A foot support system including a fluid movement controller and adjustable foot support pressure

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a foot support system including a fluid movement controller and adjustable foot support pressure, and more specifically discloses a fluid flow control system for footwear products, comprising: a first solenoid; a second solenoid; a fluid line in fluid communication with a first port of the first and second solenoids; and a manifold. The manifold includes: a first manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the first solenoid, a second manifold port in fluid communication with a third port of the first solenoid, and a third manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the second solenoid. The first solenoid is switchable to: a first configuration in which fluid flows through the first solenoid between the first and second ports; and a second configuration in which fluid flows through the first solenoid between the first and third ports. The second solenoid switches between an open configuration and a closed configuration to place the first solenoid in the first or second configuration, and to place the second solenoid in the open or closed configuration.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on May 28, 2021, with application number 202180048823.X and invention title "Foot support system including fluid movement controller and adjustable foot support pressure".

[0002] Relevant application data

[0003] This application claims priority based on the following:

[0004] (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,395, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,413, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (c) Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support, filed May 28, 2020. (d) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,433, entitled “Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure”, filed May 28, 2020; (e) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,444, entitled “Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure”, filed May 28, 2020; (f) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,468, entitled “Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure”, filed May 28, 2020;(g) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,482, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (h) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,423, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (i) Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure, filed May 28, 2020. (j) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,429 entitled “Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure”, filed May 28, 2020; (k) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,441 entitled “Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure”, filed May 28, 2020; (l) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,460 entitled “Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure”, filed May 28, 2020;And (m) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,471, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including FluidMovement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure".

[0005] Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 63 / 031,395, 63 / 031,413, 63 / 031,433, 63 / 031,444, 63 / 031,455, 63 / 031,468, 63 / 031,482, 63 / 031,423, 63 / 031,429, 63 / 031,441, 63 / 031,451, 63 / 031,460, and 63 / 031,471 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] The aspects and features of this technology may be used in conjunction with the systems and methods described in any one or more of the following: (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 463,859, filed February 27, 2017; (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 463,892, filed February 27, 2017; (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 547,941, filed August 21, 2017; (d) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 678,635, filed May 31, 2018; (e) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 678,662, filed May 31, 2018; (f) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 772,786, filed November 29, 2018; (g) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 772,786, filed May 20, 2019. (h) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 850,140, ​​filed August 26, 2019; (i) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 488,623, filed August 26, 2019; (j) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,170, filed August 20, 2018; (k) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 425,331, filed May 29, 2019; (l) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 425,356, filed May 29, 2018; (m) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 698,138, filed November 27, 2019; and (n) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 878,342, filed May 19, 2020.

[0007] Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 463,859, 62 / 463,892, 62 / 547,941, 62 / 678,635, 62 / 678,662, 62 / 772,786, 62 / 850,140, ​​16 / 488,623, 16 / 488,626, 16 / 105,170, 16 / 425,331, 16 / 425,356, 16 / 698,138, and 16 / 878,342 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0008] This invention relates to fluid flow control systems and / or foot support systems in the field of footwear or other foot housing devices. At least some aspects of the invention relate to fluid dispensers, fluid delivery systems, sole structures, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, footwear articles, and / or other foot housing devices, which include components (e.g., manifolds, fluid delivery systems, electronic controllers, etc.) for selectively moving fluid into, into, and / or out of the sole structure (or other foot support member) and / or footwear article (or other foot housing device). Using such a system, the fluid pressure (e.g., foot support pressure, fluid container pressure) in one or more fluid-filled sacs (e.g., foot support sacs) and / or one or more fluid storage chambers and / or containers included throughout the system can be varied and controlled. Background Technology

[0009] Traditional athletic footwear comprises two main components: the upper and the sole structure. The upper provides coverage for the foot, securely housing and positioning it relative to the sole structure. Additionally, the upper may have configurations that protect the foot and provide ventilation, keeping it cool and wicking away sweat. The sole structure is attached to the underside of the upper and is typically positioned between the foot and any contact surfaces. Besides reducing ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure also provides traction and controls potentially harmful foot movements, such as overpronation.

[0010] The upper forms a cavity within the footwear to accommodate the foot. This cavity has a general shape to the foot and an entrance at the ankle opening. Therefore, the upper extends along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, over the instep and toe areas, and around the heel area. A lacing system is typically integrated into the upper to allow the user to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly the girth, to accommodate different foot proportions. Additionally, the upper may include a tongue that extends below the lacing system to enhance footwear comfort (e.g., adjusting the pressure exerted on the foot by the lacing). The upper may also include a heel stabilizer to restrict or control heel movement.

[0011] As used herein, the term "footwear" refers to any type of wear for the feet, and includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, athletic shoes, sandals, flip-flops, mules, sleepwear, loafers, athletic shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball shoes, football or rugby shoes, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, etc.). The term "foot housing" as used herein refers to any device used by a user to house at least a portion of his or her foot. In addition to the various types of "footwear," foot housings include, but are not limited to: straps and other devices for securing the foot to skis, cross-country skis, water skis, snowboards, etc.; straps, clamps, or other devices for securing the foot to pedals used with bicycles, sports equipment, etc.; straps, clamps, or other devices for housing the foot during video games or other games. A “foot housing device” may include: (a) one or more “foot covering members” (e.g., similar to footwear upper components) that facilitate the positioning of the foot relative to other components or structures; and (b) one or more “foot support members” (e.g., similar to footwear sole structural components) that facilitate the support of at least one or more portions of the sole surface of the user’s foot. A “foot support member” may include components for and / or as a midsole and / or outsole in footwear articles (or components that provide the corresponding function in non-footwear foot housing devices).

[0012] As used herein, a "manifold" refers to a component having a surface or housing that defines or supports one or more ports allowing fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) to enter and / or exit the component. As used herein, a "port" refers to an opening through the wall of a component that allows fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) to pass from one side of the opening to the other. Optionally, a "port" may include a connector structure, such as for engaging another object, like a fluid line, another connector, etc. When a connector structure is included, a "port" may form, for example, a male connector structure, a female connector structure, or an adjacent surface connection structure. An object connected to a "port" may be fixedly connected or releasably connected. Additionally or alternatively, an object connected to a port may be fixed to or releasably connected to an internal surface of the opening via the wall of the component defining the opening. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The following specific embodiments will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements appearing in all the various views.

[0014] Figures 1 to 2B Various views of footwear products and their components according to some examples of this technology are provided;

[0015] Figures 3A to 3D Various views of pumping systems that can be used according to some examples of this technology are provided;

[0016] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Various views of foot support systems and their components according to some examples of this technology are provided;

[0017] Figures 5A to 5F Various views are provided to illustrate several example operational states according to some instances of this technology;

[0018] Figures 6 to 9 Various views are provided of incorporating fluid dispensers into footwear products according to some examples of this technology;

[0019] Figure 10 The schematic illustrations depict the arrangement and joining features of components according to some examples of the present technology;

[0020] Figures 11A to 15G The illustrations depict various features of joining a fluid dispenser to footwear products according to some examples of this technology;

[0021] Figures 16A to 21D The illustrations show various features of a battery charging system that can be used according to some examples of this technology;

[0022] Figures 22A to 22EThe illustrations depict various features of an example user input system based on some instances of this technology;

[0023] Figure 23 and Figure 24 The illustrations show schematic diagrams and component positioning features of some examples according to this technology;

[0024] Figure 25 Examples of communication in systems and methods according to some embodiments of this technology are illustrated;

[0025] Figures 26A to 29 The illustrations show various components of a valve stem-based fluid transfer system according to some examples of this technology;

[0026] Figures 30A to 30G Various views of different operating states of a valve stem-based fluid transfer system according to some examples of this technology are provided;

[0027] Figures 31A to 31D Various views illustrating the control of fluid flow rates according to some examples of this technology are provided;

[0028] Figures 32A to 32C Various views of sealing blocks and manifold connections according to some examples of this technology are provided;

[0029] Figures 33A to 33F Various views of valve housings, sealing connectors, manifolds, and pressure sensors are provided, representing combinations of some examples of this technology.

[0030] Figures 34A to 37B Various views of the engagement of pressure sensors according to some examples of this technology are provided;

[0031] Figure 38A and Figure 38B These are different views of the valve body to manifold connection according to some examples of this technology;

[0032] Figure 39 The illustration shows a position sensor in a valve stem-based fluid transfer system according to some examples of the present technology;

[0033] Figures 40A to 40C Various views of example gear transmission devices used in some instances according to this technology are provided;

[0034] Figure 41A and Figure 41B Various views of example planetary gear transmissions used in some instances according to this technology are provided;

[0035] Figure 42 The illustration shows an example solenoid used in a solenoid-based fluid transport system according to some examples of the present technology;

[0036] Figures 43 to 47B Various views of solenoid-based fluid transport systems based on some examples of this technology are provided;

[0037] Figures 48A to 48F Various views are provided to illustrate example operational states according to some instances of this technology;

[0038] Figures 49A to 49D Additional views are provided illustrating various examples of solenoid-based fluid transport systems according to this technology and their available operating states; and

[0039] Figure 50A and Figure 50B This includes information related to pressure sensing regulation based on some examples of this technology. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following description of various examples of fluid flow control systems, footwear structures, and components according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this document and illustrate various example structures and environments in which aspects of the present technology can be practiced. It should be understood that other structures and environments can be used without departing from the scope of the present technology, and structural and functional modifications can be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods.

[0041] I. General Description of the Technology and Various Aspects of the Invention

[0042] This technology relates to fluid dispensers, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot-accommodating devices, such as those described below and / or claimed and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Such fluid dispensers, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot-accommodating devices may include any one or more structures, portions, features, attributes, and / or combinations of structures, portions, features, and / or attributes as described below and / or claimed and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The following description is divided into three main parts. The first part describes aspects and features of footwear and / or foot support device components, foot support devices, and / or footwear articles including components that selectively direct fluid into and / or move fluid through a fluid distributor to control and vary foot support pressure in a foot support system, which includes at least one fluid-filled bladder. The fluid distributor is capable of placing the fluid flow control system, foot support system, and / or footwear article into multiple different operating states. Another main part of this specification relates to fluid delivery systems within the fluid distributor, including movable valve stems to place the fluid flow control system, foot support system, and / or footwear article into different operating states. Another main part of this specification relates to fluid delivery systems within the fluid distributor, including one or more solenoid valves to place the fluid flow control system, foot support system, and / or footwear article into different operating states. Various other aspects and features of the art are described in these main parts.

[0044] A. Characteristics of footwear components and footwear products

[0045] This technology and some aspects of the present invention relate to foot support systems and sole structures and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot housings) including such foot support systems. Foot support systems according to at least some examples of the present technology include: (a) at least one foot support bladder; (b) a first sole member (e.g., midsole component, polymer foam component, outsole component, etc.) engaged with the foot support bladder, wherein the first sole member includes a plantar support surface at least in the heel support region of the foot support system and sidewalls forming the outer surface of the first sole member; (c) at least one fluid container (e.g., fluid-filled bladder, can, storage chamber, etc.) optionally engaged with a portion of the footwear upper and / or sole structure; and (d) a fluid dispenser engaged with the outer surface of the upper and / or the first sole member. The fluid distributor includes one or more of the following: (i) an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid supply source, (ii) a first fluid passage for transferring fluid from inside the fluid distributor to the external environment, (iii) a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, and (iv) a third fluid passage in fluid communication with a fluid container. The fluid distributor may take the form of a manifold, valve housing, connector, and / or a combination of two or more of these components, or include them. The fluid supply source may be one or more of the following: a pump (e.g., one or more foot-activated pumps, one or more battery-powered pumps, etc.), a compressor, and / or a fluid supply line in fluid communication with the external environment.

[0046] Other aspects and features of foot support systems, sole structures incorporating foot support systems, and / or footwear articles (or other foot-accommodating devices) incorporating foot support systems are described in more detail below.

[0047] B. Valve stem characteristics

[0048] This technology and some aspects of the present invention relate to fluid delivery systems and / or fluid flow control systems for foot support systems and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot housings), which include movable valve stems for selectively opening and closing fluid passages and distributing fluid. Such fluid delivery systems and / or fluid flow control systems, and foot support systems and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot housings) according to at least some examples of the present technology, include: (a) a valve housing; (b) a valve stem movably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the peripheral wall of the valve stem includes a plurality of through holes extending from the internal chamber to an outer surface of the peripheral wall; (c) a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; and (d) a manifold in fluid communication with the valve housing. The manifold may include a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold and reaching a first manifold port, a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold and reaching a second manifold port, and a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold and reaching a third manifold port. By fluidly communicating one or more of a plurality of through-holes (formed in the peripheral wall) with the first, second, or third fluid flow paths, movement of the valve stem to multiple positions (e.g., by rotation, sliding, etc.) selectively places the fluid transfer system and / or fluid flow control system into multiple operating states. Additional valve stem openings, manifold ports, fluid lines, and / or operating states may be provided, if desired, to accommodate additional foot support bladders and / or fluid containers.

[0049] The stem-based fluid transfer systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures comprising them, and / or footwear articles (or other foot-accommodating devices) comprising them are described in more detail below.

[0050] C. Solenoid characteristics

[0051] This technology and some aspects of the present invention relate to fluid transport systems and / or fluid flow control systems for foot support systems and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot-accommodating devices), which include one or more solenoids for selectively opening and closing fluid passages and distributing fluid. Such a fluid transport system and / or fluid flow control system, as well as a foot support system and / or footwear (and / or other foot housing device) according to at least some embodiments of the present technology, comprises: (a) a first solenoid including a first port and a second port and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; (b) a second solenoid including a first port and a second port and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; (c) a third solenoid including a first port and a second port and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; (d) a fluid line in fluid communication with a first port of each of the first solenoid, the second solenoid and the third solenoid; and (e) a manifold having: (i) a first manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the first solenoid, (ii) a second manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the second solenoid, and (iii) a third manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the third solenoid. The first, second, and third solenoids can be independently switched between their open and closed configurations to selectively place the fluid transport system or fluid flow control system into multiple operating states. Additional solenoids, manifold ports, fluid lines, and / or operating states can be provided if needed to accommodate additional foot support bladders and / or fluid containers.

[0052] Other examples of fluid transport systems and / or fluid flow control systems according to at least some embodiments of the present technology and invention, as well as foot support systems and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot-accommodating devices), include: (a) a first solenoid including a first port, a second port, and a third port; (b) a second solenoid including a first port and a second port; and (c) a fluid line in fluid communication with the first port of each of the first and second solenoids. A manifold in fluid communication with the solenoid may be included. The manifold may include: (a) a first manifold port in fluid communication with the second port of the first solenoid, (b) a second manifold port in fluid communication with the third port of the first solenoid, and (c) a third manifold port in fluid communication with the second port of the second solenoid. The first solenoid is independently switchable to: (a) a first configuration in which fluid flows through the first solenoid between the first and second ports, and (b) a second configuration in which fluid flows through the first solenoid between the first and third ports. The second solenoid is independently switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Simultaneously, selectively: (a) placing the first solenoid in one of a first configuration or a second configuration, and (b) placing the second solenoid in one of an open configuration or a closed configuration, thereby selectively placing the fluid flow control system in multiple operating states. Additional solenoids, manifold ports, fluid lines, and / or operating states may be provided, if desired, to accommodate additional foot support bladders and / or fluid containers.

[0053] Other aspects and features of solenoid-based fluid transport systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures comprising them, and / or footwear articles (or other foot-accommodating devices) comprising them are described in more detail below.

[0054] D. Operational state characteristics

[0055] This technology and some aspects of the invention relate to fluid transport systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems and / or footwear (or other foot-accommodating devices) that can be selectively placed in multiple operating states that control the movement and distribution of fluid. In at least some instances of this technology, these multiple operating states may include (in any combination) two or more of the following: (a) a first operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid source (e.g., a pump, compressor, etc.) to the surrounding environment or external environment (e.g., this may be a "steady state" or "standby" configuration in which no change in foot support pressure occurs), (b) a second operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid source to the foot support bladder (to increase the pressure in the foot support bladder), (c) a third operating state in which fluid moves from the foot support bladder to the surrounding environment or external environment (to decrease the pressure in the foot support bladder), (d) a fourth operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid container to the surrounding environment or external environment (to decrease the pressure in the fluid container), (e) a fifth operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid container to the foot support bladder (to increase the pressure in the foot support bladder), and / or (f) a sixth operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid source to a fluid container (to increase the pressure in the fluid container). Some instances of this technology may include all six of these operating states identified above. Other instances of this technology may include fewer than six of these operating states, such as the first, third, fourth, and sixth operating states. For the valve stem example of this technology, by selectively moving the valve stem (e.g., rotating, sliding, etc.) to various positions (e.g., rotary position, longitudinal position, etc.), such that the through-hole in the valve stem is selectively aligned with the fluid path and port, thereby moving the fluid in the desired manner described above, the fluid can be distributed to two or more of these different operating states. For the solenoid example of this technology, by selectively placing various solenoids in their available configurations, such that the fluid moves to the fluid path and port in the desired manner described above, the fluid can be distributed to two or more different operating states.

[0056] Other aspects and features of the fluid transport system, fluid flow control system, foot support system, sole structure containing them and / or footwear (or other foot housing) containing them, in various operating states, are described in more detail below.

[0057] E. Additional or alternative features

[0058] Additional or alternative features and aspects of this technology and invention relate to additional structures, components, and operations of fluid transport systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and / or footwear articles described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This technology and these additional or alternative features and aspects of the invention relate to one or more of the following: (a) user input buttons included in the shoe, for example for inputting pressure change information and / or providing system-related status information; (b) external air inlet and / or filtration features for receiving air into the system; (c) connections between ports of various components, such as connector-to-manifold connections, fluid line-to-connector and / or manifold connections, etc.; (d) fluid distributor-to-footwear connection features; (e) valve stem position sensor features; (f) transmission features for transmitting power from the motor to the valve stem; (g) pressure control algorithm features; (h) shoe-to-shoe and / or other system electronic communication features; (i) system sealing features, such as one or more of manifold-to-valve housing, manifold-to-socket, and / or manifold-to-connector sealing features; and / or (j) features relating to pressure sensor mounting and engagement with manifolds and / or sealed connectors.

[0059] Some additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to button assemblies, such as buttons for receiving user input (e.g., changing pressure settings in one or more fluid-containing components in a system). One such aspect relates to a button assembly comprising: (a) a first button actuator; and (b) an elastomeric overmolding material covering the actuator surface of the first button actuator. The elastomeric overmolding material may include: (a) a first base portion having a first thickness and (b) a first recessed portion (e.g., U-shaped) adjacent to the first button actuator, wherein the first recessed portion has a second thickness less than the first thickness, and wherein the first base portion and the first recessed portion are formed as a continuous layer of the elastomeric overmolding material. The same elastomeric overmolding material can cover the actuator surface of the second button actuator, wherein the elastomeric overmolding material further includes: (a) a second base portion (e.g., U-shaped) having a third thickness and (b) a second recessed portion adjacent to the second button actuator, wherein the second recessed portion has a fourth thickness, wherein the fourth thickness is less than the third thickness, and wherein the second base portion and the second recessed portion are formed as part of a continuous layer of the elastomeric overmolding material. In this embodiment of the technology, the first thickness may be the same as or different from the third thickness, and / or the second thickness may be the same as or different from the fourth thickness. Some additional or alternative button assemblies according to aspects of the present technology may include: (a) a capacitive touch activator for unlocking the button assembly; (b) a first physical switch button activator for receiving user input; and, if desired, a second (or more) physical switch button activators for receiving user input.

[0060] A more specific additional or alternative aspect of this technology relates to a filtered fluid flow connector for footwear articles, the filtered fluid flow connector comprising: (a) a housing; (b) an inlet fluid inlet extending through the housing; (c) an inlet fluid outlet extending through the housing; (d) a filter for filtering the inlet fluid before it reaches the inlet fluid outlet; (e) a pumping fluid inlet extending through the housing, a pumping fluid outlet extending through the housing, and a pumping fluid line within the housing connecting the pumping fluid inlet and the pumping fluid outlet; and (f) a first foot support bladder port extending through the housing, a second foot support bladder port extending through the housing, and a foot support fluid line within the housing connecting the first foot support bladder port and the second foot support bladder port. Such a filtered fluid flow connector may further comprise: (a) a first fluid container port extending through the housing, a second fluid container port extending through the housing, and a fluid container fluid line within the housing connecting the first fluid container port and the second fluid container port, and / or (b) a fluid release port extending through the housing. In some examples, the filter may have an area of ​​at least 50 mm². 2 The surface is positioned to form or cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing and to cover the fluid inlet.

[0061] Further or alternative aspects of this technology relate to a fluid flow connector system for footwear articles, the fluid flow connector system comprising: (a) a manifold having a first port; (b) a connector having: (i) a first port in fluid communication with the first port of the manifold, (ii) a second port, and (iii) a first internal connector fluid line connecting the first port of the connector and the second port of the connector; and (c) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the second port of the connector and in fluid communication with the first port of the manifold via the first internal connector fluid line. If desired, additional manifold ports may be connected to additional fluid lines via additional ports and fluid paths defined in the connector. Alternatively, some aspects of this technology may include a fluid flow connector system for footwear articles comprising: (a) a manifold having a first port, a second port, and a first internal manifold fluid line connecting the first port and the second port; (b) a fluid transport system in fluid communication with the first port of the manifold; and (c) a first external fluid line in fluid communication with the second port of the manifold, for example, without an intermediate connector between the manifold and the fluid path. At least some of these internal fluid paths extending through the connector (when the connector is present) or through the manifold (e.g., when a separate connector is not present) may define: (a) a first axial direction, (b) a second axial direction, and (c) a connecting portion combining the first and second axial directions. In such a configuration, the first and second axial directions may extend away from each other from the connecting portion of the internal fluid paths at an angle of 70 degrees or less (and in some instances, at an angle of 60 degrees or less, 50 degrees or less, 40 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, 20 degrees or less, or even parallel). In such a manner, fluid entering and exiting the connector (when present) or manifold (if a separate connector is not present) may do so at an angle of 70 degrees or less relative to each other.

[0062] Additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to methods of manufacturing sole structures for footwear articles, which include fluid flow control systems of the type described herein that engage with them. Some such methods may include: (a) engaging a first fluid line extending from a first sole component with a first port of a connector, wherein the first port of the connector is in fluid communication with a second port of the connector via a first internal connector fluid line extending through the connector; (b) engaging the second port of the connector with a first manifold port of a fluid distributor; and (c) engaging the fluid distributor and the connector as a single connected component with at least one of the first sole component or different sole components. Such methods may include engaging additional fluid lines from the sole component with the connector, which is part of the single connected component, before engaging the single connected component with the first sole component or different sole components. Additional or alternative aspects of this technology include methods comprising: (a) engaging a first fluid line extending from a first sole component with a first port of a manifold of a fluid dispenser, wherein the first port of the manifold is in fluid communication with a second port of the manifold via a first internal manifold fluid line extending through the manifold; and (b) engaging at least one of a first separate component or different separate components with a fluid dispenser having a first fluid line engaged with the first port of the manifold. Such methods may include engaging additional fluid lines from the same or other sole components with corresponding manifold ports prior to engaging the fluid dispenser with the first sole component or different sole components. Other aspects of this technology relate to sole structures obtained by the methods described above, regardless of any specific method used to manufacture the sole structure (e.g., a sole structure having the connections described above, regardless of the method steps and / or the order of the method steps used to manufacture the sole structure).

