ELASTO support Flexyfoot with bespoke TPE compound

ELASTO, a leader in the development, manufacture and supply of high-performance, custom-formulated TPEs have developed a bespoke TPE compound for British success story Flexyfoot.

Shock-absorbing, anti-slip Flexyfoot is designed to replace the old fashioned ferrule (or rubber tip) on crutches and walking sticks and revolutionise walking for the injured or infirm. Flexyfoot has been recognised as one of the most innovative products in the mobility market today, offering significant quality of life improvement for people reliant on walking aids.

Flexyfoot is the brainchild of product designer David Goodwin, who was inspired to invent it by his family. Both his sister, who has MS, and his 95 year old mother complained to him about the difficulties and discomfort of using their walking sticks. They also found the rubber feet wore down much too quickly and were difficult to change.

Working with Goodwin and moulder Pentagon Plastics, ELASTO developed a custom formulated Dryflex TPE compound that offered improved abrasion resistance to withstand product wear and tear. The material structure of Dryflex TPE produces the high surface tackiness and high friction required in this application, helping the Flexyfoot tread to give a safe ‘grip’ even on slippery and wet surfaces. Mark Griffiths, R&D manager ELASTO, commented, ‘It was important for us to deliver a material that not only gave the correct feel and functionality but also delivered on processing capability. The innovative materials and design used for Flexyfoot presented us with an unusual combination of challenges. Alongside Pentagon we worked with the material flow to ensure precise filling of the mould’.

Flexyfoot beat some stiff opposition to be ranked number two in the prestigious British Healthcare Trades Association’s Independent Living Design Awards in 2010. The awards celebrate the very best healthcare and assistive technology products in the UK, enabling elderly and disabled people to lead an independent life. Goodwin collected his award from Angela Rippon OBE, who was particularly inspired by the number of the glowing testimonials received from grateful Flexyfoot users.

‘This is an exciting time for ELASTO and projects of this nature are exactly what we want to get involved in. Promoting new business opportunities and supporting innovative new projects is a key part of our Business strategy’ commented Per G. Hellberg, managing director at ELASTO.

ENDS

For editorial information please contact:
Jill Bradford, Marketing & PR Manager
jill.bradford@elasto.co.uk Tel+44 (0)161 654 2369

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