Patent Application
20230065218
This application is a divisional of Meschter, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0250726, published on Sep. 11, 2014 and entitled “Support Members with Variable Viscosity Fluid for Footwear,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present embodiments relate generally to footwear and in particular to articles of footwear having support members.
Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter.
The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper so as to be positioned between the foot and the ground. In athletic footwear, for example, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. The midsole may also include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot, for example. The outsole forms a ground-contacting element of the footwear and may be fashioned from a durable and wear-resistant rubber material that includes texturing to impart traction. The sole structure may also include a sockliner positioned within the upper and proximal a lower surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.
In one aspect, an article of footwear includes a first support member having a first outer portion made of a compressible material and a first inner portion, where the first inner portion is filled with rheological fluid. The article of footwear also includes a second support member having a second outer portion made of a compressible material and a second inner portion, where the second inner portion is filled with rheological fluid. The article of footwear also includes a first reservoir in fluid communication with the first inner portion and a second reservoir in fluid communication with the second inner portion, a first electromagnetic device associated with the first support member, where the first electromagnetic device can be activated to vary the viscosity of the rheological fluid in the first inner portion and a second electromagnetic device associated with the second support member, where the second electromagnetic device can be activated to vary the viscosity of the rheological fluid in the second inner portion. The first support member and the second support member are spaced apart from one another.
In another aspect, an article of footwear includes a support member having an outer portion made of a compressible material and an inner portion, where the inner portion is filled with a rheological fluid. The article of footwear also includes a reservoir in fluid communication with the inner portion and an electromagnetic device associated with the support member, where the electromagnetic device can be activated to vary the viscosity of the rheological fluid in the inner portion. The outer portion has an approximately cylindrical shape and the inner portion is generally coaxial with the outer portion.
In another aspect, an article of footwear includes a support member comprising a bladder with an outer chamber and an inner chamber, where the outer chamber is sealed from the inner chamber. The outer chamber is filled with a gas and the inner chamber is filled with a rheological fluid. The article of footwear also includes a reservoir in fluid communication with the inner chamber and an electromagnetic device associated with the support member, where the electromagnetic device can be activated to vary the viscosity of the rheological fluid in the inner chamber.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.
The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
Referring to
It will be understood that forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12 and heel portion 14 are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article 100. Likewise, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 are intended to represent generally two sides of a component, rather than precisely demarcating article 100 into two halves.
For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of a component. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width of a component, such as an article. For example, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of a last member. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions. In situations where an article is placed on a ground surface, the upwards vertical direction may be oriented away from the ground surface, while the downwards vertical direction may be oriented towards the ground surface. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be also be applied to individual components of article 100 as well.
Article 100 can include upper 102 and sole structure 110. Generally, upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article 100 is a basketball shoe, upper 102 could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article 100 is a running shoe, upper 102 could be a low top upper.
In some embodiments, sole structure 110 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 110 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 110 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 110 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 110 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces.
Sole structure 110 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure 110 may include different components. For example, sole structure 110 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional.
Some embodiments can include provisions for shock absorption, energy return, cushioning and/or comfort. In some embodiments, an article of footwear may be configured with an adaptive support system, which may include provisions for adaptively changing support for an article. In some embodiments, an adaptive support system can include one or more support members with variable support characteristics.
In some embodiments, plurality of support members 120 comprise individual members that are spaced apart from one another. In particular, first support member 121, second support member 122, third support member 123 and fourth support member 124 are arranged as column-like members that extend between upper plate 130 and lower plate 132. With this arrangement, plurality of support members 120 may provide support to the heel of a foot, which is generally disposed over upper plate 130 of article 100.
Also shown in
In some embodiments, one or more support members can be configured to provide adaptive support or response to forces applied to article 100 by a user's foot, a ground surface as well as possibly other sources. In some embodiments, one or more support members can be configured with adaptive shock-absorption, energy return and/or cushioning properties. In one embodiment, one or more support members can include a portion with variable shock-absorption, cushioning, rigidity and/or other properties.
