VACUUM SYSTEM FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR OR APPAREL

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a vacuum system and more particularly to a vacuum system for an article of footwear and/or apparel

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.

Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. For example, a sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole is generally disposed between the outsole and the upper and provides cushioning for the foot. The midsole may include a pressurized fluid-filled chamber that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The outsole provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface and may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface.

Articles of apparel such as garments and headwear and articles of footwear such as shoes and boots, typically include a receptacle for receiving a body part of a wearer. For example, an article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure that cooperate to form a receptacle for receiving a foot of a wearer. Likewise, garments and headwear may include one or more pieces of material formed into a receptacle for receiving a torso or head of a wearer.

Articles of apparel or footwear are typically adjustable and/or are formed from a relatively flexible material to allow the article of apparel or footwear to accommodate various sizes of wearers, or to provide different fits on a single wearer. While conventional articles of apparel and articles of footwear are adjustable, such articles do not typically allow a wearer to conform the shape of the article to a body part of the wearer. For example, while clasps and elastic bands adequately secure an article of apparel to a wearer by contracting or constricting a portion of a garment around the wearer's upper body, they do not cause the garment to conform to the wearer's upper body. Accordingly, an optimum fit of the article of apparel around the upper body is difficult to achieve.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is an example of an article of footwear with an adjustable element and a pump device, where the adjustable element is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 1B is an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A, where the pump is engaged with the article of footwear and the adjustable element is in a compressed state;

FIG. 2A is an example of an article of apparel with adjustable elements in front panels and with a pump device, where the adjustable elements are in a relaxed state;

FIG. 2B is an example of the article of apparel of FIG. 2A with the adjustable elements in a relaxed state and with the pump device;

FIG. 2C is an example of the article of apparel of FIG. 2B with the pump device engaged with the article of apparel, where the adjustable elements are in a compressed state;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A, where the adjustable element is in the relaxed state;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1B, where the adjustable element is in the compressed state;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the article of apparel of FIG. 2B, where the adjustable element is in the relaxed state;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the article of apparel of FIG. 2C, where the adjustable element is in the compressed state;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a port according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is an example of a pump device with a plenum;

FIG. 6B is an example of a pump device with a cavity and a vacuum pump;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pump device coupled to a user device for charging;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a pump and a port according to the present disclosure, where the pump is disconnected from the port;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the pump and the port of FIG. 8A, where the pump is disposed over and disengaged from the port;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the pump and the port of FIG. 8B, where the pump is engaged with the port;

FIG. 9A is an example of an article of footwear with an adjustable element and a pump device, where the adjustable element is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 9B is an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 9A, where the pump device is engaged with the article of footwear and the adjustable element is in a compressed state;

FIG. 10A is another example of an article of footwear with an adjustable element and a pump device, where the adjustable element is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 10B is an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 10A, where the pump device is engaged with the article of footwear and the adjustable element is in a compressed state;

FIG. 11A is another example of an article of footwear with an adjustable element and a pump device, where the adjustable element is in a relaxed state;

FIG. 11B is an example of the article of footwear of FIG. 11A, where the pump device is engaged with the article of footwear and the adjustable element is in a compressed state; and

FIG. 12 is another example of an article of apparel with adjustable elements and with a pump device, where the adjustable elements are in a relaxed state.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a vacuum system for a wearable article. The vacuum system includes an adjustable element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article. The adjustable element includes a bladder that defines an exterior surface and an interior void, a compressible component that is disposed within the interior void of the bladder, and a port disposed on the exterior surface of the bladder. The port is operable to provide selective communication with the interior void of the bladder. The vacuum system also includes a pump that is operable to selectively engage the port of the adjustable element to adjust a pressure of the interior void between a first pressure and a second pressure. The second pressure is different than the first pressure.

Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the pump may include a cartridge that is in selective fluid communication with the interior void of the bladder to adjust the pressure of the interior void. The cartridge of the pump may be at a predefined vacuum pressure. The predefined vacuum pressure of the cartridge may provide the second pressure of the interior void when the pump is engaged with the port. Optionally, the compressible component may include a lattice structure operable between a relaxed state when the interior void is at the first pressure and a contracted state when the interior void is at the second pressure. In some examples, the port may include a first port disposed at a first location of the article and a second port disposed at a second location of the article that is different than the first location.

In other implementations, the port may be biased in a closed state to restrict movement of fluid into or out of the interior void. Optionally, the first pressure may define an expanded state of the interior void and the second pressure may define a constricted state of the interior void. In some configurations, the vacuum system may be incorporated in an article of apparel. Additionally or alternatively, an upper of an article of footwear may include the vacuum system.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a vacuum system for a wearable article. The vacuum system includes an adjustable element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article. The adjustable element includes a bladder that defines an exterior surface and an interior void and a port disposed on the exterior surface of the bladder. The port is operable to provide selective communication with the interior void of the bladder. The vacuum system also includes a pump operable to automatically draw a predetermined volume of fluid out of the interior void upon engagement with the port to move the adjustable element from a relaxed state to a constricted state.

Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some configurations, the pump may include a cartridge in selective fluid communication with the interior void of the bladder when the pump is engaged with the port. Optionally, the vacuum system may include a compressible component that may be disposed within the interior void of the bladder. The compressible component may be formed from a resilient material. Additionally or alternatively, the compressible component may include a lattice structure defining a plurality of reliefs. For example, the bladder may be formed from a first barrier element and a second barrier element, and at least one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element may be drawn into reliefs of the plurality of reliefs when the adjustable element is in the constricted state.

In other implementations, the port may include a first port disposed at a first location of the article and a second port disposed at a second location of the article that is different than the first location. Optionally, the port may be biased into a closed state to restrict movement of fluid into or out of the interior void. In some configurations, the vacuum system may be incorporated into an article of apparel. Additionally or alternatively, an upper for an article of footwear may include the vacuum system.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 150. The footwear 10 is depicted as an enclosed athletic shoe, such as a tennis, basketball, or running shoe. However, it is also contemplated that the article of footwear 10 may include a sandal, such as a slide having a strap that extends across a foot of the wearer. The footwear 10 may further include an anterior end 12 associated with a forward-most point of the footwear 10, and a posterior end 14 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear 10. A medial side 16 and a lateral side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end 12 to the posterior end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18.

The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region 20, a mid-foot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 is associated with phalanges and metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region 22 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that have an interior space 102 and an ankle opening 104 configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 150. The upper 100, and components thereof, may be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the upper 100 includes a toe cap 106 disposed at the anterior end 12 and extending over the toes from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18. A pair of quarter panels 108 extend from the toe cap 106 in the mid-foot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior space 102. A throat 110 extends across the top of the upper 100 and includes an instep region extending between the quarter panels 108 from the toe cap 106 to the ankle opening 104. In the illustrated example, the throat 110 is enclosed, whereby a material panel extends between the opposing quarter panels 108 in the instep region to cover the interior space 102. Here, the material panel covering the throat 110 may optionally be formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the quarter panels 108.

The upper 100 of the article of footwear 10 may be further described as including heel side panels 112 extending through the heel region 24 along the medial and lateral sides 16, 18 of the ankle opening 104. A heel counter 114 may be included and wraps around the posterior end 14 of the footwear 10 and connects the heel side panels 112. Uppermost edges of the throat 110, the heel side panels 112, and the heel counter 114 cooperate to form a collar 116, which includes the ankle opening 104 of the interior space 102.

The upper 100 may include an inner bootie 120 that forms the interior space 102. The inner bootie 120 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior space 102. Suitable materials of the upper 100 may include, but are not limited to, mesh textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. The example bootie 120 may be formed as an inner liner including a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and/or one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the bootie 120 to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between a tightened state and a loosened state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, without limitation, spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, an upper-torso article of apparel 50 is illustrated and includes any garment configured to cover an upper-torso of a wearer. The illustrated upper-torso garment 50 includes a bra 50, however the upper-torso article of apparel 50 may include other types of garments for a male or female, including a strapless bra, a camisole, a base-layer shirt, a singlet, swimwear, and/or other garments with built-in support.

The bra 50 may include an anterior side 52 associated with the front of the body of a wearer when the bra 50 is in use, and a posterior side 54 associated with the back of the body of a wearer when the bra 50 is in use. The bra 50 may further include an upper end 56 associated with the shoulders of the wearer, and a lower end 58 associated with the ribcage of a wearer. A longitudinal axis A₁₀of the bra 50 extends along a height of the bra 50 from the upper end 56 to the lower end 58 perpendicular to a ground surface, and generally divides the bra 50 into a right side 60 and a left side 62. Accordingly, the right side 60 and the left side 62 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the bra 50 and extend from upper end 56 to the lower end 58. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the upper end 56 to the lower end 58, a sagittal direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the anterior side 52 to the posterior side 54, and a frontal direction refers to the direction extending from the right side 60 to the left side 62.

The article of apparel 50 may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a shoulder region 64, a chest region 66, and a ribcage region 68 that collectively form a body region of the article of apparel 50. The shoulder region 64 is associated with the clavicle and scapula bones of a shoulder. The chest region 66 may correspond with the true ribs and breast tissue area of an upper-torso, and the ribcage region 68 may correspond with the false and floating ribs of an upper-torso.

The bra 50 further includes an interior space 70, a neck-receiving opening 72, a torso-receiving opening 74, a right arm-receiving opening 76, and a left arm-receiving opening 78. As shown in FIG. 2A, the neck receiving opening 72 is disposed on the upper end 56 of the bra 50 and the torso-receiving opening 74 is disposed on the lower end 58 of the bra 50. The neck-receiving opening 72 is further formed by a neckline 80 extending along a perimeter of the neck-receiving opening 72. Similarly, the torso-receiving opening 74 is further formed by a band 82 extending along a perimeter of the torso-receiving portion 74. While the band 82 is illustrated as being a continuous elastic band (FIG. 2A), it may alternatively include two or more band segments connected by a clasp.

The bra 50, and components thereof, may further be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the bra 50 includes a front panel 84 having a right panel 86 disposed at the anterior side 52 and extending from the chest region 66 to the ribcage region 68 and from the right side 60 toward a center bridge 88 disposed between the right side 60 and the left side 62. The front panel 84 further includes a left panel 90 disposed at the anterior side 52 and extending from the chest region 66 to the ribcage region 68 and from the left side 62 toward the center bridge 88. The right panel 86 and the left panel 90 each include a generally convex or cup shape to accommodate and provide support for the chest of the wearer while in-use.

