Abstract:
An improved binding for use with snowshoes and like sport apparatus is disclosed which employs a novel mounting arrangement similar to the calcanean wrapping technique used by athletic trainers to wrap the ankles of athletes, thereby resulting in an ambidextrous binding which comfortably and securely fits a wide variety of sizes of feet in an ergonomic manner while enhancing the performance of both the binding and the snowshoe to which it is attached. The binding has left and right side members pivotally mounted on a base member between the front and an intermediate longitudinal position thereupon, and left and right calcanean wrap members pivotally mounted on the base member near the rear thereof. A first set of straps overlies the side member and the calcanean wrap member on the left side are encircles the right side of the calcaneus of the foot of a wearer, and a second set of straps overlies the side member and the calcanean wrap member on the right side are encircles the left side of the calcaneus of the foot of a wearer.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to bindings for use with snowshoes and the like to maintain the snowshoes on the feet of the wearer, and more particularly to an improved snowshoe binding which employs a novel mounting arrangement similar to the calcanean wrapping technique used by athletic trainers to wrap the ankles of athletes, thereby resulting in an ambidextrous binding which comfortably and securely fits a wide variety of sizes of feet in an ergonomic manner while enhancing the performance of both the binding and the snowshoe to which it is attached. 
     Recent years have seen an explosion in the level of interest in snowshoeing, with a broad cross-section of the public realizing that for a relatively modest investment, they can strap on a pair of snowshoes and immediately begin to snowshoe with a degree of proficiency not immediately available in either cross-country or downhill skiing. Rather than requiring an extended learning curve, new participants in the sport of snowshoeing have only to strap a pair of snowshoes on their feet, and then walk on the snow-covered ground. After only a few minutes, any initial clumsiness is quickly left behind, and the wearer is able to move with relative freedom off the beaten trail and in the middle of winter. 
     As might be expected, the increasing interest in snowshoeing has brought with it a widely expanding array of snowshoes from an increasing large number of manufacturers, many of which offer a variety of designs differing substantially from the traditional wood frames and leather or rawhide laced webbing. The problem associated with the traditional wood frame and leather laced webbing snowshoes is that they require a high degree of maintenance; if they are not properly and consistently maintained over time, they can be substantially less durable than is desirable. In addition, such traditional wood frame and leather laced webbing snowshoes are not at all inexpensive, due primarily to the large amount of hand work involved in weaving the leather webbing during the construction of these snowshoes. 
     Thus, over the last several years, the design of snowshoes have evolved rapidly from the traditional wood frame and leather laced webbing snowshoes to lightweight aluminum alloy tubular frames with a segments of synthetic man-made fabric stretched thereupon and secured by being riveted or laced to the tubular frames. The frames may be made of aircraft quality aluminum tubing which is bent to the desired outline, and which then has one end having a reduced outer diameter inserted into the other end to form a continuous perimeter. The aluminum frames may be anodized or electrostatically powder coated. The fabric, which is referred to as “decking,” may be made of a manmade material such as nylon, or from woven and coated (laminated) manmade materials. The decking is stretched over the tubular frame and is either riveted in place on the frame or is laced to the frame. Other materials which have been used for snowshoes include molded plastics instead of sheet or fabric decking and carbon fiber frames instead of wood or aluminum. 
     With the advent of decking made of manmade fabric came the need to facilitate traction of the snowshoe, since the smooth surface of the decking does not have the friction afforded by the leather laced webbing of traditional snowshoes. Accordingly, modern snowshoes use a metal cleat or claw attached to the base of the binding and, optionally, under the portion of the decking which the heel of the wearer overlies. Such cleats, claws, or other traction devices are a necessity, especially on hard packed snow or ice. 
     The other major component of snowshoes is the binding, which functions both to retain the wearer&#39;s foot on the snowshoe and also as a hinge to allow the wearer to walk in a natural manner while wearing the snowshoes with the plane of the snowshoe being allowed to articulate rather than being forced to conform to the plane of the wearer&#39;s foot. For the most part, improvements made to snowshoe design have focused on the snowshoe itself rather than on the binding, with the result being that while snowshoes of today bear little resemblance to the traditional wood frame and leather laced webbing designs, the bindings on modern snowshoes have improved relatively little over time. 
     In fact, there have been only two major improvements to snowshoe binding design, both of which focus solely on the hinge aspect of bindings rather than on the mounting aspect. The first of these improvements is that the hinge is now typically biased into a neutral position with the binding being mounted on a strap made of manmade material such as extruded or die-cut PVC-coated vinyl, which allows the binding (and with it the foot of the wearer) to flex forward and backward. Thus, the binding is initially free to pivot, with greater rotation progressively increasing the amount of force opposing the rotation. This is referred to as a “fixed rotation” binding, and it results in an improved degree of articulation which facilitates a normal walking motion. It also lifts the snowshoe out of the snow with each step, facilitating walking in deep snow. In contrast, “free rotation” bindings, which are typically bearing-mounted on a rod extending between the sides of the snowshoe, let the tail of the snowshoe drag, which can make them less maneuverable and make walking backwards in powder nearly impossible. 
     The second of these improvements is a pivot system which combines the best features of a free rotation binding with the best features of a fixed rotation binding, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,772, to Anderson. The &#39;722 patent describes an adjustable system having a limited amount of initial freedom of rotation, with greater rotation being possible with the exertion of sufficient force to overcome a frictional force which is adjustable. U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,772 is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     With the exception of these two improvements, which both relate to the pivoting aspect of snowshoe bindings, the basic mounting technique employed by snowshoes has not markedly changed at all. Snowshoe bindings all retain the foot of the wearer on the snowshoe by first retaining the toe of the wearer&#39;s boot in the binding, and then by preventing the foot of the wearer from being moved rearwardly out of the binding. Thus, most snowshoe bindings use straps (typically two straps are used) to retain the toe of the wearer&#39;s boot in the binding, and an additional strap around the rear of the wearer&#39;s boot to hold prevent the toe of the boot from being withdrawn from the toe straps. 
