FOOTWEAR ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a footwear adjustment system, a portable fluid or air supply system, and methods of using the same. The footwear adjustment system includes a sole assembly including a plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments. The system further includes a set of hoses, each forming a fluid or air communication channel between a respective fluid or air-retention compartment and a control apparatus. The system further includes the control apparatus configured to dynamically adjust fluid or air-levels within the plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments to control a firmness and/or comfort of the sole based on at least one of external commands or sensed conditions.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to footwear systems, and more particularly to footwear adjustment systems, portable fluid or air supply systems, and methods of using the same.

BACKGROUND

Footwear is a major part of everyday life. The footwear industry has advanced in many ways over the last century. A major part of footwear is the sole, which supports not only the sole of a foot, but also the whole body. If the soles are not designed correctly according to a person's height, weight, and foot size, in some cases, a person can suffer unwanted pain throughout the whole body. In today's society, there are many different walks of life, this equates to many different foot types, sizes, and shapes, not to exclude the many different weights, heights, and sizes of people, which affect the level of pressure and strain the foot must carry every day. For example, by gaining or losing just a few pounds, a person can change the way his or her footwear supports and performs for a person, whether good or bad.

However, there are many drawbacks to footwear today that are not adjustable, controllable, or versatile. These are the drawbacks that result in most pain and suffering, including inflammation, soreness and even nerve damage can develop in such things as arthritis or worse, if not corrected in a timely manner.

Thus, the techniques in the present state of art fail to address the problem of providing adjustable, controllable, or versatile shoes which result in pain and other health conditions such as nerve damage, inflammation, or soreness.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a footwear adjustment system is disclosed. In one example, the system may include a sole assembly including a plurality of fluid and/or air-retention compartments. The system may include a set of hoses, each forming a fluid and/or air communication channel between a respective fluid and/or air-retention compartment and a control apparatus. The system may further include the control apparatus configured to dynamically adjust fluid and/or air-levels within the plurality of fluid and/or air-retention compartments to control a firmness and/or comfort of the sole based on at least one of external commands or sensed conditions.

In another embodiment, a portable fluid supply system is disclosed. In one example, the system may include a housing including an opening. The system may further include a first hose movably positioned at the opening from a first end. The system may further include a retractable mechanism in fluid communication with a second end of the first hose through an elbow fixture. The retractable mechanism may include a retractable cord. The retractable mechanism is configured to wind the first hose in a retraction mode using the retractable cord. The first hose is retracted into the housing through the opening in the retraction mode. Unwind the first hose in an extension mode using the retractable cord. The first hose is extended out of the housing through the opening in the extension mode. A diaphragm pump in fluid communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose. The diaphragm pump is configured to supply fluid or air through the first hose. A diaphragm vacuum in fluid communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose. The diaphragm vacuum is configured to withdraw the fluid or air through the first hose.

In another embodiment, a method for supplying air or fluid to fluid or air-retention compartments in shoes is disclosed. In one example, the method may include receiving a signal corresponding to fluid or air control between one or more fluid or air-retention compartments in a sole assembly of a footwear adjustment system and a portable fluid and/or air supply system corresponding to a user command. The portable system includes a first hose, a diaphragm pump in fluid or air communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose and a diaphragm vacuum in fluid or air communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose. The method may further include managing the fluid or air control based on the signal. Managing the fluid or air includes withdrawing fluid or air from the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose or supplying the fluid or air to the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose.

In another embodiment, a footwear article including a sole assembly is disclosed. The footwear article includes one or more fluid or air-retention compartments. The footwear article further includes a set of hoses, each forming a fluid or air communication channel between a respective fluid or air-retention compartment and an Input/Output (I/O) box. The footwear article further includes the I/O box including a plurality of I/O ports. The I/O box facilitates exchange of the fluid or air between the fluid or air-retention compartments and an external supply through the plurality of I/O ports.