Generally, as described in further detail below, a support member can be configured with an outer portion that is substantially compressible as well as an inner portion that is at least partially bounded by the outer portion. In some embodiments, whereas the outer portion may have a substantially fixed compressibility or rigidity, the compressibility or rigidity of the inner portion could be variable. In some embodiments, the variable compressibility of the inner portion can be achieved using a fluid having variable viscosity or structural characteristics. In one embodiment, the inner portion may be a cavity filled with a rheological fluid, including, for example, an electrorheological fluid or a magnetorheological fluid.
Referring to
Structurally, in some embodiments, support member 121 may be configured with an outer ring-like (or donut-like) member 161 surrounding a central region. The region encircled by member 161 may further be bounded above and below by an upper bladder wall 180 and a lower bladder wall 182. This arrangement creates a sealed inner chamber 176.
The upper bladder wall 180 and the lower bladder wall 182 may generally be attached to member 161 in a manner that prevents fluid from escaping between member 161 and upper bladder wall 180 and/or lower bladder wall 182. In some embodiments, upper bladder wall 180 and/or lower bladder wall 182 may be bonded to member 161 using adhesives, thermal bonding, as well as any other methods known in the art for joining layers of a bladder together. Moreover, in other embodiments, upper bladder wall 180 and/or lower bladder wall 182 could be integrally formed with member 161.
In some embodiments, first fluid 189 in the form of a gas or liquid may be sealed within the outer chamber 174, between an exterior bladder wall 170 and an interior bladder wall 172. Additionally, a second fluid 190 may fill inner chamber 176. In some embodiments, the first fluid 189 and the second fluid 190 could be substantially similar. In other embodiments, the first fluid 189 and the second fluid 190 could be substantially different. In one embodiment, the first fluid 189 may be air and the second fluid 190 may be a magnetorheological fluid. Therefore, first fluid 189 may be a substantially compressible gas, while second fluid 190 may be a substantially incompressible liquid.
Some embodiments may include provisions for allowing second fluid 190 to flow into and/or out of inner chamber 176. In some embodiments, lower bladder wall 182 may include a hole or aperture in the form of fluid port 198, which allows second fluid 190 to enter/escape from inner chamber 176. Additionally, some embodiments further include a fluid line 196 that facilitates fluid communication between fluid port 198 and a reservoir 194. Although a fluid port 198 is shown in lower bladder wall 182 in this embodiment, other embodiments could incorporate a fluid port in any other portion including, for example upper bladder wall 180.
Reservoir 194, shown schematically in the figures, may house some of the total volume of the second fluid 190, which can flow between reservoir 194 and inner chamber 176, by way of fluid line 196. It will be understood that the shape, size and structural properties of reservoir 194 may vary according to factors including, but not limited to: the total volume of second fluid 190, the volume of inner chamber 176, the volume of fluid line 196, the intended location within an article of reservoir 194, manufacturing considerations as well as possibly other factors.
A possible mode of operation of adaptive support assembly 199 is shown schematically in
Referring back to
As seen in
In one embodiment, adaptive support assembly 199 may include electromagnet 186. Generally, any kind of electromagnet or electromagnetic device known in the art could be used. Moreover, the type of electromagnet used could be selected according to factors including, but not limited to: required field strength, required location within the article, durability, power requirements as well as possibly other factors.
Although shown schematically in the figures, electromagnet 186 may generally be positioned so that the required range of magnetic forces can be applied to second fluid 190. In some embodiments, electromagnet 186 can be positioned so that the magnetic field primarily interacts with the volume of second fluid 190 disposed in inner chamber 176. In other embodiments, electromagnet 186 may be positioned so that the magnetic field primarily interacts with the volume of second fluid 190 disposed in fluid line 196, especially in the vicinity of fluid port 198. In still other embodiments, electromagnet 186 may be positioned so that the magnetic field primarily interacts with the volume of second fluid 190 disposed in reservoir 194. In still further embodiments, electromagnet 186 may be positioned so that the magnetic field interacts with portions of the volume of second fluid 190 disposed within each of reservoir 194, fluid line 196 and inner chamber 176.
