초록 ▼

The present invention is directed to an article of footwear including an upper, a sole and a pumping chamber for producing a continuous supply of fluid. The sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The pumping chamber is formed between the bottom surface of the midsole and the upper surface of the ou

The present invention is directed to an article of footwear including an upper, a sole and a pumping chamber for producing a continuous supply of fluid. The sole includes a midsole and an outsole. The pumping chamber is formed between the bottom surface of the midsole and the upper surface of the outsole and includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet. Movement of the wearer's foot causes fluid to be drawn into and expelled from the pumping chamber. The fluid produced by the pumping chamber may be used to inflate an expandable bladder or to provide ventilation to the wearer's foot.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An article of footwear, comprising:an upper defining an interior for receiving a foot of a wearer;a sole attached to said upper, said sole comprising a midsole having a thickness and an outsole having a thickness, said midsole and said outsole being joined to define a cha

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An article of footwear, comprising:an upper defining an interior for receiving a foot of a wearer;a sole attached to said upper, said sole comprising a midsole having a thickness and an outsole having a thickness, said midsole and said outsole being joined to define a chamber for receiving a fluid, said chamber having a top wall and a bottom wall;a chamber inlet for providing a fluid passageway between said interior of said upper and said chamber, said chamber inlet extending through said thickness of said midsole and said top wall of said chamber;an inlet check valve disposed within said chamber inlet to permit fluid to flow into said chamber;a chamber outlet for providing a fluid passageway between said chamber and said interior of said upper, said chamber outlet extending through said top wall of said chamber and said thickness of said midsole;an outlet check valve disposed within said chamber outlet to permit fluid to flow out of said chamber; andan inflatable bladder disposed in the footwear for providing customized support to the foot of the wearer, said inflatable bladder having a bladder inlet disposed in fluid communication with said chamber outlet;wherein movement of the foot by the wearer causes fluid to be continuously drawn into said chamber through said chamber inlet and expelled from said chamber through said chamber outlet to inflate said inflatable bladder.