arrangement the leather forming the various straps, when wet, stretches 
causing the entire harness assembly to become loose. This, in turn, 
requires the person to, in the field, attempt to tighten the harness. 
However, with a buckle arrangement employing a buckle tongue and 
cooperating spaced holes, correct adjustment is usually not attainable 
since the hole spacing dictates the increment of adjustment possible and 
more often than not, such increment of possible adjustment does not 
coincide with the actual adjustment needed. Further, the movement of the 
persons foot while using the snowshoe is a general rocking motion on the 
ball of the foot with the toes of the foot moving downwardly into the 
forward opening (33) of the snowshoe. Such necessary foot movement results 
in a relative motion as between any two or all of the elements comprised 
of the looped ends (12, 20 and 13, 21) of the leather straps (10 and 22), 
rings (17 and 18) and anchors (32--32) thereby resulting in dimensional 
changes and undesirable wear. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,420,261 dated May 6, 1947, discloses a snowshoe harness 
assembly (16) which has a relatively narrow transverse toe strap (27) 
looped at its ends as to be slidably received on extension portions (24) 
of a cover material (21) wherein the cover material (21) serves to cover a 
U-shaped stabilizer bar (18) which passes around the heel of the person's 
boot. Formed integrally with such cover material (21) is a leather ankle 
strap (47) having a plurality of spaced holes and a buckle with a buckle 
tongue for selective engagement with such holes, for adjustment purposes, 
for adjustably securing the U-shaped stabilizer bar and cover material to 
the person's foot. Additional transverse type strap means (45) is provided 
to bridge the space generally between the legs of the stabilizer bar (18) 
and to pass under the person's boot. The stabilizer bar (18) is connected 
to the snowshoe mainstay (12) as by tongue-type buckle assemblies. The 
structure disclosed by said U.S. Pat. No. 2,420,261 suffers from many of 
the same problems as does the structure of said U.S. Pat. No. 1,747,213 
and, further, has the added weight of the stabilizer bar (18). 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,619,742 dated Dec. 2, 1952, discloses a snowshoe harness 
comprised of a top portion (1) which is initially cut flat and which has 
oppositely disposed toe straps (2--2) secured at approximately 45.degree. 
angles to the top portion (1). Each of the toe straps (2--2) has a 
cooperating tongue-type strap buckle assembly (4a). Also, the top portion 
(1) has a heel strap (3) which is fixedly secured at one end to the top 
portion (1) and adjustably secured as through tongue-type strap buckle 
means (4b) at its other end to the same top portion (1). The top straps 
(2--2) actually do not engage the toe portion of the person's boot but 
rather are, each, looped around the mainstay or braided cross thong (13) 
of the webbing as to serve as a pivotal-like connection to the snowshoe. 
The announced purpose of thusly placing the toe straps (2--2) at an angle 
and looping them around the mainstay (13 ) is that the top section (1) 
becomes formed into a generally tapered configuration (as indicated at 8 
of FIG. 4) and such configuration, hopefully, serves to better grasp and 
locate the person's foot within the harness. As with the previously 
discussed prior art structures, the looped toe straps (2--2) rub against 
the mainstay and experience undesirable wear with such wear being further 
aggravated because of the necessary twisted configuration of such toe 
strap in order to pass under the cross mainstay of the snowshoe. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,031 dated Jan. 28, 1958, discloses a U-shaped heel 
piece (24) which has secured thereto a lateral strap (26) which, in turn, 
has its opposite ends somewhat spread outwardly and anchored to the frame 
(F) of the snowshoe at a point generally aligned with the person's instep. 