Electromagnet 186 may apply a magnetic field to regions of second fluid 190 that alter the material properties, including the apparent viscosity, of second fluid 190. Varying the viscosity of regions of second fluid 190 may change the rate of fluid flow between inner chamber 176 and reservoir 194. In cases where the viscosity is greatly increased at some regions of second fluid 190, the flow may be substantially stopped. As the viscosity varies in response to the magnetic field, thereby restricting or completely preventing fluid flow, the compressibility of inner chamber 176 (and thus of first support member 121) may vary accordingly. For example, if the viscosity of second fluid 190 is high enough to stop flow of second fluid 190 through fluid port 198, inner chamber 176 may remain filled with second fluid 190 and therefore unable to deform, deflect or otherwise vary in shape and/or volume. Moreover, by varying the viscosity, the rate of flow of second fluid 190 can change so that the rate of deformation or deflection, and therefore the compressibility, of inner chamber 176 can be varied accordingly.
In particular, the general incompressibility of second fluid 190 means that the compressibility of inner chamber 176 may be influenced by changes in the fluid viscosity that occur both inside and outside of inner chamber 176. Thus, it is possible to adjust the compressibility of inner chamber 176 by modifying the viscosity of second fluid 190 at any of reservoir 194, fluid line 196 and/or inner chamber 176. In one embodiment, for example, electromagnet 186 may be positioned in the vicinity of fluid port 198, so that a magnetic field generated by electromagnet 186 can change the viscosity of second fluid 190 at fluid port 198 as well as possibly within inner chamber 176. This may result in fluid port 198 being substantially closed (i.e., clogged) so that no fluid can flow from inner chamber 176.
In order to control electromagnet 186, some embodiments may further include an electronic control unit 150, hereafter referred to simply as ECU 150. ECU 150 is described in further detail below.
Although the current embodiment uses an electromagnet that is actuated by ECU 150, other embodiments could use a permanent magnet to vary the viscosity of second fluid 190. In another embodiment, a permanent magnet could be configured with a position that varies relative to regions of second fluid 190. As the permanent magnet moves closer to second fluid 190, the increased magnetic field strength increases the viscosity of second fluid 190. This could be accomplished, for example, by placing a compressible material between the magnet and the associated region of second fluid 190, so that as the compressible material is squeezed (e.g., during a ground-contact), the relative distance between the magnet and second fluid 190 decreases. In still other embodiments, a permanent magnet could be associated with an actuating member that automatically adjusts the relative position of the magnet with respect to a corresponding region of second fluid 190.
Provisions for returning inner chamber 176 to a pre-compressed state may vary in different embodiments. In one embodiment, reservoir 194 may be partially filled with a compressible gas, which may compress as second fluid 190 fills reservoir 194. As downward forces 200 are diminished, the compressed gas in reservoir 194 may expand to push second fluid 190 back into inner chamber 176. In other embodiments, reservoir 194 may further include one or more actuating systems to push second fluid 190 out of reservoir 194 and into inner chamber 176 (e.g., a piston that reduces the volume of reservoir 194).
The embodiments shown in the figures and discussed here are only intended to be exemplary. Still other embodiments of an adaptive support assembly could include additional provisions for controlling the flow of second fluid 190. For example, other embodiments could include additional valves or other fluid controlling provisions to facilitate fluid flow in the desired direction and at the desired rate in response to various compressive forces.
