Fluid Systems and Foot Support Systems Including Inflatable Foot Support Chambers with Varying Foot Support Pressure and Footwear Products Including Such Systems

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to fluid systems that include inflatable foot support bladders. In at least some examples, the fluid systems will be switchable between a high pressure configuration and a low pressure configuration. Some examples of such fluid systems may be incorporated into sole structures and/or articles of footwear, e.g., to vary foot support pressure between a high pressure foot support configuration and a low pressure foot support configuration. Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making and using such fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear.

BACKGROUND

Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper may provide a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure may be secured to a lower surface of the upper and generally is positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation.

The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to allow users to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the user to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to moderate pressure applied to the foot by the laces). The upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel.

Some footwear sole structures include one or more fluid-filled bladders, e.g., to provide impact force attenuation. Such fluid-filled bladders underlie the plantar surface of a wearer's foot and reduce the impact forces on the foot when the wearer lands a step or jump.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces some general concepts relating to this technology in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

As noted above, aspects of the present technology relate to fluid systems that include inflatable foot support bladders, e.g., that are switchable between a high pressure configuration and a low pressure configuration. Such fluid systems may be incorporated into sole structures and/or articles of footwear. In sole structures and/or articles of footwear, the fluid systems may be used to vary foot support pressure between a high pressure foot support configuration (e.g., a firmer and more responsive configuration for more active uses) and a low pressure foot support configuration (e.g., a softer and more comfortable configuration for standing or less active uses). Some examples of this technology may use a manually activated interface to switch between the high pressure foot support configuration and the low pressure foot support configuration. In other examples of this technology, the fluid system may be configured to automatically change between the high pressure foot support configuration (e.g., when the wearer moves) and the low pressure foot support configuration (e.g., when the wearer remains stationary).

Fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology include: (i) a foot support bladder; (ii) a first pump including a first pump inlet and a first pump outlet; (iii) a first fluid line placing the first pump outlet in fluid communication with the foot support bladder for supplying fluid to the foot support bladder; and (iv) a slow pressure release component in fluid communication with the foot support bladder. The slow pressure release component releases fluid from the foot support bladder to change the foot support bladder from a high pressure foot support configuration to a low pressure foot support configuration. In use, during typical steps (e.g., when running, walking, and/or other active use), the first pump will introduce fluid into the foot support bladder at a faster rate than the slow pressure release component releases fluid from the foot support bladder. This will cause the foot support bladder to reach the high pressure foot support configuration (e.g., making the foot support bladder firmer and more responsive). When the wearer stops active motion, the slow pressure release component will slowly allow fluid to leave the foot support bladder until pressure in the foot support bladder reaches a low pressure condition (e.g., at a low pressure foot support configuration). This makes the foot support bladder softer and more comfortable, for example, when the wearer is standing still. If the wearer resumes active motion, the foot support bladder will again be pumped up toward and/or to the high pressure foot support configuration.

Other examples of fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with this technology include: (i) a midsole component including an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface; (ii) a foot support bladder having a foot supporting portion mounted on one of the upper-facing surface or the ground-facing surface of the midsole component; (iii) a first foot-activated pump including a first pump inlet and a first pump outlet, wherein the first foot-activated pump moves fluid in response to force applied by a wearer's foot; (iv) a first fluid line placing the first pump outlet in fluid communication with the foot support bladder for supplying fluid to the foot support bladder; and (v) a pressure control system for maintaining fluid pressure in the foot support bladder between a maximum threshold value and a minimum threshold value. This example pressure control system includes a slow pressure release component in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, and this slow pressure release component may be configured to continuously release fluid from the foot support bladder when the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder is above the minimum threshold value. Such systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear may operate in the manner described above to automatically change between the high pressure foot support configuration and the low pressure foot support configuration in response to (and depending on) the wearer's activity.

Some examples of this technology relate to methods of altering foot support pressure in a foot support bladder that include: (i) activating a foot-activated pump multiple times to introduce fluid into a chamber of a foot support bladder at a fluid introduction rate while fluid pressure in the chamber is below a maximum pressure threshold; and (ii) at any time while the fluid pressure in the chamber is greater than a minimum pressure threshold, including throughout the step of activating the foot-activated pump multiple times, releasing fluid from the chamber of the foot support bladder at a fluid release rate until the fluid pressure in the chamber reaches the minimum pressure threshold, wherein the fluid release rate is less than the fluid introduction rate. Such methods may be used in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear so that the systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear operate in the manner described above to automatically change between the high pressure foot support configuration and the low pressure foot support configuration in response to (and depending on) the wearer's activity.

Other examples of fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with this technology include: (i) a foot support bladder transitional between a first height configuration and a second height configuration that is shorter than the first height configuration; (ii) a first foot-activated pump including a first pump inlet and a first pump outlet, wherein the first foot-activated pump moves fluid in response to force applied by a wearer's foot; (iii) a first fluid line placing the first pump outlet in fluid communication with the foot support bladder for supplying fluid to the foot support bladder; (iv) a pressure control system for changing the foot support bladder between a high pressure foot support configuration and a low pressure foot support configuration; and (v) a high pressure relief valve configured to keep fluid pressure in the foot support bladder below a maximum threshold value. When the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder is at the maximum threshold value, the foot support bladder is at the first height configuration, and when the foot support bladder is at the low pressure foot support configuration, the foot support bladder is at the second height configuration. The pressure control system may include a switching mechanism (e.g., a manually operated switch, an electronic switch, etc.) activated by a user to switch the foot support bladder between: (i) the high pressure foot support configuration and/or the first height configuration and (ii) the low pressure foot support configuration and/or the second height configuration.

While aspects of this technology are described in terms of fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear, additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making and/or methods of using such systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following Detailed Description will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.

FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate fluid systems in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 2A-2C provide various views of a fluid system, foot support system, sole structure, and article of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 3A-3E schematically illustrate a fluid system in accordance with some examples of this technology in various different operational phases;

FIGS. 4-6C schematically illustrate other example fluid systems in accordance with aspects of this technology;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate potential foot support bladder and/or sole structure height variations in accordance with some aspects of this technology;

FIG. 8 provides a Pressure v. Time graph of foot support bladders in accordance with some examples of this technology during different operational phases;

FIGS. 9A and 9B schematically illustrate another example fluid system in accordance with some examples of this technology in various different foot support configurations;

FIGS. 10A-10E provide various views of a fluid system, foot support system, sole structure, and article of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology in different foot support configurations;

FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically illustrate other example fluid systems in accordance with aspects of this technology; and

FIGS. 13A-17B provide various views showing different examples of mounting fluid systems in accordance with aspects of this technology within a sole structure for an article of footwear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various examples of articles of footwear and components thereof according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of this technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

“Footwear,” as that term is used herein, means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, dance shoes, etc.), and the like.

The term “port,” as used herein includes any opening in a component through which fluid (e.g., a gas) may pass to enter or leave that component. Some “ports” may include one or more hardware components or other structures, e.g., to which a fluid line may connect. In some examples of this technology, a fluid line may connect to a “port” of another component by an adhesive, by a hot melt or welded connection (also called “fusing techniques” herein), by a mechanical connector, or the like. In example structures in which a fluid line is integrally formed with another part (such as a pump, a foot support bladder, or other fluid source component), the “port” may be considered the location where the interior chamber changes in size (e.g., changes in transverse cross-sectional area) from a relatively small fluid tube size to a relatively large and more open volume.

This application and/or its claims use the adjectives, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like, to identify certain components and/or features relating to this technology. These adjectives are used merely for convenience, e.g., to assist in maintaining a distinction between components and/or features of a specific structure. Use of these adjectives should not be construed as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and/or features being discussed. Also, use of these specific adjectives in the specification for a specific structure does not require that the same adjective be used in the claims to refer to the same part (e.g., a component or feature referred to as the “fourth” in the specification may correspond to any numerical adjective used for that component or feature in the claims).

Some aspects of this technology are described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-7B. FIG. 1A provides a schematic view of a fluid system 100 in accordance with some examples of this technology. The fluid system 100 includes at least one pump, e.g., at least one foot-activated pump, such as a compressible bulb type pump located in one of a heel support region or a forefoot support region of a foot support system. This specifically illustrated fluid system 100 includes two pumps: (i) a heel-activated pump 102 having an inlet 1021, an outlet 1020, and a compressible pump chamber 102C, and (ii) a forefoot-activated pump 104 having an inlet 1041, an outlet 1040, and a compressible pump chamber 104C. Each of the inlets 1021, 1041 and each of the outlets 1020, 1040 may be equipped with a corresponding check valve 106 that prevents fluid from flowing out of the pump chambers 102C, 104C through its inlet 1021, 1041 and from flowing back into the pump chambers 102C, 104C through its outlet 1020, 1040. For fluid systems that include only one pump, it may be located in any desired location in the sole structure (e.g., in the heel area or in the forefoot area).

A fluid intake line 110 moves fluid from a fluid source (e.g., the external environment 112) to the heel-activated pump inlet 1021 and into the compressible pump chamber 102C. A filter 114 may be provided to filter incoming fluid before it reaches the pump inlet 1021, e.g., to prevent dirt, dust, water, or other undesired material from entering the fluid system 100 with the incoming fluid (e.g., ambient air).

Fluid line 116 places the outlet 1020 of the heel-activated pump 102 in fluid communication with the inlet 1041 of the forefoot-activated pump 104. The forefoot-activated pump 104 of this example further includes a high pressure relief valve 104R, which may be used to set a maximum pressure threshold value for the fluid system 100 (e.g., the highest pressure for the high pressure foot support configuration of the fluid system 100 (e.g., set at a pressure to prevent over-inflation of a foot support bladder 120)). In at least some examples of this technology, the maximum pressure threshold value and/or the high pressure foot support configuration may be at least 18 psi, and in some examples, at least 20 psi, at least 22 psi, or at least 24 psi. As ranges, the maximum pressure threshold value and/or the high pressure foot support configuration may be within a range of 18 psi to 35 psi, and in some examples, 18 psi to 30 psi, 20 psi to 30 psi, 22 psi to 30 psi, or 24 psi to 32 psi. The high pressure relief valve 104R may be provided in a fluid line 104L that extends from the pump chamber 104C, e.g., of forefoot-activated pump 104 in this illustrated example. The high pressure relief valve 104R is configured to divert fluid moved by the pump(s) 102 and/or 104 away from the foot support bladder 120 when the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 is at the maximum pressure threshold value.

