Patent Grant
12121102
The present invention relates to foot support systems in the field of footwear or other foot-receiving devices. At least some aspects of the present invention pertain to sole structures, fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices that include one or more pumps (e.g., foot activated pumps) that facilitate movement of fluid within the sole structure/article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure (e.g., foot support pressure) in one or more fluid filled bladders included in the overall system.
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 modulate pressure applied to the foot by the laces), and the upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel.
“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 running shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, etc.), and the like. “Foot-receiving device,” as that term is used herein, means any device into which a user places at least some portion of his or her foot. In addition to all types of “footwear,” foot-receiving devices include, but are not limited to: bindings and other devices for securing feet in snow skis, cross country skis, water skis, snowboards, and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for securing feet in pedals for use with bicycles, exercise equipment, and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for receiving feet during play of video games or other games; and the like. “Foot-receiving devices” may include one or more “foot-covering members” (e.g., akin to footwear upper components), which help position the foot with respect to other components or structures, and one or more “foot-supporting members” (e.g., akin to footwear sole structure components), which support at least some portion(s) of a plantar surface of a user's foot. “Foot-supporting members” may include components for and/or functioning as midsoles and/or outsoles for articles of footwear (or components providing corresponding functions in non-footwear type foot-receiving devices).
This Summary is provided to introduce 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.
Aspects of this technology relate to sole structures, fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices, e.g., of the types described and/or claimed below and/or of the types illustrated in the appended drawings. Such sole structures, fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices may include any one or more structures, parts, features, properties, and/or combination(s) of structures, parts, features, and/or properties of the examples described and/or claimed below and/or of the examples illustrated in the appended drawings.
More specific aspects of this technology relate to sole structures, fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices that include one or more pumps (e.g., foot activated pumps) that facilitate movement of fluid within the sole structure/article of footwear/foot-supporting member/foot-receiving device, e.g., to change and/or control pressure (e.g., foot support pressure) in one or more fluid filled bladders included in the overall system.
While aspects of the technology are described in terms of foot support systems and articles of footwear including them, additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making such foot support systems and/or articles of footwear and/or methods of using such foot support systems and/or articles of footwear to support a wearer's foot.
The foregoing Summary, as well as 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.
In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components 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 the present 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 present technology.
As noted above, aspects of this technology relate to fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices, e.g., of the types described and/or claimed below and/or of the types illustrated in the appended drawings. Such fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices may include any one or more structures, parts, features, properties, and/or combination(s) of structures, parts, features, and/or properties of the examples described and/or claimed below and/or of the examples illustrated in the appended drawings.
Some more specific aspects or examples of this technology relate to sole structures for articles of footwear that include: (a) a first pump having a first inlet and a first outlet in fluid communication with a first internal pump chamber defined by the first pump, wherein the first internal pump chamber includes an open space defined, at least in part, between a first wall and a second wall located opposite the first wall, and wherein at least one of the first wall or the second wall is collapsible to decrease volume of the first internal pump chamber and force fluid to exit the first internal pump chamber via the first outlet; (b) a first sole component (e.g., an outsole component or a foot support plate) having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, wherein the second major surface includes a first pump containing region, and wherein the first pump containing region defines a first pump engaging surface configured to lie immediately adjacent an exterior side of the first wall of the first internal pump chamber; and (c) a second sole component (e.g., a midsole component or a foot support plate) having a third major surface and a fourth major surface opposite the third major surface, wherein the fourth major surface includes a second pump containing region, and wherein the second pump containing region defines a second pump engaging surface configured to lie immediately adjacent an exterior side of the second wall of the first internal pump chamber. The first pump's first outlet may be in fluid communication with one or more of a fluid filled bladder (e.g., a foot support bladder, a reservoir bladder, etc.), a fluid transfer line, another pump, etc.
In some examples of these aspects/examples of the technology, the sole structures further may include a second pump having a second inlet and a second outlet in fluid communication with a second internal pump chamber defined by the second pump, wherein the second internal pump chamber includes an open space defined, at least in part, between a third wall and a fourth wall located opposite the third wall, wherein at least one of the third wall or the fourth wall is collapsible to decrease volume of the second internal pump chamber and force fluid to exit the second internal pump chamber via the second outlet. This second inlet of the second pump may be in fluid communication with the first outlet of the first pump (e.g. via a fluid transfer line) to admit fluid pumped from the first pump into the second internal pump chamber. In this manner, the first pump may pump fluid into the second pump internal pump chamber. The second outlet of the second pump may be in fluid communication with one or more of a fluid filled bladder (e.g., a reservoir bladder, a foot support bladder, etc.), a fluid transfer line, and/or even another pump. In structures including a fluid filled bladder, this fluid filled bladder may be a reservoir bladder (e.g., included in a footwear upper and/or sole structure), and that reservoir fluid filled bladder may be in fluid communication (e.g., via a programmable control valve) with a foot support bladder. The second pump may be incorporated into a sole structure in a similar manner to that described above for the first pump (e.g., between major surfaces of sole components, within pump containing region(s) in the sole component(s), engaged with pump engaging surface(s) of the sole component(s), etc.).
