Fluid Systems and/or Laminated Structures Including Inflated Chambers for Controlling Fluid Flow in Fluid Lines and Products Including Such Fluid Systems and Structures

Abstract

Fluid systems include: (i) a fluid line having a fluid line wall made at least in part from flexible material; and (ii) an inflated fluid chamber having a chamber wall made at least in part from flexible material. Portions of the fluid chamber and fluid line are positioned adjacent one another. The fluid chamber contains fluid at a first pressure. When pressure in the fluid line is below a first threshold value (e.g., less than the first pressure), the chamber wall is positioned to stop fluid flow through the fluid line. But, when pressure in the fluid line is greater than a second threshold value (e.g., greater than the first pressure), the chamber wall is positioned to allow fluid flow through the fluid line. The fluid system may be a laminate, e.g., with plural sheets of thermoplastic elastomer material sealed together to form the fluid line and fluid chamber.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to fluid systems that control fluid flow through one or more fluid lines using inflated chambers. Some examples of such fluid systems may be incorporated into sole structures and articles of footwear, e.g., to control fluid flow to and/or from one or more foot support bladders. The inflated chamber may function as a valve to control fluid flow through the fluid line.

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.

Fluid systems and/or laminated structures in accordance with some examples of this technology include: (i) a fluid line having a fluid line wall made at least in part from a first flexible material; and (ii) an inflated fluid chamber containing fluid at a first pressure and having a chamber wall made at least in part from a second flexible material. The second flexible material may be the same as or different from the first flexible material. A portion of the inflated fluid chamber (e.g., a flexible portion including the chamber wall) is positioned adjacent a portion of the fluid line (e.g., a flexible portion including the fluid line wall). When fluid pressure in the fluid line is below a first threshold value (e.g., less than or equal to the first pressure), the chamber wall is positioned to stop fluid flow through the fluid line (e.g., by pinching the fluid line closed). When fluid pressure in the fluid line is greater than a second threshold value (e.g., greater than or equal to the first pressure), however, the chamber wall is positioned to allow fluid flow through the fluid line (e.g., the fluid line wall will flex to move the chamber wall and open a fluid flow path through the fluid line).

Additionally or alternatively, fluid systems and/or laminated structures in accordance with some examples of this technology include: (i) a first thermoplastic sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; (ii) a second thermoplastic sheet sealed to the first thermoplastic sheet, wherein the second thermoplastic sheet includes a third surface that faces the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein a fluid line is defined between the second surface and the third surface; and (iii) a third thermoplastic sheet sealed to the second thermoplastic sheet, wherein the third thermoplastic sheet includes a fifth surface that faces the fourth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface, wherein a fluid chamber is defined between the fourth surface and the fifth surface. When the fluid system is in a closed configuration, fluid in the fluid chamber forces the third surface into contact with the second surface to close the fluid line. When the fluid system is in an open configuration, however, the third surface is spaced from the second surface to allow fluid flow through the fluid line.

Additionally or alternatively, some examples of this technology relate to laminated structures and/or fluid systems that include a plurality of layers of thermoplastic elastomeric material including: (a) a first pair of adjacent layers sealed together such that seal area between the first pair of adjacent layers forms a fluid line, and (b) a second pair of adjacent layers sealed together such that seal area between the second pair of adjacent layers forms a fluid chamber, wherein a portion of the fluid chamber is located adjacent a portion of the fluid line. Gas filling the fluid chamber places the fluid chamber at a first pressure. When fluid pressure in the fluid line is below a first threshold value (e.g., less than or equal to the first pressure), the fluid line is closed by the fluid chamber (e.g., pinched shut). When fluid pressure in the fluid line is greater than a second threshold value (e.g., greater than or equal to the first pressure), however, the fluid line is open at the portion adjacent the fluid chamber (e.g., to allow fluid flow through the fluid line at least through the portion adjacent the fluid chamber).

Such fluid systems and/or laminated structures may include the fluid line connected to or integrally formed with one or more other components, such as one or more fluid containers, and/or the fluid line may connect to and allow fluid to flow between components connected at opposite ends of the fluid line. As some more specific examples, the fluid line may be connected to or integrally formed with one or more foot support bladders, one or more fluid reservoirs (e.g., used to adjust pressure in a foot support bladder), one or more bulb pumps (e.g., foot-activated bulb pumps), etc. In some examples, a fluid line will extend between a heel support bladder and a forefoot support bladder to allow fluid to move through the fluid line between these areas of the foot as a wearer lands a step.

While aspects of this technology are described in terms of fluid systems, laminated structures, and footwear components including such systems and structures, additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making such systems, structures, components, and articles of footwear and to methods of using such systems, structures, components, and 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-1I illustrate example fluid systems in accordance with some aspects of this technology including a fluid line, a fluid chamber, and two fluid containers (e.g., foot support bladders) and operation of these fluid systems;

FIGS. 2A and 2B provide enlarged cross-sectional views of adjacent portions of a fluid system in an open configuration and a closed configuration, respectively;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate example fluid systems in accordance with some aspects of this technology that include a laminated valve structure engaged with separate container components in an open configuration and a closed configuration, respectively;

FIGS. 4A and 4B provide enlarged cross-sectional views of adjacent portions of another fluid system in a closed configuration and an open configuration, respectively;

FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate fluid systems of the types described above orientated in an article of footwear;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate various features for adjusting crack pressure of valves and/or fluid systems in accordance with some aspects of this technology; and

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate features of fluid systems in accordance with some examples of this technology in which the valve features of the fluid system are engaged with a compressible bulb pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various examples of fluid systems, laminated structures, 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 specification uses the term “adjacent” to describe the relative positioning of two components (e.g., a portion of an inflated fluid chamber is positioned “adjacent” a portion of a fluid line). The term “adjacent,” as used herein, means that the two components are located next to one another. “Adjacent” components may be in direct contact with one another or separated by a small space (e.g., a space small enough that the components can perform the desired functions described in this specification). In at least some examples of this technology, two components will have portions “adjacent” one another if those two portions are less than 5 mm apart.

This application and/or 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).

Given the general description of fluid systems, laminated structures, fluid lines, inflated chambers, and the like according to certain aspects and examples of this technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example fluid systems, laminated structures, fluid lines, inflated chambers, sole structures, articles of footwear, and/or methods in accordance with this technology follows.

