Devices with internal flexibility sipes, including a helmet and/or a helmet liner
OwnerFrampton E. Ellisinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.
Claims3
A device for a footwear sole or footwear upper or both, or an orthotic or orthotic upper or both, or another product, including:
- an outer chamber;
- at least one inner chamber inside said outer chamber;
- said outer chamber and said inner chamber being separated at least in part by an internal sipe;
- and
- at least a portion of a surface of said outer chamber forming at least a portion of a surface of said internal sipe.
A device for a footwear sole or footwear upper or both, or an orthotic or orthotic upper or both, or another product, including:
- a unitary compartment, chamber, or bladder insert comprising at least an internal slit,
- said internal slit has opposing surfaces that are separate from each other and therefore can move relative to each other, and at least a portion of one of said opposing surfaces that can move relative to each other is in contact in an unloaded condition with a portion of the other of said opposing surfaces that can move relative to each other.
3-46. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.