Fluid line 118 places the outlet 1040 of the forefoot-activated pump 104 in fluid communication with a foot support bladder 120 to supply fluid to the foot support bladder 120 (e.g., through bladder inlet 1201 (e.g., an inlet port)). The outlet 1200 of this example foot support bladder 120 is in fluid communication with a fluid line 122. This fluid line 122 includes a slow pressure release component 124 that releases fluid from the foot support bladder 120 in a slow and/or controlled manner. In this manner, at least when the user remains still (e.g., with no significant activation of the pumps 102 and/or 104), the slow pressure release component 124 will slowly release fluid from the foot support bladder 120 to change the foot support bladder 120 from a high pressure foot support configuration to a low pressure foot support configuration, as will be explained in more detail below. Fluid line 122 of this example is further equipped with a low pressure relief valve 126, which may be used to set a minimum pressure threshold value for the fluid system 100 (e.g., the lowest pressure for the low pressure foot support configuration of the fluid system 100). In at least some examples of this technology, the minimum pressure threshold value and/or the low pressure foot support configuration may be less than 15 psi, and in some examples, less than 12 psi, less than 10 psi, or less than 8 psi. As ranges, the minimum pressure threshold value and/or the low pressure foot support configuration may be within a range of 0 psi to 15 psi, and in some examples, 0 psi to 12 psi, 0 psi to 10 psi, 0 psi to 8 psi, or 1 psi to 12 psi. When the foot support bladder 120 is at 0 psi (or other low psi levels), other footwear components may support the wearer's foot, such as midsole component 204M (e.g., a foam material).

The slow pressure release component 124 may take on any desired construction. In this illustrated example, the slow pressure release component 124 includes an insert 124A (e.g., a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through fluid line 122) that may be sealed within fluid line 122 to close off the fluid line 122 except for an orifice 124B extending through the insert 124A that is sized and shaped to slowly allow fluid to pass through the insert 124A. As another alternative, slow pressure release component 124 may constitute a fluid line having a small cross-sectional area, a series of baffles, and/or other interior components to disrupt and slow fluid flow rates through the fluid line 122. As yet another option, the slow pressure release component 124 may comprise a valve. The slow pressure release component 124 may remain open at all times (e.g., orifice 124B may always be open); it may be open at least while the pump(s) (e.g., 102 and 104) supply fluid to the foot support bladder 120; and/or it may at least be open at all times that fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 is above a minimum threshold pressure value. Additionally or alternatively, the slow pressure release component 124 may be adjustable to allow the fluid release rate of the slow pressure release component 124 to be controlled and changed (e.g., to allow a user to set and/or change the minimum pressure threshold).

FIG. 1B provides a schematic view of another fluid system 150 in accordance with some examples of this technology. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 1B as used in FIG. 1A, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any features, options, or alternatives described above for that part), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. The following discussion will focus primarily on differences between the fluid system 150 of FIG. 1B and the fluid system 100 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1A.

The fluid system 150 of FIG. 1B differs from that of FIG. 1A in that the fluid system 150 of FIG. 1B includes a single pump (e.g., pump 104) instead of the two series pump system shown in FIG. 1A. This pump 104 may be a foot-activated pump, e.g., of the types described above (e.g., a heel activated pump, a forefoot activated pump, etc.). Alternatively, if desired: (i) the fluid system 150 of FIG. 1B may include two pumps (e.g., of the types shown in FIG. 1A) or even more pumps, and/or (ii) the fluid system 100 of FIG. 1A (and/or any of the other fluid systems described in this specification) may use a single pump in the manner shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1B further shows a single fluid line 222B connected to the foot support bladder 120, and a single port 120I/O forming an inlet and outlet of foot support bladder 120. Fluid line 222B is in fluid communication with the fluid line 222A connected with the pump outlet 1040, and these fluid lines 222A and 222B meet at a junction area 222D. Fluid line 222C also meets at junction area 222D, and fluid line 222C extends to the slow pressure release component 124, which may be located in fluid line 222C.

In use, the fluid system 150 of FIG. 1B will pump fluid through fluid line 222A to the junction area 222D. Because of the presence of slow pressure release component 124 in fluid line 222C, a small amount of fluid may flow out of the fluid system 150 via fluid line 222C and slow pressure release component 124 (e.g., if the fluid pressure is above the crack pressure of the low pressure relief valve 126), but most, if not all fluid will flow through fluid line 222B and through inlet/outlet port 120I/O into foot support bladder 120. If the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 is at a maximum pressure threshold, however, incoming fluid may be released through high pressure relief valve 104R (shown extending from pump 104 in this illustrated example).

FIGS. 2A-2C provide various views of example articles of footwear 200 (FIG. 2A) and sole structures 204 (FIGS. 2A-2C) having foot support systems and fluid systems 100, 150 in accordance with aspects of this technology. FIG. 2A includes a side view of an article of footwear 200 (which could be either a medial side view or a lateral side view); FIG. 2B provides an exploded view of a sole structure 204; and FIG. 2C provides an assembled view of a sole structure 204. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 2A-2C as used in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any features, options, or alternatives described above for that part), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2A, this example article of footwear 200 includes an upper 202 and a sole structure 204 engaged with the upper 202. The upper 202 may have any desired construction and/or number of parts, including conventional constructions and/or parts as are known and used in the footwear art. The sole structure 204 also may have any desired construction and/or number of parts, including conventional constructions and/or parts as are known and used in the footwear art. In this illustrated example, the sole structure 204 includes a midsole component 204M that may be made from a foam material (e.g., EVA foam, polyurethane foam, etc.), a thermoplastic elastomer material, and/or any other desired material (e.g., as are known and used in the footwear arts). The article of footwear 200 structure of FIG. 2A includes exposed fluid lines 222A, 222B, 222C corresponding to the fluid system 150 shown in FIG. 1B. Alternatively, however, if desired, the article of footwear 200 of FIG. 2A could include a fluid system 100 arrangement of the type shown in FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the midsole component 204M of this example structure is sandwiched between elements of the fluid system 100 (or alternatively, fluid system 150), namely, between the pumps 102, 104 (and their associated fluid lines) and the foot support bladder 120. The foot support bladder 120 of this example is located over (and optionally engaged with) the upper-facing surface 204U of the midsole component 204M. While FIG. 2B shows a foot support bladder 120 that includes a heel support region (with a heel support bladder 120H) and a forefoot support region (with a forefoot support bladder 120F) connected by a midfoot support region 120M, the foot support bladder 120 may extend to support all or any desired portion(s) of a wearer's foot (e.g., a heel support area only, a forefoot support area only, a midfoot support area only, a heel and midfoot support area, a midfoot and forefoot support area, etc.). While FIGS. 2B and 2C show a sole structure 204 having fluid lines and components corresponding to the fluid system 100 shown in FIG. 1A, alternatively, however, if desired, the sole structure 204 of FIGS. 2B and 2C could include a fluid system 150 arrangement of the type shown in FIG. 1B.

Fluid line 118 may constitute a flexible tube that extends around the edge of midsole component 204M (e.g., around its lateral edge) to engage the inlet 1201 of the foot support bladder. As shown in FIG. 2C, the upper-facing surface 204U of the midsole component 204M may include one or more recesses 204R into which portions of the foot support bladder 120 may fit. The pumps 102, 104 are located beneath (and optionally engaged with) the ground-facing surface 204G of the midsole component 204M and may be sandwiched between the ground-facing surface 204G of the midsole component 204M and an outsole component 210. The outsole component 210 may form receptacles 210R that receive the compressible bulb(s) of the pumps 102, 104. The exterior surfaces of the receptacles 210R may extend downward from the base outsole surface 210G and form activators for activating the pumps 102, 104 as the wearer lands a step or jump. Also, base outsole surface 210G may be formed of a material designed to contact the ground or other contact surface in use. As shown in FIG. 2B, the base outsole surface 210G may be equipped with traction elements, e.g., suited for the anticipated use of the sole structure 204 (e.g., with cleats, rubber traction elements, raised ridges, recessed grooves, etc.).

Operation of these example fluid systems 100, 150, foot support systems, sole structures 204, and articles of footwear 200 now will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3A-3E. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 3A-3E as used in FIGS. 1A-2C, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any features, options, or alternatives for that part described above), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. While FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate and the discussion below refers to fluid system 100 of FIG. 1A, those of ordinary skill in the art, given benefit of this disclosure, will understand how the fluid system 150 of FIG. 1B would be used in a similar manner.