FIG. 1A provides a perspective and sectional view of a fluid system 100 and FIG. 1B provides a top view of the fluid system 100 in accordance with some examples of this technology. The fluid system 100 of this example is a laminated structure make from laminated sheets of thermoplastic elastomer material. Specifically, this illustrated example laminate structure includes three sheets of thermoplastic elastomer material: (i) a first sheet 110 having an exterior surface 110X and an interior surface 110I, (b) a second sheet 120 having a surface 120A facing interior surface 110I and surface 120B opposite surface 120A, and (c) a third sheet 130 having an interior surface 130I facing surface 120B and an opposite, exterior surface 130X. The sheets 110, 120, 130 are engaged together at sealed areas (e.g., 100S), e.g., by application of heat and pressure to the stacked sheets 110, 120, 130. Interior surface 110I is sealed to surface 120A, and surface 120B is sealed to interior surface 130I to form a laminate structure. The fluid system 100 of FIG. 1A is a “closed” system, meaning that it does not accept gas from an external source (e.g., the external environment) and it does not expel gas to the exterior environment.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sealed areas 100S do not completely seal all of interior surface 110I to all of surface 120A and/or do not completely seal all of surface 120B to all of interior surface 130I. Rather, these surfaces 110I, 120A, 120B, and 130I are selectively sealed to one another at certain areas so as to define open chambers in the laminated structure when the fluid system 100 is inflated. In this illustrated example, the sheets 110, 120, 130 are selectively sealed to one another to form: (a) a first fluid container chamber 140A between sheets 110 and 120 (between facing interior surface 110I and surface 120A), (b) a second fluid container chamber 140B between sheets 110 and 120 (between facing interior surface 110I and surface 120A), (c) a fluid line 150 between sheets 110 and 120 (between facing interior surface 110I and surface 120A), and (d) a fluid chamber 160 between sheets 120 and 130 (between facing interior surface 130I and surface 120B). One end of fluid line 150 connects with (e.g., is integrally formed with and/or opens into) first fluid container chamber 140A and the other end of fluid line 150 connects with (e.g., is integrally formed with and/or opens into) second fluid container chamber 140B such that fluid line 150 extends between and is capable of placing first fluid container chamber 140A in fluid communication with second fluid container chamber 140B.

In this illustrated example, the interior of fluid chamber 160 is not in direct fluid communication with fluid line 150 and/or with first fluid container chamber 140A and/or with second fluid container chamber 140B. But, a portion of fluid chamber 160 is positioned adjacent a portion of fluid line 150. In fact, in this illustrated example, at the adjacent portions of fluid chamber 160 and fluid line 150, the fluid line wall 150W and the fluid chamber wall 160W constitute a single wall formed by thermoplastic elastomer sheet 120 (thus, the fluid chamber 160 and the fluid line 150 are located on opposite sides of a single sheet of thermoplastic material (sheet 120)). These adjacent portions of the fluid chamber 160 and fluid line 150 are formed from a flexible material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as materials conventionally used in footwear bladders) to enable wall movement and/or shape changes, as will be described in more detail below, e.g., in conjunction with FIGS. 1C-1I.

First fluid container chamber 140A, second fluid container chamber 140B, fluid line 150, and fluid chamber 160 may have any desired sizes, shapes, volumes, surface areas, relative sizes, relative volumes, and relative surface areas without departing from this technology. As some more specific examples, first fluid container chamber 140A and second fluid container chamber 140B may be sized, shaped, and configured to form foot support bladders for articles of footwear (e.g., with the first fluid container chamber 140A being a forefoot support bladder chamber and the second fluid container chamber 140B being a heel support bladder chamber). As another example, one fluid container chamber (e.g., first fluid container chamber 140A) may be sized, shaped, and configured to form a foot support bladder for an article of footwear while the other fluid container chamber (e.g., second fluid container chamber 140B) may be a reservoir chamber used to supply fluid to or receive fluid from the foot support bladder to enable fluid pressure changes in the foot support bladder. As yet another example, one fluid container chamber (e.g., first fluid container chamber 140A) may be sized, shaped, and configured to form a foot support bladder for an article of footwear while the other fluid container chamber (e.g., second fluid container chamber 140B) may be a bulb type pump chamber (e.g., a foot activated pump chamber, a hand activated pump chamber, etc.) used to supply fluid to the foot support bladder. Fluid line 150 may be linear, curved, zigzag, or otherwise shaped and may have a size and shape akin to plastic tubing or fluid lines typically used in footwear structures. Fluid chamber 160 may project upward or downward from the base surface of the laminate structure and may have a generally spherical, cylindrical, rounded, or other shape.

Fluid line 150 of this example allows fluid flow between the first fluid container chamber 140A and the second fluid container chamber 140B. Thus, fluid line 150 may have a smaller size (e.g., volume) than first fluid container chamber 140A and/or than second fluid container chamber 140B. As some more specific examples, the volume defined by fluid line 150 may be less than 90% of the volume defined by the first fluid container chamber 140A and/or less than 90% of the volume defined by the second fluid container chamber 140B. Additionally, the volume defined by fluid line 150 may be less than 75%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10% of the volume defined by the first fluid container chamber 140A and/or the volume defined by the second fluid container chamber 140B.

The fluid line 150 may follow any desired path length, size, and/or shape between the first fluid container chamber 140A and the second fluid container chamber 140B. In this illustrated example, the portion of the fluid line 150 located adjacent the fluid chamber 160 may have a generally rounded cross section (e.g., circular) with a greatest dimension (e.g., diameter or width W, see FIG. 1B) of 15 mm or less (e.g., 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, 8 mm or less). The entire fluid line 150 may have this dimensional size and shape, or the size and shape may vary along the length of the fluid line 150 from first fluid container chamber 140A to the second fluid container chamber 140B. Fluid chamber 160 also may have any desired size, shape, and/or volume, provided its size, shape, and volume when inflated is large enough to close fluid line 150 in the manner to be described in more detail below. As some more specific examples, fluid chamber 160 may contain a volume of at least 5 cubic centimeters (“cc”), and in some examples, at least 10 cc, at least 15 cc, at least 25 cc, at least 50 cc, between 5 cc and 100 cc, between 10 cc and 100 cc, between 25 cc and 100 cc, between 5 cc and 75 cc, between 10 cc and 75 cc, between 25 cc and 75 cc, and/or between 50 cc and 100 cc.

In at least some examples of this technology, the fluid chamber 160 may contain a smaller volume of fluid (V160) than: (a) the volume of fluid potentially contained in first fluid container chamber 140A when fully expanded (V140A) and/or (b) the volume of fluid potentially contained in second fluid container chamber 140B when fully expanded (V140B). As some more specific examples, V160 may fall within any one of more of the following ranges:

$\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.05\times V140A;& \left(a\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.1\times V140A;& \left(b\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.2\times V140A;& \left(c\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.25\times V140A;& \left(d\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.4\times V140A;& \left(e\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.5\times V140A;& \left(f\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}0.01\times V140A\le V160\le 0.5\times V140A;& \left(g\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}0.02\times V140A\le V160\le 0.5\times V140A;& \left(h\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}0.05\times V140A\le V160\le 0.5\times V140A;& \left(i\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.5\times V140B;& \left(j\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.1\times V140B;& \left(k\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.2\times V140B;& \left(l\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.25\times V140B;& \left(m\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.4\times V140B;& \left(n\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}V160\le 0.5\times V140B;& \left(o\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}0.01\times V140B\le V160\le 0.5\times V140B;& \left(p\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}0.02\times V140B\le V160\le 0.5\times V140B;& \left(q\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}0.05\times V140B\le V160\le 0.5\times V140B.& \left(r\right)\end{array}$

