Automatic pump for articles of footwear

Abstract

An article of footwear includes: an upper including a chamber; a compressible member disposed within the chamber and operable between a relaxed state and a constricted state; a sole structure comprising a recess forming a cavity; and a pump device disposed within the cavity and fluidly coupled to the chamber, the pump device operable to transition the compressible member from a relaxed state to a constricted state by removing fluid from the chamber.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 484,330 filed on October 10, 2023, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 415,021 filed on October 11, 2022. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of the present application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear and, more particularly, to a sole structure for an article of footwear. Background Art

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Articles of clothing, such as clothing and headwear, and articles of footwear, such as shoes and boots, often include a receiving portion for receiving a body part of a wearer. For example, an article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure that cooperate to form a receiving portion for receiving a wearer's foot. Similarly, clothing and headwear may include one or more pieces of material formed into a receiving portion for receiving a wearer's torso or head.

[0006] Articles of clothing or footwear are often adjustable and / or include relatively flexible materials to allow the article of clothing or footwear to accommodate wearers of various sizes, or to provide different fits on a single wearer. Although conventional articles of clothing and footwear are adjustable, such articles often require the wearer to secure the article by lacing or otherwise. For example, while shoelaces adequately secure the footwear to the wearer by contracting or narrowing a portion of the upper around the wearer's foot, the shoelaces do not lock the upper into a size or shape that conforms to the user's foot. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve an optimal fit of the upper around the foot. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1A is a lateral perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating an automatic pump according to an example of the present disclosure, wherein the article of footwear is in a relaxed state;

[0009] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A a lateral perspective view of an article of footwear of FIG. 1 , wherein the article of footwear is in a narrowed state;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A a top front exploded perspective view of an article of footwear;

[0011] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a pump device according to an example of the present disclosure, wherein a first plate and a second plate are disposed around a fluid envelope;

[0012] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A top view of a pump device with a portion of the housing removed to illustrate the fluid envelope;

[0013] Figure 3C is along Figure 3A The line 3C-3C in Figure 3A A cross-sectional plan view of a pump device;

[0014] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a pump device according to another example of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4B is along Figure 4A The line 4B-4B in Figure 4A A cross-sectional plan view of a pump device;

[0016] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a pump device according to another example of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5B is along Figure 5A The line 5B-5B in Figure 5A A cross-sectional plan view of a pump device;

[0018] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a pump device according to another example of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6B is along Fig. 6A The line 6B-6B in Fig. 6A A cross-sectional plan view of a pump device;

[0020] Fig. 7A is a lateral view of an article of footwear incorporating a pump device according to the present disclosure, wherein an upper of the article of footwear is in a narrowed state;

[0021] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A a lateral view of an article of footwear wherein a wearer is compressing a release feature of an upper; and

[0022] Figure 7C yes Fig. 7Alateral perspective view of an article of footwear with an upper of the article of footwear in a relaxed state.

[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0026] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0027] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, areas, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, area, layer or section from another area, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration, the first element, component, area, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer or section.

[0028] In one configuration, a footwear article includes an upper including a chamber; a compressible member disposed within the chamber and operable between a relaxed state and a contracted state; a sole structure including a recess forming the chamber; and a pump device disposed within the chamber and fluidly coupled to the chamber, the pump device operable to transition the compressible member from a relaxed state to a contracted state by removing fluid from the chamber.

[0029] The footwear article may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the pump device may include a fluid envelope disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The pump device may include a valve in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid envelope. Optionally, the valve may be operable to limit the movement of the fluid from the fluid envelope to the chamber. In one configuration, the fluid removed from the chamber may be contained within the fluid envelope. In one example, at least one of the first plate and the second plate may be formed by an elastic material. The first plate and the second plate may be biased in a direction away from each other and enter an expanded state. Additionally or alternatively, the first plate and the second plate may move toward each other when moving from the expanded state to the compressed state. When the first plate and the second plate move from the compressed state to the expanded state, the fluid may be drawn out of the chamber and enter the fluid envelope. Optionally, the release member may be operable to selectively allow the fluid to enter the chamber and allow the movement of the compressible member from the narrowed state to the relaxed state.