In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method or apparatus for supplying air or fluid to fluid or air-retention compartments in shoes is disclosed. The computer-implemented method may include receiving a signal corresponding to fluid or air control between one or more fluid or air-retention compartments in a sole assembly of a footwear adjustment system and a portable fluid or air supply system corresponding to a user command. The portable medium supply system includes a first hose, a diaphragm pump in fluid or air communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose, and a diaphragm vacuum in fluid or air communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose. The computer-implemented method may further include managing the fluid or air control based on the signal. Managing may include, at least one of withdrawing, by the diaphragm vacuum, fluid, or air from the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose. Alternatively, or additionally, the managing may include supplying, by the diaphragm pump, the fluid or air to the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary footwear article, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary fluid or air-retention compartment, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary hose, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates another exemplary footwear article, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top profile view of an exemplary footwear adjustment system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary footwear adjustment system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front 3D view and a side 3D view of an exemplary Input/Output (I/O) box, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an internal view of an exemplary first hose of an external supply, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the bottom part of an exemplary footwear adjustment system' control box, which sits under the brains of the system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top section and the bottom section of an exemplary portable fluid supply system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary retractable reel and wheel mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a connection between an exemplary first hose and an exemplary retractable reel and wheel mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a fluid connection of an exemplary first hose with an exemplary portable fluid supply system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an exemplary portable fluid supply system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary portable fluid supply system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of an exemplary portable fluid supply system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 Illustrates an exemplary Graphical User Interface (GUI) of an exemplary footwear adjustment system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary footwear adjustment system where various embodiments of the present invention may be deployed, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the term “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the present or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that several techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefits and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosure techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specifications and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments illustrated by the figures of the descriptions below.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a side perspective view of an exemplary footwear article 100 is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. By way of an example, the footwear article may be, but not limited to, a shoe such as athletic shoes designed for sports and physical activities including running shoes, sneakers, basketball shoes, tennis shoes, cleats, and the like, and may have a rubber sole in many cases; casual shoes such as everyday shoes, including sneakers, lace-up shoes, loafers, boat shoes, and moccasins; formal shoes suitable for dressy occasions; boots, which cover the foot and ankle or extends higher; sandals including open-toed shoes with straps or thongs, like flip-flops, gladiator sandals, and slides; flats often characterized as comfortable shoes with a low or no heel, such as ballet flats, mules, and espadrilles; heels defined as shoes with elevated heels, including stilettos, pumps, wedges, and block heels; platform shoes such as those with thick soles, providing extra height; slippers including indoor shoes worn for relaxation and lounging, including moccasin slippers, slide slippers, and the like; orthopedic shoes designed to provide support and alleviate foot-related issues, including diabetic shoes, orthotic shoes, and therapeutic footwear; work shoes including any shoes referenced herein worn while performing a job and may include casual shoes, athletic shoes, or protective footwear worn in industrial or construction settings, including steel-toe boots and composite toe boots; and recreational shoes such as those used for dancing, hiking, and skateboarding. In particular embodiments, the footwear article is an athletic shoe, a casual shoe, a work shoe, or a therapeutic shoe. In further embodiments, the footwear article has a rubber sole.

In FIG. 1, the footwear article 100 includes a sole assembly. The sole assembly is positioned in a bottom section of the footwear article. The sole assembly includes a plurality of fluid and/or air-retention compartments. In an embodiment, the sole assembly includes three (3) fluid and/or air-retention compartments-one in a ball region of the sole assembly, one in an arch region of the sole assembly, and one in a heel region of the sole assembly. It should be noted that the footwear with the 3 fluid and/or air-retention compartments is just one embodiment of the invention and is in no way limiting to the number and/or combinations of the plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments. The plurality of fluid and/or air-retention compartments may be distributed in any number and combinations without impacting the scope of the invention. i.e., 1, 2, 3, or more compartments.

