Richard Bryan Sawyer
Accountancy at Chiswick Cir, Littleton, CO

5718068, Feb 17, 1998

Oct 17, 1996

8/732190

Ryan Sawyer - Littleton CO
Richard B. Sawyer - Littleton CO

A43B 504

36122

An improved snowshoe frame design comprised of two "U" shaped segments, a front segment and a rear segment, in which the rear segment is pivotally attached to the front segment producing an axis of rotation perpendicular to the major axis of the frame plane. The two said joints permit adjustable spring-damper characteristics whereas the stable position is such that the major axis of the two segments is collinear. Both segments containing two optional cross members for the purpose of aiding in rotational integrity of the said joint, one on each "U" segment, parallel to axis of rotation of said segments. The cross member of said front segment optionally includes a plate welded, or attached by other mechanical means, vertically and parallel to the axis of said member, on the snowside of the segment. Two slidable tubes over the outer diameter of front and/or rear segment near the two joints, with a latching means, to allow a locking feature of said joints at the described stable position. The purpose of the improved snowshoe frame design is to increase handling of snowshoes down inclines of moderate to hard packed snow, and to allow natural walking patterns on moderate to hard packed snow, where the effective snowshoe surface area can be minimized.