     The &#39;722 patent uses a variation of this technique, with a toe piece secured to winged panels which are laced around the toe of the boot of the wearer. Other bindings known in the art use toe pieces of fixed design or which are buckled or laced around the toe of the wearer&#39;s boot. All of them also include a strap or like apparatus around the back of the wearer&#39;s boot to prevent the boot from slipping out of the binding. These retaining straps are typically buckled in the back of the wearer&#39;s boot. Straps and buckles do not evenly distribute the forces they exert on the foot, typically causing discomfort to the foot of the wearer. 
     It is accordingly the primary objective of the present invention that it provide an improved binding for use in securing a snowshoe to the boot of the wearer in a manner which is both secure and comfortable, and which affords complete control over the snowshoe on which the binding is mounted. It is a closely related objective that the improved binding of the present invention hold the wearer&#39;s boot securely in place when attached, keeping front to back, lateral, and rotational foot slippage to a minimum such that the binding of the present invention acts as an extension of the foot. It is another objective of the binding of the present invention that it distribute forces evenly, such that clamping and compressive loads are evenly distributed about the entire area of the wearer&#39;s foot in an ergonomic fashion emulating the muscular system of the foot. 
     It is an additional objective of the binding of the present invention that it be easy to operate, even while wearing gloves or mittens, and that the securing mechanism be located where it is easily accessible on the side and/or the top of the foot rather than behind the foot. It is a further objective of the binding of the present invention that it be quick to secure and that it require only a single step to both adjust it and secure it, making it very simple to use. It is yet another objective of the binding of the present invention that once it has been fastened to the foot, it stay secured and properly adjusted until it is removed. 
     It is still another objective of the binding of the present invention that it accommodate a wide variety of sizes of foot and any type of boot or shoe, or even stockings or bare feet for applications beyond use as a snowshoe binding, thereby minimizing or entirely eliminating the requirement for different size bindings to accommodate different wearers. It is a further objective of the binding of the present invention that it be of an ambidextrous design, to thereby fit either foot without requiring different left and right binding designs. It is a still further objective of the binding of the present invention that it allow for use with either a fixed rotation or a free rotation mounting system, or with the hybrid arrangement of the above incorporated by reference &#39;722 patent. 
     The binding of the present invention must also be of construction which is both durable and long lasting, and it should also require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. In order to enhance the market appeal of the binding of the present invention, it should also be of inexpensive construction to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, it is also an objective that all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of the binding of the present invention be achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The disadvantages and limitations of the background art discussed above are overcome by the present invention. With this invention, a binding design suitable for use with snowshoes is described which is of an ergonomic design similar to the calcanean wrapping technique used by athletic trainers to wrap the ankles of athletes, thereby resulting in an ambidextrous binding which comfortably and securely fits a wide variety of sizes of feet in an ergonomic manner while enhancing the performance of both the binding and the snowshoe to which it is attached. The binding of the present invention thus integrates lateral, longitudinal, and rotational or torsional clamping action using the calcanean wrapping technique. 
     The ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention has as its base a binding chassis which is made of metal which will support the portions of the wearer&#39;s foot from roughly the arch of the foot forward, and is made with an acute upward angle therein to better fit the configuration of this portion of the wearer&#39;s foot. Located on top of the binding chassis is a foot pad, which provides a frictional surface for the wearer&#39;s foot to rest upon. Six pivot points are located in the binding chassis and are aligned with apertures in the foot pad, with three pivot points being located on each of the left and right sides of the pivot plate at positions near the front of the binding chassis (front pivot points), near the rear of the chassis (rear pivot points), and at a third location roughly three-quarters of the way between the front and the rear of the binding chassis (intermediate pivot points). 
     Left and right Y-shaped side members and left and right L-shaped calcaneous wrap members are used to distribute the forces of two sets of straps which retain the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention in place on the foot of a wearer. The Y-shaped side members each are connected at one of the arms of the Y to a front pivot point, and at the other one of the arms of the Y to an intermediate pivot point such that the left and right Y-shaped side members are respectively mounted on the left and right sides of the binding chassis and foot pad, in an inverted position. 
     Left and right looping straps are each respectively arranged in an inverted V-shaped position on the outside of the left and right Y-shaped side members, respectively, with the ends of the looping straps lying intermediate the Y-shaped side members and the foot pad at the pivot points, with rivets being used to secure the arms of the Y&#39;s of the Y-shaped side members and the ends of the looping straps to the binding chassis in a manner permitting rotational movement of the tops of the arms of the Y&#39;s of the Y-shaped side members and the ends of the looping straps to provide an enhanced accommodation for different wearer foot sizes. Left and right connecting straps are respectively connected to the midpoints of the left and right looping straps, respectively, with slip rings. The other ends of the connecting straps extend through integral retaining loops located on the outside of the Y-shaped side members near the bases of the legs of the Y&#39;s, and are connected to buckles. 
     The L-shaped calcaneous wrap members each are connected at the top of the leg of the L to a rear pivot point, such that the left and right L-shaped calcaneous wrap members are respectively mounted on the left and right sides of the binding chassis and foot pad, in an inverted position with the free end of the base of the L directed toward the front of the binding chassis. Long left and right cinch straps each are located with one end lying intermediate the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members and the foot pad at the rear pivot points, with rivets being used to secure the top of the leg of the L of the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members and the ends of the cinch straps to the binding chassis in a manner permitting rotational movement of the tops of the legs of the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members and the ends of the cinch straps. The left and right cinch straps extend on the outside of the left and right L-shaped calcaneous wrap members, respectively, along the base of the L, with the free ends of the cinch straps being located on the outside of the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members and extending through with the ends of integral looping straps located on the outside of the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members at the bottoms of the legs of the L&#39;s. 