FIG. 3A illustrates the fluid system 100 as a wearer is walking or otherwise moving in the article of footwear 200 and pressure in the foot support bladder 120 is increasing. The wearer's steps are illustrated in FIG. 3A as force arrows FH and FF applying force to the pump chambers 102C, 104C (or to just one pump chamber, if only a single pump is present). The forces FH and FF compress the pump chambers 102C, 104C to move fluid from the external environment 112, through fluid intake line 110, through heel-activated pump 102, through fluid line 116, through forefoot-activated pump 104, through fluid line 118, and into foot support bladder 120. See fluid flow arrows 300 in FIG. 3A. Fluid also enters fluid line 122 through foot support bladder outlet 1200, but the slow pressure release component 124 restricts fluid flow outward through fluid line 122, e.g., due to the small orifice 124B of insert 124A. Fluid will flow out of the foot support bladder 120 only if the fluid pressure downstream from the slow pressure release component 124 is greater than the pressure setting of low pressure relief valve 126. Thus, when a user is walking and actively moving fluid via pumps 102, 104, fluid flows out of the foot support bladder 120 (see fluid flow arrow 302) at a slower rate than it enters (shown by fluid flow arrows 300, which correlates to the pumping rate (or a “fluid introduction rate”) that the pump 104 supplies fluid to the foot support bladder 120). As pressure increases in the foot support bladder 120, the foot support bladder 120 becomes firmer and more responsive under the wearer's foot (shown by foot support force arrow 304). In the configuration shown in FIG. 3A, the pressure in the foot support bladder 120's interior chamber has not yet reached the maximum foot support pressure or maximum pressure threshold for the system. Thus, the high pressure relief valve 104R is closed and does not release fluid from the fluid system 100.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 3B, the wearer has continued moving in the article of footwear 200 (e.g., continued walking, running, etc.), but the foot support bladder 120 now has reached the maximum pressure threshold. In this configuration, the wearer continues to apply force FH and FF to the pumps 102 and 104, the fluid system 100 continues to bring in fluid from the external environment 112, and the wearer continues to apply force 304 to the foot support bladder 120 (at least when the sole structure 204 contacts the ground). Also, the low pressure relief valve 126 continues to release fluid from the foot support bladder 120 through the slow pressure release component 124 (fluid flow arrow 302). Thus, some of the incoming fluid 300 will enter the foot support bladder (see fluid flow arrow 306) to replace that lost through the slow pressure release component 124. But most of the incoming fluid 300 will be discharged through the high pressure relief valve 104R (shown by fluid flow arrow 308). In this manner, the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 will remain at a stable, high pressure, e.g., at or about the high or maximum pressure threshold for the fluid system 100 and foot support system.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 3C, the wearer has just stopped moving in the article of footwear, but they continue standing (thereby applying force 304 to the foot support bladder 120). Thus, as shown in FIG. 3C, pumping force arrows FH and FF are no longer present, and new fluid is not entering into the fluid system 100. In this configuration, the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 chamber is at or below the maximum pressure threshold but above the minimum pressure threshold. In such a configuration and pressure condition, the low pressure relief valve 126 continues to release fluid from the foot support bladder 120 through the slow pressure release component 124 (see fluid flow arrow 302). Valve 106 at the pump outlet 1040 prevents fluid from foot support bladder 120 from re-entering pump 104. In this manner, the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 slowly decreases, causing the foot support bladder 120 to become softer and more comfortable (e.g., for long term standing).

If the wearer continues standing still for a period of time, the fluid system 100 may reach the configuration shown in FIG. 3D. FIG. 3D shows the status of the fluid system 100 when the foot support bladder 120's fluid pressure has reached the minimum pressure threshold value (e.g., the value set by the crack pressure of the low pressure relief valve 126). While the standing force 304 may continue to be applied to the foot support bladder 120, no new incoming fluid is being pumped into the fluid system 100. Also, no fluid is leaving the fluid system 100 because the fluid in fluid line 122 is not above the crack pressure of low pressure relief valve 126. Thus, fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 remains stable at the low pressure foot support condition and at the minimum pressure threshold value.

FIG. 3E shows the fluid system 100 in a configuration in which fluid pressure in the foot support bladder is above the minimum pressure threshold value and the wearer is sitting down, laying down, or otherwise not apply force to the foot support bladder 120 (i.e., force 304 shown in FIGS. 3A-3D is absent). In such a configuration, while no new incoming fluid is being pumped into the fluid system 100, fluid continues to leave the fluid system 100 through slow pressure release component 124 and low pressure relief valve 126 (fluid flow arrow 302) until the fluid in fluid line 122 is not above the crack pressure of low pressure relief valve 126. Thus, fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 slowly decreases until the fluid system 100 reaches the low pressure foot support configuration (controlled by the crack pressure of the low pressure relief valve 126).

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates another example fluid system 100A in accordance with some examples of this technology. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 4 as used in FIGS. 1A-3E, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any features, options, or alternatives described above for that part), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. In the example of FIG. 4, rather than placing the high pressure relief valve in direct fluid communication with the forefoot-activated pump 104, a high pressure relief valve 118R is provided in a fluid line 118A that extends from and is in fluid communication with fluid line 118. The fluid system 100A of FIG. 4 may otherwise be incorporated into a foot support system, sole structure 204, and/or article of footwear 200 and/or may otherwise operate in the general manner described above for fluid system 100 in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-3C (with fluid line 118A replacing fluid line 104L and high pressure relief valve 118R replacing high pressure relief valve 104R). Additionally or alternatively, as another option, the fluid line 118A and high pressure relief valve 118R structures as shown in FIG. 4 could be moved to extend from the fluid line 122 that extends from the foot support bladder outlet 1200 (e.g., upstream of the slow pressure release component 124, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 4). While FIG. 4 illustrates a fluid system similar to that shown in FIG. 1A, those of ordinary skill in the art, given benefit of this disclosure, will understand how a fluid system like that of FIG. 1B could incorporate the features of FIG. 4 discussed above.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates another example fluid system 100B in accordance with some examples of this technology. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 5 as used in FIGS. 1A-4, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any features, options, or alternatives described above for that part), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. In the example of FIG. 5, rather than placing the high pressure relief valve in direct fluid communication with the forefoot-activated pump 104 (FIGS. 1A and 3A-3E) or in direct fluid communication with fluid line 118 and/or 122 (FIG. 4), a high pressure relief valve 120R is provided in a fluid line 120A that extends from and is in fluid communication with foot support bladder 120. The fluid system 100B of FIG. 5 may otherwise be incorporated into a foot support system, sole structure 204, and/or article of footwear 200 and/or may operate in the general manner described above for fluid system 100 in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-3C (with fluid line 120A replacing fluid line 104L and high pressure relief valve 120R replacing high pressure relief valve 104R). While FIG. 5 illustrates a fluid system similar to that shown in FIG. 1A, those of ordinary skill in the art, given benefit of this disclosure, will understand how a fluid system like that of FIG. 1B could incorporate the features of FIG. 5 discussed above.

As another alternative, if desired, the high pressure relief valve 104R, 118R, and/or 120R may be omitted from the fluid system 100, 150, 100A, and/or 100B, e.g., if the fluid pressures within the fluid system 100, 150, 100A, 100B cannot increase to a level sufficient to damage the bladder(s) and/or other components of the fluid system. For example, the pump(s) 102, 104 and/or one or more of their associated valves 106 may be selected and configured so that when the foot support bladder 120 is at the maximum pressure threshold, the fluid volume moved by pump(s) 102/104 during an individual step will be insufficient to continue to move fluid into the foot support bladder 120's interior chamber. As a more specific example, pump chamber 102C and/or 104C may be sized such that the maximum volume moved when the bulb pump 102/104 is compressed during a step will be insufficient to open one of the check valves 106. In that situation, the pump(s) 102/104 may not compress significantly during a step at least until pressure is sufficiently reduced in the foot support bladder 120 (e.g., by slow pressure release component 124) to allow the pump(s) 102/104 to move sufficient fluid to overcome the crack pressure of the check valve(s) 106.

FIGS. 6A-6C schematically illustrates additional example fluid systems in accordance with some examples of this technology. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 6A-6C as used in FIGS. 1A-5, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any features, options, or alternatives described above for that part), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted.

In the example of FIG. 6A, the low pressure relief valve 126 is removed and the fluid line 122 remains open to the external environment downstream of the slow pressure release component 124. In this example fluid system 100C, the foot support bladder 120 may be allowed to slowly decrease in pressure (and deflate) via the slow pressure release component 124 to a low pressure condition set by atmospheric conditions (and optionally to fully deflate the foot support bladder 120). While the illustrated example of FIG. 6A shows the high pressure relief valve 104R in fluid communication with the forefoot-activated pump 104, the other high pressure relief valve options 118R or 120R of FIGS. 4 and 5 also could be used in the fluid system 100C of FIG. 6A. The fluid system 100C of FIG. 6A may otherwise be incorporated into a foot support system, sole structure 204, and/or article of footwear 200 and/or may operate in the general manner described above for fluid system 100 in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-3C. While FIG. 6A illustrates a fluid system similar to that shown in FIG. 1A, those of ordinary skill in the art, given benefit of this disclosure, will understand how a fluid system like that of FIG. 1B could incorporate the features of FIG. 6A discussed above (e.g., by removing low pressure relief valve 126 from the fluid system 150 shown in FIG. 1B).

FIGS. 6B and 6C schematically illustrate a fluid system 100D in which the fluid line 122 includes a switch component 600 located upstream of the slow pressure release component 124. This switch component 600 allows a footwear 200 wearer to selectively stop fluid from flowing out through the slow pressure release component 124, e.g., when the foot support bladder 120 reaches a desired pressure level that the wearer wants to maintain (such as the maximum pressure threshold). But at other times, the slow pressure release component 124 may remain active. FIG. 6A shows the switch component 600 in the closed position (illustrated by the dark “X” in fluid line 122), e.g., pinching shut or otherwise stopping fluid flow through fluid line 122 and through slow pressure release component 124. FIG. 6B shows the switch component 600 in the open position (illustrated by the “X” in broken lines in fluid line 122), at which position fluid flow through the slow pressure release component 124 may occur in the manners described above (shown by fluid flow arrow 302). The switch component 600 may be a manual switch, an electronically activated switch, a valve, or other desired structure, including a switch like the switch 900 and/or input system 910 structures described below in conjunction with FIGS. 9A-12. While FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate a fluid system similar to that shown in FIG. 1A, those of ordinary skill in the art, given benefit of this disclosure, will understand how a fluid system like that of FIG. 1B could incorporate the features of FIGS. 6B and 6C discussed above (e.g., by placing switch component 600 in fluid line 222C upstream of slow pressure release component 124). If desired, the low pressure relief valve 126 may be omitted from the fluid system 100D shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C.

