초록 ▼

An article of footwear with a dynamically-controlled cushoning system is disclosed. The cushioning system includes a sealed, fluid-filled bladder formed with a plurality of separate cushioning chambers, and a control system. The control system, which includes a CPU, pressure sensors and valves, cont

An article of footwear with a dynamically-controlled cushoning system is disclosed. The cushioning system includes a sealed, fluid-filled bladder formed with a plurality of separate cushioning chambers, and a control system. The control system, which includes a CPU, pressure sensors and valves, controls fluid communication between the chambers to dynamically adjust the pressure in the cushioning chambers for various conditions such as the activity that the footwear is used in, the weight of the individual and the individual's running style. Certain adjustments can be made while the footwear is in use.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An article of footwear having a controlled cushioning system, the system comprising:a fluid-filled bladder received within a sole of the article of footwear, said bladder being closed to ambient air and having a plurality of separate cushioning chambers in fluid communication with each other; a p

1. An article of footwear having a controlled cushioning system, the system comprising:a fluid-filled bladder received within a sole of the article of footwear, said bladder being closed to ambient air and having a plurality of separate cushioning chambers in fluid communication with each other; a plurality of pressure detectors, at least one of said plurality of pressure detectors being connected to each of said plurality of chambers; a plurality of regulators, one of said plurality of regulators being connected to each of said plurality of chambers for regulating the level of fluid communication of the connected chamber with at least one other of said plurality of chambers; a control system connected to the article of footwear, said control system communicating with said plurality of pressure detectors for detecting real time pressure in each of said plurality of chambers, communicating with each of said plurality of regulators to control actuation of each of said plurality of regulators for regulating the level of fluid communication of one of said plurality of chambers in relation to another of said plurality of chambers, and modulating the level of fluid communication between said plurality of chambers by actuating said plurality of regulators in a sequence to maintain a select pressure in each of said plurality of chambers.