Abstract: A flexible cellular material is thermoregulated by compressing and expanding gas trapped in its cells A flexible elastomer material of a device that provide thermoregulation includes two layers of different shore hardness and conductivity and is has gas-filled cells. Each cell has a zone to store the gas when compressing the material in the layer C with higher hardness and thermal conductivity and another zone to expand the gas when decompressing the material in the layer D with lower hardness and thermal conductivity. The flexible material can be used as a sole in shoes to maintain a cool temperature. With each step, the cell zones located in the layer C act as adiabatic chambers whose gasses heat with compression. When the foot leaves the ground the zones of cells located in the layer D then act as a reactor nozzle that will expand the air and therefore cool it.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper defining an internal cavity configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The sole structure may include an exposed outer member configured to contact the ground, the exposed outer member including a first aperture, and a sensory feedback member disposed at least partially within the first aperture in the outer member, the sensory feedback member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the sensory feedback member may include a projection extending through the first aperture and configured to contact the ground. In addition, the second end of the sensory feedback member may include a plurality of flexible bristles extending through a portion of the sole structure and exposed to the internal cavity.

Abstract: A mid-sole, or insole, particularly for shoes, is constituted by a body which has an upper surface which has a plantar-like perimetric shape. From the lower surface of the body a first plurality and a second plurality of elastically compressible protrusions protrude downward, each one having an axial cavity. During walking or running, the protrusions adapt rapidly to movements and to the shape.

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

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a motorized tensioning system, sensors, and a gesture control system. Based on information received from one or more sensors the gesture control system may detect a prompting gesture and enters an armed mode for receiving further instructions. In the armed mode the system may detect a variety of different control gestures that correspond to different tensioning commands.

Abstract: A bladder for an article of footwear includes a support chamber and an expansion chamber. The support chamber has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a peripheral wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall and defining a peripheral profile of the support chamber. The expansion chamber extends from the peripheral wall at a first end of the bladder. In some examples, the peripheral wall defines a first end of the support chamber having one or more lobes extending from the top wall to the bottom wall. The one or more lobes may include a first lobe disposed adjacent to a first side of the support chamber and a second lobe disposed adjacent to a second side of the support chamber. The expansion chamber may be disposed between the first lobe and the second lobe at the first end of the support chamber.

Abstract: A cushioning article includes a bladder enclosing an interior cavity and retaining a gas in the interior cavity. A tensile component is disposed in the interior cavity and includes tensile layers and a plurality of tethers connecting the tensile layers. The tensile layers are connected to an inner surface of the bladder such that the tethers span across the interior cavity. The bladder has an inwardly-protruding bond that joins an inner surface of the bladder to the tensile component, protrudes inward into the interior cavity, and partially traverses the plurality of tethers such that the bladder is narrowed at the inwardly protruding bond and the gas in the interior cavity fluidly communicates across the inwardly-protruding bond. A method of manufacturing a cushioning article is disclosed.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an outer sole element, an inner sole element, and a membrane. The outer sole element has a first top surface and a recess formed in the first top surface. The recess is defined by an inner peripheral surface extending from the first top surface. The inner sole element is disposed within the recess and has a second top surface and an outer peripheral surface extending from the second top surface. The outer peripheral surface is spaced apart from and opposing the inner peripheral surface of the outer sole element to form a channel between the inner sole element and the outer sole element. The membrane is joined to the first top surface of the outer sole element to sealingly enclose the channel and define a chamber.

Abstract: A sole includes an upper sole portion having a heel region and a toe region, and a pod assembly disposed below the upper sole portion. The pod assembly includes at least five pods fluidly connected in a substantially linear arrangement extending from the heel region to the toe region. The pods are fluidly connected in series.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having a heel region, a mid-foot region, a forefoot region, an interior region, and a peripheral region. The sole structure including a bladder having a chamber including an arcuate segment extending around the heel region, a first segment extending along the peripheral region on a medial side of the sole structure from the arcuate segment to a first terminal end in the forefoot region, and a second segment spaced apart from the first segment across a width of the sole structure and extending along the peripheral region on a lateral side of the sole structure from the arcuate segment to a second terminal end in the forefoot region. A peripheral outsole extends along the chamber and a first cushion is disposed between the first segment and the second segment and is exposed through an opening of the peripheral outsole.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a cushioning element having a top surface, a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the cushioning element from the top surface, a ramp surface spaced apart from the bottom surface in a heel region of the cushioning element, a heel pocket extending through the cushioning element from the top surface to the ramp surface, and a plurality of pillars extending from the ramp surface and surrounding the pocket. The sole structure additionally includes a plurality of cushioning particles disposed within the pocket, an outsole attached to the cushioning element and enclosing a first end of the pocket, and an upper barrier layer attached to the top surface of the cushioning element and covering a second end of the pocket.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a bladder including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a first chamber bounding a periphery of the heel region, and a second chamber extending from the mid-foot region through the forefoot region and including a plurality of segments extending from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. Each of the segments of the second chamber includes a medial reservoir adjacent to the medial side and a lateral reservoir adjacent to the lateral side, the medial reservoir fluidly coupled to the lateral reservoir via a first conduit.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a first segment extending between a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure within the forefoot region, a second segment extending between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure within the forefoot region, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first segment and the second segment, the first barrier layer being attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.

