Vitale Bramini, pictured, invented vulcanized rubber soles after six climbers were killed in the Italian Alps in 1935.
Inventive responses to adversity —
Vitale Bramini, pictured, invented vulcanized rubber soles after six climbers were killed in the Italian Alps in 1935.
Vibram
Bramini, who was on the expedition, concluded that the hobnail boots that climbers traditionally wore were partly to blame for the tragedy.
Inventive responses to adversity —
Bramini, who was on the expedition, concluded that the hobnail boots that climbers traditionally wore were partly to blame for the tragedy.
With the help of tire manufacturer Pirelli, Bramini created a new sole for climbing boots which had more grip and flexion.
Inventive responses to adversity —
With the help of tire manufacturer Pirelli, Bramini created a new sole for climbing boots which had more grip and flexion.
Vibram
An historic peak in the Vibram story was reached in July 1954 when an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio (equipped with the company's soles) became the first reach the summit of the world's second highest mountain K2 in Pakistan.
Inventive responses to adversity —
An historic peak in the Vibram story was reached in July 1954 when an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio (equipped with the company's soles) became the first reach the summit of the world's second highest mountain K2 in Pakistan.
Today, the company Vitale Bamini founded, Vibram manufactures 40 million pairs of rubber soles annually.
Inventive responses to adversity —
Today, the company Vitale Bamini founded, Vibram manufactures 40 million pairs of rubber soles annually.
British inventor Trevor Baylis invented a wind-up radio after watching a TV program highlighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.
Inventive responses to adversity —
British inventor Trevor Baylis invented a wind-up radio after watching a TV program highlighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.
Trevor Bayliss Brands PLC
U.S. engineer John Hetrick patented an airbag device after crashing into a ditch while out on a Sunday drive in 1952.
Inventive responses to adversity —
U.S. engineer John Hetrick patented an airbag device after crashing into a ditch while out on a Sunday drive in 1952.
Junko Kimura/Getty Images/file
Garrett Morgan invented two lifesaving devices -- the Safety Hood, which was a forerunner of the gas mask and a three-signal traffic light.
Inventive responses to adversity —
Garrett Morgan invented two lifesaving devices -- the Safety Hood, which was a forerunner of the gas mask and a three-signal traffic light.
Getty Images