     When the foot of a wearer of the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention is placed into the binding, the free ends of the cinch straps pass from the bottom of the legs of the L&#39;s of the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members around the back of the wearer&#39;s foot, through integral looping straps located on the outside of the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members at the bases of the L&#39;s, and are connected to a buckle. Thus, the left cinch strap passes from the bottom of the leg of the L of the left L-shaped calcaneous wrap members around the back of the wearer&#39;s foot, through the integral looping strap located on the outside of the right L-shaped calcaneous wrap members at the bases of the L, and is connected to the left buckle. Similarly, the right cinch strap passes from the bottom of the leg of the L of the right L-shaped calcaneous wrap members around the back of the wearer&#39;s foot, through the integral looping strap located on the outside of the left L-shaped calcaneous wrap members at the bases of the L, and is connected to the right buckle. 
     The ends of the Y-shaped side members and the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members which are connected to the binding chassis are connected pivotally, thereby allowing the Y-shaped side members and the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members to pivot to adapt to various foot sizes. The ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention is thus adaptable to comfortably fit wearers with foot sizes varying approximately from a woman&#39;s size 6 foot to a man&#39;s size 13 foot. In addition, the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention is ambidextrous to allow its use interchangeably on either foot. 
     An Achilles strap is located at the back of the wearer&#39;s foot, with the cinch straps both passing through openings in the Achilles strap and acting to retain it in place. In the preferred embodiment, the Achilles strap is made of a segment of strap folded upon itself, with a loop extending upward from the point at which the cinch straps pass therethrough. The loop can be used to pull the cinch straps on the back of the wearer&#39;s foot when the wearer&#39;s foot is placed into the ergonomic snowshoe binding. 
     It will thus be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the straps form a calcanean wrap configuration, and that they are tightened by pulling the cinch straps rearwardly from the buckles, which are located at the sides of the wearer&#39;s foot near the front of the ankles. Optionally, cushioning pads may be installed on portions of the inside surfaces of the Y-shaped side members and the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members which bear against the wearer&#39;s foot. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that with or without the cushioning pads, the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention distributes the forces of the straps evenly about the entire area of the wearer&#39;s foot in an ergonomic fashion with the calcanean wrap of the bindings emulating the muscular system of the foot. That is, the straps, Y-shaped side members, and L-shaped calcanean wrap members emulate and complement the muscles and tendons of the foot. 
     The ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention may be mounted onto the snowshoe in conventional style using either a fixed rotation or a free rotation mounting system, or with the hybrid arrangement of the above incorporated by reference &#39;722 patent. In any of these techniques, the mounting apparatus is located under the binding chassis. 
     An additional component which can be used with the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention is a rear claw, which is mounted onto the snowshoe decking on the bottom side thereof in a position immediately behind the location of the binding. A heel pad can be mounted on the top side of the snowshoe over the location of the rear claw, with the rear pad having a frictional surface upon which the wearer&#39;s heel will rest. The heel pad and the rear claw may be mounted to the decking of the snowshoe using rivets. 
     It may therefore be seen that the present invention teaches an improved binding for use in securing a snowshoe to the boot of the wearer in a manner which is both secure and comfortable, and which affords complete control over the snowshoe on which the binding is mounted. The improved binding of the present invention holds the wearer&#39;s boot securely in place when attached, and keeps front to back, lateral, and rotational foot slippage to a minimum such that the binding of the present invention acts as an extension of the foot. The binding of the present invention also distribute forces evenly, such that clamping and compressive loads are evenly distributed about the entire area of the wearer&#39;s foot in an ergonomic fashion emulating the muscular system of the foot. 
     The binding of the present invention is easy to operate, even while wearing gloves or mittens, and the securing mechanism is located where it is easily accessible on the side and/or the top of the foot rather than behind the foot. The binding of the present invention is quick to secure, and requires only a single step to both adjust it and secure it, making it very simple to use. Once the binding of the present invention has been fastened to the foot, it will stay secured and properly adjusted until it is removed. 
     The binding of the present invention accommodates a wide variety of sizes of foot and any type of boot or shoe, or even stockings or bare feet for applications beyond use as a snowshoe binding, thereby minimizing or entirely eliminating the requirement for different size bindings to accommodate different wearers. The binding of the present invention is of an ambidextrous design, thereby fitting either foot without requiring different left and right binding designs. The binding of the present invention allows for use with either a fixed rotation or a free rotation mounting system, or with the hybrid arrangement of the above incorporated by reference &#39;722 patent. 