[0030] In another configuration, a footwear article includes a chamber, a sole structure, and a pump device, which is disposed within the sole structure and includes a first plate, a second plate, and a fluid envelope, which is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and is fluidly connected to the chamber, and the pump device is operable to selectively remove fluid from the chamber when the first plate and the second plate move away from each other and enter an expanded state.

[0031] The footwear article may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, a pump device may be disposed in the sole structure. The pump device may include a valve in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid envelope. Optionally, the valve may be operable to limit the movement of the fluid from the fluid envelope to the chamber. In one configuration, the fluid removed from the chamber may be contained in the fluid envelope. In another example, at least one of the first plate and the second plate may be formed by an elastic material. The first plate and the second plate may be biased into an expanded state. Additionally or alternatively, the first plate and the second plate may move toward each other when moving from the expanded state to the compressed state. Optionally, the fluid envelope may be formed by a first barrier element and a second barrier element, the first barrier element being attached to the first plate, and the second barrier element being attached to the second plate. In another configuration, the release member may be operable to selectively allow the fluid to enter the chamber.

[0032] The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

[0033] refer to Figures 1A to 2 , the article of footwear 10 includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100. The article of footwear 10 may also include a front end 12 associated with the forward-most point of the footwear, and a rear end 14 corresponding to the rearward-most point of the footwear 10. The longitudinal axis A of the footwear 10 is 10 The footwear 10 extends parallel to the ground surface from the front end 12 to the rear end 14 along the length of the footwear 10 and generally divides the footwear 10 into a medial side 16 and a lateral side 18. Thus, the medial side 16 and the lateral side 18 correspond to opposite sides of the footwear 10, respectively, and extend from the front end 12 to the rear end 14. As used herein, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the front end 12 to the rear end 14, and the lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side 16 to the lateral side 18.

[0034] The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more regions. These regions may include a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 may correspond to the phalanges and metatarsals of the foot. The midfoot region 22 may correspond to the arch area of ​​the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond to the rear portion of the foot including the calcaneus.

[0035] As shown, sole structure 100 includes a midsole 102 configured to provide cushioning and support and an outsole 104 that defines a ground engaging surface of sole structure 100. In other examples, midsole 102 may be configured as a composite structure including multiple components coupled together.

[0036] The article of footwear 10 may also be described as including an automatic pump device 300 and a release feature 108. The automatic pump device 300 is disposed in the sole structure 100 and may be in fluid communication with the upper 200 via one or more valves to adjust the pressure in the upper 200 from a first pressure (e.g., at or above ambient pressure) to a second pressure (e.g., at or below ambient pressure) by removing a fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) from the upper 200. As shown, the automatic pump device 300 may include a first pump 302 disposed in the forefoot region 20 of the midsole 102 and a second pump 304 disposed in the heel region 24 of the midsole 102. However, in some embodiments, the automatic pump device 300 may include a single pump 300 disposed in the forefoot region 20, the midfoot region 22, or the heel region 24, or any combination of pumps 300 located in the forefoot region 20, the midfoot region 22, and / or the heel region 24. The release feature 108 can be connected to the outer surface of the upper 200 and is in fluid communication with the automatic pump device 300 through one or more valves. As discussed in more detail below, the automatic pump device 300 and the release feature 108 cooperate to allow the upper 200 to be in a narrowed state ( Figure 1B ) and the relaxed state ( Figure 1A ) between.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 , the midsole 102 is further defined by a top surface 110 facing the upper 200 and a bottom surface 112 formed on a side of the midsole 102 opposite the top surface 110 and facing away from the upper 200. Stitching and / or adhesive may secure the midsole 102 to the upper 200. The top surface 110 of the midsole 102 includes a foot cavity that defines a footbed of the sole structure 100 that extends continuously from the front end 12 to the rear end 14 of the footwear 10. The outsole 104 is defined by a top surface 114 facing the bottom surface 112 of the midsole 102 and a bottom surface 116 that defines a ground engaging surface and is formed on a side of the outsole 104 opposite the top surface 114.