Additional examples and aspects of this technology relate to fluid transfer systems, e.g., for moving fluid within articles of footwear (e.g., for foot support systems). Such fluid transfer systems may include: (a) a first pump including a first pump chamber, a first inlet, and a first outlet; (b) a first fluid transfer line connected to the first inlet and connecting the first pump with an external fluid source, wherein the first fluid transfer line moves fluid from the external fluid source into the first pump chamber via the first inlet; (c) a second pump including a second pump chamber, a second inlet, and a second outlet; (d) a second fluid transfer line connected to the second inlet and admitting fluid discharged from the first outlet of the first pump into the second pump chamber via the second inlet; (e) a third fluid transfer line connected to the second outlet and receiving fluid discharged from the second pump chamber; and (f) a fluid-filled bladder (e.g., a reservoir bladder and/or a foot support bladder) in fluid communication with the third fluid transfer line and receiving fluid discharged from the second pump chamber via the second outlet. In these examples/aspects, the fluid transfer system may further include: (a) a first valve, e.g., provided in the first fluid transfer line, to allow fluid to move from the external fluid source to the first inlet and to inhibit fluid from moving from the first inlet through the first valve (e.g., back to the external fluid source) and/or (b) a second valve, e.g., provided in the second fluid transfer line, to allow fluid to move from the second fluid line to the second inlet and to inhibit fluid from moving from the second inlet through the second valve (e.g., back into the second fluid line and/or the first pump).
Still additional examples and aspects of this technology relate to foot support systems that include: (a) a fluid-filled bladder having an interior volume for containing fluid, a first longitudinal area, and a second longitudinal area located forward of the first longitudinal area; (b) a first pump including a first pump chamber, a first inlet, and a first outlet, wherein the first pump is located at or adjacent the first longitudinal area of the fluid-filled bladder; (c) a first fluid transfer line connected to the first inlet and connecting the first pump with an external fluid source (e.g., ambient air), wherein the first fluid transfer line moves fluid from the external fluid source into the first pump chamber via the first inlet; (d) a second pump including a second pump chamber, a second inlet, and a second outlet, wherein the second pump is located at or adjacent the second longitudinal area of the fluid-filled bladder; (e) a second fluid transfer line connected to the second inlet and admitting fluid discharged from the first outlet into the second pump chamber via the second inlet; and (f) a third fluid transfer line connected to the second outlet and receiving fluid discharged from the second pump chamber, wherein the fluid-filled bladder is in fluid communication with the second pump at least in part via the third fluid transfer line. The fluid-filled bladder may be a foot support bladder and/or a reservoir bladder. As another option or alternative, these example foot support systems further may include a second fluid-filled bladder and a fluid transfer control system connecting the fluid-filled bladder with the second fluid-filled bladder (e.g., to enable change and/or control of fluid pressure in one or more of these bladders).
Additional examples and aspects of this technology relate to articles of footwear and/or other foot-receiving devices that include sole structures, fluid transfer systems, and/or foot support systems of any of the various examples and aspects described above. Still additional examples and aspects of this technology relate to methods of making such sole structures, fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or foot-receiving devices and/or methods of using such sole structures, fluid transfer systems, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or foot-receiving devices, e.g., to support a wearer's foot.
Given the general description of features, examples, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements according to certain examples of this technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example foot support structures, articles of footwear, and methods in accordance with this technology follows.
Referring to the figures and following discussion, various examples of foot support systems, fluid transfer systems, sole structures, and articles of footwear in accordance with aspects of this technology are described. Aspects of this technology may be used in conjunction with foot support systems, articles of footwear (or other foot-receiving devices), and/or methods, for example, those described below and/or those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/463,859 and/or U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/463,892.
Each of the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 may be formed from one or more component parts. When formed of multiple component parts, these component parts may be engaged together in any desired manner, including via one or more of: adhesives or cements; sewn seams; mechanical connectors; fusing techniques; and/or other manners, including in conventional manners as are known and used in the footwear arts. Likewise, the upper 102 and sole structure 104 may be engaged together in any desired manner, including via one or more of: adhesives or cements; sewn seams; mechanical connectors;
fusing techniques; and/or other manners, including in conventional manners as are known and used in the footwear arts.
The article of footwear 100 of
This example sole structure 104 includes: (a) a first sole component 300 (e.g., an outsole or other foot support plate); (b) a first fluid-filled bladder 400 (e.g., a reservoir bladder, a foot support bladder, etc.); (c) a first pump 500, 800 (e.g., located in a heel area, a forefoot area, a midfoot area, etc.); (d) a second sole component 600 (e.g., a midsole or a foot support plate); and (e) a second fluid-filled bladder 700 (e.g., a reservoir bladder, a foot support bladder, etc.).