Each fluid or air-retention compartment 1 of the plurality of fluid and/or air-retention compartments includes a pressure valve 2. The fluid or air-retention compartment 1 is configured to hold/retain a fluid (e.g., water, gel, solution, etc.) or air (e.g., atmospheric air mixture, any combination of one or more atmospheric gasses, etc.) at an adjustable fluid or air-level. The fluid or air-retention compartment 1 may facilitate the sole assembly to provide comfort to a foot of a user (i.e., a wearer of the footwear article 100). The fluid or air-retention compartment 1 may reduce pressure on the foot of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The fluid and/or air is contained and held inside the fluid or air-retention compartment 1. The pressure valve 2 may be in an opened state or a closed state. When in the closed state, the pressure valve 2 prevents leakage of the fluid or air from the fluid or air-retention compartment 1. When in the opened state, the pressure valve 2 prevents excess accumulation of the fluid or air in the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 by releasing the excess accumulation out of the fluid or air-retention compartment 1.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the footwear article 100 includes a set of hoses. Each hose 3 of the set of hoses forms a fluid or air communication channel between the respective fluid or air-retention compartment 1 and a control apparatus (not shown in figure) via the respective pressure valve 2. The hose 3 may be a pipe made of a rubber material or a silicone material. The fluid or air communication channel allows exchange of the fluid or air between the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 and an external supply or an external drain based on external commands or sensed conditions. The exchange of the fluid or air may be enabled when the pressure valve 2 is in an open state. When the footwear article 100 is connected to the external supply, the fluid or air may be pumped into the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 through the hose 3. When the footwear article 100 is connected to the external drain, the fluid or air may be pumped out of the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 through the hose 3.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, the hose 3 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 1A. The hose 3 includes a hose valve 3a. The hose valve 3a connects to the pressure valve 2 of the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 to establish the fluid communication channel.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 is partially enclosed within the sole assembly of the footwear article 100. Thus, an upper surface of the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 may be in direct contact with the foot of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, another exemplary footwear article 101 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B. The footwear article 101 is an alternative embodiment to the footwear article 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 1. The footwear article 101 includes a sole assembly 1a, the plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments (such as the fluid or air-retention compartment 1) along with respective plurality of pressure valves (such as the pressure valve 2), the set of hoses (such as the hose 3), a set of associated hose valves (such as the hose valve 3a, a hose valve 3b, and a hose valve 3c), and an Input/Output (I/O) box 4. The sole assembly 1a completely encloses the fluid or air-retention compartment 1, the hose 3, and the I/O box 4. Thus, an upper surface of the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 may not be in direct contact with the foot of the user when wearing the footwear article 101.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the control apparatus is configured to dynamically adjust the fluid and/or air-level within the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 to control a firmness and/or comfort of the sole assembly based on at least one of external commands or sensed conditions. The external commands may include commands provided by the user via a user device (e.g., a remote control, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop, or any other computing device). In an embodiment, the sole assembly of the footwear article 100 may include a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly may include one or more sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, fluid or air-level sensors, and the like) attached to the fluid or air-retention compartment 1. The control apparatus may be communicably linked to the sensor assembly and the user device through a communication network (e.g., Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, Bluetooth®, etc.).

The control apparatus may transmit the external commands received from the user device to dynamically adjust the fluid and/or air-levels within the fluid or air-retention compartments 1. The control apparatus may dynamically adjust the fluid or air-levels by controlling opening and closing of the pressure valve 2. The control apparatus may also provide sensor readings to the user device through a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The GUI may be rendered on the user device. The GUI may present the sensor readings to the user and may allow the user to provide the external commands to control the fluid or air-level within the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 to control the firmness and/or comfort of the sole assembly. Additionally, the GUI may provide an option to the user to define a threshold fluid or air-level range. The fluid or air-level of the air-retention compartment 1 may be monitored and the user may be notified when the fluid or air-level may be above or below the predefined threshold fluid or air-level range. In some embodiments, the fluid or air-level may be automatically adjusted by opening the pressure valve 2 when the fluid or air-level is above the predefined threshold fluid or air-level range. The control apparatus may then close the pressure valve 2 when the fluid or air-level reaches within the predefined threshold fluid or air-level range.

In an embodiment where one or more pressure sensors are attached to the fluid or air-retention compartment 1, the one or more pressure sensors may detect a pressure level of the fluid or air within the fluid or air-retention compartment 1. In such an embodiment, the sensed conditions may include the detected pressure level. When the detected pressure level of the fluid or air is more than a predefined threshold pressure level (and when the footwear article 100 is connected to the external drain), the control apparatus may open the pressure valve 2, causing the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 to release the fluid or air from the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 in order to reduce the pressure level of the fluid or air.