The slow pressure release component 124 (e.g., including the structures described above) may form or may form a portion of a pressure control system for fluid systems 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and/or 150, foot support systems, sole structures 204, and/or articles of footwear 200 in accordance with aspects of this technology. Additionally or alternatively, the low pressure relief valve 126, when present, may form or may form a portion of the pressure control system for fluid systems 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and/or 150, foot support systems, sole structures 204, and/or articles of footwear 200 in accordance with aspects of this technology. Still additionally or alternatively, the high pressure relief valve 104R, 118R, or 120R, when present, may form or may form a portion of the pressure control system for fluid systems 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and/or 150 foot support systems, sole structures 204, and/or articles of footwear 200 in accordance with aspects of this technology. The pressure control system is provided to maintain fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 at or below a maximum pressure threshold value, at or above a minimum pressure threshold value (which may be atmospheric pressure), and/or between a maximum pressure threshold value and a minimum pressure threshold value. In some examples of this technology, the slow pressure release component 124 will be continuously open and/or will continuously release fluid from the foot support bladder 120 at any time the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 is above the minimum threshold value.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate additional features that may be provided in fluid systems (e.g., 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150) in accordance with some examples of this technology. While FIGS. 7A and 7B only illustrate a heel support bladder 120H (or a heel support portion of a larger foot support bladder 120), the following aspects of this technology may be provided in other locations in a foot support bladder 120 structure and/or in other portions of a sole structure 204. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 7A and 7B as used in FIGS. 1A-6C, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any features, options, or alternatives described above for that part), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted.

FIG. 7A shows the heel support bladder 120H in a low pressure foot support configuration (optionally at the minimum foot support pressure threshold or in a deflated condition) and FIG. 7B shows the heel support bladder 120H in a high pressure foot support configuration (optionally at the maximum foot support pressure threshold or in a fully inflated condition). As shown, when in the low pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 7A), the heel support bladder 120H (and/or other portion of an overall foot support bladder 120) has a first height dimension H1. When in the high pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 7B), however, the heel support bladder 120H (and/or other portion of an overall foot support bladder 120) has a second height dimension H2, and the second height dimension H2 is greater than the first height dimension H1. In the example of FIG. 7A, when in the low pressure foot support configuration (optionally at the minimum foot support pressure threshold or in a deflated condition), the top surface 120S of the heel support bladder 120H may retract into the recess 204R of the midsole component 204M (if present) such that at least a portion of the wearer's foot may be directly supported by the upper-facing surface 204U of the midsole component 204M at least at areas adjacent the retracted top surface 120S. The change in height dimensions between the low pressure foot support configuration and the high pressure foot support configuration also may change the overall height of the sole structure 204 and/or the overall height of the article of footwear 200. In some examples, the height differential between H2 and H1 may be at least 2 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 10 mm, or even at least 12 mm.

FIG. 8 provides a Pressure v. Time graph to illustrate changes in pressure in the foot support bladder 120 during different phases of use (shown in FIG. 8 as “Walking,” “Standing,” and “Rocking” (e.g., standing in the shoe and shifting weight while not actively taking steps)). As the first Walking phase 800A begins, one or more foot-activated pumps (e.g., 102 and/or 104) are activated multiple times to move fluid from the pump chamber(s) (e.g., 102C and/or 104C) and introduce fluid into a chamber of foot support bladder 120. Each step incrementally adds additional fluid into the foot support bladder 120 and incrementally increases pressure in the foot support bladder 120. This bladder inflation phase (region 802A in FIG. 8) corresponds to the fluid system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150 configuration shown in FIG. 3A, and it continues while fluid pressure in the chamber of the foot support bladder 120 is below the maximum pressure threshold. During this time period (corresponding to region 802A), the wearer may notice a distinct increase in firmness of the foot support bladder 120 underfoot. Also, as discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 7A and 7B, this inflation phase (corresponding to region 802A) may be accompanied by an increase in height of the foot support bladder 120 (from H1 to H2), the sole structure 204, and/or the article of footwear 200.

Throughout the time period of region 802A while a wearer is actively walking and taking steps (and at any time while the fluid pressure in the chamber of the foot support bladder 120 is greater than the minimum pressure threshold), the slow pressure release component 124 releases fluid from the chamber of the foot support bladder 120 at a fluid release rate (until the fluid pressure in the chamber of the foot support bladder 120 reaches the minimum pressure threshold). The fluid release rate via the slow pressure release component 124 is slower than the fluid introduction rate via the pump(s) (102 and/or 104) while the wearer is actively taking steps to thereby allow pressure to increase in the foot support bladder 120. In some examples of this technology, the slow pressure release component 124 may be configured to release fluid at a slow rate that will allow the foot support bladder 120 to reach its maximum threshold pressure after about 30 seconds of walking (and in some examples, after at least 20 steps, at least 30 steps, at least 40 steps, at least 50 steps, or even at least 60 steps, within 20 to 120 steps, within 30 to 100 steps, or within 40 to 90 steps).

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the wearer may continue walking, and thus continue activating the pump(s) (102 and/or 104) after the fluid pressure in the chamber of the foot support bladder 120 reaches the maximum pressure threshold. This phase corresponds to region 802B in FIG. 8 and to the fluid system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150 configuration shown in FIG. 3B. During this time period, the high pressure relief valve (e.g., 104R, 118R, and/or 120R), when present, may be activated to prevent over-inflation of the foot support bladder 120 and to move further pumped fluid to a destination other than the chamber of the foot support bladder 120 (e.g., to release pumped fluid out to the external environment).

Eventually, the wearer will stop actively walking or running and stand still (or sit down, lie down, etc.), shown by region 800B in FIG. 8. This time period corresponds to the fluid system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150 configuration shown in FIG. 3C if the wearer is standing (and FIG. 3E if the wearer is sitting down or lying down). During this time, the slow pressure release component 124 will continue to release fluid from the foot support bladder 120 at the fluid release rate until the pressure in the foot support bladder 120 reaches the minimum threshold valve (which may correspond to a time when the foot support bladder 120 is fully deflated). This deflation time period is shown as region 802C in FIG. 8. In some examples of this technology, the slow pressure release component 124 may be configured to release fluid at a slow fluid release rate that will allow the foot support bladder 120 to deflate from its maximum threshold pressure to its minimum threshold pressure within about 45 seconds of standing still (and in some examples, in less than 60 seconds, less than 45 seconds, within 30 to 60 seconds, within 40 to 55 seconds, etc.). During this time period (corresponding to region 802C), the wearer may notice of distinct softening of the foot support bladder 120 underfoot. Also, as discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 7A and 7B, this deflation phase (corresponding to region 802C) may be accompanied by a decrease in height of the foot support bladder 120, the sole structure 204, and/or the article of footwear 200 (from H2 to H1) and/or a noticeable softening of the foot support bladder 120. Once the foot support bladder 120 reaches the minimum pressure threshold and the wearer remains inactive, the fluid system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150 will be inactive (with no new fluid coming in and no fluid leaving).

Eventually the wearer again will begin walking, running, or otherwise moving (region 800C). As movement resumes, pressure will begin to increase incrementally in the foot support bladder 120 (as new fluid is introduced in response to compressions of the pump(s) 102 and/or 104) during time region 802D until the foot support bladder 120 again reaches the maximum pressure threshold. This time region 802D may be accompanied by an increase in height and/or a noticeable increased firmness in the foot support bladder 120 as discussed above in conjunction with time region 802A. When walking stops (and the wearer begins to stand (region 800D)), the foot support bladder 120 again will begin to deflate until it reaches the minimum pressure threshold (time region 802E).

FIG. 8 further shows potential pressure changes in foot support bladder 120 when a wearer remains standing but does not take repeated or consistent steps (e.g., the wearer “rocks”). See region 800E. Such activity may increase pressure in the foot support bladder 120 if the pump(s) 102 and/or 104 are activated, but it may not inflate the foot support bladder 120 to its maximum pressure threshold. In this situation, fluid may continue to be released from the foot support bladder 120 through the (always open) slow pressure release component 124 while the pressure is above the minimum threshold value. As the wearer “rocks,” the pressure in the foot support bladder 120 may be kept at an intermediate pressure level (between the minimum and maximum thresholds) until the wearer begins taking active steps (to increase foot support bladder 120 pressure) or until the wearer remains still (to decrease foot support bladder 120 pressure).

In at least some examples of the systems and methods described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-8, the fluid systems 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150, foot support systems, sole structures 204, and articles of footwear 200: (i) will automatically (e.g., without the need for wearer interaction) transition to a firmer and more responsive (high pressure) foot support configuration as the wearer moves and (ii) will automatically (e.g., without the need for wearer interaction) transition to a softer and more comfortable (low pressure) foot support configuration as the wearer remains still (e.g., standing still or moving slowly). In such systems and methods, the foot support pressure changes occur automatically in response to a wearer's movement or lack of movement (e.g., so the foot support bladder 120 is responsive as the wearer moves and soft when the wearer stands). One need just move, and the fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear of FIGS. 1A-8 will automatically respond and do the rest, e.g., with no need for a user to flip a switch or otherwise interact with any type of input system (although, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, fluid systems 100D in accordance with some aspects of this technology may include a switch and/or input system, if desired).

The example fluid systems 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150, foot support systems, sole structures 204, and/or articles of footwear 200 described above utilize a slow pressure release component 124 that includes an “always open” orifice to slowly release fluid from a foot support bladder 120 (e.g., at a fluid release rate) at least until the foot support bladder reaches a minimum pressure threshold condition. FIGS. 9A-12 illustrate other example fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and articles of footwear that replace the “always open” slow pressure release component 124 with a user-activated pressure control system to switch the foot support bladder 120 between a high pressure foot support configuration and a low pressure foot support configuration. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 9A-9B as used in FIGS. 1A-8, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any features, options, or alternatives described above for those parts), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted.