As shown in
As further shown in
In a similar manner, the top of the first pump 500 (e.g., the second wall 504B) is at least partially covered by (and optionally completely covered by) second sole component 600, which in this illustrated example is a midsole component. This second sole component 600 has a third major surface 602I and a fourth major surface 602G opposite the third major surface 602I. The fourth major surface 602G of this illustrated example includes a second pump containing region 602P, and this second pump containing region 602P defines a second pump engaging surface 602S configured to lie immediately adjacent (and optionally in contact with) an exterior side of the second wall 504B of the first internal pump chamber 502C.
As shown by
The above description of the structural relationship between the first sole component 300 (e.g., an outsole), the second sole component 600 (e.g., a midsole), and the first pump 500 relates to structures provided at a heel based area of the sole structure 104 (and activated by a heel strike of a wearer's foot) in this example. The second pump 800, provided in the forefoot area of this example sole structure 104 (and activated by a toe-off action of a wearer's foot during a step cycle), may have a similar arrangement and/or structure as first pump 500 and/or a similar relationship with respect to the first sole component 300 and/or the second sole component 600. For example, as shown in
As further shown in
In a similar manner, the top of the second pump 800 (e.g., fourth wall 804B) is at least partially covered by (and optionally completely covered by) second sole component 600 (e.g., a midsole component). The fourth major surface 602G of this illustrated example includes a second pump containing region 612P, and this second pump containing region 612P defines a second pump engaging surface 612S configured to lie immediately adjacent (and optionally in contact with) an exterior side of the fourth wall 804B of the second internal pump chamber 802C.
As further shown by
When two pumps 500 and 800 are present in a sole structure 104, e.g., as shown in this illustrated example, the pumps may have the same or different constructions and/or the same or different sizes (e.g., volumes, dimensions, etc.). As some more specific examples, either or both of the pumps 500, 800 may be a compressible bulb type pump that is/are positioned to be activated by contact between a wearer's foot and a contact surface (e.g., the ground). In such structures, pump 500 may be structured and arranged in the sole structure 104 to be compressed when a wearer's heel contacts the ground (e.g., when landing a step) and pump 800 may be structured and arranged in the sole structure 104 to be compressed when a wearer's forefoot contacts the ground (e.g., a big toe area, such as when toeing off on a step). See
At least one of the pumps 500, 800 (and in this illustrated example, it is pump 800) has its outlet 502O, 802O in fluid communication with fluid filled bladder 400. As a more specific example, fluid line 522 connects the second outlet 802O of pump 800 with inlet 4021 of fluid filled bladder 400. See
In the illustrated example of
Also,
Aspects of fluid transfer systems 1000, e.g., for articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices, in accordance with some examples of this technology will be described, e.g., in conjunction with
This example fluid transfer system 1000 includes a first pump 500 having a first pump chamber 502C, a first inlet 502I, and a first outlet 502O. A fluid transfer line 510 connects to the first inlet 502I and connects the first pump 500 with an external fluid source 1010 (such as an ambient air source). This fluid transfer line 510 moves fluid from the external fluid source 1010 into the first pump chamber 502C through the first inlet 502I. A valve 1012 (e.g., a check valve or one-way valve) may be provided in line 510, e.g., to prevent fluid from flowing out of the first pump chamber 502C and back to the external fluid source 1010 through fluid transfer line 510. In this manner, when the first pump 500 is activated (e.g., the bulb pump is compressed or squeezed), fluid is forced out of the first pump chamber 502C via first outlet 502O.
This example fluid transfer system 1000 includes a second pump 800 that has a second pump chamber 802C, a second inlet 802I, and a second outlet 802O. Another fluid transfer line 520 connects the first outlet 502O of the first pump 500 with the second inlet 802I of the second pump 800. This fluid transfer line 520 moves fluid discharged from the first outlet 502O into the second pump chamber 802C through the second inlet 802I. A valve 1014 (e.g., a check valve or one-way valve) may be provided in line 520, e.g., to prevent fluid from flowing out of the second pump chamber 802C and back into the fluid transfer line 520 and/or the first pump chamber 502C. In this manner, when the second pump 800 is activated (e.g., the bulb pump is compressed or squeezed), fluid is forced out of the second pump chamber 802C via second outlet 802O.