[0038] The midsole 102 and the outsole 104 include resilient polymer materials, such as foam or rubber, to impart cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution properties to the wearer's foot. In the illustrated example, the midsole 102 is formed of a first foam material, and the outsole 104 is formed of a second foam material. For example, the midsole 102 may include a foam material that provides greater cushioning and impact distribution, while the outsole 104 includes a foam material with greater stiffness and / or rigidity to provide increased lateral stiffness to the sole structure 100.

[0039] Example elastic polymer materials for midsole 102 and outsole 104 may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or a mixture of the two; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or a mixture of the two.

[0040] In some respects, one or more polymers can include olefin homopolymers, olefin copolymers or their blends.The example of olefin polymers includes polyethylene, polypropylene and combinations thereof.In other respects, the one or more polymers can include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, EVOH copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-unsaturated monofatty acid copolymer and combinations thereof.

[0041] In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacetic acid esters, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0042] In yet other aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomer polymers. In these aspects, the ionomer polymer may include a polymer having a carboxylic acid functional group, a sulfonic acid functional group, a salt thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.) and / or anhydrides thereof. For example, the ionomer polymer may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomer polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers and combinations thereof.

[0043] In further aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadi ... propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0044] In other aspects, the one or more polymers can include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and / or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., cross-linked polyurethanes and / or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Alternatively, the one or more polymers can include one or more natural and / or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

[0045] When the elastic polymer material is a foamed polymer material, the foamed material can be foamed using a physical foaming agent that changes phase into a gas based on a change in temperature and / or pressure, or a chemical foaming agent that forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical foaming agent can be an azo compound such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate and / or isocyanate.

[0046] In some embodiments, the foamed polymer material can be a cross-linked foamed material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based cross-linking agent such as dicumyl peroxide can be used. In addition, the foamed polymer material can include one or more fillers such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc glass fibers, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, etc.

[0047] The elastic polymer material can be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the elastic polymer material is a molded elastomer, an uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) can be mixed with an optional filler and a curing package (such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package) in a Banbury mixer, calendered, shaped, placed in a mold, and vulcanized.

[0048] In another example, when the elastic polymer material is a foaming material, the material can be foamed during a molding process such as an injection molding process. The thermoplastic polymer material can be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical foaming agent and an optional cross-linking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions that activate the foaming agent to form a molded foam.

[0049] Optionally, when the elastic polymer material is a foamed material, the foamed material can be a compression molded foam. Compression molding can be used to change the physical properties of the foam (e.g., density, stiffness and / or hardness), or to change the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., fusing two or more sheets of foam, shaping the foam, etc.), or both.

[0050] The compression molding process is ideally started by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming the polymer material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting foamed sheets, etc. The compression molded foam can then be made by placing one or more preforms formed by the foamed polymer material in a compression mold, and applying enough pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in the closed mold. Once the mold is closed, enough heat and / or pressure are applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for enough durations to change the preforms by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fusing each foam particle to each other, permanently increasing the density of the foam, or any combination thereof. After heating and / or applying pressure, the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold.

[0051] As shown, the concave surface 118 is offset from the top surface 110 of the midsole 102 to form a first cavity 120 and a second cavity 122 in the top surface 110 of the midsole 102. The second cavity 122 can be spaced apart from the first cavity 120. The size of the first cavity 120 can be designed to accommodate the first pump 302 of the automatic pump device 300, and the size of the cavity 122 can be designed to accommodate the second pump 304 of the automatic pump device 300. In other words, the first cavity 120 and the second cavity 122 cooperate to accommodate the automatic pump device 300 including the first pump 302 and the second pump 304. Optionally, the first pump 302 and the second pump 304 can be configured to operate in series to maximize the emptying of the upper 200. Alternatively, the first pump 302 and the second pump 304 can be connected in parallel to maximize the total volume of fluid drawn by the pump device 300. Although Figure 2 The first cavity 120 and the second cavity 122 are shown as being disposed in the forefoot region 20 and the heel region 24, respectively, but the first cavity 120 and the second cavity 122 may alternatively be disposed in any of the forefoot region 20, the midfoot region 22, or the heel region 24 of the midsole 102. In some embodiments, the midsole 102 and the outsole 104 are integrally formed and house the automatic pump device 300. Alternatively, the automatic pump device 300 may extend to an outer surface (not shown) of the footwear article to allow access to the automatic pump device 300.