FIGS. 9A and 9B provide schematic views of a fluid system 1000 in accordance with some examples of this technology in a high pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 9A) and a low pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 9B). The fluid system 1000 includes at least one pump, e.g., at least one foot-activated pump, such as a compressible bulb type pump located in one of a heel support region or a forefoot support region of a foot support system. This specifically illustrated fluid system 1000 includes two pumps: (i) a heel-activated pump 102 having an inlet 1021, an outlet 1020, and a compressible pump chamber 102C, and (ii) a forefoot-activated pump 104 having an inlet 1041, an outlet 1040, and a compressible pump chamber 104C. Each of the inlets 1021, 1041 and each of the outlets 1020, 1040 may be equipped with a corresponding check valve 106 that prevents fluid from flowing out of the pump chambers 102C, 104C through its inlet 1021, 1041 and from flowing back into the pump chambers 102C, 104C through its outlet 1020, 1040. For fluid systems that include only one pump, it may be located in any desired location in the sole structure 204 (e.g., in the heel area or in the forefoot area).

A fluid intake line 110 moves fluid from a fluid source (e.g., the external environment 112) to the heel-activated pump inlet 1021 and into the compressible pump chamber 102C. A filter 114 may be provided to filter incoming fluid before it reaches the pump inlet 1021 to prevent dirt, dust, water, or other undesired material from entering the fluid system 100 with the incoming fluid (e.g., ambient air).

Fluid line 116 places the outlet 1020 of the heel-activated pump 102 in fluid communication with the inlet 1041 of the forefoot-activated pump 104. The forefoot-activated pump 104 of this example further includes a high pressure relief valve 104R, which may be used to set a maximum pressure threshold value for the fluid system 1000 (e.g., the highest pressure for the high pressure foot support configuration of the fluid system 1000 (e.g., set at a pressure to prevent over-inflation of a foot support bladder 120)). The high pressure relief valve 104R may be provided in a fluid line 104L that extends from the pump chamber 104C, e.g., of forefoot-activated pump 104 in this illustrated example. The high pressure relief valve 104R is configured to divert fluid moved by the pump(s) 102 and/or 104 away from the foot support bladder 120 when the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 120 is at the maximum pressure threshold value. The maximum pressure threshold and/or high pressure foot support configuration of the example foot support bladder(s) of FIGS. 9A-12 may be within the ranges described above for the examples of FIGS. 1A-8.

When switch 900 is opened (as shown by broken lines in FIG. 9B), this opens fluid line 122 and allows fluid to exit the foot support bladder 120 through fluid line 122. See fluid flow arrow 906. This lowers the pressure in foot support bladder 120 chamber, e.g., to the low pressure foot support configuration (e.g., at a minimum pressure threshold value, which may be atmospheric pressure). If desired, fluid line 122 may be equipped with a low pressure relief valve 126, e.g., to maintain the foot support bladder 120 at a predetermined low foot support pressure configuration. Alternatively, if desired, low pressure relief valve 126 may be omitted, and fluid line 122 may be open (e.g., to the external environment). The minimum pressure threshold value and/or low pressure foot support configuration of the example foot support bladder(s) of FIGS. 9A-12 may be within the ranges described above for the examples of FIGS. 1A-8. At the minimum pressure threshold and/or low pressure foot support configuration of the example foot support bladder(s) 120 of FIGS. 9A-12, the foot support bladder 120 may partially or completely collapse such that at least a portion of the wearer's foot may be directly supported by one or more midsole components or other sole components.

In at least some examples of this technology, opening switch 900 will quickly change the fluid system 1000 from the high pressure foot support configuration to the low pressure foot support configuration (e.g., assuming fluid line 122 is large enough to accommodate the fluid flow). This may be accompanied by a user perceptible height change and/or foot support bladder 120 softening, as will be described in more detail below. Further, in the low pressure foot support configuration of FIG. 9B, fluid can flow completely through the fluid system 1000, from fluid intake line 110 to outlet fluid line 122, even while additional steps are being take (and pump(s) 102 and/or 104 are activated).

The switch 900 may take on any desired construction. In some examples, the switch 900 may include a projecting surface or other bearing surface that moves (e.g., by user activation) to physically pinch a flexible tube (e.g., used as fluid line 122) closed. Examples of such physical pinching closure systems are described, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/477,719, which application is entirely incorporated herein by reference. In other examples, the switch 900 may comprise a valve (e.g., manually or electronically operated) that includes a member that moves to open or close the fluid line 122. FIGS. 9A and 9B further illustrate a user input system 910 with which a user can interact to change the switch 900 between a closed condition (FIG. 9A) and an open configuration (FIG. 9B). User input system 910 may comprise a physical switch button or lever (see FIGS. 10D and 10E) that is moved to physically open or close the fluid line 122. As other examples, user input system 910 may include an electronic button or switch, a key pad, etc. Also, the user input system 910 may be directly and physically linked with the switch 900, may be linked by a wired connection (e.g., in electronic communication), or may be linked by a wireless connection (e.g., in electronic communication). Any desired switching mechanism and/or input system for controlling the switching mechanism may be used in other examples of this technology.

FIGS. 10A-10E provide various views of the fluid system 1000 of FIGS. 9A and 9B incorporated into a sole structure 954 (FIGS. 10A-10C) and an article of footwear 200. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 10A-10E as used in FIGS. 1A-9B, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any features, options, or alternatives described above for those parts), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. FIG. 10A shows an exploded view of an example sole structure 954 in accordance with some aspects of this technology. In addition to the switch 900, this example sole structure 954 differs from the sole structure 204 illustrated in FIG. 2B in that the foot support bladder 120 of FIG. 10A has only a heel support region 120H and a portion of a midfoot support region 120M. As alternatives, however, the foot support bladder 120 of FIG. 10A may be used in the fluid systems 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-8 and/or the foot support bladder 120 of FIGS. 1A-8 may be used in the fluid system 1000 of FIGS. 9A-10E.

As an additional difference from the sole structure 204 of FIGS. 1A-8, the sole structure 954 shown in FIG. 10A includes an upper midsole component 1004. The upper-facing surface of the foot support bladder 120 fits into a corresponding recess 1004R provided in the ground-facing surface 1004G of the upper midsole component 1004. In this manner, the foot support bladder 120 (or at least a portion thereof) may be sandwiched between the lower midsole component 204M and the upper midsole component 1004. Upper midsole component 1004 may be made from a foam material (e.g., EVA foam, polyurethane foam, etc.), a thermoplastic elastomer material, and/or any other desired material (e.g., as are known and used in the footwear arts). As alternatives, however, upper midsole component 1004 may be omitted from the sole structure 954 of FIG. 10A and/or the sole structure 204 of FIGS. 1A-8 may include an additional upper midsole component 1004.

FIGS. 10B and 10C show the sole structure 954 of FIG. 10A in an assembled configuration and in both an uninflated configuration (FIG. 10B showing the low pressure foot support configuration) and an inflated configuration (FIG. 10C showing the high pressure foot support configuration). As evident from a comparison of these figures, switching between the low pressure foot support configuration and the high pressure foot support configuration may be accompanied with a transition in sole structure 954 height (at least at the heel region of the sole structure 954) between a low (or shorter) height configuration (height H3) and a high (or taller) height configuration (height H4). As shown in FIG. 10B, in the low pressure foot support configuration, the foot support bladder 120 may be in a collapsed condition (e.g., with the pressure in the foot support bladder 120 at or below atmospheric pressure). The height differential between H4 and H3 may be at least 2 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 10 mm, or even at least 12 mm.

In at least some examples of this technology, the change from the high pressure foot support configuration to the low pressure foot support configuration (and thus from the taller height configuration to the shorter height configuration) may take place substantially instantaneously (e.g., in less than one or two seconds) when the switch 900 opens fluid line 122. If standing on the sole structure 954, the wearer may feel a noticeable change in foot support pressure (to a softer feel) and/or a noticeable change (drop) in sole height. This change also may be visible to the wearer or others (e.g., if at least a portion of the foot support bladder 120 is exposed in the sole structure 954 and/or article of footwear 950). Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this technology, the change from the low pressure foot support configuration to the high pressure foot support configuration (and thus from the shorter height configuration to the taller height configuration) may take place incrementally, as the wearer takes steps to incrementally move fluid into the foot support bladder 120 via activation of pump(s) 102 and/or 104. As such, the foot support pressure and/or height changes that may accompany a change from the low pressure foot support configuration to the high pressure foot support configuration may be gradual and less noticeable to the wearer (e.g., perhaps occurring over 30 seconds of walking or within the number of step ranges discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 8).

FIG. 10D and 10E are views similar to FIGS. 10B and 10C, respectively, but showing an entire article of footwear 950 in an uninflated configuration (FIG. 10D showing the low pressure foot support configuration) and an inflated configuration (FIG. 10E showing the high pressure foot support configuration). The article of footwear 950 includes an upper 202 and a sole structure 954 (e.g., as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 10A-10C) engaged with the upper 202. The upper 202 may have any desired construction and/or number of parts, including conventional constructions and/or parts as are known and used in the footwear art. The upper 202 may be engaged with the sole structure 954 in any desired manner, including via releasable or permanent connections, e.g., using one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc., including in conventional manners as are known and used in the footwear art.

As evident from a comparison of these figures, switching between the low pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 10D) and the high pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 10E) may be accompanied with a transition in article of footwear 950 height (at least at the heel region of the article of footwear 950) between a low (or shorter) height configuration and a high (or taller) height configuration. As shown in FIG. 10D, in the low pressure foot support configuration, the foot support bladder 120 may be in a collapsed condition (e.g., with the pressure in the foot support bladder 120 at or below atmospheric pressure).