[0063] Further or alternative aspects of this technology relate to a fluid transport system for footwear articles, the fluid transport system comprising: (a) a valve housing defining an internal chamber; (b) a valve stem extending at least partially through the internal chamber, the valve stem having: (i) a first end operably coupled to an electric motor to move the valve stem relative to the valve housing, (ii) a second end opposite the first end, and (iii) a peripheral wall extending from the first end to the second end; and (c) a position sensor for determining the position of the valve stem relative to the valve housing or other components of the fluid transport system, the position sensor comprising: (i) an encoder magnet movable (e.g., engaged) with the valve stem (e.g., between the first end, the second end, or both), and (ii) an encoder sensor (e.g., engaged with the valve housing) sensing changes in the magnetic field generated by the encoder magnet due to the position of the valve stem. In some instances, the encoder sensor may be located closer to the second end of the valve stem than the first end of the valve stem.

[0064] Other additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to transmission devices for fluid transport systems incorporated into footwear. Such transmission devices may include: (A) a motor pinion; (b) a first intermediate gear set comprising: (i) a first axial pin, (ii) a first gear having a first central axis coaxial with and engaging the motor pinion, the first gear having a first diameter, and (iii) a second gear having a second central axis coaxial with the first axial pin, the second gear having a second diameter different from the first diameter; (c) a second intermediate gear set comprising: (i) a second axial pin, (ii) a third gear having a third central axis coaxial with and engaging the second gear, the third gear having a third diameter, and (iii) a fourth gear having a fourth central axis coaxial with the second axial pin, the fourth gear having a fourth diameter different from the third diameter; (d) a third axial pin; and (e) a fifth gear having a third central axis coaxial with the third axial pin and engaging the fourth gear, wherein the third central axis of the fifth gear is coaxial with the rotation axis of the output end of the transmission device. If necessary or required, additional gears for specific functions or operations may be included. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of this technology may relate to drive systems for fluid transfer systems in footwear articles, these drive systems comprising: (a) an electric motor including a drive shaft; (b) a valve stem; and (c) a three-stage (or more) transmission operably coupled between the drive shaft and the valve stem to rotate the valve stem in response to rotation of the drive shaft. If desired, the three-stage transmission may include transmissions of the type described above.

[0065] Additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to electronic communication between components of different shoes. A footwear system according to at least some of these aspects may include: (a) a first shoe having a pressure-regulating first footwear component, a first microprocessor, and a first antenna in electronic communication with the first microprocessor; (b) a second shoe having a pressure-regulating second footwear component, a second microprocessor, and a second antenna in electronic communication with the second microprocessor; and (c) a central communication source for transmitting data to at least one of the first antenna or the second antenna in response to input data indicating a pressure change in at least one of the first or second footwear component. In some instances, the central communication source is located in the first shoe, and the first shoe transmits data from the first antenna to the second antenna when the input data indicates a pressure change in the second footwear component. In other instances: (a) during a first time period, the central communication source is located in the first shoe, and when input data indicates a pressure change in the second shoe component, the first shoe transmits data from the first antenna to the second antenna; and (b) during a second time period, the central communication source is located in the second shoe, and when input data indicates a pressure change in the first shoe component, the second shoe transmits data from the second antenna to the first antenna.

[0066] In other instances, the central communication source may constitute an external computing device (e.g., a smartphone, personal computer, etc.) not physically integrated into the first or second shoe. In such instances, the external computing device may: (a) transmit data to a first antenna when input data indicates a pressure change in the first shoe component, and / or (b) transmit data to a second antenna when input data indicates a pressure change in the second shoe component, and / or (c) transmit data to the first antenna when input data indicates a pressure change in either the first or second shoe component, and then, when input data indicates a pressure change in the second shoe component, the first antenna transmits data to the second antenna. In other examples of this aspect of the technology, communication of input data indicating pressure changes can be switched between at least three communication configurations: (a) a first communication configuration when an external computing device communicates electronically with at least one of the first or second shoes, wherein the external computing device acts as a central communication source and each of the first and second shoes acts as a peripheral communication device receiving pressure change input from the external computing device; (b) a second communication configuration when no external computing device communicates electronically with the first or second shoe, wherein the first shoe acts as a central communication source and the second shoe acts as a peripheral communication device receiving pressure change input from the first shoe; and (c) a third communication configuration when no external computing device communicates electronically with the first or second shoe, wherein the second shoe acts as a central communication source and the first shoe acts as a peripheral communication device receiving pressure change input from the second shoe.

[0067] This footwear communication system can also communicate electronically with at least one additional electronically adjustable component. This additional electronically adjustable component may include one or more of the following: a garment-based adjustable component on a garment article separate from the first and second shoes; a motorized garment component; a motorized lacing system for tightening or loosening a lacing system on at least one of the first or second shoes; a motorized shoe-fixing system for at least one of the first or second shoes; a motorized fluid comprising a sports bra; and a motorized fluid comprising a compression sleeve.

[0068] Other additional or alternative aspects of this technology involve sealing connections between various components. One example sealing connection extends between a rotatable valve stem and a manifold, the valve stem having a peripheral wall including at least a first fluid port extending therethrough, and the manifold including at least a first manifold port. A sealing connector (e.g., made of rubber or elastomer) can combine these components. The sealing connector may include: (a) a first connector port that directly contacts the peripheral wall (to seal the peripheral wall), (b) a second connector port that connects to the first manifold port, and (c) a first connector fluid path that extends between the first connector port and the second connector port. Rotating the rotatable valve stem to a first position at least partially aligns the first fluid port of the rotatable valve stem with the first connector port to position the first fluid port of the rotatable valve stem in a sealed state for fluid communication with the first manifold port via the first connector fluid path. Such a sealing connection and sealing connector may include one or more additional ports in the valve stem, one or more corresponding additional ports in the manifold, and one or more additional sets of connector ports and connector fluid paths in the connector that combine the corresponding ports of the valve stem and the manifold. Different rotational positions of the valve stem selectively align the ports to open one or more fluid passages simultaneously. Any one or more connector ports (including all such connector ports) in direct contact with the peripheral wall may include a curved outer surface shaped to correspond to the curvature of the outer surface of the peripheral wall and / or seal the port in direct contact with the peripheral wall. As the valve stem rotates, this curved outer surface moves along (relative to) the peripheral wall (and maintains sealed contact during rotation). Lubricant can help support this relative sliding motion and help maintain the sealed connection. Other sealing connections may also be provided throughout the system described herein.

[0069] Additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to including a pressure sensor in a fluid flow control system for footwear articles. Such a fluid flow control system may include: (a) a fluid distributor; (b) a manifold comprising: (i) a manifold body; (ii) a first manifold fluid path defined through the manifold body and extending from a first manifold port in fluid communication with the fluid distributor to a second manifold port in fluid communication with a first footwear component; (iii) a first pressure sensor mount (e.g., one or more recessed or raised tubes) defined in or extending from the manifold body; and (iv) a first open passage extending between the first pressure sensor mount and the first manifold fluid path; and (c) a first pressure sensor fluidly sealed at the first pressure sensor mount. Additional manifold ports, manifold fluid paths, pressure sensor mounts, and open passages may be provided, for example, to additional pressure sensors for measuring pressure in other fluid lines. Additionally or alternatively, a fluid flow control system for footwear articles may include: (a) a fluid distributor; (b) a manifold including a first manifold port; (c) a sealed connector comprising: (i) a connector body; (ii) a first connector fluid path defined through the connector body and extending from the first connector port in fluid communication with the fluid distributor to a second connector port in fluid communication with the first manifold port; (iii) a first pressure sensor mount (e.g., one or more recessed or raised tubes) defined in or extending from the connector body; (iv) a first open channel extending between the first pressure sensor mount and the first connector fluid path; and (d) a first pressure sensor fluidly sealed at the first pressure sensor mount. In such a system, additional manifold ports, connector ports, connector fluid paths, pressure sensor mounts, and open channels may be provided, for example, to additional pressure sensors for measuring pressure in other fluid lines.

[0070] Additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to systems and methods for altering fluid pressure in components of footwear articles. Such systems and methods may include hardware and / or software for performing a method comprising: (a) receiving input data indicating a target pressure in a first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is a foot support bladder or fluid container; (b) causing fluid to flow through a continuous fluid line extending between a first port and a second port of a manifold or sealed connector, wherein the first port is in fluid communication with the first footwear component, and wherein the second port is in fluid communication with a second footwear component or an external environment; (c) measuring the fluid pressure in the continuous fluid line using a first pressure sensor as fluid flows through the continuous fluid line; (d) determining an adjusted fluid pressure based on the fluid pressure measured by the first pressure sensor during the measurement step; and (e) stopping fluid flow through the continuous fluid line when the adjusted fluid pressure determined in the determination step is within a predetermined range of the target pressure. The adjusted fluid pressure estimates the fluid pressure in the first footwear component. In some instances of this technology, the adjusted fluid pressure correction corrects for the velocity-dependent offset between the fluid pressure measured by the first pressure sensor during the measurement step and the actual fluid pressure in the first footwear component. This velocity-dependent offset can, for example, be caused by fluid flow through a small internal cross-sectional area or diameter (e.g., less than 50 mm). 2 And in some instances, less than 40 mm 2 Less than 30 mm 2 Less than 20 mm 2 or even less than 16 mm 2 Caused by fluid pipelines.

[0071] Based on the general description of the features, examples, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements provided above according to the present technology and the invention, the following is a more detailed description of specific examples of fluid transport systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and methods according to the present technology.

[0072] II. Detailed description of example footwear, foot support systems, and other components and / or features according to this technology

[0073] Referring to the accompanying drawings and the following discussion, various examples of foot support systems, fluid flow control systems, sole structures, and footwear articles according to the present invention are described. Aspects of the present invention can be used in conjunction with, for example, the foot support systems, footwear articles (or other foot-accommodating devices), and / or methods described in the aforementioned U.S. patent applications.

[0074] A. Footwear Structure

[0075] As described above, some aspects of this technology relate to foot support systems, sole structures and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot-accommodating devices) that can be positioned in a variety of different operating states. Figure 1 A footwear article 100 (side view) according to some examples of the present technology is generally shown, comprising an upper 102 and a sole structure 104 engaged with the upper 102. The upper 102 and sole structure 104 may be made of one or more components, including conventional components known and used in the footwear industry. Various components of the footwear article 100 (including the upper 102 and sole structure 104 and / or their individual components) can be engaged together in any desired manner, including in conventional ways known and used in the footwear industry. In this example, the upper 102 includes a foot receiving opening 106 leading to an internal cavity of the user's foot (defined by the upper 102 and / or sole structure 104). A fastening system 108 (e.g., laces shown, although other types may be used) allows the footwear article 100 to be releasably fastened to the user's foot.

[0076] like Figure 1 As further shown, the footwear article 100 includes a foot support system having a foot support bladder 200 for supporting at least a portion of the sole surface of the user's foot (in this particular illustrated example, the forefoot region). The foot support system also includes an "onboard" fluid container 400. The fluid container 400 contains fluid (e.g., under pressure) and, in this illustrated example, includes a fluid-filled bladder. The fluid container 400 may be located above the outsole component of the footwear 100, within the midsole component (e.g., in a cavity of the foam portion), and / or engaged with the upper 102. A fluid dispenser (described in more detail below) selectively places the foot support system and / or footwear article 100 into two or more operating states, for example, to move fluid from the fluid container 400 to the foot support bladder 200; to enter the fluid container 400 and / or the foot support bladder 200 from a fluid supply source; and to dissipate fluid from the fluid supply source, the fluid container 400, and / or the foot support bladder 200 to the surrounding environment or external environment. The fluid distributor may include one or more of the following: a component having a movable valve stem; a component having one or more solenoids; a manifold connected to the valve stem and / or solenoid (e.g., its housing); a connector that connects the component of the fluid distributor to a fluid supply source and / or a fluid transfer line; and / or one or more fluid transfer lines.

[0077] Figure 2A and Figure 2BTop and exploded views of portions of a footwear article 100 including various features according to aspects of the present technology are shown respectively. As shown, this example foot support system includes a fluid-filled foot support bladder 200 for supporting at least the forefoot portion of the user's foot. A portion of the fluid container 400 (also the fluid-filled bladder) in this example is located below the foot support bladder 200, and this portion extends rearward beyond the rear edge of the foot support bladder 200 (also note...). Figure 1 The upper sole component 104U (e.g., an upper midsole component optionally formed of polymer foam material) is located above and / or engaged with the foot support sac 200. The lower sole component 104L (e.g., a lower midsole component optionally formed of polymer foam material) is located below and / or engaged with the foot support sac 200. In the illustrated example, both the upper sole component 104U and the lower sole component 104L extend rearward and include foot support surfaces 104US and 104LS, respectively, at least in the heel support region of the sole structure 104. Moreover, in the illustrated example, the upper sole component 104U and the lower sole component 104L include openings 104UO and 104LO, respectively, which extend completely through them in the forefoot support region. These openings 104UO, 104LO correspond to the forefoot portion of the foot support bladder 200 and the fluid container 400 in the illustrated example, such that, if desired, at least portions of the top surface 400S of the fluid container 400 and the bottom surface 200S of the foot support bladder 200 directly face and / or contact each other in their forefoot support regions at least in the finally assembled sole structure 104.

[0078] One or more cage components 300, formed of polymeric materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane, may be provided to secure the foot support bladder 200. Figure 2B The diagram shows a multi-part cage component 300, including an outer cage component 300L, an inner cage component 300M, and a middle or rear cage component 300R. The outer cage component 300L and the inner cage component 300M engage the respective sidewalls of the lower sole assembly 104L and / or the respective sidewalls of the foot support bladder 200, and the middle or rear cage component 300R engages the rear edge of the foot support bladder 200. If necessary (and as...) Figure 2B As shown), at least one of the outer cage component 300L and the inner cage component 300M may include openings defined through them, such that in the finally assembled sole structure 104, the sidewalls of the foot support bladder 200 are exposed and visible on the outside of the sole structure 104. See also Figure 1The example sole structure 104 also includes an optional core pad 120 in the midfoot region. The example core pad 120 includes a generally U-shaped opening having arms that support the bottom edge of the foot support sac 200 and / or a rear base region that supports the bottom rear portion of the foot support sac 200.

[0079] The upper sole component 104U of this example includes a sidewall 104S (e.g., extending upward from the foot support surface 104US) forming part of its outer surface. The outer side of the sidewall 104S has a recess 104R defined therein. This recess 104R accommodates a fluid dispenser 500. In this illustrated example, an outer cage component 300L extends rearward and forms part of a base accommodated in the recess 104R, and this base engages with and / or forms at least some portions of the fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., a portion of its housing 502) and / or forms at least some portions of the fluid dispenser 500. Additionally, if desired, the fluid dispenser 500 may be a component independent of the outer cage component 300L and / or directly engaged with the outer surface of the upper sole component 104U (or other footwear component portions and / or upper 102 portions).

[0080] The following describes in detail several features and components of the fluid distributor 500. In some instances of this technology, the fluid distributor 500 includes or defines: (a) an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid supply source (e.g., from the external environment, from another internal fluid line, from a pump or compressor, etc.), (b) a first fluid path for transferring fluid to the external environment (e.g., to vent excess gas introduced by the fluid supply source, to reduce pressure in the foot support bladder 200, to reduce pressure in the fluid container 400, etc.), (c) a second fluid path in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., to move fluid into and / or out of the foot support bladder 200 and / or change the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200), and / or (d) a third fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid container 400 (e.g., to move fluid into and / or out of the fluid container 400 and / or change the fluid pressure in the fluid container 400).

[0081] Figure 2B Further illustration shows the fluid delivery line 200F or tube extending to the foot support bladder 200 and the tube recess 200R formed within the sidewall recess 104R. The tube recess 200R provides space to allow the fluid flow line to merge with the fluid distributor 500, which will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, although in Figure 2B Not shown, but this type of sole structure 104 may include a pump (e.g., foot activation pump, battery-operated pump, compressor, etc.) that serves as a fluid supply source and / or at least part of the outsole component (e.g., to cover and protect the fluid container 400).

[0082] As mentioned above and Figures 3A to 3D As illustrated in the examples, at least some instances of this technology will include a fluid supply source in the form of one or more pumps (including one or more foot-activating pumps). When a pump is present, it can move fluid received from the external environment to a fluid dispenser 500 via a fluid path extending from the external environment to the pump for distribution to a final desired destination (e.g., foot support bladder 200, fluid container 400, or return to the external environment). Alternatively, Figure 3A A two-stage pumping system is shown, comprising a heel-activated ball pump 600H (also referred to herein as the "first pump") connected in series with a forefoot-activated ball pump 600F (also referred to herein as the "second pump") via a fluid line 602. Thus, in at least some embodiments of the art: (a) the inlet 600HI of the heel-activated pump 600H is in fluid communication with the external environment (e.g., via a fluid path extending from the external environment through a fluid distributor 500 (e.g., fluid line 604) to the inlet 600HI); (b) the outlet 600HO of the heel-activated pump 600H is in fluid communication with the inlet 600FI of the forefoot-activated pump 600F via fluid line 602; and (c) the outlet 600FO of the forefoot-activated pump 600F is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid distributor 500 (e.g., fluid line 606). The "upstream" pump (600H in this specification, but 600F in some instances) may be slightly larger than the "downstream" pump (600F in this specification, but 600H in some instances) to improve fluid flow and pumping efficiency. The two-stage pump may have features and / or structures similar to those shown in the corresponding configuration disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 698,138, filed November 27, 2019.

[0083] Additionally or alternatively, if necessary, when more than one pump is present, more than one pump can move fluid to the inlet of fluid distributor 500 (e.g., two or more pumps can have their outlets directly connected to the inlet of fluid distributor 500). Once pumped into fluid distributor 500, fluid distributor 500 selectively moves the fluid to its final destination, such as foot support bladder 200, fluid container 400, or back to the external environment, depending on its operating state. Exhaust valves or check valves can be equipped on any of the pumps 600H, 600F to prevent overpressure conditions (e.g., if the fluid line and / or components downstream of pump 600H, 600F become blocked or malfunction for any reason). Pumps 600F, 660H can be made, for example, of RF-welded TPU films bonded together in a known manner to form a spherical pumping chamber.

[0084] Figure 3A The illustration shows roughly spherical or ellipsoidal ball pumps 600H and 600F. On the other hand, Figures 3B to 3D The generally T-shaped ball pumps 600H and 600F are shown, with the forefoot ball pump 600F more oriented below the metatarsal head support area of ​​the sole structure 104 (as opposed to more in...). Figure 3A The toe support area is opposite. Figure 3B The general possible locations of pumps 600H and 600F in the sole structure 104 are shown. Figure 3C The overall layout of pumps 600H and 600F and their connecting pipelines is shown, and Figure 3D A closer view of a T-shaped ball pump (e.g., 600H in this example) is shown, which can be in fluid communication with a forefoot pump 600F, a fluid distributor 500, or another footwear component.

[0085] T-shaped ball pumps 600H and 600F can be made slightly wider and less round than a sphere or ellipsoid to distribute the pump chamber volume over a larger (e.g., wider) area of ​​the user's foot (and thus make the pumps 600H and 600F less noticeable under the foot). These T-shaped ball pumps 600H and 600F can also be connected in series (e.g., the outlet 600HO of pump 600H feeds into the inlet 600FI of pump 600F, and the outlet 600FO of pump 600F acts as a fluid supply source for fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100, for example, via fluid line 606). Ball pumps 600H and 600F can be sandwiched between sole components, such as between the undersole component 104L and one or more outsole components 104. As an alternative, a forefoot outsole component can be provided to engage the forefoot pump 600F, and a separate heel outsole component can be provided to engage the heel pump, if desired. In use, when the user steps or jumps, the ball pumps 600H and / or 600F will compress between the sole components under the applied force (the user's weight), thereby forcing fluid out of the outlets 600HO and 600FO of the ball pumps 600H and / or 600F and moving fluid from the pumps 600H and 600F to the fluid distributor 500. A one-way valve can be provided to prevent backflow of fluid through the pumps 600F and 600H. The ball pumps 600H and 600F can be attached to and / or located between flat or smoothly curved surfaces of foam, bladders, outsoles, or other sole components (e.g., to increase the pumping volume per step). However, if necessary, the ball pumps 600H and 600F may be at least partially housed within a recess in at least one of the components to which they are connected (e.g., within a recess in one or more of the surfaces of a foam, bladder, outsole, or other sole component).

[0086] Figures 4A to 5FThe diagram schematically illustrates at least some examples of fluid dispensers 500 and foot support systems according to the present technology, and their operation in various potential operating states. As shown and described above, these systems include a foot support bladder 200, a fluid container or reservoir 400 (which may also include a fluid-filled bladder), and at least one pump (e.g., a heel-based pump 600H and a forefoot-based pump 600F connected in series via the illustrated fluid line 602). These components are operatively connected to a fluid flow control system or fluid dispenser 500, which may include... Figure 4A Some or all of the components are shown in dashed lines. In this example, the fluid distributor 500 serves as a central hub from which fluid originates (e.g., external environment or surrounding environment 150 or other fluid supply sources; pumps 600H, 600F; foot support bladder 200; or fluid container 400) and exits to various destinations (e.g., external environment or surrounding environment 150; foot support bladder 200; or fluid container 400). The fluid distributor 500 in this example includes a connector 700, a manifold 800, and a fluid transfer system 900.

[0087] Figure 4A The fluid transfer system 900 shown can take many forms and / or structures. Figure 4B The illustrations depict various example arrangements of different types of fluid transfer systems 900 within the fluid distributor 500. Orientation Figure 4B The fluid transfer system in the upper right corner includes a stem-based fluid transfer system 900A. Figure 4B The central fluid transfer system shown is based on solenoid fluid transfer systems 900B and 900C. Orientation Figure 4B The fluid transfer system in the lower left corner is also a stem-based fluid transfer system 900D, but this fluid transfer system 900D includes a planetary gear type transmission 922B opposite to the gear transmission 922 disposed in the fluid transfer system 900A. These different fluid transfer systems 900A, 900B, 900C, 900D (and their variants) are described in more detail below and can be included in the housing 502 of the fluid distributor 500.

[0088] Various fluid lines connect the fluid distributor 500 to various fluid initiation and destination points. Figures 5A to 5F The various operating states shown describe these fluid lines in more detail. Figures 5A to 5FThe large "X" in the figure indicates the fluid path of the fluid transfer system 900, which can be closed in this operating state. When needed, these fluid paths can be closed in any desired manner due to the characteristics of the valve stem, the characteristics of the solenoid valve configuration, etc., for example, by means of a check valve or one-way valve (e.g., in the fluid line 606 from pumps 600H, 600F).