[0052] Reference again Figures 1A to 2, the upper 200 can be formed by stitching or adhesively bonding together to define one or more materials of the internal void 202. Suitable materials of the upper 200 can include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The example upper 200 can be formed by a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials arranged in different zones of the upper 200, so that the footwear article 10 moves between a narrowed state and a relaxed state. One or more elastic materials can include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics, such as, but not limited to, spandex, elastic fiber, rubber, or neoprene. One or more inelastic materials can include any combination of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material / fabric that does not impart elastic properties.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the upper 200 includes one or more fluid chambers 204 in fluid communication with the pump device 300. Each of the chambers 204 includes a compressible member 206 disposed therein that is compressed when the upper 200 is moved from a relaxed state ( Figure 1A ) changes to a narrowed state ( Figure 1B ), the compressible member 206 compresses. The compressible member 206 may include a mesh structure 208 defining a plurality of reliefs 210 (eg, openings). Figure 1A and Figure 1B As discussed, the automatic pump device 300 is in fluid communication with the chamber 204 of the upper 200. In these embodiments, the suction conduit 156 connects the automatic pump device 300 to the chamber 204 of the upper 200, thereby allowing fluid communication between the automatic pump device 300 and the upper 200. In other words, the pump device 300 can be fluidly coupled to the chamber 204 to transition the compressible member 206 between the relaxed state and the constricted state.

[0054] refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 6B , the automatic pump device 300 is illustrated in a variety of configurations. In view of the basic similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the automatic pump device 300, the same reference numerals are used below and in the drawings to identify the same components, while the same reference numerals with a letter extension are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0055] Special References FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, the automatic pump device 300a is illustrated as having a body 306a, the body 306a defining a central flexure zone 308 and an arm 310 extending radially from the central flexure zone. The body 306a also has a first plate 312 and a second plate 314, which are interconnected to define a locking arrangement of the body 306a. The arm 310 can be tapered from the flexure zone 308 of each of the first plate 312 and the second plate 314 of the body 306a. The arm 310 can have a varying length so that the short arm 316 is disposed between the two long arms 318. This arrangement can define a nested configuration of the first plate 312 and the second plate 314 to define the body 306a. Each of the arms 310 can have a curved or otherwise hooked end 320 that is configured to interlock with the end 320 of the adjacent arm 310 on the opposing plates 312, 314. The ends 320 are alternately connected so that every other arm 310 of the first plate 312 nests with every other arm 310 of the second plate 314. In other words, the arms 310 of the first plate 312 and the second plate 314 can define an alternating interlocking configuration. By way of example and not limitation, Figure 3C The first arm 322 and the second arm 324 of the first plate 312 and the first arm 326 and the second arm 328 of the second plate are illustrated to better illustrate the nested configuration. In this example, the first arm 326 of the second plate 314 is received within or otherwise retained by the end 320 of the first arm 322 of the first plate 312, while the second arm 328 of the second plate 314 receives or otherwise retains the second arm 324 of the first plate 312.

[0056] The first plate 312 and the second plate 314 are disposed around and substantially surround the fluid envelope 330, which is configured to collect fluid from the upper 200 ( Figure 1A ) displaced fluid. The fluid envelope 330 is contemplated to be configured as a bladder, a bladder, and / or any mechanism for holding a volume of fluid (e.g., liquid and / or gas). As described in more detail below, the automatic pump device 300a moves fluid from the chamber 204 ( Figure 1B ) to draw at least a partial vacuum within the chamber 204. The fluid envelope 330 is sealed via a pump valve 332, which may be a check valve and / or a valve for accommodating and selectively retaining fluid from the chamber 204 ( Figure 1B ) Any valve for the extraction of fluid.

