Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers

Abstract

Fluid systems, foot support systems (including sole structures), and/or articles of footwear include: (a) a foot support bladder; (b) a fluid reservoir; (c) a pump (e.g., a foot-activated pump) including an inlet and an outlet, the outlet supplying fluid to one of the fluid reservoir or the foot support bladder; (d) a first fluid line placing the foot support bladder or the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump; and (e) a second fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. Such fluid systems, foot support systems, and/or articles of footwear further may include one or more of: (i) a fluid line support member (e.g., for supporting one or both of the fluid lines); and/or (ii) a switch (e.g., for changing at least one of the fluid lines between an open configuration and a closed configuration).

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority benefits and is a U.S. Non-Provisional patent application based on U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/498,593 filed Apr. 27, 2023 and entitled “Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers,” which application is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 63/477,719 filed Dec. 29, 2022 and entitled “Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers” is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates to fluid systems and/or foot support systems in the field of footwear or other foot-receiving devices. Aspects of the present technology pertain to fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear that include: (i) systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support system and/or (ii) systems for selectively moving fluid between various portions of the fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, foot-receiving devices, and/or articles of footwear. Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making and/or using such fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, foot-receiving devices, and/or articles of footwear.

BACKGROUND

Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper may provide a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure may be secured to a lower surface of the upper and generally is positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation.

The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to allow users to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the user to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to moderate pressure applied to the foot by the laces). The upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel.

At least some aspects of this technology may include structures and/or may be used in systems of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,206,896 B2 and 11,234,485 B2, which patents are entirely incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts relating to this technology in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed invention.

Aspects of this technology relate to fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices, e.g., of the types described and/or claimed below and/or of the types illustrated in the appended drawings. Such fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices may include any one or more structures, parts, features, properties, and/or combination(s) of structures, parts, features, and/or properties of the examples described and/or claimed below and/or of the examples illustrated in the appended drawings.

While aspects of this technology are described in terms of fluid systems and/or foot support systems, additional aspects of this technology relate to sole structures; articles of footwear; other foot-receiving devices; methods of making such fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices; and/or methods of using such fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, articles of footwear, and other foot-receiving devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.

FIGS. 1A and 1B provide schematic views of examples of a fluid system in accordance with some examples of this technology in a lower pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 1A) and a higher pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 1B);

FIGS. 2A-2E provide various views of an article of footwear (FIG. 2A) and a foot support system/sole structure (FIGS. 2A-2E) in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 3A-3D provide various views of a midsole component that may be used in foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 4A-4D provide various views of a foot support bladder that may be used in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 5A-5D provide various views of a fluid source component (e.g., a combined pump and fluid reservoir) that may be used in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 6A-6F provide various views of a support component (e.g., a combined fluid line support component and switch support component) that may be used in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIG. 7 illustrates a tube closure component that may be used in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIG. 8 illustrates the tube closure component engaged with the support component in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 9A and 9B provide various views of a fluid tube connector component (e.g., including two connected and/or parallel fluid lines) that may be used in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 10A-10D provide various views of an example fluid system in accordance with some examples of this technology and its incorporation into a foot support system and/or article of footwear;

FIGS. 11A and 11B provide various views of a switch component that may be used in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 12A-12D provide various views of another midsole component that may be used in foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 13A-14B provide various views of heel support components that may be used in foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 15A-15C provide various views of an outsole component that may be used in foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 16A-16C provide various views of a pump activator component that may be used in foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 17A and 17B provide schematic views of examples of a fluid system in accordance with some examples of this technology in a higher pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 17A) and a lower pressure foot support configuration (FIG. 17B);

FIG. 18 provides a top view of a foot support bladder that may be used in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIG. 19 provides a top view of a fluid source component (e.g., a combined pump and fluid reservoir) that may be used in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology; and

FIGS. 20A and 20B provide cross-sectional views showing features of transition between a lower pressure foot support configuration and a higher pressure foot support configuration in fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the present technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

“Footwear,” as that term is used herein, means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, dance shoes, etc.), and the like. “Foot-receiving device,” as that term is used herein, means any device into which a user places at least some portion of his or her foot. In addition to all types of “footwear,” foot-receiving devices include, but are not limited to: bindings and other devices for securing feet in snow skis, cross country skis, water skis, snowboards, and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for securing feet in pedals for use with bicycles, exercise equipment, and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for receiving feet during play of video games or other games; and the like. “Foot-receiving devices” may include one or more “foot-covering members” (e.g., akin to footwear upper components), which help position the foot with respect to other components or structures, and one or more “foot-supporting members” (e.g., akin to footwear sole structure components), which support at least some portion(s) of a plantar surface of a user's foot. “Foot-supporting members” may include components for and/or functioning as midsoles and/or outsoles for articles of footwear (or components providing corresponding functions in non-footwear type foot-receiving devices).

Various structures and parameters of foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear are described based on a “longitudinal length” parameter L. Note FIG. 2A. The longitudinal length L can be found with the article of footwear 250 or sole structure 200 oriented on a horizontal support surface S on its ground-facing surface (e.g., on its sole structure 200) in an unloaded condition (e.g., with no weight applied to it other than weight of other components of the article of footwear 250 or sole structure 200). Once so oriented, parallel vertical planes VP that are perpendicular to the horizontal support surface S are oriented to contact the rearmost heel (RH) location(s) and the forwardmost toe (FT) location(s) of the article of footwear 250 (or the upper 202, or the sole structure 200, or another component of interest). The parallel vertical planes VP should be oriented facing one another, e.g., extending into and out of the page of FIG. 2A, and as far away from one another as possible while still in contact with the rearmost heel RH and forwardmost toe FT locations. The direct distance between these vertical planes VPs corresponds to the longitudinal length L of the article of footwear 250 (or the upper, or the sole structure 200, or another component of interest). The locations of various footwear features and/or components are described in this specification based on their respective locations along the longitudinal length L as measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. The rearmost heel location(s) is (are) located at position 0L and the forwardmost toc location(s) is (are) located at position 1L along the longitudinal length L. Intermediate locations along the longitudinal length L are referred to by fractional locations (e.g., 0.25L) along the longitudinal length L measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. The term “parallel planes” as used herein are planes oriented parallel to the vertical planes VP. These parallel planes may intersect the longitudinal length L or longitudinal direction somewhere between P=0L and P=1.0L. Note FIG. 2A, including example parallel plane location designators at 0.16L, 0.26, 0.35L, and 0.46L.

The term “rearward” as used herein means at or toward the heel region of the article of footwear (or component thereof), and the term “forward” as used herein means at or toward a forefoot or forward toe region of the article of footwear (or component thereof). Unless otherwise defined, the terms “heel” or “heel region” refer to a region bounded by parallel planes at 0L and 0.3L, the term “midfoot” or “arch” refers to a region bounded by parallel planes at 0.3L and 0.6L, and the term “forefoot” refers to a region bounded by parallel planes at 0.6L and 1.0L. Also, the term “lateral” means the “little toe” side or outside edge of an article of footwear or component thereof (e.g., an upper, a sole structure, etc.), and the term “medial” means the “big toe” side or inside edge of an article of footwear or component thereof (e.g., an upper, a sole structure, etc.).

The term “port,” as used herein includes any opening in a component through which fluid (e.g., a gas) may pass to enter or leave that component. Some “ports” may include one or more hardware components or other structures, e.g., to which a fluid line may connect. In some examples of this technology, a fluid line may connect to a “port” of another component by an adhesive, by a hot melt or welded connection (also called “fusing techniques” herein), by a mechanical connector, or the like. In example structures in which a fluid line is integrally formed with another part (such as a pump, a foot support bladder, a reservoir component (e.g., a reservoir bladder), or other fluid source component), the “port” may be considered the location where the interior chamber changes in size (e.g., changes in transverse cross-sectional area) from a relatively small fluid tube size to a relatively large and more open volume.

This application and/or its claims use the terms, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like, to identify certain components and/or features relating to this technology. These terms are used merely for convenience, e.g., to assist in maintaining a distinction between components and/or features of a specific structure. Use of these terms should not be construed as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and/or features being discussed. Also, use of these specific terms in the specification for a specific structure does not require that the same term be used in the claims to refer to the same part (e.g., a component or feature referred to as the “third” in the specification may correspond to any numerical adjective used for that component or feature in the claims).

I. General Description of Aspects of this Technology

As noted above, aspects of this technology relate to fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices, e.g., of the types described and/or claimed below and/or of the types illustrated in the appended drawings. Such fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices may include any one or more structures, parts, features, properties, and/or combination(s) of structures, parts, features, and/or properties of the examples described and/or claimed below and/or of the examples illustrated in the appended drawings.

As some more specific examples, aspects of this technology relate to fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear that include: (a) a foot support bladder (e.g., including a first port and a second port); (b) a fluid reservoir (e.g., including a third port); (c) a pump (e.g., a foot-activated pump) including an inlet and an outlet, the outlet supplying fluid to the fluid reservoir; (d) a first fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump; and (c) a second fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. In some examples of this aspect of the present technology, the pump and the fluid reservoir may comprise portions of a single component (e.g., parts of a single fluid-filled bladder and/or fluid source component). Such fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear further may include one or more of: (i) a fluid line support member (e.g., for supporting one or both of the first fluid line and/or the second fluid line); and/or (ii) a switch (e.g., for changing at least one of the first fluid line and/or the second fluid line between an open configuration and a closed configuration). Such foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear further may include one or more of: (i) one or more midsole components (e.g., above and/or below the foot support bladder, between the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir, at least partially separating the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir, etc.); (ii) one or more outsole components (e.g., forming a bottom, exterior surface (e.g., a ground-contacting surface) of the foot support system, sole structure, and/or article of footwear); and/or (iii) one or more pump activator components (e.g., in the heel and/or forefoot region), etc.

Other examples and aspects of this technology relate to fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear that include: (a) a foot support bladder (e.g., including a first port and a second port); (b) a fluid reservoir (e.g., including a third port); (c) a pump (e.g., a foot-activated pump) including an inlet and an outlet, the outlet supplying fluid to the foot support bladder; (d) a first fluid line placing the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump; and (c) a second fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. In some examples of this aspect of the present technology, the pump and the fluid reservoir may comprise portions of a single component (e.g., parts of a single fluid-filled bladder and/or fluid source component). Such fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear further may include one or more of: (i) a fluid line support member (e.g., for supporting one or both of the first fluid line and/or the second fluid line); and/or (ii) a switch (e.g., for changing at least one of the first fluid line and/or the second fluid line between an open configuration and a closed configuration). Such foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear further may include one or more of: (i) one or more midsole components (e.g., above and/or below the foot support bladder, between the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir, at least partially separating the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir, etc.); (ii) one or more outsole components (e.g., forming a bottom, exterior surface (e.g., a ground-contacting surface) of the foot support system, sole structure, and/or article of footwear); and/or (iii) one or more pump activator components (e.g., in the heel and/or forefoot region), etc. Additionally or alternatively, fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with this aspect of the present technology may change in height (e.g., increase the height dimension of one or more of the fluid reservoir, the sole structure, and/or the article of footwear) as the fluid system, foot support system, sole structure, and/or article of footwear transitions between a higher pressure foot support configuration (e.g., with the switch closing the second fluid line) and a lower pressure foot support configuration (e.g., with the switch opening the second fluid line).

Given the general description of features, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements according to certain examples of this technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, articles of footwear, and methods in accordance with this technology follows.

II. Detailed Description of Example Fluid Systems, Foot Support Systems, Sole Structures, Articles of Footwear, and Other Components/Features According to this Technology

Referring to the figures and following discussion, various examples of fluid systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with aspects of this technology are described.

FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a fluid system 100 in accordance with at least some aspects of this technology. The fluid system 100 may be incorporated into a foot support system (e.g., a sole structure) and/or an article of footwear in various ways, e.g., in manners described in more detail below. This example fluid system 100 is a “closed system,” e.g., the fluid system 100 has a fixed amount (e.g., mass) of fluid (e.g., gas, such as air or other gas, including gases conventionally known and used in foot support bladder systems) sealed within it, and the fluid system 100 does not bring in new fluid from the external environment and does not discharge fluid into the external environment. Alternatively, however, at least some aspects of this technology may be used in “open” fluid systems, e.g., fluid systems that bring in air (or other gas) from the external environment and/or discharge air (or other gas) into the external environment to change foot support pressure in a foot support bladder.