Another fluid transfer line 522 connects to the second outlet 802O of the second pump 800 and receives fluid discharged from the second pump chamber 802C. A valve 1016 (e.g., a check valve or one-way valve) may be provided in fluid transfer line 522, e.g., to prevent fluid from flowing back into the second pump chamber 802C via fluid transfer line 522 once it has been pumped out. The other end of fluid transfer line 522 connects to (or is otherwise in fluid communication with) fluid-filled bladder 400. This example fluid-filled bladder 400 is a reservoir bladder (e.g., a bladder that stores fluid for transfer into a foot support bladder). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, fluid-filled bladder 400 may itself be a foot support bladder or a part of a foot support bladder system, e.g., for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. Additionally or alternatively, at least some part of the bladder 400 may be engaged with and/or formed as at least a part of the footwear upper 102.
In at least some example fluid transfer systems 1000 in accordance with this technology, the fluid-filled bladder 400 may function as a fluid source or reservoir for a foot support bladder 700. A fluid transfer control system 900 may be provided to control flow of fluid between the fluid-filled bladder 400 and the foot support bladder 700, e.g., to enable control and change of pressure in the foot support bladder 700. Fluid transfer line 524 moves fluid from the fluid-filled bladder 400, through outlet 402O, into the fluid transfer control system 900 (via inlet 902I). Optionally, if necessary or desired, a valve 1018 (e.g., a check valve or one-way valve) may be provided in fluid transfer line 524, e.g., to prevent fluid from flowing back into the fluid-filled bladder 400 via fluid transfer line 524 once it has been released through outlet 402O.
The fluid transfer control system 900 may include a programmable controller and/or one or more user controlled and/or electronically controlled valves (e.g., solenoid valves, check valves, one-way valves, etc.) that can be used and controlled to move and control movement of fluid from the fluid-filled bladder 400 to the foot support bladder 700; from the foot support bladder 700 to the bladder 400; and/or from either or both of bladders 400, 700 and/or from control system 900 to be released or vented, e.g., to the ambient environment (optionally under control of a valve 1020). Fluid transfer line 526 connects one outlet 902O of fluid transfer control system 900 to an inlet port 702I of the foot support bladder 700. Another outlet 904O of the fluid transfer control system 900 releases fluid from the system 1000, e.g., vents fluid to the ambient environment and/or returns fluid back to bladder 400. Optionally, if desired, the foot support bladder 700 may include a check valve 706 (or other one-way valve) set to an appropriate crack pressure to avoid over inflation of the foot support bladder 700.
Any desired type of fluid transfer control system 900 structure and components could be used without departing from this technology, including programmable and/or electronically controllable valves, manually controllable valves, systems that include one or more pressure sensors, etc. A schematic of one example fluid transfer control system 900 is shown in
As further shown in the figures (e.g.,
The fluid filled bladder 400 further may include one or more of: (a) a lateral side portion 400L located on a lateral side of the first pump 500, (b) a medial side portion 400M located on a medial side of the first pump 500, (c) a lateral side portion 400L located on a lateral side of the second pump 800, (d) a medial side portion 400M located on a medial side of the second pump 800, (e) a lateral side portion 400L located on a lateral side of second fluid transfer line 520, and/or (f) a medial side portion 400M located on a medial side of second fluid transfer line 520.
As also described above, this foot support system further may include a second fluid-filled bladder 700, e.g., as a foot support bladder. When present, a fluid transfer control system 900, e.g., of the various types described above, connects the fluid-filled bladder 400 with the second fluid-filled bladder 700. One or both of the fluid-filled bladder 400 and/or the second fluid-filled bladder 700 may be engaged with a sole component (e.g., a midsole component 600, an outsole component 300, both etc.) and/or with a footwear upper 102. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the fluid-filled bladder 400 and/or the second fluid-filled bladder 700 may be structured, oriented, and configured to form a plantar support surface for all or some portion (e.g., a heel portion, a forefoot portion, etc.) of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot.
In use, as evident from the figures, each of the first pump 500 and the second pump 800 is structured (e.g., as a bulb pump), oriented (e.g., beneath a wearer's foot), and configured to be compressed in response to force applied by a wearer's foot against a surface. As some more specific features: (a) the first pump chamber 502C is structured, oriented, and configured to be compressed in response to downward force applied by a wearer's heel (e.g., when landing a step) and/or (b) the second pump chamber 802C is structured, oriented, and configured to be compressed in response to downward force applied by a wearer's forefoot (e.g., one or more toes, e.g., when leaving the ground during “toe-off” of a step). The inclusion of two pumps in series (e.g., pump 500 supplying fluid directly to pump 800) allows the initial pump up of the fluid filled bladder 400 and/or the foot support bladder 700 to be achieved more quickly, as fluid from the first pump 500 quickly supplies the second pump 800, which then transfers to the bladders 400/700.