[0057] Reference now Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the automatic pump device 300b has a body 306b that surrounds or otherwise encloses a fluid envelope 330 that is configured to receive fluid from the footwear 10 ( Figure 1A ) of the upper 200( Figure 1A ) of the fluid envelope 330. The body 306b also includes arms 310 extending radially from the central flexure zone 308, where the automatic pump device 300b can be compressed, as will be described in more detail below. The body 306b also includes a bridge 340 coupled to the arm 310 proximate the pump valve 332. As described above, the pump valve 332 can be configured as a check valve. The pump valve 332 can be configured with a typical spring mechanism of a check valve to maintain the fluid drawn into the fluid envelope 330. The bridge 340 helps resist compression at and around the pump valve 332, allowing the pump valve 332 to be compressed within the upper 200 ( Figure 1B ) remains open during the emptying period.

[0058] Reference now Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the automatic pump device 300c has a body 306 that surrounds or otherwise encloses a fluid envelope 330c that is configured to be pumped from the footwear 10 ( Figure 1A ) of the upper 200( Figure 1A ) contains fluid (e.g., liquid and / or gas). The body 306 also includes arms 310 extending radially from a central flexure zone 308, where the automatic pump device 300c can be compressed, as will be described in more detail below. The body 306 also includes a bridge 340 coupled to the arm 310 proximate the pump valve 332. As described above, the pump valve 332 can be configured as a check valve. The pump valve 332 can be configured with a spring mechanism typical of a check valve to maintain fluid drawn into the fluid envelope 330c. The bridge 340 helps resist compression at and around the pump valve 332, allowing the pump valve 332 to be compressed within the upper 200 ( Figure 1B ) remains open during the emptying period.

[0059] The fluid envelope 330c also includes a first plate 350c and a second plate 352c disposed within the fluid envelope 330c. For example, the first plate 350c and the second plate 352c are illustrated as conforming to the convex configuration of the interior of the fluid envelope 330c. The plates 350c, 352c include interlocking arms 354c, which are similar to the arms 310 of the body 306 of the automatic pump device 300c. The interlocking arms 354c hold the plates 350c, 352c relative to each other during compression and expansion of the fluid envelope 330c. It is also conceivable that after the fluid is discharged from the cavity 356c, the plates 350c, 352c help to maintain the cavity 356c of the fluid envelope 330c. For example, when the automatic pump device 300c expands, the plates 350c, 352c within the fluid envelope 330c move away from each other due to the shape and elastic material of each plate 350c, 352c. In doing so, the barrier layers of the fluid envelope 330c also move away from each other because these layers are attached to the respective plates 350c, 352c in addition to the plates 312, 314 disposed around the fluid envelope 330c. As the plates 350c, 352c of the fluid envelope 330c move away from each other, the effective volume of the fluid envelope 330c increases and draws fluid from within the chamber 204 of the upper 200. When the automatic pump 300c is compressed, the fluid is expelled from the fluid envelope 330c, as described in more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the fluid can be retained within the fluid envelope 330c and selectively redistributed back to the upper 200.

[0060] Reference now Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The automatic pump device 300d has a fluid envelope 330d, and the fluid envelope 330d is configured to be pumped from the footwear 10 ( Figure 1A ) of the upper 200( Figure 1A ) contains fluid (e.g., liquid and / or gas). The fluid envelope 330d includes a bridge 340 proximate to a pump valve 332 coupled to the fluid envelope 330d. As described above, the pump valve 332 can be configured as a check valve. The pump valve 332 can be configured with a typical spring mechanism of a check valve to maintain the fluid drawn into the fluid envelope 330d. The bridge 340 helps resist compression at and around the pump valve 332 so that the pump valve 332 is in the upper 200 ( Figure 1B ) remains open during the emptying period.