First fluid container chamber 140A, second fluid container chamber 140B, fluid line 150, and fluid chamber 160 may be formed to have the desired sizes, shapes, volumes, surface areas, relative sizes, relative volumes, and relative surface areas in any desired manner without departing from this technology. As a more specific example, an adhesion-inhibiting material may be applied to surfaces 110I and/or 120A at locations where first fluid container chamber 140A, second fluid container chamber 140B, and fluid line 150 are to be formed and an adhesion-inhibiting material may be applied to surfaces 120B and/or 130I at locations where fluid chamber 160 is to be formed. Then, when the laminate is formed (by applying heat and pressure to stacked sheets 110, 120, 130), sealed areas 100S (e.g., welded areas) will form at facing surfaces where no adhesion-inhibiting material is present and unsealed facing surfaces will be present at locations where adhesive-inhibiting material is present (e.g., at first fluid container chamber 140A, second fluid container chamber 140B, fluid line 150, and fluid chamber 160). Additionally or alternatively, an adhesive may be applied to surfaces 110U and/or 120A at locations where sealing is desired (e.g., everywhere except where first fluid container chamber 140A, second fluid container chamber 140B, and fluid line 150 are to be located) and an adhesive may be applied to surfaces 120B and/or 130I at locations where sealing is desired (e.g., everywhere except where fluid chamber 160 is to be formed). Then, when the laminate is formed (by applying heat and/or pressure to stacked sheets 110, 120, 130), sealed areas 100S will form at facing surfaces where the adhesive is present and unsealed facing surfaces will be present at locations where no adhesive is present (e.g., at first fluid container chamber 140A, second fluid container chamber 140B, fluid line 150, and fluid chamber 160). The adhesion-inhibiting material and/or the adhesive in the methods above may be applied to the sheets 110, 120, and/or 130 in any desired manner, such as printing, coating, spraying, etc.

After the sheets 110, 120, and 130 (and any others) are sealed together, or during the sealing process, the various chambers (e.g., first fluid container chamber 140A, second fluid container chamber 140B, fluid line 150, and fluid chamber 160) can be inflated to a desired pressure, e.g., in conventional ways as are known and used in the footwear bladder art. In this illustrated example, fluid chamber 160 may be inflated to a relatively high pressure, e.g., at least 15 psi (and in some examples, at least 20 psi, at least 25 psi, at least 30 psi, at least 40 psi, at least 50 psi, etc.). Inflation of fluid chamber 160 in this manner will cause the flexible material of the fluid chamber 160 to expand outward and the chamber wall 160W to extend outward, thereby forcing surface 120A into contact with interior surface 110I at the portion of the fluid line 150 located adjacent the portion of the inflated fluid chamber 160. Sec FIGS. 1A and 1C. Then, the first fluid container chamber 140A can be inflated to a desired pressure (e.g., a pressure less than the pressure of fluid chamber 160, such as less than 30 psi, less than 20 psi, etc.). These example steps leave the fluid chamber 160 inflated, the first fluid container chamber 140A inflated, and the second fluid container chamber 140B uninflated (although it may be inflated to some level, if desired).

Fluid chamber 160 of this fluid system 100 operates in the manner of a valve for fluid line 150, as will be described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 1C-1I. As shown in FIG. 1C, the fluid chamber 160 is inflated to a high pressure (e.g., 50 psi or within any of the ranges described above), the first fluid container chamber 140A inflated to a lower pressure (e.g., 20 psi), and the second fluid container chamber 140B uninflated or substantially uninflated. Because each of the fluid chamber wall 160W and the fluid line wall 150W is formed from a flexible material, the high pressure in the fluid chamber 160 will pinch the fluid line 150 closed at adjacent portions of the fluid line 150 and the chamber 160 (shown by the large “X” in FIG. 1C). The lower pressure in the first fluid container chamber 140A is not sufficient to open the fluid line 150 in this arrangement.

FIGS. 1C and 1D show the effect of application of a sufficient external force F to the first fluid container chamber 140A. This could occur, for example, if the first fluid container chamber 140A is a foot support bladder and the external force F is due to a user of the foot support bladder landing a step or jump. The force F will cause increased fluid pressure in the fluid line 150 at the left side of FIGS. 1C and 1D. If the force is sufficient (e.g., at least greater than the pressure in fluid chamber 160), the increased fluid pressure in fluid line 150 will cause surface 120A to flex away from interior surface 110I, thereby opening the fluid line 150 to allow fluid to flow through fluid line 150, past fluid chamber 160, and into second fluid container chamber 140B (which may be a foot support bladder, a fluid reservoir, etc.). See fluid flow arrows 180 in FIGS. 1C and 1D.

If the external force F is sufficient and lasts a sufficient length of time, fluid pressure and volume in the first fluid container chamber 140A may be substantially depleted and much of the fluid volume will move through fluid line 150 to the second fluid container chamber 140B. See FIG. 1E. This may cause the first fluid container chamber 140A to completely collapse or substantially collapse. When the external force F is reduced or relaxed to a sufficient extent (e.g., such that fluid pressure in fluid line 150 drops below a predetermined value, such as below the pressure present in fluid chamber 160), the higher pressure in the fluid chamber 160 again will flex walls 160W and 150W and pinch the fluid line 150 closed at their adjacent portions (shown by the large “X” in FIG. 1F). This action will hold the fluid in the second fluid container chamber 140B. Once moved to the second fluid container chamber 140B with the external force F sufficiently relaxed, the lower pressure in the second fluid container chamber 140B is not sufficient to open the fluid line 150 in the arrangement of FIG. 1F. The steps shown in FIGS. 1C-IF could occur, for example, if the first fluid container chamber 140A is a heel support bladder and force F is a wearer landing a step on the heel (wherein FIGS. 1C-IF illustrate changes as the foot rolls forward during the step). In this arrangement, the second fluid container chamber 140B may constitute a forefoot support bladder, and the steps of FIGS. 1C-IF will have moved fluid to the forefoot support bladder.

FIGS. 1G-1I show steps involved in moving fluid back to the first fluid container chamber 140A in some examples of this technology (e.g., as the step cycle continues). To do so, a force F is applied to the second fluid container chamber 140B (e.g., such as a force applied to a forefoot support bladder during the toe-off phase of a step cycle). This force F will cause increased fluid pressure in the fluid line 150 at the right side of FIGS. 1G and 1H. If the force F is sufficient (e.g., at least greater than the pressure in fluid chamber 160), the increased fluid pressure in fluid line 150 will cause surface 120A to flex away from interior surface 110I (as walls 150W and 160W flex), thereby opening the fluid line 150 to allow fluid to flow through fluid line 150, past fluid chamber 160, and into first fluid container chamber 140A. See fluid flow arrows 182 in FIGS. 1G and 1H.