FIG. 1A shows the fluid system 100 in a “low pressure” foot support configuration, and FIG. 1B shows the fluid system 100 in a “high pressure” foot support configuration. As shown in these figures, the fluid system 100 includes a foot support bladder 400 and a fluid reservoir 500 (which may comprise a fluid-filled bladder or other fluid container). A pump 550 (e.g., a foot-activated pump, such as a bulb-type pump) moves fluid from the foot support bladder 400 to the fluid reservoir 500. When switch component 900 is closed, as shown in FIG. 1A, the pump 550 moves fluid out of the foot support bladder 400 and into the fluid reservoir 500 to place the foot support bladder 400 in a lower pressure foot support configuration. Specifically, compression of the pump 550's interior chamber 550C (e.g., in response to a user's step) forces fluid toward the pump outlet 552 while check valve 114 prevents fluid flow from the pump 550 into the foot support bladder 400 via fluid line 402. As long as the pressure generated by compression of the pump 550 is greater than the pressure in the fluid reservoir 500, fluid will move through fluid line 502, through check valve 118, and into the interior chamber 500C of the fluid reservoir 500 (e.g., through reservoir port 510). Alternatively, fluid line 502 may be omitted (or may be very short, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D discussed below), such that the pump outlet 552 supplies fluid substantially directly to check valve 118 and/or check valve 118 may directly connect with reservoir port 510 and/or the interior chamber 500C of the fluid reservoir 500. As the pump 550 interior chamber 550C re-expands (e.g., when the user lifts his/her foot off the contact surface), fluid is pulled out of the foot support bladder 400 interior chamber 400C, through bladder port 410 into fluid line 402, and into the pump 550 interior chamber 550C (via fluid source port 554A, fluid source line 402A, check valve 114, and pump inlet 554). The dot-dash line labeled 520 in FIG. 1A (and FIG. 1B) outlines components that may be contained within a fluid source component 520 discussed in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 5A-5D.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1A: (i) the closed switch component 900 stops fluid from moving from the fluid reservoir 500 to the foot support bladder 400 via fluid line 504, and (ii) check valve 118 prevents fluid flow from the fluid reservoir 500 to the pump 550 via fluid line 502. Thus, over time in this configuration (e.g., over one or more step cycles), fluid will move from the foot support bladder 400 to the fluid reservoir 500 by activation of the pump 550 thereby placing the foot support bladder 400 at a lower pressure than the fluid reservoir 500. This action and configuration place this example foot support bladder 400 in a lower pressure foot support configuration.

When switch component 900 is opened, as shown in FIG. 1B, this opens fluid line 504 and permits fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir 500 to the foot support bladder 400 via fluid line 504 (e.g., fluid flows between reservoir port 512 and bladder port 412 via fluid line 504). This switching action equalizes pressure in the foot support bladder 400's interior chamber 400C and the fluid reservoir 500's interior chamber 500C, e.g., thereby increasing pressure in interior chamber 400C and decreasing pressure in interior chamber 500C. This action and configuration place this example foot support bladder 400 in a higher pressure foot support configuration. In use, as the user steps down on pump 550 in the configuration shown in FIG. 1B, fluid will freely flow around the circuit—from pump 550, through fluid line 502, into fluid reservoir 500, through fluid line 504, into foot support bladder 400, through fluid line 402, and back into pump 550.

Example sole structures 200, articles of footwear 250, and/or components thereof including and/or forming at least portions of fluid systems 100 in accordance with aspects of this technology now will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-16C. FIGS. 2A-2E provide various views of an article of footwear 250 and/or sole structure 200 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology. More specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates a lateral side view of an article of footwear 250 and sole structure 200 in accordance with some aspects of this technology; FIG. 2B provides a medial side view of the sole structure 200; FIG. 2C provides a top view of the sole structure 200; FIG. 2D provides a bottom view of the sole structure 200; and FIG. 2E provides a rear, lateral perspective view of the sole structure 200.

The article of footwear 250 shown in FIG. 2A includes an upper 202 and a sole structure 200 engaged with the upper 202. Only a portion of the upper 202 is shown in dot-dash lines in FIG. 2A, but the upper 202 may include any desired materials, components, number of components, constructions, structures, etc., without departing from this technology, including conventional materials, components, number of components, constructions, structures, etc., as are known and used in the footwear art. The upper 202 may be engaged with the sole structure 200 in any desired manner, including through the use of one or more of adhesives, stitching, or mechanical fasteners, including in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate the various parts of the fluid system 100, foot support system (e.g., sole structure 200), and article of footwear 250 in an assembled configuration. The various parts identified in FIGS. 2A-2E are illustrated and described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 3A-16C. More specifically, FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate an article of footwear 250 and sole structure 200 including: (a) a first midsole component 300 (shown also in FIGS. 3A-3D); (b) a foot support bladder 400 (not identified in FIGS. 2A-2E but shown in FIGS. 4A-4D); (c) a fluid source component 520 (which also may comprise a fluid-filled bladder, not identified in FIGS. 2A-2E but shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, and include a combination of fluid reservoir 500 and pump 550); (d) a support component 600 (e.g., a fluid line support and/or a switch support) and component parts thereof (shown also in FIGS. 6A-8); (c) a fluid tube connector component 800 (shown also in FIGS. 9A and 9B); (f) a switch component 900 (shown also in FIGS. 11A and 11B); (g) a second midsole component 1000 (shown also in FIGS. 12A-12D); (h) heel support components 1100L, 1100M (shown also in FIGS. 13A-14B); (i) an outsole component 1200 (shown also in FIGS. 15A and 15B); and (j) a pump activator component 1300 (shown also in FIGS. 16A-16C). FIGS. 10A-10D provide various views of the assembled fluid system 100 components with other footwear parts hidden. Where the same reference number appears in more than one figure, that reference number is intended to refer to the same or similar part in all of the views shown.

First midsole component 300 (e.g., a lower midsole component) is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, with FIG. 3A providing a lateral side view, FIG. 3B providing a medial side view, FIG. 3C providing a top view, and FIG. 3D providing a bottom view. In this illustrated example, first midsole component 300 comprises a single polymeric foam component (e.g., constructed from ethylvinylacetate (EVA) foam, polyurethane foam, etc.), although other constructions and/or materials may be used (e.g., rubbers, other elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, etc.). Alternatively, if desired, first midsole component 300 may be made from two or more component parts, including: one or more polymer foam midsole components, one or more mechanical shock absorbing components, one or more fluid-filled bladders (e.g., in addition to foot support bladder 400 described in more detail below), one or more heel component parts, one or more forefoot component parts, one or more arch support parts, etc.

The first midsole component 300 includes an upper-facing surface 300U and a ground-facing surface 300G. A lateral side surface 300L and a medial side surface 300M extend along the sides of the first midsole component 300, between the upper-facing surface 300U and the ground-facing surface 300G. These side surfaces 300L and/or 300M may have any desired sizes, shapes, thicknesses, texturing (e.g., including smooth walls, textured walls, combinations, etc.), ornamental features, and the like. The lines and grooves shown in FIGS. 3A-3D (and other figures) represent one example of an ornamental design for the wall surfaces. The first midsole component 300 further includes a forward toe end 300T and a rear heel end 300H. Thus, this illustrated first midsole component 300 spans to underlie and/or support all or substantially all (e.g., at least 90% or even at least 95% of a surface area) of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot (although other sizes are possible).

FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3D illustrate that this example first midsole component 300 includes a receptacle 310 (e.g., a notched indentation) formed in one side wall (e.g., in the lateral side wall in this illustrated example). Alternatively, if desired, such a receptacle 310 could be formed in the medial side wall, the rear heel wall, or other location on the first midsole component 300. The receptacle 310 is provided to receive and house the support component 600 and the switch component 900 and other components of the fluid system 100, as will be described in more detail below.

In some examples of this technology, the rear wall 310R of the receptacle 310 may be located in the first midsole component 300, the sole structure 200, and/or the article of footwear 250: (a) rearward of a parallel plane located at 0.5L, and in some examples, rearward of a parallel plane located at 0.45L, 0.42L, or 0.4L and/or (b) forward of a parallel plane located at 0.25L, and in some examples, forward of a parallel plane located at 0.28L, 0.3L, or 0.32L. Sec also FIG. 2A. Additionally or alternatively, the forward wall 310F of the receptacle 310 may be located in the first midsole component 300, the sole structure 200, and/or the article of footwear 250: (a) rearward of a parallel plane located at 0.6L, and in some examples, rearward of a parallel plane located at 0.55L, 0.52L, or 0.5L and/or (b) forward of a parallel plane located at 0.35L, and in some examples, forward of a parallel plane located at 0.38L, 0.4L, or 0.42L. As shown in FIG. 2A, in that illustrated example, the rear wall 310R is located at about 0.35L and the forward wall 310F is located at about 0.46L (e.g., at least partially or fully within the midfoot region of the sole structure 200 and/or article of footwear 250). A receptacle edge 310E extends between the forward wall 310F and the rear wall 310R. Sec FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3D. The receptacle 310, while shown as a relatively rectangular shaped notch or indentation in FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3D, may have any desired size and/or shape.

The first midsole component 300 of this example becomes at least partially sandwiched between the foot support bladder 400 and the fluid source component 520 in the final sole structure 200. Thus, while the upper-facing surface 300U of the first midsole component 300 may be any desired shape, including flat and/or smoothly contoured, in this illustrated example as shown in FIG. 3C, the upper-facing surface 300U is sized and shaped to receive and hold the foot support bladder 400. Similarly, the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300 may be any desired shape, including flat and/or smoothly contoured. In this illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 3D, the ground-facing surface 300G includes one or more of: (a) a base surface 312 to which a portion of the support component 600 is attached (e.g., base region 602, see FIG. 10D) (b) a fluid line support region 314 for engaging and/or receiving at least a portion of fluid source line 402A, (c) a valve support region 316 for engaging and/or receiving at least a portion of check valve 114, (d) a pump support region 318 (e.g., a rounded recess) for engaging and/or receiving at least a portion of pump 550, (c) a valve support region 320 for engaging and/or receiving at least a portion of check valve 118, (f) one or more projections 322 (e.g., in the midfoot and/or forefoot region) configured to engage corresponding recesses on the fluid reservoir 500 (or other portion of the fluid source component 520), and/or (g) a recess 324 for receiving at least a portion of an upper-facing surface 500U of the fluid reservoir 500 and/or at least a portion of the overall fluid source component 520.

FIGS. 4A-4D provide a top view, a lateral side view, a bottom view, and a medial side view, respectively, of a foot support bladder 400 that may be used in accordance with some examples of this technology. Foot support bladder 400 may be formed from thermoplastic elastomer material (e.g., two sheets, one sheet folded over, etc.) in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts. This illustrated example foot support bladder 400 includes an upper-facing surface 400U, a ground-facing surface 400G, and a sealed perimeter seam 400S where the sheet(s) forming the surfaces 400U, 400G are welded, heat sealed, and/or otherwise engaged together. The interior chamber 400C (described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and 1B) is defined between the upper-facing surface 400U and ground-facing surface 400G and inside of sealed perimeter seam 400S. One or more interior seams or welds 404 may be provided (one shown in the example of FIGS. 4A-4D), e.g., to control the shape of the foot support bladder 400 when inflated.

The foot support bladder 400 may have a wide variety of shapes and/or sizes in accordance with this technology. In this illustrated example, the foot support bladder 400 includes: (i) a heel region 400H (e.g., that supports at least 50% of a surface area of a wearer's heel), (ii) a forefoot region 400F (e.g., that supports at least 50% of a surface area of a wearer's forefoot), and (iii) a midfoot connecting portion 400M that is narrowed as compared to the heel region 400H and the forefoot region 400F and offset toward the lateral side of the foot support bladder 400. The interior chamber 400C of this illustrated example foot support bladder 400 extends continuously between the heel region 400H and the forefoot region 400F through the midfoot connecting portion 400M. In fact, the interior chamber 400C of this illustrated example foot support bladder 400 extends continuously throughout the foot support bladder 400 (except at any internal welds 404 and/or recess(es)) such that the entire interior chamber 400C is in open fluid communication.