While the above described examples of this technology show two pumps arranged in series, one skilled in the art, given benefit of this disclosure, will recognize that three or even more pumps (e.g., compressible bulb pumps) could be arranged in series, if desired in a single sole structure. In at least some examples of this aspect of the technology, as shown in
Like the system 1000 of
Additional or alternative pressure release systems are possible. For example, as shown in
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a release valve 400P (e.g., a check valve, a manually or electronically controlled valve, etc.) could be included in fluid communication with the interior 4001 of the reservoir 400. Using valve 400P, the system 4000 may release incoming fluid as it is pumped into the system 4000 before it goes to the fluid transfer control system 900 and/or foot support bladder 700. The crack pressure(s) of valve 400P may be set (or it may be otherwise controlled, e.g., manually, by an electronic control that is part of fluid transfer control system 900, etc.) to release incoming fluid to the external environment—on a step-by-step basis, if necessary—once reservoir 400 and/or foot support bladder 700 is/are at a desired and/or set pressure level.
As an additional or alternative feature, the system 4000 of
Thus, fluid transfer systems and foot support systems 4000 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may selectively move fluid through any one or more of the following paths and/or between any of the following components: (a) from a pump (e.g., pump 500, pump 800) to the external (e.g., ambient) environment (e.g., via valve 500P and/or valve 800P); (b) from a pump (e.g., pump 500, pump 800) to a reservoir 400 (e.g., fluid line 522); (c) from a reservoir 400 to a foot support bladder 700 (e.g., directly via fluid line 4004 or through a fluid transfer control system 900); (d) from a foot support bladder 700 to the external (e.g., ambient) environment (e.g., via valve 706); (e) from a pump (e.g., pump 500, pump 800) to a foot support bladder (e.g., fluid line 4002); and/or (f) from the reservoir 400 to the external (e.g., ambient) environment (e.g., via valve 400P). These same six operational states also may be accomplished in the system 1000 of
In the system 5000 of
The system 5000 of
Valves 1014 and 5024 also may help maintain line 520 in a pressurized condition between pump 500 activations (e.g., when a user is sitting, when standing still, when the shoes are not being worn, etc.).
The system 5000 of
As an additional or alternative feature, the system 5000 of
As further alternatives and/or additional features, fluid reservoir 400 may be in direct fluid communication with foot support bladder 700 (and/or, when present, one or more additional foot support bladders 700A).
Like system 4000, fluid transfer systems and foot support systems 5000 in accordance with at least some examples of this aspect of the technology shown in
Alternatively, fluid transfer control system 900 could operate to place the system into the six different operating states described above without one or more (or any) of fluid lines 4002, fluid lines 5014, fluid lines 5016, 5016A, valve 500P, valve 800P, valve 400P, valve 706, and/or valve 706A.
If desired, the example system 6000 of
In addition or as an alternative to the structures described above, fluid transfer control system 900 may include the various manually and/or electronically controlled switching systems, fluid paths, and/or component parts as described in any of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/463,859, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/463,892, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/850,140, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/678,662, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/425,356, each of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. The control system 900 may include one or more solenoid valves, one or more stem valves (e.g., activated by a movable cam within a housing or manifold), a rotatable cylinder or other movable base component structure defining multiple paths through its interior (e.g., located within a housing or manifold), a switching mechanism, and/or other suitable structures to selectively connect fluid lines from the pump 800, reservoir 400, bladder 700 (one or more), and ambient environment to one another—through the fluid transfer control system 900—to allow fluid communication between one or more of the above operational states.
As some further potential structures, the fluid transfer control system 900 may include a motor driven body, such as a cylinder, located within a housing or manifold. The driven body may include internal pathways defined through it, and these pathways include openings at the outer surface of the driven body. The housing or manifold may include ports in fluid communication (e.g., aligned) with fluid lines that extend to the pump 800, reservoir 400, bladder 700, and valve 1020. In some discrete positions of the driven body within the housing or manifold, these openings may be positioned so that: (a) at least two of the openings of the driven body align with the ports of the housing or manifold to place the fluid paths extending from the ports in fluid communication with one another (i.e., so that fluid flows through the driven body from one port to the other); and (b) other openings of the driven body are sealed off. By driving the driven body to different positions within the housing or manifold (e.g., by a motor rotating, linearly translating, or otherwise moving the driven body with respect to the housing or manifold), fluid paths between the different ports can be selectively opened through the driven body and other fluid paths through the driven body may be sealed. In this manner, one or more of the various operational states (e.g., the six operational states described above) can be selectively activated by locating the driven body within the housing or manifold of the fluid transfer control system 900 at a specific position.
