Unidirectional support device
Assigneeadidas International B.V.
InventorCharles Paul Michael Johnson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are unidirectional support devices and articles incorporating such devices. The devices are substantially flexible in one direction while substantially rigid in an opposing direction. The devices can be manufactured in essentially any shape or size and can be incorporated into a variety of articles of sports equipment, such as sport shoes, elbow braces, gloves, etc. The devices disclosed are typically made of polymeric materials, such as polyurethanes, silicones, polyethylenes, nylons, polyesters, and polyester elastomers, and combinations thereof.
Claims20
An article of footwear including an upper, a sole, and a unidirectional support device, the unidirectional support device comprising:
- an exoskeleton defining at least one aperture;
- and
- a spine including at least one vertebra, wherein the vertebra mates with the aperture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.