An instep strap (20) is passed through the ends of the U-shaped heel piece 
(24) as to pass both under the person's foot as well as over the instep 
portion where a cover or pad (22) is also provided. At the forward end a 
toe strap (10) is wrapped as to pass twice over the top of the person's 
toe as well as to be looped under the toe chord (14). A toe stop (18) is 
secured at its lower end as by lacing to the toe chord (14) and then 
wrapped as to be in front of the person's toe and pass over the toe to 
where it is secured at its upper end as to the toe cover member ( 16). The 
purpose of such a toe stop (18) according to the patentee is to present a 
positive forward abutment against which the person's foot can be placed. A 
modification discloses relatively shorter straps (42 and 44), instead of 
having a separate type of strap 26, being provided which are engaged with 
the ends of the U-shaped heel piece (24). The intended purpose of such 
strap 26 and/or straps 42-44 is to provide for lateral stability of the 
person's foot relative to the snowshoe assembly. As should be apparent, 
the problems of, for example, having to attempt to adjust many different 
tongue-type buckles and straps and the excessive wear of the toe strap 
(10) looping under the chord (14) exist in this structure as they do in 
the previously discussed prior art structures. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,987,834 dated June 13, 1961, discloses a snowshoe harness 
comprised of fixed pivot or anchor arms (22 and 24) generally staddling 
the toe opening in the snowshoe and a rigid U-shaped frame or member (20) 
which has its legs pivotally connected respectively to the fixed anchor 
arms (22 and 24). The U-shaped member (20), at the rear portion thereof, 
has an ankle strap (40) tied thereto which extends about the person's 
ankle as to thereby tend to draw the person's foot toward the bight 
portion of the U-shaped member (20). A second strap (44) also passing 
around the person's heel portion is secured to the legs of the U-shaped 
member (20) as to tend to draw the person's foot generally forwardly and 
in a direction away from the bight portion of the U-shaped member (20). As 
a consequence thereof the coacting straps (40 and 44) tend to secure the 
person's foot forwardly and rearwardly of the U-shaped member (20). Also, 
a toe strap (38) is provided which (apparently) is secured at its opposite 
ends to the legs of the U-shaped member (20) and which passes over the toe 
portion of the person's foot. Again, this structure, as other discussed 
prior art structures, has the drawbacks of belts or straps with spaced 
holes for limited adjustability and the very substantial extra weight of 
the fixed arms (22, 24) and the U-shaped member (20). 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,000,117 dated Sept. 19, 1961, discloses another form of a 
rigid type of snowshoe harness wherein a rigid U-shaped heel-type abutment 
portion (10b) which is, in turn, connected as to extending arm or leg 
portions (10a and 10c) which arms or legs are, in turn, pivotally anchored 
to the frame of the snowshoe (as at pivots P--P). An ankle strap (16) is 
pivotally secured to the rigid U-shaped member in an area close to the 
heel as to pass around and in proximity to the person's ankle. Also, a toe 
strap (20) having its lower ends looped as about the toe chord (22) of the 
snowshoe passes over the toe portion of the person's foot. A rigid heel 
plate or bracklet (18) connected to the U-shaped member passes under as to 
engage the under-surface of the person's heel. As in, for example, U.S. 
Pat. No. 2,987,834, this structure also has the drawbacks of belts or 
straps with spaced holes for limited adjustability and the very 
substantial extra weight of the metal U-shaped member and pivot brackets 
(12 and 14 or 42--42). 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,374 dated Aug. 3, 1971, discloses what amounts to a 
one-piece type snowshoe harness which is comprised of elastomeric 
material. The elastomeric harness or holder (12) when in its relaxed state 
has an aft end (21) with a heel engaging portion (22), a sole portion (23) 
and a toe portion (26) with an opening (32) formed therein. The material 
on either side of the opening (32), namely, areas 33 subsequently serve as 
strap portions when the person's foot is operatively engaged. As shown in 
FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof the device (12) is suitably secured as at four 
different points to the lacing of the snowshoe (13) as by suitable lacings 
leaving the forward most portion not directly connected to the snowshoe 
assembly. The person passes his foot through the stretched opening (32) 
and the entire area (defined by numbers 33--33 and 34) is stretched 
generally about the person's foot as to result in the area or portion 26 
serving as a toe abutment area for the person's foot while the portion 
33--33 and 34 extend generally rearwardly to circumscribe the person's 
foot. The structure shown by FIGS. 4 and 5 thereof is, in the main, the 
same as that shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 with the exception that there is 
more of a pocket-like configuration to the structures (12) because of it 
being somewhat doubled-back and then anchored to the snowshoe assembly 
(13) as by lacing means (141). This particular structure has, with 
