Unidirectional support device
First Claim
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1. 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 such that the aperture opens when the exoskeleton is flexed in a first direction and closes on and contacts the at least one vertebra when the exoskeleton is flexed in a second opposing direction, such that the device is flexible in the first direction and substantially rigid in the second opposing direction upon contact between the at least one vertebra and the exoskeleton.
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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.
136 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An article of footwear including an upper, a sole, and a unidirectional support device, the unidirectional support device comprising:
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an exoskeleton defining at least one aperture; and
a spine including at least one vertebra, wherein the vertebra mates with the aperture such that the aperture opens when the exoskeleton is flexed in a first direction and closes on and contacts the at least one vertebra when the exoskeleton is flexed in a second opposing direction, such that the device is flexible in the first direction and substantially rigid in the second opposing direction upon contact between the at least one vertebra and the exoskeleton. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
a second exoskeleton defining at least one aperture; and
a second spine including at least one vertebra, wherein the vertebra of the second spine mates with the aperture of the second exoskeleton.
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Specification