US 8,011,117 B2 · Inflation mechanism and outlet valve for an article of footwear incorporating an inflatable bladder

Abstract

An article of footwear having a fluid system including an inflatable bladder, an inflation mechanism, and a valve for facilitating air movement through the fluid system. In one embodiment, the valve is an outlet valve between the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder that includes an umbrella valve. In another embodiment, the valve is an outlet valve between the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder wherein a seating of the outlet valve forms a portion of the inflatable bladder and a portion of an inflation chamber of the inflation mechanism. The seating includes a flange for preventing blocked air flow to the valve. In another embodiment, the valve includes an umbrella valve and an inlet filter for keeping particulates from compromising the umbrella valve.

Claims12

Dependent claims

An article of footwear, comprising:

an inflatable bladder;
an inflation mechanism having an inflation chamber and an outlet;
a first sheet having an interior surface;
a second sheet having an interior surface;
a channel disposed between the outlet of the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder to fluidly connect the inflatable bladder and the inflation mechanism, wherein the channel is defined by the interior surface of the first sheet and the interior surface of the second sheet;
and
an outlet valve disposed in the channel, wherein the outlet valve comprises a stem and a hood,
wherein the inflation chamber comprises a sheet having a first portion fixed to the first sheet and a second portion fixed to the second sheet.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Inflation mechanism and outlet valve for an article of footwear incorporating an inflatable bladder

Life of this patent

Inflation mechanism and outlet valve for an article of footwear incorporating an inflatable bladder

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12