FIGS. 11 and 12 are views similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, schematically showing different potential placements for the high pressure relief valve in the fluid system 1000 of FIGS. 9A-10E. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 11 and 12 as used in FIGS. 1A-10E, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the features, options, or alternatives described above for that parts), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. FIG. 11 illustrates an example fluid system 1000A like the fluid system 1000 of FIGS. 9A-10E, but in the example of FIG. 11, rather than placing the high pressure relief valve in direct fluid communication with the forefoot-activated pump 104, a high pressure relief valve 118R is provided in a fluid line 118A that extends from and is in fluid communication with fluid line 118. The fluid system 1000A of FIG. 11 may otherwise be incorporated into a foot support system, sole structure 954, and/or article of footwear 950 and/or may otherwise operate in the general manner described above for fluid system 1000 in conjunction with FIGS. 9A-10E (with fluid line 118A replacing fluid line 104L and high pressure relief valve 118R replacing high pressure relief valve 104R). Additionally or alternatively, as another option, the fluid line 118A and high pressure relief valve 118R structures as shown in FIG. 11 could be moved to extend from the fluid line 122 that extends from the foot support bladder outlet 1200 (e.g., upstream of the switch 900, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 11).

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates another example fluid system 1000B in accordance with some examples of this technology. In the example of FIG. 12, rather than placing the high pressure relief valve in direct fluid communication with the forefoot-activated pump 104 (FIGS. 9A and 9B) or in direct fluid communication with fluid line 118 and/or 122 (FIG. 11), a high pressure relief valve 120R is provided in a fluid line 120A that extends from and is in fluid communication with foot support bladder 120. The fluid system 1000B of FIG. 12 may otherwise be incorporated into a foot support system, sole structure 954, and/or article of footwear 950 and/or may operate in the general manner described above for fluid system 1000 in conjunction with FIGS. 9A-10E (with fluid line 120A replacing fluid line 104L and high pressure relief valve 120R replacing high pressure relief valve 104R).

Further, the fluid systems 1000, 1000A, and/or 1000B of FIGS. 9A-12 could be modified so that the foot support bladder 120 includes a single fluid line connected at a single inlet/outlet port, e.g., like inlet/outlet port 120I/O and the fluid system 150 arrangement shown in FIG. 1B. As a more specific example of such a modified arrangement of FIG. 1B, the slow pressure release component 124 in fluid line 222C of FIG. 1B may be replaced by the switch 900 and/or input system 910 components of FIGS. 9A-12. The low pressure relief valve 126 may be maintained or omitted, depending on the functionality desired.

FIGS. 13A through 17B provide various views of portions of sole structures and arrangements of foot support bladder(s) 120, pump(s) 102, 104, and/or midsole components 204M, 1004 that may be used in sole structures 204, 954 and/or articles of footwear 200, 950 in accordance with examples of this technology. Sole structures 204, 954 of the types shown in FIGS. 13A-17B may include additional sole and/or footwear components, if desired. The simplified views of FIGS. 13A-17B are provided primarily to show the shapes and/or relative arrangements of various parts. Thus, not all of the fluid system, foot support system, fluid lines, and/or other components of the sole structures and/or articles of footwear are shown in FIGS. 13A-17B (because doing so would obscure the information sought to be conveyed by these figures). Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand how the parts shown in FIGS. 13A-17B may be incorporated into fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear of the types shown in FIGS. 1A-12 given the benefit of the above disclosure relating to FIGS. 1A-12. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 13A-17B as used in FIGS. 1A-12, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the features, options, or alternatives described above for the parts), and much of the overlapping disclosure may be omitted.

FIGS. 13A and 13B provide top and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of a sole structure 204, 954 that includes a substantially full length foot support bladder 120 having a heel support region (e.g., a heel support bladder 120H portion), a midfoot support region (e.g., a midfoot support bladder 120M portion), and a forefoot support region (e.g., a forefoot support bladder 120F portion). The foot support bladder 120 is mounted on an upper-facing surface 204U of a midsole component 204M (e.g., in a recess 204R formed in midsole component 204M) and is configured to support at least 75% of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot. The midsole component 204M is arranged between (sandwiched between) the foot support bladder 120 and the foot-activated pumps 102, 104. In some examples of this technology, the top surface 120S of the foot support bladder 120 may be arranged in a sole structure 204, 954 or article of footwear to directly support and/or contact the wearer's foot (e.g., potentially separated by the bottom of an upper 202, such as by a strobel member). The sole structure 204, 954 of FIGS. 13A and 13B additionally may include an outsole component 210, an upper midsole component 1004, and/or any of the various fluid system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150, 1000, 1000A, 1000B components and/or sole structure components described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-12. In some examples, the bottom and sides of the foot support bladder 120 of FIGS. 13A and 13B may be completely enclosed by the midsole component 204M, e.g., such that the foot support bladder 120 is not visible at the exterior of the sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950. Alternatively, at least some portion(s) of the foot support bladder 120 may be visible or exposed in the final sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950 structure.

FIGS. 14A and 14B provide bottom and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of another example sole structure 204, 954 that includes a substantially full length foot support bladder 120 having a heel support region (e.g., a heel support bladder 120H portion), a midfoot support region (e.g., a midfoot support bladder 120M portion), and a forefoot support region (e.g., a forefoot support bladder 120F portion). This example foot support bladder 120 is mounted on a ground-facing surface 1004G of a midsole component 1004 located above the foot support bladder (e.g., in a recess 1004R formed in ground-facing surface 1004G of midsole component 1004). Also, this example foot support bladder 120 and is configured to support at least 75% of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot. The upper-facing surface 1004U of midsole component 1004 may be arranged to directly support and/or contact the wearer's foot (e.g., potentially separated by the bottom of an upper 202, such as by a strobel member). The sole structure 204, 954 of FIGS. 14A and 14B additionally may include an outsole component 210, a midsole component 204M beneath the foot support bladder 120, and/or any of the various fluid system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150, 1000, 1000A, 1000B components and/or sole structure components described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-12. In some examples, the top and sides of the foot support bladder 120 of FIGS. 14A and 14B may be completely enclosed by the midsole component 1004, e.g., such that at least those surfaces of the foot support bladder 120 are not visible at the exterior of the sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950. Also, if desired, the bottom surface 120B of the foot support bladder 120 could be partially or completely covered in the final sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950 structure. Alternatively, at least some portion(s) of the foot support bladder 120 may be visible or exposed in the final sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950 structure.

FIGS. 15A and 15B provide bottom and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of another example sole structure 204, 954. Rather than a substantially full length foot support bladder 120, this foot support bladder 120 includes more of a “pod” like structure having a heel support bladder 120H portion (or pod) and a forefoot support bladder 120F portion (or pod), optionally connected by a midfoot connecting fluid line 1524. This example foot support bladder 120 is mounted on a ground-facing surface 1000G of a midsole component 1004 located above the foot support bladder (e.g., in a recess 1004R formed in ground-facing surface 1004G of midsole component 1004). The upper-facing surface 1004U of midsole component 1004 may be arranged to directly support and/or contact the wearer's foot (e.g., potentially separated by the bottom of the upper 202, such as a strobel member). The sole structure 204, 954 of FIGS. 15A and 15B additionally may include an outsole component 210, a midsole component 204M beneath the foot support bladder 120, and/or any of the various fluid system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150, 1000, 1000A, 1000B components and/or sole structure components described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-12. In some examples, the top and sides of the foot support bladder 120 of FIGS. 15A and 15B may be completely enclosed by the midsole component 1004, e.g., such that at least those surfaces of the foot support bladder 120 are not visible at the exterior of the sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950. Also, if desired, the bottom surface 120B of the foot support bladder 120 could be partially or completely covered in the final sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950 structure (e.g., by outsole component 210). Alternatively, at least some portion(s) of the foot support bladder 120 may be visible or exposed in the final sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950 structure.

Alternatively, if desired, a foot support bladder 120 having a pod structure of the type shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B could be mounted on an upper-facing surface 204U of a midsole component 204M, e.g., in the general arrangement shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

FIGS. 16A and 16B provide bottom and side views, respectively, of another example sole structure 204, 954. The foot support bladder 120 in this illustrated example constitutes a full length foot support bladder 120. This example foot support bladder 120 is mounted on a ground-facing surface 1000G of a midsole component 1004 located above the foot support bladder 120. The upper-facing surface 1004U of midsole component 1004 may be arranged to directly support and/or contact the wearer's foot (e.g., potentially separated by the bottom of the upper 202, such as a strobel member). The sole structure 204, 954 of FIGS. 16A and 16B additionally may include an outsole component 210, a midsole component 204M beneath the foot support bladder 120, and/or any of the various fluid system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150, 1000, 1000A, 1000B components and/or sole structure components described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-12. In some examples, at least some portion of the sides of the foot support bladder 120 of FIGS. 16A and 16B may be exposed and visible at the exterior of the sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950. Such exposed and visible foot support bladders 120 may provide an interesting visual display, e.g., as the foot support bladder 120 changes between the high pressure foot support configuration and the low pressure foot support configuration. Also, if desired, the bottom surface 120B of the foot support bladder 120 could be partially or completely covered in the final sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950 structure (e.g., by outsole component 210).

Alternatively, if desired, a foot support bladder 120 having exposed sides of the type shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B could be mounted on an upper-facing surface 204U of a midsole component 204M, e.g., in the general arrangement shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

FIGS. 17A and 17B provide bottom and side views, respectively, of another example sole structure 204, 954. This example sole structure 204, 954 is similar to the structure of FIGS. 15A and 15B with the heel and forefoot supporting bladder “pod” type structures (i.e., heel support bladder 120H portion (or pod) and forefoot support bladder 120F portion (or pod)), optionally connected by a midfoot connecting fluid line 1524. This example foot support bladder 120 is mounted on a ground-facing surface 1000G of a midsole component 1004 located above the foot support bladder (e.g., in a recess 1004R formed in ground-facing surface 1004G of midsole component 1004). The upper-facing surface 1004U of midsole component 1004 may be arranged to directly support and/or contact the wearer's foot (e.g., potentially separated by the bottom of the upper 202, such as a strobel member). The sole structure 204, 954 of FIGS. 17A and 17B additionally may include an outsole component 210, a midsole component 204M beneath the foot support bladder 120, and/or any of the various fluid system 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 150, 1000, 1000A, 1000B components and/or sole structure components described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-12. In some examples, at least some portion of the sides of the foot support bladder 120 of FIGS. 17A and 17B may be exposed and visible at the exterior of the sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950. Such exposed and visible foot support bladders 120 may provide an interesting visual display, e.g., as the foot support bladder 120 changes between the high pressure foot support configuration and the low pressure foot support configuration. Also, if desired, the bottom surface 120B of the foot support bladder 120 pods could be partially or completely covered in the final sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950 structure (e.g., by outsole component 210).