If the external force F is sufficient and lasts a sufficient length of time, fluid pressure and volume in the second fluid container chamber 140B may be substantially depleted and much of the fluid volume will move through fluid line 150 to the first fluid container chamber 140A. See FIG. 1H. This may cause the second fluid container chamber 140B to completely collapse or substantially collapse. When the external force F is reduced or relaxed to a sufficient extent (e.g., such that fluid pressure in fluid line 150 drops below a predetermined value, such as below the pressure present in fluid chamber 160), the higher pressure in the fluid chamber 160 again will flex walls 160W and 150W and pinch the fluid line 150 closed at their adjacent portions (shown by the large “X” in FIG. 1I). This action will hold the fluid in the first fluid container chamber 140A. In this manner, the fluid system 100 has substantially returned to its original configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C), and the fluid system 100 can be ready to again shift fluid between the first fluid container chamber 140A and the second fluid container chamber 140B via the fluid line 150 (e.g., during the heel strike phase of a next step cycle). In this manner, fluid can shift back and forth between heel and toe to be present where needed during the step cycle.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show cross sectional views of adjacent portions of a fluid line 150 and fluid chamber 160 in a fluid system 100, e.g., of the types generally described above. In this example, the fluid system 100 comprises a three sheet 110, 120, 130 laminate. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 2A and 2B as used in FIGS. 1A-1I, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options or alternatives described above), and much of the overlapping description has been omitted. As shown in these figures, fluid chamber 160 operates as a valve that transitions the fluid line 150 between: (i) an open configuration (FIG. 2A) where fluid flows through the fluid line 150 and (ii) a closed configuration (FIG. 2B) where fluid flow is stopped by pinching action of the fluid chamber wall 160W (which also forms the fluid line wall 150W) against the interior surface 110I of the thermoplastic sheet 110. In the open configuration (FIG. 2A), fluid pressure in the fluid line 150 is greater than a threshold value, e.g., greater than the pressure in fluid chamber 160 (plus any additional pressure and/or force needed to flex laminate sheet 120 to the open position). In the closed configuration (FIG. 2B), fluid pressure in the fluid chamber 160 is greater than fluid pressure in the fluid line 150, e.g., pressure sufficient to flex laminate sheet 120 to the closed position to pinch the fluid line 150 closed. Thus, the adjacent portion of the fluid chamber 160 located by fluid line 150 must be sized and shaped to completely span across the width W (or diameter) of the fluid line 150 (see FIG. 1B) when the fluid chamber wall 160W is located in the closed configuration.

FIGS. 1A-1I show that example fluid system 100 as including the fluid line 150 and fluid chamber 160 of FIGS. 2A and 2B integrally formed together with the first fluid container chamber 140A and second fluid container chamber 140B (e.g., as part of a single laminate structure or a single, one-piece unitary construction). Other structures are possible. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a fluid system 100 that includes a fluid line 150 and fluid chamber 160 (e.g., of the types shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) attached to one or more separate fluid containers 142. In this specific example, two fluid containers 142 are shown, with one fluid container 142 providing first fluid container chamber 140A and another fluid container 142 providing second fluid container chamber 140B. FIG. 3A shows this example fluid system 100 in the open configuration and FIG. 3B shows the fluid system 100 in the closed configuration. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 3A and 3B as used in FIGS. 1A-2B, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options or alternatives described above), and much of the overlapping description has been omitted.

When provided as separate components, the fluid container(s) 142 may be engaged with the fluid line 150 (e.g., ends of the fluid line 150) and/or other portion of the fluid system 100 in any desired manner. As some more specific examples, the connection(s) may be accomplished using one or more of hardware components (e.g., couplings, etc.), mechanical connectors, adhesive connections, friction fits, crimping, etc. Also, while FIGS. 3A and 3B show both the first fluid container chamber 140A and second fluid container chamber 140B provided with separate fluid container 142 parts, a fluid system 100 could be equipped with one fluid container chamber 140A or 140B provided as an integral structure (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A-1I, optionally as part of an overall laminate structure) and one fluid container chamber 140A or 140B provided as a separate part (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

FIGS. 1A-3B show fluid system 100 structures with a three sheet laminate construction in which the fluid line 150 and the fluid chamber 160 share a common wall 150W, 160W formed as a single layer of the laminate at their adjacent portions. Other structures are possible. For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example fluid system 100 (or portion of an overall fluid system 100) that includes four component parts (e.g., four laminate sheet layers). Two adjacent layers or sheets 110 and 120 form the fluid line 150, and two adjacent layers or sheets 130, 170 form the fluid chamber 160. Alternatively, if desired, fluid line 150 could be formed as a single, one-piece part and/or fluid chamber 160 could be formed as a single, one-piece part. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 4A and 4B as used in FIGS. 1A-3B, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options or alternatives described above), and much of the overlapping description has been omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, like the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, fluid chamber 160 operates as a valve that transitions the fluid line 150 between: (i) a closed configuration (FIG. 4A) where fluid flow is stopped by pinching action of the fluid chamber wall 160W and fluid line wall 150W against the interior surface 110I of the thermoplastic sheet 110, and (ii) an open configuration (FIG. 4B) where fluid flow through the fluid line 150 occurs. In the closed configuration (FIG. 4A), fluid pressure in the fluid chamber 160 is greater than fluid pressure in the fluid line 150, e.g., fluid chamber 160 pressure is sufficient to flex laminate sheets 120 and 170 to the closed position to pinch the fluid line 150 closed. Thus, the adjacent portion of the fluid chamber 160 located by fluid line 150 must be sized and shaped to completely span across the width W (or diameter) of the fluid line 150 (see FIG. 1B) when the fluid chamber wall 160W is located in the closed configuration. In the open configuration (FIG. 4B), fluid pressure in the fluid line 150 is greater than a threshold value, e.g., greater than the pressure in fluid chamber 160 plus any additional pressure and/or force needed to flex laminate sheets 120 and 170 to the open position.

The fluid system 100 of FIGS. 4A and 4B may include first fluid container chamber 140A and/or second fluid container chamber 140B. In such structures, either or both of the first fluid container chamber 140A and/or second fluid container chamber 140B may be formed as an integral part (e.g., as a laminate structure) with fluid line 150, e.g., like FIGS. 1A-1I. Alternatively, if desired, either or both of the first fluid container chamber 140A and/or second fluid container chamber 140B may be formed as separate parts that is/are attached to the fluid line 150, e.g., as fluid container(s) 142, in the manners described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate a fluid system 100, e.g., of the type shown in FIGS. 1A-1I, incorporated into an article of footwear 500 (not to scale). The article of footwear 500 includes a footwear upper 502, e.g., formed from one or more component parts, including one or more conventional parts made from conventional materials and/or in conventional constructions as are known and used in the footwear art. The upper 502 is engaged with a sole structure 504, which also may be formed from one or more component parts, including one or more conventional parts made from conventional materials and/or in conventional constructions as are known and used in the footwear art.

