Easy walking with TPEs

The innovative part has been created by David Goodwin, a product designer. 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 found that rubber feet were not durable and also difficult to change.

Working with Goodwin and moulder Pentagon Plastics, TPE supplier 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 of 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 was ranked no. 2 in the prestigious British Healthcare Trades Association's Independent Living Design Awards in 2010.