The bra 50 may further include a back panel 92 and a pair of straps 94 extending between the anterior side 52 and the posterior side 54 of the bra 50. The back panel 92 wraps across the posterior side 54 from the right side 60 to the left side 62, and includes a height that tapers in a direction from the a central region attached to the straps 94 to each of the respective right side 60 and left side 62. The pair of straps 94 extend from the back panel 92 and generally form a “T” or “Y” shape and, further, extend over the shoulders of the wearer and connect to the anterior side 52 of the bra 50.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A-2C, the footwear 10 and the bra 50 may be collectively referred to herein as a wearable article and/or an article, and, unless otherwise specified, discussion regarding the components described with respect to the article applies equally to both the footwear 10 and the bra 50. The article includes an adjustable element 200. For example, the adjustable element 200 may form a portion of the upper 100 of the article of footwear 10. Alternatively, the adjustable element 200 may form a portion of the panels 84, 86, 90, 92, and/or any one of the straps 94, the center bridge 88, and the band 82 of the bra 50. The adjustable element 200 includes a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 and having a compressible component 206 disposed therein. The compressible component 206 may include a lattice structure 208 that may have a geometry that includes reliefs 210. Stated differently, the lattice structure 208 may include different geometrical configurations to impart different constriction profiles in different areas of the article.

In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 3A-4B, the adjustable element 200 includes an inner barrier layer 212a and an outer barrier layer 212b forming at least a portion of the article. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate cross-sectional views of an example of the adjustable element 200 transitioning from the relaxed state (FIG. 3A) taken along Line 3A-3A of FIG. 1A to the constricted state (FIG. 3B) taken along Line 3B-3B of FIG. 1B. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate cross-sectional views of an example of the adjustable element 200 transitioning from the relaxed state (FIG. 4A) taken along Line 4A-4A of FIG. 2B to the constricted state (FIG. 4B) taken along Line 4B-4B of FIG. 2C. Interior surfaces of the barrier layers 212a, 212b face each other and are joined to each other to form a chamber 214 sealed by a peripheral seam 216 that surrounds the interior void 204 of the bladder 202.

As used herein, the term “barrier layer” (e.g., barrier layers 212a, 212b) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of barrier layers the 212a, 212b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 212a, 212b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from approximately 0.2 micrometers to approximately 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from approximately 0.5 micrometers to approximately 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 100 micrometers.

One or both of the barrier layers 212a, 212b can independently be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term “transparent” for a barrier layer means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier layer. In comparison, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer, in that light passes through a translucent layer but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the layer.

The barrier layers 212a, 212b can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

As used herein, “polyurethane” refers to a copolymer (including oligomers) that contains a urethane group (—N(C═O)O—). These polyurethanes can contain additional groups such as ester, ether, urea, allophanate, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocynaurate, uretdione, carbonate, and the like, in addition to urethane groups. In an aspect, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (—N(C═O)O—) linkages.

Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3′-dimethyldiphenyl-4,4′-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4′-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

In particular aspects, the polyurethane polymer chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatics, and combinations thereof. In an aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

The barrier layers 212a, 212b may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,141 and Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,065, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where the barrier layers 212a, 212b include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in Bonk et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In further embodiments, barrier layers 212a, 212b may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers 212a, 212b includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

The chamber 214 can be produced from the barrier layers 212a, 212b using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat scaling, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an aspect, the barrier layers 212a, 212b can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce the chamber 214.

The chamber 214 can be provided in a fluid-filled (e.g., as provided in bra 50) or in an unfilled state. The chamber 214 can be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid. In an aspect, the gas can include air, nitrogen (N₂), or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, the chamber 214 can alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled material, and the like (e.g., foamed beads and/or rubber beads). The fluid provided to the chamber 214 can result in the chamber 214 being pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to the chamber 214 can be at atmospheric pressure such that the chamber 214 is not pressurized but, rather, simply contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

The chamber 214 desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the chamber 214 has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least approximately ten (10) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, chamber 214 has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of 15 cubic-centimeter/square-meter·atmosphere·day (cm³/m²·atm·day) or less for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on thicknesses of the barrier layers 212a, 212b). In further aspects, the transmission rate is 10 cm³/m²·atm·day or less, 5 cm³/m²·atm·day or less, or 1 cm³/m²·atm·day or less.

In some implementations, the inner barrier layer 212a and the outer barrier layer 212b cooperate to form a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the chamber 214. The peripheral seam 216 may extend around the chamber 214 to seal the chamber 214 and allow a vacuum (i.e., a negative pressure) to be applied to the chamber 214. Thus, the chamber 214 is associated with an area of the bladder 202 where interior surfaces of the inner and outer barrier layers 212a, 212b are not joined together and, thus, are separated from one another. The compressible component 206 is received within the chamber 214 in areas where the barrier layers 212a, 212b are not joined together.