Alternatively, if desired, a foot support bladder 120 having a pod structure of the type shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B could be mounted on an upper-facing surface 204U of a midsole component 204M, e.g., in the general arrangement shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

The foot support bladder 120 may have a wide variety of shapes, sizes, number of pods, or the like without departing from this technology. Also, while the present disclosure shows fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear having a single foot support bladder 120, fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology may include two or more foot support bladders 120, e.g., optionally with connections to one or more pumps and/or operable in the various manners described above. When a fluid system, foot support system, sole structure, and/or article of footwear includes two or more foot support bladders, the bladders may have the same or different foot support pressures, the same or different maximum pressure thresholds, and/or the same or different minimum pressure thresholds.

Also, while the example fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear described above included one or more foot-activated pumps for supplying fluid to the foot support bladder 120, some aspects and/or examples of this technology may include one or more hand operated pumps, one or more electronically operated pumps, one or more compressors, and/or one or more other fluid sources.

In at least some examples of this technology, the high pressure relief valve (e.g., 104R, 118R, 120R) and/or the low pressure relief valve (e.g., 126) may be modular, removable, replaceable, and/or interchangeable e.g., by an end user. This could enable the end user to select and use high pressure relief valves (e.g., 104R, 118R, 120R) and/or low pressure relief valves (e.g., 126) having different “crack” pressures. In this manner, the end user (or other party) could select and control the maximum threshold pressure (or high pressure foot support level) and/or the minimum threshold pressure (or low pressure foot support level) for an individual sole structure 204, 954 and/or article of footwear 200, 950.

While the illustrated examples and discussion above show fluid systems having a single foot support bladder 120, similar fluid systems including slow pressure release components 124 of the types described in FIGS. 1A-8 could be provided in foot support systems with two or more independent foot support bladders. In such foot support systems, a separate slow pressure release component 124 could be provided for each independent foot support bladder or two or more foot support bladders could be connected to a single slow pressure release component.

Also, while the illustrated examples and discussion above show fluid systems having a single foot support bladder 120, similar fluid systems including switching components 600, 900 and/or input systems 910 of the types described in FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 9A-12 could be provided in foot support systems with two or more independent foot support bladders. In such foot support systems, a separate switching component 600, 900 and/or input system 910 could be provided for each independent foot support bladder or two or more foot support bladders could be operatively connected to a single switching component 600, 900 and/or input system 910.

Conclusion

The present technology is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the technology, not to limit its scope. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered Clauses:

Clause 1. A foot support system for an article of footwear, comprising:

- a foot support bladder;
- a first pump including a first pump inlet and a first pump outlet;
- a first fluid line placing the first pump outlet in fluid communication with the foot support bladder for supplying fluid to the foot support bladder; and
- a slow pressure release component in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, wherein the slow pressure release component releases fluid from the foot support bladder to change the foot support bladder from a high pressure foot support configuration to a low pressure foot support configuration.

Clause 2. The foot support system according to Clause 1, wherein the slow pressure release component remains open at all times.

Clause 3. The foot support system according to Clause 1, wherein the slow pressure release component remains open while the first pump supplies fluid to the foot support bladder.

Clause 4. The foot support system according to Clause 1, wherein the slow pressure release component remains open at all times that fluid pressure in the foot support bladder is above a minimum threshold pressure.

Clause 5. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the slow pressure release component releases fluid from the foot support bladder at a slower rate than a pumping rate at which the first pump supplies fluid to the foot support bladder.

Clause 6. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, further comprising: a filter that filters incoming fluid before the incoming fluid reaches the first pump inlet.

Clause 7. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, further comprising: a second pump including a second pump inlet and a second pump outlet, wherein the second pump outlet supplies fluid to the first pump inlet.

Clause 8. The foot support system according to Clause 7, wherein the second pump inlet receives incoming fluid from an external source.

Clause 9. The foot support system according to Clause 7 or 8, further comprising: a filter that filters incoming fluid before the incoming fluid reaches the second pump inlet.

Clause 10. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 7 to 9, wherein the second pump is a foot-activated pump.

Clause 11. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the slow pressure release component includes: (i) a second fluid line that opens into the foot support bladder, (ii) a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the second fluid line, and (iii) a low pressure relief valve located in the second fluid line downstream from the flow rate reducing component; or

- wherein the slow pressure release component includes: (i) a second fluid line that extends from the first fluid line, (ii) a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the second fluid line, and (iii) a low pressure relief valve located in the second fluid line downstream from the flow rate reducing component.

Clause 12. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the slow pressure release component includes: (i) a second fluid line that opens into the foot support bladder, and (ii) a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the second fluid line; or

- wherein the slow pressure release component includes: (i) a second fluid line that extends from the first fluid line, and (ii) a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the second fluid line.

Clause 13. The foot support system according to Clause 11 or 12, wherein the flow rate reducing component includes a fluid line insert having an always open orifice extending through the fluid line insert.

Clause 14. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, further comprising: a high pressure relief valve configured to release fluid from the foot support system when necessary to prevent over-inflation of the foot support bladder.

Clause 15. The foot support system according to Clause 14, wherein the high pressure relief valve is located in a fluid line that extends from and is in direct fluid communication with the first pump.

Clause 16. The foot support system according to Clause 14, wherein the high pressure relief valve is located in a fluid line that extends from and is in direct fluid communication with the foot support bladder.

Clause 17. The foot support system according to Clause 14, wherein the high pressure relief valve is located in a fluid line that extends from and is in direct fluid communication with the first fluid line.

Clause 18. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17, wherein when in the low pressure foot support configuration, the foot support bladder has a first height dimension, when in the high pressure foot support configuration, the foot support bladder has a second height dimension, and wherein the second height dimension is greater than the first height dimension.

Clause 19. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the first pump is a foot-activated pump.

Clause 20. The foot support system according to Clause 19, wherein fluid pressure in the foot support bladder incrementally increases as a wearer activates the foot-activated pump when taking steps.

Clause 21. A sole structure for an article of footwear comprising: (A) one or more sole components; and (B) a foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 20 engaged with at least one of the one or more sole components.

Clause 22. The sole structure according to Clause 21, wherein one sole component of the one or more sole components comprises a midsole component, and wherein at least the foot support bladder is engaged with the midsole component.

Clause 23. The sole structure according to Clause 21, wherein one sole component of the one or more sole components comprises a midsole component, and wherein when the foot support bladder is in the low pressure foot support configuration, a foot supporting surface of the foot support bladder retracts to a location such that an upper-facing surface of the midsole component is positioned to directly support a portion of the wearer's foot adjacent the location where the foot support bladder has retracted.

Clause 24. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 21 to 23, wherein one sole component of the one or more sole components comprises an outsole component, and wherein at least the first pump is engaged with the outsole component.

Clause 25. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:

- a midsole component including an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface;
- a foot support bladder having a foot supporting portion mounted on the upper-facing surface of the midsole component;
- a first foot-activated pump including a first pump inlet and a first pump outlet, wherein the first foot-activated pump moves fluid in response to force applied by a wearer's foot;
- a first fluid line placing the first pump outlet in fluid communication with the foot support bladder for supplying fluid to the foot support bladder; and
- a pressure control system for maintaining fluid pressure in the foot support bladder between a maximum threshold value and a minimum threshold value, wherein the pressure control system includes a slow pressure release component in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, wherein the slow pressure release component continuously releases fluid from the foot support bladder when the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder is above the minimum threshold value.

Clause 26. The sole structure according to Clause 25, wherein the minimum threshold value corresponds to atmospheric pressure.

Clause 27. The sole structure according to Clause 25 or 26, wherein the slow pressure release component releases fluid from the foot support bladder at a slower rate than a pumping rate at which the first foot-activated pump supplies fluid to the foot support bladder in response to a wearer's ambulatory activity.

Clause 28. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 25 to 27, further comprising: a filter that filters incoming fluid before the incoming fluid reaches the first pump inlet.

Clause 29. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 25 to 27, further comprising: a second foot-activated pump including a second pump inlet and a second pump outlet, wherein the second pump outlet supplies fluid to the first pump inlet.

Clause 30. The sole structure according to Clause 29, wherein the second pump inlet receives incoming fluid from an external source.

Clause 31. The sole structure according to Clause 29 or 30, further comprising: a filter that filters incoming fluid before the incoming fluid reaches the second pump inlet.

Clause 32. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 25 to 31, wherein the slow pressure release component includes: (i) a second fluid line that opens into the foot support bladder, (ii) a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the second fluid line, and (iii) a low pressure relief valve located in the second fluid line downstream from the flow rate reducing component; or

- wherein the slow pressure release component includes: (i) a second fluid line that extends from the first fluid line, (ii) a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the second fluid line, and (iii) a low pressure relief valve located in the second fluid line downstream from the flow rate reducing component.

Clause 33. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 25 to 31, wherein the slow pressure release component includes: (i) a second fluid line that opens into the foot support bladder, and (ii) a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the second fluid line; or

- wherein the slow pressure release component includes: (i) a second fluid line that extends from the first fluid line, and (ii) a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the second fluid line.

Clause 34. The sole structure according to Clause 32 or 33, wherein the flow rate reducing component includes a fluid line insert having an always open orifice extending through the fluid line insert.

Clause 35. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 25 to 34, wherein the pressure control system further includes a high pressure relief valve configured to divert fluid moved by the first foot-activated pump away from the foot support bladder when the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder is at the maximum threshold value.