possible exception of excessive weight, all the undesired characteristics 
of any snowshoe harness. It lacks any significant lateral stability; the 
holding power (tightness of the harness onto the person's boot) is a 
factor of the size of that person' s boot and the style of it; the 
elastomeric material, for the most part, at least significantly looses its 
elastomeric qualities in the frigid temperatures in which snowshoes are 
usually employed; and the rocking motion of the foot, at the ball thereof, 
atop the toe chord (18)tends to cause the foot to further stretch the 
forward portion (26) and thereby, instead of rocking on the toe chord (18) 
actually sliding forwardly and downwardly relative thereto. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,638,333 dated Feb. 1, 1972, discloses a molded snowshoe 
(10) comprised of rigid plastic material. A strap harness means 11 is 
disclosed as being comprised of strap portions (35, 36 and 37) which are 
all integrally formed or molded to a single piece and which is, in turn, 
operatively pivotally connected to the snowshoe by having the respective 
side strap portions (35 and 36) first looped under and about the foot 
pivot member (25) and then pass over the strap portion 37 and through 
slots (40 and 41) formed in such strap portion 37. The person then places 
the sole of his boot generally over the strap portion 37 with the ends of 
such strap portion 37 then being laced together as shown in FIG. 3 thereof 
to thereby hold the boot down against the strap portion 37 and indirectly 
against the transverse foot pivot 25. The side strap portions (35 and 36) 
are then extended generally along the sides of the boot and generally 
upwardly toward an elevated portion of the heel of the boot and such strap 
portions (35 and 36) are operatively connected to each other as by a heavy 
rubber band type loop connector 53 which is selectively engaged as with 
either notch portion 51 formed in strap portion 35. The elastomeric band 
(53), of course, looses a significant degree of its elastomeric qualities 
in frigid temperatures and, as is well known, the laces (50) become 
loosened after a period of use thereby requiring them to be re-tied in the 
field where such is not an easy or comfortable task. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,162 dated July 10, 1973, discloses a snowshoe harness 
which is very similar to a number of preceeding herein discussed prior art 
patents. For example, this patent discloses a toe piece (34) which is 
secured at its lower end as to the toe chord (17) and looped upwardly as 
to form an integral portion of a toe pad through which in turn passes a 
toe strap (21) which is double looped over the toe portion and also looped 
under the toe chord (17) to thereby provide for a pivot-like retainer for 
the toe. A heel strap (25) extends generally around the heel of the boot 
and is anchored at its opposite ends to the toe chord (17 as at 23 and 
26). An additional strap (28) is provided which passes generally about the 
instep portion of the boot and in so doing passes through slots formed in 
the extending legs of the heel strap (25 as shown for example at 31 in 
FIG. 2). The patentee alleges that the instep strap (28), by passing 
through such slots (31) can maintain its relative position and hold the 
strap (25) close to the sides of the boot without any relative movement 
because of the strap (28) being, in effect, trapped against movement by 
such slots (31). Previous patents such as, for example, said U.S. Pat. No. 
2,821,031, have shown much structure very similar to if not identical to 
much of the structure shown by this patent and the various drawbacks and 
undesirable characteristics of the structures of such previously discussed 
patents also exist in this snowshoe harness. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,755,926 dated Sept. 4, 1973, discloses structure very 
similar to said U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,162 as well as other prior art 
structures already considered herein. That is, this structure has a toe 
piece (14) similar to previous ones discussed and it has a toe strap 
arrangement which again is similar to ones previously discussed. It 
appears that the essential difference is that the side straps or side 
strap portions of the heel strap pass through slits formed in the toe 
strap (such slits being shown generally at 24 of FIGS. 1 and 2). Also 
somewhat similarly to said U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,162, an arch or instep type 
strap (34) is provided (similar to strap 28 of U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,162); 
however, it will be noted that instead of the slit being formed in the 
side portions of the heel strap (25) that in this patent the slits are 
formed at 36 in the instep strap 34 and not the sides of the heel strap 
(20). Apparently the entire assembly including the toe strap and abutment 
means (14) is pivotally secured to the snowshoe assembly by having the 
opposite ends of the heel strap (20) pass about and under the toe chord 
(30) of the snowshoe assembly. It appears, therefore, that there is no 
direct pivotal connection of the toe containment portion. That is, the 
sides or side portions of the heel strap extend through slots (24) formed 
on each side of the toe portion and immediately after passing through such 
slots the ends of the heel strap then extend at approximately 90.degree. 