In another embodiment, the one or more pressure sensors may detect a pressure level of the foot of the user on the air-retention compartment 1. In such an embodiment, the sensed conditions may include the detected pressure level. When the detected pressure level is more than a predefined threshold pressure level, the control apparatus may close the pressure valve 2, causing the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 to retain the fluid or air in the fluid or air-retention compartment 1. Further, when the footwear article 100 is connected to an external supply, the control apparatus may open the pressure valve 2 so as to allow the fluid or air to be pumped into the fluid or air-retention compartment 1. Increasing the fluid or air-levels in the fluid or air compartment 1 may reduce the pressure level of the foot and, therefore, reduce stress on the foot.

In an embodiment where one or more fluid or air level sensors are attached to the fluid or air-retention compartment 1, the one or more fluid or air-level sensors may detect fluid or air-level in the fluid or air-retention compartment 1. The control apparatus may receive signals corresponding to the fluid or air-level and may notify the user when the fluid or air-level goes above or below a predefined threshold fluid or air-level range. Based on the external commands, the control apparatus may either open or close the pressure valve 2. Alternatively, the control apparatus may be configured to automatically open the pressure valve 2 when the fluid or air-level goes above the predefined threshold fluid or air-level range (and when the footwear system 100 is connected to an external drain). Also, the control apparatus may be configured to automatically open the pressure valve 2 when the fluid or air-level drops below the predefined threshold fluid or air-level range (and when the footwear system 100 is connected to an external supply).

Referring now to FIG. 2, a top profile view (a cross-sectional view from the top) of an exemplary footwear adjustment system is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with the FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C. The footwear adjustment system includes a plurality of components distributed in the sole assembly from a nose of the footwear article to a heel of the footwear article. The plurality of components includes the plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments (such as a fluid or air-retention compartment A, a fluid or air-retention compartment B, and a fluid or air-retention compartment C), along with the respective plurality of pressure valves (such as the pressure valve 2), the set of hoses (such as the hose 3) connected to the plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments via the plurality of pressure valves, and the I/O box 4.

The I/O box 4 includes a plurality of I/O ports. The I/O box 4 facilitates exchange of the fluid or air between the fluid or air-retention compartments and the external supply through the plurality of I/O ports. Through the plurality of I/O ports, the I/O box 4 may receive the fluid or air from the external supply. The external supply may include an adapter 5 and a first hose 6. The I/O box 4 connects to the external supply through the adapter 5. The external supply may supply the fluid or air to the I/O box 4 through the first hose 6.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a rear view of an exemplary footwear adjustment system is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with the FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2. The I/O box 4 is positioned on a rear end of the footwear article 100. The I/O box 4 includes a plurality of I/O ports (such as an external port 4a, an external port 4b, an external port 4c, an external port 4d, an external port 4e, and an external port 4f). The I/O box further includes a door 4g (with clamps 4h for locking the door 4g) and a hinge that joins the external ports 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, and 4f with the door 4g. The plurality of I/O ports further includes internal ports 4i.

In an embodiment, the door 4g is positioned exterior to the rear end of the sole assembly. The door 4g may be in one of an opened state or a closed state. The door 4g is configured to cover one or more of the external ports 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, and 4f when the door is in the closed state. When the door 4g is in the opened state, the first hose 6 of the external supply can be connected to the ports 4i through the adapter 5.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a front 3D view and a side 3D view of the I/O box 4 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is explained in conjunction with the FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2 and 3. The door 4g may be closed by the clamps 4h.

In some embodiments, the external ports are not covered by a door. Instead, the ports can be exposed. In some embodiments, the ports can be covered by inserts that fit or plug into the ports to cover the holes formed by the ports. The plug inserts for the ports can be decorative including, logos, symbols, letters, initials, numbers, and the like, or the plugs can be unadorned. The plugs can match the color of the sole assembly or can be a different color.

In an embodiment, the I/O box 4 includes 6 external ports (i.e., the external ports 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, and 4f). Each two of the external ports are connected via a connector hose to a single internal port of the I/O box 4. For example, the external port 4e and the external port 4f are connected to an internal port 4i. Each of the set of hoses (e.g., the hose 3) in the sole assembly connects the pressure valve 2 of each of the plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments (e.g., the fluid or air-retention compartment 1) with one or more internal ports 4i of the plurality of I/O ports of the I/O box 4.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an internal view of the first hose 6 of the external supply is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is explained in conjunction with the FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, and 4. The first hose 6 includes the adapter 5. The adapter 5 includes an adapter housing and a plurality of external adapter ports (for example, an external adapter port 5a, an external adapter port 5b, an external adapter port 5c, an external adapter port 5d, an external adapter port 5e, and an external adapter port 5f) on an exterior of the adapter housing. Each of the plurality of external adapter ports is configured to connect to an external port of the I/O box 4. For example, the external adapter port 5a is configured to connect with the external port 4a.