     The binding of the present invention is of a construction which is both durable and long lasting, and which will require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. The binding of the present invention is also of inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of the binding of the present invention are achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other advantages of the present invention are best understood with reference to the drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing the installation of a cushioning pad onto the inside of a Y-shaped side member on the leg of the Y, the Y-shaped side member being for placement on the left side of a wearer&#39;s foot; 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the Y-shaped side member illustrated in FIG. 1 from the outside thereof; 
     FIG. 3 is a first edge view of the Y-shaped side member illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the interior of an integral retaining loop on the outside of the Y-shaped member; 
     FIG. 4 is a second edge view of the Y-shaped side member illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, also showing the integral retaining loop on the outside of the Y-shaped member; 
     FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the Y-shaped side member illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the installation of a cushioning pad into the inside of an L-shaped calcaneus wrap member for placement on the left side of a wearer&#39;s foot; 
     FIG. 7 is a plan view of the L-shaped calcaneus wrap member illustrated in FIG. 6 from the outside thereof; 
     FIG. 8 is an edge view of L-shaped calcaneus wrap member illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, showing the interior of two integral retaining loops on the outside of the L-shaped calcaneus wrap member; 
     FIG. 9 is an isometric view of L-shaped calcaneus wrap member illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a binding chassis having claw portions extending downwardly therefrom; 
     FIG. 11 is a first side view of the binding chassis illustrated in FIG. 10 from the left side thereof, showing the claw portions on the left side thereof; 
     FIG. 12 is a second side view of the binding chassis illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 from the front thereof, showing the claw portions extending downwardly therefrom; 
     FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a foot pad; 
     FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the foot pad illustrated in FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a first side view of the foot pad illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 from the left side thereof; 
     FIG. 16 is a second side view of the foot pad illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 15 from the rear thereof; 
     FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the foot pad illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 16; 
     FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a rear claw member having claw portions extending downwardly therefrom; 
     FIG. 19 is a first side view of the binding chassis illustrated in FIG. 18 from the left side thereof, showing the claw portions on the left side thereof; 
     FIG. 20 is a second side view of the binding chassis illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 from the front thereof, showing the claw portions extending downwardly therefrom; 
     FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a heel pad; 
     FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a buckle; 
     FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle illustrated in FIG. 22; 
     FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the buckle illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23; 
     FIG. 25 is a plan view of an Achilles strap; 
     FIG. 26 is an edge view of the Achilles strap illustrated in FIG. 25, showing a loop extending from the top thereof; 
     FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the foot pad illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 17 placed upon the binding chassis illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 12, with two looping straps on opposite sides of the foot pad each extending through connecting slip rings, two connecting straps each extending between a slip ring and one of the buckles illustrated in FIGS. 22 through 24, and two long cinch straps on opposite sides of the foot pad near the rear thereof; 
     FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the installation of the Y-shaped side member illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 (and a corresponding Y-shaped side member on the right side) and the L-shaped calcaneus wrap member illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 9 (and a corresponding L-shaped calcaneus wrap member on the right side) onto the assembly illustrated in FIG. 27; 
     FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the assembled ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention, including the components illustrated in FIG.  28  and the Achilles strap illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, and showing the calcanean wrapping technique utilized by the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention; 
     FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 29 installed onto a snowshoe; 
     FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the snowshoe and the ergonomic snowshoe binding illustrated in FIG. 30; 
     FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a binding chassis similar to the binding chassis illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 12, but having somewhat longer claw portions extending downwardly therefrom; 
     FIG. 33 is a first side view of the binding chassis illustrated in FIG. 32 from the left side thereof, showing the claw portions on the left side thereof; and 
     FIG. 34 is a second side view of the binding chassis illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33 from the front thereof, showing the claw portions extending downwardly therefrom. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The preferred embodiment uses pivotable mounting of Y-shaped side members and L-shaped calcaneous wrap members on the binding chassis to accommodate feet of different sizes, with a strap system overlying the Y-shaped side members and the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members. Thus, the heart of the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention is these Y-shaped side members and L-shaped calcaneous wrap members and the strap system which interconnects them. The design and construction of the left side members is illustrated and described in detail herein, it being understood that the design and construction of the right side members is identical in principle, but with the right side members constituting mirror images of the left side members. In addition, similar reference numerals are used for the left and right side elements of the present invention throughout, but with the reference numerals used for the right side elements having 200 added to the reference numerals used for the left side elements. 
     Referring first to FIGS. 1 through 5, a left Y-shaped side member  40  is illustrated which has a configuration resembling an inverted Y having two arms  42  and  44  and a leg  46 . The left Y-shaped side member  40  is relatively thin (as best shown in FIGS.  3  and  4 ), and, in the preferred embodiment, is approximately 5 inches tall and 5.8 inches wide, with the arms  42  and  44  of the Y being between approximately 1.3 and 1.7 inches wide, and the leg  46  of the Y being approximately 2.5 inches wide. The tops of the arms of the Y  42  and  44  (as seen in front or rear plan view) are rounded, as is the bottom of the leg  46  of the Y (as seen in front or rear plan view). 
     An aperture  48  is located in and extends through the arm  42  of the Y of the left Y-shaped side member  40  near the top of the arm  42  of the Y, and is concentric with the rounded top end of the arm  42  of the Y. An aperture  50  is located in and extends through the arm  44  of the Y of the left Y-shaped side member  40  near the top of the arm  44  of the Y, and is concentric with the rounded top end of the arm  44  of the Y. 
     Located on the outside of the left Y-shaped side member  40  on the leg  46  of the Y near the base thereof is an integral retaining loop  52  which extends nearly the entire width of the leg  46  of the Y. The integral retaining loop  52  thus defines a narrow space between itself and the surface of the left Y-shaped side member  40 , as best shown in FIG. 4. A strap will extend through the integral retaining loop  52 , as will become evident below when the assembly of the various elements of the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention is described. 
     In the preferred embodiment, located in the inside of the left Y-shaped side member  40  on the leg  46  of the Y is a recessed area  54  for receiving a left side cushioning pad  56  which will fit partially therein. The left side cushioning pad  56  is thus thicker than the recessed area  54  is deep, so that when the left side cushioning pad  56  is installed in the recessed area  54 , the left side cushioning pad  56  will project from the recessed area  54 . The left side cushioning pad  56  is preferably secured by adhesive, which in the preferred embodiment is a two-sided adhesive film  58 . 
     The left Y-shaped side member  40  is made of a flexible material which will remain flexible even in the cold environment which snowshoes are used in. In the preferred embodiment, the left Y-shaped side member  40  is made by injection molding of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) such as the material available from Monsanto Company under the trademark Santoprene®, and preferably is Santoprene® 101-90. The left side cushioning pad  56  is die cut from a sheet made of an appropriate resilient cushioning material, which in the preferred embodiment is a light but tough, resilient plastic foam material such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), which is a closed cell, cross-linked copolymer foam, and preferably is EVA  30 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 6 through 9, a left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  is illustrated which has a configuration resembling an inverted L having an leg  62  and a base  64 . The base  64  of the L is curved slightly upwardly at the ends thereof, with the distal end of the base  64  of the L also extending upwardly somewhat. The left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  is relatively thin (as best shown in FIG.  8 ), and, in the preferred embodiment, is approximately 5.4 inches tall and 5.8 inches wide, with the leg  62  of the L being between approximately 1.25 and 1.5 inches wide, and the base  64  of the L being approximately 2.1 inches wide except at the upwardly extending distal end, where it is between approximately 2.5 and 2.9 inches wide. 