[0089] Figure 5A The diagram illustrates an operational state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid distributor 500 and is discharged back into the external environment 150. Fluid flow in this operational state is indicated by a thick dashed arrow. This operational state can be used as a "standby" or "steady-state" operating state to maintain the movement of pumped fluid through the fluid distributor 500, even when pressure changes are not required in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400. In this operational state, inlet fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150 enters the connector 700 via the filter 702 and connector inlet 702I. The filter 702 may be removable, replaceable, and / or otherwise cleanable (e.g., to maintain sufficient air intake from the external environment 150 into the system) if necessary or required. While any desired intake size may be used, in some aspects of this technology, the filter 702 may have a minimum diameter of 50 mm. 2 area, 50 mm 2 Up to 100 mm 2 The area between, 50 mm 2 Up to 150 mm 2 The area between, and 25 mm 2 Up to 250 mm 2 The area between, or other desired area. Any type of filter media, filter construction, and / or filter material can be used, such as plate filters, flat screens, etc. Filter 702 can provide a relatively large external area for connector 700, potentially providing at least a majority of the surface area of ​​an exposed external surface of connector 702, for example, as... Figures 5A to 5E , Figure 11A , Figure 12A and Figure 13B As shown. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the filter may be located within the connector 700 and / or at other locations within the fluid flow path (e.g., somewhere before the inlet of pumps 600H, 600F, extending at least partially within the body of connector 700, extending at least partially within dedicated fluid path 702P, etc.).

[0090] Fluid travels from connector inlet 702I through the connector body (e.g., through fluid path 702P or the open internal space 710 within connector 700) and exits through port 702O. In some instances of this technology, the dedicated fluid path 702P (e.g., a closed fluid conduit) may be omitted (or discontinuous with the open end within the internal space 710 of connector 700), allowing fluid to enter the open internal space 710 from connector inlet 702I and / or exit the open internal space 710 at an opening provided as port 702O. In these instances, the open internal space 710 may be considered at least a portion of the fluid path 702P through connector 700. Outlet 702O connects to fluid path 604 that carries fluid to the pump system (in this example, pumps 600H, 600F and the fluid line 602 connecting them). Fluid travels from pumps 600H, 600F down along fluid line 606 back to inlet port 704 of connector 700. A check valve or one-way valve may be present along fluid line 606 to prevent fluid from flowing back through connector inlet port 704 and / or fluid line 606 toward pumps 600H and 600F. Fluid flows from connector inlet 704 through connector fluid path 704P (also referred to herein as the "fourth connector fluid path") through connector 700, to connector outlet port 704O (also referred to herein as the "fourth fluid path connector"), and to inlet fluid port 800A of manifold 800. Fluid flows from inlet fluid port 800A, through fluid inlet path 802 in manifold 800, through fluid inlet port 800I, and into fluid transfer system 900. In this operating state, fluid leaves the fluid transport system 900, passes through the first manifold port 804, through the first manifold fluid flow path 806 defined in the manifold 800, through another manifold port 800B, reaches the first fluid path connector (or port) 706 of the connector 700, passes through the first connector fluid path 708, and optionally reaches the external environment 150. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid passing through the first fluid path connector 706 can be vented into the internal space 710 within the connector 700 (and thus become part of the external environment) and / or can be used for another pump cycle.

[0091] Alternatively, in some instances of this technology, in this operating state, instead of continuously moving the fluid through the fluid distributor 500 at each step when the fluid is simply to be discharged back into the external environment 150, a selectively operable fluid path can be provided directly from pumps 600H and 600F to the external environment 150. As another option, pumps 600H and 600F can be deactivated when it is not necessary to change the fluid pressure.

[0092] Figure 5BAn operating state is shown where fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid dispenser 500 and is transferred to the foot support bladder 200. Again, the fluid flow in this operating state is indicated by a thick dashed arrow. This operating state can be used to increase the pressure in the foot support bladder 200, for example, for a firmer feel and / or more intense activities (e.g., running). In this operating state, the incoming fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150 is directed to... Figure 5A The fluid moves through the connector 700, through the manifold 800, and into the fluid delivery system 900 in the same manner (and through the same components). However, in this operating state, the fluid leaves the fluid delivery system 900, passes through the second manifold port 808, through the second manifold fluid flow path 810 defined in the manifold 800, through another manifold port 800C, reaches the second fluid path connector (or port) 712 of the connector 700, passes through the second connector fluid path 714, through another connector port 720, enters the foot support fluid line 202, and enters the foot support bladder 200.

[0093] In some cases, it may be necessary to remove fluid from the foot support bladder 200 to reduce pressure within it (e.g., to provide a softer feel or for less strenuous activities such as walking or wearing casual clothing). Figure 5C An example of this operating state is illustrated, with fluid flow indicated by bold dashed arrows. In this operating state, fluid exits the foot support bladder 200, enters the foot support fluid line 202, passes through connector port 720 into the second connector fluid path 714, and reaches the second fluid path connector 712 of connector 700. From the second fluid path connector 712, fluid passes through manifold port 800C and enters the second manifold fluid flow path 810 defined in manifold 800, passes through the second manifold port 808, and enters the fluid transport system 900. From here, in this example system and operating state, fluid is discharged to the external environment 150. This occurs by fluid exiting the fluid transport system 900, passing through the first manifold port 804, through the first manifold fluid flow path 806 defined in manifold 800, through manifold port 800B to the first fluid path connector (or port) 706 of connector 700, and through the first connector fluid path 708 to the external environment 150 (which may constitute the internal space 710 within connector 700). The first connector fluid path connector (or port) 706 may be configured as a port (“fluid release port”) for bringing fluid to be released from the whole system back to the connector 700 to achieve fluid release.

[0094] Figure 5DAnother potential operating state of the fluid distributor 500 and foot support system according to some examples of the present technology is shown. In this operating state, fluid is transferred from the fluid container 400 to the external environment 150, for example, to reduce the fluid pressure in the fluid container 400. The fluid flow in this operating state is shown by the bold dashed arrow. In this operating state, the fluid leaves the fluid container 400, enters the fluid container fluid line 402, enters the third connector fluid path 716 via connector port 722, and reaches the third fluid path connector (or port) 718 of the connector 700. From the third fluid path connector 718, the fluid passes through the manifold port 800D and enters the third manifold fluid flow path 812 defined in the manifold 800, passes through the third manifold port 814, and enters the fluid transfer system 900. From here, in this example system and operating state, the fluid is discharged to the external environment 150. This occurs as fluid leaves the fluid transport system 900, passes through the first manifold port 804, through the first manifold fluid flow path 806 defined in the manifold 800, through the manifold port 800B to the first fluid path connector (or port) 706 of the connector 700, and through the first connector fluid path 708 to the external environment 150 (which may constitute the internal space 710 within the connector 700).

[0095] In some instances of the fluid distributor 500 and foot support system according to aspects of this technology, it may be necessary to use an on-board fluid container 400 to regulate (and in this example, increase) the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200. This allows for more predictable or controlled fluid transfer over time, as pressure spikes caused by foot contact with the ground have a smaller impact on fluid flow. Figure 5E An example of this operating state is illustrated. In this operating state, fluid leaves the fluid container 400, enters the fluid container fluid line 402, enters the third connector fluid path 716 via connector port 722, and reaches the third fluid path connector 718 of connector 700. From the third fluid path connector port 718, the fluid passes through the manifold port 800D into the third manifold fluid flow path 812 defined in manifold 800, passes through the third manifold port 814, and enters the fluid transport system 900. From here, in this example system and operating state, the fluid is transported to the foot support bladder 200. This occurs by the fluid leaving the fluid transport system 900, passing through the second manifold port 808, through the second manifold fluid flow path 810 defined in manifold 800, through the manifold port 800C to the second fluid path connector 712 of connector 700, through the second connector fluid path 714 to connector port 720, entering the foot support fluid line 202, and entering the foot support bladder 200.

[0096] Figure 5FAn example operating state for adding fluid to fluid container 400 (e.g., to increase the fluid volume and / or pressure in fluid container 400) is shown. In this operating state, inlet fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150 enters connector 700 via filter 702 and connector inlet 702I. The fluid from connector inlet 702I passes through connector body to connector outlet 702O and reaches fluid path 604 that carries the fluid to pump system (pumps 600H, 600F). The fluid from pumps 600H, 600F travels down fluid line 606 back to inlet port 704 of connector 700. A check valve or non-return valve may be present along fluid line 606 to prevent fluid from flowing back towards pumps 600H, 600F through connector inlet port 704 and / or fluid line 606. Fluid flows from connector inlet 704 through connector fluid path 704P, through connector 700, to connector outlet port 704O, and then to inlet fluid port 800A of manifold 800. From inlet fluid port 800A, fluid flows through fluid inlet path 802 in manifold 800, through manifold inlet port 800I, and to fluid transfer system 900. In this operating state, fluid leaves fluid transfer system 900, passes through third manifold port 814, through third manifold fluid flow path 812 defined in manifold 800, through manifold port 800D, to third fluid path connector (or port) 718 of connector 700, through third connector fluid path 716, through connector port 722, into fluid container fluid line 402, and into fluid container 400.

[0097] Some or all of the fluid distributor 500 (e.g., including some or all of the connector 700, manifold 800, and / or fluid transfer system 900) may be included in or engaged with the housing 502 (e.g., including the frame 504 and the cover 506). See Figure 2A and Figure 2B The housing 502 can be mounted to the sole structure 104 and / or the footwear upper 102. When mounted on the side surface of the footwear article 100, for example, as... Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figures 6 to 7E As shown, the fluid dispenser 500 may be located in the heel area on the outer side of the upper 102 and / or the sole structure 104, for example, to help prevent unwanted contact between the user's feet. Figures 6 to 7E The example footwear 100 structure illustrates a sole structure 104 including an upwardly extending base surface 700S, which provides a base for attaching a fluid dispenser 500. The base surface 700S can form the upper bonding... Figure 2BA portion of the outer cage component 300L described. Fluid lines (e.g., from the foot support bladder 200, from the fluid container 400, from a fluid source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F), and / or from the external environment 150) may extend through this base surface 700S and / or may otherwise be exposed at this base surface 700S for engagement with the fluid dispenser 500, as will be described in more detail below.

[0098] like Figure 6 As further shown (and described in more detail below), the cover 506 of the fluid dispenser 500 may include an input system, such as one or more switches, if desired. Figure 6 (Switches 506A and 506B are shown in the diagram). These switches 506A and 506B can be used as user inputs, for example, allowing the user to manually increase (switch 506A) or decrease (switch 506B) the air pressure in the foot support bladder 200. When switches 506A and 506B are present, the user's interaction with switches 506A and 506B can activate the fluid dispenser 500 and the fluid transfer system 900 to move the fluid as described above with respect to one or more operating states. Figure 6The fluid distributor 500 is further illustrated to include one or more lamps 506L (e.g., one or more LEDs (e.g., 12)) within its housing 502. These lamps 506L may be decorative and / or may allow for color variations of the displayed light. In some instances, lamp 506L may provide information relating to one or more of the following: (a) the “on” or “off” state of fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., lamp 506L on means power is on, lamp 506L off means power is not on); (b) foot support pressure and / or other pressure status information of footwear 100 (e.g., depending on light color and / or flashing to indicate maximum pressure, minimum pressure, intermediate pressure, etc.); (c) system reset status; (d) factory reset status; (e) power-on, power-off, and / or restart status; (f) pressure regulation in progress; (g) error status; (h) battery charging status; (i) remaining battery charging status; (j) successful and / or unsuccessful electronic communication status information with another shoe and / or mobile computing device (BTLE confirmation status); (k) data download, upload, and / or software update progress or status information; (L) identified operational status and / or status information; and so on. Additionally or alternatively, input data (e.g., from a speed and / or distance monitoring device, optionally included in the footwear) can be used to control the lights (e.g., the color of light 506L, the number of times light 506L is turned on, changes in lighting arrangement, the arrangement of lit lights 506L, the lighting sequence, light animation, etc.). Such data can also enable the lights to provide information such as stride speed, running distance, acceleration, exercise intensity, battery life status, decorative features, etc. The color, animation, style, etc., of the lights can vary, for example, between different shoe models, different shoe types, different shoe colorways, etc. The "animation" of the lights used herein can include, for example, one or more of the following: the color of the displayed light; changes in the color of the displayed light; light flashing or blinking frequency; changes in the light flashing or blinking frequency; the number and / or arrangement of the displayed lights; changes in the number and / or arrangement of the displayed lights; etc. While other options are possible, Figure 6 In a specific example, lamp 506L forms a ring around housing 502 (although the entire ring does not necessarily need to be lit at the same time).

[0099] Accelerometer data, velocity and / or distance data, impact force data, and / or other data (e.g., data detected by an "onboard" foot sensor system, data from sensors included in clothing, and / or data from external devices (e.g., smartphone-based speed and / or distance monitoring systems)) can be transmitted to the fluid flow control system and used, for example, to automatically adjust the pressure of the foot support bladder 200. Detected higher speeds and / or accelerations can be used as input to initiate an increase in foot support pressure, while detected lower speeds and / or decelerations can be used as input to initiate a decrease in foot support pressure. These types of additional input data, input data sources, and / or pressure regulation can be provided in any instance of the fluid dispenser 500, fluid flow control system, fluid delivery system 900, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100 described in this specification.

[0100] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The illustration shows another example arrangement of the fluid dispenser 500 and / or foot support system in footwear article 100. As shown in these figures, a fluid container 400 (formed as a fluid-filled bladder in this example) is provided at least in the heel support region of footwear article 100, and a foot support bladder 200 is provided at least in the forefoot support region of footwear article 200. Reverse arrangements are also possible. For example, in... Figure 8A In this footwear article 100, a fluid container 400 (e.g., formed as a fluid-filled bladder) may be at least disposed in the forefoot support region, and a foot support bladder 200 may be at least disposed in the heel support region. Some or all of the fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., including some or all of the connector 700, manifold 800, and / or fluid delivery system 900) may be mounted in the heel region of the footwear article 100. In this example, the fluid dispenser 500 engages with the upper 102, but if desired, the fluid dispenser 500 may engage at least partially with the sole structure 104 in the heel region. Additionally or alternatively, such as... Figure 9 As shown, if needed, at least a portion of the fluid dispenser 500 can be releasably secured (see arrow 508) within a socket 510 provided on the footwear 100 structure (e.g., as part of the sole structure 104 and / or upper 102, such as a heel stabilizer-type component). If necessary or required, a locking mechanism (e.g., a releasable retaining flap 512) can be used to hold the fluid dispenser 500 in place relative to the socket 510. Without departing from this technology, the fluid dispenser 500 can be releasably secured in the socket 510 in any desired manner.

[0101] Figure 10 Illustrated examples of footwear products 100 (e.g., including such as...) Figure 2BThe block diagram shown illustrates the assembly features of the sole structure 104, including the inclusion of a fluid distributor 500 or a fluid flow control system according to some aspects of the present technology. In addition to the various components and parts described above, Figure 10 Additional information is provided regarding how components and / or parts can be joined together. Examples include the use of primers and adhesives, snap-fit ​​components, retaining clips, RF soldering, and direct tube connections. Without departing from this technology, any desired method of joining various components and / or parts together can be used, including connectors, adhesives, etc., commonly known and used in the footwear industry.

[0102] In some instances of this technology, the fluid distributor 500 may have a similar Figure 11A and Figure 11B The configuration shown (also note the above) Figures 5A to 5F (Discussion to follow). In this example, connector 700 includes a filter 702 that receives fluid from the external environment (e.g., via inlet port 702I). Connector 700 forms a separate component that engages with housing 750, and manifold 800 and fluid delivery system 900 are contained within housing 750. In this example, connector 700 is connected to four external fluid lines (e.g., flexible tubing). One fluid line 604 carries inlet fluid from the external environment to one or more pumps (600H, 600F) via connector inlet port 702I and outlet port 702O. A second fluid line 606 carries fluid from one or more pumps (600H, 600F) back to connector 700, so that it can be introduced into manifold 800 and fluid delivery system 900 under increased pressure from one or more pumps 600H, 600F. A third fluid line 202 extends to and is in fluid communication with foot support bladder 200. The fluid line 202 is used to move fluid from the fluid dispenser 500 into the foot support bladder 200 and from the foot support bladder 200 into the fluid dispenser 500. A fourth fluid line 402 extends to and is in fluid communication with the fluid container 400. This fluid line 402 is used to move fluid from the fluid dispenser 500 into the fluid container 400 and from the fluid container 400 into the fluid dispenser 500. Specifically, as... Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the ports 702O, 704, 720 and 722 of the connector 700, which are respectively connected to external fluid lines 604, 606, 202 and 402, can be aligned along one surface 704S of the connector 700 (and extend at least partially parallel through the connector 700 if necessary).

[0103] Figure 11A and Figure 11BThe housing 750 of the manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900 for this example is further illustrated, comprising four ports: 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D. Port 800A of this example connects to port 704O on the connector 700 body, is in fluid communication with fluid line 704P to receive inlet fluid from fluid line 606 (and therefore from one or more pumps (600H, 600F)) and direct that inlet fluid into the manifold 800 and / or fluid transfer system 900. Port 800B of this example connects to port 706 on the connector 700 body and discharges excess or unwanted fluid back to the external environment (e.g., through the connector 700 body). Port 800C of this example connects to port 712 on the connector 700 body and exchanges fluid (in either direction) between the foot support bladder 200 and the manifold 800. In this example, port 800D connects to port 718 on the connector 700 body and exchanges fluid (in either direction) between the fluid container 400 and the manifold 800. Specifically, as... Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D of manifold 800 may be aligned along housing 750 and / or one surface 750A of manifold 800 (and may extend at least partially parallel through housing 750 and / or manifold 800 if desired). Connector ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718 (which connect to manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D, respectively) may be aligned along one surface 704S of connector 700 (and may extend at least partially parallel through connector 700 if desired). In the example illustrated, connector ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718 may be located slightly below and slightly offset from connector ports 704, 702O, 720, and 722 on surface 704B of connector 700, respectively. Surfaces 704S and 704B can form a common surface on connector 700, and can be offset from each other, can be different from each other, can face different directions, etc.

[0104] Figure 11B Further illustration shows that one or more of the connector fluid paths 704P, 714, 716 may define a curved or zigzag path. One or more connector fluid paths 704P, 714, 716 may include: (a) a first axial direction 700AX1, (b) a second axial direction 700AX2, and (c) a connecting portion 700CP that combines the first axial direction 700AX1 and the second axial direction 700AX2. The first axial direction 700AX1 and the second axial direction 700AX2 extend away from each other from the connecting portion 700CP at an angle of 70 degrees or less.

[0105] like Figure 11Aand Figure 11B As further illustrated, the connector 700 of this example includes fluid paths 704P, 714, and 716 that pass through the connector body to connect connector ports 704, 720, and 722 to manifold ports 800A, 800C, and 800D. In this example, the fluid paths 704P, 714, and 716 form a curved or zigzag path through the connector 700 body. Fluid can flow from substantially the same side of the connector 700 and / or along substantially the same direction (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 11B (As shown) Entering and exiting connector 700.

[0106] Figures 12A to 12C Further illustrations Figure 11A and Figure 11B The connection between connector 700 and housing 750 is designed to highlight some additional potential features. As shown in these figures, sealing system 760 is disposed between ports 800A, 800B, 800C, 800D of manifold 800 and ports 704O, 706, 712, 718 of corresponding connectors 700. Sealing system 760 includes concave engagement members (e.g., channels 760A, 760B, 760C, 760D) that assemble around convex engagement members (e.g., tubular structures forming the outer surfaces of ports 800A, 800B, 800C, 800D) to seal the manifold 800 to connector 700. The other end of channels 760A, 760B, 760C, and 760D can be sealed to engage connector 700 and aligned with connector ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718 (and / or form connector ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718).

[0107] Figures 13A to 13C The illustration shows different connections between the housing 750 and external fluid lines 202, 402, 604, 606. In this example, connector 700 is not a separate component that engages with manifold 800, but rather connector 700 forms part of manifold 800 and / or is fixed within housing 750. In this connection, the ends of fluid lines 202, 402, 604, 606 form male connector portions that extend into concave openings at ports 704, 702O, 720, 722 of connector 700 that form part of manifold 800. In this configuration, fluid enters and exits connector 700 from different sides or surfaces 704S, 704B and / or in different directions. Therefore, Figures 13A to 13C The connection between connector 700 and housing 750 shown follows the same principle as... Figures 11A to 12CThe fluid flow path shapes from connector 700 to housing 750 shown are different (i.e., in these examples, the fluid paths 704P, 714, and 716 of the connector are different). Figures 13A to 13C Further illustrated by one or more retaining clips 752 ( Figures 13A to 13C A retaining clip 752, shown in the diagram, secures all fluid lines 202, 402, 604, and 606 to the outer surface 750S of the housing 750 (which extends from an internal location within the footwear article 100). The retaining clip 752 helps hold the fluid lines 202, 402, 604, and 606 in place relative to the housing 750, which can help prevent kinking, disconnection, etc., and / or facilitate assembly. The retaining clip 752 can engage with the housing 750 in any desired manner, including through retaining structure 754 and friction fit, releasable engagement, fixed engagement, adhesive, mechanical connector, etc.

[0108] Figure 14A and Figure 14B The illustration depicts features for engaging a fluid dispenser 500, according to some aspects of the present technology, with a footwear article 100 or a component thereof (e.g., a portion of a sole structure 104). Return Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn one example, the fluid distributor 500 engages with the outer cage component 300L of the sole structure 104. The fluid distributor 500 in this example includes a housing 750 comprising at least a manifold 800 and a fluid delivery system 900 (optionally engaging with the connector 700 as described above). The frame 504 can be engaged with or integrally formed with the cage component 300L or other sole 104 and / or upper 102 components in any desired manner, such as adhesives, mechanical connectors, 3D printing, etc. Once the housing 750 is engaged with the connector 700 and / or the connector 700 is engaged with external fluid lines (e.g., as described above and described in more detail below), the housing 750 can be engaged within and secured thereto (either permanently or releasably). In the illustrated example, the housing 750 is engaged with the sidewall 504W of the frame 504 by means of a retaining element 750R extending and fitting into a retaining recess 504A disposed inside the sidewall 504W of the frame 504. Pressure-sensitive adhesive (“PSA”) 770 may be applied to the top surface of the housing 750 and / or the bottom inner surface of the cover 506 to help hold these components together. Additionally or alternatively, the cover 506 may be engaged (permanently or releasably) with the sidewall 504W of the frame 504, for example, by means of a retaining element 506R extending and fitting into a retaining recess 504B disposed outside the sidewall 504W of the frame 504. When present, the retaining element 506R of the cover 506 may be made of a polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane material having good low-temperature flexibility and damping properties (e.g., to reduce clicking sounds of the cover 506 on the frame 504).

[0109] Figures 15A to 15C Further illustrations show examples of fluid distributor 500 being incorporated into footwear structures (e.g., footwear sole structure 104) according to some examples of the present technology. Figures 15A to 15C The connection shown relates to a system having a housing 750, which includes a manifold 800 and a fluid transfer system 900 that engage with a separate connector 700 structure, for example, as Figures 11A to 12C As shown. Figure 15AAs shown, fluid lines from various footwear components are first brought to and engaged with connector 700. In this example, these fluid lines include: (a) fluid line 604 extending from connector inlet 702I to pumps 600H, 600F; (b) fluid line 606 extending from pumps 600H, 600F back to connector 700; (c) fluid line 202 extending between foot support sac 200 and connector 700; and (d) fluid line 402 extending between fluid container 400 and connector 700. Fluid lines 604, 606, 202, 402 can engage with their respective connector ports 702O, 704, 720, 722 in any desired manner, including through the use of adhesives, mechanical connectors, friction fits, mating male / female connectors, etc.