laterally away from the toe portion and are than anchored to the webbing 
preferably at some point close to the frame of the snowshoe. The inventor 
claims that this change in direction prevents the forward movement of the 
toe containment portion and that the heel strap therefore works not only 
to hold the foot into the toe portion but also serves as a pivot means and 
restrainer enabling the toe portion to pivot about toe chord (8) while 
also preventing forward movement of the toe portion by virtue of the 
laterally extending ends of the heel strap. Obviously, the geometry of the 
placement and direction of the various straps actually results in the 
person's foot not only moving forwardly of but also downwardly of the toe 
chord during use of the snowshoe. Also, such straps fail to present the 
desired degree of lateral stability and directional alignment of the 
person's foot relative to the desired direction of movement of the 
snowshoe. Further, the use of lacing (18) presents the same problems 
previously discussed as with regard to said U.S. Pat. No. 3,638,333. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,965,584 dated June 29, 1976, discloses a particular boot 
arrangement securable to a snowshoe. One of the embodiments illustrates a 
boot or a moccasin (1) provided with boot side wall portions (3--3), a top 
portion (2) with side strap portions (4--4) respectively secured to the 
side walls (3--3) as in the area of the ball of the foot. The side straps 
(4--4) are attached thereto as to form an intermediate loop or passage 
portion. A generally transversely extending strap (6) provided with 
buckles (8) at each end thereof is suitably secured as by a rivet (7) to 
the top; however, there is no description as to what such a guide loop is 
employed for. A pair of straps (10) are provided and each of such straps 
(10) has an elongated slot (11) formed therein and a plurality of holes 
(12) with such holes and slots being formed at respective opposite ends of 
each strap. Each of such straps is looped about the toe chord portion (13) 
of the snowshoe so as to have each strap pass through its longitudinal 
slot (11) and then extend through the loop or passage portion of the 
adjacent side strap (4) of the boot (1) and then ultimately have the end 
which is provided with the holes (12) engage with the adjacent buckle (8) 
of the transverse strap (6) thereby providing a pivotal connection between 
the boot (1) and the toe chord (13) by virtue of such straps (10) and also 
hopefully prevent forward or rearward movement of the boot (1) by virtue 
of such straps (10) passing through the side strap loops (4) secured to 
the boot (1). FIGS. 5 and 6 thereof illustrate a modification wherein the 
modified portion resides in not providing a transverse strap (6) but 
rather providing the straps (14 and 15) which functionally replace the 
straps 10 and wherein a buckle assembly (13) is carried by one end of the 
one strap (14) so as to engage with the opposite free end of the other 
strap (15). Again not only is there limited adjustment because of the 
straps employing holes and tongue-type buckles, but also the snowshoe is 
limited to use by a person or persons having exactly the foot size 
matching the size of the mocassin (1). Because of the configuration of the 
tying straps and the relatively supple nature of the material forming the 
mocassin (1) lateral stability and alignment of the person's foot is 
effectively precluded. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,992,790 dated Nov. 23, 1976, discloses a snowshoe harness 
which is comprised of a flat elongated rectangular member (14) made-up of 
belting material or the like which extends under the ball of the person's 
boot. Attached to the lateral ends of such member (14) are the ends of a 
heel strap (36) and toe strap portions (30 and 44) all of which are 
respectively fixedly secured as by spring steel bars (40) overlapping all 
of such with rivets (42) passing therethrough. The forward ends of such 
assembled portions are, in turn, provided with flexible loops (18) which 
are made of spring steel or the like and such loops (18), in turn, pass 
about the toe chord of the snowshoe so as to enable the entire assembly to 
pivot thereabout. The heel strap has the conventional adjustable 
tongue-type buckle means. This structure, of course, causes excessive wear 
at the pivot loops (18) and has the problems associated with lacing (34) 
as previously described. The tongue-type buckle coacting with the holes in 
the heel strap (36), of course, provides for only limited adjustability 
thereof. Further, the framing and fastener members (as at 42--42, 40--40, 