The fluid system 100 may be engaged with one or both of the upper 502 and/or the sole structure 504 and may form at least a portion of the article of footwear 500 that supports the plantar surface of a wearer's foot (e.g., forming at least a portion of the footbed of the article of footwear 500). Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 5A and 5B as used in FIGS. 1A-4B, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options or alternatives described above), and much of the overlapping description has been omitted. The fluid system 100 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is vertically inverted from the orientation shown in FIGS. 1A-1I.

In the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first fluid container chamber 140A forms a fluid-filled bladder chamber for supporting at least a portion of the heel region of a wearer's foot. Thus, first fluid container chamber 140A may form a heel support region of the article of footwear 500, upper 502, and/or sole structure 504. In use, as a footwear 500 wearer lands a typical step on the heel region of the footwear 500 structure, force F is applied to the first fluid container chamber 140A (the heel support bladder chamber in this example). As the step continues, continued force will be applied to the first fluid container chamber 140A as the foot rolls forward during the step. This action attenuates the impact force F at the heel from landing the step and begins to move fluid forward, through fluid line 150, to the second fluid container chamber 140B in the manner shown and described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1C-IF.

During the step cycle, as the foot continues to roll forward, the force on the heel (on first fluid container chamber 140A) relaxes or reduces as the wearer's weight rolls forward to the toes for the toe-off portion of the step cycle. This toe-off action applies force F to the second fluid container chamber 140B (a forefoot support bladder chamber in this example). As the step continues, continued force will be applied to the second fluid container chamber 140B as the foot rolls forward during the step. This action provides a soft feel at the forefoot and begins to move fluid rearward, through fluid line 150, to the first fluid container chamber 140A in the manner shown and described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1F-1I. When the toe lifts from the contact surface, the fluid system 100 will be in the configuration shown in FIG. 1I and FIG. 5A where fluid has returned to the first fluid container chamber 140A at the heel support region in this illustrated example. With the fluid returned to the first fluid container chamber 140A, the fluid system 100 is ready for the next step cycle when the heel lands. In this manner, fluid and added foot support are present at the heel support region as the foot lands on the heel (e.g., to attenuate impact forces and provide a soft feel) and fluid and added support are present at the forefoot support region as the foot pushes off during the step (e.g., to attenuate impact forces and provide a soft feel).

As discussed above, fluid pressure in the fluid chamber 160 controls the pressure needed in fluid line 150 to change the fluid system 100 from a closed configuration to an open configuration. In general: (i) if fluid pressure (P150) in the fluid line 150 is less than fluid pressure (P160) in the fluid chamber 160, the fluid system 100 will be in the closed configuration and (ii) if fluid pressure (P150) in the fluid line 150 is greater than fluid pressure (P160) in the fluid chamber 160, the fluid system 100 will be in the open configuration. When changing from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the fluid pressure P150 in the fluid line 150 may need to be somewhat higher than the fluid pressure P160 in the fluid chamber 160 to provide additional force to get the flexible wall 160W of the fluid chamber 160 and the flexible wall 150W of the fluid line 150 to move and change positions. Thus, the threshold value of fluid line 150 pressure P150 for changing the fluid system 100 from the closed configuration to the open configuration may be at least the fluid chamber 160 pressure P160 (and optionally the fluid chamber 160 pressure P160 plus the additional force needed to move the flexible material of the flexible wall(s) 150W and/or 160W).

Similarly, when changing from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the fluid pressure P160 in the fluid chamber 160 may need to be somewhat higher than the fluid pressure P150 in the fluid line 150 to provide additional force to get the flexible wall 160W of the fluid chamber 160 and the flexible wall 150W of the fluid line 150 to move and change positions. Thus, the threshold value of fluid chamber 160 pressure P160 for changing the fluid system 100 from the open configuration to the closed configuration may be at least the fluid line 150 pressure P150 (and optionally the fluid line 150 pressure P150 plus the additional force needed to move the flexible material of the flexible wall(s) 150W and/or 160W). Characteristics of the flexible wall(s) 150W and/or 160W may be controlled, e.g., to control the “threshold value” needed to change the fluid system 100 between the open configuration and the closed configuration. As some more specific examples, the characteristics useful to control wall flexion properties may include: wall 150W and/or 160W thickness (e.g., laminate sheet 120 and/or sheet 130 thickness at the adjacent portions), wall 150W and/or 160W materials, wall 150W and/or 160W cross sectional shapes, the presence or absence of “pre-bend” lines in 150W and/or 160W, the presence or absence of thickened areas of wall(s) 150W and/or 160W, the presence or absence of thinned areas of wall(s) 150W and/or 160W, etc.

In the examples of FIGS. 1A-5B, the fluid chamber 160 is set at a fixed pressure. Thus, the fluid systems 100: (i) allow fluid flow through fluid line 150 generally when pressure P150 in the fluid line 150 is at least somewhat above this fixed pressure and (ii) inhibit fluid flow through the fluid line 150 when pressure P150 in the fluid line 150 is at least somewhat below this fixed pressure. Other features are possible, e.g., as shown in the fluid system 600 of FIG. 6. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 6 as used in FIGS. 1A-5B, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options or alternatives described above), and much of the overlapping description has been omitted.

In the example fluid system 600 of FIG. 6, the fluid chamber 160 includes a valve 602 that allows a user to increase or decrease pressure P160 in the fluid chamber 160. By changing pressure P160 in the fluid chamber 160, the pressure P150 needed to open and close the fluid line 150 (e.g., the “crack pressure”) can be controlled and changed, e.g., by a manufacturer, by an end user, etc. Thus, adding fluid to fluid chamber 160 can increase the pressure P150 needed to open the fluid line 150, and removing fluid from fluid chamber 160 can decrease the pressure P150 needed to open the fluid line 150. Any type of valve 602 structure may be provided, such as a Schrader valve, a Presta valve, a one-way valve, an electronically controllable valve, etc. The valve 602 may be connected to a fluid source (e.g., a pump, compressor, etc.) to increase fluid pressure in chamber 160 and/or may be opened to the external environment to decrease fluid pressure in chamber 160. Such additional valves 602 can be useful, for example, to adjust pressure P160 in the fluid chamber 160, e.g., depending on the user's weight, depending on anticipated activity, depending on personal preference, depending on ambient temperature, to compensate for loss of fluid over time, etc. The fluid system 600 of FIG. 6 can move fluid between fluid container chambers 140A and 140B in the same manners described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1I. The fluid system 600 of FIG. 6 may be used in articles of footwear, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and/or may include any and/or all of the functions, features, alternatives, and options shown and discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-5B.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example fluid system 700 in accordance with some aspects of this technology. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 7 as used in FIGS. 1A-6, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options or alternatives described above), and much of the overlapping description has been omitted. Like the example of FIG. 6, the fluid system 700 of FIG. 7 includes a valve 602 to allow change and control of pressure P160 in the fluid chamber 160 (and thus allowing change and control of the crack pressure for changing the fluid line 150 between the open and closed configurations). The example fluid system 700 of FIG. 7 includes an electronically controllable valve 602 that includes an input system 702 for receiving user input (e.g., regarding the desired pressure setting for fluid chamber 160). Input system 702 may include a wired or wireless input that supplies data to a microprocessor included with valve 602.