[0110] Then, as Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, the housing 750, including the manifold 800 and the fluid transfer system 900, can engage with the connector 700 (e.g., to form the complete fluid distributor 500 of this example). This can occur, for example, by sliding the manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D into fluid communication with the connector fluid paths 704P, 708, 714, and 716 at connector ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718, respectively. Note the above regarding... Figures 5A to 5F and Figures 11A to 12C The discussion continues. While not strictly necessary, the illustrated example includes a sealing system 760 with channels 760A to 760D, which respectively accommodate the convex ports 800A to 800D of the manifold 800. If necessary or required, adhesive may be applied to the manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, 800D, connector ports 700 704O, 706, 712, 718, and / or (if present) sealing channels 760A, 760B, 760C, 760D to secure the connecting components together.

[0111] like Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, when the housing 750 engages with the connector 700 (in the housing recess 750B), the housing 750 with the engaged connector 700 can move into the recess 504R of the frame 504, such that the housing 750 engages above the connector 700. Figure 14A and Figure 14B The frame 504 is engaged in the manner described (e.g., snap-fit, adhesive, mechanical connector, etc.). Then, as... Figure 15B and Figure 15C As the comparison shows, cover 506 can, for example, be combined as described above. Figure 14A and Figure 14BThe manner described (e.g., snap-fit ​​engagement, bonding with pressure-sensitive adhesive 770, mechanical connector, etc.) engages with housing 750 and / or frame 504. Figure 15C The final assembled sole component 104 of this example is shown. The sole component 104 can be engaged with the upper 102 to form the entire footwear article 100 (before or after the housing 750 is engaged in the frame 504).

[0112] Figures 15D to 15G The diagram illustrates the assembly of the connection, wherein the connector 700 is formed as part of the manifold 800 structure and is included in the housing 750 prior to assembly. Figure 15D and Figure 15E As shown, first fluid lines from various footwear components are first brought to and engaged with connector 700 ports located inside housing 750. In this example, these fluid lines include: (a) fluid line 604 extending from connector inlet 702I to pumps 600H, 600F; (b) fluid line 606 extending from pumps 600H, 600F back to connector 700; (c) fluid line 202 extending between foot support bladder 200 and connector 700; and (d) fluid line 402 extending between fluid container 400 and connector 700. Fluid lines 604, 606, 202, 402 can engage with their respective connector ports 702O, 704, 720, 722 in any desired manner, including by using adhesives, mechanical connectors, friction fits, etc. In this example, the ends of fluid lines 604, 606, 202, and 402 may form or include concave connectors that mate with separate male connectors having connector ports 702O, 704, 720, and 722. Alternatively, the ends of 604, 606, 202, and 402 may form or include male connectors that mate within separate female connectors having connector ports 702O, 704, 720, and 722. Not all connections on the individual fluid distributor 500 need to be of the same type and / or construction.

[0113] like Figure 15D and Figure 15F As shown, after fluid lines 604, 606, 402, and 202 are engaged with connector 700, housing 750 can be moved into recess 504R of frame 504, such that housing 750 is engaged, for example, as shown above. Figure 14A and Figure 14B The frame 504 is joined by the methods described (e.g., snap-fit, adhesive, mechanical connector, etc.). Then, as Figure 15F and Figure 15G As the comparison shows, cover 506 can, for example, be combined as described above. Figure 14A and Figure 14BThe manner described (e.g., snap-fit ​​engagement, bonding with pressure-sensitive adhesive 770, mechanical connector, etc.) engages with housing 750 and / or frame 504. Figure 15G The final assembled sole component 104 of this example is shown. The sole component 104 can be engaged with the upper 102 to form the entire footwear article 100 (before or after the housing 750 is engaged in the frame 504).

[0114] Fluid flow control systems (e.g., fluid dispenser 500 and / or portions thereof), foot support systems including such fluid flow control systems, and / or footwear 100 according to various aspects of this technology may require power, for example, to power various components. Components that may require power may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: a user input system; a system for changing the pressure within one or both of the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400; a system for driving and / or controlling the fluid transfer system 900; a lamp 506L (if present); an accelerometer and / or other sensors; a pump; a compressor; and so on. In at least some instances of this technology, the power source may include a rechargeable battery contained in the housing 750. Figures 16A to 21C The illustrations depict various examples of systems (e.g., wireless systems) for recharging batteries according to some embodiments of the present technology. As one example, Figures 16A to 16C A charging disk 1102 is shown that can be engaged with an AC adapter 1110 (e.g., via power lines 1104 and 1108). The charging disk 1102 includes a magnet 1106 that engages with a shoe 100 at a charging station 502C. The charging station 502C (which may be included as part of a fluid dispenser 500) includes a receiver coil 514 that is operatively engaged with the transmitter coil of the charging disk 1102 to wirelessly recharge the battery in a manner known and used in the relevant art (e.g., inductive coupling). Figure 16A A charging disc 1102 that can be attached to the heel area of ​​shoe 100 is shown. Figure 16B and Figure 16C A charging disc 1102 is shown attached to one side (e.g., the outer side, the heel side) of the shoe 100. Figure 16B A pair of charging discs 1102 are further illustrated, each including a separate power line 1104 that engages with a connector 1108A, which extends to the single power line 1108 coupled to an AC adapter 1110. Some instances of this technology may use non-rechargeable batteries instead of rechargeable batteries.

[0115] Figure 17A and Figure 17B Other examples of charging disks 1102A and 1102B that can be used in some instances of this technology are illustrated. Figure 17AThe charging disk 1102A includes a plurality of magnets 1106 arranged around the annular transmitter coil 1112 to magnetically engage the charging disk 1102A with the magnets of the charging station 502C. Figure 17B The charging disk 1102B includes a central magnet 1106 having a ring-shaped transmitter coil 1112 arranged around it.

[0116] Figures 18A to 18C Various configurations are illustrated in which the receiver coil 514 can be incorporated into a fluid dispenser 500 of the type described above (e.g., under or as part of a cover 506). The fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., its housing 750, cover 506, etc.) includes a magnet 520 to releasably couple a charging disk (e.g., 1102, 1102A, 1102B, another configuration) for inductive coupling and charging. The receiver coil 514 is included to be operatively coupled to a transmitter coil in the charging disk for inductive charging. The housing 522 (e.g., part of housing 750, cover 506, etc.) prevents direct contact between the receiver coil 514 and the charging disks 1102, 1102A, 1102B. The electrical output generated by the receiver coil 514 (due to interaction with the transmitter coil in the charging disk) can be used to charge a rechargeable battery, for example, in a manner known and used in various technologies.

[0117] Figure 18B and Figure 18C An alternative structure for the inductive charging system in the fluid dispenser 500 is shown (e.g., under the cover 506). Figure 18B A receiver coil 514 is shown that is separated from a printed circuit board 526 by a thin ferrite 524 layer (e.g., a toroidal ferrite 524 ring). Figure 18C An additional and / or thicker ferrite 524 layer is shown, including ferrite 524 extending beneath the magnet 520 and separating the magnet 520 from the printed circuit board 526. Figure 18C The additional ferrite 524 in the example helps to shield the charging system from the printed circuit board 526 and / or helps to prevent overheating. Figure 18C The additional ferrite 524 in the example can also help prevent the magnet 520 from interfering with the operation of the solenoid, for example, in a fluid transport system 900 and / or a fluid distributor 500 that includes a solenoid. Alternatively, if desired, a rechargeable battery (instead of an inductive charging system) that relies on direct electrical contact between a power source and a battery can be used.

[0118] One or both shoes in a pair of shoes 100 may require a power source, and therefore may include rechargeable batteries for operating various components of the fluid dispenser 500. Figures 19A to 21C Various examples of charging systems for a pair of shoes 100 are illustrated. Figures 19A to 19D An example system 1900 for simultaneously charging a pair of shoes 100L and 100R using wireless charging is illustrated. In this illustrated example, the charging system 1900 resembles a pair of wired earbuds, with each shoe 100L and 100R having charging discs 1902L and 1902R, respectively. Wires 1904 from the charging discs 1902L and 1902R (which may be housed within an insulating housing known in the relevant art) meet at an intermediate connector 1906, and wires 1908 extend from the connector 1906 to an AC power adapter 1910. In the context of a recharging system for footwear 100, the term "wire" refers to any type of electrical connector, including single-wire, multi-wire, cable, conductive rail, or trace, etc. Connector 1906 can distribute power to two separate wires 1904, one wire leading to each charging disc 1902L and 1902R. Figure 19A The charging discs 1902L and 1902R, respectively, are shown on the outer side of each of the left shoe 100L and right shoe 100R, and are engaged with the fluid dispenser 500. Figure 19B and Figure 19C The 1910 model without an AC power adapter is shown. Figure 19B ) and has an AC power adapter 1910 ( Figure 19C The charging system 1900 is for storage or travel. While other options are possible, as shown in these figures, the power cord 1908 can terminate at the USB connector component 1912, and the AC power adapter 1910 can include a port for receiving the USB connector component 1912. Furthermore, as... Figure 19D As shown, in this system, the power line 1904 is connected to the body of the disks 1902L and 1902R via the side surface 1902s of the disks 1902L and 1902R.

[0119] Figure 19B and Figure 19C Further illustrated, for storage, the magnets of the charging disks 1902L and 1902R can engage with magnets or magnetically attractive materials in connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910. In this way, the charging disks 1902L and 1902R are magnetically engaged and force-releasably secured to connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910, for example, for storage or transport. If necessary, magnets or magnetically attractive materials can be incorporated into connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910 (e.g., into the inner or outer side surfaces of connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910) to facilitate this magnetically attractive engagement. Potential locations for magnets or magnetically attractive materials in connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910 for this purpose are... Figure 19B and Figure 19CThe figure is schematically shown in dashed lines 1914 (e.g., provided as one or more small metal plates, panels, rings, etc.). Alternatively, if desired, the two charging disks 1902L, 1902R can be engaged with each other by magnets included therein. As another option or alternative, if desired, a separate cover can be provided, including a magnet or magnetically attractive material, and the magnets of the charging disks 1902L, 1902R can engage with this cover. This cover can constitute a cover or container for holding the AC power adapter 1910, connector 1106, and / or the entire charging system 1900.

[0120] Figures 19E to 19G It shows the combination with the above. Figures 19A to 19D The aforementioned "wired earbud" type charging system 1950. However, the charging connectors 1952L and 1952R are more paddle-like in shape than discs 1902L and 1902R. More specifically, a rigid plastic "handle" 1960 extends rearward from the charging base 1962, and a wire 1954 extends from the charging base 1962 through the handle 1960. The wires 1954 from each charging connector 1952L and 1952R (which may be housed within an insulating housing known in the relevant art) meet at an intermediate connector 1956, and a wire 1958 extends from connector 1956 to the AC power adapter 1910. Connector 1956 can distribute power to two separate wires 1954, one wire leading to each charging connector 1952L and 1952R. Figure 19E Charging connectors 1952L and 1952R, respectively, are shown on the outside of each of the left shoe 100L and right shoe 100R, engaging with the fluid dispenser 500. Figure 19F and Figure 19G The 1910 model without an AC power adapter is shown. Figure 19F ) and has an AC power adapter 1910 ( Figure 19G (1950s component of a charging system for storage or travel) Figures 19E to 19G The charging system 1950 may include a magnet or magnetically attractive material 1914 in the AC power adapter 1910, for example, as described above. Figure 19B and Figure 19C The same way of describing.

[0121] Figure 19E and Figure 19F It is further shown that the intermediate connector 1956 can be releasably connected to the wire 1954, for example, by engaging the end 1954A of the wire 1954 from the end 1956A of the wire 1958. When releasable, any desired type of releasable electrical connection can be used, including sockets, plugs, clips, and / or other releasable connections known and used in the relevant fields. Figure 19FFurther shown are charging connectors 1952L and 1952R that engage directly and magnetically with each other for storage or travel via magnets included therein. Additionally, wires 1954 and 1958 can be compactly wound around the handle 1960 for storage or travel, for example, as... Figure 19F As shown.

[0122] Figures 20A to 20D The illustration shows another example system 2000 for simultaneously charging a pair of shoes 100L and 100R using, for example, the various types of wireless charging described above. In this illustrated example, the charging system 2000 resembles a pair of headphones, with each shoe 100L and 100R having charging discs 2002L and 2002R, respectively. Wires from the charging discs 2002L and 2002R extend through the interior of a flexible connector 2004 having a generally arched structure. Wires from the charging discs 2002L and 2002R are connected to wires 2008 extending from the arched connector 2004 to an AC power adapter 2010. Internal circuitry and / or switches within the arched connector 2004 can distribute power to the two charging discs 2002L and 2002R. Figure 20A A charging disc 2002L engaged with a fluid dispenser 500 on the outside of the left shoe 100L and a charging disc 2002R engaged with a fluid dispenser 500 on the outside of the right shoe 100R are shown. Figure 20B and Figure 20C The model without AC power supply 2010 is shown. Figure 20B ) and has AC power supply 2010 ( Figure 20C The charging system 2000 is a component used for storage or travel. Additionally, such as... Figure 20A and Figure 20D As shown, in the system 2000, the arched connector 2004 engages the side (and / or top) surfaces of the bodies of the disks 2002L and 2002R. Figure 20B Further shown are charging connectors 2002L and 2002R that directly engage with each other for storage or travel via magnets included therein. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, Figures 20A to 20D The charging system 2000 may include a magnet or magnetically attractive material 1914 in the AC power adapter 2010, for example, as described above. Figure 19B and Figure 19C The same way of describing.

[0123] Figures 21A to 21DAnother example system 2100 for simultaneously charging a pair of shoes 100L and 100R using, for example, the various types of wireless charging described above. In this illustrated example, the charging system 2100 includes charging discs 2102L and 2102R for each shoe 100L and 100R, respectively. A wire 2108 from an AC power adapter 2110 is connected to one charging disc (disc 2102R in this example), and another wire 2104 extends from this charging disc to the other charging disc (disc 2102L in this example). Thus, as Figure 21D As shown, the circuitry within the charging disk 2102R separates the input power from the wire 2108: (a) for charging at the disk 2102R and (b) for passing through the disk 2102R to the wire 2104 and the disk 2102L. Therefore, wires 2108 and 2104 are connected in series to the charging disks 2102R and 2102L. Figure 21A The diagram shows the charging disk 2102R, which engages with the fluid dispenser 500 on the outside of the right shoe 100R, and the charging disk 2102L, which connects to the outside of the left shoe 100L. Figure 21B and Figure 21C The diagram shows the 2110 without an AC power adapter ( Figure 21B ) and has an AC power adapter 2110 ( Figure 21C ) is a charging system component 2100 used for storage or travel. Figure 21B Further shown are charging connectors 2102L and 2102R that directly engage with each other for storage or travel via magnets included therein. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, Figures 21A to 21D The charging system 2100 may include a magnet or magnetically attractive material 1914 in the AC power adapter 2110, for example, as described above. Figure 19B and Figure 19C The same way of describing.

[0124] Figure 21B and Figure 21C Further illustration shows different connectors 2112 between the power cord 2108 and the AC power adapter 2110. Connector 2112 includes a mechanical connector for electrical connection (e.g., plug-type connection) with a corresponding connector disposed on the power adapter 2110. Without departing from this technology, connector 2112 (and the above-mentioned...) can be used... Figures 19A to 20D Any desired type of connection between the other connectors described herein and its corresponding AC power adapter 2110, including fixed electrical connections, releasable electrical connections, USB plug connections, and / or other suitable plugs, sockets, clips, and / or electrical connections known and used in the relevant rechargeable electronic and electrical device technology.

[0125] As described above, the fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., including a housing 502 made of a rigid plastic material) may include one or more buttons 506A, 506B, for example, as user input for changing / controlling the pressure in the foot support bladder 200 (and / or other parts of the footwear 100). The fluid dispenser 500 may also include one or more lights 506L, for example, as decoration and / or to indicate some status information about the footwear 100 and / or the entire system as described above. Figures 22A to 22E Additional information is provided regarding potential instances of user interface switches or systems 2200 used to unlock user interface switches or systems 2200 and / or change pressure in certain parts of the foot support system. Figure 22A The “disabled” area shown corresponds to the area of ​​housing 502 that includes the coil for magnetic charging as described above (“disabled” means that the “property” below this area has been required to be used for the coil or other structure and therefore cannot accommodate the circuitry and / or components for the user interface switch 2200).

[0126] Figure 22A A diagram is provided showing the various options for unlocking and using the user interface switches or System 2200 and its operation. Figures 22B to 22E This provides a view of the potential structure of such an input system (particularly illustrated). Figure 22A Example 4). In Figure 22A In Example 1, the button is a capacitive button (e.g., detecting a user's finger touch via capacitive coupling of structures known and used in the relevant field). This example user interface switch or system 2200 is unlocked by a swiping action of the button, and pressure changes are also detected by the swiping action (e.g., to the right (towards)). Figure 22B The 506B brush in the middle reduces the pressure by a predetermined amount or step, to the left (towards) Figure 22B The 506A brush (in this context, "brushing") increases the pressure by a predetermined amount or step to input. A single brush can be used to unlock the user interface switch or system 2200 and introduce pressure variation input. For example, an initial "touch" and the start of a brush can unlock (and, if needed, wake up) the user interface switch or system 2200, and a continued brushing action (left or right) can provide pressure variation input. Additionally or alternatively, two brushes may be used or required, for example, the first brush is used to unlock and / or wake up the user interface switch or system 2200, and the second brush is used to provide pressure variation input.

[0127] exist Figure 22AIn Example 2, the button is a capacitive button (e.g., a capacitive sensing electrode including structures known and used in the relevant field). This example user interface switch or system 2200 is unlocked by a swipe action on the button, and pressure changes are input by a touch action on either side of the center (e.g., touching the right side 506B to decrease the pressure by a predetermined amount, and touching the left side 506A to increase the pressure by a predetermined amount).

[0128] exist Figure 22A In Examples 3 and 4, each illustration depicts the structure of two potential input options. As one option in each of Examples 3 and 4 (the top options shown in the table), buttons 2200A and 2200B can be physical buttons requiring two physical presses (also referred to herein as “haptic buttons”), one press to unlock the user interface switch or system 2200, and another press to input the desired pressure increase or decrease information. As another option (the bottom options in Examples 3 and 4 shown in the table), buttons 2200A and 2200B can be a combination of a capacitive touch button (for unlocking the user interface switch or system 2200) and a haptic button (for changing the pressure setting). In these bottom options of Examples 3 and 4, the system unlocks and / or wakes the user interface switch or system 2200 via (a) an initial “touch” action, followed by (b) a button press action (at buttons 2200A and 2200B) to change the pressure setting. Figure 22A One difference between the buttons in Examples 3 and 4 involves the position of buttons 2200A and 2200B relative to the "disabled" area. In Example 3, buttons 2200A and 2200B are adjacent to each other on the same side of the button and the same side of the disabled area. In Example 4, buttons 2200A and 2200B are separated from each other by the disabled area and are at different ends of the button. Figure 22A Buttons labeled "button press" or "press" can be used to form physical switch-type button activators.

[0129] Tactile buttons (e.g., having structures known and used in the relevant field) may have an outer surface that provides a distinct tactile sensation. As an example, the exposed pressable surface of one button (e.g., pressure-boosting button 2200A) may have a convex outer surface, and the exposed pressable surface of another button (e.g., pressure-reducing button 2200B) may have a concave surface. As another option, such as Figure 6 As shown, one side of button 506 may be marked with a recessed or raised "positive" symbol ("+"), and the other side may be marked with a recessed or raised "negative" symbol ("-") to provide a distinct tactile feel. In this way, even when wearing shoes, the user can more easily locate and interact with the correct button to make the desired pressure changes.

[0130] Figures 22B to 22E Provided for Figure 22A Example 4 shows the various views constructed from the example button for the "Touch / Press" option. Figure 22B Deformable regions 2202A and 2202B corresponding to physical tactile button locations 2200A and 2200B are shown. These physical tactile button locations 2200A and 2200B are overmolded (or formed in a two-stage injection molding process) from a rubber or other polymer (e.g., silicone or other elastomer) composition. Grooves 2204A and 2204B extending partially through the overmolded material 2210 surrounding the button actuator region create a thinner layer of rubber or other material (e.g., elastomer) to better facilitate bending when the buttons 2200A and 2200B are actuated. These grooves 2204A and 2204B may also provide the aforementioned tactile characteristics. The deformable regions 2202A and 2202B may include a base portion of an elastomer-overmolded material having a first thickness (e.g., 2 mm to 10 mm thick), and the grooves 2204A and 2204B may have a second thickness (e.g., 0.5 mm to 3 mm thick) less than the first thickness. The first thickness of the overmolding material at the base portion may be 1.5 to 20 times thicker than the second thickness of the overmolding material in the grooves 2204A and 2204B.

[0131] In this example, when buttons 2200A and 2200B are pressed, the overmolded material in grooves 2204A and 2204B stretches slightly under the applied force. When the force from the button press decreases or is removed, the stretched material in grooves 2204A and 2204B returns to its unstretched configuration, thus providing return energy. This return energy can provide an interesting tactile sensation on the user's finger, somewhat like a "bouncing" or "trampoline" effect. Overmolded material 2210 also seals the button area to help prevent water, debris, or other undesirable materials from entering the interior of housing 502. Flexible regions 2202A and 2202B can be formed as part of a cover 506 placed on the housing 750 of the fluid dispenser 500 and / or formed as the top surface of the housing 750 of the fluid dispenser 500. However, if desired, the grooves 2204A and / or 2204B in flexible regions 2202A and / or 2202B can be replaced by through holes. If necessary or required, additional sealing components (e.g., elastomer gaskets, O-rings, etc., see below) can be provided in such systems. Figure 22E To seal the button opening and / or provide a "bouncing" or "trampoline" effect (if needed).

[0132] Without abandoning the technology Figure 22BThe recesses 2204A and 2204B can have any desired shape. They can be located near the button actuator area (e.g., above and / or around the hardware required to activate the button). Figure 22B In the illustrated example, grooves 2204A and 2204B are generally U-shaped, with their free or open ends facing each other. The free or open ends may also face other directions, including away from each other or towards other surfaces of the button. In other examples, grooves 2204A and / or 2204B may form a closed path around the button actuator region.

[0133] Figure 23 Electrical block diagram 2300 is provided for some examples of components in a fluid distributor 500, a fluid flow control system, a sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100, according to aspects of this technology. Although Figure 23 The illustrations depict several components and systems incorporated into the fluid dispenser 500, fluid flow control system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 according to aspects of the present technology; however, any desired subset or combination of these components and systems may be used in some instances of the present technology. A more detailed description follows. Figure 23 More of these components and systems are identified in the text.

[0134] Figure 24 The illustration shows an example layout of various components within (and / or on) the housing 502 of a fluid distributor 500 according to at least some embodiments of the present technology. Figure 24 Various lamps 506L are shown arranged around the outer periphery of housing 502 as described above. An optical driver 2410 (“LED driver”) is provided to control the operation of lamps 506L, which can form a 12-LED light ring (e.g., under programmable / programmable control). Figure 24The system is further illustrated with an antenna 2402 (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy (“BLE”) antenna for receiving wireless input (such as from a computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a “smartphone”); for receiving electronic messages from a pair of shoes; for receiving electronic messages from clothing and / or another source; for receiving electronic information from other sensors (e.g., onboard shoe sensors, clothing-based sensors, sensors included in an external computing device as speed and / or distance monitors, etc.); and so on). A microcontroller 2404 (“MCU”) is provided to run the software and hardware (and optionally any other functions and / or hardware) required to perform the functions described above and those described in more detail below. One or more inertial measurement units (“IMUs”) 2406, such as accelerometers (“ACC”), magnetometers (“MAG”), etc., may also be provided to detect user movement in the footwear article 100. Data from such inertial measurement units or other available sensors can be used to automatically control and / or change the pressure settings in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 in one or both shoes. An electric motor driver 2408 is present in the example of this illustration, for example, for controlling the operation of any electric motor in the fluid distributor 500 (e.g., as will be described in more detail below). "Open spaces" on the surfaces within the housing 502 may at least partially fill some or all of the manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900, rechargeable battery, and / or other desired components.