46 etc) add to the weight which the person must lift with every step. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,085,529 dated Apr. 15, 1978, discloses not only a 
particular harness arrangement but also a new form of snowshoe itself. In 
the snowshoe arrangement a cross member (26) is provided as to be secured 
to the frame sides by respective cross member clamps (28 and 30) which are 
selectively adjustable relative to the frame so that the cross member can 
be positioned in a position most closely conforming to the normal position 
of a person's foot. In any event, the harness structure (36) is comprised 
of a tongue or toe piece (60) having its lower end secured to the 
cross-member (26) as by being sandwiched and secured thereto by a plate 
(66) and suitable screws. The upper end of the toe piece (60) is provided 
with a loop and buckle arrangement (68) which, in turn, accepts a toe 
strap (62) which is also provided with suitable buckle means for 
adjustment purposes. An adjustable heel strap extends around the heel of 
the boot and has its opposite ends connected to respective rings (70) as 
are the respective opposite ends of the toe strap (62). Such rings (70) 
are, in turn, connected through respective links (78) to respective eye 
bolts (72). Such bolts (72) are, in turn, anchored to the cross-member 
(26) as to be in a position generally straddling the width of the person's 
foot. The arrangement enables the person while walking to pivot his foot 
about the pivot bar (66) and in so doing in effect cause the straps (62 
and 64) to become somewhat loosened as generally depicted in FIG. 8 
thereof thereby enabling the person to laterally move his heel portion and 
still bring that heel portion down to the proper position when the person 
again steps fully down onto the snowshoe. In this arrangement, as the 
person walks forwardly the person's foot will actually slide forwardly and 
downwardly relative to transverse cross member because of the lost motion 
in linkages 78 (during rocking motion of the foot) and the resulting 
effective loosening of the toe strap 62. 
Accordingly, the invention as herein disclosed is primarily directed to the 
solution of the foregoing problems of the prior art. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
According to the invention, a harness for a snowshoe having toe chord 
means, comprises an elongated binding extending generally transversely of 
said snowshoe and being secured generally medially of opposite first and 
second ends to said toe chord means as to have said first and second ends 
movable with respect to said snowshoe, first and second toe strap means 
respectively secured to said first and second ends of said binding, a 
first strap fastener carried by said first strap means, third and fourth 
heel strap means respectively secured to said first and second ends of 
said binding, a second strap fastener carried by said third heel strap 
means, said first and second toe strap means being operative for drawing 
said first and second ends of said binding against opposite sides of a 
boot worn by a person walking on said snowshoe and said first fastener 
being effective to maintain said first and second ends tightly against 
said boot regardless of the size or configuration of said boot, said third 
and fourth heel strap means being operative for drawing and holding the 
toe portion of said boot within said tightly engaging first and second 
ends and said second fastener being effective to maintain said third and 
fourth heel strap means against the heel of said boot regardless of the 
size and configuration of said boot, said binding being formed of moisture 
impervious material which is flexible in one direction and substantially 
rigid in directions generally transverse to said one direction and which 
is dimensionally substantially stable regardless of exposure to moisture 
and frigid temperatures. 
Various general and specific objects, advantages and aspects of the 
invention will become apparent when reference is made to the following 
detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying 
drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a 
snowshoe 10 as being comprised as of a wood frame 12 having forward, 
medial and aft or rear portions 14, 16 and 18, respectively, with the aft 
and medial portions 18 and 16 being generally flat (as viewed in FIG. 2) 
while the forward portion curves generally upwardly. A first cross member 
20 may be considered as generally separating the forward 14 from the 
medial portions 16 while a second cross member 22, spaced from the member 
20, may be considered as generally separating the medial 16 from the aft 
18 portions. 