In some examples, the barrier layers 212a, 212b may include the same materials to provide the chamber 214 with a homogenous barrier construction, such that both sides of the adjustable element 200 will contract and relax at the same rate when pressure within the chamber 214 is adjusted. Alternatively, a first one of the barrier layers 212a, 212b may be at least partially constructed of a different barrier material and/or configuration than the other one of the barrier layers 212a, 212b to selectively impart a contour as the adjustable element 200 transitions between the relaxed state and the contracted state. For example, one of the barrier layers 212a, 212b may be at least partially formed with a different modulus of elasticity and/or stiffness than the other barrier layer 212a, 212b, such that when the adjustable element 200 transitions from the relaxed state to the constricted state, the first one of the barrier layers 212a, 212b contracts at a different rate than the other barrier layer 212a, 212b to cause the adjustable element 200 to curl.

As best shown in FIGS. 3A-4B, the compressible component 206 is disposed within the interior void 204 of the adjustable element 200 and forms a transformable structure operable to transition the article between the relaxed state and the constricted state. A first surface 218a of the compressible component 206 faces the inner barrier layer 212a and the second surface 218b faces the outer barrier layer 212b. In this example, the compressible component 206 includes the collapsible lattice structure 208 having the plurality of apertures or reliefs 210 formed through the thickness T₂₀₆(i.e., direction from first surface 218a to the second surface 218b) of the compressible component 206. Generally, when a pressure within the chamber 214 is reduced, the lattice structure 208 is configured to collapse within the chamber 214 to transition the adjustable element 200 and the article from the relaxed or expanded state to the constricted state.

One or both surfaces 218a, 218b of the compressible component 206 may be attached to the corresponding barrier layer 212a, 212b when the adjustable element 200 is assembled. In one configuration, one or both of the first surface 218a and the second surface 218b may be fully attached to the corresponding one of the barrier layers 212a, 212b. Thus, as the compressible component 206 moves between the relaxed state and the contracted state, the surfaces 218a, 218b of the compressible component 206 directly pull the barrier layers 212a, 212b to transition the barrier layers 212a, 212b between the relaxed state and the constricted state.

In other examples, one or both of the surfaces 218a, 218b of the compressible component 206 may be fully detached from the barrier layers 212a, 212b. In this configuration, the barrier layers 212a, 212b are free to slide with respect to the surfaces 218a, 218b of the compressible component 206 as the compressible component 206 transitions between the relaxed state and the contracted state. Here, the barrier layers 212a, 212b may be indirectly influenced into the relaxed and constricted states by the compressible component 206.

In other implementations, at least one of the surfaces 218a, 218b of the compressible component 206 may be partially attached to the barrier layers 212a, 212b. For example, the compressible component 206 may be attached to the barrier layers 212a, 212b along a periphery of the surfaces 218a, 218b such that the interior region of the respective surface 218a, 218b is detached or independent from the barrier layers 212a, 212b. Thus, as the compressible component 206 transitions between the relaxed state and the contracted state, the barrier layers 212a, 212b are influenced into the relaxed state and the contracted state by the outer periphery of the compressible component 206. Alternatively, at least one of the surfaces 218a, 218b of the compressible component 206 may be zonally attached to a respective one of the barrier layers 212a, 212b.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-6B, a pump device 300 is provided as a peripheral component and is configured to selectively interface with a port 400 connected to the bladder 202 to provide fluid communication between the pump device 300 and the interior void 204 of the bladder 202, as described in more detail below. It is generally contemplated that the pump device 300 may be a vacuum pump in the form of a handheld device, such that the pump device 300 may be referred to as a portable vacuum pump.

The port 400 may include a valve 402 that is compressed when the pump device 300 is engaged with the port 400 to draw a vacuum within the interior void 204, described in more detail below. Alternatively, the valve 402 may be compressed by the wearer to release the vacuum. By way of example, not limitation, the valve 402 may be a spring-loaded valve, such that the valve 402 is biased towards closed position until compressed. The adjustable element 200 and the port 400 collectively form at least one active or adjustable portion 136 of the articles compared to at least one passive or nonadjustable portion 138 (FIG. 1A). Stated differently, the adjustable portions 136 of the article may expand and retract while the passive portions 138 generally retain a single configuration. The passive portions 138 may be formed from a flexible material and, as such, may flex, stretch, or otherwise be pliable while generally retaining a single state compared to the adjustable portions 136, which change state (e.g., from the relaxed state to the constricted state).

The port 400 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a flange 404 extending from a body 406 that includes an aperture 408. The flange 404 may be utilized to couple the port 400 to the footwear 10 and/or the bra 50. For example, the port 400 may be welded to the adjustable element 200 at the flange 404. The valve 402 is disposed within the aperture 408 and is coupled to a biasing member 410 (FIG. 4B). The biasing member 410 is configured to bias the valve 402 from an open position in which fluid may enter or exit the port 400 to a closed position in which the port 400 is sealed. As shown, the body 406 includes an outer or upper rim 412a extending from a first side of the flange 404 and an inner or lower rim 412b extending from an opposite second side of the flange 404. Fluid channels 414 are disposed along distal ends of the rims 412a, 412b of the body 406 to promote fluid communication and/or movement and minimize potential obstruction (e.g. scaling of the barrier layers 212a, 212b against the rims 412a, 412b) during engagement of the valve 402. For example, the wearer may depress the valve 402 to release the fluid from the bladder 202, while the fluid channels 414 assist in the movement of the fluid from the port 400.