Abstract: A tactile feedback shoe sole for footwear comprising a main body that defines a toe portion, a middle portion and a heel portion. A first chamber filled with a fluid is disposed in one or more areas of the main body. A second chamber comprising a second chamber upper wall, a second chamber lower wall and projections is disposed in the arch region of the middle portion. Channels disposed between the first and the second chambers help in establishing fluidic communication between the first and second chambers. If the second chamber is compressed before the first chamber getting compressed, which is likely to happen when the feet of the user of the sole overpronate, the second chamber upper wall comes in contact with the second chamber lower wall and the projections are felt by the user in the arch region since the second chamber is not filled with the fluid.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a fluid-filled chamber component having a central portion, a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central portion, and a plurality of channels formed between the plurality of lobes. The structure also includes a midsole component inter-fitted with the plurality of lobes of the fluid-filled chamber component and having a plurality of projections extending through the plurality of channels of the fluid-filled chamber component. The midsole component forms a portion of the peripheral side surface of the sole structure. At least a first lobe of the plurality of lobes has an exposed distal end wall and includes a projecting portion that extends further outward from the central portion of the fluid-filled chamber component than the portion of the peripheral side surface of the sole structure formed by the midsole component. The exposed distal end wall also includes a faceted surface.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may have a barrier, a stacked tensile member, and a fluid. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that is sealed to define an interior void. The stacked tensile member may be located within the interior void and includes a first tensile element and a second tensile element that are joined to each other. Additionally, opposite sides of the stacked tensile member are joined to the barrier. The fluid is located within the interior void and may be pressurized to place an outward force upon the barrier and induce tension in the stacked tensile member. In some configurations, each of the tensile elements may be a spacer textile.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a shoe, the shoe including: a first outsole comprising a bottom portion which contacts the ground, and a plurality of first protruding portions each of which has a dome shape and protrudes upward from the bottom portion, and a second outsole comprising a support portion disposed on the bottom portion, and a plurality of second protruding portions each of which has a dome shape and protrudes downward from the support portion. Protruding end portions of the plurality of second protruding portions are bonded to protruding end portions of the plurality of first protruding portions, respectively.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole connected to the upper, and an outsole connected to the midsole. The midsole includes a lattice structure comprising a network of laths forming a plurality of cell units, the plurality of cell units arranged in a plurality of layers on the midsole. The cell units in an upper layer are stacked upon the cell units in a lower layer and separated by a set of vertices common to cell units in both the upper layer and the lower layer.

Abstract: Device suitable for being integrated in footwears soles, acting as cushioning, energy dissipation and stabilization means, including: a cushioning element made of a first material having a viscoelastic behavior; a conditioning element positioned under the cushioning element and made of a second material having a viscoelastic behavior; and a containing element positioned above the cushioning element and covering also the conditioning element. The cushioning element having first empty regions that are first through holes and second through holes and channels to pushing out the air when the device is subjected to a compression load.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole attached to the upper, and an outsole. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed. The outsole has a ground-engaging surface, an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, and a wall extending from the ground-engaging surface and surrounding the outsole. The article of footwear also includes at least two casings each containing particulate matter and having a thickness extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outsole. The at least two casings are arranged in a layered configuration and received within a cavity bounded by the wall of the outsole and between the bottom surface and the inner surface.