A forward webbing portion 24 is strung as through apertures within the 
forward portion 14 of frame 12 and secured as to the forward cross member 
20. A rearward or aft webbing portion 26 may be secured to the rearward 
frame portion 18 as by being wound thereabout, as generally depicted at 
28, and secured to rearward cross member 22. The snowshoe 10 is also 
provided as with a medially disposed webbing portion 30 which may be 
comprised of a plurality of generally transverse stringers or sections 32, 
tied as about opposite sides of the frame 12; a second plurality of 
stringers or sections 34 interwoven with stringers 32 tied as at 
respective first ends as to one side of the frame 12 and tied as at 
respective second ends as to the rearward cross member 22, and a third 
plurality of stringers or sections 36 interwoven with stringers 32 and 34 
tied as at respective first ends as to the other side of the frame 12 and 
tied as at respective second ends as to the rearward cross member 22. 
The forward most transverse stringer 32a is preferably made as of a 
plurality of twisted strands as to be substantially thicker than the other 
stringers 32 and to thereby serve as toe chord means. More particularly, 
such thickened stringer 32a may also serve as an anchor for some of the 
stringers 34 and 36 and, in turn, is preferably anchored as by relatively 
thick strands, members or portions 38, 40, 42 and 44 connected to the 
forward cross member 20. Functionally, it may be considered that the toe 
chord means 46 exists generally between longitudinal supports 40 and 42 
and that the space or area defined generally by the boundary collectively 
defined by and between support 40, forward cross member 20, support 42 and 
toe chord means 46 is space for the toe portion of the person's boot to 
enter while that boot is generally rocking on the toe chord means 46 and 
the person is walking forward. The webbing and supports may be comprised 
of any suitable material; however, in the preferred embodiment rawhide is 
employed in the forming thereof and subsequently covered with a 
water-proofing coating such as, for example, a varnish. 
As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the snowshoe 10 is provided with a foot or 
boot harness 48, secured as to the toe chord means 46, and comprised as of 
a toe strap means 50 and heel strap means 52. 
Referring to all of the Figures and in particular to FIGS. 3-8 which are 
relatively enlarged views, with FIG. 8 being somewhat enlarged compared to 
FIGS. 1 and 2 but not quite as enlarged as FIGS. 3-7, the toe strap means 
50 is illustrated as, preferably, comprising a first elongated binding 
portion or section 54 which has at or near one end thereof a first 
relatively narrower toe strap or belt portion or section 56 and a first 
relatively narrower heel strap or belt portion or section 58. At or near 
the opposite end of binding portion or section are secured a second 
relatively narrower toe strap or belt portion or section 60 having, in 
turn, a fastener or buckle-like clasp 62 secured thereto, and a second 
relatively narrower heel strap or belt portion or section 64 having, in 
turn, a fastener or buckle-like clasp 66 secured thereto. 
As depicted in, for example, FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the clasp assemblies 62 
and 66 may be comprised of a main body 68 having end body portions 70 and 
72 and an intermediate body portion 74 which intermediate body portion 
comprises a pair of oppositely disposed pivot supports 76 and 78 which, in 
turn, pivotally support a clasping and release lever 80. Body portion 72 
is provided with a pair of slot-like openings 82 and 84 permitting the end 
of a strap (such as either 60 or 64) to pass therethrough and be looped 
about the wall 86 (between openings 82 and 84) as to thereby secure the 
clasp assembly 66 or 62 to such strap. Body portion 70 is provided with an 
opening 88 formed therethrough for the passage of the end of the coacting 
strap or belt portion such as either the free end of strap 56 or strap 58. 
The lever 80 may be considered as having an actuator end 90 and a grasping 
end 92. A suitable torsion spring, or the like, not shown but well known 
in the art, is preferably situated as between the intermediate body 
portion 74 and lever 80 as to continually resiliently urge the lever 80 
into the position generally depicted in FIG. 3 whereby the somewhat 
serrated grasping end 92 engages the strap 56 (or in the case of clasp 
assembly 66, the strap 58) and urges it against the side of opening 88 and 
thereby hold such strap from being withdrawn from the opening 88. When it 
is desired to release, for example, the toe strapping means, all that is 
necessary is to push the actuator end 90 of lever 80 downwardly (as viewed 
in FIG. 3) thereby releasing the belt or strap portion from between the 
clasping end 92 and buckle body portion 70 and permitting withdrawal of 
the strap means from opening 88. 