FIGS. 4A-4C further illustrate that this example foot support bladder 400 includes a first bladder port 410 that will connect with a fluid line 402 that provides fluid from the foot support bladder 400's interior chamber 400C to the pump 550. Additionally, this example foot support bladder 400 includes a second bladder port 412 that will connect with a fluid line 504 that extends between and connects the fluid reservoir 500's interior chamber 500C with the foot support bladder 400's interior chamber 400C. The first bladder port 410 and second bladder port 412 in this illustrated example are located on a side edge of the foot support bladder 400 (e.g., adjacent one another at a lateral side edge in the midfoot connecting portion 400M), and they may be positioned to be located at or within receptacle 310 of the first midsole component 300 in the final assembled sole structure 200.

FIGS. 5A-5D provide a lateral side view, a medial side view, a top view, and a bottom view, respectively, of a fluid source component 520 (e.g., including a combined pump 550 and fluid reservoir 500) that may be used in accordance with some examples of this technology. Any desired type of fluid source component 520 (e.g., fluid container) may be used in examples of this technology. In this illustrated example, however, fluid source component 520 constitutes a fluid-filled bladder, e.g., formed from thermoplastic elastomer material (e.g., two sheets, one sheet folded over, etc.) in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts. This illustrated example fluid source component 520 includes an upper-facing surface 500U, a ground-facing surface 500G, and a sealed perimeter seam 500S where the sheet(s) forming the surfaces 500U, 500G are welded, heat sealed, and/or otherwise engaged together. The interior chamber 500C (described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and 1B) is defined between the upper-facing surface 500U and ground-facing surface 500G and inside of sealed perimeter seam 500S. One or more interior seams, welds, or recesses 522 may be provided, e.g., to control the shape of the fluid source component 520 and/or to create additional components within the fluid source component 520, as will be described in more detail below.

The fluid source component 520 may have a wide variety of shapes and/or sizes in accordance with this technology. In this illustrated example, the fluid source component 520 includes: (i) a heel region 500H (e.g., that supports at least 50% (and in some examples, at least 75%) of a surface area of a wearer's heel), (ii) a forefoot region 500F (e.g., that supports at least 15% (and in some examples, at least 20% or at least 25%) of a surface area of a wearer's forefoot), and (iii) a midfoot portion 500M between the heel region 500H and the forefoot region 500F. The interior chamber of this illustrated example fluid source component 520 extends continuously between the heel region 500H and the forefoot region 500F through the midfoot portion 500M. In fact, the interior chamber of this illustrated example fluid source component 520 extends continuously throughout the fluid source component 520 (except at any internal welds 520W and/or recess(es) 522).

The overall structure of fluid source component 520 of this example actually constitutes two parts of the overall fluid system 100 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and 1B: the pump 550 and the fluid reservoir 500. Seal or weld lines 520W define one or more of: (a) fluid source line 402A extending from the fluid source port 554A to the check valve 114 area, (b) the check valve 114 area, (c) the pump 550 (e.g., formed as a foot-activated compressible bulb type pump), (d) the pump inlet 554, (c) the pump outlet 552, (f) check valve 118 area, (g) the fluid line 502, and/or (h) the reservoir port (inlet) 510 to the fluid reservoir 500 portion of the fluid source component 520. As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, fluid line 502 may be omitted or may be very short, e.g., such that the pump outlet 552 supplies fluid substantially directly to check valve 118 and/or the check valve 118 may directly connect with reservoir port 510 and/or open into the interior chamber 500C of the fluid reservoir 500.

The seal or weld lines 520W at the upper-facing surface 500U shown in FIG. 5C match up with features at the ground-facing surface 300G of first midsole component 300 shown in FIG. 3D. More specifically: (a) at least a portion of fluid source line 402A of the fluid source component 520 matches up with a location of fluid line support region 314 of the first midsole component 300, (b) check valve 114 area matches up with a location of valve support region 316, (c) pump 550 region matches up with a location of pump support region 318, and (d) check valve 118 area matches up with a location of valve support region 320. The general outline (e.g., outer perimeter) of the fluid source component 520 may be shaped to fit into recess 324 provided in the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300.

FIGS. 5A, 5C, and 5D further illustrate that this example fluid source component 520 includes a reservoir port 512 that will connect with a fluid line 504 that transfers fluid between the foot support bladder 400's interior chamber 400C and the fluid reservoir 500's interior chamber 500C. Additionally, this example fluid source component 520 includes a fluid source port 554A that will connect with fluid line 402 to move fluid from the foot support bladder 400 to the pump 550 (via fluid source line 402A, check valve 114, and pump inlet 554). The reservoir port 512 and fluid source port 554A in this illustrated example are located on a side edge of the fluid source component 520 (e.g., adjacent one another at a lateral side edge), and they may be positioned to be located within receptacle 310 of the first midsole component 300 in the final assembled sole structure 200. Fluid flow in this example fluid source component 520 is shown by large fluid flow arrows 590 in FIG. 5C.

As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, in this example, the reservoir port 512 and the fluid source port 554A are located within (e.g., at the interior wall 508W) a recessed notch 508 formed in the lateral side of the fluid source component 520. Recessed notch 508 may generally correspond in size, shape, and/or location to receptacle 310 in the first midsole component 300 and may be configured to receive support component 600 as described in more detail below.

FIGS. 5C and 5D further show one or more recesses 522 formed in the fluid source component 520 (e.g., formed in the fluid reservoir 500 portion of the fluid source component 520). These recess(es) 522 may be formed as internal weld spots, e.g., where the interior surface of the upper-facing surface 500U is fixed (e.g., welded, bonded, etc.) to the interior surface of the ground-facing surface 500G. The recess(es) 522 in the fluid source component 520 may be located to correspond with locations of corresponding projections 322 provided in the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300. While FIGS. 5C and 5D show a staggered pattern of recesses 522 in three side-to-side oriented rows in the midfoot region and/or forefoot region of the fluid source component 520, any desired number of recesses, number of rows, number of columns, sizes, shapes, orientations, and/or arrangements of recesses (or other engaging components) may be used in other specific examples of this technology. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, one or more of the recesses 522 shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D could be replaced with a projection sized, shaped, and/or positioned to engage a corresponding recess provided on the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300. Thus, a wide variety of surface engagements between the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300 and the upper-facing surface 500U of the fluid source component 520 may be used without departing from this technology.

FIGS. 6A-6F provide various views of a support component 600 (e.g., a fluid line support member and/or a switch support member) that may be used in at least some examples of this technology. FIG. 6A provides a rear view of the support component 600; FIG. 6B provides a front view; FIG. 6C provides an internal facing side view; FIG. 6D provides an external facing side view; and FIGS. 6E and 6F provide perspective views. This example support component 600 supports both: (i) fluid line 402 that connects between the foot support bladder 400 and pump 550 portion of the fluid source component 520 and (ii) fluid line 504 that connects between the foot support bladder 400 and the fluid reservoir 500 portion of the fluid source component 520. Additionally, this example support component 600 supports the switch component 900 used to change the fluid system 100 between the lower pressure foot support configuration of FIG. 1A and the higher pressure foot support configuration of FIG. 1B. Alternatively, if desired, different and/or separate components may be provided for supporting the different fluid lines 402, 504. Still additionally or alternatively, if desired, different and/or separate components may be provided for supporting the fluid line or fluid lines 402 and/or 504 and the switch component 900.

The support component 600 of this example includes: (a) a base region 602 that extends sideways into the overall sole structure 200 (and engages base surface 312 of first midsole component 300 shown in FIGS. 3D and 10D); (b) a fluid line support surface 604; and (c) at least one switch support region. The bottom surface of base region 602 of this example includes one or more notched areas 602A configured to accommodate features of the upper-facing surface 500U of the fluid source component 520 (e.g., configured to receive fluid source line 402A in the assembled sole structure 200 without pinching it shut, receive reservoir port 512 and/or fluid source port 554A in the assembled sole structure 200 without pinching it/them shut, etc.).

Support component 600 of this example includes a fluid line support surface 604 that includes two fluid line support regions 604A and 604B. While other arrangements are possible, in this illustrated example, the two fluid line support regions 604A and 604B are arranged adjacent one another such that the fluid line support regions 604A and 604B will be spaced in the heel-to-toe direction in the final assembled fluid system 100 and/or sole structure 200. Fluid line support region 604A in this example is arranged to support fluid line 402 extending between the foot support bladder 400 and the fluid source port 554A. The fluid line support region 604A includes a concave exterior surface configured to underlie and support a portion of an exterior tubular surface of fluid line 402 (e.g., described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 9A and 9B). The concave exterior surface of fluid line support region 604A of this example extends around an arc of about 180 degrees and forms a portion of an exterior surface of the support component 600.

Fluid line support region 604B in this example is arranged to support fluid line 504 extending between the foot support bladder 400 and the reservoir port 512. Fluid line support region 604B is located forward of fluid line support region 604A in this example (with respect to the final assembled fluid system 100, sole structure 200, and/or overall article of footwear 250). The fluid line support region 604B of this example also includes a concave exterior surface configured to underlie and support a portion of an exterior tubular surface of fluid line 504 (e.g., described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 9A and 9B). The concave exterior surface of fluid line support region 604B of this example extends around an arc of about 180 degrees and forms a portion of an exterior surface of the support component 600. In this illustrated example, fluid line support regions 604A and 604B are located adjacent one another and/or extend substantially in parallel, but other sizes, shapes, and/or relative arrangements and orientations may be possible in other specific examples.

As shown in FIGS. 6C-6F, fluid line support surface 604 includes front, rear, and center raised ridges 604R that define receptacles of the fluid line support regions 604A and 604B and separate the fluid line support regions 604A and 604B from one another and from the side support components 610F and 610R. The raised ridges 604R also provide surfaces for receiving adhesive used to secure the fluid tube connector component 800 (which includes fluid lines 402 and 504) with the support component 600.

Fluid line support region 604B of this example further includes a recess or receptacle 606 defined in its exposed surface. In this example structure, receptacle 606 is sized and shaped to receive a tube closure component 700, which in this illustrated example comprises a cylindrical component (e.g., formed of a rigid plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethanes, other thermoplastic elastomers, polyether block amides, etc.), formed of a metal or metal alloy material, etc.). See FIGS. 7 and 8. When placed in the receptacle 606, as shown in FIG. 8, the exterior surface 700A of tube closure component 700 will protrude outward into the fluid line support region 604B and against the exterior surface of fluid line 504 when the fluid line 504 is mounted in the fluid line support region 604B. The tube closure component 700 provides a solid bearing surface used to help pinch fluid line 504 closed when the switch component 900 is in the closed configuration as shown in FIG. 1A (and as will be explained in more detail below).

FIGS. 6A-6F further illustrate that support component 600 of this example includes switch support components, namely: rearward switch support component 610R and forward switch support component 610F. In this illustrated example, rearward switch support component 610R and forward switch support component 610F are spaced apart (e.g., joined by base region 602), and the fluid line support surface 604 (including fluid line support regions 604A and 604B in this example) is provided between rearward switch support component 610R and forward switch support component 610F. Each switch support component 610F, 610R in this example includes one or more support elements for supporting a switch component 900. In this illustrated example, forward switch support component 610F includes a forward support hole 612F and rearward switch support component 610R includes a rearward support hole 612R. The support holes 612F, 612R are arranged to receive axial elements 902F, 902R of switch component 900 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) so that switch component 900 will be rotatably mounted on support component 600. Rotation of switch component 900 on an axis extending through support holes 612F, 612R changes the fluid system 100 between the closed configuration and open configuration as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Support component 600 may have any desired constructions, formed of any number of parts, and/or formed of any desired material(s) in accordance with this technology. In this illustrated example, support component 600 may be formed as a single component part from a rigid material, such as plastics (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethanes, other thermoplastic elastomers, polyether block amides, metals, metal alloys, etc.). As some more specific examples, support component 600 may be made by an injection molding process, by another molding process, by a 3D printing process, etc.

In some examples of this technology, fluid lines 402 and 504 (e.g., plastic tubing) may be formed as separate components, e.g., as individual flexible polymeric tubes. In such structures one end of fluid line 402 may be engaged with the foot support bladder 400 (e.g., at bladder port 410) and the other end of fluid line 402 may be engaged with the fluid source component 520 (e.g., at fluid source port 554A). One side or surface of fluid line 402 may extend along and be supported by fluid line support region 604A of support component 600. Also, in such structures, one end of fluid line 504 may be engaged with the foot support bladder 400 (e.g., at bladder port 412) and the other end of fluid line 504 may be engaged with the fluid source component 520 (e.g., at reservoir port 512). One side or surface of fluid line 504 may extend along and be supported by fluid line support region 604B of support component 600.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, fluid lines 402 and 504 may comprise portions of a single fluid tube connector component 800. Fluid tube connector component 800 with fluid lines 402 and 504 may be formed in a manner similar to formation of a fluid-filled bladder (e.g., such as foot support bladder 400 and/or fluid source component 520 when formed as a bladder). As a more specific example, two sheets 800A and 800B (or one folded sheet) of thermoplastic elastomer material may be joined together by seams 800S using heat sealing, welding, or other techniques. Supported surface 402S of fluid line 402 portion may be sized and shaped to correspond with the size and shape of fluid line support region 604A of support component 600. Similarly, supported surface 504S of fluid line 504 portion may be sized and shaped to correspond with the size and shape of fluid line support region 604B of support component 600. The seams 800S may be sized, shaped, and relatively positioned to correspond with the location(s) of ridges 604R of support component 600.