The first hose 6 includes a plurality of smaller hoses (for example, a smaller hose 6a, a smaller hose 6b, a smaller hose 6c, a smaller hose 6d, a smaller hose 6e, and a smaller hose 6f). Each of the plurality of smaller hoses connects to one of the plurality of external adapter ports from within the adapter housing.

The plurality of smaller hoses is in fluid communication with a diaphragm pump and a diaphragm vacuum of the external supply. The diaphragm pump is configured to supply the fluid or air to the fluid or air-retention compartment 1. The diaphragm vacuum is configured to withdraw the fluid or air from the fluid or air-retention compartment 1.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a top view of a bottom section of an exemplary portable fluid supply system 8 (102) is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is explained in conjunction with the FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The portable fluid supply system 8 (102) is analogous to the external supply and can be any size as practicable. It should be noted that “external supply” is referred to as “portable fluid supply system” from hereon. The bottom section of the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) includes two adjacent sections. Each adjacent section includes a housing, a retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7, and the first hose 6. The housing includes an opening. Further, the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) includes the first hose 6 movably positioned at the opening from a first end. The portable fluid supply system 8 (102) includes the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 in fluid communication with a second end of the first hose 6 through an elbow fixture. The retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 includes a retractable cord. The retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 is configured to wind the first hose 6 in a retraction mode using the retractable cord. Notably, any mechanism suitable to extend and/or retract the cord can be employed. The first hose 6 is retracted into the housing through the opening in the retraction mode. The retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 is further configured to unwind the first hose 6 in an extension mode using the retractable cord. The first hose 6 is extended out of the housing 8 through the opening in the extension mode.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a top section and the bottom section of the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is explained in conjunction with the FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The top section includes a diaphragm pump 9 and a diaphragm vacuum 10. The diaphragm pump 9 is in fluid communication with the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 through the first hose 6 from a first adjacent section of the bottom section. More specifically, the diaphragm pump 9 is connected to the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 via three of the plurality of smaller hoses (i.e., the smaller hose 6a, the smaller hose 6c, and the smaller hose 6e) from the first hose 6 of the first adjacent section of the bottom section and via three of the plurality of smaller hoses (i.e., the smaller hose 6b, the smaller hose 6d, and the smaller hose 6f) from the first hose 6 of the second adjacent section of the bottom section. The diaphragm pump 9 is configured to supply the fluid or air to the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 through the first hose 6.

The diaphragm vacuum 10 is in fluid communication with the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 through the first hose 6 from a second adjacent section of the bottom section. More specifically, the diaphragm vacuum 10 is connected to the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 via three of the plurality of smaller hoses (i.e., the smaller hose 6a, the smaller hose 6c, and the smaller hose 6e) from the first hose 6 of the second adjacent section of the bottom section and via three of the plurality of smaller hoses (i.e., the smaller hose 6b, the smaller hose 6d, and the smaller hose 6f) from the first hose 6 of the first adjacent section of the bottom section. The diaphragm vacuum 10 is configured to provide a suction force to withdraw the fluid or air from the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 through the first hose 6.

Thus, for the first adjacent section of the bottom section, the smaller hoses 6a, 6c, and 6e form a set of pumping hoses (which are connected to the diaphragm pump 9) and the smaller hoses 6b, 6d, and 6f form a set of vacuum hoses (which are connected to the diaphragm vacuum 10). Further, for the second adjacent section of the bottom section, the smaller hoses 6a, 6c, and 6e form a set of vacuum hoses (which are connected to the diaphragm vacuum 10) and the smaller hoses 6b, 6d, and 6f form a set of pumping hoses (which are connected to the diaphragm pump 9).