Fluid transfer control systems 900 that may be used in at least some examples of this technology and of the types described above may include one or more solenoid based actuators to control the fluid flow. Some examples of such solenoid based actuators and solenoid based systems that include fluid paths defined through them are described, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/547,941 filed Aug. 21, 2017 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,170 filed Aug. 20, 2018, each entitled “Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers.” Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/547,941 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,170 is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, fluid transfer control systems 900 that may be used in at least some examples of this technology and of the types described above may include solenoid valves/cylinders having latching features, e.g., magnetic latching. For example, in fluid transfer control systems, a movable valve component may move to open or close a valve and/or a fluid path to allow or stop fluid flow, respectively, through the valve. When the movable valve component blocks the path, fluid flow is stopped through that path and when the movable valve component is moved away from the path, fluid flow is allowed through the path. A biasing member, such as a spring, may bias the movable valve component in one of the open position or the closed position. For electronically controlled systems, power (e.g., battery power) may be needed to move the movable valve component from its biased position (where no power is needed to hold it in place because of the biasing force) to the opposite position (in which the movable valve component must be held in place opposing the biasing force). Some continuing “holding force” is needed to hold the movable valve component in the place where it opposes the biasing force and to maintain the movable valve component in that “opposite position.” If the movable valve component needs to be held in this “opposite position” for a substantial time, this may drain significant power from the battery quickly.
Thus, fluid flow control systems 900 in accordance with some aspects of this technology may include: (a) a movable valve component of the types described above made, at least in part, from a magnetic attracted material (or even a magnet) and (b) a switch that moves a separate magnet between two or more discrete positions (e.g., an activated position and a deactivated position). With the switch in the “activated” position, the magnet associated with the switch is physically moved to a location where it interacts with the movable valve body with sufficient magnetic force (e.g., magnetic attraction) to pull the movable valve body to and hold it in the “opposite position” in opposition to the biasing force. In the “deactivated” position, the magnet is physically moved to a location where its magnetic attractive force is insufficient to hold the movable valve body against the biasing force (and thus the movable valve body moves to the biased position under the biasing force). Rather than move a magnet, the switch could move shielding material between the magnet and the movable valve body. In these systems, use of battery power may be limited to power needed to move the switch (and/or the magnet or shielding material associated with it) between the activated position and the deactivated position. In this manner, the movable valve body may be held in both the biased position and the opposite position for long time periods with minimal power consumption. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, magnet based systems of the types described in U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/678,635 filed May 31, 2018 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/425,331, filed May 29, 2019, each entitled “Fluid Flow Control Devices Usable in Adjustable Foot Support Systems” may be used in fluid transfer control system 900. Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/678,635 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/425,331 is entirely incorporated herein by reference. As yet additional or other alternative features, movable valve bodies and/or movable solenoid parts may be moved to selectively open and close various fluid flow paths by a servo drive, linear motor, stepper motor, ball screw, lead screw, linear guide, or the like.
In some examples of this technology, the reservoir 400 may be maintained at a relatively constant pressure and/or at a pressure within the range of 20 to 35 psi. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, pressure in the foot support bladder(s) 700 may be varied, e.g., over a range of 5 to 22 psi, and this pressure may be controlled manually or electronically (e.g., by control of fluid transfer control system 900). Pressure sensors may be provided, as described above, as inputs to computer control systems for maintaining, setting, and/or changing these pressures in reservoir 400 and bladder 700, e.g., via fluid transfer control system 900.
For avoidance of doubt, the present application includes, but is not limited to, the subject-matter described in the following numbered clauses:
Clause 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 2. The sole structure according to clause 1, wherein the first internal pump chamber has an ellipsoidal and/or spheroidal shape, wherein the first pump engaging surface has a semi-ellipsoidal and/or semi-spheroidal shape, and/or wherein the second pump engaging surface has a semi-ellipsoidal and/or semi-spheroidal shape.
Clause 3. The sole structure according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the first major surface of the first sole component is a ground facing surface of the sole structure and includes a first protrusion located opposite the first pump engaging surface.
Clause 4. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the first pump engaging surface of the first pump containing region is fixed to the exterior side of the first wall of the first internal pump chamber.
Clause 5. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the second pump engaging surface of the second pump containing region is fixed to the exterior side of the second wall of the first internal pump chamber.
Clause 6. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising:
Clause 7. The sole structure according to clause 6, wherein at least a portion of the bladder is located between (and optionally in direct contact with one or both of) the second major surface of the first sole component and the fourth major surface of the second sole component.
Clause 8. The sole structure according to clause 6, wherein at least a portion of the bladder is located adjacent the third major surface of the second sole component.
Clause 9. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising:
Clause 10. The sole structure according to clause 9, further comprising a first fluid transfer line having a first end engaged with the first outlet and a second end engaged with the second inlet.
Clause 11. The sole structure according to clause 9 or clause 10, wherein the second major surface of the first sole component includes a third pump containing region, and wherein the third pump containing region defines a third pump engaging surface configured to lie immediately adjacent an exterior side of the third wall of the second internal pump chamber.
Clause 12. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 9 to 11, wherein the fourth major surface of the second sole component includes a fourth pump containing region, and wherein the fourth pump containing region defines a fourth pump engaging surface configured to lie immediately adjacent an exterior side of the fourth wall of the second internal pump chamber.