FIGS. 10A-10C provide various views of a fluid system 100 (with support component 600) without the other footwear and/or sole structure parts, to illustrate how the various fluid system 100 components fit together. FIG. 10A is a top, lateral side perspective view of the fluid system 100, FIG. 10B is a bottom view, and FIG. 10C is a lateral side view. FIG. 10D is a perspective cross-sectional view generally taken along line 10D-10D in FIG. 10B, but FIG. 10D includes some of the additional sole structure 200 components, e.g., for more complete context. As shown in these figures together with FIGS. 9A and 9B, the fluid tube connector component 800 has a substantially C-shape, e.g., including a first end, a second end, and a connecting portion (forming tubes for fluid lines 402 and 504) extending between the first end and the second end. The connecting portion defines a concave chamber. The C-shape also accommodates placement of the foot support bladder 400 and the fluid source component 520 in a vertically stacked relationship and allows the fluid lines 402 and 504 to extend between the foot support bladder 400 and the fluid source component 520 without undesirably kinking or pinching shut. First midsole component 300 extends into and fits within the space 100S defined between the ground-facing surface 400G of the foot support bladder 400 and the upper-facing surface 500U of the fluid source component 520.

The fluid system 100 may be formed from multiple parts, e.g., individual parts for the foot support bladder 400, the fluid source component 520 (and optionally for each of the pump 550 and the fluid reservoir 500), and the fluid tube connector component 800. When formed as two or more separate parts, the parts may be joined together in fluid communication with one another in any desired manner, e.g., by one or more of heat sealed or welded joints, adhesives, mechanical connectors, etc. Alternatively, if desired, the fluid tube connector component 800 or other fluid tubes (e.g., for fluid lines 402 and/or 504) may be formed integrally with one or more of: (a) the foot support bladder 400, (b) the fluid source component 520 (e.g., if the fluid source component 520 constitutes a bladder component), (c) the pump 550, and/or (d) the fluid reservoir 500 (e.g., if the fluid reservoir 500 is formed as a bladder component). In such structures, fluid line 402 and/or 504 may be integrally formed as a unitary, one-piece construction with one or more of: (a) the foot support bladder 400, (b) the fluid source component 520, (c) the pump 550, and/or (d) the fluid reservoir 500.

Further, in the specific examples illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D (and others), the first fluid line 402 and the second fluid line 504 engage with or extend from the foot support bladder 400 at locations adjacent one another on a first side (e.g., a lateral side, optionally in the midfoot region) of the foot support bladder 400. The foot support bladder 400 may include physical ports (e.g., bladder ports 410, 412) to which fluid lines 402 and 504, respectively connect, or one or more of the fluid lines 402 and/or 504 may be integrally formed with the foot support bladder 400. Additionally or alternatively, in the specific examples illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D (and others), the first fluid line 402 and the second fluid line 504 engage with or extend from the fluid source component 520 at locations adjacent one another on a first side (e.g., a lateral side, optionally in the midfoot region) of the fluid source component 520. The fluid source component 520 may include physical ports (e.g., reservoir ports 554A, 512) to which fluid lines 402 and 504, respectively connect, or one or more of the fluid lines 402 and/or 504 may be integrally formed with the fluid source component 520. A fluid source component 520 may constitute only a fluid pump (e.g., like foot-activated pump 550, other manually activated pump, a battery operated pump or compressor, etc.), only a fluid reservoir 500, or a combined pump 550/fluid reservoir 500 component as illustrated in these figures.

FIGS. 11A and 11B provide perspective views of a switch component 900 in accordance with some aspects of this technology. Switch component 900 includes a forward wall 900F, a rearward wall 900R opposite the forward wall 900F, an exterior surface 900X, and an interior surface 9001 opposite the exterior surface 900X. The forward wall 900F includes forward axial element 902F and the rearward wall 900R includes rearward axial element 902R. Forward axial element 902F engages corresponding forward support hole 612F on forward switch support component 610F of support component 600. See FIGS. 6A-6F. Similarly, rearward axial element 902R engages corresponding rearward support hole 612R on rearward switch support component 610R of support component 600. When engaged in that manner, switch component 900 is capable of rotating with respect to the support component 600 about the axis of axial elements 902F and 902R.

FIGS. 11A and 11B further show the forward wall 900F including a forward projection element 904F and rearward wall 900R including a rearward projection element 904R. Forward projection element 904F can selectively engage one of (and move between) the forward support recesses 614F1 or 614F2 of the support component 600 (see FIGS. 6A-6F and 8), depending on the rotational position of the switch component 900. Similarly, rearward projection element 904R can selectively engage one of (and move between) the rearward support recesses 614R1 or 614R2 of the support component 600 (see FIGS. 6A-6F and 8), depending on the rotational position of the switch component 900. Projection elements 904F, 904R and support recesses 614F1, 614F2, 614R1, 614R2 may function as detent mechanisms to help hold the switch component 900 in the desired rotational positions.

Rotation of switch component 900 about axial elements 902F and 902R allows the switch component 900 to toggle between two settings. One setting has the top of the switch component 900 (above axial elements 902F, 902R) rotated inwardly and the bottom of the switch component 900 (below axial elements 902F, 902R) rotated outwardly. In this first setting (or configuration), forward projection element 904F is engaged with forward support recess 614F1 and rearward projection element 904R is engaged with rearward support recess 614R1. Engagement of forward projection element 904F with forward support recess 614F1 and rearward projection element 904R with rearward support recess 614R1 helps hold the switch component 900 at this setting location. In this setting, both fluid lines 402 and 504 remain open and the fluid system 100 is in the higher pressure configuration shown in FIG. 1B.

A second setting has the top of the switch component 900 (above axial elements 902F, 902R) rotated outwardly and the bottom of the switch component 900 (below axial elements 902F, 902R) rotated inwardly about axial elements 902F and 902R. In this second setting (or configuration), forward projection element 904F is engaged with forward support recess 614F2 and rearward projection element 904R is engaged with rearward support recess 614R2. Engagement of forward projection element 904F with forward support recess 614F2 and rearward projection element 904R with rearward support recess 614R2 helps hold the switch component 900 at this setting location.

As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in this example structure, the interior surface 9001 of the switch component 900 includes a switch bearing surface 906. In this illustrated example, the switch bearing surface 906 is located only adjacent tube support surface 908B that accommodates fluid line 504. Thus, switch bearing surface 906 is capable of interacting with fluid line 504. Switch bearing surface 906 does not extend to the tube support surface 908A that accommodates fluid line 402. Thus, switch bearing surface 906 does not interact with fluid line 402.

When at the second setting with the top of the switch component 900 rotated outwardly and the bottom of the switch component 900 rotated inwardly about axial elements 902F and 902R, switch bearing surface 906 also rotates inwardly toward the fluid line 504. This action causes the fluid line 504 to be pinched closed between the switch bearing surface 906 and the tube closure component 700. Element 906X in FIG. 10D shows the location where switch bearing surface 906 will contact fluid line 504 (opposite the location of the tube closure component 700) to close off the fluid line 504. In this manner, switch component 900 closes fluid line 504 (e.g., pinches it closed between switch bearing surface 906 and tube closure component 700) and places the fluid system 100 in the lower pressure configuration shown in FIG. 1A.

Switch component 900 may have any desired constructions, formed of any number of parts, and/or formed of any desired material(s) in accordance with this technology. In this illustrated example, switch component 900 may be formed as a single component part from a rigid material, such as plastics (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethanes, other thermoplastic elastomers, polyether block amides, metals, metal alloys, etc.). As some more specific examples, switch component 900 may be made by an injection molding process, by another molding process, by a 3D printing process, etc.

While a specific switch component 900 and switch support component 600 combination are described above, many other specific types of switches and switching arrangements may be used in some examples of this technology. For example, one or more of recesses 614F1, 614F2, 614R1, and/or 614R2 on support component 600 could be replaced by projections and one or more of the corresponding projections 904F and/or 904R on switch component 900 could be replaced by recesses. A different type of switch also could be used, such as a “push button” toggle switch (rather than this type of rotary switch component 900) that moves switch bearing surface 906 into or out of contact with fluid line 504. Additionally or alternatively, the switch component 900 could have a substantially different appearance, such as different sizes, different shapes, different texturing on its exterior surface 900X, etc., from the specific example shown.

FIGS. 12A-12D provide lateral side, medial side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of a second midsole component 1000 that may be provided in sole structures 200 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology. In this illustrated example, second midsole component 1000 comprises a single polymeric foam component (e.g., constructed from ethylvinylacetate (EVA) foam, polyurethane foam, etc.), although other materials may be used (e.g., rubbers, other elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, etc.). Alternatively, if desired, second midsole component 1000 may be made from two or more component parts, including: one or more polymer foam midsole components, one or more mechanical shock absorbing components, one or more fluid-filled bladders, one or more heel component parts, one or more forefoot component parts, one or more arch support parts, etc.

This second midsole component 1000 includes an upper-facing surface 1000U and a ground-facing surface 1000G. A lateral side surface 1000L and a medial side surface 1000M extend along the sides of the second midsole component 1000, between the upper-facing surface 1000U and the ground-facing surface 1000G. These side surfaces 1000L and/or 1000M may have any desired sizes, shapes, thicknesses, texturing (e.g., including smooth walls, textured walls, combinations, etc.), ornamental features, and the like. The features shown in FIGS. 10A-10D (and other figures) represent one example of an ornamental design for the wall surfaces. The second midsole component 1000 further includes a forward toe end 1000T and a rear heel end 1000H. Thus, this illustrated second midsole component 1000 spans to underlie and/or support all or substantially all (e.g., at least 90% or even at least 95% of the surface area) of a plantar surface of a wearer's foot. Second midsole component 1000 of this example also includes a projecting surface 1010 that fits into the space defined by the midfoot connecting portion 400M of foot support bladder 400.

Second midsole component 1000 in this example is positioned such that its ground-facing surface 1000G covers the upper-facing surface 400U of the foot support bladder 400 (and, optionally, covers at least some of the upper-facing surface 300U of the first midsole component 300—see FIG. 10D). As shown in FIG. 12D, the ground-facing surface 1000G of the second midsole component 1000 may include structures (e.g., one or more recesses 1000R and/or projections 1000P) that match up with and/or accommodate corresponding structures provided on the foot support bladder 400 (e.g., with midsole projection 1000P extending into scam or weld 404 of the foot support bladder 400). As evident from recess 1000R shown in FIG. 12D, in this example, the forward edge 1000FE of the recess 1000R (and thus the forward edge 400FE of foot support bladder 400 in this example) will be located short of the extreme forwardmost toe area of the sole structure 200. In some examples, forward edges 1000FE and 400FE will be located between parallel planes located at 0.55L and 0.85L (with respect to the longitudinal length L of the second midsole component 1000, the overall sole structure 200, and/or the overall article of footwear 250).

FIGS. 13A-14B illustrate example heel support components 1100L and 1100M that may be included in sole structures 200 and/or articles of footwear 250 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology. Two individual heel support components are shown in the illustrated example, namely: lateral side heel support component 1100L (FIGS. 13A and 13B) and medial side heel support component 1100M (FIGS. 14A and 14B). The heel support component(s) 1100L, 1100M may extend upward along sides of the upper 202 at the heel region to support the side(s) of a wearer's heel. Alternatively, if desired, a single heel support component could be provided, e.g., with a rear heel element joining lateral side heel support component 1100L and medial side heel support component 1100M as a single component. Such a single heel support component could have a structure of a conventional heel counter as are known and used in the footwear arts. One or more heel support components 1100L, 1100M of this type may be engaged in a sole structure 200 and/or article of footwear 250 structure in any desired manner, including through the use of adhesives, sewn seams, mechanical fasteners, or the like.