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exploded view of the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 is in fluid communication with a second end of the first hose 6 through the elbow fixture. The retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 includes a retractable cord. The retractable cord is automatically retracted (i.e., wound) and extended (i.e., unwound) by the first hose 6. Further, the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 includes a plurality of components, such as a part 7a, a part 7b, a part 7c, a part 7d, a part 7e, a part 7f, a part 7g, and a part 7h. The parts 7a and 7e are outer parts of the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 to allow stable winding and unwinding of the retractable cord. The part 7b is a connector. The first hose 6 rests on the part 7c. The part 7c is affixed between the parts 7a and 7e through the part 7d. The part 7h mounts the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 to the bottom section of the portable fluid supply system 8 (102). The parts 7f and 7g assist in securely mounting the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 to the bottom section of the portable fluid supply system 8 (102).

Referring now to FIG. 9, a side view of a connection between the first hose 6 and the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is explained in conjunction with the FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. An elbow fixture 6g is mounted on a top center of the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7. The retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 is mounted to the bottom section of the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) by the part 7h. The first hose 6 is fluidically connected to a first end of the elbow fixture 6g from within the reel of the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7. The first hose 6 can be retracted or extended on the reel of the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7. Further, a hose splicer 6i is fluidically connected to a second end of the elbow fixture 6g. The plurality of smaller hoses 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f branch out of the hose splicer 6i. The plurality of smaller hoses 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f are further connected to the diaphragm pump 9 or the diaphragm vacuum 10. The plurality of smaller hoses 6a, 6b, 60, 6d, 6e, and 6f transports the fluid or air through a hose splicer 6i.

Referring now to FIG. 10, fluid connection of the first hose 6 with the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The first hose 6 is connected to the elbow fixture 6g at the first end of the elbow fixture 6g. The hose splicer 6i is connected to the elbow fixture 6g at the second end of the elbow fixture 6g. Thus, the first hose 6 is coupled by the elbow fixture 6g to the hose splicer 6i. Further, the plurality of smaller hoses 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f are connected to the hose splicer 6i. The plurality of smaller hoses 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f are further connected to the diaphragm pump 9 or the diaphragm vacuum 10.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a side view of the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The portable fluid supply system 8 (102) additionally includes a power button 8b, Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights 8c, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Charging Port 8d, a diaphragm pump micro computer chip 11a, a diaphragm vacuum micro computer chip 11b, a lithium rechargeable battery 12, and a Bluetooth Chip 13. Further, the plurality of smaller hoses 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f are connected to the hose splicer 6i. The plurality of smaller hoses 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, and 6f are further connected to the diaphragm pump 9 or the diaphragm vacuum 10.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an exploded view of the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. The portable fluid supply system 8 (102) additionally includes a cooling fan 14. Each of a plurality of components of the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) is arranged within the housing of the portable fluid supply system 8 (102).

Referring to FIG. 13, a cross-sectional top view of an exemplary portable fluid supply system is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The diaphragm pump 9 may include a plurality of pump ports (for example, a pump port 9a, a pump port 9b, a pump port 9c, a pump port 9d, a pump port 9e, and a pump port 9f). The plurality of pump ports facilitates a fluid communication between the diaphragm pump 9 and the set of pumping hoses from the plurality of smaller hoses. Similarly, the diaphragm vacuum 10 may include a plurality of vacuum ports (for example, a vacuum port 10a, a vacuum port 10b, a vacuum port 10c, a vacuum port 10d, a vacuum port 10e, and a vacuum port 10f). The plurality of vacuum ports facilitate a fluid communication between the diaphragm vacuum 10 and the set of vacuum hoses from the plurality of smaller hoses.

Table 1 below shows an exemplary connection of the plurality of pump ports and the plurality of vacuum ports with the plurality of smaller hoses from the first adjacent side section and the second adjacent side section of the bottom section.

TABLE 1
Diaphragm Pump 9	Diaphragm Vacuum 10
		Adjacent			Adjacent
Pump	Smaller	Side	Vacuum	Smaller	Side
Port	Hose	Section	Port	Hose	Section
9a	6a	First	10a	6a	Second
9c	6c	First	10c	6c	Second
9e	6e	First	10e	6e	Second
9b	6b	Second	10b	6b	First
9d	6d	Second	10d	6d	First
9f	6f	Second	10f	6f	First

Thus, each of the first adjacent side section and the second adjacent side section includes 3 pumping hoses and 3 vacuum hoses.

Referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary GUI 15 (103) of an exemplary footwear adjustment system is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. The GUI 15 (103) displays a visual representation of the sole assembly of a right footwear article and a left footwear article (both analogous to the footwear article 100 or 101). The GUI 15 (103) may be rendered on the user device. The GUI 15 (103) may allow the user to operate the exchange of the fluid or air flows performed by a diaphragm pump 9 and a diaphragm vacuum 10. The user device may be connected with the portable supply system 8 (102) via Bluetooth through the Bluetooth chip 13. This allows the GUI 15 (103) to access the two micro computer chips, 10A and 10B, which control all airports (i.e., the plurality of pump ports) of the diaphragm pump 9 and all airports (i.e., the plurality of vacuum ports) of the miniature diaphragm vacuum 10. The airports then control the amount of fluid or air the user prefers to inhabit the adjustable footwear system 100.

Referring to FIG. 15, an exemplary footwear adjustment system where various embodiments of the present invention may be deployed is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The portable fluid supply system 8 (102) is connected via Bluetooth to the user device. The GUI 15 (103) is rendered on the user device. Through the GUI, the user may control airflow or liquid flow coming to and from the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) to the footwear article 100.

At least one of the micro computer chip 11a or the micro computer chip 11b in the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) may receive a signal corresponding to fluid or air control between one or more fluid or air-retention compartments in a sole assembly of the footwear article 100 and the portable fluid supply system 8 (102) corresponding to a user command. The portable fluid supply system includes the first hose 6, the diaphragm pump 9, and the diaphragm vacuum 10. The diaphragm pump 9 is in fluid or air communication with the retractable reel and wheel mechanism 7 through the first hose 6. The diaphragm vacuum 10 is in fluid or air communication with the retractable reel and wheel mechanism through the first hose 6.

Further, the at least one of the micro computer chip 11a or the micro computer chip 11b may manage the fluid or air control based on the signal. The managing may include at least one of withdrawing the fluid or air from the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose 6 or supplying the fluid or air to the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose 6.

By way of an example, a user command corresponding to pumping the fluid or air into the fluid or air-retention compartment 1 through the diaphragm pump 9 may be sent via the GUI 15 (103). The micro computer chip 11a may receive the signal corresponding to fluid or air control based on the user command. The micro computer chip 11a may activate the diaphragm pump 9 to supply the fluid or air to the fluid or air-retention compartment 1.

It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A footwear adjustment system, comprising: a sole assembly comprising a plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments;a set of hoses, each forming a fluid or air communication channel between a respective fluid or air-retention compartment and a control apparatus; and

2. The footwear adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the one or more external ports are in fluid or air communication with the one or more internal ports through connector hoses.

3. The footwear adjustment system of claim 2, wherein the sole assembly further comprises an Input/Output (I/O) box, wherein the I/O box comprises a plurality of I/O ports, and wherein the I/O box facilitates exchange of the fluid or air between the fluid or air-retention compartments and an external supply through the plurality of I/O ports.

4. The footwear adjustment system of claim 3, wherein the connector hoses are configured to receive the fluid or air from one or more external ports of the plurality of I/O ports, and supply the fluid or air to one or more internal ports of the plurality of I/O ports.

5. The footwear adjustment system of claim 4, wherein the I/O box further comprises a door positioned exterior to the rear end of the sole assembly, wherein the door is in one of an opened state or a closed state, and wherein the door is configured to cover one or more of the plurality of I/O ports when the door is in the closed state.

6. The footwear adjustment system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments comprises a pressure valve.

7. The footwear adjustment system of claim 6, wherein each of the set of hoses connects the pressure valve of each of the plurality of fluid or air-retention compartments with one or more of the plurality of I/O ports of the I/O box.

