Boots – shoes – and leggings – Antislipping devices – String type
Reexamination Certificate
2003-08-15
2004-11-02
Stashick, Anthony (Department: 3728)
Boots, shoes, and leggings
Antislipping devices
String type
C036S062000, C036S064000, C036S066000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06810607
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to crampons for snow and ice climbing. More particularly, the present invention relates to an anti-balling system to prevent the balling or packing of snow accumulation under the crampons.
2. The Background Art
Crampons are typically used for snow and ice climbing. Crampons attach to a climber's boots and provide a number of elongated teeth to improve the climber's grip or footing on snow and ice.
Crampons are typically available in three styles, including hinged, semi-rigid or rigid. Hinged crampons are typically used for snow fields and glaciers; semi-rigid crampons are typically used for alpine climbs with periodic vertical ice; and rigid crampons are typically used for vertical ice. Crampons are typically constructed with horizontal or vertical frames. Horizontally oriented frames are flat and are typically used for snow climbing because they are more easily flexed for walking. Vertically oriented frames are stiffer. Crampons typically attach on in three ways, including strap-on, step-in, or a combination of the two. The strap-on system typically includes a forefoot strap that wraps around the forefoot, and an ankle strap that wraps around the ankle. The step-in system typically includes a wire toe bail that best engages a notch on the toe, or fits over a boot welt, and a heel bail with a tension lever that also best engages a notch on the heel, or that snaps into place on a heel welt.
As indicated above, crampons typically have a number of points or teeth which extend from the frame. Most of the points extend downwardly, while it is common to have two front points which extend downwardly and forwardly.
Although crampons improve traction while climbing on snow and ice, one common problem or disadvantage is the balling or accumulation of snow under the crampons and between the points. It will be appreciated that the build up of snow under the crampon and between the points renders the crampons useless.
One solution to the problem of snowballing is the use of latex or rubber members that are clipped to the underside of the crampons with clips. The clips are typically molded into the latex or rubber members. Thus, the latex or rubber members must be stretched to attach the clips around the crampon. One disadvantage with such clips is the difficulty in attaching the latex or rubber members to the crampons. Another disadvantage with such latex or rubber members is that they deform and come off easily. Another disadvantage with such clips is the expense and difficulty of manufacture due to attaching or molding the clips into the members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a system for preventing balling or snow accumulation under a crampon and between the points of a crampon. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop an anti-balling system that is easier to use, and easier to attach to the crampons. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop such an anti-balling system which also prevents skidding or sliding.
The invention provides an anti-balling system used with a crampon to prevent balling and snow accumulation during snow and ice climbing. The anti-balling system of the present invention advantageously includes a plate attached to the bottom of the crampon. The plate advantageously has a lower surface formed of a rigid material, such as a thermoplastic material, configured to prevent sticking of snow or ice to the lower surface of the plate, and thus to the crampon. The plate may be a single plate extending over the entire crampon, or may include front and rear plates extending over front and rear rails, respectively.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the anti-balling system or plate advantageously utilized the structure of the crampon itself to secure the plate to the crampon.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the plate may include at least one loop integrally formed at a front of the plate configured to receive a front point of the crampon to attach the plate to the crampon.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the plate can be attached to the crampon with ends of the bails. The plate can be secured between the ends of the bails, and the crampon. In addition, the plate can have apertures to receive the ends of the bails.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the plate can be attached to the crampon with a center strap that connects front and rear rails of the crampon. The plate can have a loop which receives the strap therethrough.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the lower surface of the plate may include a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom forming a plurality of raised sections and a plurality of edges which form a nonskid surface configured to prevent the lower surface of the plate from sliding with respect to another object.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of raised sections may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or urethane material, different from the thermoplastic material of the plate, further forming a nonskid surface configured to prevent the lower surface of the plate from sliding with respect to another object.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the plate is configured to be removably attachable to the crampon.
A method for attaching an anti-balling plate to a crampon includes positioning the plate at the bottom of the crampon and sliding the at least one front point of the crampon through the at least one loop of the plate to secure the front of the plate to the front of the crampon. The apertures of the plate are aligned with the apertures of the side points. The sides of the plate are secured to the sides of the crampon by inserting fasteners through the apertures in the side points and the apertures in the points. The plate may be removed from the crampon by removing the fasteners and sliding the front point back out of the loop.
In addition, a method for attaching an anti-balling plate to a crampon includes positioning the plate at the bottom of the crampon and securing the plate using the bails of the crampon. For example, the ends of the bails can be pulled away from the crampon to allow the plate to be positioned against the bottom of the crampon, and then the bails can be released so that the plate is secured between the ends of the bails and the crampon. The ends of the bails can be received in apertures in the plate. In addition, the center strap connecting front and rear rails of the crampon can be inserted through the loop on the plate to further secure the plate to the crampon.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2776499 (1957-01-01), Giuntini
patent: 4302890 (1981-12-01), Covell et al.
patent: 4620375 (1986-11-01), Wallace
patent: 5901471 (1999-05-01), Warner
patent: 6163984 (2000-12-01), Faber et al.
Brainerd Charles
McLean Andrew
Skrivan Joseph
Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., Inc.
Stashick Anthony
Thorpe North & Western
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