[0061] The fluid envelope 330d also includes a first plate 350d and a second plate 352d disposed within the fluid envelope 330d. For example, the first plate 350d and the second plate 352d are illustrated as conforming to the convex configuration of the interior of the fluid envelope 330c. The plates 350d, 352d include interlocking arms 356d. The interlocking arms 356d hold the plates 350d, 352d relative to each other during compression and expansion of the fluid envelope 330d. It is also conceivable that the plates 350d, 352d help to maintain the cavity 358d of the fluid envelope 330d after the fluid is discharged from the cavity 358d. For example, when the automatic pump device 300d expands, the plates 350d, 352d within the fluid envelope 330d move away from each other due to the shape and elastic material of each plate 350d, 352d. In doing so, the barrier layers of the fluid envelope 330d also move away from each other because these layers are attached to the respective plates 350d, 352d. When the plates 350d, 352d of the fluid envelope 330d move away from each other, the effective volume of the fluid envelope 330d increases and draws fluid from the chamber 204 of the upper 200. When the automatic pump 300d is compressed, the fluid is discharged from the fluid envelope 330d, as described in more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the fluid can be retained within the fluid envelope 330d and selectively redistributed back to the upper 200.

[0062] refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 7C , the automatic pump device 300 can have a circular configuration, as shown. Additionally or alternatively, the automatic pump devices 300a, 300b can be configured as ellipsoidal, spherical, leaf springs, and / or any other configuration for drawing a vacuum within the upper 200. The first plate 312 and the second plate 314 of the pump device 300 each have a predetermined restoring force that returns the flexure zone 308 to an expanded state after the pump device 300 is compressed. For example, the pump device 300 can be compressed at the flexure zone 308, and the release of the compressed pump device 300 can be achieved by removing air from the upper 200 ( Fig. 7A ) is sucked into the fluid envelope 330 to draw a vacuum to define the narrowed state of the upper 200 ( Figure 7B ), as described in more detail below. In other words, when a vacuum is drawn within the upper 200, the pump device 300 can be in the first position ( Figure 7C ) and the second position ( Fig. 7A ) between.

[0063] Reference now FIG. 3A to FIG. 7C In use, the pressure in the chamber 204 of the upper 200 is reduced by drawing a vacuum in the chamber 204 of the upper 200 via the automatic pump device 300. As the pressure is reduced, the upper 200 is relaxed from the relaxed state ( Figure 7C ) moves to the narrowed state ( Fig. 7A), the constricted state forms the upper 200 around the wearer's foot or otherwise pulls the upper 200 around the wearer's foot. Thus, when a vacuum is drawn by cycling the automatic pump device 300, as described below with respect to FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C As described, fluid is drawn from chambers 204 of upper 200 and into fluid envelope 330 of automatic pump device 300. In doing so, mesh structure 208 of compressible component 206 is compressed, thereby narrowing upper 200 around the wearer's foot. When release feature 108 is actuated, mesh structure 208 of compressible component 206 expands within each chamber 204 due to the shape and elastic properties of the material forming compressible component 206, thereby causing the internal volume of chamber 204 to increase. Fluid is typically drawn from the surrounding environment through release feature 108. Additionally or alternatively, the increase in volume can draw fluid from fluid envelope 330 through pump valve 332 and allow upper 200 to move to a relaxed state around the wearer's foot.

[0064] Continue to refer FIG. 3A to FIG. 7C , upper 200 can be transitioned between a relaxed state and a constricted state via automatic pump device 300. For example, a vacuum can be drawn by compressing automatic pump device 300 during a gait cycle. In other words, when the wearer of article of footwear 10 steps (i.e., foot strikes), sole structure 100 is compressed. When sole structure 100 is compressed, automatic pump device 300 is moved from a first position ( Figure 1A ) moves to a second position ( FIG. 1C ) and draws fluid from chamber 204 into the fluid envelope 330 of pump device 300 .

[0065] When the foot of the wearer of the article of footwear 10 is lifted (i.e., the foot swings), the sole structure 100 is uncompressed, thereby allowing the automatic pump device 300 to expand from the second position to the first position, creating a vacuum and drawing fluid from the upper 200 into the automatic pump device 300 via the pump valve 332. As the automatic pump device 300 expands, the first plate 312 and the second plate 314 of the pump device 300 move away from each other due to the shape and elastic material of each plate 312, 314. In doing so, the barrier layers of the fluid envelope 330 also move away from each other because these layers are attached to the respective plates 312, 314. As the layers of the fluid envelope 330 move away from each other, the effective volume of the fluid envelope 330 increases and draws fluid from within the chamber 204 of the upper 200.

