摘要 |
An ankle support ( 100 ) is constructed using a molded pad ( 110 ) and a rigid shell ( 112 ). The pad ( 110 ) and the shell ( 112 ) may be sealed together to form a bladder-pad cushion for comfort. The internal structure of the pad ( 110 ) is molded to include geometrically shaped cells of various size, shape and thickness to provide differing levels of localized comfort to the user of the ankle support ( 100 ). The pad may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which is spring-like and resists compression sets. The pad may include integrally-molded fingers extending to the shell. The fingers may have different lengths in one or more regions, in order to increase the cushioning effect in a particular region. The pad/shell combination may form a sealed bladder, and a pneumatic pump may be provided in conjunction with the shell so that the user can inflate the bladder.
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