While FIGS. 13A-14B show specific component structures, the lateral side heel support component 1100L and/or medial side heel support component 1100M may have many desired sizes, shapes, texturing (e.g., including smooth walls, textured walls, combinations, etc.), ornamental features, and the like. The lines and grooves shown in FIGS. 13A-14B (and other figures) represent some examples of ornamental designs for the heel support components 1100L, 1100M.

FIGS. 15A-15C show a top, lateral perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view, respectively, of an outsole component 1200 in accordance with some examples of this technology. The outsole component 1200 may be made from one or more component parts, and the one or more parts may be made from any desired materials, including materials conventionally known and used in footwear outsoles (e.g., rubber materials, thermoplastic polyurethane materials, foam materials, etc.). Also, the outsole component 1200 may have any desired tread pattern, any desired types of traction elements and/or traction element patterns (e.g., including cleats or spikes, raised projections, recessed grooves, etc.), or the like, without departing from this technology.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the upper-facing surface 1200G of this example outsole component 1200 includes one or more of: (a) a base surface 1212 (e.g., for engaging base region 602 of support component 600), (b) a fluid line support region 1214 (e.g., for engaging and/or receiving at least a portion of fluid source line 402A of fluid source component 520), (c) a valve support region 1216 (e.g., for engaging and/or receiving at least a portion of check valve 114), (d) a pump support region 1218 (e.g., a recessed region (e.g., a rounded recess) for engaging and/or receiving at least a portion of pump 550), (e) a valve support region 1220 (e.g., for engaging and/or receiving at least a portion of check valve 118), (f) one or more projections 1222 (e.g., in the midfoot and/or forefoot region, configured to engage corresponding recesses 522 on the fluid reservoir 500 (or other portion of the fluid source component 520)), and/or (g) a receptacle 1224 for receiving at least a portion of the ground-facing surface 500G of the fluid source component 520 (e.g., at least part of the fluid reservoir 500). In this manner, one or more of: (a) the base region 602 of support component 600, (b) fluid source line 402A, (c) check valve 114, (d) pump 550, (e) check valve 118, and/or (f) recesses 522 will be located between (e.g., sandwiched between) corresponding support structures provided on (i) the upper-facing surface 1200U of outsole component 1200 and (ii) the ground-facing surface 300G of first midsole component 300 (see FIG. 3D).

Base surfaces 312 and 1212 may support and hold the base region 602 of support component 600, and base region 602 may be fixed to the base surfaces 312 and/or 1212 by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques (e.g., welding techniques, melt-bonding techniques, hot melt techniques, etc.), etc. Fluid line support regions 314 and 1214 may support and hold fluid source line 402A, and fluid source line 402A may be fixed to fluid line support regions 314 and/or 1214 by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques, etc. Valve support regions 316 and 1216 may support and hold check valve 114 (or the check valve 114 region of fluid source component 520), and the check valve 114 (or the check valve 114 region of fluid source component 520) may be fixed to valve support regions 316 and/or 1216 by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques, etc. Pump support regions 318 and 1218 may support and hold pump 550, and the pump 550 may be fixed to pump support regions 318 and/or 1218 by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques, etc. Valve support regions 320 and 1220 may support and hold check valve 118 (or the check valve 118 region of fluid source component 520), and the check valve 118 (or the check valve 118 region of fluid source component 520) may be fixed to valve support regions 320 and/or 1220 by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques, etc. Projections 322 and 1222 may be received in corresponding recesses 522, and the projections 322 and/or 1222 may be fixed within recesses 522 by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques, etc. The upper-facing surface 500U of the fluid source component 520 may fit into and/or be fixed in recess 324 of the ground-facing surface 300G of first midsole component 300 (e.g., by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques, etc.). Similarly, the ground-facing surface 500G of the fluid source component 520 may fit into and/or may be fixed in receptacle 1224 of the upper-facing surface 1200U of outsole component 1200 (e.g., by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques, etc.).

FIGS. 15A and 15B further illustrate that the forward edge 1224F of receptacle 1224 is located somewhat rearward from a forwardmost toe area of the outsole component 1200. As some more specific examples, based on the longitudinal length L of a sole structure 200 and/or an overall article of footwear 250, the forwardmost extent of forward edge 1224F of the receptacle 1224, the forwardmost extent of fluid source component 520, and/or the forwardmost extent of the fluid reservoir 500 may be located: (a) forward of a parallel plane located at P=0.55L (and in some examples forward of a parallel plane located at P=0.6L or forward of a parallel plane located at P=0.65L) and (b) rearward of a parallel plane located at P=0.85L (and in some examples rearward of a parallel plane located at P=0.8L or rearward of a parallel plane located at P=0.75L). In at least some portion of the forefoot region of this example sole structure 200, the upper-facing surface 1200U will contact and be fixed to the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300 (e.g., by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques, sewn seams, etc.).

FIGS. 15A-15C show further features of a pump activator region of the outsole component 1200. In addition to the pump support region 1218 having an interior surface having a bulbous shape that generally corresponds to a lower portion of an exterior surface shape of pump 550, the interior of pump support region 1218 includes a raised activator structure 1218A that pushes inward on the exterior surface of the pump 550. This raised activator structure 1218A: (i) helps assure immediate contact between the pump 550's exterior surface and the outsole component 1200 and (ii) immediate compression of the pump 550 when a contact force is applied to the ground-facing surface 1200G of the outsole component 1200 at the pump activator component 1300. In this way, the pump 550 will move fluid immediately upon any compression of the pump 550's bulb and a relatively large amount of fluid will be moved per pump cycle.

FIG. 15C (along with FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2D, and 2E) show that the ground-facing surface 1200G of the outsole component 1200 includes an outwardly extending surface 1218G at the pump support region 1218. This outwardly extending surface 1218G directly underlies the pump 550 in the overall sole structure 200 and may have a generally rounded shape. In at least some examples of this technology, a pump activator component 1300 may be engaged with this outwardly extending surface 1218G (e.g., by one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, fusing techniques, etc.). FIGS. 16A-16C provide bottom, top, and perspective views, respectively, of an example pump activator component 1300 that may be fixed with outwardly extending surface 1218G of pump support region 1218. The upper-facing surface 1300U of the pump activator component 1300 may have a shape that matches at least a portion of the exterior shape of outwardly extending surface 1218G (e.g., a generally rounded shape). The ground-facing surface 1300G of the pump activator component 1300 may have any desired shape. In some examples, the ground-facing surface 1300G may include one or more traction elements 1300T (of any desired size, shape, number, and/or construction). The pump activator component 1300 may be made from any desired material, including wear resistant materials, abrasion resistant materials, or the like, including materials conventional known and used in footwear outsole constructions. The pump activator component 1300 may provide additional protection to help prevent undesired puncture of the fluid system 100 (e.g., by debris extending through the outsole component 1200 at pump support region 1218).

In some examples of this technology, the pump activator component 1300 may be located on the outsole component 1200, the sole structure 200, and/or the article of footwear 250: (a) rearward of a parallel plane located at 0.4L, and in some examples, rearward of a parallel plane located at 0.35L or 0.3L and/or (b) forward of a parallel plane located at 0.1L, and in some examples, forward of a parallel plane located at 0.12L or 0.15L. See also FIG. 2A. Thus, in some examples, the pump activator component 1300 will be located in the heel region of the sole structure 200 and/or article of footwear 250. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a pump (e.g., akin to pump 550) and a pump activator component (e.g., of the type described with respect to pump activator component 1300) could be provided in the forefoot region (and/or midfoot region) of the sole structure 200 and/or article of footwear 250. FIG. 15C includes a broken line 1310 to show a potential location for a forefoot based pump and/or pump activator component, e.g., as a replacement for the heel based location or as a second pump (e.g., connected in series with the pump component 550 (of the types described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 11,510,458 B2, which patent is entirely incorporated herein by reference)). When provided in the forefoot, pump activator component 1300 (and the corresponding pump structure) may be located on the outsole component 1200, the sole structure 200, and/or the article of footwear 250: (a) rearward of a parallel plane located at 0.95L, and in some examples, rearward of a parallel plane located at 0.92L or 0.9L and/or (b) forward of a parallel plane located at 0.55L, and in some examples, forward of a parallel plane located at 0.58L or 0.6L.

FIGS. 17A-20B illustrate features of another example fluid system 1700, foot support system, sole structure, and/or article of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology. In the examples of FIGS. 1A-16C described above, the pump 550 was arranged to intake fluid from the foot support bladder 400 and pump fluid to the fluid reservoir 500. In this manner: (a) when the fluid system 100 (e.g., fluid line 504) is in the closed configuration, fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 400 decreases as the wearer steps down thereby activating the pump 550 and transferring fluid to the fluid reservoir 500, and (b) when the fluid system 100 (e.g., fluid line 504) is in the open configuration, fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 400 and the fluid reservoir 500 equalize and fluid freely transfers around the fluid system 100. In the fluid system 1700 of FIGS. 17A-20B, however, as will be described in more detail below: (a) when the fluid system 1700 (e.g., fluid line 1766) is in the closed configuration, fluid pressure in the fluid reservoir 1720 decreases as the wearer steps down thereby activating the pump 1730 and transferring fluid to the foot support bladder 1710, and (b) when the fluid system 1700 (e.g., fluid line 1766) is in the open configuration, fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 1710 and the fluid reservoir 1720 equalize and fluid freely transfers around the fluid system 100. Thus, the fluid system 1700 in the schematic views of FIGS. 17A and 17B may be considered substantially similar to the fluid system 100 in the schematic views of FIGS. 1A and 1B except the foot support bladder 400/1710 and the fluid reservoir 500/1720 have switched positions. Additionally or alternatively, the combined fluid source component 520 (e.g., including pump 1730 and fluid reservoir 1720) of FIG. 19 is substantially similar to the combined fluid source component 520 of fluid system 100 described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5D except the pump 1730 and check valves 1750 and 1752 (e.g., one-way valves) are oriented to pump fluid in the opposite direction (e.g., from fluid reservoir 1720 to the foot support bladder 1710).

The fluid system 1700 of FIGS. 17A-20B (including fluid reservoir 1720, pump 1730, combined fluid source component 520, and/or foot support bladder 1710) may be included in sole structures 200 and/or articles of footwear 250 having an upper 202, a first midsole component 300, a support component 600, a tube closure component 700, a fluid tube connector component 800, a switch component 900, a second midsole component 1000, one or more heel support components 1100L and/or 1100M, an outsole component 1200, and/or a pump activator component 1300 having any of the various features, options, and/or alternatives described above with respect to these components shown in FIGS. 1A-16C.

This example fluid system 1700 now will be described in more detail in conjunction with the schematic views shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The fluid system 1700 may be incorporated into a foot support system (e.g., a sole structure) and/or an article of footwear in various ways, e.g., in any of the manners and/or using any of the structures and/or parts described in more detail above. This example fluid system 1700 is a “closed system,” e.g., the fluid system 1700 has a fixed amount (e.g., mass) of fluid (e.g., gas, such as air or other gas, including gases conventionally known and used in foot support bladder systems) sealed within it, and the fluid system 1700 does not bring in new fluid from the external environment and does not discharge fluid into the external environment. Alternatively, however, at least some aspects of this technology may be used in “open” fluid systems, e.g., fluid systems that bring in air (or other gas) from the external environment and/or discharge air (or other gas) into the external environment to change foot support pressure in a foot support bladder.