[0135] Figure 25 The illustrations depict several potential communication methods between the central controller 2500 and a pair of shoes (e.g., worn by a user). These communications can occur via hardware, systems, communication protocols, etc., as known and used in the prior art. While each shoe in a pair can include all the hardware and software required to provide the desired functionality (e.g., as described above and / or described in more detail below), in some instances of this art, one shoe in a pair may include all the desired hardware and software (in... Figure 25 The shoe 2502 is the "connected to the center" shoe, and this shoe 2502 can be connected to another shoe (in Figure 25The central controller 2500 communicates with the shoe (2504) via, for example, wirelessly, through antenna 2402. In this way, by providing less hardware on a single shoe, the overall hardware cost of a pair of shoes can be reduced. The central controller 2500 can be included as part of a shoe (e.g., within housing 502 of the fluid dispenser 500 for that shoe), and it can communicate with that shoe via a wired or wireless connection. The shoe including the central controller 2500 can, in turn, communicate with another shoe, for example, via a wireless connection as described above. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the central controller 2500 can be provided as part of a computing device (e.g., a mobile computing device), such as an application operating on a smartphone. In this way, pressure change information can be provided via an external computing device (e.g., a smartphone) and transmitted, for example, via antenna 2402 in housing 502 to one or both shoes.

[0136] Figure 25 Further illustrations show how various components operate to enter and exit "sleep" mode 2506. For example, components can enter "sleep" mode 2506 when one or both shoes do not receive "foot presence sensor" or "FPS" data within a predetermined time period, or when connection with one or both shoes is lost after a timeout period (e.g., no foot pressure sensing). Foot presence within shoes 2502, 2504 can be sensed in any desired manner, such as via capacitive sensors, force / pressure sensors, switch-type sensors, etc. For example, components can "wake up" from "sleep" mode when foot pressure is sensed in at least one shoe 100, or when interaction between the user and an input device (e.g., input buttons 506A, 506B, an application on a mobile computing device, etc.) is received. Once awakened, the central controller 2500 can be activated to "inform" of available wireless connectivity for engagement with at least shoe 2502. The central controller 2500 can also notify the central shoe 2502 and the peripheral shoe 2504 of their availability, and facilitate the connection between the central shoe 2502 and the peripheral shoe 2504 (and optionally act as a connection intermediary). The interaction and communication status of other components are also discussed. Figure 25 The diagram illustrates, for example, when and how various components attempt to connect to each other, attempt to maintain their connection, and / or attempt to reconnect to each other.

[0137] exist Figure 25In the arrangement shown, shoes 2502 and 2504 can communicate directly with each other. Furthermore, in some connection protocols, when in direct communication: (a) either shoe 2502 or 2504 can act as a “central” communication point (providing input and information to the other shoe) and / or controller 2500, and (b) either shoe 2502 or 2504 can act as a “peripheral” communication point (receiving input and information from the other shoe and / or controller 2500). For a given pair of shoes, the same shoe does not necessarily have to be the central shoe and / or controller 2500, and the same shoe does not necessarily have to be the peripheral shoe. Furthermore, in situations such as... Figure 25 In some of the arrangements shown, when communication occurs between shoes 2502, 2504 and an external computing device, for example via a wireless communication connection with a mobile phone, smartphone, etc., shoes 2502, 2504 become peripheral devices, and the external computing device becomes a central device. The external computing device may include a user input system to receive user input, for example via an application, and send that input (e.g., pressure change input) to one or more of the associated shoes 2502, 2504.

[0138] Additionally, if needed, shoes 2502, 2504 and / or external communication devices communicating with shoes 2502, 2504 can receive data and / or information from one or more electronic devices integrated into clothing 2510 and / or send data and / or information to one or more electronic devices integrated into clothing 2510 (e.g., motorized fluids including a sports bra (e.g., where fluid pressure changes alter support, for example, provided by a fluid bladder incorporated into the sports bra), motorized fluids including a compression sleeve (e.g., a hollow tubular sleeve including a fluid bladder, where fluid pressure changes in the fluid bladder of the sleeve provide a level of compression), clothing having a fluid transport system of the type described herein incorporated therein (e.g., having a fluid bladder), motorized shoelace components, etc. Therefore, shoes 2502, 2504 and / or external communication devices communicating with shoes 2502, 2504 can receive and / or send communications to other components, such as motorized and / or adaptive lacing and support systems (e.g., sports bras, compression sleeves, etc.) inside / on the shoe or inside / on clothing. When communicating with other such systems provided in clothing 2510, clothing 2510 can be used as a central communication point together with shoes 2502, 2504 as peripheral devices, or any one of shoes 2502, 2504 can be used as a central communication point together with clothing 2510 and other shoes as peripheral devices. However, in such a system, if an external computing device enters the communication loop, that device can be used as a central device, and shoes 2502 and any devices included in clothing 2510 can be used as peripheral devices. Furthermore, wireless connections with shoes 2502, 2504 can allow connection to any one or more automated and / or motorized shoe fastening mechanisms, such as motorized lacing, etc. Clothing 2510 may include any or all of the electronic equipment, communication capabilities and / or fluid transport capabilities as described herein for similar components in footwear.

[0139] Various examples of the structure and operation of the fluid transfer system 900 are described in more detail in the following sections. Some aspects of the fluid transfer system 900 according to the present technology involve a valve stem within a valve housing to open and close various fluid passages through the manifold 800. Other aspects of the fluid transfer system 900 according to the present technology involve a solenoid-based system that selectively opens and closes to control the flow of fluid through the manifold 800.

[0140] B. Characteristics of valve stem-based fluid transport systems

[0141] Figures 26A to 26DVarious views of an example fluid distributor 500, including a movable valve stem type fluid transfer system 900A, are provided according to aspects of the present technology. As described above, the example fluid distributor 500 includes a housing 502 in which a manifold 800 and the fluid transfer system 900A are housed, and a connector 700 that engages the components within the housing 502 with a fluid source (e.g., external environment, pump 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), an external environment 150, at least one foot support bladder 200, and at least one fluid container 400. Figures 26A to 26D The location of the fluid transfer system 900A and the rechargeable battery 2602 for powering various electrical or electronic components is further shown.

[0142] Figures 27A to 29 Additional details are provided regarding components of an example manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900A according to some aspects of the present technology. The example manifold 800 includes a manifold body or housing 820. See also... Figures 5A to 5F A surface 822A or side of the manifold body 820 includes ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D, which are fluidly connected to corresponding ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718 of the connector 700, respectively. An opposing surface 822B of the manifold body 820 (although it could be another surface) includes an inlet port 800I, a first manifold port 804, a second manifold port 808, and a third manifold port 814. A fluid inlet path 802 extends between port 800A and fluid inlet port 800I, a first fluid flow path 806 extends between port 800B and first manifold port 804, a second fluid flow path 810 extends between port 800C and second manifold port 808, and a third fluid flow path 812 extends between port 800D and third manifold port 814. Therefore, in this illustrated example, manifold 800 includes four separate fluid paths extending through it. The manifold 800 in this example also includes at least one pressure sensor. Figures 27A to 28The two pressure sensors 850A and 850B shown are described. Pressure sensors 850A and 850B may be positioned to determine the fluid pressure in at least one of a first fluid flow path 806, a second fluid flow path 810, or a third fluid flow path 812. In some more specific instances, a first pressure sensor 850A may be provided to determine the fluid pressure in the third fluid flow path 812 (and therefore in the fluid container 400), and a second pressure sensor 850B may be provided to determine the fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path 806 or the second fluid flow path 810 (e.g., the pressure in the foot support bladder 200). An O-ring 852 (or a gasket and / or other suitable sealing device) may be provided to sealably engage the pressure sensors 850A and 850B with the manifold body 820.

[0143] The illustrated example of a fluid transfer system 900A includes a valve housing 902 and a valve stem 910 movably (e.g., rotatably, slidably, etc.) mounted in the valve housing 902. The valve stem 910 of this example includes a first end 910A (e.g., a driven end) and a second end 910B (e.g., a free end) opposite the first end 910A. A peripheral wall 910W extends between the first end 910A and the second end 910B. The first end 910A, the second end 910B, and the peripheral wall 910W define an internal chamber 910I of the valve stem 910. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910 includes a plurality of through holes 910H extending from the internal chamber 910I to the peripheral wall 910W and the outer surface of the valve stem 910. This will be described in more detail below (e.g., in conjunction with...). Figures 30A to 30G By fluidly communicating one or more of the multiple through holes 900H with the first fluid flow path 806, the second fluid flow path 810 and / or the third fluid flow path 812, the movement of the valve stem 910 to multiple positions selectively places this fluid flow control system (e.g., fluid distributor 500, fluid transfer system 900A, combined manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900A, etc.) into multiple operating states.

[0144] Figures 27A to 29 The illustration further illustrates that the example fluid transfer system 900A includes a drive system (e.g., an electric motor 920) and a transmission 922 (including an output gear, a nose pin, a cup seal, and other gears, described in more detail below). The transmission 922 components transmit power from the electric motor 920 to a first end 910A of the valve stem 910 to move (in this example, rotate) the valve stem 910 relative to the valve housing 902 (and manifold 800). Power is supplied (e.g., from a rechargeable battery 2602) and a fluid distributor 500 is provided, among other things. Figures 27A to 29A microcontroller (not shown) selectively drives a motor 920 to position the valve stem 910 in one of a plurality of positions, thereby enabling fluid to move from a desired starting point to a desired position.

[0145] The fluid transfer system 900A in this example further includes an encoder system (e.g., an on-axis magnetic encoder system, an off-axis magnetic encoder system, etc.) comprising an encoder magnet 932 and an encoder plate 934 for detecting the position (e.g., rotational position) of the valve stem 910 relative to the housing 902 and / or other components. The encoder system provides data indicating this position to the microcontroller. Such encoder systems are commercially available, and their operation is known in the relevant art.

[0146] In this example fluid transfer system 900A, the valve housing 902 engages with the manifold body 820 in a sealing manner. While this seal can be achieved in various ways, in the illustrated example, one or more sealing connectors 840 are provided between the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910 and one or more of the fluid inlet port 800I, the first manifold port 804, the second manifold port 808, and / or the third manifold port 814. The sealing connector 840 extends into a recess 902R on one side of the valve housing 902. In the illustrated example, a single sealing connector 840 or sealing block includes three sealing ports 840A, 840B, and 840C. Three sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C through the sealing connector 840 connect to the first manifold port 804, the second manifold port 808, and the third manifold port 814, respectively. In this manner, sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C are in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path 806, the second fluid flow path 810, and the third fluid flow path 812 of the manifold body 820, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, another sealing port and another sealing channel can be provided in the sealing connector 840 to connect the fluid inlet port 800I of the manifold 800 to the valve housing 902. However, in Figure 29 In a specific example, the fluid inlet path 802 from manifold port 800A to fluid inlet port 800I is directly connected to the valve body 902, and the fluid inlet path 902A extends through the valve body 902 to allow inlet fluid to enter the internal chamber 910I of the valve stem 910 through the open second end 910B of the valve stem 910. See also Figure 29 The fluid passage 902P is shown by the dashed line.

[0147] like Figure 29As further shown, the first manifold port 804, the second manifold port 808, and the third manifold port 814 are aligned along the outer side of the manifold 800. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D are aligned along the outer side of the manifold 800 (and in the example illustrated, on the side of the manifold 800 opposite to ports 804, 808, and 814). Any two or more fluid flow paths 802, 806, 810, and 812 may extend aligned and / or parallel through the manifold body 820. Additionally or alternatively, any two or more sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C of the sealing connector 840 may extend aligned and / or parallel through the sealing connector 840 body.

[0148] The valve stem 910 can position the fluid transfer system 900A in two or more operating states depending on its position relative to the housing body 902. Movement of the valve stem 910 alters the positioning of the through-hole 910H through the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910, and allows different holes 910H to align with ports 840A, 840B, and 840C of the sealing connector 840. The valve stem 910 can be moved, for example rotated, under the control of a microprocessor controlling the motor 920. Figures 30A to 30G Additional details are provided regarding various operational states that can be provided and used in the fluid dispenser 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and footwear article 100 including fluid transfer system 900A according to aspects of this technology. For example... Figure 29 As shown, this discussion assumes that: (a) manifold port 800A is in fluid communication with a fluid source, such as pumps 600H and 600F (e.g., via connector ports 702I and 704O and the components connecting them or other suitable fluid lines) to bring fluid into the fluid transfer system 900A; and (b) manifold port 800B is in fluid communication with the external environment 150 (e.g., via connector port 706 and fluid path 708 and / or other suitable fluid lines) to drain any excess fluid from the fluid transfer system 900A. External environment 150; (c) manifold port 800C is in fluid communication with foot support bladder 200 (e.g., via connector ports 712 and 720 and fluid lines 714 and / or other components connecting them) to increase or decrease the fluid pressure in foot support bladder 200; and (d) manifold port 800D is in fluid communication with fluid container 400 (e.g., via connector ports 718 and 722 and fluid lines 716 and / or other components connecting them) to increase or decrease the fluid pressure in fluid container 400. Also note the combination... Figures 5A to 5F The connection and discussion of the operational status are shown and discussed.

[0149] As described above, in this example fluid dispenser 500, the valve stem 910 rotates to different positions to place the fluid dispenser 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 into different operating states. While any number of operating states are possible, in the example illustrated, the valve stem 910 can rotate to such positions as Figures 30A to 30G The six different operating states are shown. Figure 30A The diagram schematically illustrates various positions of the valve stem 910 when it rotates clockwise (e.g., from operating state 1 to operating state 6) or counterclockwise (e.g., from operating state 6 to operating state 1). In some pressure control methods according to aspects of this technology, the "standby" state can be a typical state during most of the time (when no pressure change occurs). The valve stem 910 rotates an appropriate amount to enter the desired operating state (e.g., operating states 2 to 6), waits for the pressure to reach the desired level (as measured by pressure sensors 850A, 850B), and then rotates back to the standby state.

[0150] In this example, operating state 1 is a "standby" or "idle" state, in which the fluid pumped in each step simply passes through the system, for example, from pumps 600H and 600F, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, back through manifold 800, and reaches the external environment 150. See also Figure 30B Operating state 1 prevents over-pressurization of any part of the entire foot support system, for example, when the foot activation pump is used and activated in each step to move fluid.

[0151] Operating state 2 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 1) is a "pumping" state for moving fluid from a pump (or other fluid source) to the foot support bladder 200. In operating state 2, the fluid pumped in one step passes through the system (e.g., from one or more pumps 600H, 600F, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and enters the foot support bladder 200. See also Figure 30C This operating state can be used to quickly and / or directly increase the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., the "inflated" configuration of the foot support bladder 200).

[0152] Operating state 3 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 2) is the "active" state for moving fluid from foot support bladder 200 to the external environment 150. In operating state 3, fluid flows through the system (e.g., from foot support bladder 200, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and reaches the external environment 150. See also Figure 30DThis operating state can be used to release fluid and reduce fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., the "deflation" configuration of the foot support bladder 200).

[0153] Operating state 4 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 3) is also an "active" state for moving fluid from fluid container 400 to the external environment 150. In operating state 4, fluid travels through the system (e.g., from fluid container 400, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and reaches the external environment 150. See also Figure 30E This operating state can be used to release fluid and reduce the fluid pressure in fluid container 400 (e.g., the "venting" configuration of fluid container 400).

[0154] Operating state 5 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 4) is also an "active" state for moving fluid from fluid container 400 to foot support bladder 200. In operating state 5, fluid flows through the system (e.g., from fluid container 400, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and reaches foot support bladder 200. See also Figure 30F This operating state can be used to increase the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200 by moving fluid from the fluid container 400 to the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., an "inflated" configuration of the foot support bladder 200). This operating state allows for fluid pressure variations in the foot support bladder 200 without requiring the user to take one or more steps to activate the pumps 600H, 600F (e.g., when the user is standing or sitting still and / or raising his / her foot). This operating state also allows for more controlled and fine-tuned pressure variations in the foot support bladder 200, for example, because in this operating state, large pressure spikes caused by the wearer stepping or jumping are closed to direct fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., because fluid lines 606 from the foot activation pumps 600H, 600F are closed).

[0155] Operating state 6 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 5) is the "pumping" state from the pump (or other fluid source) to the fluid container 400. In operating state 6, fluid flows through the system (e.g., from pumps 600H, 600F, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and into the fluid container 400. See also Figure 30G This operating state can be used to quickly and / or directly increase the fluid pressure in the fluid container 400 (e.g., the "inflating" configuration of the fluid container 400).

[0156] In addition to pressure sensing in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, some pressure sensing algorithms and methods according to aspects of the present technology can rely on sensor input to determine the operating state to be used. For example, data from an accelerometer, foot force sensor, and / or speed and / or distance monitor can be used to determine whether an increase in pressure in the foot support bladder 200 should be achieved via operating state 2 (using fluid from the foot activation pump system 600H, 600F) or via operating state 5 (using fluid from the fluid container 400). For example, if the user moves relatively slowly, transmission via operating state 2 may be desirable, especially if the fluid container 400 is at a relatively low pressure. However, if the user moves quickly and / or applies high contact force on the foot pumps 600H, 600F, operating state 5 may be preferred (e.g., to produce a more uniform fluid flow without pressure spikes due to the sole contacting the ground). Additionally or alternatively, accelerometer, foot force sensor, and / or speed and / or distance monitor data can be used to automatically change the operating state, such as increasing or decreasing foot support pressure in the foot support bladder based on movement speed, contact force, etc. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some instances of systems and methods according to this technology, the system can begin to "learn" (e.g., recognize patterns) how the user moves (e.g., tends to run or exercise at a certain time of day, tends to run on a particular type of surface, tends to run at varying speeds (e.g., based on a workout program), etc.), and based on this information predict and apply changes in the operating state to match the predicted movement changes. In this way, pressure changes in the foot support system can be better aligned with the user's movement changes "in real time" or seemingly in real time. Alternatively, when linked to a digital coaching system, automatic (or system-generated) changes in the operating state can be aligned with desired movement changes received from the digital coaching system to match desired performance or mitigate injury risk, thus also serving as a communication system for the user.

[0157] Additionally or alternatively, if desired, systems and methods according to at least some aspects of this technology can determine and / or use various step metrics, including step metrics related to the user's contact force with the ground and / or various characteristics of the user's movement (e.g., metrics related to the user's running or other sports techniques). Such metrics may include one or more of the following: (A) contact time per foot per step (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the time period when a vertical force applied by the foot is greater than 50 N); (b) swing time period per foot per step (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the time per foot when a vertical force applied by the foot is less than 50 N until that foot generates a force greater than 50 N again); (c) step rhythm (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the reciprocal of the sum of the contact and swing times of each foot); (d) stride length (e.g., making... (e) Impulse (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the sum of contact and swing time x average velocity); (f) Impulse per foot per step (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the peak rate of rise of vertical ground reaction force, effective peak value of vertical ground reaction force, etc.); (g) Impulse per foot per step (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the integral of the magnitude of ground reaction force during contact); and (g) Contact type per foot per step (e.g., using motion capture data, such as the foot angle relative to the horizontal during each step, rear foot contact angle, midfoot contact ankle, forefoot contact angle, etc.).

[0158] The fluid dispenser 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100 may have (or be placed in) any one or more (and any combination of) these operating states. Some specific examples of this technology may include all six operating states. Alternatively, some specific examples of this technology may include operating states 1, 3, 5, and 6 or 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (and use fluid supplied from the fluid container 400 to achieve any desired pressure increase in the foot support bladder 200). If necessary or required, the fluid dispenser 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear according to some examples of this technology may include pressure-reducing valves (optionally replacing operating states 3 and / or 4, respectively) in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, for example, to prevent overpressure of these components.

[0159] Now we will combine Figures 5A to 5F , Figure 29 and Figures 30B to 30G Further details describe the fluid flow through the fluid distributor 500, which includes the fluid transfer system 900A. Figure 5A , Figure 29 and Figure 30BIn the operating state 1 shown, at this first rotational position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from the fluid supply source (e.g., from the external environment 150, through connector inlet 702I, through fluid path 702P, through connector outlet 702O, through fluid path 604, through heel pump 600H, through fluid path 602, through forefoot pump 600F, through fluid line 606), (b) through connector inlet port 704, (c) through connector fluid path 704P, (d) through connector outlet port 704O, (e) through manifold port 800A, (f) through manifold fluid inlet path 802, (g) through... The manifold fluid inlet port 800I, (h) passes through the fluid introduction path 902A, (i) enters the open end 910B of the valve stem 910, (j) passes through the internal chamber 910I, (k) passes through the first through hole 940A, (l) passes through the sealing port 840A, (m) passes through the first sealing channel 842A, (n) passes through the first manifold port 804, (o) passes through the first manifold fluid flow path 806, (p) passes through the manifold port 800B, (q) passes through the first fluid path connector port 706, (r) passes through the first connector fluid path 708, and (s) reaches the external environment 150 (e.g., through the internal space 710 of the connector 700). If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then the fluid flow through these components will not exist in the aforementioned fluid flow path.

[0160] exist Figure 5B , Figure 29 and Figure 30CIn the operating state 2 shown, at this second rotational position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from the fluid supply source (e.g., from the external environment 150, through connector inlet 702I, through fluid path 702P, through connector outlet 702O, through fluid path 604, through heel pump 600H, through fluid path 602, through forefoot pump 600F, through fluid line 606), (b) through connector inlet port 704, (c) through connector fluid path 704P, (d) through connector outlet port 704O, (e) through manifold port 800A, (f) through manifold fluid inlet path 802, (g) through manifold fluid... (h) through the inlet port 800I, (i) through the fluid inlet path 902A, (j) through the open end 910B of the valve stem 910, (k) through the internal chamber 910I, (l) through the second through hole 940B, (m) through the sealing port 840B, (n) through the second sealing channel 842B, (o) through the second manifold port 808, (p) through the second manifold fluid flow path 810, (q) through the manifold port 800C, (r) through the second fluid path connector port 712, (s) through the second connector fluid path 714, (t) through the connector port 720, (u) through the bladder fluid line 202, and (h) through the foot support bladder 200. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then the fluid flow through these components will not exist in the aforementioned fluid flow path.

[0161] exist Figure 5C , Figure 29 and Figure 30DIn the operating state 3 shown, at this third rotational position of the valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from the foot support bladder 200, (b) through the bladder fluid line 202, (c) through the connector port 720, (d) through the second connector fluid path 714, (e) through the second fluid path connector port 712, (f) through the manifold port 800C, (g) through the second manifold fluid flow path 810, (h) through the second manifold port 808, (i) through the second sealing channel 842B, (j) through the sealing port 840B, (k) through the second sealing channel 842B, (k) through the second sealing channel 840B, (k) through the second sealing channel 842B, (j) through the sealing port 840B, (k) through the second sealing channel 842 ... (l) through the third through-hole 940C, (m) through the internal chamber 910I, (n) through the fourth through-hole 940D, (n) through the sealing port 840A, (o) through the first sealing channel 842A, (p) through the first manifold port 804, (q) through the first manifold fluid flow path 806, (r) through the manifold port 800B, (s) through the first fluid path connector port 706, (t) through the first connector fluid path 708, and (u) to reach the external environment 150 (e.g., through the internal space 710 of the connector 700). If necessary or required, a one-way valve at some point in the fluid path from the fluid supply source (e.g., in the fluid line 606) can prevent fluid from flowing out of the second end 910B of the valve stem 910 and into the channel 902A, through the fluid inlet 800I and / or through the fluid inlet path 802. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components identified above (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then fluid flow through these components will not exist in the fluid flow path described above.