Clause 13. The sole structure according to clause 9 or 10, further comprising:
Clause 14. The sole structure according to clause 9 or 10, further comprising:
Clause 15. The sole structure according to clause 9 or 10, further comprising:
Clause 16. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 11 to 15, wherein at least a portion of the third pump engaging surface of the third pump containing region is fixed to the exterior side of the third wall of the second internal pump chamber.
Clause 17. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 12 to 16, wherein at least a portion of the fourth pump engaging surface of the fourth pump containing region is fixed to the exterior side of the fourth wall of the second internal pump chamber.
Clause 18. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 9 to 17, wherein the second internal pump chamber has an ellipsoidal and/or spheroidal shape, wherein the third pump engaging surface has a semi-ellipsoidal and/or semi-spheroidal shape, and/or wherein the fourth pump engaging surface has a semi-ellipsoidal and/or semi-spheroidal shape.
Clause 19. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 9 to 18, wherein the first major surface of the first sole component is a ground facing surface of the sole structure and includes a protrusion located and configured to activate the second pump.
Clause 20. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 9 to 19, further comprising a bladder in fluid communication with the second outlet of the second pump.
Clause 21. The sole structure according to clause 20, wherein at least a portion of the bladder is located between the second major surface of the first sole component and the fourth major surface of the second sole component.
Clause 22. The sole structure according to clause 20 or clause 21, further comprising: a foot support bladder in fluid communication with the bladder that is in fluid communication with the second outlet of the second pump.
Clause 23. The sole structure according to clause 22, wherein at least a portion of the foot support bladder is located adjacent the third major surface of the second sole component.
Clause 24. The sole structure according to clause 20, wherein at least a portion of the bladder is located adjacent the third major surface of the second sole component.
Clause 25. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 9 to 24, wherein the second pump is a compressible bulb pump.
Clause 26. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 9 to 25, wherein the first pump is located in a heel region of the sole structure and the second pump is located in a forefoot region of the sole structure.
Clause 27. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 9 to 26, wherein the first sole component is an outsole component and/or the second sole component is a foam midsole component.
Clause 28. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 9 to 26, wherein the first sole component is an outsole component and/or the second sole component is a foot support plate.
Clause 29. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, 27, or 28, wherein the first pump is located in a heel region of the sole structure.
Clause 30. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, 27, or 28, wherein the first pump is located in a forefoot region of the sole structure.
Clause 31. The sole structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 30, wherein the first pump is a compressible bulb pump.
Clause 32. An article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 33. A fluid transfer system for an article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 34. The fluid transfer system according to clause 33, further comprising a first valve provided in fluid communication with the first fluid transfer line connected to allow fluid to move from the external fluid source to the first inlet and to inhibit fluid from moving from the first inlet through the first valve.
Clause 35. The fluid transfer system according to clause 33 or clause 34, wherein the external fluid source is an ambient air source.
Clause 36. The fluid transfer system according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, wherein the bladder is a foot support bladder for an article of footwear.
Clause 37. The fluid transfer system according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, wherein the bladder is a reservoir bladder.
Clause 38. The fluid transfer system according to clause 37, further comprising: a foot support bladder; and a fluid transfer control system for moving fluid from the bladder to the foot support bladder.
Clause 39. The fluid transfer system according to any one of clauses 33 to 38, wherein at least one of the first pump or the second pump is a compressible bulb pump.
Clause 40. An article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 41. The article of footwear according to clause 40, wherein the sole structure and/or the fluid transfer system include structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 31.
Clause 42. A foot support system, comprising:
Clause 43. The foot support system according to clause 42, wherein the second longitudinal area is located in a forefoot region of the foot support system.
Clause 44. The foot support system according to clause 42 or clause 43, wherein the first longitudinal area is located in a heel region of the foot support system.
Clause 45. The foot support system according to clause 42, wherein the second longitudinal area is located in a forefoot region of the foot support system, and wherein the second pump chamber is configured to be compressed in response to downward force applied by a wearer's forefoot.
Clause 46. The foot support system according to clause 42 or clause 45, wherein the first longitudinal area is located in a heel region of the foot support system, and wherein the first pump chamber is configured to be compressed in response to downward force applied by a wearer's heel.
Clause 47. The foot support system according to any one of clauses 42 to 46, further comprising: a second bladder; and a fluid transfer control system connecting the first bladder with the second bladder.
Clause 48. The foot support system according to any one of clauses 42 to 47, further comprising: a sole component, wherein the first bladder is engaged with the sole component and forms at least a portion of a plantar support surface for a wearer's foot.
Clause 49. The foot support system according to any one of clauses 42 to 48, wherein at least one of the first pump or the second pump is a compressible bulb pump.