[0066] Therefore, the steps of the gait cycle cause the compression of the sole structure 100, followed by the decompression of the sole structure 100, and constitute a cycle. For each cycle in which the sole structure 100 is compressed and then decompressed, the pressure in the upper 200 is gradually reduced. In some instances, the pressure in the upper 200 reaches the ideal pressure (e.g., -5psi) for narrowing the upper 200 after nine (9) steps. In other instances, fewer steps are required. It is conceivable that, with each decompression of the sole structure 100, the fluid drawn into the fluid envelope 330 can be discharged to the outside of the footwear 10. In other words, the automatic pump 300 can continuously vacuumize the upper 200 by drawing the fluid into the fluid envelope 330 and then discharging the drawn fluid from the fluid envelope 330 into the surrounding environment. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid can be kept in the fluid envelope 330 and returned to the upper 200.

[0067] Still reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 7C When the wearer wishes to move upper 200 to a relaxed state, the wearer increases the pressure within chamber 204 of upper 200 by pressing release feature 108. For example, Figure 7B The wearer is shown compressing the release feature 108 and defining an intermediate state of the compressible member 206 as the upper 200 transitions from a compressed state to a relaxed state. The release feature 108 may be a valve that opens and closes when the wearer applies and removes pressure on the release feature 108, respectively. In other words, the release feature may be operable to selectively allow fluid to flow into the chamber 204. For example, the wearer may press the release feature 108 located on the outer surface of the upper 200, which biases the release feature 108 to an open position to allow ambient air to flow into the chamber 204 of the upper 200. As a result, the pressure within the chamber 204 of the upper 200 increases, and the upper 200 moves from a constricted state ( Fig. 7A ) changes to a relaxed state ( Figure 7C ). Compression of release feature 108 may also release pump valve 332 so that any potential fluid retained within fluid envelope 330 may be released into chamber 204 of upper 200 to translate compressible component 206 of upper 200 from a compressed state to a relaxed state.

[0068] Again, refer to Figures 1 to Figure 7C , the automatic pump device 300 advantageously helps to evacuate the chamber 204 of the upper 200 to translate the compressible member 206 from the relaxed state to the compressed state. Optionally, when two pumps 302, 304 are used, the pumps 302, 304 can be configured in series or in parallel. For example, Figure 1AThe illustrated pump devices 300 are connected in series with each other. Each configuration can be advantageous so that when the pump devices 300 are configured in series, there can be an increase in maximum vacuum draw. Alternatively, when the pump devices 300 are configured in parallel, the maximum volume of fluid that the pump devices 300 can hold is increased. In addition, the interlocking configuration facilitates making the pump device 300 automatic. For example, the interlocking configuration of the arms 310 of the first plate 312 and the second plate 314 of the automatic pump device 300 facilitates alignment of the first plate 312 and the second plate 314.

[0069] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations of the above-described sole structures for articles of footwear, articles of footwear, and composite structures.

[0070] Item 1. A footwear article comprising: an upper comprising a chamber; a compressible member disposed within the chamber and operable between a relaxed state and a contracted state; a sole structure comprising a recess forming a cavity; and a pump device disposed within the cavity and fluidically connected to the chamber, the pump device being operable to transition the compressible member from the relaxed state to the contracted state by removing fluid from the chamber.

[0071] Clause 2. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the pump device comprises a fluid envelope disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

[0072] Clause 3. The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein the pump device comprises a valve in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid envelope.

[0073] Clause 4. The article of footwear of Clause 3, wherein the valve is operable to restrict movement of fluid from the fluid envelope to the chamber.

[0074] Clause 5. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein fluid removed from the chamber is contained within the fluid envelope.

[0075] Clause 6. The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is formed from an elastic material.