     The top of the leg  62  of the L (as seen in front or rear plan view) is rounded. An aperture  66  is located in and extends through the leg  62  of the L of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  near the top of the leg  62  of the L, and is concentric with the rounded top end of the leg  62  of the L. In addition, the leg  62  of the L is thinner near the top of the leg  62  of the L, and thicker near the bottom of the leg  62  of the L to facilitate the adaptation of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  to the contour of the wearer&#39;s foot in the region of the calcaneus. 
     Located on the outside of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  on the leg  62  of the L near the bottom thereof is an integral retaining loop  68  which extends essentially the width of the leg  62  of the L. The integral retaining loop  68  thus defines a narrow space between itself and the surface of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60 , as best shown in FIG.  8 . 
     Located on the outside of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  on the base  64  of the L near the bottom thereof is an integral retaining loop  70  which extends from the integral retaining loop  68  to the distal end of the base  64  of the L. The integral retaining loop  70  thus defines a narrow space between itself and the surface of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60 , as best shown in FIG.  8 . 
     Located on the outside of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  on the portion of the base  64  of the L adjacent the leg  62  of the L is a raised area  72 , which varies in width from narrower adjacent the integral retaining loops  68  and  70 , to wider at the top of the base  64  of the L. The narrower portion of the raised area  72  is located intermediate the integral retaining loop  68  and  70 . Straps will extend through the integral retaining loops  68  and  70 , as will become evident below when the assembly of the various elements of the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention is described. The raised area  72  will act to guide the straps by acting as a perimeter on one side of the straps passing through the integral retaining loops  68  and  70 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, located in the inside of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  on the base  64  of the L is a recessed area  74  for receiving a left calcaneus cushioning pad  76  which will fit partially therein. The left calcaneus cushioning pad  76  is thus thicker than the recessed area  74  is deep, so that when the left calcaneus cushioning pad  76  is installed in the recessed area  74 , the left calcaneus cushioning pad  76  will project from the recessed area  74 . The left calcaneus cushioning pad  76  is preferably secured by adhesive, which in the preferred embodiment is a two-sided adhesive film  78 . 
     The left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  is made of a flexible material which will remain flexible even in the cold environment which snowshoes are used in. In the preferred embodiment, the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  is made by injection molding of a TPE such as the material available from Monsanto Company under the trademark Santoprene®, and preferably is Santoprene® 101-90. The left calcaneus cushioning pad  76  is die cut from a sheet made of an appropriate resilient cushioning material, which in the preferred embodiment is a light but tough, resilient plastic foam material such as EVA, and preferably is EVA  30 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 10 through 12, a binding chassis  80  is illustrated which is made in the preferred embodiment from a metal material such as, for example, 0.125 inch 7075 T6 aluminum, which is cut and bent into the illustrated configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the binding chassis  80  is approximately 7.25 inches long and 4.5 inches wide. The binding chassis  80  has a front base portion  82  and a rear base portion  84  which intersect at an upward angle of approximately 13 degrees. Extending upward vertically from the front of the front base portion  82  is a toe stop  86 , which in the preferred embodiment is approximately 1.625 inches-tall. 
     Extending downwardly from the front base portion  82  at the left and right sides thereof are two toothed claw segments  88  and  90 , respectively, which in the preferred embodiment are angled inwardly at the front thereof at an angle of approximately the left Y-shaped side member 20.3 degrees. Extending downwardly from the rear base portion  84  at the left and right sides thereof are two toothed claw segments  92  and  94 , respectively, which in the preferred embodiment are angled inwardly at the rear thereof at an angle of approximately 32 degrees. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  88  and  90  each have two and one-half teeth, with the half teeth being at the rear of the two toothed claw segments  88  and  90 . In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  88 ,  90 ,  92 , and  94  all splay outwardly by approximately 5 degrees. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  92  and  94  each have four and one-half teeth, with the half teeth being at the front of the toothed claw segments  92  and  94 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  88  and  90  are approximately 3 inches wide, with the teeth varying in length from approximately 0.8125 inch at the front to approximately 1.1875 inch at the rear (all teeth heights are measured from the top surface of the binding chassis the binding chassis  80 ). In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  88  and  90  are located approximately 2.375 inches apart in the front and 4.5 inches apart at the rear. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  92  and  94  are approximately 2.625 inches wide, with the teeth varying in length from approximately 1.0625 inch at the front to approximately 1 inch at the rear. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  92  and  94  are located approximately 4.375 inches apart in the front and 1.625 inches apart at the rear. 
     Located near opposite sides of the front base portion  82  near the front thereof are two apertures  96  and  98 . Located on opposite sides of the rear base portion  84  in an intermediate position are two apertures  100  and  102 . Located near opposite sides of the rear base portion  84  near the rear thereof are two apertures  104  and  106 . The apertures  96  and  100  will be used as mounting locations for the left Y-shaped side member  40  (illustrated in FIGS.  1  through  5 ), while the apertures  98  and  102  will be used as mounting locations for a corresponding right Y-shaped side member (not yet illustrated herein). The aperture  104  will be used as a mounting location for the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  (illustrated in FIGS.  6  through  9 ), while the aperture  106  will be used as a mounting location for a corresponding right L-shaped calcaneus wrap member (not yet illustrated herein). Also located near opposite sides of the rear base portion  84  near the front thereof are apertures  108  and  110 , which will be used to mount the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention onto a snowshoe. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 17, a foot pad  112  is illustrated which will be located on top of the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ). Located on the top surface of the foot pad  112  is a textured portion indicated generally by the reference numeral  114 , which extends between the left and right sides of the foot pad  112  generally in the area where the ball of a wearer&#39;s foot will rest. The textured portion  114  of the foot pad  112  has a higher coefficient of friction to maintain the wearer&#39;s foot in place upon the foot pad  112 . 