FIG. 7 also shows that this example fluid system 700 includes a user input device 704 for receiving user input and sending it to the input system 702 of the valve 602. While FIG. 7 shows a smartphone type user input device 704, other types of input devices could be used, such as other types of telephones; watches (e.g., smart-watches); microphones; voice-activated systems; buttons (e.g., tactile buttons or capacitive buttons); switches; remote control systems; etc. FIG. 7 also illustrates wireless communication between the user input device 704 and the valve 602's input system 702. Additionally or alternatively, a wired connection may be provided between the user input device 704 and the valve 602's input system 702. Still additionally or alternatively, the user input device 704 may be mounted to an article of footwear (e.g., 500) and have a wired connection to the valve 602. Such user input devices 704 may include one or more buttons, switches, or the like. The fluid system 700 of FIG. 7 may be used in articles of footwear, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and/or may include any and/or all of the functions, features, alternatives, and options shown and discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-6.

The example fluid systems described above use the fluid chamber 160 as a valve to control fluid flow in fluid line 150, e.g., between a first fluid container chamber 140A and a second fluid container chamber 140B. These fluid container chambers 140A, 140B may comprise foot support bladders connected by fluid line 150, such as a heel support bladder and a forefoot support bladder as described above. Other structures and configurations are possible. As one more specific example, one of fluid container chamber 140A and/or 140B may comprise a fluid reservoir, e.g., used to supply fluid to and/or receive fluid from a foot support bladder (which may constitute the other of the fluid container chambers 140A or 140B) to change foot support pressure in the foot support bladder.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show another example fluid system 800 in accordance with some aspects of this technology. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 8A and 8B as used in FIGS. 1A-7, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options or alternatives described above), and much of the overlapping description has been omitted. The fluid system 800 may have any of the structural features, alternatives, and options discussed above for FIGS. 1A-7.

In the fluid system 800 of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the fluid line 150 connects with and is in fluid communication with a compressible bulb pump 802. The fluid line 150 may be a single, integrated construction with the bulb pump 802 (e.g., as part of the laminate structure), or the fluid line 150 may be a separate component part from the bulb pump 802 and connected to the bulb pump 802 (e.g., using one or more of hardware components (e.g., couplings, etc.), mechanical connectors, adhesive connections, friction fits, crimping, etc.). The bulb pump 802 also may be connected to a fluid container 142 (e.g., a fluid filled bladder, a foot support bladder, a reservoir, etc.). The fluid container 142 may be part of a single, integrated construction with the bulb pump 802 (e.g., as part of the laminate structure), or the fluid container 142 may be a separate component part from the bulb pump 802 and connected to the bulb pump 802 (e.g., using one or more of hardware components (e.g., couplings, etc.), mechanical connectors, adhesive connections, friction fits, crimping, etc.). Another fluid line 804 may extend between the bulb pump 802 and the fluid container 142, and a valve 806 (e.g., a one-way valve, an electronically controllable valve, a switch, etc.) may be provided in this fluid line 804 to prevent fluid from leaving the fluid container 142 via fluid line 804.

As noted above, one end of the fluid line 150 may be in fluid communication with the bulb pump 802. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, this connection is provided on one side of the fluid line 150 from the adjacent portions of the fluid line 150 and the fluid chamber 160. At the other side of the fluid line 150 from the adjacent portions of the fluid line 150 and the fluid chamber 160, the fluid line 150 of this example opens to the external environment 808. Alternatively, rather than the external environment 808, this opposite end of the fluid line 150 could connect to another component, such as another footwear component, another fluid system component, a low pressure relief valve, etc.

In some examples of this technology, the compressible bulb pump 802 may be a foot-activated pump, e.g., mounted in an article of footwear 500 such that the bulb pump 802 may be compressed when the wearer steps downward on a contact surface (e.g., lands a step or jump). In the example configuration shown in FIG. 8A: (i) the fluid chamber 160 has placed fluid line 150 in the closed configuration, (ii) the valve 806 is in an open configuration, and (iii) fluid pressure within container 142 is not greater than pressure P160 in fluid chamber 160. In this configuration, when a compressive force G is applied to the bulb pump 802, fluid will be pumped through fluid line 804, valve 806, and into container 142 and fluid chamber 160 prevents fluid from flowing through fluid line 150 past the adjacent portions of fluid line 150 and fluid chamber 160 and into the external environment 808.

But, if pressure in the fluid container 142 becomes higher than the pressure P160 in the fluid chamber 160 and/or if valve 806 is closed (e.g., manually, electronically, automatically, etc.), the fluid system 800 goes into the configuration shown in FIG. 8B. In that configuration, continued compressive force G applied to the bulb pump 802 will cause fluid line wall 150W and fluid chamber wall 160W to move away from interior surface 110I to open the fluid line 150 through the adjacent portions of fluid line 150 and fluid chamber 160 (e.g., provided the applied compressive force G is sufficient to make the pressure P150 in the fluid line 150 greater than the pressure P160 in fluid chamber 160). This action allows fluid to flow through fluid line 150 and into the external environment 808 (or to other destination). In this manner, the fluid chamber 160 can act as a check valve to prevent over pressurization of the compressible bulb pump 802.

In accordance with some aspects of this technology, the fluid systems 100, 600, 700, 800 (or at least the fluid line 150 and fluid chamber 160 portions thereof) may be formed as laminated structures. Such laminated structures may include: a plurality of layers (e.g., sheets 110, 120, 130, 170) of thermoplastic elastomeric material including: (a) a first pair of adjacent layers (e.g., sheet 110 and sheet 120) sealed together such that sealed area 100S between the first pair of adjacent layers (e.g., sheet 110 and sheet 120) forms a fluid line 150, and (b) a second pair of adjacent layers (e.g., sheet 120 and sheet 130 or sheet 170 and sheet 130) sealed together such that sealed area 100S between the second pair of adjacent layers (e.g., sheet 120 and sheet 130 or sheet 170 and sheet 130) forms a fluid chamber 160, wherein a portion of the fluid chamber 160 (e.g., fluid chamber wall 160W) is located adjacent a portion of the fluid line 150 (e.g., fluid line wall 150W). At least these adjacent portions (e.g., fluid chamber wall 160W and fluid line wall 150W) comprise a flexible material.

Gas fills the fluid chamber 160 to place the fluid chamber 160 at a first pressure P160. Then, as described above: (i) when fluid pressure P150 in the fluid line 150 is below a first threshold value (e.g., below about the first pressure P160 as discussed above), the fluid line 150 is closed by the fluid chamber 160 (by fluid line wall 150W and fluid chamber wall 160W extending to interior surface 110I and pinching the fluid line 150 closed), and (ii) when fluid pressure P150 in the fluid line 150 is greater than a second threshold value (e.g., greater than about P160 as discussed above), the fluid line 150 is open at the portion adjacent the fluid chamber 160. If desired, the first pair of adjacent layers (e.g., sheet 110 and sheet 120) and the second pair of adjacent layers (e.g., sheet 120 and sheet 130) may share one of the layers of the plurality of layers (e.g., sheet 120 may be present in both the first pair and the second pair of adjacent layers). In other examples, however, the first pair of adjacent layers (e.g., sheet 110 and sheet 120) and the second pair of adjacent layers (e.g., sheet 130 and sheet 170) will not share a common layer (although the first pair of adjacent layers may be adjacent the second pair of adjacent layers).