[0076] Clause 7. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the first plate and the second plate are biased in a direction away from each other and into an expanded state.

[0077] Clause 8. The article of footwear of Clause 7, wherein the first plate and the second plate move toward each other when moving from the expanded state to the compressed state.

[0078] Clause 9. The article of footwear of Clause 8, wherein fluid is drawn from the chamber and into the fluid envelope when the first plate and the second plate move from the compressed state to the expanded state.

[0079] Clause 10. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, further comprising a release operable to selectively allow fluid to enter the chamber and allow movement of the compressible member from the contracted state to the relaxed state.

[0080] Item 11. A footwear article comprising a chamber, a sole structure and a pump device, wherein the pump device is arranged within the sole structure and includes a first plate, a second plate and a fluid envelope, wherein the fluid envelope is arranged between the first plate and the second plate and is fluidly connected to the chamber, and the pump device is capable of operating to selectively remove fluid from the chamber when the first plate and the second plate move away from each other and enter an expanded state.

[0081] Clause 12. The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein the pump device is disposed within the sole structure.

[0082] Clause 13. The article of footwear of any one of Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the pump device comprises a valve in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid envelope.

[0083] Clause 14. The article of footwear of Clause 13, wherein the valve is operable to restrict movement of fluid from the fluid envelope to the chamber.

[0084] Clause 15. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein fluid removed from the chamber is contained within the fluid envelope.

[0085] Clause 16. The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is formed from an elastic material.

[0086] Clause 17. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the first plate and the second plate are biased into the expanded state.

[0087] Clause 18. The article of footwear of Clause 17, wherein the first plate and the second plate move toward each other when moving from the expanded state to the compressed state.

[0088] Clause 19. The article of footwear according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid envelope is formed by a first barrier element and a second barrier element, the first barrier element being attached to the first plate and the second barrier element being attached to the second plate.

[0089] Clause 20. The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, further comprising a release operable to selectively allow fluid to enter the chamber.

[0090] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. This foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and may be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also differ in many respects. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A footwear product, include: an upper, the upper comprising a chamber; a compressible member disposed within the chamber and operable between a relaxed state and a constricted state; a sole structure including a recessed portion forming a cavity; as well as A pump device is disposed within the cavity and fluidly coupled to the chamber, the pump device being operable to transition the compressible member from the relaxed state to the constricted state by removing fluid from the chamber.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the pump device includes a fluid envelope disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the pump device includes a valve in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid envelope.

4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the valve is operable to restrict movement of fluid from the fluid envelope to the chamber.

5. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein fluid removed from the chamber is contained within the fluid envelope.

6. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is formed of an elastic material.

7. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the first plate and the second plate are biased in a direction away from each other and into an expanded state.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the first plate and the second plate move toward each other when moving from the expanded state to the compressed state.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein fluid is drawn from the chamber and into the fluid envelope as the first plate and the second plate move from the compressed state to the expanded state.

10. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising a release operable to selectively allow fluid to enter the chamber and allow movement of the compressible member from the contracted state to the relaxed state.

11. A footwear article, include: Chamber; Sole structure; as well as A pump device is disposed within the sole structure and includes a first plate, a second plate, and a fluid envelope, wherein the fluid envelope is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and is fluidly coupled to the chamber, the pump device being operable to selectively remove fluid from the chamber when the first plate and the second plate move away from each other and enter an expanded state.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the pump device is disposed within the sole structure.

13. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the pump device includes a valve in fluid communication with the chamber and the fluid envelope.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the valve is operable to restrict movement of fluid from the fluid envelope to the chamber.

15. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein fluid removed from the chamber is contained within the fluid envelope.

16. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is formed of an elastic material.

17. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the first plate and the second plate are biased into the expanded state.

18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the first plate and the second plate move toward each other when moving from the expanded state to the compressed state.

19. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the fluid envelope is formed by a first barrier element and a second barrier element, the first barrier element being attached to the first plate and the second barrier element being attached to the second plate.

20. The article of footwear according to claim 11, further comprising a release operable to selectively allow fluid to enter the chamber.

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