[0162] exist Figure 5D , Figure 29 and Figure 30EIn the operating state 4 shown, at this fourth rotational position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from fluid container 400, (b) through container fluid line 402, (c) through connector port 722, (d) through third connector fluid path 716, (e) through third fluid path connector port 718, (f) through manifold port 800D, (g) through third manifold fluid flow path 812, (h) through third manifold port 814, (i) through third sealing passage 842C, (j) through sealing port 840C, (k) through third sealing passage 842 ... (l) through the fifth through-hole 940E, (m) through the internal chamber 910I, (n) through the sixth through-hole 940F, (o) through the sealing port 840A, (p) through the first sealing channel 842A, (q) through the first manifold port 804, (r) through the first manifold fluid flow path 806, (s) through the manifold port 800B, (t) through the first fluid path connector port 706, (u) through the first connector fluid path 708, and (v) to reach the external environment 150 (e.g., through the internal space 710 of the connector 700). If necessary or required, a one-way valve at some point in the fluid path from the fluid supply source (e.g., in the fluid line 606) can prevent fluid from flowing out of the second end 910B of the valve stem 910 and into the channel 902A, through the fluid inlet 800I and / or through the fluid inlet path 802. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components identified above (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then fluid flow through these components will not exist in the fluid flow path described above.

[0163] exist Figure 5E , Figure 29 and Figure 30FIn the operating state 5 shown, at the fifth rotational position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from fluid container 400, (b) through container fluid line 402, (c) through connector port 722, (d) through third connector fluid path 716, (e) through third fluid path connector port 718, (f) through manifold port 800D, (g) through third manifold fluid flow path 812, (h) through third manifold port 814, (i) through third sealing channel 842C, (j) through sealing port 840C, (k) through the... The seven-way port 940G (l) passes through the internal chamber 910I, (m) through the eighth through port 940H, (n) through the sealing port 840B, (o) through the second sealing channel 842B, (p) through the second manifold port 808, (q) through the second manifold fluid flow path 810, (r) through the manifold port 800C, (s) through the second fluid path connector port 712, (t) through the second connector fluid path 714, (u) through the connector port 720, (v) through the bladder fluid line 202, and (w) into the foot support bladder 200. If necessary or required, a one-way valve at some point in the fluid path from the fluid supply source (e.g., in fluid line 606) can prevent fluid from flowing out of the second end 910B of the valve stem 910 and into the channel 902A, through the fluid inlet 800I and / or through the fluid inlet path 802. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components identified above (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then fluid flow through these components will not exist in the fluid flow path described above.

[0164] exist Figure 5E , Figure 29 and Figure 30GIn operating state 6, at this sixth position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from the fluid supply source (e.g., from external environment 150, through connector inlet 702I, through fluid path 702P, through connector outlet 702O, through fluid path 604, through heel pump 600H, through fluid path 602, through forefoot pump 600F, through fluid line 606), (b) through connector inlet port 704, (c) through connector fluid path 704P, (d) through connector outlet port 704O, (e) through manifold port 800A, (f) through manifold fluid inlet path 802, (g) through manifold fluid inlet. (h) through the fluid inlet path 902A, (i) into the open end 910B of the valve stem 910, (j) through the internal chamber 910I, (k) through the ninth through hole 940I, (l) through the sealing port 840C, (m) through the third sealing channel 842C, (n) through the third manifold port 814, (o) through the third manifold fluid flow path 812, (p) through the manifold port 800D, (q) through the third fluid path connector port 718, (r) through the third connector fluid path 716, (s) through the connector port 722, (t) through the container fluid line 402, and (u) into the fluid container 400. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then the fluid flow through these components will not exist in the aforementioned fluid flow path.

[0165] Therefore, as described above, the valve stem 910 includes a plurality of through holes 910H (and 940A to 940I) defined through its peripheral wall 910W. Figures 30B to 30G As shown, rotation of the valve stem 910 aligns the individual holes 910H with ports 840A, 840B, 840C in the sealing connector 840 (and / or with ports 804, 808, 814 in the manifold 800 if the separate sealing connector 840 is omitted and / or if the manifold 800 itself is used as the sealing connector). In the individual operating states of the valve stem 910, the holes 910H aligned with ports 840A, 840B, 840C, 804, 808, 814 are circumferentially offset from each other, such that only one or more holes are required to align the desired fluid flow connection and passage with the correct port. For operating states that rely on two (or more) through holes 910 through the peripheral wall 910W (e.g., operating states 3, 4, and 5 above), the through holes required to form the fluid flow connection can: (a) be aligned along the axial length and direction of the valve stem 910, and / or (b) extend parallel through the peripheral wall 910W.

[0166] The fluid flow rate entering and / or exiting the fluid transfer system 900A can be controlled in various ways. For example, when the periphery of the through-hole 910H in the valve stem 910 is fully aligned with the port to which it is connected (e.g., the sealed connector ports 840A, 840B, 840C), the maximum flow rate through the through-hole 910H and the aligned port can be achieved (e.g., depending on the pressure difference between the fluid source direction and the fluid destination direction).

[0167] However, in some situations, a maximum flow rate may not be necessary. This may occur, for example, when a user wants to create a small pressure change in the foot support bladder 200, or when approaching a potential overpressure situation. Therefore, when needed, in any operating state, the valve stem 910 is movable (e.g., rotated) to a position relative to the corresponding connection port (e.g., 840A, 840B, 840C, 804, 808, 814) such that the through-hole 910H is not perfectly aligned with the port it is connected to. Figures 31A to 31D Various examples of this type of "offset" relative to its connection port in the axial direction of the through-hole 910H are provided to reduce and control the flow rate through the component and the fluid exchange rate between components. Figures 31A to 31D Two through holes, 940G and 940H, are shown above. Figure 30F The example of operating state 5 is an instance where the corresponding two sealing ports 840B and 840C and two sealing channels 842B and 842C are partially aligned. However, variations of the same type can be applied to other operating states and / or when only one through-hole and / or when the other through-holes are at least partially aligned with the port. Figures 31A to 31D The example shows a sealed connector port 840A and a sealed channel 842A that are not aligned with the through hole (and thus the peripheral wall 910W can be seen through port 840A and channel 842A).

[0168] exist Figure 31A In this configuration, valve stem 910 is rotatably positioned such that the central axes of through holes 940G and 940H are offset by 10 degrees from the central axes of sealing ports 840C and 840B, respectively. In at least some arrangements (e.g., depending on fluid pressure, orifice size, relative orifice size, etc.), when the orifices and components are perfectly aligned, the offset results in a fluid velocity reduction to approximately 41% of the full flow velocity. Figure 31B In this configuration, valve stem 910 is rotatably positioned such that the central axes of through holes 940G and 940H are offset by 15 degrees from the central axes of sealing ports 840C and 840B, respectively. When the holes and components are fully aligned, this example results in a fluid velocity reduction to approximately 25% of the full flow rate. Figure 31CIn this configuration, valve stem 910 is rotatably positioned such that the central axes of through holes 940G and 940H are offset by 20 degrees from the central axes of sealing ports 840C and 840B, respectively. When the holes and components are fully aligned, this example results in a fluid velocity reduction to approximately 10% of the full flow rate. Figure 31D In this configuration, valve stem 910 is rotatably positioned such that the central axes of through holes 940G and 940H are offset by 25 degrees from the central axes of sealing ports 840C and 840B, respectively. When the holes and components are fully aligned, this example results in a fluid velocity reduction to approximately 1% of the full flow rate. Figure 31D Only small orifices 940G and 940H are visible. The reduced flow rate can be used, for example, for small or slow pressure regulation of the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 to fine-tune to the desired pressure, etc.

[0169] Figure 32A and Figure 32B A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an example combined manifold 800 (rigid plastic) and a cylindrical sealing connector 840 are provided, respectively. As shown, the example manifold 800 has: (a) four ports 800A, 800B, 800C, 800D (optionally aligned) at a surface 800E, (b) a fluid inlet port 800I, (c) a first port 804, a second port 808, and a third port 814 at another surface 800F (e.g., the surface opposite to surface 800E), for example, ports 804, 808, 814 aligned, and (d) four fluid flow paths 802, 806, 810, 812 (optionally aligned and / or extending parallel) through the manifold body 820. Although Figure 32A and Figure 32B The diagram shows end surfaces 800E and 800F on opposite sides of the manifold body 820, and fluid flow paths 806, 810, and 812 extending linearly through the manifold body 820 from surface 800E to surface 800F; however, other arrangements are possible. For example, one or more of the fluid flow paths 802, 806, 810, and 812 may be curved and / or angled, such that one or more ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D at one end of the fluid flow path are not located on surfaces opposite to corresponding ports 800I, 804, 808, and 814 at the other end of the fluid flow path. Any desired port arrangement and / or path shape can be used. The illustrated arrangement helps maintain the manifold 800 in a relatively compact size and shape.

[0170] In this example, ports 804, 808, 814 (and surface 800F) are located within a recess 800R defined in the manifold body 820. A sealing connector 840 is received in the recess 800R and secured by chemical bonding or opposing face seals (optionally, not just peripheral seals). The sealing connector 840 in this example includes: (a) three ports 840A, 840B, 840C at a surface 840E; and (b) three sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C extending from ports 840A, 840B, 840C to an opening at surface 840F (the opening in the sealing connector at surface 840F can also be considered a "port" of the sealing connector 840). The surface 840F of the sealing connector 840 is adjacent to the surface 800F of the manifold 800, and the sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C are aligned with the fluid flow paths 806, 810, and 812 of the manifold 800, respectively, to enable fluid communication between the sealing connector 840 and the manifold 800. Although Figure 32A and Figure 32B The diagram illustrates end surfaces 840E and 840F on opposite sides of the sealing connector 840, and sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C extending linearly through the sealing connector 840 from surface 840E to surface 840F. However, other arrangements are possible. For example, one or more of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C may be curved and / or angled, such that one or more ports 840A, 840B, and 840C at one end of the fluid flow path are not located on a surface opposite a corresponding opening at the other end of the fluid flow path. Any desired port arrangement, opening, and / or path shape can be used. The illustrated arrangement helps maintain the sealing connector 840 in a relatively compact size and shape.

[0171] Figures 29 to 32B The example configuration shown includes a sealing connector 840 having three sealed channels 842A, 842B, and 842C in fluid communication with three fluid flow paths 806, 810, and 812 in manifold 800. In these configurations, the fluid inlet path 802 through manifold 800 does not pass through the sealing connector 840. Instead, it connects directly to the fluid inlet path 902A of housing 900 (housing 900 in...). Figure 32A and Figure 32B (Not shown in the image). As another alternative, such as Figure 32CAs shown, the sealing connector 840 may include (a) four ports 840A, 840B, 840C, 840D at a surface 840E, and (b) four sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 840D extending from the ports 840A, 840B, 840C, 840D to an opening at a surface 840F (the opening in the sealing connector at surface 840F may also be considered a "port"). Figure 32C The additional port 840D and sealing channel 842D of the example can engage with the fluid inlet port 800I and flow in fluid communication with the fluid inlet path 802. The manifold 800 recess 800R in this configuration can be increased in size and / or shaped to extend to include the fluid inlet port 800I and accommodate the additional port 840D, sealing channel 842D, and fluid communication with the fluid inlet path 802. Alternatively, if desired, Figure 32C The additional port 840D and sealing channel 842D of the example can engage with a fluid channel that is in fluid communication with another component of the entire foot support system, such as another foot support bladder (if present), another fluid container (if present), etc.

[0172] As described above Figure 28 As shown in Figures A through 31G, in some instances of this technology, the sealed connector ports 840A, 840B, and 840C directly engage the outer surface of the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910. The valve stem 910 moves (e.g., rotates) to place the fluid transfer system 900A of this example into various operating states. Figure 32CFeatures of sealing connector ports 840A, 840B, 840C (and 840D, in this example) are shown, which help maintain a sealing connection between the sealing connector 840 and the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910. In the illustrated example, the outer surface of the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910 has a cylindrical shape and a curved periphery (e.g., a circular circumference) and cross-sectional shape. To maintain better contact and sealing between the sealing connector 840 and the peripheral wall 910W, the sealing connector ports 840A, 840B, 840C (and 840D) have an arched outer surface shape (840S), even during relative rotation. This arched outer surface shape 840S is shaped to correspond to the curvature of the peripheral wall 910W. The arched outer surface shape 840S of this example has two opposing curve inflection points (e.g., local maxima) 844A on opposite sides of ports 840A, 840B, and 840C in the rotational direction of the valve stem 910, and two opposing curve inflection points (e.g., local minima) 844B on opposite sides of ports 840A, 840B, and 840C in the axial direction of the valve stem 910. The arched outer surface shape 840S of this example rises from the base surface 840E to give an arched outer surface shape 840S with a slightly "fish lip" appearance. These shapes correspond to the curved surface of the peripheral wall 910W and maintain better contact with the curved surface of the peripheral wall 910W. If necessary or required, the peripheral walls 910W and / or ports 840A, 840B, 840C may be treated with a lubricant (or made of a material with a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to each other, such as a material containing polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.) to facilitate the sliding and sealing of the peripheral walls 910W relative to 840A, 840B and / or 840C.

[0173] Figures 33A to 37B The illustration depicts aspects of this technology involving the integration of one or more pressure sensors into a fluid flow control system and / or a foot support system, for example, to determine fluid pressure within a foot support bladder 200, a fluid container 400, and / or other components of the system. Various types of pressure sensors can be used without departing from this technology, including, for example, the MPR series pressure sensors (e.g., piezoresistive silicon pressure sensors) available from Honeywell. As some examples, pressure sensors useful according to at least some aspects of this technology will have one or more of the following: (A) a sensing pressure range from atmospheric pressure to at least +40 psi (e.g., 14.7 to 54.7 psi); (b) a small size (e.g., 5 mm × 5 mm or less); (c) a relative accuracy or error level (including nonlinearity, hysteresis, and non-repeatability) of less than 0.15 psi; (d) an absolute accuracy of less than 1 psi; (e) a digital output with on-board temperature compensation; and / or (f) a refresh rate of 50 Hz or greater.

[0174] In at least some instances of this technology, typically: (a) a pressure sensor 850A is in fluid communication with a third fluid flow path 812 for measuring fluid pressure in a fluid container 400 (in at least some illustrated instances, which is in fluid communication with fluid flow path 812 via connector fluid path 716 and container fluid path 402); and (b) another pressure sensor 850B is in fluid communication with a second fluid flow path 810 for measuring fluid pressure in a foot support bladder 200 (in at least some illustrated instances, which is in fluid communication with fluid flow path 202 via connector fluid path 714 and foot support fluid path 202). Some diagrams may appear to show pressure sensors in other marked paths. This is done at least in part so that the illustrations of pressure sensors 850A, 850B, and their ports are sufficiently separated to remain clear. The same type of pressure sensor, construction, and / or mounting can be used, regardless of the specific fluid passage for the installation pressure. Any desired arrangement of fluid paths through the sealing connector 840, manifold 800, and / or connector 700, from or to any location, can be used. As a supplement or alternative to the aforementioned “typical” pressure sensors 850A and 850B, if desired, a pressure sensor (including one of the pressure sensors 850A and 850B) may be placed in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path 806 to measure fluid pressure (e.g., from a fluid source such as pump 600H or 600F) in a fluid line extending to the external environment 150 and / or in a fluid inlet path 802.

[0175] Figures 33A to 33F An example of a combined valve housing 902, valve stem 910, seal block 840, and manifold 800 is illustrated, wherein two pressure sensors 850A and 850B (e.g., of the type described above) are disposed within separate recesses 820R formed in the manifold body 820. In the illustrated example, the recess 820R provides a pressure sensor mounting and extends inwardly from the bottom surface of the manifold body 820. Pressure sensors 850A and 850B are sealingly engaged within the recess 820R of the manifold body 820 by an O-ring 852. An open passage 3302 extends from the recess 820R to a fluid passage (…). Figure 33A As shown in 812), pressure sensors 850A and 850B are exposed to fluid pressure in the channel (a similar arrangement of open channels may be provided in other pressure sensor mounting recesses 820R). Figure 33A In this example, the manifold 800 is provided as a component separate from and engaged with the valve housing 902 (e.g., via a mechanical connector, adhesive, etc.). Figure 33AIn the example structure shown, the pressure sensor mounting recess 820R for accommodating pressure sensors 850A and 850B extends into the manifold body 820 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow (arrow 812F) through the manifold fluid path (e.g., 812) at the location of the open channel 3302. The open channel 3302 can be considered as an extension of the recess 820R.

[0176] Figures 33B to 33F Various views of another example combination of valve housing 902, valve stem 910, seal 840, and manifold 800 are provided, in which two pressure sensors 850A and 850B (e.g., of the type described above) are provided. In this example configuration 3300, manifold body 820 and valve housing 902 are formed as a single piece. Seal 840 and valve stem 910 can be inserted into the combined manifold body 820 and valve housing 902 configuration, for example, at the open end where an encoder plate or sensor 934 can be mounted. Figures 33B to 33F The various components shown use the same reference numerals as the same or similar components described above (and therefore many overlapping or redundant descriptions are omitted).

[0177] Without departing from this technology, one or more pressure sensors 850A and / or 850B can be placed in other locations throughout the system. Figure 34A and Figure 34B A mounting with one or more pressure sensors (e.g., a tube) is shown. Figure 34A and Figure 34B The example structure shown includes two tubes 854A and 854B, which define a recess 840R for mounting pressure sensors (e.g., 850A and 850B) as part of a sealing connector 840. The sealing connector 840 of this example includes: (a) a base surface 840E including ports 840A, 840B, 840C, and 840D; and (b) an outlet surface 840F including openings (or ports) 846A, 846B, 846C, and 846D for engaging manifold 800 (the manifold is located in...). Figure 34A and Figure 34B (a) Ports 800I, 804, 808, 814 (not shown); and (c) sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D extending between surfaces 840E and 840F. Surface 840F is provided with the free end of a material block 848 on which pressure sensor tubes (e.g., 854A, 854B) are defined and pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) are mounted. If desired, the tubular structure defining the sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D can be flexible, allowing block 848 to move relative to its connection with housing 902 at surface 840E, for example, to facilitate assembly, provide tolerances, etc. For example, via the combination as described above. Figure 33A The described open channel, pressure sensor tube (e.g., 854A, 854B), can be in fluid communication with any of the sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D extending between surfaces 840E and 840F to measure pressure in any of channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D and / or in devices in fluid communication with them. In some instances, pressure sensors 850A, 850B will provide pressure readings in foot support bladder 200 and fluid container 400. Although in Figures 33A to 33F Not shown, but the pressure sensor mount in the manifold body 820 may have [features] if needed. Figures 34A to 34B Tubular structures of the type shown (and such as) Figures 35A to 37B (Pressure sensor mounting bracket shown).

[0178] Figure 35A and Figure 35B The illustration shows another example of a pressure sensor (e.g., 850A, 850B) mating with a hermetically sealed connector 840. Figure 34A and Figure 34B Unlike other examples, the sealed connector 840 is more similar to Figure 32C The sealing connectors shown, for example, do not have flexible and / or individually obvious sealing fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D. Instead, the sealing connector 840 of this example is more of a block of material 848 through which the sealing fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D are formed. Although in Figure 35A and Figure 35B The diagram shows fluid communication with sealed channels 842B and 842D, but pressure sensor tubes (e.g., 854A, 854B) – and therefore pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) – may be fluidly communicated with any of the sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D extending between surfaces 840E and 840F, for example, to measure pressure in any of channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D and / or in devices fluidly in communication with them. In some instances, pressure sensors 850A, 850B will provide pressure readings in foot support bladder 200 and fluid container 400.

[0179] Figure 36A and Figure 36B The illustration shows another example of a pressure sensor (e.g., 850A, 850B) mating with a hermetically sealed connector 840. Figures 34A to 35BUnlike other examples, the sealing connector 840 can be made of a slightly more rigid material and has various connections that seal with the valve body 902 via O-rings, gaskets, and / or other types of seals. In the illustrated example, the engagement between surface 840E and housing 902 is sealed by one or more O-rings, gaskets, and / or other types of seals 858A, and the engagements between ports 840A, 840B, 840C, 840D and the peripheral wall 910W of valve stem 910 are sealed by O-rings, gaskets, and / or other types of seals 858B. Figures 36A to 36B Only one seal (858B) is shown in the figure. The sealing connector 840 in this example is a block of material 848 through which sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, and 842D are formed. Although in Figures 36 to... Figure 36B The diagram shows recesses (e.g., 856A, 856B) defined in a block of sealing connector material 848, which are in fluid communication with sealed channels 842B, 842D. Pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) thus housed within these recesses (e.g., 856A, 856B) can be in fluid communication with any of the sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D extending between surfaces 840E and 840F, for example, to measure pressure in any of the channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D and / or in devices in fluid communication with them. In some instances, pressure sensors 850A, 850B will provide pressure readings in the foot support bladder 200 and the fluid container 400. Pressure sensors 850A, 850B engage with a sealed connector 840 within the recesses 856A, 856B via an O-ring 852 (or a gasket or other suitable seal).

[0180] also, Figures 36A to 36B A sealing connector 840 is illustrated that engages with manifold 800. The manifold 800 in this example is relatively short compared to the other manifolds described above. Manifold 800 includes a base 820A and four manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D projecting outwards from the base 820A. The base 820A has a base surface 820B that engages with a surface 840F of the sealing connector 840. These manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D can engage with connector 700 as described above and / or can directly engage with fluid lines from sources such as fluid supply sources (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F), the external environment 150, foot support bladder 200, and fluid container 400 (e.g., if connector 700 is not present).

[0181] Figure 37A and Figure 37B The illustration shows an example structure comprising a two-part sealed connector 840—part 840G is relatively flexible while the other part 840H is more rigid. More specifically, as... Figure 37A and Figure 37B As shown, the flexible portion 840G of the sealing connector 840 forms a direct interface with the valve housing 902 and the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910. Sealing ports 840A, 840B, 840C, and 840D are provided on an extension 840I of the flexible portion 840G, which extends inward from the surface 840E and enters a recess 902R defined in the housing 902. Furthermore, this example flexible portion 840G includes tubes 854A and 854B for engaging pressure sensors 850A and 850B. This example flexible portion 840G forms the upper half of a portion of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, and 842D between the pressure sensors 850A and 850B and the valve housing 902. The flexible portion 840G also defines a sealed channel 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D between the pressure sensors 850A, 850B and the surface 840F of the sealing connector 840, which includes openings 846A, 846B, 846C, 846D for connection to the manifold 800 (or other suitable component, e.g., if the manifold 800 and the sealing connector 840 are formed as a single component).