Clause 36. The sole structure according to Clause 35, wherein the high pressure relief valve is located in a fluid line that extends from and is in direct fluid communication with the first fluid line.

Clause 37. The sole structure according to Clause 35, wherein the high pressure relief valve is located in a fluid line that extends from and is in direct fluid communication with the first foot-activated pump.

Clause 38. The sole structure according to Clause 35, wherein the high pressure relief valve is located in a fluid line that extends from and is in direct fluid communication with the foot support bladder.

Clause 39. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 25 to 38, wherein when the foot support bladder is at the minimum threshold value, a foot supporting surface of the foot support bladder retracts to a location such that the upper-facing surface of the midsole component is positioned to directly support a portion of the wearer's foot adjacent the location where the foot support bladder has retracted.

Clause 40. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 25 to 39, wherein when the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder is at the minimum threshold valve, the foot support bladder has a first height dimension, when the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder is at the maximum threshold valve, the foot support bladder has a second height dimension, and wherein the second height dimension is greater than the first height dimension.

Clause 41. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 25 to 40, wherein fluid pressure in the foot support bladder incrementally increases as a wearer activates the first foot-activated pump when taking steps.

Clause 42. An article of footwear, comprising: (A) an upper; and (B) a sole structure according to any one of Clauses 21 to 41 engaged with the upper.

Clause 43. A method of altering foot support pressure in a foot support bladder, comprising:

- activating a foot-activated pump multiple times to introduce fluid into a chamber of a foot support bladder at a fluid introduction rate while fluid pressure in the chamber is below a maximum pressure threshold; and
- at any time while the fluid pressure in the chamber is greater than a minimum pressure threshold, including throughout the step of activating the foot-activated pump multiple times, releasing fluid from the chamber of the foot support bladder at a fluid release rate until the fluid pressure in the chamber reaches the minimum pressure threshold, wherein the fluid release rate is less than the fluid introduction rate.

Clause 44. The method according to Clause 43, wherein when the step of activating continues after the fluid pressure in the chamber reaches the maximum pressure threshold, releasing further fluid moved by the foot-activated pump to a destination other than the chamber of the foot support bladder.

Clause 45. The method according to Clause 43, wherein when the step of activating continues after the fluid pressure in the chamber reaches the maximum pressure threshold, releasing further fluid moved by the foot-activated pump to an external environment.

Clause 46. The method to Clause 44 or 45, wherein the step of releasing the further fluid includes moving the further fluid through a high pressure relief valve that is in fluid communication with a fluid line extending between the foot-activated pump and the foot support bladder.

Clause 47. The method to Clause 44 or 45, wherein the step of releasing the further fluid includes moving the further fluid through a high pressure relief valve that is in fluid communication with the foot-activated pump.

Clause 48. The method to Clause 43, wherein when the step of activating continues after the fluid pressure in the chamber reaches the maximum pressure threshold, the method includes moving fluid out of the foot support bladder through a high pressure relief valve that is in fluid communication with the foot support bladder.

Clause 49. The method according to any one of Clauses 43 to 48, wherein the step of releasing the fluid at the fluid release rate includes moving the fluid through a slow pressure release component in fluid communication with the foot support bladder.

Clause 50. The method according to Clause 49, wherein the step of moving the fluid through the slow pressure release component includes: (i) moving the fluid through a fluid line that opens into the foot support bladder, (ii) moving the fluid through a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the fluid line, and (iii) moving the fluid through a low pressure relief valve located downstream from the flow rate reducing component.

Clause 51. The method according to Clause 49, wherein the step of moving the fluid through the slow pressure release component includes: (i) moving the fluid through a fluid line that opens into the foot support bladder, and (ii) moving the fluid through a flow rate reducing component for restricting flow rate through the fluid line.

Clause 52. The method according to Clause 50 or 51, wherein the flow rate reducing component includes a fluid line insert having an always open orifice extending through the fluid line insert.

Clause 53. The method according to any one of Clauses 43 to 52, wherein the minimum pressure threshold corresponds to atmospheric pressure.

Clause 54. The method according to any one of Clauses 43 to 53, further comprising: filtering incoming fluid before the fluid reaches the foot-activated pump.

Clause 55. The method according to any one of Clauses 43 to 54, wherein as fluid pressure changes in the foot support bladder to the minimum pressure threshold, a height dimension of the foot support bladder decreases.

Clause 56. The method according to any one of Clauses 43 to 55, wherein as fluid pressure changes in the foot support bladder to the maximum pressure threshold, a height dimension of the foot support bladder increases.

Clause 57. The method according to any one of Clauses 43 to 56, wherein the step of activating the foot-activated pump multiple times produces incremental increases in fluid pressure in the foot support bladder.

Clause 58. The method according to any one of Clauses 43 to 57, wherein the step of activating the foot-activated pump multiple times occurs in response to a wearer taking multiple steps in an article of footwear in which the foot-activated pump is mounted.

Clause 59. The method according to any one of Clauses 43 to 58, further comprising: placing the foot support bladder at the minimum pressure threshold by stopping the step of activating the foot-activated pump and allowing fluid from the chamber of the foot support bladder to release at the fluid release rate until the fluid pressure in the chamber reaches the minimum pressure threshold.

Clause 60. The method according to Clause 59, further comprising: increasing fluid pressure in the foot support bladder from the minimum pressure threshold by resuming the step of activating the foot-activated pump multiple times.

Clause 61. The method according to any one of Clauses 43 to 58, further comprising: reducing fluid pressure in the foot support bladder by stopping the step of activating the foot- activated pump and allowing fluid from the chamber of the foot support bladder to release at the fluid release rate.

Clause 62. The method according to Clause 61, further comprising: after the step of reducing the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder, increasing the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder by resuming the step of activating the foot-activated pump multiple times.

Clause 63. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:

- a foot support bladder transitional between a first height configuration and a second height configuration that is shorter than the first height configuration;
- a first foot-activated pump including a first pump inlet and a first pump outlet, wherein the first foot-activated pump moves fluid in response to force applied by a wearer's foot;
- a first fluid line placing the first pump outlet in fluid communication with the foot support bladder for supplying fluid to the foot support bladder;
- a pressure control system for changing the foot support bladder between a high pressure foot support configuration and a low pressure foot support configuration; and
- a high pressure relief valve configured to keep fluid pressure in the foot support bladder below a maximum threshold value,
- wherein when the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder is at the maximum threshold value, the foot support bladder is at the first height configuration, and when the foot support bladder is at the low pressure foot support configuration, the foot support bladder is at the second height configuration.

Clause 64. The sole structure according to Clause 63, wherein the low pressure foot support configuration corresponds to atmospheric pressure.

Clause 65. The sole structure according to Clause 63 or 64, further comprising: a filter that filters incoming fluid before the incoming fluid reaches the first pump inlet.

Clause 66. The sole structure according to Clause 63 or 64, further comprising: a second foot-activated pump including a second pump inlet and a second pump outlet, wherein the second pump outlet supplies fluid to the first pump inlet.

Clause 67. The sole structure according to Clause 66, wherein the second pump inlet receives incoming fluid from an external source.

Clause 68. The sole structure according to Clause 66 or 67, further comprising: a filter that filters incoming fluid before the incoming fluid reaches the second pump inlet.

Clause 69. The sole structure according to Clause 63, wherein the high pressure relief valve is located in a fluid line that extends from and is in direct fluid communication with the first fluid line.

Clause 70. The sole structure according to Clause 63, wherein the high pressure relief valve is located in a fluid line that extends from and is in direct fluid communication with the first foot-activated pump.

Clause 71. The sole structure according to Clause 63, wherein the high pressure relief valve is located in a fluid line that extends from and is in direct fluid communication with the foot support bladder.

Clause 72. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 63 to 71, wherein the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder incrementally increases as a wearer activates the first foot-activated pump when taking steps.

Clause 73. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 63 to 72, wherein the pressure control system includes a switch for changing the foot support bladder between the high pressure foot support configuration and the low pressure foot support configuration.

Clause 74. The sole structure according to Clause 73, further comprising a second fluid line extending from and in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, wherein the switch closes the second fluid line to place the foot support bladder in the high pressure foot support configuration, and wherein the switch opens the second fluid line to place the foot support bladder in the low pressure foot support configuration.

Clause 75. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 63 to 72, further comprising a second fluid line extending from and in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, wherein the pressure control system opens or closes the second fluid line to change the foot support bladder between the high pressure foot support configuration and the low pressure foot support configuration.

Clause 76. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 63 to 75, wherein the foot support bladder is in a collapsed condition in the low pressure foot support configuration.

Clause 77. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 63 to 76, further comprising: a first midsole component having an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface, wherein the first foot-activated pump is located adjacent the ground-facing surface, and wherein the foot support bladder is located adjacent the upper-facing surface.

Clause 78. The sole structure according to Clause 77, further comprising: a second midsole component, wherein the foot support bladder is located between the first midsole component and the second midsole component.

Clause 79. The sole structure according to Clause 77 or 78, further comprising: an outsole component, wherein the first foot-activated pump is located between the first midsole component and the outsole component.

Clause 80. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 63 to 76, further comprising: a first midsole component having an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface, wherein the first foot-activated pump is located adjacent the ground-facing surface.

Clause 81. The sole structure according to Clause 80, further comprising: an outsole component, wherein the first foot-activated pump is located between the first midsole component and the outsole component.

Clause 82. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 63 to 76, further comprising: a first midsole component having an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface, wherein the foot support bladder is located adjacent the upper-facing surface.

Clause 83. The sole structure according to Clause 82, further comprising: a second midsole component, wherein the foot support bladder is located between the first midsole component and the second midsole component.

Clause 84. An article of footwear, comprising: (A) an upper; and (B) a sole structure according to any one of Clauses 63 to 83 engaged with the upper.

Fluid Systems and Foot Support Systems Including Inflatable Foot Support Chambers with Varying Foot Support Pressure and Footwear Products Including Such Systems

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