Abstract: Articles of footwear include an upper and a sole structure having a fluid-filled element in the heel region. The fluid-filled element includes: (a) an upper surface, (b) a lower surface, and (c) an outer peripheral surface extending between the upper surface and lower surface. The fluid-filled element also includes a pair of spaced apart, substantially U-shaped voids that extend through a central region of the fluid-filled element. A first void of the pair of voids is located closer to a forward end of the fluid-filled element than a second void of the pair. Both the first void and the second void have an open portion of its U-shape oriented toward the forward end of the fluid-filled element.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a recess defining a first opening in the peripheral surface. The sole structure for an article of footwear also includes an insert disposed within the recess and including a first material having a first gloss unit value and a second material disposed on an outer surface of the first material and having a second gloss unit value. The second material is at least partially disposed within the first opening.

Abstract: The disclosed method provides a way to manufacture a style of an article of footwear in bulk, while providing customization for heel stability for individual customers. Moreover, the disclosed method provides a way to customize articles of footwear for a customer on an ongoing basis, such that the heel stability of the articles of footwear is refined until a tailored fit is achieved for the same customer. Generally, the method may include providing a user/customer with an article of footwear, getting evaluation information about the stability of the article of footwear from a survey (e.g., asking the user to rate the stability of the article of footwear in a smartphone app), modifying the next article of footwear provided to the user/customer according to the evaluation information, and iterating through this process to give the user an article optimized for stability.

Abstract: An article of footwear can include a midsole with a lower surface having a first recessed portion and an outsole coupled to the lower surface of the midsole, with the outsole having an upper surface with a second recessed portion. A first bladder element and a second bladder element can be provided in a stacked arrangement between the midsole and outsole, with an upper portion of the first bladder element that contacts the lower surface of the midsole and extends at least partially into the first recessed portion and a lower portion of the second bladder element that contacts the upper surface of the outsole and extends at least partially into the second recessed portion.

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

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and a nest formed as a bag filled with one or more gasses located between the first plate and the second plate. The shoe may further include one or more springs located in cavities in the gas filled nest for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. Pods may be located within the openings in the center of the springs, and the pods may be filled with one or more gasses. The pods may protrude from a bottom or a top surface of the nest. Spring sandwiches including one or more springs positioned between plates may be constructed and placed in various portions of a shoe. The shoe may also include piping with lights.

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

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

Abstract: A footwear construction includes a sole assembly having a first midsole platform of a first durometer and a second midsole platform of a second durometer, less than the first, so that the second midsole platform is softer than the first, and an outsole having an outsole upstanding cup wall surrounding the second midsole platform so as to protect it from abrasion, and to control a lateral and expansive movement of the softer second midsole platform, when lugs of the outsole are pushed upward toward the second midsole platform due to lug engagement with an underfoot terrain feature. The platforms can be constructed from a different durometer EVA or foam. The first durometer can be about 50-60 Asker C, inclusive and the second durometer can be about 35-45 Asker C, inclusive.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include a pair of polymer layers that define a plurality of subchambers and a web area. The subchambers are protruding portions of the polymer layers that enclose a fluid, and the web area is portions of the polymer layers that are located between the subchambers and lay adjacent to each other. The subchambers may have greater thickness than the web area. A perimeter bond joining the polymer layers and extends around a periphery of the chamber. In addition, a plurality of interior bonds join the polymer layers and extend around the subchambers, which may seal the fluid within the subchambers.

Abstract: A sole structure may include chambers and a transfer channel containing an electrorheological fluid. Electrodes may be positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the electrorheological fluid in the transfer channel. The sole structure may further include a controller including a processor and memory. At least one of the processor and memory may store instructions executable by the processor to perform operations that include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-inhibiting levels at which flow of the electrorheological fluid the through the transfer channel is blocked, and that further include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-enabling levels permitting flow of the electrorheological fluid through the transfer channel.

Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) an upper; (b) a sole structure including a midsole and an outsole, the outsole having a plurality of polygonal lugs arranged about a base surface of the outsole. The outsole may include one or more regions wherein the characteristics of a portion of the lugs within a region differ from the characteristics of a portion of the lugs in another region. The lugs may differ, for example based on size, construction and/or spacing between the lugs. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.