FIG. 17A shows the fluid system 1700 in a “high pressure” foot support configuration, and FIG. 17B shows the fluid system 1700 in a “low pressure” foot support configuration. As shown in these figures, the fluid system 1700 includes a foot support bladder 1710 (which may have any of the various features, structures, and/options described above for foot support bladder 400). Additionally, the fluid system 1700 includes a fluid reservoir 1720 (which may comprise a fluid-filled bladder or other fluid container, e.g., having any of the various features, structures, and/options described above for fluid reservoir 500). A pump 1730 (e.g., a foot-activated pump, such as a bulb-type pump) moves fluid from the fluid reservoir 1720 to the foot support bladder 1710. When switch component 1740 is closed, as shown in FIG. 17A, the pump 1730 moves fluid out of the fluid reservoir 1720 and into the foot support bladder 1710 to place the foot support bladder 1710 in a higher pressure foot support configuration. Specifically, compression of the pump 1730's interior chamber 1730C (e.g., in response to a user's step) forces fluid toward the pump outlet 1732 while check valve 1750 prevents fluid flow from the pump 1730 back into the fluid reservoir 1720 via fluid line 1760. As long as the pressure generated by compression of the pump 1730 is greater than the pressure in the foot support bladder 1710, fluid will move through fluid line 1762, through check valve 1752, through fluid line 1764 and into the interior chamber 1710C of the foot support bladder 1710 (e.g., through foot support bladder inlet port 1712). Alternatively, fluid line 1762 may be omitted or may be very short such that the pump outlet 1732 supplies fluid substantially directly to check valve 1752 and/or check valve 1752 may directly connect with fluid source component outlet port 5200 (e.g., an outlet port of fluid source component 520). As the pump 1730 interior chamber 1730C re-expands (e.g., when the user lifts his/her foot off the contact surface), fluid is pulled out of the fluid reservoir 1720 interior chamber 1720C, through reservoir outlet port 1722 into fluid line 1760, and into the pump 1730's interior chamber 1730C (via check valve 1750, and pump inlet 1734). The dot-dash line labeled 520 in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B outlines components that may be contained within a fluid source component 520 discussed in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 19. This fluid source component 520 may have any of the same general structures, features, options, and alternatives of the fluid source component 520 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 5A-5D (except, as noted above, with the pump 1730 and check valves 1750, 1752 oriented to transfer fluid in the opposite direction from that described in conjunction with FIGS. 5A-5D).

In the configuration shown in FIG. 17A: (i) the closed switch component 1740 (which may have the switch components and structures described above in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-11B) stops fluid from moving from the foot support bladder 1710 to the fluid reservoir 1720 via fluid line 1766, and (ii) check valve 1752 prevents fluid flow from the foot support bladder 1710 to the pump 1730 via fluid line 1762. Thus, over time in this configuration (e.g., over one or more step cycles), fluid will move from the fluid reservoir 1720 to the foot support bladder 1710 by activation of the pump 1730 thereby placing the foot support bladder 1710 at a higher pressure than the fluid reservoir 1720. This action and configuration place this example foot support bladder 1710 in a higher pressure foot support configuration.

When switch component 1740 is opened, as shown in FIG. 17B, this opens fluid line 1766 and permits fluid to flow from the foot support bladder 1710 to the fluid reservoir 1720 via fluid line 1766 (e.g., fluid flows between foot support bladder outlet port 1714 and fluid source component inlet port 5201 (an inlet for fluid source component 520, which may open directly into the fluid reservoir interior chamber 1720C). This switching action equalizes pressure in the foot support bladder 1710's interior chamber 1710C and the fluid reservoir 1720's interior chamber 1720C, e.g., thereby decreasing pressure in interior chamber 1710C and increasing pressure in interior chamber 1720C. This action and configuration place this example foot support bladder 1710 in a lower pressure foot support configuration. In use, as the user steps down on pump 1730 in the configuration shown in FIG. 17B, fluid will freely flow around the circuit—from pump 1730, through fluid line 1764, into foot support bladder 1710, through fluid line 1766, into fluid reservoir 1720, through fluid line 1760, and back into pump 1730.

FIG. 18 provides a top view of a foot support bladder 1710 that may be used in at least some examples of fluid system 1700. Foot support bladder 1710 may have any of the same general structures, features, options, and alternatives of the foot support bladder 400 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 4A-4D except: (i) bladder port 410 of FIGS. 4A-4D functions as an outlet port whereas corresponding foot support bladder inlet port 1712 functions as a fluid inlet port, and (ii) bladder port 412 of FIGS. 4A-4D functions as an inlet port whereas corresponding foot support bladder outlet port 1714 functions as a fluid outlet port. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 18 as are used in FIGS. 4A-4D, the same or similar parts and/or features are being referenced and much of the overlapping description may be omitted.

Foot support bladder 1710 may be formed from thermoplastic elastomer material (e.g., two sheets, one sheet folded over, etc.) in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts. This illustrated example foot support bladder 1710 includes an upper-facing surface 400U, a ground-facing surface 400G (e.g., see FIG. 4C), and a sealed perimeter seam 400S where the sheet(s) forming the surfaces 400U, 400G are welded, heat scaled, and/or otherwise engaged together. The interior chamber 1710C (described above in conjunction with FIGS. 17A and 17B) is defined between the upper-facing surface 400U and ground-facing surface 400G and inside of sealed perimeter seam 400S. One or more interior seams or welds 404 may be provided (one shown in the example of FIG. 18), e.g., to control the shape of the foot support bladder 1710 when inflated.

The foot support bladder 1710 may have a wide variety of shapes and/or sizes in accordance with this technology. In this illustrated example, the foot support bladder 1710 includes: (i) a heel region 400H (e.g., that supports at least 50% of a surface area of a wearer's heel), (ii) a forefoot region 400F (e.g., that supports at least 50% of a surface area of a wearer's forefoot), and (iii) a midfoot connecting portion 400M that is narrowed as compared to the heel region 400H and the forefoot region 400F and offset toward the lateral side of the foot support bladder 1710. The interior chamber 1710C of this illustrated example foot support bladder 1710 extends continuously between the heel region 400H and the forefoot region 400F through the midfoot connecting portion 400M. In fact, the interior chamber 1710C of this illustrated example foot support bladder 400 extends continuously throughout the foot support bladder 1710 (except at any internal welds 404 and/or recess(es)) such that the entire interior chamber 1710C is in fluid communication.

FIG. 18 further illustrates that this example foot support bladder 1710 includes a foot support bladder inlet port 1712 that will connect with a fluid line 1764 that provides fluid from the pump 1730 to the foot support bladder 1710's interior chamber 1710C. Additionally, this example foot support bladder 1710 includes a foot support bladder outlet port 1714 that will connect with a fluid line 1766 that extends between and connects the fluid reservoir 1720's interior chamber 1720C with the foot support bladder 1710's interior chamber 1710C. The foot support bladder inlet port 1712 and foot support bladder outlet port 1714 in this illustrated example are located on a side edge of the foot support bladder 1710 (e.g., adjacent one another at a lateral side edge in the midfoot connecting portion 400M), and they may be positioned to be located at or within receptacle 310 of the first midsole component 300 in the final assembled sole structure 200. The enlarged arrows 1780 shown in FIG. 18 illustrate fluid flow direction with respect to the foot support bladder 1710 in this example fluid system 1700.

FIG. 19 provides a top view of a fluid source component 520 having a combined fluid reservoir 1720 (e.g., a container) and pump 1730 component that may be used in at least some examples of fluid system 1700. Fluid source component 520 may have any of the same general structures, features, options, and alternatives of the fluid source component 520 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 5A-5D except: (i) the pump 1730 and check valves 1750 and 1752 operate to move fluid in the opposite direction as compared to the example of FIGS. 5A-5D, (ii) fluid source port 554A (FIGS. 5A-5D) functions as an inlet port whereas corresponding fluid source component outlet port 5200 functions as a fluid outlet port, and (iii) reservoir port 512 (FIGS. 5A-5D) functions as an outlet port whereas corresponding fluid source component inlet port 5201 functions as a fluid inlet port. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 19 as are used in FIGS. 5A-5D, the same or similar parts and/or features are being referenced and much of the overlapping description may be omitted.

FIG. 19 provides a top view of this example fluid source component 520 (e.g., including a combined pump 1730 and fluid reservoir 1720) that may be used in accordance with some examples of this technology. Any desired type of fluid source component 520 (e.g., fluid container) may be used in examples of this technology. In this illustrated example, however, fluid source component 520 constitutes a fluid-filled bladder, e.g., formed from thermoplastic elastomer material (e.g., two sheets, one sheet folded over, etc.) in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts. This illustrated example fluid source component 520 includes an upper-facing surface 500U, a ground-facing surface 500G (see FIG. 5D), and a sealed perimeter seam 500S where the sheet(s) forming the surfaces 500U, 500G are welded, heat sealed, and/or otherwise engaged together. The interior chamber 1720C (described above in conjunction with FIGS. 17A and 17B) is defined between the upper-facing surface 500U and ground-facing surface 500G and inside of sealed perimeter seam 500S. One or more interior seams, welds, or recesses 522 may be provided, e.g., to control the shape of the fluid source component 520 and/or to create additional components within the fluid source component 520, as will be described in more detail below.

The fluid source component 520 may have a wide variety of shapes and/or sizes in accordance with this technology. In this illustrated example, the fluid source component 520 includes: (i) a heel region 500H (e.g., that supports at least 50% (and in some examples, at least 75%) of a surface area of a wearer's heel), (ii) a forefoot region 500F (e.g., that supports at least 15% (and in some examples, at least 20% or at least 25%) of a surface area of a wearer's forefoot), and (iii) a midfoot portion 500M between the heel region 500H and the forefoot region 500F. The interior chamber 1720C of this illustrated example fluid source component 520 extends continuously between the heel region 500H and the forefoot region 500F through the midfoot portion 500M. In fact, the interior chamber 1720C of this illustrated example fluid source component 520 extends continuously throughout the fluid source component 520 (except at any internal welds 520W and/or recess(es) 522).

The overall structure of fluid source component 520 of this example actually constitutes two parts of the overall fluid system 1700 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 17A and 17B: the pump 1730 and the fluid reservoir 1720. Seal or weld lines 520W define one or more of: (a) fluid line 1760 extending from the fluid reservoir 1720 to the check valve 1750 area, (b) the check valve 1750 area, (c) the pump 1730 (e.g., formed as a foot-activated compressible bulb type pump), (d) the pump inlet 1734 area, (c) the pump outlet 1732 area, (f) check valve 1752 area, (g) the interior fluid line 1768, and/or (h) the fluid source component outlet port 5200 (which may be connected to fluid line 1764 that supplies fluid to the foot support bladder 1710).

The seal or weld lines 520W at the upper-facing surface 500U shown in FIG. 19 may match up with features at the ground-facing surface 300G of first midsole component 300 (e.g., of the types shown in FIG. 3D). More specifically: (a) at least a portion of interior fluid line 1768 of the fluid source component 520 matches up with a location of fluid line support region 314 of the first midsole component 300, (b) check valve 1750 area matches up with a location of valve support region 320, (c) pump 1730 region matches up with a location of pump support region 318, and (d) check valve 1752 area matches up with a location of valve support region 316. The general outline (e.g., outer perimeter) of the fluid source component 520 may be shaped to fit into recess 324 provided in the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300 shown in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 19 further illustrates that this example fluid source component 520 includes an inlet port 5201 that will connect with a fluid line 1766 that transfers fluid between the foot support bladder 1710's interior chamber 1710C and the fluid reservoir 1720's interior chamber 1720C. Additionally, this example fluid source component 520 includes an outlet port 5200 that will connect with fluid line 1764 to move fluid from the fluid source component 520 (e.g., from pump 1730) to the foot support bladder 1710. The fluid source component inlet port 5201 and fluid source component outlet port 5200 in this illustrated example are located on a side edge of the fluid source component 520 (e.g., adjacent one another at a lateral side edge), and they may be positioned to be located within receptacle 310 of the first midsole component 300 in the final assembled sole structure 200. The enlarged arrows 1780 shown in FIG. 19 illustrate fluid flow direction through the fluid source component 520 in this example fluid system 1700.

As shown in FIG. 19, in this example, the fluid source component inlet port 5201 and the fluid source component outlet port 5200 are located within (e.g., at the interior wall 508W) a recessed notch 508 formed in the lateral side of the fluid source component 520. Recessed notch 508 may generally correspond in size, shape, and/or location to receptacle 310 in the first midsole component 300 and may be configured to receive support component 600.

FIG. 19 further shows one or more recesses 522 formed in the fluid source component 520 (e.g., formed in the fluid reservoir 1720 portion of the fluid source component 520). These recess(es) 522 may be formed as internal weld spots, e.g., where the interior surface of the upper-facing surface 500U is fixed (e.g., welded, bonded, etc.) to the interior surface of the ground-facing surface 500G. The recess(es) 522 in the fluid source component 520 may be located to correspond with locations of corresponding projections 322 provided in the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300. While FIG. 19 shows a staggered pattern of recesses 522 in three side-to-side oriented rows in the midfoot region and/or forefoot region of the fluid source component 520, any desired number of recesses, number of rows, number of columns, sizes, shapes, orientations, and/or arrangements of recesses (or other engaging components) may be used in other specific examples of this technology.