For ease of reference, let edge 94 of the binding means 54 be considered 
the forward edge thereof and let edge 96 be considered the aft or rear 
edge thereof. Further, let surfaces 98 and 100 be considered the outer and 
inner surfaces, respectively, thereof. 
Similarly, let edges 102 and 104 of toe strap portions or sections 56 and 
60 be considered as the forward edges thereof. 
As a result of experimentation and testing, it has been discovered that 
certain dimensional relationships are preferred in practicing the 
invention. For example, it is preferred that the overall length, when 
layed-out flat, of the binding means or portion 54 be in the order of 11.5 
inches (as depicted by dimension A); that the width of the binding means 
or portion 54 be in the order of 1 15/16 inches (as depicted by dimension 
B) and that the cross-sectional thickness of the binding portion 54 be at 
least 1/16 inch. Further, it has been discovered that nylon material 
tightly woven into belt-like stock and rated at a strength of 1000 lbs. 
test, can be obtained having all of such preferred dimensions. Such 
belt-like nylon provides other highly desirable characteristics which are 
employable in the invention. That is, the belt-like material, although 
effectively non-stretchable, is flexible when, for example, wound upon 
itself in the longitudinal direction; however, it is substantially rigid 
and inflexible when attempts are made to bend it in directions (other than 
being rolled or wound upon itself) as, for example, from either the 
forward edge 94 (non-rollingly) rearwardly or from the aft or rearward 
edge 96 (non-rollingly) forwardly. Further, by employing nylon material, 
or the like, the wear qualities and dimensional stability are at a maximum 
and are not in any way damaged or impaired by moisture or frigid 
temperatures. 
Generally medially between the opposite ends of binding 54 a plurality of 
eyelets (preferably of metal) 106 are inserted through the material as to 
have their respective centers spaced generally equidistantly from each 
other and spaced in the order of 3 3/16 inch from the forward edge 94 as 
generally depicted by dimension E. In the preferred arrangement the 
overall center distance between opposite end eyelets 106 is in the order 
of 3 3/16 inches as generally depicted by dimension F. 
It has also been discovered that the actual means for securing the binding 
portion to the person's boot is best accomplished by toe strap portions 
which are narrower than the binding 54 and in this regard it has been 
determined that in the preferred embodiment of the invention that toe 
straps 56 and 60 each be of a width in the order of 1.0 inch, as depicted 
by dimension C and that the thickness thereof be in the order of 1/16 inch 
or less. As with the binding 54, it has been discovered that nylon 
material tightly woven into belt-like or strap-like stock can be obtained 
having all of such preferred dimensions. Such strap-like stock being of 
nylon material provides the same highly desirable characteristics as does 
the material for the binding 54 and, further, since it is narrower and of 
preferably reduced thickness the flexibility thereof is substantially 
greater than that of the binding 54 while still being effectively 
non-stretchable and possessing dimensional stability during use. In the 
preferred embodiment heel strap portions 58 and 64 are formed of the same 
material as are toe strap portions 56 and 60. 
As possibly best illustrated in FIG. 8, toe straps 60 and 56 are secured to 
the binding portion 54 as to have the forward edges 104 and 102, thereof, 
each set back from the forward edge 94 of binding 54 by a distance in the 
order of 3/8 inch. This, of course, results in the respective aft edges of 
such straps 60 and 56 being a distance in the order of 9/16 inwardly of 
the aft edge 96 of binding 54. Although not essential to the practice of 
the invention, it is preferable that such toe straps 60 and 56, although 
in medial alignment with each other, are, nevertheless at least slightly 
out of medial alignment with the medial longitudinal axis of binding 54. 
The placement of such toe straps as described, achieves that preferred 
configuration. 
As generally depicted in each of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, and possibly best in 
FIG. 8, in the preferred embodiment both straps 60 and 64 are secured to 
the binding 54 at an area spaced from the end 55 of binding 54 and, 
similarly, straps 56 and 58 and also secured to the binding 54 at an area 
spaced from the end 57 of binding 54. More specifically, in the preferred 
arrangement, the end of strap 64 is layed over the end of strap 60 and the 
area 110 defined by such common crossed portions of the straps 60 and 64 
is then the area which is sewn to the binding 54. Preferably, the thread 
employed for such sewing is also nylon. When thusly stitched and sewn, the 
area 110, at its inner-most end is situated in the order of 21/4 inches 
away from edge 55 as generally depicted by dimension G. 
