Fluid Flow Control Devices Usable In Adjustable Foot Support Systems

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

• a first footwear component;
• a first fluid-filled bladder support or container engaged with the first footwear component, wherein the first fluid-filled bladder support or container includes a gas at a first pressure;
• a second fluid-filled bladder support or container engaged with the first footwear component or a second footwear component, wherein the second fluid-filled bladder support or container includes a gas at a second pressure;
• a first fluid transfer line placing the first fluid-filled bladder support or container in fluid-communication with the second fluid-filled bladder support or container;
• a valve located in or connected to the first fluid transfer line, wherein the valve includes:
• a fixed valve part including a valve component seating area, and
• a movable valve part including a portion movable into and out of contact with the valve component seating area;
• and
• a control system configured to change the valve between an open condition and a closed condition, wherein when the second pressure is greater than the first pressure, the control system:
• (a) holds the valve in the closed condition and inhibits gas from moving from the second fluid-filled bladder support or container, through the first fluid transfer line and valve, and into the first fluid-filled bladder support or container or (b) is selectively controllable to move the valve to the open condition and allow fluid to move from the second fluid-filled bladder support or container, through the first fluid transfer line and valve, and into the first fluid-filled bladder support or container, and
• wherein when the first pressure is greater than the second pressure by at least a first predetermined amount, gas from the first fluid-filled bladder support or container:
• (a) causes the movable valve part to move out of contact with the valve component seating area and (b) moves from the first fluid-filled bladder support or container, through the valve and first fluid transfer line, and into the second fluid-filled bladder support or container.