Additionally or alternatively, if desired, one or more of the recesses 522 shown in FIG. 19 could be replaced with a projection sized, shaped, and/or positioned to engage a corresponding recess provided on the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300. Thus, a wide variety of surface engagements between the ground-facing surface 300G of the first midsole component 300 and the upper-facing surface 500U of the fluid source component 520 may be used without departing from this technology.

The foot support bladder 1710 and fluid source component 520 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 may be incorporated into the articles of footwear 250 and sole structures 200 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-16C (replacing foot support bladder 400 and fluid reservoir 500). In such articles of footwear 250 and sole structures 200, the same switching system components (e.g., 600, 700, 900) may be used as shown in FIGS. 6A-11B. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, fluid lines 1764 and 1766 of FIGS. 17A and 17B may have any of the structures, features, options, and/or alternatives described above for fluid lines 402 and 504. As some more specific examples, if desired, fluid lines 1764 and 1766 may engage a support component 600 of the types described above in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-8 and may interact with a switch component 900 in the same manners described above in conjunction with FIGS. 11A and 11B. Still additionally or alternatively, if desired, fluid lines 1764 and 1766 may constitute portions of a single fluid tube connector component 800, of the types described above in conjunction with FIGS. 9A and 9B, e.g., with fluid line 1764 replacing fluid line 402 and fluid line 1766 replacing fluid line 504.

As described above, aspects of this technology include a switching system 1740 configured to change fluid line 1766 between an open configuration and a closed configuration and/or to change the foot support system, sole structure 200, and/or article of footwear 250 between a higher pressure foot support configuration (e.g., with fluid line 1766 in the closed configuration) and a lower pressure foot support configuration (e.g., with fluid line 1766 in the open configuration). In the closed configuration (or higher pressure foot support configuration), the switching system 1740 may include a switch component 900 having a bearing surface 906 (e.g., a protrusion) that is movable to pinch the fluid line 1766 closed against tube closure component 700, e.g., as described above with respect to closure of fluid line 504 in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-11B.

FIGS. 20A and 20B provide cross-sectional views of an article of footwear 250 in accordance with some aspects of this technology having a fluid system 1700 of the types described above in conjunction with FIGS. 17A-19. FIG. 20A shows fluid line 1766 in the open configuration (a lower pressure foot support configuration) and FIG. 20B shows the fluid line 1766 in the closed configuration (a higher pressure foot support configuration). Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 20A and 20B as used in the other figures, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including the various structural features, options, and/or alternatives discussed above), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted.

As described above, when fluid line 1766 is in the closed configuration, the pump 1730 moves fluid from the fluid reservoir 1720 to the foot support bladder 1710 via fluid line 1764. Because return fluid line 1766 is closed, this pumping action increases fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 1710 (as check valve 1752 prevents fluid return back into the pump 1730) and decreases fluid pressure in the fluid reservoir 1720. Thus, walking in the footwear can result in increased pressure in the foot support bladder 1710. In some examples of this technology, after sufficient pump 1730 cycles have been completed (e.g., after sufficient steps having been taken activating foot-activated pump 1730), this pumping action and movement of fluid with fluid line 1766 in the closed configuration will result in: (i) a decrease in the height dimension of the fluid reservoir 1720 and/or collapse of the fluid reservoir 1720 (as the fluid is pumped out of it) and/or (ii) a decrease in the height dimension of the overall sole structure 200 and/or article of footwear 250. Compare H1 and H3 (FIG. 20A) with H2 and H4 (FIG. 20B), respectively. Thus, in transitioning from the lower pressure foot support configuration (P (Low) in FIG. 20A) to the higher pressure foot support configuration (P (High) in FIG. 20B), the fluid system 1700, sole structure 200, and article of footwear 250 will transition from the configuration shown in FIG. 20A to the configuration shown in FIG. 20B. Because the movement of fluid occurs incrementally with each step, the decrease in height dimension and/or change in foot support pressure may be relatively gradual. In some instances, this decrease in height dimension may not be readily perceptible by wearers of the article of footwear 250 and/or others on a step-by-step basis, although the overall height dimension decrease may be visually perceptible over time (e.g., after a series of steps).

On the other hand, when the switch component 1740 is changed to open fluid line 1766 (e.g., by user interaction with the switch component 1740), the fluid system 1700, sole structure 200, and article of footwear 250 of this example will equalize the pressures in the foot support bladder 1710 and the fluid reservoir 1720 as fluid moves from the foot support bladder 1710 into the fluid reservoir 1720. This action causes a change from the configuration shown in FIG. 20B to the configuration shown in FIG. 20A. Thus, this movement of fluid (with fluid line 1766 open) will result in: (i) an increase in the height dimension of the fluid reservoir 1720 and/or reinflation of the fluid reservoir 1720 (as the fluid is returned into it) and/or (ii) an increase in the height dimension of the overall sole structure 200 and/or article of footwear 250. Compare H2 and H4 (FIG. 20B) with H1 and H3 (FIG. 20A), respectively.

In some examples of this technology, opening of the fluid line 1766 can result in a rapid transfer of fluid from the foot support bladder 1710 to the fluid reservoir 1720 as the pressure differential (higher pressure in the foot support bladder 1710) and open fluid line 1766 will cause the system to equalize the pressures. This rapid transition from the higher pressure foot support configuration to the lower pressure foot support configuration may be perceived by the wearer in at least two ways. Specifically: (i) the wearer may feel the underfoot foot support bladder 1710 become softer (as its pressure decreases), (ii) the wearer may feel a perceptible “uplift” as the fluid reservoir 1720 increases in height dimension, and/or (iii) the wearer (or others) may visually see a perceptible change in the height dimension change. These perceptible changes may occur substantially instantaneously upon opening of fluid line 1766 (e.g., in less than a second or two), e.g., depending on the size of fluid line 1766.

The height differential between H1 and H2 (with H1 greater than H2 in the illustrated example) may be within any one or more of the following ranges: at least 3 mm; at least 5 mm; at least 8 mm; at least 10 mm; at least 12 mm; at least 15 mm; at least 20 mm; between 3 mm and 35 mm; between 3 mm and 30 mm; between 3 mm and 25 mm; between 5 mm and 35 mm; between 5 mm and 30 mm; between 5 mm and 25 mm; between 8 mm and 35 mm; between 8 mm and 30 mm; between 8 mm and 25 mm; between 10 mm and 35 mm; between 10 mm and 30 mm; and/or between 10 mm and 25 mm. Any of one or more of these same height differential ranges may be provided between H3 and H4 as well (with H3 greater than H4 in the illustrated example).

The terms “higher pressure foot support configuration” and “lower pressure foot support configuration” as used herein mean that the pressures are higher and lower relative to one another (e.g., the “higher pressure foot support configuration” is at a higher pressure than the “lower pressure foot support configuration” and the “lower pressure foot support configuration” is at a lower pressure than the “higher pressure foot support configuration”). While other ranges are possible, in some examples of this technology, the “lower pressure foot support configuration” may have the foot support bladder 400, 1710 at a pressure of less than 20 psi, less than 15 psi, less than 12 psi, between 8 psi and 20 psi, and/or between 10 psi and 20 psi. Additionally or alternatively, while other ranges are possible, in some examples of this technology, the “higher pressure foot support configuration” may have the foot support bladder 400, 1710 at a pressure of at least 15 psi, at least 18 psi, at least 20 psi, at least 25 psi, at least 28 psi, between 15 psi and 35 psi, between 18 and 35 psi, and/or between 20 psi and 30 psi. Also: (i) the terms “higher pressure foot support configuration” and “high pressure foot support configuration” are used interchangeably in this specification, and (ii) the terms “lower pressure foot support configuration” and “low pressure foot support configuration” are used interchangeably in this specification.

III. Conclusion

The present technology is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to this technology, not to limit the scope of the claimed invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the presently claimed invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered Clauses:

Clause 1. A fluid system for an article of footwear, comprising: (A) a foot support bladder; (B) a fluid reservoir; (C) a pump including an inlet and an outlet, the outlet supplying fluid to the foot support bladder; (D) a first fluid line placing the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump; and (E) a second fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir.

Clause 2. The fluid system according to Clause 1, further comprising: (A) a third fluid line placing the pump in fluid communication with the foot support bladder; and (B) a fluid line support member located at a first side of the fluid system, the fluid line support member engaging a first surface of the third fluid line.

Clause 3. The fluid system according to Clause 2, wherein the fluid line support member includes a first exterior concave surface that engages the first surface of the third fluid line.

Clause 4. The fluid system according to Clause 1, further comprising: a fluid line support member located at a first side of the fluid system, the fluid line support member engaging a first surface of the second fluid line.

Clause 5. The fluid system according to Clause 4, wherein the fluid line support member includes a first exterior concave surface that engages the first surface of the second fluid line.

Clause 6. The fluid system according to Clause 1, further comprising: (A) a third fluid line placing the pump in fluid communication with the foot support bladder; and (B) a fluid line support member located at a first side of the fluid system, the fluid line support member engaging a first surface of the second fluid line and a first surface of the third fluid line.

Clause 7. The fluid system according to Clause 6, wherein the fluid line support member includes a first exterior concave surface that engages the first surface of the second fluid line and a second exterior concave surface that engages the first surface of the third fluid line.

Clause 8. The fluid system according to Clause 7, wherein the first exterior concave surface is located adjacent the second exterior concave surface.

Clause 9. The fluid system according to Clause 8, wherein the first exterior concave surface is located forward of the second exterior concave surface in a longitudinal direction of the fluid system.

Clause 10. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 6 to 9, wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line comprise portions of a single fluid line component.

Clause 11. The fluid system according to Clause 10, wherein the single fluid line component includes a first end, a second end, and a connecting portion extending between the first end and the second end.

Clause 12. The fluid system according to Clause 11, wherein the connecting portion defines a concave chamber.

Clause 13. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 4 to 11, further comprising: a switch configured to change the second fluid line between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Clause 14. The fluid system according to Clause 13, wherein the switch is engaged with the fluid line support member.

Clause 15. The fluid system according to Clause 13 or 14, wherein the switch includes a protrusion that is movable to pinch the second fluid line when the switch places the second fluid line in the closed configuration.

Clause 16. The fluid system according to Clause 2 or 3, wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line comprises portions of a single fluid line component.

Clause 17. The fluid system according to Clause 16, wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line engage with or extend from the foot support bladder at locations adjacent one another on a first side of the foot support bladder.

Clause 18. The fluid system according to Clause 16 or 17, wherein the pump and the fluid reservoir comprise portions of a single footwear component, and wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line engage with or extend from the single footwear component at locations adjacent one another on a first side of the single footwear component.

Clause 19. The fluid system according to Clause 18, wherein the single footwear component comprises a fluid-filled bladder component.

Clause 20. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 16 to 19, wherein the single fluid line component includes a first end, a second end, and a connecting portion extending between the first end and the second end.

Clause 21. The fluid system according to Clause 20, wherein the connecting portion defines a concave chamber.

Clause 22. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 2, 3, or 6, wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line engage with or extend from the foot support bladder at locations adjacent one another on a first side of the foot support bladder.

Clause 23. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 2, 3, 6, or 22, wherein the pump and the fluid reservoir comprise portions of a single footwear component, and wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line engage with or extend from the single footwear component at locations adjacent one another on a first side of the single footwear component.

Clause 24. The fluid system according to Clause 23, wherein the single footwear component comprises a fluid-filled bladder component.

Clause 25. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 24, wherein at least one of the second fluid line and the third fluid line defines a concave chamber.

Clause 26. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3 or 16 to 25, further comprising: a switch configured to change the second fluid line between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Clause 27. The fluid system according to Clause 26, wherein the switch includes a protrusion that is movable to pinch the second fluid line when the switch places the second fluid line in the closed configuration.

Clause 28. The fluid system according to Clause 26 or 27, wherein when the second fluid line is in the closed configuration, the pump moves fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder.

Clause 29. The fluid system according to Clause 28, wherein movement of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder with the second fluid line in the closed configuration decreases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

Clause 30. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 26 to 29, wherein when the second fluid line is in the open configuration, fluid pressure is equalized throughout the fluid system.

Clause 31. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 26 to 30, wherein interaction with the switch to change the second fluid line from the closed configuration to the open configuration increases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

Clause 32. The fluid system according to any one of Clauses 26 to 30, wherein interaction with the switch to change the second fluid line from the closed configuration to the open configuration causes an immediate increase in a height dimension of the fluid reservoir as fluid pressure is equalized throughout the fluid system.