     Located in the bottom of the foot pad  112  and extending from the left side to the right side is a laterally extending recess  116  which creates a living hinge, enabling the foot pad  112  to bend to fit upon the front base portion  82  and the rear base portion  84  of the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIGS.  10  and  11 ), which are angled with respect to each other. 
     Located near opposite sides of the foot pad  112  near the front thereof are two apertures  118  and  120 . Located near opposite sides of the foot pad  112  at an intermediate position (closer to the rear thereof than to the front thereof) are two apertures  122  and  124 . Located near opposite sides of the foot pad  112  near the rear thereof are two apertures  126  and  128 . The apertures  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 , and  128  in the foot pad  112  will be aligned with the apertures  96 ,  98 ,  100 ,  102 ,  104 , and  106 , respectively, in the binding chassis  80  when the foot pad  112  is placed on top of the binding chassis  80 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 18 through 20, a rear claw member  130  is illustrated which has a base portion  132  and which is made in the preferred embodiment from a metal material such as, for example, 0.125 inch 7075 T6 aluminum, which is cut and bent into the illustrated configuration. Extending downwardly from the base portion  132  at the left and right sides thereof are two toothed claw segments  134  and  136 , respectively, which in the preferred embodiment are angled inwardly at the rear thereof at an angle of approximately 23 degrees. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  136  and  138  splay outwardly by approximately 5 degrees. Located near opposite sides of the rear claw member  130  near the front thereof are two apertures  138  and  140 . Located near opposite sides of the rear claw member  130  near the rear thereof are two apertures  142  and  144 . The apertures  138 ,  140 ,  142 , and  144  will be used to mount the rear claw member  130  onto the snowshoe (not yet illustrated herein). 
     In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  134  and  136  each have three teeth. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  134  and  136  are approximately 2.375 inches wide, with the teeth varying in length from approximately 1 inch at the front to approximately 0.75 inch at the rear. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments  134  and  136  are located approximately 4.75 inches apart in the front and 3 inches apart at the rear. 
     Referring now to FIG. 21, a heel pad  146  is illustrated which is for placement on the top surface of a snowshoe (not yet illustrated herein) on the decking of the snowshoe where the heel of a wearer will rest. Located near opposite sides of the heel pad  146  near the front thereof are two apertures  148  and  150 . Located near opposite sides of the heel pad  146  near the rear thereof are two apertures  152  and  154 . The apertures  148 ,  150 ,  152 , and  154  will align with the apertures  138 ,  140 ,  142 , and  144  in the rear claw member  130  (illustrated in FIG.  18 ), and will be used to mount the heel pad  146  onto the snowshoe. 
     The heel pad  146  is relatively thin, and is made of a material which has a good coefficient of friction to retain the heel of a wearer thereupon. In the preferred embodiment, the heel pad  146  may be made by injection molding of a TPE such as the material available from Monsanto Company under the trademark Santoprene®, and preferably is Santoprene® 101-90. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 22 through 24, a buckle  156  is illustrated, two of which will be used in conjunction with straps to retain the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention on the foot of a wearer. The buckle  156  has a first cross-member  158  and a second cross-member  160 . One strap will be permanently mounted onto the first cross-member  158 , while another strap will extend around the second cross-member  160 , being threaded from the bottom of the buckle  156  between the first cross-members  158  and  160 , then around the second cross-member  160  and back down to the bottom of the buckle  156 . From there, the end of the second strap will bear on a row of teeth  162  located on the bottom of the buckle, which teeth  162  act to retain the second strap in position without loosening. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, an Achilles strap  164  which is made out of a segment of woven strap fabric is illustrated. One end of the segment of woven strap fabric is located at the middle of the Achilles strap  164  and extends downward, and then loops to the rear (to the right as viewed in FIG. 26) and upward to the top, and then to the front and down to the bottom. The Achilles strap  164  is stitched together at the middle as indicated generally by the reference numeral  166 , and near the bottom as indicated generally by the reference numeral  168 . 
     Note that a small loop  170  is formed at the back of the Achilles strap  164  between the stitching  166  and the stitching  168 , and a small loop  171  is formed at the front of the Achilles strap  164 . The small loops  170  and  171  will be used to retain straps retaining the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention. A larger loop  172  is formed above the stitching  166 , and will be used by a wearer to facilitate entry of the wearer&#39;s foot into the ergonomic snowshoe binding. In the preferred embodiment, the Achilles strap  164  is made of nylon woven strap fabric approximately 1 inch wide, and is approximately 5 inches long. 
     Referring next to FIG. 27, the various straps which are used to retain the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention on the foot of a wearer are illustrated laid out over the foot pad  112  and the binding chassis  80 . A left looping strap  174  has an aperture  176  in one end thereof and an aperture  178  in the other end thereof. The aperture  176  is aligned with the aperture  118  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG. 13) and the aperture  96  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ). The aperture  178  is aligned with the aperture  122  in the foot pad  112  and the aperture  100  in the binding chassis  80 . 
     The left looping strap  174  extends through a left slip ring  180 , which is located at the middle of the left looping strap  174 . It will be seen that the left looping strap  174  as placed for mounting is in a V-shaped configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the left looping strap  174  is made of a nylon woven strap material with the ends doubled over to double the thickness at the ends, the woven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide, and approximately 9 inches long (end-to-end length, exclusive of doubling of material at the ends). 
     A right looping strap  374  (recall that all reference numbers for identical parts on the right side of the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention have a reference numeral which is 200 greater than the corresponding part on the left side) has an aperture  376  in one end thereof and an aperture  378  in the other end thereof. The aperture  376  is aligned with the aperture  120  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG. 13) and the aperture  98  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ). The aperture  378  is aligned with the aperture  124  in the foot pad  112  and the aperture  102  in the binding chassis  80 . 