With further reference to FIGS. 4A-6B, the adjustable element 200 can be fluidly coupled to the pump device 300 via the port 400 and is operable to transition the compressible component 206 between a relaxed or expanded state (FIGS. 1A and 2A) and a constricted or evacuated state (FIGS. 1B and 2B). For example, a first pressure within the interior void 204 may be associated with the expanded state, and a second pressure within the interior void 204 may be associated with the evacuated state. It is generally contemplated that the first pressure of the interior void 204 may be equal to or greater than the second pressure. For example, the first pressure may be greater than or equal to ambient pressure, and the second pressure of the interior void 204 may be less than ambient pressure. Each of the first and second pressures may be provided by the pump device 300 to expand and contract the compressible component 206 of the adjustable element 200.

With reference now to FIGS. 1B and 6A, a generic example of a pump device 300a according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. The pump device 300a includes a body 302a with a nozzle 304 disposed at a distal end thereof. The body 302a includes a charging feature 306 that may connect the pump device 300a to a power source 500, such as a user device 500, as described with respect to FIG. 7 below. For example, the charging feature 306 may be utilized to charge a power source 308 of the pump device 300a, which may in turn be utilized to power visual indicators 508 (FIG. 7), described in more detail below. The nozzle 304 of the body 302a is configured to interface with the port 400 and includes an internal pin 305 configured to depress the valve 402 of the port 400 when the nozzle 304 is engaged with the port 400, as best illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. The internal pin 305—illustrated in FIG. 6A—is connected to a cartridge 310a that includes an internal chamber disposed within the body 302a. In one configuration, the cartridge 310a may include a plenum that serves as an automatic actuator to rapidly draw a vacuum.

As used herein, the term cartridge 310a refers to a pre-charged cartridge in which a vacuum is predefined, which is disposed within the body 302a of the pump device 300a. Stated differently, the term cartridge 310a is a feature that automatically draws a vacuum within an identified space (e.g., the interior void 204) upon application (i.e., applying force between the nozzle 304 and the port 400). In operation, the cartridge 310a is automatically activated based on the pressure applied to the internal pin 305 of the nozzle 304 and the engagement with the port 400. For example, a user may engage the pump device 300a with the port 400 to depress the internal pin 305. Depression of the internal pin 305 may automatically release the negative pressure of the cartridge 310a. When the nozzle 304 of the pump device 300a is coupled and engaged with the port 400, the release of the negative pressure of the cartridge 310a pulls a vacuum within, for example, the interior void 204. The negative pressure defined within the cartridge 310a may be referred to as a predefined vacuum, such that the cartridge 310a may readily define or otherwise draw a vacuum within the identified space (e.g., the interior void 204) as a result of engagement the pump device 300a with the port 400.

The predefined vacuum within the cartridge 310a is advantageous, as it may draw the vacuum within the article while being free from a delay that may otherwise be associated with a mechanical pump. For example, the automatic evacuation (i.e., the drawing of the vacuum) of the article is particularly advantageous for drawing a vacuum for a large area, such as the bra 50 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). The cartridge 310a may be removed from the pump device 300a and either recharged (e.g., negative pressure redrawn) or replaced with a new cartridge 310a to reset the predefined vacuum within the pump device 300a. Alternatively, the vacuum may be redefined or recharged within the cartridge 310a via the nozzle 304 being connected to an external vacuum pump, such that the cartridge 310a may remain within the pump device 300a while the vacuum is redefined. In general, the cartridge 310a is configured to minimize the duration in which the vacuum is drawn within the article to minimize the overall transition time between the relaxed state and the constricted state of the article.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1B and 6B, another example of a pump device 300b in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the pump device 300b with respect to the pump device 300a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. The pump device 300b includes a body 302b with a nozzle 304 extending therefrom. As similarly described with respect to FIG. 6A, the body 302b includes a charging feature 306 that may connect the pump device 300b to a power source 500, such as a user device 500 (FIG. 7) of the wearer to charge or otherwise replenish the power source 308 of the pump device 300b. While described generally herein as a power source 308, the power source 308 may refer to any onboard power source or device that may electrically power the pump device 300b during operation. The body 302b of the pump device 300b also includes a cavity 312b and a vacuum pump 314b that draws a vacuum into the cavity 312b. The onboard power source 308 may be utilized to power the vacuum pump 314b. In this configuration, the article is evacuated by the pump device 300b via the vacuum pump 314b evacuating a fluid from the interior void 204 into the cavity 312b. The vacuum pump 314b may be operated via an actuator 316b disposed on the body 302b of the pump device 300b. The actuator 316b may include a button, switch, slide, or any other mechanism for selectively transitioning the pump device 300a from an inactive state to an active state.