Clause 33. A foot support system for an article of footwear, comprising: (A) a foot support bladder; (B) a fluid reservoir; (C) a pump including an inlet and an outlet, the outlet supplying fluid to the foot support bladder; (D) a first fluid line placing the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump; and (E) a second fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir.

Clause 34. The foot support system according to Clause 33, further comprising: (A) a third fluid line placing the pump in fluid communication with the foot support bladder; and (B) a fluid line support member located at a first side of the foot support system, the fluid line support member engaging a first surface of the third fluid line.

Clause 35. The foot support system according to Clause 34, wherein the fluid line support member includes a first exterior concave surface that engages the first surface of the third fluid line.

Clause 36. The foot support system according to Clause 33, further comprising: a fluid line support member located at a first side of the foot support system, the fluid line support member engaging a first surface of the second fluid line.

Clause 37. The foot support system according to Clause 36, wherein the fluid line support member includes a first exterior concave surface that engages the first surface of the second fluid line.

Clause 38. The foot support system according to Clause 33, further comprising: (A) a third fluid line placing the pump in fluid communication with the foot support bladder; and (B) a fluid line support member located at a first side of the foot support system, the fluid line support member engaging a first surface of the second fluid line and a first surface of the third fluid line.

Clause 39. The foot support system according to Clause 38, wherein the fluid line support member includes a first exterior concave surface that engages the first surface of the second fluid line and a second exterior concave surface that engages the first surface of the third fluid line.

Clause 40. The foot support system according to Clause 39, wherein the first exterior concave surface is located adjacent the second exterior concave surface.

Clause 41. The foot support system according to Clause 40, wherein the first exterior concave surface is located forward of the second exterior concave surface in a longitudinal direction of the foot support system.

Clause 42. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 38 to 41, wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line comprise portions of a single fluid line component.

Clause 43. The foot support system according to Clause 42, wherein the single fluid line component includes a first end, a second end, and a connecting portion extending between the first end and the second end.

Clause 44. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 36 to 42, further comprising: a switch configured to change the second fluid line between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Clause 45. The foot support system according to Clause 44, wherein the switch is engaged with the fluid line support member.

Clause 46. The foot support system according to Clause 44 or 45, wherein the switch includes a protrusion that is movable to pinch the second fluid line when the switch places the second fluid line in the closed configuration.

Clause 47. The foot support system according to Clause 34 or 35, wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line comprises portions of a single fluid line component.

Clause 48. The foot support system according to Clause 47, wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line engage with or extend from the foot support bladder at locations adjacent one another on a first side of the foot support bladder.

Clause 49. The foot support system according to Clause 47 or 48, wherein the pump and the fluid reservoir comprise portions of a single footwear component, and wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line engage with or extend from the single footwear component at locations adjacent one another on a first side of the single footwear component.

Clause 50. The foot support system according to Clause 49, wherein the single footwear component comprises a fluid-filled bladder component.

Clause 51. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 47 to 50, wherein the single fluid line component includes a first end, a second end, and a connecting portion extending between the first end and the second end.

Clause 52. The foot support system according to Clause 51, wherein the connecting portion defines a concave chamber.

Clause 53. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 33 to 51, further comprising: a first midsole component extending between and at least partially separating the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir.

Clause 54. The foot support system according to Clause 53, wherein the first midsole component includes a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface engages at least a portion of the fluid reservoir.

Clause 55. The foot support system according to Clause 53, wherein the first midsole component includes a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface engages at least a portion of the foot support bladder.

Clause 56. The foot support system according to Clause 55, wherein the first midsole component includes a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface engages at least a portion of the fluid reservoir, and wherein the top surface engages at least a portion of the foot support bladder.

Clause 57. The foot support system according to Clause 55 or 56, further comprising a second midsole component, wherein at least a portion of the foot support bladder is located between the first midsole component and the second midsole component.

Clause 58. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 53 to 56, further comprising a second midsole component located above a top surface of the foot support bladder.

Clause 59. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 34, 35, or 38, wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line engage with or extend from the foot support bladder at locations adjacent one another on a first side of the foot support bladder.

Clause 60. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 34, 35, 38, or 59, wherein the pump and the fluid reservoir comprise portions of a single footwear component, and wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line engage with or extend from the single footwear component at locations adjacent one another on a first side of the single footwear component.

Clause 61. The foot support system according to Clause 60, wherein the single footwear component comprises a fluid-filled bladder component.

Clause 62. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 59 to 61, wherein at least one of the second fluid line and the third fluid line defines a concave chamber.

Clause 63. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 33 to 62, further comprising an outsole component forming at least a portion of a bottom exterior surface of the foot support system.

Clause 64. The foot support system according to Clause 63, wherein a top surface of the outsole component engages a bottom surface of the fluid reservoir.

Clause 65. The foot support system according to Clause 63 or 64, wherein the outsole component includes a pump activator.

Clause 66. The foot support system according to Clause 65, wherein the pump activator is located in a heel region of the foot support system.

Clause 67. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 33 to 35 or 47 to 66, further comprising: a switch configured to change the second fluid line between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Clause 68. The foot support system according to Clause 67, wherein the switch includes a protrusion that is movable to pinch the second fluid line when the switch places the second fluid line in the closed configuration.

Clause 69. The foot support system according to Clause 67 or 68, wherein when the second fluid line is in the closed configuration, the pump moves fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder.

Clause 70. The foot support system according to Clause 69, wherein movement of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder with the second fluid line in the closed configuration decreases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

Clause 71. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 67 to 70, wherein when the second fluid line is in the open configuration, fluid pressure is equalized in the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir.

Clause 72. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 67 to 71, wherein interaction with the switch to change the second fluid line from the closed configuration to the open configuration increases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

Clause 73. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 67 to 71, wherein interaction with the switch to change the second fluid line from the closed configuration to the open configuration causes an immediate increase in a height dimension of the fluid reservoir as fluid pressure is equalized in the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir.

Clause 74. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 33 to 73, wherein the foot support system comprises at least a portion of a sole structure for an article of footwear.

Clause 75. An article of footwear, comprising: (A) an upper; and (B) a sole structure engaged with the upper, the sole structure including a foot support system according to any one of Clauses 33 to 75.

Clause 76. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: (A) a foot support bladder; (B) a fluid reservoir; (C) a foot-activated pump including: (i) an inlet receiving fluid from the fluid reservoir and (ii) an outlet supplying fluid to the foot support bladder; (D) a fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; and (E) a switching system configured to change the foot support bladder between: (i) a high pressure foot support configuration in which the fluid line is closed and (ii) a low pressure foot support configuration in which the fluid line is open.

Clause 77. The sole structure according to Clause 76, wherein the switching system includes a switch button having a protrusion that is movable to pinch the fluid line closed when the switching system places the foot support bladder in the high pressure foot support configuration.

Clause 78. The sole structure according to Clause 76 or 77, wherein when the foot support bladder is in the high pressure foot support configuration, the foot-activated pump moves fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder.

Clause 79. The sole structure according to Clause 76 or 77, wherein when the foot support bladder is in the high pressure foot support configuration, the foot-activated pump incrementally moves fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder in response to a wearer's steps.

Clause 80. The sole structure according to Clause 78 or 79, wherein movement of sufficient fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder decreases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

Clause 81. The sole structure according to Clause 78 or 79, wherein movement of sufficient fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder causes the fluid reservoir to collapse.

Clause 82. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 76 to 81, wherein when the switching system places the foot support bladder in the low pressure foot support configuration, fluid pressure in the foot support bladder equals fluid pressure in the fluid reservoir.

Clause 83. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 76 to 82, wherein interaction with the switching system to change the foot support bladder from the high pressure foot support configuration to the low pressure foot support configuration increases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

Clause 84. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 76 to 82, wherein interaction with the switching system to change the foot support bladder from the high pressure foot support configuration to the low pressure foot support configuration causes an immediate increase in a height dimension of the fluid reservoir as fluid pressure increases in the fluid reservoir.

Clause 85. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 76 to 84, wherein at least a portion of an upper surface of the fluid reservoir is located beneath at least a portion of a lower surface of the foot support bladder.

Clause 86. The sole structure according to Clause 85, further comprising a midsole component located between the upper surface of the fluid reservoir and the lower surface of the foot support bladder.

Clause 87. An article of footwear, comprising: (A) an upper; and (B) a sole structure according to any one of Clauses 76 to 86 engaged with the upper.

Claims

1. A fluid system for an article of footwear, comprising:

a foot support bladder;

a fluid reservoir;

a pump including an inlet and an outlet, the outlet supplying fluid to the foot support bladder;

a first fluid line placing the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump;

a second fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; and

a switch configured to change the second fluid line between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein when the second fluid line is in the closed configuration, the pump moves fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder, and wherein movement of sufficient fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder with the second fluid line in the closed configuration decreases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

2. The fluid system according to claim 1, wherein the switch includes a protrusion that is movable to pinch the second fluid line when the switch places the second fluid line in the closed configuration.

3. The fluid system according to claim 1, wherein when the second fluid line is in the open configuration, fluid pressure is equalized throughout the fluid system.

4. The fluid system according to claim 1, wherein interaction with the switch to change the second fluid line from the closed configuration to the open configuration increases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

5. The fluid system according to claim 1, wherein interaction with the switch to change the second fluid line from the closed configuration to the open configuration causes an immediate increase in a height dimension of the fluid reservoir as fluid pressure is equalized throughout the fluid system.

6. A foot support system for an article of footwear, comprising:

a foot support bladder;

a fluid reservoir;

a pump including an inlet and an outlet, the outlet supplying fluid to the foot support bladder;

a first fluid line placing the fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump;

a second fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; and

a switch configured to change the second fluid line between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein when the second fluid line is in the closed configuration, the pump moves fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder, and wherein movement of sufficient fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder with the second fluid line in the closed configuration decreases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

7. The foot support system according to claim 6, further comprising:

a first midsole component extending between and at least partially separating the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir, wherein the first midsole component includes a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface engages at least a portion of the fluid reservoir, and wherein the top surface engages at least a portion of the foot support bladder.

8. The foot support system according to claim 7, further comprising a second midsole component, wherein at least a portion of the foot support bladder is located between the first midsole component and the second midsole component.

9. The foot support system according to claim 6, wherein the switch includes a protrusion that is movable to pinch the second fluid line when the switch places the second fluid line in the closed configuration.

10. The foot support system according to claim 6, wherein when the second fluid line is in the open configuration, fluid pressure is equalized in the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir.

11. The foot support system according to claim 6, wherein interaction with the switch to change the second fluid line from the closed configuration to the open configuration increases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

12. The foot support system according to claim 6, wherein interaction with the switch to change the second fluid line from the closed configuration to the open configuration causes an immediate increase in a height dimension of the fluid reservoir as fluid pressure is equalized in the foot support bladder and the fluid reservoir.

13. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:

a foot support bladder;

a fluid reservoir;

a foot-activated pump including: (i) an inlet receiving fluid from the fluid reservoir and (ii) an outlet supplying fluid to the foot support bladder;

a fluid line placing the foot support bladder in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; and

a switching system configured to change the foot support bladder between: (i) a high pressure foot support configuration in which the fluid line is closed and (ii) a low pressure foot support configuration in which the fluid line is open, wherein when the foot support bladder is in the high pressure foot support configuration, the foot-activated pump moves fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder, and wherein movement of sufficient fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder decreases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

14. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein the switching system includes a switch button having a protrusion that is movable to pinch the fluid line closed when the switching system places the foot support bladder in the high pressure foot support configuration.

15. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein when the foot support bladder is in the high pressure foot support configuration, the foot-activated pump incrementally moves fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder in response to a wearer's steps.

16. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein the movement of sufficient fluid from the fluid reservoir to the foot support bladder causes the fluid reservoir to collapse.

17. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein when the switching system places the foot support bladder in the low pressure foot support configuration, fluid pressure in the foot support bladder equals fluid pressure in the fluid reservoir.

18. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein interaction with the switching system to change the foot support bladder from the high pressure foot support configuration to the low pressure foot support configuration increases a height dimension of the fluid reservoir.

19. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein interaction with the switching system to change the foot support bladder from the high pressure foot support configuration to the low pressure foot support configuration causes an immediate increase in a height dimension of the fluid reservoir as fluid pressure increases in the fluid reservoir.

20. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein at least a portion of an upper surface of the fluid reservoir is located beneath at least a portion of a lower surface of the foot support bladder, and wherein the sole structure further comprises a midsole component located between the upper surface of the fluid reservoir and the lower surface of the foot support bladder.