     The right looping strap  374  extends through a right slip ring  380 , which is located at the middle of the right looping strap  374 . It will be seen that the right looping strap  374  as placed for mounting is in a V-shaped configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the right looping strap  374  is made of a nylon woven strap material with the ends doubled over to double the thickness at the ends, the woven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide, and approximately 9 inches long (end-to-end length, exclusive of doubling of material at the ends). 
     A left connecting strap  182  is connected at one end to the left slip ring  180  and at the other end to the first cross-member  158  of the buckle  156  (illustrated in FIG.  24 ). In the preferred embodiment, the left connecting strap  182  is made of a nylon woven strap material sewn around the left slip ring  180  and the first cross-member  158  of the buckle  156 , the woven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide, and approximately 4 inches long (the distance from the left slip ring  180  to the first cross-member  158 ). 
     A right connecting strap  382  is connected at one end to the right slip ring  380  and at the other end to the first cross-member of the buckle  356  (the buckle  156  and the first cross-member  158  are illustrated in FIG.  24 ). In the preferred embodiment, the right connecting strap  382  is made of a nylon woven strap material sewn around the right slip ring  380  and the first cross-member  358  of the buckle  356 , the woven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide, and approximately 4 inches long (the distance from the right slip ring  380  to the first cross-member). 
     A left cinch strap  184  has an aperture  186  in one end thereof, which aperture  186  is aligned with the aperture  126  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG. 13) and the aperture  104  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ). The left cinch strap  184  extends to the left and the rear from its point of attachment. In the preferred embodiment, the left cinch strap  184  is made of a nylon woven strap material with the secured end doubled over to double the thickness at that end, the woven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide, and approximately 30 inches long (end-to-end length, exclusive of doubling of material at the secured end). 
     A right cinch strap  384  has an aperture  386  in one end thereof, which aperture  386  is aligned with the aperture  128  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG. 13) and the aperture  106  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ). The right cinch strap  384  extends to the right and the rear from its point of attachment. In the preferred embodiment, the right cinch strap  384  is made of a nylon woven strap material with the secured end doubled over to double the thickness at that end, the woven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide, and approximately 30 inches long (end-to-end length, exclusive of doubling of material at the secured end). 
     Referring now to FIG. 28, the installation of the left Y-shaped side member  40 , the corresponding the right Y-shaped side member  240 , the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60 , and the corresponding right L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  260  is illustrated. The assembly is done with a plurality of rivets inserted from the bottom of the binding chassis  80 , extending through the various materials and through washers, with the rivets then being secured. 
     A rivet  188  extends sequentially through the aperture  96  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ), the aperture  118  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG.  13 ), the aperture  176  in the left looping strap  174  (illustrated in FIG.  27 ), the aperture  48  in the left Y-shaped side member  40  (illustrated in FIG.  1 ), and a washer  190 . A rivet  192  extends sequentially through the aperture  100  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ), the aperture  122  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG.  13 ), the aperture  178  in the left looping strap  174  (illustrated in FIG.  27 ), the aperture  50  in the left Y-shaped side member  40  (illustrated in FIG.  1 ), and a washer  194 . The buckle  156  and the left connecting strap  182  are then threaded through the integral retaining loop  52  in the leg  46  of the Y of the left Y-shaped side member  40  (illustrated in FIG.  2 ). 
     A rivet  388  extends sequentially through the aperture  98  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ), the aperture  120  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG.  13 ), the aperture  376  in the right looping strap  374  (illustrated in FIG.  27 ), the aperture  248  in the right Y-shaped side member  240  (the aperture  48  in the left Y-shaped side member  40  is illustrated in FIG.  1 ), and a washer  390 . A rivet  392  extends sequentially through the aperture  102  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ), the aperture  124  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG.  13 ), the aperture  378  in the right looping strap  374  (illustrated in FIG.  27 ), the aperture  250  in the right Y-shaped side member  240  (the aperture  50  in the left Y-shaped side member  40  is illustrated in FIG.  1 ), and a washer  394 . The buckle  356  and the left connecting strap  382  are then threaded through the integral retaining loop  252  in the leg  246  of the Y of the left Y-shaped side member  240  (the integral retaining loop  52  of the leg  46  of the Y of the left Y-shaped side member  40  is illustrated in FIG.  2 ). 
     A rivet  196  extends sequentially through the aperture  104  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ), the aperture  126  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG.  13 ), the aperture  186  in the left cinch strap  184  (illustrated in FIG.  27 ), the aperture  66  in the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  (illustrated in FIG.  6 ), and a washer  198 . A rivet  396  extends sequentially through the aperture  106  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ), the aperture  128  in the foot pad  112  (illustrated in FIG.  13 ), the aperture  386  in the right cinch strap  384  (illustrated in FIG.  27 ), the aperture  266  in the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  260  (the aperture  66  in the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60  is illustrated in FIG.  6 ), and a washer  398 . 
     Referring next to FIG. 29, the installation of the left cinch strap  184  and the right cinch strap  384  into the Achilles strap  164 , the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60 , and the right L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  260  is illustrated. The left cinch strap  184  is inserted through the integral retaining loop  68  of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60 , then through the small loop  171  in the Achilles strap  164  from the left side to the right side, and then through the integral retaining loop  270  in the right L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  260 . The buckle  156  and the portion of the left connecting strap  182  to which it is attached are threaded through the right connecting strap  382 . The left cinch strap  184  is then threaded into the buckle  156  from the bottom, up and around the second cross-member  160 , and back to the bottom, bringing the left cinch strap  184  into contact with the teeth  162  in the buckle  156 . 