Abstract: A sports shoe includes a bottom sole and an upper vamp attached to the bottom sole. The bottom sole is provided with a compressible and stretchable air cushion. The upper vamp is provided with at least one airbag configured for covering and abutting against the foot. An air-charging valve is provided between the air cushion and the airbag. An air-intaking valve is provided between the air cushion and the external environment. An air-discharging duct is provided between the airbag and the external environment. The air-discharging duct is provided with an air-discharging valve. When the sports shoe is taken on the foot, the air cushion is used to inflate the airbag of the upper vamp automatically. After being inflated, the airbag surrounds the foot to cause the upper vamp of the shoe to fit well with the foot, to improve wearing comfort of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to soles in particular midsoles for sports shoes. According to an aspect, an additively manufactured sole is provided. The sole comprises a lattice structure, the lattice structure comprising a plurality of cell elements. The sole further comprises a heel element, three-dimensionally encompassing the heel. Moreover, the sole comprises a base portion interconnecting the heel element and the lattice structure, wherein the base portion has an extension arranged to connect to a plurality of adjacent cell elements, wherein the plurality of adjacent cell elements is not positioned along an edge of the lattice structure.

Abstract: Articles of footwear including footbed membranes and rigid or semi-rigid frames may be configured to suspend and support a wearer's foot during all stages of the gait cycle. Footbed membranes may be configured to suspend the wearer's foot with nothing underneath the footbed membrane, maintaining a gap between the footbed membrane and the frame during the entire gait cycle. Footbed membranes may be formed of elastomeric materials having less than a threshold percentage of elongation in response to loading, to maintain suspension of the wearer's foot. The outsole, frame, and footbed membrane may be integrated such that the components work together to support the wearer's foot during the gait cycle and in static conditions as well. Methods of making such articles of footwear may include sewing the footwear upper to the footbed membrane via a sew wall, without cementing the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided and includes an upper, a fluid-filled chamber including a first portion in contact with the upper in a first region, and a midsole including a first portion disposed between the fluid-filled chamber and the upper in a second region.

Abstract: A sole structure includes a midsole layer with a lower surface having a first recess that has an outer periphery spaced inward of an outer periphery of the midsole layer, and a peripheral bonding region between the outer periphery of the midsole layer and the outer periphery of the first recess. A sole plate has an upper surface with a second recess forming a cavity with the first recess between the sole plate and the midsole layer. The upper surface of the sole plate has a peripheral bonding region between an outer periphery of the sole plate and an outer periphery of the second recess. A bladder nests in the cavity with a contoured upper surface inward of the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer and a contoured lower surface inward of the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. A method of manufacturing the sole structure is disclosed.

Abstract: An article comprises a chamber that includes a barrier formed from a polymer material. The barrier has a first portion that forms a first surface of the chamber, and a second portion that forms an opposite second surface of the chamber. The barrier forms at least one interior cavity between the first portion and the second portion. The at least one interior cavity is filled with fluid retained by the barrier.

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

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear. The method may include forming a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, including a first chamber barrier layer, a second chamber barrier layer, and a tensile member extending between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The tensile member may include a first tensile member layer, a second tensile member layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile member layer to the second tensile member layer. The method may also include extending a portion of the second chamber barrier layer toward the first tensile member layer between a first section of the second tensile member layer and a second section of the second tensile member layer, and joining the portion of the second chamber barrier layer to the first tensile member layer between the first section and the second section of the second tensile member layer.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe sole including a first base component, at least one second top component connected to the first base component, as well as at least one third intermediate component, interposed between the first base component and the second top component.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a first sole member, and a second sole member. The first sole member is connected to the upper. Together, the first sole member and the upper define a cavity. The first sole member includes an outer surface and a textured inner surface, the textured inner surface defining a pattern of shapes. The second sole member is positioned in the cavity. The second sole member includes a textured lower surface directly engaging the textured inner surface of the first sole member. The textured lower surface of the second sole member is complementary to the textured inner surface of the first sole member.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.

Abstract: A polymeric housing may have a channel defined therein. A first conductive trace may at least partially coincide with the channel. A first wire may have a first conductor surrounded by a first insulating jacket. The first conductor may be in electrical communication with the first conductive trace. A jacket bonding region of the first jacket may be welded to a housing bonding region of the housing. The jacket bonding region and the housing bonding region may be formed from a common type of polymer.

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

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered.

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

Abstract: Foot support members, e.g., sole structures for articles of footwear, include dynamically transformable portions, e.g., to change a dimension and/or apply a tensile or compressive force to some portion of an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. Such foot support members may include a flexible support member having a wave shaped portion that flexes under an applied force. Flexing of this wave shaped portion under weight of a wearer produces: (a) a change in at least one of a longitudinal or transverse dimension of the foot support member, (b) application of a compressive or tensile force to the plantar support component and/or another part of the foot support member, article of footwear, or other foot-receiving device, (c) flattening of the wave shaped portion, and/or (d) compressing the wave shaped portion together (e.g., to fold up, decrease in overall height, etc.).