In some embodiments, each electromagnet may be controlled using one or more electronic control units. In one embodiment, each electromagnet can be associated with ECU 150. Still other embodiments could utilize two or more distinct control units. ECU 150 may include a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, and software all serving to monitor and control various components of adaptive support system 199, as well as other components or systems of article 100. For example, ECU 150 is capable of receiving signals from numerous sensors, devices, and systems associated with adaptive support system 199. The output of various devices is sent to ECU 150 where the device signals may be stored in an electronic storage, such as RAM. Both current and electronically stored signals may be processed by a central processing unit (CPU) in accordance with software stored in an electronic memory, such as ROM.
ECU 150 may include a number of ports that facilitate the input and output of information and power. The term “port” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any interface or shared boundary between two conductors. In some cases, ports can facilitate the insertion and removal of conductors. Examples of these types of ports include mechanical connectors. In other cases, ports are interfaces that generally do not provide easy insertion or removal. Examples of these types of ports include soldering or electron traces on circuit boards.
All of the following ports and provisions associated with ECU 150 are optional. Some embodiments may include a given port or provision, while others may exclude it. The following description discloses many of the possible ports and provisions that can be used, however, it should be kept in mind that not every port or provision must be used or included in a given embodiment.
In some embodiments, ECU 150 may include port 351, port 352, port 353 and port 354 for communicating with first electromagnet 186, second electromagnet 310, third electromagnet 312 and fourth electromagnet 314, respectively. Furthermore, in some embodiments ECU 150 may further include port 355, port 356 and port 357 for communicating with sensor 320, sensor 322 and sensor 324, respectively. Sensor 320, sensor 322 and sensor 324 could be any sensors configured for use with footwear and/or apparel. In some embodiments, sensor 320, sensor 322 and sensor 324 may be a pressure sensor, a force or strain sensor and an accelerometer. In other embodiments, however, still other sensors could be used. Some embodiments, for example, could also include provisions for receiving GPS information via a GPS antenna. Examples of various sensors and sensor locations that can be incorporated into an article of footwear are disclosed in Molyneux et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2012/0234111, now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/399,786, filed Feb. 17, 2012, and titled “Footwear Having Sensor System”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The configuration shown here provides a system where each support member can be independently actuated through instructions from ECU 150. In particular, this arrangement allows the material properties of each support member (i.e., the viscosity of an enclosed magnetorheological fluid) to be independently varied in response to various sensed information including acceleration information, angle or rotation information, speed information, vertical height information, pressure information as well as other kinds of information. This allows an article of footwear to adaptively respond to a variety of different situations with the proper type and amount of shock-absorption, cushioning, energy return and comfort.
In some embodiments, fluid 406 is a variable viscosity fluid, such as an electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid. As with the previous embodiments, the viscosity of fluid 406 may vary in response to an applied magnetic field. Furthermore, though not shown here, layer 405 may include a fluid port 409 that provides fluid communication between inner portion 404 and an external reservoir of some kind. This arrangement allows fluid 406 to flow into and out of inner portion 404 in a similar manner to the flow of second fluid 190 into and out of inner chamber 176 (see
In some embodiments, outer portion 402 comprises a substantially solid material, rather than a gas filled bladder. Examples of solid compressible materials that could be used include, but are not limited to: foams, compressible plastics as well as possibly other materials. The type of material used for outer portion 402 may be selected according to factors including, but not limited to: manufacturing constraints, desired compressibility, durability, weight, as well as possibly other factors. In still other embodiments, however, outer portion 402 may comprise a bladder, such as member 161 of the previous embodiments.
Referring back to
Furthermore, each of the support members includes an electromagnet positioned adjacent to the corresponding support member, including first electromagnet 186, second electromagnet 310, third electromagnet 312 and fourth electromagnet 314. The electromagnets could be disposed in any portion of article 100 including sole structure 110 and/or upper 102.
As seen in
While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17098595 | Nov 2020 | US |
| Child | 17981644 | US | |
| Parent | 16051656 | Aug 2018 | US |
| Child | 17098595 | US | |
| Parent | 14926785 | Oct 2015 | US |
| Child | 16051656 | US | |
| Parent | 13784952 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Child | 14926785 | US |