The active state of the pump device 300b is defined by the pump device 300b drawing a vacuum within the interior void 204. In this configuration, the vacuum pump 314b is only triggered upon activation (i.e., compression, sliding, switching, and/or otherwise actuating) of the actuator 316b, such that compression of the nozzle 304 with the port 400 results in evacuation only when the actuator 316b is actuated. In either configuration of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the pump device 300 automatically draws the vacuum within the article via the port 400, such that the wearer is free from manually pumping or otherwise manipulating the pump device 300 in a manner that would utilize significant force from the wearer.

With reference to FIG. 7, the pump device 300 is illustrated as being plugged into or otherwise connected to the user device 500 of the wearer such as a mobile phone to charge or otherwise replenish the power source 308 of the pump device 300. It is contemplated that either configuration of the pump device 300 may be utilized in conjunction with the user device 500 to replenish a charge of the pump device 300. For example, the pump device 300 is electrically coupled to a charging port 502 of the user device 500 via the charging feature 306. The user device 500 may display a charging indication 504 on a display 506 of the of the user device 500. The charging indication 504 may display a percentage of the charge of the pump device 300 in numerical and/or icon graphic format. The pump device 300 may also indicate a charge via visual indicators 508, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). With respect to the pump device 300a, the visual indicators 508 may indicate the charge (i.e., current pressure charge) of the cartridge 310a. By way of example, not limitation, the visual indicators 508 may include a green colored LED to indicate a full charge and a red and/or amber colored LED representing that the cartridge 310a can be recharged and/or replaced. With respect to the pump device 300b, the visual indicators 508 may represent a battery charge of the pump device 300b, such that the visual indicators 508 may include a green colored LED to indicate a full charge and a red and/or amber colored LED representing a low-battery state of the pump device 300b. Stated differently, the illumination of the green LED may correspond to a full charge and may also correspond to a sufficient charge for operation of the pump device 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 8A-8C, an example of the port 400 utilized for adjusting a pressure of the bladder 202 of the adjustable element 200 is provided. In FIG. 4A, the adjustable element 200 is in the relaxed state. As shown, the lattice structure 208 within the adjustable element 200 is expanded such that the reliefs 210 of the lattice structure 208 have a first width W_212-1. To move the adjustable element 200 to the constricted state, pressure within the interior void 204 of the adjustable element 200 is reduced until a vacuum force overcomes the opposing biasing force imparted by the resilient material of the compressible component 206 and collapses the lattice structure 208 at the reliefs 210, transitioning the reliefs 210 from the expanded width W_212-1to a collapsed, second width W_212-2. As the adjustable element 200 collapses, the outer barrier layer 212b may be drawn into the reliefs 210 towards the inner barrier layer 212a. Optionally, the outer barrier layer 212b may contact the inner barrier layer 212a such that friction between the inner barrier layer 212a and the outer barrier layer 212b causes the article to increase in stiffness when the adjustable element 200 is in the constricted state.

It is appreciated that the port 400 may be utilized in various articles including, but not limited to, backpacks, bags, shirts, and/or other articles of footwear or apparel. It is also contemplated that the port 400 may be utilized in inflating and/or deflating the bladder 202, the article of footwear 10 (FIG. 1A), the bra 50 (FIG. 2A), and/or any other article with the port 400 incorporated. As discussed previously, the adjustable element 200 is moved between the relaxed state and the constricted state by adjusting a fluid pressure within the interior void 204. For example, the pressure within the interior void 204 may be reduced by drawing a vacuum within the interior void 204 through the port 400 attached to the bladder 202. The port 400 is at least partially disposed within the interior void 204 proximate to the compressible component 206. It is contemplated that the port 400 and the compressible component 206 may be at least partially separated by a pliable member 140. In the illustrated example, the pliable member 140 surrounds the lower rim 412b of the body 406, whereby the pliable member 140 provides a radially-extending space between the lower rim 412b and the compressible component 206. The pliable member 140 may be formed from an EVA material, and channels 220 disposed along the compressible component 206 may extend through the pliable member 140 to form a network of fluid paths between the port 400 and reliefs 210 of the compressible component 206. While the channels 220 of the present example are shown as being formed in the upper and lower surfaces 218a, 218b of the compressible component 206 and the pliable member 140, the channels 220 may additionally or alternatively be formed in intermediate portions (i.e., between the surfaces 218a, 218b) of the compressible component 206 and/or the pliable member 140. The vacuum may be drawn using a pressure source, such as the pump device 300 provided as a peripheral (i.e., independent) accessory. For illustrative purposes, the pump device 300 of the present example is shown as an accessory pump exterior to and free from attachment with the article(s).

Referring still to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 8A-8C, during evacuation of the chamber 214, the nozzle 304 of the pump device 300 is configured to receive the body 406 of the port 400 such that the nozzle 304 is disposed around and generally seals around the upper rim 412a of the port 400. For example, the pump device 300 includes a seal 318 that is engaged with the body 406 when the nozzle 304 of the pump device 300 is disposed over the port 400. The interior pin 305 engages the valve 402 to draw a vacuum via the port 400 and the pump device 300. In this configuration, the fluid is drawn from the port 400 and minimizes backflow by sealing or otherwise obstructing the fluid channels 414 external to the chamber 214, as illustrated in FIG. 4A.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an article of footwear 10a is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the footwear 10a includes a first adjustable element 200a1 and a second adjustable element 200a2 that each include a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 and having a compressible component 206 disposed therein. The compressible component 206 may include a lattice structure 208 that may have a geometry that includes reliefs 210. Stated differently, the lattice structure 208 may include different geometrical configurations to impart different constriction profiles in different areas of the footwear 10a. The footwear 10a includes a first port 400aj associated with the first adjustable element 200a1 and a second port 400a2 associated with the second adjustable element 200a2. The footwear 10a may be selectively adjusted at one or both of the first and second adjustable elements 200a1, 200a2 via connection of the pump device 300 to the port(s) 400a1, 400a2.

With specific reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an article of footwear 10b is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the footwear 10b includes an adjustable element 200b that includes a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 and having a compressible component 206 disposed therein. The compressible component 206 may include a lattice structure 208 that may have a geometry that includes reliefs 210. Stated differently, the lattice structure 208 may include different geometrical configurations to impart different constriction profiles in different areas of the footwear 10b. The footwear 10b includes a port 400b associated with the adjustable element 200b. The footwear 10b may be selectively adjusted at the adjustable element 200b via connection of a pump device 300 to the port 400b. As depicted in FIG. 10A, the footwear 10b is illustrated as a slide sandal with a strap 142b extending across a sole structure 150. It is contemplated that the adjustable element 200b is integrated with the strap 142b. The adjustable element 200b may be advantageous to assist in retaining the footwear 10b on a foot of the wearer by compressing the slide strap 142b, as illustrated in FIG. 10B.

With specific reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, an article of footwear 10c is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11A and 11B, the footwear 10c includes an adjustable element 200c that includes a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 and having a compressible component 206 disposed therein. The compressible component 206 may include a lattice structure 208 that may have a geometry that includes reliefs 210. Stated differently, the lattice structure 208 may include different geometrical configurations to impart different constriction profiles in different areas of the article 10c. The footwear 10c includes a port 400c associated with the adjustable element 200c. The footwear 10c may be selectively adjusted at the adjustable element 200c via connection of a pump device 300 to the port 400c to translate the footwear 10c between a relaxed state (FIG. 11A) and a constricted state (FIG. 11B).

With specific reference to FIG. 12, a bra 50a is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the bra 50, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, an adjustable element 200d is incorporated with straps 94a, a center bridge 88a, and/or a band 82a of the bra 50a. The adjustable element 200d includes a bladder 202 forming an interior void 204 and having a compressible component 206 disposed therein. The compressible component 206 may include a lattice structure 208 that may have a geometry that includes reliefs 210. It is also contemplated that the bra 50a may include a plurality of ports 400d in various locations of the bra 50a including, but not limited to, the band 82a, the straps 94a, the center bridge 88a, respectively. The wearer may selectively compress and/or evacuate selective portions of the bra 50a to form a custom fit of the bra 50a.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-12, the positioning of the port 400 along the articles assists in providing a customizable adjustment for the wearer, such that selective portions of the article may be evacuated while remaining portions remain relaxed. The portions of the article including the adjustable element 200 are selected to provide maximum support and fit for the wearer, such that that evacuation of the adjustable element 200 form-fits the article(s) to the wearer.

The adjustable portion(s) 136 of the article transitions from the constricted or evacuated state to the relaxed state via depression of the valve 402. As mentioned above, the valve 402 may be a spring valve, such that the wearer applies pressure to the valve 402 to release the vacuum drawn within the respective adjustable portion 136. The wearer may release the entire vacuum and/or may be selective in the vacuum release, such that the vacuum may continue to be partially drawn within the respective adjustable portion 136. FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively illustrate the adjustable element 200 and, thus, the adjustable portion 136, in the relaxed and evacuated states. In the relaxed state, the adjustable portion 136 may provide a greater degree of freedom for the wearer, such that the wearer is generally free from added constriction via the adjustable element 200 at the adjustable portions 136. Comparatively, the adjustable element 200 generally restricts additional movement or flexion by the wearer when the adjustable element 200 is in the evacuated state. It is generally contemplated that the wearer may use the pump device 300 to repeatedly adjust the state of the adjustable element 200 to a desired fit. For example, the wearer may fully evacuate the interior void 204 of the adjustable element 200 to form the evacuated state and may later release a portion of the drawn vacuum while still maintaining, in part, the evacuated state of the adjustable element 200. Additionally or alternatively, the pump device 300 may be utilized to draw the desired vacuum within the interior void 204, such that the wearer may activate the pump device 300 for a duration to draw the desired vacuum without reaching the fully evacuated state. It is further contemplated that the cartridge 310a of the pump device 300a may be customized with a predefined vacuum corresponding to the desired vacuum of the wearer, as described above, to advantageously and rapidly draw the vacuum.