Clause 50. The foot support system according to any one of clauses 42 to 49, wherein the first bladder includes a lateral side portion located on a lateral side of the first pump and a medial side portion located on a medial side of the first pump.
Clause 51. The foot support system according to any one of clauses 42 to 50, wherein the first bladder includes a lateral side portion located on a lateral side of the second pump and a medial side portion located on a medial side of the second pump.
Clause 52. An article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 53. The article of footwear according to clause 52, wherein the sole structure includes structure according to any one of clauses 1 to 31.
Clause 54. A foot support system, comprising:
Clause 55. The foot support system according to Clause 54, further comprising: a second pump, wherein the second pump supplies fluid to the first pump.
Clause 56. The foot support system according to Clause 55, further comprising: a filter positioned to filter incoming fluid before it enters the second pump.
Clause 57. The foot support system according to Clause 54, further comprising: a fluid inlet line connected to the first pump.
Clause 58. The foot support system according to Clause 57, further comprising: a filter positioned to filter incoming fluid before it enters the fluid inlet line.
Clause 59. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 54 to 58, further comprising: a second foot support bladder, wherein the fluid transfer control system includes a fifth port in fluid communication with the second foot support bladder.
Clause 60. A foot support system, comprising:
Clause 61. The foot support system according to Clause 60, further comprising: a second pump, wherein the second pump supplies fluid to the first pump.
Clause 62. The foot support system according to Clause 61, further comprising: a filter positioned to filter incoming fluid before it enters the second pump.
Clause 63. The foot support system according to Clause 60, further comprising: a fluid inlet line connected to the first pump.
Clause 64. The foot support system according to Clause 63, further comprising: a filter positioned to filter incoming fluid before it enters the fluid inlet line.
Clause 65. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 60 to 64, further comprising: a second foot support bladder, wherein the fluid transfer control system includes a fourth port in fluid communication with the second foot support bladder.
Clause 66. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 54 to 65, wherein the fluid transfer control system includes a motor driven body that is movable to a discrete position to open a fluid path through the fluid transfer control system connecting two of the ports.
Clause 67. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 54 to 65, wherein the fluid transfer control system includes a motor driven body that is movable to a discrete position to open a fluid path through the motor driven body connecting two of the ports.
Clause 68. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 54 to 65, wherein the fluid transfer control system includes a motor driven body that is movable to a plurality of discrete positions, wherein the individual positions of the plurality of discrete positions open different fluid paths through the fluid transfer control system connecting different sets of two of the ports.
Clause 69. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 54 to 65, wherein the fluid transfer control system includes a motor driven body that is movable to a plurality of discrete positions, wherein the individual positions of the plurality of discrete positions open different fluid paths through the motor driven body connecting different sets of two of the ports.
Clause 70. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 66 to 69, wherein the motor driven body is a rotatable cylinder.
Clause 71. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 54 to 70, wherein the fluid transfer control system includes at least one solenoid based actuator.
Clause 72. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 54 to 70, wherein the fluid transfer control system includes at least one solenoid or other valve activated by a switch to change a fluid flow path from an open configuration to a closed configuration.
Clause 73. The foot support system according to Clause 72, wherein the switch moves a magnet between: (a) a first discrete position where the magnet moves a movable valve body under magnetic attractive force to one of a fluid path open position or a fluid path closed position and (b) a second discrete position where magnetic attractive force on the movable valve body from the magnet is insufficient to move the movable valve body thereby positioning the movable valve body in the other of the fluid path open position or the fluid path closed position.
Clause 74. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 54 to 73, wherein the fluid transfer control system has any of the structures and/or properties described for component 900 above.
Clause 75. A sole structure, comprising:
Clause 76. The sole structure according to Clause 75, wherein the sole component is a midsole element or an outsole element.
Clause 77. An article of footwear comprising:
Clause 78. The article of footwear according to Clause 77, wherein the first pump in engaged with the sole structure.
Clause 79. The article of footwear according to Clause 77 or 78, wherein the reservoir is at least partially engaged with the sole structure.
Clause 80. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 77 to 79, wherein the reservoir is at least partially engaged with the upper.
Clause 81. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 77 to 80, wherein the fluid transfer control system is at least partially engaged with the upper.
The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/698,138 filed Nov. 27, 2019, which application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Application and claims priority benefits based on U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/772,786 filed Nov. 29, 2018. Each of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/698,138 and U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/772,786 is entirely incorporated herein by reference. Additional aspects and features of this invention may be used in conjunction with the systems and methods described in: (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/463,859 filed Feb. 27, 2017; (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/463,892 filed Feb. 27, 2017; (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/850,140, (d) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/678,662 filed May 31, 2018, and (e) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/425,356 filed May 29, 2019. Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/463,859, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/463,892, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/850,140, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/678,662, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/425,356 is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 16698138 | Nov 2019 | US |
| Child | 17976042 | US |