     The right cinch strap  384  is inserted through the integral retaining loop  268  of the right L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  260 , then through the small loop  170  in the Achilles strap  164  from the left side to the right side (behind the left cinch strap  184 ), and then through the integral retaining loop  70  in the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member  60 . The right cinch strap  384  is then threaded into the buckle  356  from the bottom, up and around the second cross-member  360 , and back to the bottom, bringing the right cinch strap  384  into contact with the teeth  362  in the buckle  356 . 
     It will thus be appreciated by those skilled in the art that to enter the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention, the left and right cinch straps  184  and  384  are loosened from the buckles  156  and  384 , respectively. The wearer&#39;s foot is placed into the ergonomic snowshoe binding, and the left and right cinch straps  184  and  384  are pulled to tighten the ergonomic snowshoe binding on the wearer&#39;s foot. The teeth  162  and  362  in the buckles  156  and  356  will retain the left and right cinch straps  184  and  384  in place until the buckles are pulled forward to release the left and right cinch straps  184  and  384 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 31, the installation of the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention onto a snowshoe is illustrated. The snowshoe itself has a decking  200  which is mounted onto a tubular aluminum frame  202  using a plurality of rivets  204  and washers  206 , as is conventional. In the preferred embodiment, the frame  202  is made of 6063 T832 aluminum, with a long-lasting anodized finish to repel snow. Alternately, the frame  202  can be powder coated. The decking  200  of the preferred embodiment is made of 1050 denier nylon, which resists cracking and tearing, and is preferable coated with polyurethane on the bottom side thereof and PVC on the top side thereof to resist abrasion and extend the life of the snowshoe. 
     The binding illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 is mounted in a fixed rotation manner, with a mounting strap  208  extending between the sides of the frame  202  and riveted in place on both the top and bottom sides of the decking  200  using four rivets  210  and washers  212 . The binding chassis  80  is secured to the mounting strap  208  using studs  214  extending from the apertures  108  and  110  in the binding chassis  80  (illustrated in FIG.  10 ), together with nut/washer hardware  216 . Alternately, rivets and washers could also be used. 
     Also shown on the bottom of the binding chassis  80  in FIG. 31 is a thin sheet  218  made of polyethylene, which prevents snow from sticking to the bottom of the binding chassis  80 . Finally, four rivets  220  and four washers  222  are used to secure the heel pad  146  located on the top side of the decking  200  (illustrated in FIG. 30) to the rear claw member  130  located on the bottom side of the decking  200  (illustrated in FIG.  31 ). The rivets  220  extend through corresponding apertures  148 ,  150 ,  152 , and  154  in the heel pad  146  (illustrated in FIG.  21 ), apertures in the decking  200  (not illustrated herein), and apertures  138 ,  140 ,  142 , and  144  in the rear claw member  130 . 
     Referring finally to FIGS. 32 through 34, an alternate embodiment binding chassis  480  is illustrated which has longer claws. The alternate embodiment binding chassis  480  is again made in the preferred embodiment from a metal material such as, for example, 0.125 inch 7075 T6 aluminum, which is cut and bent into the illustrated configuration With the exception of the length of the teeth, the dimensions of the binding chassis  480  are identical to those of the binding chassis  80  illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 12. The binding chassis  480  has a front base portion  482  and a rear base portion  484 , and extending upward vertically from the front of the front base portion  482  is a toe stop  486 . Extending downwardly from the front base portion  482  at the left and right sides thereof are two toothed claw segments  488  and  490 , respectively. Extending downwardly from the rear base portion  484  at the left and right sides thereof are two toothed claw segments  492  and  494 , respectively. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the teeth in the toothed claw segments  488  and  490  vary in length from approximately 1.1875 inch at the front to approximately 1.4 inch at the rear (all teeth heights are measured from the top surface of the binding chassis the binding chassis  480 ). In the preferred embodiment, the teeth in the toothed claw segments  492  and  494  vary in length from approximately 1.25 inch at the front to approximately 1.1875 inch at the rear. 
     Located near opposite sides of the front base portion  482  near the front thereof are two apertures  496  and  498 . Located on opposite sides of the rear base portion  484  in an intermediate position are two apertures  500  and  502 . Also located near opposite sides of the rear base portion  484  near the front thereof are apertures  508  and  510 , which will be used to mount the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention onto a snowshoe. 
     It may therefore be appreciated from the above detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that it teaches an improved binding for use in securing a snowshoe to the boot of the wearer in a manner which is both secure and comfortable, and which affords complete control over the snowshoe on which the binding is mounted. The improved binding of the present invention holds the wearer&#39;s boot securely in place when attached, and keeps front to back, lateral, and rotational foot slippage to a minimum such that the binding of the present invention acts as an extension of the foot. The binding of the present invention also distribute forces evenly, such that clamping and compressive loads are evenly distributed about the entire area of the wearer&#39;s foot in an ergonomic fashion emulating the muscular system of the foot. 
     The binding of the present invention is easy to operate, even while wearing gloves or mittens, and the securing mechanism is located where it is easily accessible on the side and/or the top of the foot rather than behind the foot. The binding of the present invention is quick to secure, and requires only a single step to both adjust it and secure it, making it very simple to use. Once the binding of the present invention has been fastened to the foot, it will stay secured and properly adjusted until it is removed. 
     The binding of the present invention accommodates a wide variety of sizes of foot and any type of boot or shoe, or even stockings or bare feet for applications beyond use as a snowshoe binding, thereby minimizing or entirely eliminating the requirement for different size bindings to accommodate different wearers. The binding of the present invention is of an ambidextrous design, thereby fitting either foot without requiring different left and right binding designs. The binding of the present invention allows for use with either a fixed rotation or a free rotation mounting system, or with the hybrid arrangement of the above incorporated by reference &#39;722 patent. 
     The binding of the present invention is of a construction which is both durable and long lasting, and which will require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. The binding of the present invention is also of inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of the binding of the present invention are achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage. 
     Although an exemplary embodiment of the binding of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the binding of the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention.