Abstract: A tactile feedback shoe sole for footwear comprising a main body that defines a toe portion, an arch portion and a heel portion. A first chamber filled with a fluid is disposed in the toe portion. A second chamber comprising a second chamber upper wall, a second chamber lower wall and projections is disposed in the heel portion. A channel is disposed at the arch portion between the first chamber and the second chamber. If the first chamber is pressurized first before exerting pressure on the second chamber, which is likely to happen when the user of the sole runs following a forefoot running technique, the fluid from the first chamber flows to the second chamber and the fluid in the second chamber does not allow contact of the heel of the user to come in contact of the projections present in the inflated second chamber.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure including a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, the chamber having a top portion, a bottom portion, and side portions around a periphery of the chamber. The sole structure also includes a central structure located in a central portion of the chamber between opposing side portions of the chamber, such that the chamber is devoid of additional structures in a surrounding region around the central structure and extending from the central structure to the side portions of the chamber. On all sides of the central structure, a dimension of the surrounding region between the central structure and the nearest side portion is one third or more of a span across the chamber between opposing side portions.

Abstract: A footwear article having a cartridge enclosing a fluid, the cartridge including a cartridge inlet and a cartridge outlet, and a fluid circulation system for circulating the fluid into the cartridge inlet and out of the cartridge outlet. The fluid circulation system may include a pump having a pump inlet in fluid communication with the cartridge outlet and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the cartridge inlet. Preferably, the cartridge further encloses particulate matter suspendable in the fluid. The pump may be a bellows pump. The cartridge is preferably interchangeable and can be attached and detached from the footwear article.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a cushioning sole system that provides different cushioning characteristics to a sole member using varying patterns of apertures. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member. The sole member can include a set of apertures that are formed along various surfaces of the sole member.

Abstract: An outsole includes a substantially flat reference surface formed on a lower side of the outsole, and studs projecting downward from the reference surface and each having a projection surface positioned below the reference surface. Midsole hollows are provided in a lower portion of a midsole. The midsole hollows are each defined between an upper portion of the outsole and an associated one of midsole recesses formed in a lower surface of a lower midsole at positions facing upper sides of the studs.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure controlled air cushion device disposed on a bottom part of a shoe comprises a first air bag and a second air bag communicated with each other through an air passage, and the first air bag and the second air bag are respectively disposed corresponding to a front foot sole and a rear foot sole of a user.

Abstract: A device can comprise: a trigger chamber, having a trigger elastic wall and a trigger base wall, the trigger chamber configured for relative motion between the trigger elastic wall and the trigger base wall; a connecting line fluidly coupled to the trigger chamber, the connecting line having a substantially inelastic wall; a stimulation chamber fluidly coupled to the connecting line, the stimulation chamber having a stimulation elastic wall and a stimulation base wall, the stimulation chamber configured for relative motion between the stimulation elastic wall and the stimulation base wall, the stimulation elastic wall having an exterior surface; a plurality of projections coupled to the exterior surface; and a stabilizing frame, the stabilizing frame having a substantially rigid wall, the stabilizing frame having a plurality of apertures, the stabilizing frame extending over the stimulation chamber, the projections configured to extend through the apertures when the stimulation chamber is expanded.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, and multiple cushioning components that are attached to a ground-facing surface of the upper. The cushioning components are spaced apart from one another so that the ground-facing surface of the upper is exposed between the cushioning components and the cushioning components at least partially form a ground contact surface. At least one of the cushioning components includes a bladder element with a fluid-filled cavity. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear comprises attaching cushioning components to a ground-facing surface of an upper so that the cushioning components are spaced apart from one another, the ground-facing surface of the upper is exposed between the cushioning components, and the cushioning components at least partially form a ground contact surface, wherein at least one of the cushioning components includes a bladder element with a fluid-filled cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly with a midsole and an outsole. The midsole includes a fluid-filled bladder element including a first polymeric sheet that has a surface with an impression. The fluid-filled bladder element has a sealable internal cavity that retains fluid. A first portion of the bladder element with the impression is exposed to view through one of the midsole, the outsole, or an upper. A second portion of the bladder element is blocked from view by said one of the midsole, the outsole, or the upper.

Abstract: In a sole structure for a flexible shoe with a flexibly elastic mid-sole which comes at least partially into contact with the ground during walking and has laterally open, channel-containing elements which are oriented transversely with respect to its longitudinal direction and extend down towards the ground, wherein the mid-sole has a border strip bridging each of the channel-containing elements, wherein the outwardly directed end faces of the channel-containing elements are provided with horizontal predetermined fold notches, and wherein the channel-containing elements are deformable vertically and/or in the longitudinal direction in the area of the border strip under the effect of forces that act vertically and/or in the longitudinal direction during walking, until their lateral openings become worn, wherein the predetermined fold notches have a vertical width corresponding to the height of the lateral openings of the channel-containing elements and are flush with the lateral openings of the channel-contai

Abstract: The invention relates to a displacement transducer arrangement for measuring intrusions in a crash test dummy, having a first mounting and a second mounting, wherein a distance between the first mounting and the second mounting is variable, wherein there is a displacement transducer for measuring the distance (D) between the first mounting and second mounting, wherein the first mounting and second mounting are connected to each other by a scissor lift mechanism. The invention further relates to a crash test dummy.

Abstract: Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component; (b) an inner perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an inner perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein a first open space is defined between the outer perimeter boundary rim and the inner perimeter boundary rim, and wherein a second open space is defined between a lateral side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim and a medial side portion of the inner perimeter boundary rim; and (c) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim to the inner perimeter boundary rim and across the first open space.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole structure attached to an upper defining an internal void configured to receive a foot of a wearer is described. The sole structure includes a sole body portion having a plurality of sensory node elements located in apertures in the sole body portion. The sensory node elements have a bottom surface configured to contact the ground and move vertically within the apertures. The movement of sensory node element pushes a top surface of the sensory node element attached to a portion of the upper against the foot of the wearer. The sensory node element provides sensory feedback to the foot of the wearer about the condition of the ground. The sensory node elements are arranged at discrete locations across the sole structure to provide sensory feedback at desired portions of the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a lamination machine and lamination process for laminating a membrane to a three-dimensional (3D) target surface of an article, such as a footwear article, glove, clothing article, backpack, or other article. The lamination machine may include an inflatable former that is permeable to air. The inflatable former may have a shape that generally corresponds to a shape of the target surface. The membrane and target surface may be arranged on the former, with a heat-activated adhesive disposed between the membrane and the target surface. The lamination machine may further include a pump to pump heated compressed air into the former. The heated compressed air may inflate the former to press the membrane against the target surface and to activate the adhesive to bond the membrane to the target surface.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pair of sports shoes comprising a shoes body, a pressure generating device, a humidity sensor, a controller and a switch valve. A shoes chamber is provided at the heel of the shoes body, and the pressure generating device is arranged in the groove chamber. The upper work end of the pressure generating device is in contact with the lower surface of the insole of the shoes body; the humidity sensor is setted at the upper surface of the insole of the shoes body; the humidity sensor, the controller and the switch valve are electrically connected in turn, and the pressure generating device supplies power to the humidity sensor, the controller, and the switch valve, respectively; the controller controls the pressure generating device to stop or start energizing the solenoid valve tongue of the switch valve to close or conduct the gas passage.

Abstract: Adjustable mattress assemblies are described in which a mattress incorporates regions where additional pressure reduction is adjustable via pliable fluid bladders filled with a gas or fluid. Such areas of the mattress where additional pressure reduction is desired may include regions of the mattress which support areas of the body which may be particularly susceptible to pressure ulcers such as the heels, sacral regions, etc.

Abstract: A chamber may include a first barrier portion, a second barrier portion, a peripheral bond, an interior bond, and a fold. The first barrier portion defines a first surface of the chamber. The second barrier portion defines a second surface of the chamber, the first surface being opposite the second surface. The peripheral bond joins the first barrier portion and the second barrier portion to form an interior void within the chamber and seal a fluid within the interior void. The interior bond is spaced inward from the peripheral bond and joins the first barrier portion and the second barrier portion. Additionally, the fold is in the second barrier portion and extends away from the interior bond and through a majority of a thickness of the chamber.

Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a constant pressure reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The inflation and deflation of the adjustable bladder are achieved in an iterative manner by controlling the flow of fluid between the constant pressure reservoir and the adjustable bladder over several cycles of heel strikes.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure including a polymeric bladder element enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity. The bladder element has a surface with a groove that extends generally parallel with a transverse edge from a lateral side to a medial side, and has a reduced thickness at the groove. A first length along a longitudinal midline of the bladder element from a longitudinal extremity of the bladder element to the groove corresponds with a first footwear size, and a second length along the longitudinal midline of the bladder element from the longitudinal extremity to the transverse edge corresponds with a second footwear size larger than the first footwear size. The sole structure is used in a method of manufacturing an article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a footbed, a midsole, and an outsole. The footbed includes deformable semi-tubular elements that protrude downward and are received in corresponding trough-shaped cavities of the midsole, which provide cushioning when the semi-tubular elements are compressed under load, and also provide a spring return effect. The semi-tubular elements may have a depth greater than a depth of a corresponding trough shaped cavity whereby the footbed is held in a raised position above the top surface of the midsole. The separation between the footbed and the top surface of the midsole is smaller in forefoot area and greater in the heel area. The separation provides shock absorption and resilience in the shoe because it allows the semi-tubular elements to deform under load and absorb impact shocks.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole having four stacked polymeric sheets bonded to one another to define a first cushioning layer, a second cushioning layer, and a third cushioning layer. Each cushioning layer comprises a sealed chamber retaining gas in isolation from each other sealed chamber. Bonds between adjacent ones of the sheets are arranged such that the third cushioning layer is stacked directly above the first cushioning layer with the second cushioning layer bordering both the first cushioning layer and the third cushioning layer, and the sealed chamber of the second cushioning layer includes a plurality of elongated segments each extending lengthwise across a longitudinal midline of the midsole at a respective acute angle to the longitudinal midline.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an intelligent insole module. The intelligent insole module is placed inside an insole for tracking a user's exercise behavior. The intelligent insole module comprises a sensing unit, a wireless unit, a control unit and a power supply unit. The sensing unit detects an exercise information. The wireless unit transmits the exercise information. The control unit is connected to the sensing unit and the wireless unit, and controls the sensing unit and the wireless unit. The power supply unit is connected to the control unit, and supplies electricity to the intelligent insole module. The power supply unit comprises a magnetic charging structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article comprises etching an etched feature on a surface of a first polymeric sheet, and forming a fluid-filled bladder element from the first polymeric sheet, with the fluid-filled bladder element having a sealable internal cavity that retains fluid. The method includes assembling the bladder element in the article so that a first portion of the bladder element having the etched feature is exposed to view, and a second portion of the bladder element is blocked from view by the article. An article includes the bladder element with the etched feature.

Abstract: A cushioning assembly for an article of footwear includes a first bladder wall and a second bladder wall disposed opposite the first bladder wall. At least one of the first bladder wall and/or the second bladder wall defines a plurality of domes defining a fluid-filled cavity between the first bladder wall and the second bladder wall. The domes include a base portion defining a generally hemispherical segment having a base radius, and a cap portion defining a generally hemispherical cap having a cap radius. The cap radius is less than the base radius. The cushioning assembly may include a load distribution structure positioned adjacent the cap portions of the domes to distribute an applied load across the domes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for clinical assessment of balance may include a tilting balance platform further including: an upper platform, a lower platform, and an array of force transducers sandwiched between the upper platform and the lower platform. The systems may also include: a toroidal bladder supporting the lower platform; an air pressure sensor and a control valve connected to the toroidal bladder; an inclinometer that measures tilt information of the balance platform; and a computer that receives a control signal to activate one of: the array of force transducers and the inclinometer. If the array of force transducers is activated, then a clinical test is performed to measure changes to a subject's Center of Pressure on a stabilized balance platform, and if the inclinometer is activated, then another clinical test is performed to measure the tilt information caused by a subject's movements on a de-stabilized balance platform.

Abstract: A shoe has an air pump device comprising a bellows formed in a cavity in a heel area of the sole structure. The cavity has an average height of at least 4 mm and extends horizontally over most of the surface of the heel area, so that a support strip of the compressible material of the at least one intermediate layer remains between the cavity and the outside edges of the sole structure on the sides and at the heel, wherein the support strip extends vertically over the full height of the cavity and the average width of the support strip is not more than 20% of the maximum width of the heel area measured transversely to the walking direction. The compressible material has an average hardness between 30 and 55 Shore-A at least in the area of the support strip.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a barrier that has a first portion that includes a first outer surface, and a second portion that includes a second outer surface. The barrier includes a first and a second interior cavity between the first portion and the second portion. The barrier includes a bond that secures an inner surface of the first portion to the second portion and separates the first and the second interior cavity. An outsole is secured to the second outer surface, and includes a first outsole portion extending under the first interior cavity, and a second outsole portion extending under the second interior cavity and separated from the first outsole portion by a gap, with the bond aligned with and overlying the gap such that the second outer surface is exposed between the first outsole portion and the second outsole portion at the bond.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sole structure for shoes, which includes a lower midsole. The lower midsole includes a medial-side midsole portion which extends in a medial side portion of a heel region supporting a heel of a wearer's foot, and a lateral-side midsole portion which extends in a lateral side portion of the heel region, and which faces, and is spaced apart from, the medial-side midsole portion in a foot width direction. The lateral-side midsole portion includes supports which are arranged adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction with a gap interposed therebetween and which support the wearer's heel, and a coupling portion which is provided in the gap, and couples the adjacent supports to each other to reduce displacement or twist in the foot width direction occurring between the adjacent supports.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier, a first tensile structure, and a second tensile structure. Any of the first and second tensile structures may include one or more textile tensile members. The first and second tensile structures may be located within an interior void defined by the outer barrier and may be bonded to the outer barrier. The first and second tensile structures may be bonded to the outer barrier in different areas of the outer barrier that are in fluid communication with each other. The first tensile structure may have a height greater than a height of the second tensile structure. In turn, the relative locations and differences of height between the tensile structures may impart a contour to the chamber.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may include an airflow system that includes one or more air chambers in communication with one or more air reservoirs through air passages extending therebetween. The insert may also have a multi-layered structure, with the airflow system provided between the layers.

Abstract: A spacer textile material may include a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of connecting members extending between and joining the first layer and the second layer. The connecting members may form a series of at least ten rows that are separated by spaces. The rows have a width that is less than a width of the spaces, and the connecting members form at least one stabilizing row with a width that is greater than the width of the spaces.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a bladder having a first side formed from a first polymeric sheet and a second side formed from a second polymeric sheet. The first and second polymeric sheets define a closed volume between the first side and the second side. The second polymeric sheet at least partially defines an outsole at the second side of the bladder. The outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and a plurality of lugs. The first polymeric sheet includes a portion that extends from the first side of the bladder and is fused to the second polymeric sheet opposite the ground-contacting surface at the one of the plurality of lugs, and further defines the one of the plurality of lugs. A method of manufacturing the sole structure comprises forming the bladder and fusing the portion of the first polymeric sheet to the second polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article includes forming a fluid-filled bladder element from polymeric material. The method further includes securing an overlay to the polymeric material. At least one portion of the overlay is substantially transparent, and an image on one of the fluid-filled bladder element and the overlay is aligned with and exposed to view through the at least one portion of the overlay that is substantially transparent. The fluid-filled bladder element is assembled in the article so that a first portion of the fluid-filled bladder element and the image are exposed to view, and a second portion of the fluid-filled bladder element is blocked from view by the article. An article includes the fluid-filled bladder element with the image, and with the overlay secured to the fluid-filled bladder element.

Abstract: A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.

Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Abstract: An item of footwear including a sole assembly that comprises at least an outsole and an insole, and further comprising one or more shear force-reducing coupling elements (30) disposed between the insole and the ground. The coupling elements (30) are adapted to permit limited displacement, in a plane parallel, in use, to the ground, of overlying components of the item of footwear. The coupling elements (30) provide less resistance to displacement of overlying components of the item of footwear in a first direction than in a second, reverse direction.

Abstract: An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use.

Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for designing and manufacturing customized footwear, and components thereof. An exemplary method includes a method of designing at least a portion of a sole of an article of footwear customized for a user. The method includes the steps of determining at least one input parameter related to a user, analyzing the at least one input parameter to determine at least one performance metric of a foot of the user, and determining at least one customized structural characteristic of at least a portion of a sole of an article of footwear for the user based on the performance metric.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides footwear designs and related methods of manufacturing footwear. Certain embodiments of the footwear are particularly well suited for use traversing steep rocky uneven terrain. The footwear provides the user's foot support over steep and uneven terrain, underfoot rock protection, shock attenuation, and maximum traction.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper for securing the article of footwear to a wearer. The footwear also includes a sole assembly operatively coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a bladder that contains a fluid. The bladder has a posterior portion, an anterior portion, and a middle portion disposed between the posterior and anterior portions. The posterior portion has a heel recess that is approximately coincidental with a center of a heel of the wearer. The middle portion includes a neck chamber that extends between the posterior and anterior portions. The neck chamber is elongate and has a width that is less than both the posterior and anterior portions, and the anterior portion has a plurality of toe recesses that extend generally away from the neck chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. A valve member may be disposed externally to the outer bladder. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed within the outer bladder to control deformation of the outer bladder during compression.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a rotating shaft 16 rotatably supported and having an internal passage 20 formed within the rotating shaft, first and second connecting portions 26 and 28 connected to both sides of the internal passage within the rotating shaft and adapted to externally send a fluid passing through the internal passage and to receive an external fluid, and a check ball 18 embedded in the internal passage and adapted to control a flow of the fluid. Furthermore, check ball seating portions 24a and 24b adapted to communicate with the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and to have the check ball seated therein are formed on both insides of the internal passage 20. When the internal passage 20 is inclined by rotation of the rotating shaft 16, the check ball closely adheres to a check ball seating portion at a low position due to gravity or buoyancy and restricts a fluid flow from the internal passage to any one of the first and the second connecting portions.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure can be manufactured using a customized cushioning sole system. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole structure. The sole structure can also include a lattice structure made by a three-dimensional printer. The sole structure includes compartments to receive air bladder components.

Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a constant pressure reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The inflation and deflation of the adjustable bladder are achieved in an iterative manner by controlling the flow of fluid between the constant pressure reservoir and the adjustable bladder over several cycles of heel strikes.

Abstract: A thermal protection system is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the thermal protection system includes an insert. The insert may include a first layer and a second layer bonded to one another. The insert may be removeably receivable within a cavity of a shoe to form a thermally insulating barrier between a plantar surface of a user's foot and a sole of the shoe with a side of the first layer oriented toward the sole and a side of the second layer oriented toward the plantar surface. The first layer may include an aerogel and the second layer may include a meta aramid polymer, in various aspects. Related compositions of matter disclosed herein, in various aspects, include a plurality of layers bonded to one another in the form of an insert removeably receivable within a cavity of a shoe to create a thermal barrier between a sole of the shoe and a plantar surface of a foot of a user. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. § 1.

Abstract: Systems and methods of capturing images of body parts to create a three-dimensional (“3D”) model for designing customized outerwear are provided. Images of a body part are captured by an image sensor on a camera or mobile device from various angles, after which they are combined using an algorithm to generate a point cloud map of the image data which is used to generate a 3D representation of the body part. The 3D model of the body part can then be analyzed to determine any unique features of the body part that will require customized outerwear, such as pressure points, deformities, etc. The 3D model can thus be used to develop highly-customized outerwear for an individual. The 3D model is a digital file which can then be utilized by software to design the customized outerwear and request that the outerwear be manufactured, for example by additive manufacturing on a 3D printer.

Abstract: A sole includes a base having a medial side and a lateral side; and a plurality of projections extending from the base, wherein at least one of the projections includes a first pod filled with ambient air and a foam layer disposed below the first pod. The first pod and the foam layer are disposed such that the projection extends non-orthogonally from the base.

Abstract: Soles for footwear and footwear are disclosed. The sole may include a midsole having a first surface. The sole may additionally include an outsole having a second surface and a plurality of first recesses. The second surface may be attached to the first surface. The first surface and the plurality of first recesses may define a plurality of chambers. One or more chambers of the plurality of chambers may include trapped air. The midsole may further include first protruding portions that extend downwardly from the first surface toward one or more first recesses of the plurality of first recesses.

Abstract: A backpack includes two sheets, two straps and a moisture-expelling apparatus. The sheets are connected to each other. The straps are connected to one of the second sheet. The moisture-expelling apparatus includes a permeable bag, a pump and a tube. The permeable bag is attached to the second sheet. The pump is inserted in the permeable bag. The pump can be squeezed to release air and can automatically expand to suck air when the squeezing stops. The tube is inserted in the permeable bag. The tube is connected to the pump so that air travels into the tube from the pump when the pump is squeezed and that air travels into the pump from the tube when the pump expands. The tube includes apertures via which air can enter and leave the tube.