By way of example, not limitation, FIGS. 9A, 10A, and 11A each illustrate the adjustable portion(s) 136 of the various configurations of the footwear 10-10c in the relaxed state, such that the adjustable element 200 is relaxed and is generally free from at least partial vacuum. FIGS. 9B, 10B, and 11B each illustrate the adjustable portion(s) 136 of the various configurations of the footwear 10-10c in the compressed or evacuated state. The wearer draws the at least partial vacuum by engaging the nozzle 304 with the port 400 to depress the valve 402. Depending on the configuration of the pump device 300, the wearer may actuate the pump device 300b via the actuator 316b. Alternatively, the pump device 300a may be compressed against the valve 402 and automatically draws the predefined vacuum via the cartridge 310a. At this point, the wearer can maintain the article in the compressed or evacuated state or can partially or fully release the drawn vacuum by depressing the valve 402.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-12, the pump device 300 advantageously minimizes effort associated with drawing a vacuum within the article of apparel 50 and/or footwear 10. For example, the use of the pump device 300 with the adjustable element 200 disposed in a larger surface area of the article(s) minimizes the time it may otherwise take to draw the at least partial vacuum within the interior void 204 when the surface area is larger. The adjustable element 200 may provide added stability for the wearer, such that portions of the wearer are kept generally restrained relative to the adjustable element 200 within the adjustable portion(s) 136 of the article(s). For example, FIGS. 9A-11B depict various configurations of the article of footwear 10a-10c, including a slide sandal 10b, which may otherwise be loose about the foot of the wearer, with the adjustable element 200 disposed within the slide strap 142 of the footwear 10b. The evacuation of the interior void 204 keeps the strap 142 of the footwear 10b snug against the foot of the wearer minimizing movement of the footwear 10b relative the foot.

The pump device 300 assists in rapidly defining the evacuated state of the article(s), such that the wearer may exert minimal effort in transitioning the adjustable element 200 from the relaxed state to the evacuated state. The rapid evacuation of the adjustable portion(s) 136 and customizable configuration is particularly advantageous for articles that may have a larger surface area. The automatic definition of the vacuum by the pump device 300 maximizes the efficiency in delivering and defining the evacuated state to efficiently provide additional support and structure for the wearer.

The following Clauses provide exemplary configurations for a vacuum system for a wearable article, an article of apparel, and an article of footwear described above.

Clause 1: A vacuum system for a wearable article, the vacuum system including: an adjustable element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article and including (i) a bladder defining an exterior surface and an interior void; (ii) a compressible component disposed within the interior void of the bladder, and (iii) a port disposed on the exterior surface of the bladder and operable to provide selective communication with the interior void of the bladder; and a pump operable to selectively engage the port of the adjustable element to adjust a pressure of the interior void between a first pressure and a second pressure different than the first pressure.

Clause 2: The vacuum system of Clause 1, wherein the pump includes a cartridge in selective fluid communication with the interior void of the bladder to adjust the pressure of the interior void.

Clause 3: The vacuum system of Clause 2, wherein the cartridge of the pump is at a predefined vacuum pressure.

Clause 4: The vacuum system of Clause 3, wherein the predefined vacuum pressure of the cartridge provides the second pressure of the interior void when the pump is engaged with the port.

Clause 5: The vacuum system of Clause 1, wherein the compressible component includes a lattice structure operable between a relaxed state when the interior void is at the first pressure and a contracted state when the interior void is at the second pressure.

Clause 6: The vacuum system of Clause 1, wherein the port includes a first port disposed at a first location of the article and a second port disposed at a second location of the article different than the first location.

Clause 7: The vacuum system of Clause 1, wherein the port is biased into a closed state to restrict movement of fluid into or out of the interior void.

Clause 8: The vacuum system of Clause 1, wherein the first pressure defines an expanded state of the interior void and the second pressure defines a constricted state of the interior void.

Clause 9: An article of apparel incorporating the vacuum system of any of Clauses 1-8.

Clause 10: An upper for an article of footwear including the vacuum system of any of Clauses 1-8.

Clause 11: A vacuum system for a wearable article, the vacuum system including: an adjustable element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article and including (i) a bladder defining an exterior surface and an interior void and (ii) a port disposed on the exterior surface of the bladder and operable to provide selective communication with the interior void of the bladder; and a pump operable to automatically draw a predetermined volume of fluid out of the interior void upon engagement with the port to move the adjustable element from a relaxed state to a constricted state.

Clause 12: The vacuum system of Clause 11, wherein the pump includes a cartridge in selective fluid communication with the interior void of the bladder when the pump is engaged with the port.

Clause 13: The vacuum system of Clause 11, further including a compressible component disposed within the interior void of the bladder.

Clause 14: The vacuum system of Clause 13, wherein the compressible component is formed from a resilient material.

Clause 15: The vacuum system of Clause 13, wherein the compressible component includes a lattice structure defining a plurality of reliefs.

Clause 16: The vacuum system of Clause 15, wherein the bladder is formed from a first barrier element and a second barrier element, at least one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element being drawn into reliefs of the plurality of reliefs when the adjustable element is in the constricted state.

Clause 17: The vacuum system of Clause 11, wherein the port includes a first port disposed at a first location of the article and a second port disposed at a second location of the article different than the first location.

Clause 18: The vacuum system of Clause 11, wherein the port is biased into a closed state to restrict movement of fluid into or out of the interior void.

Clause 19: An article of apparel incorporating the vacuum system of any of Clauses 11-18.

Clause 20: An upper for an article of footwear including the vacuum system of any of Clauses 11-18.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

VACUUM SYSTEM FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR OR APPAREL

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