III. 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 fluid system, comprising:

• • a fluid line having a fluid line wall made at least in part from a first flexible material; and
  • an inflated fluid chamber having a chamber wall made at least in part from a second flexible material, wherein the second flexible material is the same as or different from the first flexible material, wherein a portion of the inflated fluid chamber is positioned adjacent a portion of the fluid line, wherein the inflated fluid chamber contains fluid at a first pressure, wherein: (i) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is below a first threshold value, the chamber wall is positioned to stop fluid flow through the fluid line, and (ii) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is greater than a second threshold value, the chamber wall is positioned to allow fluid flow through the fluid line, wherein the first threshold value is less than or equal to the first pressure, and wherein the second threshold value is greater than or equal to the first pressure.

Clause 2. The fluid system according to Clause 1, further comprising: a first foot support bladder chamber in fluid communication with the fluid line.

Clause 3. The fluid system according to Clause 2, wherein the fluid line and the first foot support bladder chamber comprise a unitary, one piece construction.

Clause 4. The fluid system according to Clause 2, wherein the fluid line, the first foot support bladder chamber, and the inflated fluid chamber comprise a multi-layer laminate construction.

Clause 5. The fluid system according to Clause 2, further comprising: a fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid line, wherein the fluid line extends between the first foot support bladder chamber and the fluid container, and wherein the inflated fluid chamber controls fluid flow through the fluid line between the first foot support bladder chamber and the fluid container.

Clause 6. The fluid system according to Clause 5, wherein the fluid container comprises a second foot support bladder chamber.

Clause 7. The fluid system according to Clause 6, wherein the first foot support bladder chamber comprises a heel support bladder chamber and the second foot support bladder chamber comprise a forefoot support bladder chamber.

Clause 8. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 5 to 7, wherein the fluid line, the first foot support bladder chamber, and the fluid container comprise a unitary, one piece construction.

Clause 9. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 5 to 7, wherein the fluid line, the first foot support bladder chamber, the fluid container, and the inflated fluid chamber comprise a multi-layer laminate construction.

Clause 10. The fluid system according to Clause 1, wherein the fluid line and the inflated fluid chamber comprise a multi-layer laminate construction.

Clause 11. The fluid system according to Clause 1, further comprising: a fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid line, wherein the inflated fluid chamber controls fluid flow through the fluid line to and/or from the fluid container.

Clause 12. The fluid system according to Clause 1, further comprising: a compressible bulb pump in fluid communication with the fluid line.

Clause 13. The fluid system according to Clause 12, wherein a first side of the fluid line is in fluid communication with the compressible bulb pump and a second side of the fluid line is in fluid communication with an external environment.

Clause 14. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein a portion of the fluid line wall and a portion of the chamber wall are formed from a single sheet of thermoplastic material.

Clause 15. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the fluid line and the inflated fluid chamber are located on opposite sides of a single sheet of thermoplastic material.

Clause 16. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein when the fluid pressure in the fluid line is below the first threshold value, the inflated fluid chamber pinches the fluid line shut.

Clause 17. A fluid system, comprising:

• • a first thermoplastic sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;
  • a second thermoplastic sheet sealed to the first thermoplastic sheet, wherein the second thermoplastic sheet includes a third surface that faces the second surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein a fluid line is defined between the second surface and the third surface; and
  • a third thermoplastic sheet sealed to the second thermoplastic sheet, wherein the third thermoplastic sheet includes a fifth surface that faces the fourth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface, wherein a fluid chamber is defined between the fourth surface and the fifth surface,
  • wherein when the fluid system is in a closed configuration, fluid in the fluid chamber forces the third surface into contact with the second surface to close the fluid line, and when the fluid system is in an open configuration, the third surface is spaced from the second surface to allow fluid flow through the fluid line.

Clause 18. The fluid system according to Clause 17, wherein the first thermoplastic sheet is sealed to the second thermoplastic sheet such that a first foot support bladder chamber is defined between the second surface and the third surface, and wherein the fluid line opens into the first foot support bladder chamber.

Clause 19. The fluid system according to Clause 18, wherein the first thermoplastic sheet is sealed to the second thermoplastic sheet such that a fluid container is defined between the second surface and the third surface, wherein a first end of the fluid line opens into the first foot support bladder chamber and a second end of the fluid line opens into the fluid container.

Clause 20. The fluid system according to Clause 19, wherein the fluid container comprises a second foot support bladder chamber.

Clause 21. The fluid system according to Clause 20, wherein the first foot support bladder chamber comprises a heel support bladder chamber and the second foot support bladder chamber comprise a forefoot support bladder chamber.

Clause 22. The fluid system according to Clause 17, wherein the first thermoplastic sheet is sealed to the second thermoplastic sheet such that a compressible bulb pump is defined between the second surface and the third surface, and wherein the fluid line opens into the compressible bulb pump.

Clause 23. The fluid system according to Clause 22, wherein a first side of the fluid line is in fluid communication with the compressible bulb pump and a second side of the fluid line is in fluid communication with an external environment.

Clause 24. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 17 to 23, wherein when the fluid system is in the closed configuration, the fluid chamber pinches the fluid line shut.

Clause 25. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: (A) a sole component; and (B) a fluid system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 24 engaged with the sole component.

Clause 26. An article of footwear, comprising: (A) a footwear component; and (B) a fluid system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 24 engaged with the footwear component.

Clause 27. A laminated structure, comprising:

• • a plurality of layers of thermoplastic elastomeric material including:
    • (a) a first pair of adjacent layers sealed together such that seal area between the first pair of adjacent layers forms a fluid line, and
    • (b) a second pair of adjacent layers sealed together such that seal area between the second pair of adjacent layers forms a fluid chamber, wherein a portion of the fluid chamber is located adjacent a portion of the fluid line; and
  • gas filling the fluid chamber to place the fluid chamber at a first pressure, wherein: (i) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is below a first threshold value, the fluid line is closed by the fluid chamber, and (ii) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is greater than a second threshold value, the fluid line is open at the portion adjacent the fluid chamber, wherein the first threshold value is less than or equal to the first pressure, and wherein the second threshold value is greater than or equal to the first pressure.

Clause 28. The laminated structure according to Clause 27, wherein the first pair of adjacent layers and the second pair of adjacent layers share a single one of the layers of the plurality of layers.

Clause 29. The laminated structure according to Clause 27, wherein the first pair of adjacent layers and the second pair of adjacent layers do not share a common layer.

Clause 30. The laminated structure according to any one of Clauses 27 to 29, wherein the seal area between the first pair of adjacent layers additionally forms a first foot support bladder chamber in fluid communication with the fluid line.