[0182] The rigid portion 840H forms the lower half of a portion of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D between the pressure sensors 850A, 850B and the valve housing 902. Therefore, between the pressure sensors 850A, 850B and the valve housing 902, the flexible portion 840G and the rigid portion 840H cooperate to define portions of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D. The rigid portion 840H also defines portions of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D that pass through channels 842A to 842D and directly face the pressure sensors 850A, 850B. This two-part sealing connector 840 provides a degree of flexibility, such as ease of assembly, while still providing a robust overall structure.

[0183] As described above Figures 28 to 30G , Figure 32A , Figure 32B As illustrated in Figure 33, in some instances of this technology, the valve housing 902 can be engaged with a rigid manifold 800 component, which includes a recess 800R into which a sealing connector 840 is inserted. The valve housing 902 and the manifold 800 can be joined together using any desired technique, such as mechanical connectors, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and / or other fusion techniques. Figure 38A and Figure 38BAn example of this connection is illustrated (but a similar connection can be used to engage the sealing connector 840 with the valve housing 902 if needed, for example, as shown in the figure). Figures 34A to 37B (As shown). In this example, each of the four corners and / or edges of the valve housing 902 and manifold 800 is mechanically snapped together to hold these components together. At the interface between the valve housing 902 and the manifold 800, as... Figure 38B As shown, a flat surface 3800 (though a grooved surface may be provided if desired) is provided on each of the valve housing 902 and the manifold 800, for example, around the different mating side surfaces. An adhesive (e.g., a liquid dispensing adhesive) may be provided at the mating surface 3800 to permanently secure the valve housing 902 to the manifold 800 before these components are snapped together. A small chamfer 3802 may be included in one or both of the mating surfaces 3800 of the valve housing 902 and the manifold 800, for example, to provide space for any excess adhesive extruded from the mating surface 3800. An overlapping lip 3804 may also be provided between these components, for example, from the flat surface 3800 inwards.

[0184] A fluid transfer system 900A according to at least some examples of the present technology includes one or more sensors for determining the position (e.g., rotational position) of the valve stem 910 relative to the valve housing 902 (and / or relative to any one or more of the sealing connector 840 and / or manifold 800 (when either or both are present)). Figure 39An example fluid transfer system 900A in which a position sensor 930 is disposed is illustrated. In at least some embodiments of the present technology, position sensing can be performed by an encoding system capable of measuring absolute rotational position or a relative positioning sensor having an additional index channel indicating a specific absolute rotational position. In the illustrated example, the position sensor constitutes a magnetic encoder system 930 (e.g., an on-axis magnetic encoder system, an off-axis magnetic encoder system, etc.) including an encoder magnet 932 and a sensor 934. This magnetic encoder system 930 is an absolute position sensor. The encoder magnet 932 engages with a movable (e.g., rotatable) valve stem 910 (e.g., within an internal chamber 910I at a second end 910B) and rotates with the valve stem 910. The change in magnetic field strength measured at the sensor 934 indicates the position of the magnet 932 relative to the housing 902 or other components (and thus the position of the valve stem 910). The relative positions of magnet 932 (and valve stem 910) with respect to housing 902 or other components also determine (and / or allow determination) the operating state of fluid transfer system 900A as described above. Other types of position sensors 930 (e.g., optical encoders, other rotary sensors, etc.) can be used without departing from at least some aspects of this technology. However, magnetic encoder systems 930 offer several advantages because they do not require physical contact between components, and they are generally less prone to failure due to adhesives, lubricants, debris, or other undesirable materials that may enter the internal chamber 910I. Optical encoders are more prone to failure, for example, because undesirable materials may potentially obscure or block light sources or photodetectors. Magnetic encoder systems 930 and other position sensor systems are known and commercially available.

[0185] Figures 40A to 40C (and Figure 28 Other Figure 1 The image provides different views of a drive system including an electric motor 920 and a transmission 922 to transmit power to a first end 910A of a valve stem 910 and to move (in this example, rotate) the valve stem 910 relative to a valve housing 902 (and / or manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840, etc.). The power source (e.g., from a battery) and a fluid distributor 500, for example, are provided (in...) Figure 40A and Figure 40B A microcontroller (not shown) selectively drives a motor 920 to position the valve stem 910 in one of a variety of positions and operating states, thereby moving fluid between desired positions as described above. The motor 920 may be configured as a DC coreless brushless motor (e.g., commercially available from Constar Micromotors Ltd. or other commercial sources).

[0186] The transmission device 922 is at least partially mounted on the frame 924 (e.g., a die-cast zinc frame) and may be covered by a cover plate 926 (e.g., made of metal). (Refer to...) Figures 40A to 40C The specific example transmission device 922—a three-stage transmission device—is described in more detail. The shaft 920S of the electric motor 920 engages with a motor pinion 928. The motor pinion 928 engages with a large gear 928A of a first intermediate gear set 928B, which further includes a pinion 928C mounted on a rotating pin 928D (e.g., a steel pin) shared with the large gear 928A. The pinion 928C of the first intermediate gear set 928B engages with a large external gear 928E of a second intermediate gear set 928F. The large external gear 928E of the second intermediate gear set 928F is mounted on a rotating pin 928G (e.g., a steel pin) shared with a smaller gear 928H of the second intermediate gear set 928F. The smaller gear 928H of the second intermediate gear set 928F engages with the external gear train 928I of the output gear 928J. The central opening 928K of the output gear 928J includes an internal gear train that engages with the gear end 910G of the valve stem 910. One or more cup seals 910S, O-rings, gaskets, or other sealing devices may be provided at the first end 910A of the valve stem 910 to prevent fluid leakage from the housing 902. A nose pin 928L secures the output gear 928J and its associated components to the frame 922.

[0187] exist Figure 40A and Figure 40B In the example transmission system 922 shown, the axis 920T of the motor shaft 920S extends parallel to and is spaced apart from the rotation axis 910T of the valve stem 910. Figure 41A and Figure 41B A fluid transfer system 900D with a different arrangement of an electric motor 920 and a valve stem 910 is shown, wherein the axis 920T of the motor shaft 920S is aligned and collinear with the axis of rotation 910T of the valve stem 910. In this case, a planetary transmission 922B or a planetary gearbox can be used to transmit power and rotational motion from the electric motor 920 to the valve stem 910. A typical planetary transmission 922B includes a central “sun gear” (e.g., driven by the shaft 920S of the electric motor 920) and multiple “planetary gears” that rotate cooperatively to transmit rotational energy from the electric motor to the driven shaft (e.g., the gear 910G of the valve stem 910). This type of planetary transmission 922B is known and commercially available.

[0188] The foot support system and fluid distributor 500 described above with respect to the fluid delivery system 900A include a single foot support bladder 200 and a single fluid container 400. However, if desired, the foot support system, fluid distributor 500, sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 according to at least some aspects of the present technology may include structures for supporting fluid pressure variations for more than one foot support bladder 200 and / or more than one fluid container 400. When two or more foot support bladders 200 are present, fluid can be introduced into all bladders simultaneously. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, all foot support bladders can be simultaneously filled by branching the fluid line 202 into separate foot support supply lines extending to the corresponding individual foot support bladders. As another example, all foot support bladders in the footwear article 100 can be simultaneously filled by connecting the foot support bladders in series or parallel via fluid lines. Similarly, two or more fluid containers 400 can be filled simultaneously in the same manner, but by branching the container fluid lines 402 into separate lines and / or connecting the fluid containers in series or parallel.

[0189] If multiple foot support bladders 200 and / or fluid containers 400 exist in a single shoe 100, and it is desirable to potentially provide different fluid pressures in the bladders 200 and / or containers 400, then appropriate valve adjustment or switching mechanisms can be provided, for example, after the fluid exits the connector 700 and enters the foot support fluid line 202 and / or container fluid line 402. Alternatively, if desired, a separate fluid passage can be provided for each individual foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 through the connector 700, manifold 800, and sealing connector 840 (if present); a separate through-hole 910H for attaching the foot support bladder and / or fluid container can be provided in the valve stem 910 (e.g., axially spaced apart from other through-holes 910H); and additional operating states can be provided. In other words, each additional foot support bladder in shoe 100 can be provided with an additional set of ports, fluid channels, etc., as shown in the figure, for moving fluid into and out of the foot support bladder 200, and / or each additional fluid container in shoe can be provided with an additional set of ports, fluid channels, etc., as shown in the figure, for moving fluid into and out of the fluid container 400. The input system (e.g., on an external computing device, as part of an onboard switching system 2200, etc.) can also be modified to allow individual input and control to each additional foot support bladder and / or fluid container.

[0190] C. Characteristics of solenoid-based fluid transport systems

[0191] The fluid transfer system 900A described above utilizes a movable (e.g., rotatable) valve stem 910, which can be moved to various positions to place the fluid dispenser 500, fluid flow control system, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100 into two or more different operating states. However, other types of fluid transfer systems 900 can be used to place such systems and components into two or more different operating states, including those mentioned above. Figures 5A to 5F Any two or more operating states described. The following discussion relates to a solenoid-based fluid transport system 900B according to at least some aspects of this technology.

[0192] According to some aspects of this technology, various types of solenoids and / or combinations of solenoids can be used in the fluid transport system 900B. Some solenoids that can be used according to this technology are "locked-in solenoids." Similar to... Figure 42 The lockout solenoid 4200 shown is an example of a lockout solenoid that includes two stable states—an open state and a closed state. When no power is applied, this solenoid can maintain either of these stable states. Figure 42 The diagram shows a solenoid 4200 in the open state, with plunger 4202 moved rearward to allow fluid to flow through the solenoid body 4204 between one port 4206 and the other port 4208 (in either direction). See fluid flow arrow 4212. In the closed state, spring 4210 or other biasing device forces plunger 4202 forward to close (seal) one or both of ports 4206 and 4208. In this state, fluid does not flow through the solenoid body 4204.

[0193] To lock the solenoid, power is needed to initiate the movement of plunger 4204 and change the solenoid 4200 from one state to another. Typically, a short power pulse is applied to move plunger 4202 of solenoid 4200 from one position to another. The locking solenoid also typically has a "normal state." The "normal state" is the default state of plunger 4200 when no "latch" is activated to hold plunger 4200 in one state (e.g., due to the bias force on plunger 4204).

[0194] For a bidirectional latching solenoid, the solenoid can be "normally open" (or "NO"), where fluid can flow through the solenoid, or "normally closed" (or "NC"), where fluid cannot flow through the solenoid. Power can be applied in relatively short pulses to a normally open solenoid to: (a) move the plunger from an open configuration to a closed configuration and (b) activate a latching mechanism to hold the solenoid in the closed position without continuous power application. To return the solenoid to its open configuration, power is applied in relatively short pulses to release the latch or "unlock" the plunger, and then a biasing system (e.g., a spring) returns the plunger to its open configuration. A "normally closed" solenoid operates in a slightly reverse manner. Power can be applied in relatively short pulses to a normally closed solenoid to: (a) move the plunger from a closed configuration to an open configuration and (b) activate a latching mechanism to hold the solenoid in the open position without continuous power application. To return the solenoid to its closed position, power is applied with relatively short pulses to release the latch or "unlock" the plunger, and then a biasing system (e.g., a spring) returns the plunger to its closed position. In this way, relatively little power is consumed to move the latching solenoid between its different configurations, and prolonged continuous power application is not required. Because... Figure 42 With the position of the spring 4210, the solenoid 4200 shown in the diagram is a "normally closed" solenoid. If the spring 4210 is moved to apply its biasing force between the port 4206 and the front surface 4202S (area A) of the plunger 4202, the solenoid will be a "normally open" solenoid.

[0195] Similar to latching solenoids, non-latching solenoids can also have a "normal" position (e.g., NO or NC) and one or more abnormal positions. Unlike latching solenoids, non-latching solenoids require a continuous application of power to maintain the valve in one of two (or more) states. For example, a normally open ("NO") non-latching valve requires a continuous application of power to move the valve and maintain it in the closed position, but when the power is turned off (e.g., under a bias force applied to the plunger), the valve returns to the open position. Similarly, a normally closed ("NC") valve requires a continuous application of power to move the valve and maintain it in the open position, but when the power is turned off (e.g., under a bias force applied to the plunger), the valve returns to the closed position. Therefore, in practice, from the viewpoint of power consumption and / or battery life, it is advantageous to choose a normally open non-latching solenoid for applications where the valve only needs to be closed for a relatively short period of time and / or a normally closed non-latching solenoid for applications where the valve only needs to be open for a relatively short period of time.

[0196] As described above Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown in (and other accompanying drawings), fluid dispensers 500, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures 104, and / or footwear articles 100 according to some embodiments of the present technology include fluid transport systems 900 for controlling the direction of fluid flow and for opening / closing fluid paths. A solenoid-based fluid transport system 900B (described in more detail below) can be used as... Figure 4A The fluid transport system 900 is shown. Therefore, according to some aspects of this technology, the solenoid-based fluid transport system 900B can be used (e.g., in combination with...). Figure 1 Any features of the foot support bladder 200, fluid container 400, housing 502, connector 700, manifold 800, sealing connector 840, etc., as described in Figure 41), except that fluid transfer systems 900A and 900D are replaced by fluid transfer system 900B as described below.

[0197] Figure 43 Provided can be used as Figure 4A and Figure 4B A schematic diagram of a solenoid-based fluid transport system 900B in the examples of fluid transport system 900 (and other figures). Figure 43 The fluid transfer system 900B includes three 2×2 latching solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C. While other options are possible, in this specific example, solenoid valve 4300A is a normally open latching solenoid valve, and solenoid valves 4300B and 4300C are normally closed latching solenoid valves. The fluid transfer system 900B is connected to a manifold 800 (e.g., at interface 4302, optionally via a sealed connector 840 if desired), which includes: (a) ports 800A and 800I and a fluid inlet path 802 (from a fluid source, such as one or more pumps 600H, 600F); (b) ports 800B and 804 and a first fluid path 806 (to the external environment); (c) ports 800C and 808 and a second fluid path 810 (to and from the foot support bladder 200); and (d) ports 800D and 814 and a third fluid path 812 (to and from the fluid container 400). Solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C may be contained in a common housing 4304, which includes ports 800I, 804, 808, and 814 for engaging manifold 800 (e.g., ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D, other types of connector structures, etc.). The structure and operation of solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C, as well as their connection to manifold 800, are described in more detail below.

[0198] Figure 44A It is similar to Figure 26CThe exploded view of the fluid distributor 500, but Figure 26B The stem-based fluid transfer system 900A was replaced by the solenoid-based fluid transfer system 900B. Figure 44B An assembly diagram of this fluid distributor 500 is provided. This example fluid distributor 500 includes a housing 502 that houses a manifold 800 and a fluid transfer system 900B. The housing 502 further defines a space 500A for engaging a connector 700, which connects components within the housing 502 to a fluid source (e.g., external environment, pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), an external environment 150, at least one foot support bladder 200, and at least one fluid container 400. Figure 44A and Figure 44B The possible locations of the fluid transfer system 900B within the housing 502 and rechargeable battery 2602 are further shown, for example, for powering various electrical components, including solenoids, shown and described above or below. Example switching components 506A, 2200A, 506B, and 2200B are also included. Figure 44A It is shown in the figure (and may have the same structure and / or function as described above for these components).

[0199] Figures 45 to 47B The illustration shows an example physical structure and fluid path of a solenoid-based fluid transport system 900B coupled to a manifold 800 according to some aspects of the present technology. As shown, these example fluid transport systems 900B and fluid flow control systems include: (a) a first solenoid 4300A having a first port 4310A and a second port 4310B and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; (b) a second solenoid 4300B having a first port 4312A and a second port 4312B and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and (c) a third solenoid 4300C having a first port 4314A and a second port 4314B and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0200] In this example fluid transport system 900B, the first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4314A of solenoids 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C are in fluid communication with a common fluid line 4320. Therefore, the common fluid line 4320 also allows the first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4314A of solenoids 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C to be in fluid communication with each other (at least under some conditions). As an example, the common fluid line 4320 can branch into: (a) fluid line 4310F (to the first port 4310A of the first solenoid 4300A), (b) fluid line 4312F (to the first port 4312A of the second solenoid 4300B), and (c) fluid line 4314F (to the first port 4314A of the third solenoid 4300C). In addition, the common fluid line 4320 is also in fluid communication with a fluid source (e.g., one or more pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, external environment 150, etc.) via one or more of the manifold 800 port 800A, fluid inlet path 802, fluid inlet port 800I, connector 700, etc.

[0201] In this example, the second port 4310B of the first solenoid 4300A is in fluid communication with the external environment 150 via one or more of the following: manifold port 804, first fluid flow path 806, manifold port 800B, connector 700, etc. The first solenoid 4300A in this example is a locked solenoid with a normally open configuration. The second port 4312B of the second solenoid 4300B in this example is in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 via one or more of the following: manifold port 808, second fluid flow path 810, manifold port 800C, connector 700, etc. The second solenoid 4300B in this example is a locked solenoid with a normally closed configuration. The second port 4314B of the third solenoid 4300C in this example is in fluid communication with the fluid container 400 via one or more of the following: manifold port 814, third fluid flow path 812, manifold port 800D, connector 700, etc. The third solenoid 4300C in this example is also a lock-up solenoid with a normally closed configuration.

[0202] like Figure 47AAs shown, in this example configuration, each of solenoids 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C is arranged such that its first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4313A are located at one end of the solenoid, and its second ports 4310B, 4312B, and 4313B are located at the opposite ends of the solenoid (e.g., a "double-sided" solenoid). In this manner, the first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4313A can be aligned at one end of the fluid transport system 900B, and the second ports 4310B, 4312B, and 4313B can be aligned at the opposite ends of the fluid transport system 900B. Figure 47B As shown, in this example configuration, each of solenoids 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C is arranged such that its first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4314A are located at one end of the solenoid, and its second ports 4310B, 4312B, and 4314B are located on the side surface of the solenoid (e.g., a "single-sided" solenoid). Also note... Figure 42 Solenoid ports 4206 and 4208 and Figure 43 The solenoid ports are arranged in a "single-sided" configuration. In this manner, the first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4314A can be aligned at one end of the fluid transfer system 900B, and all ports are positioned toward this same end. These types of "single-sided" arrangements can provide a compact package, for example, suitable for engagement with footwear articles 100 and / or sole structures 104.

[0203] Figures 48A to 48F Provided for placement in the above combination Figures 5A to 5F A schematic diagram of a solenoid-based fluid transport system 900B, one of the six operating states described. Figure 48A (together) Figure 5A This illustrates an operating state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid distributor 500 and is then discharged back into the external environment 150. In this operating state, the fluid flow is... Figure 5A and Figure 48A The bold dashed arrow indicates this operating state. This operating state can be used as a "standby" or "steady state" operating state to maintain the pumped fluid movement through the fluid distributor 500, even when pressure changes are not required in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400. In this operating state, the incoming fluid from the external environment 150 (e.g., air), for example, as described above... Figure 5AThe described movement continues until it passes through manifold 800 and reaches fluid transfer system 900B. In this first operating state, first solenoid 4300A is in an open configuration, second solenoid 4300B is in a closed configuration, and third solenoid 4300C is in a closed configuration. Thus, fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4320, through fluid line 4310F, through the first port 4310A of first solenoid 4300A, through first solenoid 4300A, through the second port 4310B of first solenoid 4300A, through manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0204] Alternatively, in some instances of this technology, in this operating state, instead of continuously moving the fluid through the fluid distributor 500 at each step when the fluid is simply to be discharged back into the external environment 150, a fluid path can be provided directly from pumps 600H and 600F to the external environment 150. Alternatively, pumps 600H and 600F can be deactivated to provide this operating state.

[0205] Figure 48B (together) Figure 5B This illustrates an operating state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid distributor 500 and is then transferred to the foot support bladder 200. The fluid flow in this operating state is... Figure 5B and Figure 48B The image is indicated by a thick dashed arrow. This operating state can be used to increase the pressure in the foot support bladder 200, for example, for a firmer feel and / or support for more intense activities (e.g., running). In this operating state, incoming fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150, for example, as described above... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The described movement continues until it passes through manifold 800 and reaches fluid transfer system 900B. In this second operating state, first solenoid 4300A is in a closed configuration, second solenoid 4300B is in an open configuration, and third solenoid 4300C is in a closed configuration. Thus, fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4320, through fluid line 4312F, through first port 4312A of second solenoid 4300B, through second solenoid 4300B, through second port 4312B of second solenoid 4300B, through manifold port 800C, and reaches its final destination (foot support bladder 200 in this example).

[0206] In some cases, it may be necessary to remove fluid from the foot support bladder 200 to reduce the pressure in the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., to provide a softer feel or for less strenuous activities, such as walking or wearing casual clothes). Figure 48C (together) Figure 5C This illustrates an example of this operating state. Similarly, the fluid flow in this operating state is... Figure 5C and Figure 48C The image is indicated by a thick dashed arrow. In this third operating state, the first solenoid 4300A is in the open configuration, the second solenoid 4300B is in the open configuration, and the third solenoid 4300C is in the closed configuration. Therefore, fluid flows from the foot support bladder 200, through the second manifold port 800C, through the second port 4312B of the second solenoid 4300B, through the second solenoid 4300B, through the first port 4312A of the second solenoid, through the fluid line 4312F, through the common fluid line 4320, through the fluid line 4310F, through the first port 4310A of the first solenoid 4300A, through the first solenoid 4300A, through the second port 4310B of the first solenoid 4300A, through the manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0207] Figure 48D (together) Figure 5D This illustrates another potential operating state of the fluid transfer system 900B and foot support system according to some examples of the present technology. In this operating state, fluid is transferred from the fluid container 400 to the external environment, for example, to reduce the fluid pressure in the fluid container 400. The fluid flow in this operating state is... Figure 5D and Figure 48D The image is indicated by a thick dashed arrow. In this fourth operating state, the first solenoid 4300A is in the open configuration, the second solenoid 4300B is in the closed configuration, and the third solenoid 4300C is in the open configuration. Therefore, fluid flows from the fluid container 400, through the third manifold port 800D, through the second port 4314B of the third solenoid 4300C, through the third solenoid 4300C, through the first port 4314A of the third solenoid 4300C, through the fluid line 4314F, through the common fluid line 4320, through the fluid line 4310F, through the first port 4310A of the first solenoid 4300A, through the first solenoid 4300A, through the second port 4310B of the first solenoid 4300A, through the manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0208] In some instances of the fluid transport system 900B and foot support system according to aspects of this technology, it may be necessary to use the on-board fluid container 400 to regulate (and in this instance, increase) the pressure in the foot support bladder 200. Figure 48E (together) Figure 5E An example of this operating state is shown. In this fifth operating state, the first solenoid 4300A is in the closed configuration, the second solenoid 4300B is in the open configuration, and the third solenoid 4300C is in the open configuration. Therefore, when the pressure in the fluid container 400 is higher than the pressure in the foot support bladder 200, fluid flows from the fluid container 400, through the third manifold port 800D, through the second port 4314B of the third solenoid 4300C, through the third solenoid 4300C, through the first port 4314A of the third solenoid 4300C, through the fluid line 4314F, through the common fluid line 4320, through the fluid line 4312F, through the first port 4312A of the second solenoid 4300B, through the second solenoid 4300B, through the second port 4312B of the second solenoid 4300B, through the manifold port 800C, and reaches its final destination (the foot support bladder 200 in this example).