8. A portable fluid or air supply system, comprising: a housing comprising an opening;a first hose movably positioned at the opening from a first end;a mechanism in communication with a second end of the first hose through an elbow fixture, wherein the mechanism comprises a retractable cord, and wherein the mechanism is configured to wind the first hose in a retraction mode using the retractable cord, wherein the first hose is retracted into the housing through the opening in the retraction mode, and unwind the first hose in an extension mode using the retractable cord, wherein the first hose is extended out of the housing through the opening in the extension mode;a diaphragm pump in communication with the mechanism through the first hose, wherein the diaphragm pump is configured to supply fluid or air through the first hose; anda diaphragm vacuum in communication with the mechanism through the first hose, wherein the diaphragm vacuum is configured to withdraw the fluid or air through the first hose.

9. The portable fluid or air supply system of claim 8, wherein the first hose comprises a plurality of smaller hoses, wherein the plurality of smaller hoses connects the diaphragm pump the diaphragm vacuum with the mechanism in communication with the second end of the first hose.

10. The portable fluid or air supply system of claim 8, wherein the first hose further comprises an adapter attached to the opening of the housing from an interior side of the housing, wherein the adapter comprises: an adapter housing; anda plurality of external adapter ports on an exterior of the adapter housing, wherein the plurality of external adapter ports is connected to the plurality of smaller hoses within the adapter housing.

11. The portable fluid or air supply system of claim 8, further comprising a battery unit, wherein the battery unit comprises: a rechargeable battery configured to supply power to each of the diaphragm pump and the diaphragm vacuum; anda Universal Serial Bus (USB) port connected to the rechargeable battery, wherein the USB port is configured to receive external charging power; and supply the external charging power to the rechargeable battery.

12. A method for supplying fluid or air to fluid or air-retention compartments in footwear articles, the method comprising: receiving, by a control apparatus, a signal corresponding to fluid or air control between one or more fluid or air-retention compartments in a sole assembly of a footwear adjustment system and a portable fluid supply system corresponding to a user command, wherein the portable fluid supply system comprises:a first hose;a diaphragm pump in fluid or air communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose; anda diaphragm vacuum in fluid or air communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose;managing, by the control apparatus, the fluid or air control based on the signal, wherein the managing comprises, at least one of withdrawing, by the diaphragm vacuum, fluid or air from the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose; or supplying, by the diaphragm pump, the fluid or air to the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the footwear adjustment system further comprises an input/output (I/O) box positioned at a rear end of the sole assembly, wherein: the I/O box comprises one or more external ports positioned exterior to the rear end of the sole assembly, and wherein the I/O box comprises one or more internal ports positioned interior to the rear end of the sole assembly and the one or more external ports are in fluid or air communication with the one or more internal ports.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving, by the one or more external ports, the fluid or air from the diaphragm pump; andsupplying, by the one or more external ports, the fluid or air to the one or more internal ports.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the sole assembly further comprises a hose connecting each of the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments with the one or more internal ports of the I/O box, wherein the method further comprises: receiving, by the hose, the fluid or air from the one or more internal ports; andsupplying, by the hose, the fluid or air to each of the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments.

16. A footwear article comprising a sole assembly comprising: one or more fluid or air-retention compartments;a set of hoses, each forming a fluid or air communication channel between a respective fluid or air-retention compartment and an Input/Output (I/O) box; andthe I/O box comprising a plurality of I/O ports, wherein the I/O box facilitates exchange of the fluid or air between the fluid or air-retention compartments and an external supply through the plurality of I/O ports.

17. The footwear article of claim 16, wherein the footwear article is an athletic shoe.

18. The footwear article of claim 16, wherein the footwear article is a casual shoe.

19. The footwear article of claim 16, wherein the footwear article is a work shoe.

20. A computer-implemented method or apparatus for supplying fluid or air to fluid or air-retention compartments in a shoe, the computer-implemented method comprising: receiving a signal corresponding to fluid or air control between one or more fluid or air-retention compartments in a sole assembly of a footwear adjustment system and a portable fluid or air supply system corresponding to a user command, wherein the portable fluid or air supply system comprises: a first hose;a diaphragm pump in fluid or air communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose; anda diaphragm vacuum in fluid or air communication with the retractable mechanism through the first hose;managing the fluid or air control based on the signal, wherein the managing comprises, at least one of: withdrawing, by the diaphragm vacuum, fluid or air from the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose; orsupplying, by the diaphragm pump, the fluid or air to the one or more fluid or air-retention compartments through the first hose.