Clause 31. The laminated structure according to Clause 30, wherein the seal area between the first pair of adjacent layers additionally forms a fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid line, wherein the fluid line extends between the first foot support bladder chamber and the fluid container.

Clause 32. The laminated structure according to Clause 31, wherein the portion of the fluid line adjacent the portion of the fluid chamber is located between the first foot support bladder chamber and the fluid container.

Clause 33. The laminated structure according to Clause 31 or 32, wherein the fluid container comprises a second foot support bladder chamber.

Clause 34. The laminated structure according to Clause 33, wherein the first foot support bladder chamber comprises a heel support bladder chamber and the second foot support bladder chamber comprise a forefoot support bladder chamber.

Clause 35. The laminated structure according to any one of Clauses 27 to 29, wherein the seal area between the first pair of adjacent layers additionally forms a fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid line.

Clause 36. The laminated structure according to Clause 27, wherein the seal area between the first pair of adjacent layers additionally forms a compressible bulb pump in fluid communication with the fluid line.

Clause 37. The laminated structure according to Clause 36, wherein a first side of the fluid line is in fluid communication with the compressible bulb pump and a second side of the fluid line is in fluid communication with an external environment.

Clause 38. The laminated structure according to any one of Clauses 27 to 37, wherein when the fluid pressure in the fluid line is below the first threshold value, the fluid chamber pinches the fluid line shut.

Clause 39. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: (A) a sole component; and (B) a laminated structure according to any one of Clauses 27 to 38 engaged with the sole component.

Clause 40. An article of footwear, comprising: (A) a footwear component; and (B) a laminated structure according to any one of Clauses 27 to 38 engaged with the footwear component.

Claims

1. A fluid system, comprising: a fluid line having a fluid line wall made at least in part from a first flexible material; andan inflated fluid chamber having a chamber wall made at least in part from a second flexible material, wherein the second flexible material is the same as or different from the first flexible material, wherein a portion of the inflated fluid chamber is positioned adjacent a portion of the fluid line, wherein the inflated fluid chamber contains fluid at a first pressure, wherein: (i) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is below a first threshold value, the chamber wall is positioned to stop fluid flow through the fluid line, and (ii) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is greater than a second threshold value, the chamber wall is positioned to allow fluid flow through the fluid line, wherein the first threshold value is less than or equal to the first pressure, and wherein the second threshold value is greater than or equal to the first pressure.

2. The fluid system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first foot support bladder chamber in fluid communication with the fluid line.

3. The fluid system according to claim 2, wherein the fluid line and the first foot support bladder chamber comprise a unitary, one piece construction.

4. The fluid system according to claim 2, wherein the fluid line, the first foot support bladder chamber, and the inflated fluid chamber comprise a multi-layer laminate construction.

5. The fluid system according to claim 2, further comprising: a fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid line, wherein the fluid line extends between the first foot support bladder chamber and the fluid container, and wherein the inflated fluid chamber controls fluid flow through the fluid line between the first foot support bladder chamber and the fluid container.

6. The fluid system according to claim 5, wherein the fluid container comprises a second foot support bladder chamber.

7. The fluid system according to claim 6, wherein the first foot support bladder chamber comprises a heel support bladder chamber and the second foot support bladder chamber comprise a forefoot support bladder chamber.

8. The fluid system according to claim 5, wherein the fluid line, the first foot support bladder chamber, and the fluid container comprise a unitary, one piece construction.

9. The fluid system according to claim 5, wherein the fluid line, the first foot support bladder chamber, the fluid container, and the inflated fluid chamber comprise a multi-layer laminate construction.

10. The fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid line and the inflated fluid chamber comprise a multi-layer laminate construction.

11. The fluid system according to claim 1, further comprising: a fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid line, wherein the inflated fluid chamber controls fluid flow through the fluid line to and/or from the fluid container.

12. The fluid system according to claim 1, further comprising: a compressible bulb pump in fluid communication with the fluid line.

13. The fluid system according to claim 12, wherein a first side of the fluid line is in fluid communication with the compressible bulb pump and a second side of the fluid line is in fluid communication with an external environment.

14. The fluid system according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the fluid line wall and a portion of the chamber wall are formed from a single sheet of thermoplastic material.

15. The fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid line and the inflated fluid chamber are located on opposite sides of a single sheet of thermoplastic material.

16. The fluid system according to claim 1, wherein when the fluid pressure in the fluid line is below the first threshold value, the inflated fluid chamber pinches the fluid line shut.

17. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: a sole component; anda fluid system engaged with the sole component, wherein the fluid system includes: a fluid line having a fluid line wall made at least in part from a first flexible material; andan inflated fluid chamber having a chamber wall made at least in part from a second flexible material, wherein the second flexible material is the same as or different from the first flexible material, wherein a portion of the inflated fluid chamber is positioned adjacent a portion of the fluid line, wherein the inflated fluid chamber contains fluid at a first pressure, wherein: (i) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is below a first threshold value, the chamber wall is positioned to stop fluid flow through the fluid line, and (ii) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is greater than a second threshold value, the chamber wall is positioned to allow fluid flow through the fluid line, wherein the first threshold value is less than or equal to the first pressure, and wherein the second threshold value is greater than or equal to the first pressure.

18. The sole structure according to claim 17, further comprising: a first foot support bladder chamber in fluid communication with a first end of the fluid line; anda second foot support bladder chamber in fluid communication with a second end of the fluid line, wherein the portion of the inflated fluid chamber positioned adjacent the portion of the fluid line is located between the first end and the second end, and wherein the first foot support bladder chamber comprises a heel support bladder chamber and the second foot support bladder chamber comprise a forefoot support bladder chamber.

19. An article of footwear, comprising: a footwear component; anda fluid system engaged with the footwear component, wherein the fluid system includes: a fluid line having a fluid line wall made at least in part from a first flexible material; andan inflated fluid chamber having a chamber wall made at least in part from a second flexible material, wherein the second flexible material is the same as or different from the first flexible material, wherein a portion of the inflated fluid chamber is positioned adjacent a portion of the fluid line, wherein the inflated fluid chamber contains fluid at a first pressure, wherein: (i) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is below a first threshold value, the chamber wall is positioned to stop fluid flow through the fluid line, and (ii) when fluid pressure in the fluid line is greater than a second threshold value, the chamber wall is positioned to allow fluid flow through the fluid line, wherein the first threshold value is less than or equal to the first pressure, and wherein the second threshold value is greater than or equal to the first pressure.

20. The article of footwear according to claim 19, further comprising: a first foot support bladder chamber in fluid communication with a first end of the fluid line; anda second foot support bladder chamber in fluid communication with a second end of the fluid line, wherein the portion of the inflated fluid chamber positioned adjacent the portion of the fluid line is located between the first end and the second end, and wherein the first foot support bladder chamber comprises a heel support bladder chamber and the second foot support bladder chamber comprise a forefoot support bladder chamber.