Similarly, in the preferred arrangement, the end of strap 58 is layed over 
the end of strap 56 and the area 112 defined by such common crossed 
portions of the straps 58 and 56 is then the area which is sewn to the 
binding 54. Preferably, the thread employed for such sewing is of nylon. 
When thusly stitched and sewn, the area 112, at its inner-most end is 
situated in the order of 21/4 inches away from edge 57 as generally 
depicted by dimension H. 
By so attaching the toe straps and heel straps certain benefits are 
obtained. That is, certain free lengths of the binding 54 are left as to 
thereby permit such to more freely conform to the configuration of the 
boot 114 (FIG. 6) while still permitting the toe straps 56 and 60 to bear 
down, over and against such free lengths thereby trapping such free 
lengths between the toe straps 56 and 60 and the toe portion 116 of the 
boot 114. 
As previously stated, eyelets 106 are preferably provided and the size of 
the holes thereof is preferably in the order of 1/4 inch diameter. 
Further, preferably, the binding 54 is secured to the toe chord or 
mainstay means 32a as by, for example, nylon cord 118 of 3/16 inch 
diameter (although it is possible to use a leather thong or strip) which 
is wound under the toe chord 32a, through the respective eyelets 106 and 
over the top of that narrow portion of the binding 54 between the eyelets 
and forward edge 94 of the binding 54. The securing strip 118 is tightened 
and suitably secured thereby holding the binding 54 to the toe chord 32a. 
As should now be apparent, the preferred form of the entire harness 
assembly of the invention is of very light weight thereby reducing the 
energy which the person has to expend during use of the snowshoes. By 
having the binding 54 and straps of woven nylon, such retain dimensional 
stability regardless of the ambient temperatures and any moisture which 
may come into contact therewith. By employing clasp type fasteners 
(instead of tongue-type buckles which cooperate with spaced holes in a 
coacting belt portion) infinite incremental adjustment of all toe and heel 
belts is easily accomplished. Because of the rigidity (non-flexibility) of 
the woven binding in directions forward or aft thereof, the binding when 
held against the outer surface of the boot 114 by the tightened toe straps 
60 and 56 the thusly held binding provides a rigid structure which is 
effectively non-flexible in the longitudinal direction of the snowshoe. By 
having the toe straps and heel straps anchored (sewn) to the binding 54 at 
common locations stresses applied by such belts are applied to single 
common locations of the binding 54 and therefore are at least partially 
transferred from one belt and into another rather than causing possible 
deformation of the binding 54. That is, if, for example, in FIG. 6 the 
ends of the heel belts or straps were anchored to the binding 54 at 
locations substantially above or below where the toe straps are sewn, any 
excessive force applied by the heel straps would cause a force couple or 
moment generally about the areas where the toe straps were thusly sewn and 
possibly result in partial deformation of the binding. Also, because of 
the securing of the binding 54 to the top of the toe chord 32a and then 
having the person place the sole 120 of the boot downwardly thereon, the 
woven generally non-deflectable (in that direction) material of the 
binding is forced to experience some degree of flexing as against the top 
of the toe chord 32a during walking and such serves only to momentarily 
tighten the binding 54 against the surface of the boot 114 and the toe 
chord 32a as to result in providing for enhanced forward and lateral 
stability of the boot relative to the snowshoe. Further, by securing the 
heel straps to the binding 54 in the manner disclosed the heel straps 
actually become inclined in two directions because of the generally 
inclined attitude assumed by those related portions of the binding against 
the boot. This results in the lower disposed edges of the coacting heel 
straps being effectively longer than the upper disposed edges of such 
coacting heel straps resulting in a somewhat flared condition which then 
effectively best conforms to the heel portion 122 of the boot preventing 
downward slippage of the heel strap means once tightened. 
Although only a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed 
and described, it is apparent that other embodiments and modifications of 
the invention are possible within the scope of the appended claims.