[0209] Figure 48F (together) Figure 5F The diagram illustrates an example operating state for adding fluid to fluid container 400 (e.g., to increase the fluid volume and / or pressure in fluid container 400). In this sixth operating state, the first solenoid 4300A is in a closed configuration, the second solenoid 4300B is in a closed configuration, and the third solenoid 4300C is in an open configuration. Therefore, fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4320, through fluid line 4314F, through the first port 4314A of the third solenoid 4300C, through the third solenoid 4300C, through the second port 4314B of the third solenoid 4300C, through manifold port 800D, and reaches its final destination (fluid container 400 in this example).

[0210] As described above, the fluid dispenser 500, fluid flow control system, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100 according to some embodiments of the present technology do not need to provide all six operating states mentioned above. Instead, in some embodiments of the present technology, there may be more operating states, fewer operating states, and / or different operating states. Figures 49A to 49D The illustration shows an example of a solenoid-based fluid transport system 900C with four operating states when a foot support bladder 200 and a fluid container 400 are present.

[0211] The example fluid transport system 900C includes two solenoids: (a) a first solenoid 4900A, which includes a first port 4910A, a second port 4910B, and a third port 4910C; and (b) a second solenoid 4900B, which includes a first port 4912A and a second port 4912B. In the example fluid transport system 900C, the first ports 4910A and 4912A of solenoids 4900A and 4900B are in fluid communication with a common fluid line 4920. Therefore, the common fluid line 4920 also allows the first ports 4910A and 4912A of solenoids 4900A and 4900B to be in fluid communication with each other (at least under some conditions). As an example, the common fluid line 4920 can branch into: (a) fluid line 4910F (to the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A) and (b) fluid line 4912F (to the first port 4912A of the second solenoid 4900B). Additionally, the common fluid line 4920 is also in fluid communication with a fluid source (e.g., one or more pumps 600H, 600F, a compressor, an external environment 150, etc.) via, for example, manifold 800 port 800A, fluid inlet path 802, fluid inlet port 800I, connector 700, etc. In this example, the first solenoid 4900A can be a locked three-port two-state solenoid (3 / 2 solenoid), and the second solenoid 4900B can be a normally closed non-locking solenoid (2 / 2 solenoid), but other specific types of solenoids may be used if required. The fluid transfer system 900C can be coupled to various types of manifolds 800 described above (e.g., four-port and four-fluid-path manifolds of the types described above).

[0212] In the illustrated example (and as will be described in more detail below), the first solenoid 4900A is independently switchable to: (A) a first configuration, in which fluid flows through the first solenoid 4900A between the first port 4910A and the second port 4910B, and (b) a second configuration, in which fluid flows through the first solenoid 4900A between the first port 4910A and the third port 4910C. Therefore, in this example, the first port 4910A and the first solenoid 4900A are always kept open and the plunger 4910P moves between: (a) a position where the second port 4910B is open and the third port 4910C is closed, and (b) another position where the second port 4910B is closed and the third port 4910C is open. In the illustrated example, the first solenoid 4900A is biased to be "normally" in the first configuration (where the biasing system closes the third port 4910C). The second solenoid 4900B in this example can be independently switched between an open configuration (where fluid flows through solenoid 4900B between the first port 4912A and the second port 4912B) and a closed configuration (where fluid does not flow through solenoid 4900B). In this fluid transfer system 900C, simultaneously and selectively: (a) placing the first solenoid 4900A in one of the first or second configurations, and (b) placing the second solenoid 4900B in one of the open or closed configurations, thereby selectively placing the fluid transfer system 900C in multiple (e.g., two or more) operating states. Examples of these operating states are described in more detail below.

[0213] Figures 49A to 49D A schematic diagram of a solenoid-based fluid transfer system 900C in four operating states is provided. Figure 49A (together) Figure 5A This illustrates an operating state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid distributor 500 and is then discharged back into the external environment 150. In this operating state, the fluid flow is... Figure 5A and Figure 49A The bold dashed arrow indicates this operating state. This operating state can be used as a "standby" or "steady state" operating state to maintain the pumped fluid movement through the fluid distributor 500, even when pressure changes are not required in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400. In this operating state, the incoming fluid from the external environment 150 (e.g., air), for example, as described above... Figure 5AThe described movement continues until it passes through manifold 800 and reaches fluid transfer system 900C. In this first operating state, first solenoid 4900A is in a first configuration and second solenoid 4900B is in a closed configuration. Thus, fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4920, through fluid line 4910F, through the first port 4910A of first solenoid 4900A, through first solenoid 490A, through the second port 4910B of first solenoid 4900A, through manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0214] Alternatively, in some instances of this technology, in this operating state, instead of continuously moving the fluid through the fluid distributor 500 at each step when the fluid is simply to be discharged back into the external environment 150, a fluid path can be provided directly from the pumps 600H and 600F to the external environment 150. Alternatively, the pumps 600H and 600F can be deactivated to achieve this operating state.

[0215] Figure 49B (together) Figure 5F The diagram illustrates an example operating state for adding fluid to fluid container 400 (e.g., to increase the fluid volume and / or pressure in fluid container 400). In this second operating state, the first solenoid 4900A is in a second configuration and the second solenoid 4900B is in a closed configuration. Therefore, fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4920, through fluid line 4910F, through the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A, through the first solenoid 4900A, through the third port 4910C of the first solenoid 4900A, through manifold port 800D, and to its final destination (fluid container 400 in this example).

[0216] In this example fluid transfer system 900C, the on-board fluid container 400 is used to regulate (and in this example, increase) the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200. Figure 49C (together) Figure 5EAn example of this operating state is shown. In this third operating state, the first solenoid 4900A is in the second configuration and the second solenoid 4900B is in the open configuration. Therefore, when the pressure in the fluid container 400 is higher than the pressure in the foot support bladder 200, fluid flows from the fluid container 400, through the third manifold port 800D, through the third port 4910C of the first solenoid 4900A, through the first solenoid 4900A, through the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A, through the fluid line 4910F, through the common fluid line 4920, through the fluid line 4912F, through the first port 4912A of the second solenoid 4900B, through the second solenoid 4900B, through the second port 4912B of the second solenoid 4900B, through the manifold port 800C, and reaches its final destination (the foot support bladder 200 in this example).

[0217] In some cases, it may be necessary to remove fluid from the foot support bladder 200 to reduce the pressure in the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., to provide a softer feel or for less strenuous activities, such as walking or wearing casual clothes). Figure 49D (together) Figure 5C An example of this operating state is shown. Fluid flow in this operating state is indicated by the bold dashed arrow. In this fourth operating state, the first solenoid 4900A is in the first configuration and the second solenoid 4900B is in the open configuration. Therefore, fluid flows from the foot support bladder 200, through the second manifold port 800C, through the second port 4912B of the second solenoid 4900B, through the second solenoid 4900B, through the first port 4912B of the second solenoid 4900B, through the fluid line 4912F, through the common fluid line 4920, through the fluid line 4910F, through the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A, through the first solenoid 4900A, through the second port 4910B of the first solenoid 4900A, through the manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0218] Therefore, compared to fluid transfer system 900B, fluid transfer system 900C includes up to four operating states, instead of the six operating states of fluid transfer system 900B. Specifically, Figures 49A to 49D The fluid transfer system 900C does not have an operational state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 to the fluid distributor 500 and is directly transferred to the foot support bladder 200. Figure 5B and Figure 48B (as shown in the image). Conversely, in Figures 49A to 49DIn the fluid transfer system 900C, the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200 is increased solely through fluid transfer from the fluid container 400 to the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., ...). Figure 49C The operating state is shown. Furthermore, compared to fluid transfer system 900B, fluid transfer system 900C does not have an operating state in which fluid moves from fluid container 400 to the external environment 150. Figure 5D and Figure 48D (As shown in the diagram). If necessary or required, fluid container 400 may include a check valve that is open to the external environment to prevent over-pressurization of fluid container 400 (instead of allowing excess fluid from container 400 to pass through fluid transfer system 900C to reduce the pressure in fluid container 400). Additionally or alternatively, if the fluid pressure from a fluid source (e.g., the fluid pressure generated by one or more foot-activated pumps 600H, 600F) is insufficient or lower than the fluid pressure in the open fluid passage leading to fluid container 400, fluid will not be transferred from the fluid source to fluid container 400. Still additionally or alternatively, other pressure-reducing valves and / or fluid passages may be provided at one or more locations throughout fluid transfer system 900C, fluid distributor 500, fluid flow control system, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 to prevent overpressure in any part of the system (e.g., pressure relief from fluid discharged by pumps 600H, 600F if no other location is available for fluid passage).

[0219] However, the fluid transfer system 900C has some advantages because it uses only two solenoids, compared to the three solenoids used in the fluid transfer system 900B. Therefore, the fluid transfer system 900C can be slightly lighter, smaller, cheaper, and / or more energy-efficient (e.g., consuming less battery power) compared to the fluid transfer system 900B.

[0220] The fluid delivery systems 900B and 900C described above include a single foot support bladder 200 and a single fluid container 400. However, if desired, the fluid delivery system, foot support system, fluid dispenser 500, sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 according to at least some aspects of the present technology may include structures for supporting fluid pressure variations for more than one foot support bladder 200 and / or more than one fluid container 400. When two or more foot support bladders 200 are present, fluid can be introduced into all bladders simultaneously. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, all foot support bladders can be simultaneously filled by branching the fluid line 202 into separate foot support supply lines extending to the corresponding individual foot support bladders. As another example, all foot support bladders in the footwear article 100 can be simultaneously filled by connecting the foot support bladders in series or parallel via fluid lines. Similarly, two or more fluid containers 400 can be filled simultaneously in the same manner, but by branching the container fluid lines 402 into separate lines and / or connecting the fluid containers in series or parallel.

[0221] If multiple foot support bladders 200 and / or fluid containers 400 exist in a single shoe 100, and it is desirable to potentially provide different fluid pressures in the bladders 200 and / or containers 400, then appropriate valve adjustment or switching mechanisms can be provided, for example, after the fluid exits the connector 700 and enters the foot support fluid line 202 and / or container fluid line 402. Alternatively, if desired, a separate fluid passage can be provided for each individual foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 through the connector 700, manifold 800, and sealing connector 840 (if present); a separate solenoid can be provided for each additional foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400; and additional operating states can be provided. In other words, each additional foot support bladder can be provided with an additional set of ports, fluid channels, solenoids, etc., as shown in the figure, for moving fluid into and out of the foot support bladder 200, and / or each additional fluid container in the shoe can be provided with an additional set of ports, fluid channels, solenoids, etc., as shown in the figure, for moving fluid into and out of the fluid container 400. The input system (e.g., on an external computing device, as part of an onboard switching system 2200, etc.) can also be modified to allow individual input and control to each additional foot support bladder and / or fluid container.

[0222] Figures 49A to 49DThe diagram schematically illustrates (optionally) a second foot support bladder 250 in a fluid transfer system 900C. Therefore, in this fluid transfer system 900C, a third solenoid 4900C is provided to transfer fluid into and out of the second foot support bladder 250. The third solenoid 4900C includes a first port 4914A and a second port 4914B, and the third solenoid 4900C can be configured as a normally closed non-locking solenoid, such as a 2 / 2 solenoid. The first port 4914A of the third solenoid 4900C may have a fluid line 4914F in fluid communication with a common fluid line 4920. The second port 4914B of the third solenoid 4900C is in fluid communication with the second foot support bladder 250 in any desired manner. Specifically, the fluid passage from the second port 4914B to the foot support bladder 250 may have a separate set of ports and fluid paths passing through the manifold 800, the sealing connector 840 (if present), the connector 700 (if present), etc., which generally correspond structurally and / or functionally to the fluid passage between the second port 4912B of the second solenoid 4900B and the foot support bladder 200.

[0223] By placing the first solenoid 4900A and the second solenoid 4900B in Figures 49A to 49D In the configuration shown, and by keeping the third solenoid 4900C in the off position, it is possible to... Figures 49A to 49D The fluid transfer system 900C is placed Figures 49A to 49D Of all the operating states shown. However, this example fluid transfer system 900C may include two additional operating states to accommodate: (a) an increase in fluid pressure in the second foot support bladder 250, and (b) a decrease in fluid pressure in the second foot support bladder 250. A fifth operating state for increasing the fluid pressure in the second foot support bladder 250 utilizes a first solenoid 4900A in a second configuration, a second solenoid 4900B in a closed configuration, and a third solenoid 4900C in an open configuration. Thus, in a manner similar to Figure 49C In the configuration shown, fluid moves from fluid container 400 through third manifold port 800D, through third port 4910C of first solenoid 4900A, through first solenoid 4900A, through first port 4910A of first solenoid 4900A, through fluid line 4910F, through common fluid line 4920, through fluid line 4914F, through first port 4914A of third solenoid 4900C, through third solenoid 4900C, through second port 4914B of third solenoid 4900B, and from there to its final destination (foot support bladder 250 in this example).

[0224] Similarly, the sixth operating state for reducing the fluid pressure in the second foot support bladder 250 utilizes a first solenoid 4900A in the first configuration, a second solenoid 4900B in the closed configuration, and a third solenoid 4900C in the open configuration. Therefore, in a similar manner... Figure 49D In the configuration shown, fluid moves from the foot support bladder 250 (through any provided fluid passage), through the second port 4914B of the third solenoid 4900C, through the third solenoid 4900C, through the first port 4914A of the third solenoid 4900C, through the fluid line 4914F, through the common fluid line 4920, through the fluid line 4910F, through the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A, through the first solenoid 4900A, through the second port 4910B of the first solenoid 4900A, through the manifold port 800B, and to its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0225] Additional solenoids (e.g., 2 / 2 non-locking solenoids) and appropriate structural and operational configurations can be provided for any additional foot support bladders other than the aforementioned bladders 200 and 250.

[0226] As described herein, aspects of this technology relate to controlling and altering pressure in various footwear components, such as one or more foot support bladders 200 and / or one or more fluid reservoirs 400 (which may also be fluid-filled bladders). However, in the various example configurations described above, pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) are not directly located inside or directly engaged with the corresponding foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid reservoir 400. Directly integrating or engaging pressure sensors 850A, 850B with or within foot support bladders 200 and / or fluid reservoirs 400 of the type described herein can be practically difficult, for example, due to the flexible bladder structure, their location within the footwear, difficulties in footwear assembly, etc. Therefore, as described above, systems and methods according to at least some aspects of this technology provide pressure sensors 850A, 850B at locations where pressure is measured in fluid lines within a manifold 800 or a sealed connector 840. These fluid lines are in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 and / or the fluid container 400. In this way, the pressure sensors 850A and 850B can be equipped with an external fluid distributor 500 (as described above), and when the fluid distributor 500 is connected to the shoe 100, it can be more easily and conveniently integrated into the overall structure of the footwear 100.

[0227] When no fluid flows through the associated fluid lines equipped with sensors 850A and 850B, these sensors 850A and 850B will typically measure the pressure in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 accurately (because sensors 850A and 850B are mounted at fluid lines in open fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400). However, because pressure sensors 850A and 850B are not directly included in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, pressure measurements taken at pressure sensors 850A and 850B within the manifold 800 or sealing connector 840 when fluid flows through the associated fluid lines may not correspond to the actual pressure present within the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400. For example, because fluid flows through relatively small-sized (e.g., smaller cross-sectional area and / or diameter) fluid lines within manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840, there may be significant flow restrictions for fluid flowing through manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840. This flow resistance at the locations of pressure sensors 850A, 850B results in a corresponding difference in pressure readings obtained at sensors 850A, 850B (and at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840) compared to the actual pressure at foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400. This “difference” between the sensed pressure and the actual pressure can be termed a “shift.” This flow resistance shift can also be affected by the flow velocity passing through pressure sensors 850A, 850B during fluid flow (i.e., velocity-dependent shift). The flow resistance shift may also be more significant shortly after fluid flow begins, stops, and / or changes significantly in rate.

[0228] For these reasons, systems and methods according to at least some aspects of this technology can determine “regulated” pressures (e.g., regulated for offset) based on pressure readings obtained at one or more pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) within manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840. These regulated pressures can then be used as inputs (e.g., input data from the microprocessor of on-board fluid distributor 500, input data from an external computing device controlling pressure change operations, etc.) to determine when to start and stop fluid flow (e.g., when to rotate valve stem 910 and / or when to change the configuration of one or more solenoids (e.g., 4300A to 4300C, 4900A to 4900C) when regulating pressure in foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400). Using regulated pressures to control pressure changes allows the fluid flow control system to better achieve target pressures in response to pressure change inputs. For example, instead of directly using the pressure measured by sensors 850A and 850B, using regulated pressure allows the system and / or method to reach the target pressure more directly and / or with smaller pressure variations in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 (i.e., over-inflation or under-inflation compared to readings from actual pressure sensors 850A and 850B). Additionally or alternatively, this allows the system and / or method to reach the target pressure with fewer cycles of "starting" and "stopping" fluid flow, to reach the final target pressure (and particularly to fine-tune and regulate the pressure to the final target pressure with fewer short starting pulses).

[0229] In some instances of this aspect of the technology, a state observer model can be used to determine the regulated pressure due to flow velocity-related offsets. The state observer model uses a system that provides an estimate of the internal state of a given actual system (in this instance, the actual pressure in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, PACTUAL) from measurements of the actual system (in this instance, pressure measurements at pressure sensors 850A, 850B (P850A, P850B) at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840). Figure 50A and Figure 50B Provide a diagram that helps explain a potential state observer model. Figure 50AAn electrical equivalent model 5000 of a pneumatic pressure control system of the type described herein is shown, wherein the actual system includes a foot support bladder 200 (“pad”) and a fluid container 400 (“can”). In this model, the fluid container 400 and the foot support bladder 200 are modeled as capacitors and storing pressure. Fluid flows through the various parts of the system are modeled as resistors (e.g., the fluid flow between the fluid container 400 and the fluid transport system 900 is shown as resistor 5020, the fluid flow through the fluid transport system 900 is shown as resistor 5022, and the fluid flow between the foot support bladder 200 and the fluid transport system 900 is shown as resistor 5024).

[0230] Figure 50B The diagram shows Figure 50A The state observer model 5000 corresponds to the actual pressure measurements (and other relevant information) in sensors 850A and 850B. Line 5002 represents the desired target pressure in foot support bladder 200 and shows the desired pressure change from approximately 18 psi to approximately 27 psi shortly before time 358.5. Lines 5004 and 5006 represent the operation of the solenoid valves for fluid container 400 and foot support bladder 200, respectively. These lines 5004 and 5006 show that both solenoid valves change configuration when the desired pressure change is triggered (shortly before time 358.5). The valve configuration change configures the solenoid to allow fluid to be transferred from fluid container 400 to foot support bladder 200 (thus increasing the pressure in foot support bladder 200 and decreasing the pressure in fluid container 400). Curve 5008 shows the actual pressure measurement obtained by sensor 850A in the manifold / sealed connector fluid line in fluid communication with fluid container 400, and curve 5010 shows the actual pressure measurement obtained by sensor 850B in the manifold / sealed connector fluid line in fluid communication with foot support bladder 200. It is clear from curves 5008 and 5010 that the actual sensor 850A and sensor 850B measurements jump significantly when flow begins and stops due to flow resistance offset. This flow resistance offset typically becomes more pronounced as the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid line decreases.

[0231] On the other hand, curves 5012 and 5014 show the result of... Figure 50AThe pressure values ​​predicted / calculated by model 5000 are shown. As illustrated, curves 5012 and 5014 do not exhibit significant "jumps" and therefore correspond better to the actual fluid pressure within fluid container 400 and / or foot support bladder 200. Based on the actual measured pressure readings at pressure sensors 850A and / or 850B, the state observer pressure values ​​can be calculated using model 5000. For example, based on the pressure sensor measurements 850A and 850B (which are related to the voltages measured by sensors 850A and 850B), and taking into account the known values ​​of the various resistors 5020, 5022, and 5024 and the capacitors (canister and pad) assigned to the model 5000, the voltages at fluid container model location 5026 and foot support bladder model location 5028 can be calculated. These calculated voltages correspond to the state observer pressure values ​​calculated by the pressure calculation.

[0232] These calculated state observer pressure values ​​can then be used as inputs corresponding to the pressures in the foot support bladder 200 and / or the fluid container 400. Using the calculated state observer pressure values ​​as pressure inputs and data allows systems and methods according to some instances of this technology to better control pressure changes, achieve target pressures more directly, and / or achieve target pressures with smaller pressure changes ("overshoot" (i.e., over-inflation) or "undershoot" (over-deflation), and / or achieve target pressures with fewer "start" and "stop" cycles of fluid flow (e.g., due to the lack of "jumps").

[0233] The adjusted pressure value (and the actual pressure in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400) can be determined using actual pressure readings from pressure sensors 850A and 850B. As an example, a laboratory physical model of the entire foot support system can be configured to include the same interconnected foot support bladder 200, fluid line 400, and fluid distributor 500 components, but this model can be configured to additionally include pressure sensors in the foot support bladder 200 and fluid container 400 to measure the actual pressure in these components. Using this physical model, pressure measurements can then be taken at: (a) at pressure sensors 850A and 850B (P850A, P850B) located at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840, and (b) at additional pressure sensors included in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, as part of a physical model (PACTUAL) under various operating conditions (e.g., using different flow rates, using different starting pressures, using different pressure variations, etc.). By comparing the actual pressure measurement of part (a) with the actual pressure measurement of part (b), the difference in the actual measured pressure can be used to develop a correction factor that will be used in systems and methods where the actual pressure measurement is available only at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840 (i.e., in actual shoes where no additional pressure sensor is directly included in foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 during use). The correction factor can take the form of a lookup table, a mathematical formula or equation for converting P850A, P850B into PACTUAL, a "best fit" curve, etc., and can be applied by a microprocessor to the actual pressure readings P850A, P850B. Applying an appropriate correction factor for the conditions to the pressure sensor measurements at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840 (P850A, P850B) provides an adjusted pressure value that can be used as an input for controlling pressure variations, for example, as described above.

[0234] III. Conclusion

[0235] The invention has been disclosed above and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various embodiments. However, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention without limiting its scope. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0236] For the avoidance of doubt, this application, technology and invention include at least the subject matter described in the following numbered clauses:

[0237] Clause 1. A foot support system, comprising:

[0238] Foot support pouch;

[0239] A first sole member that engages with the foot support bladder, wherein the first sole member includes a plantar support surface at least in the heel support region of the foot support system and a sidewall forming the outer surface of the first sole member;

[0240] Fluid containers; and

[0241] A fluid dispenser engaged with the outer surface of the first sole component, wherein the fluid dispenser includes: (a) an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid supply source, (b) a first fluid passage for transferring fluid to an external environment, (c) a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, and (d) a third fluid passage in fluid communication with the fluid container.

[0242] Clause 2. The foot support system according to Clause 1 further includes a fluid supply source, the fluid supply source including a first pump, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment and the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid distributor.

[0243] Clause 3. The foot support system according to Clause 1 further includes a fluid supply source comprising a first pump and a second pump, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser.

[0244] Clause 4. The foot support system as described in Clause 3, wherein the second pump is a foot activation pump.

[0245] Clause 5. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4 further includes a fluid line having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the external environment and the second end is in fluid communication with the inlet of the first pump.

[0246] Clause 6. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4, wherein the first pump is a foot activation pump.

[0247] Clause 7. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the fluid distributor includes a housing having: (a) a first port opening to the first fluid passage, (b) a second port opening to the second fluid passage, and (c) a third port opening to the third fluid passage.

[0248] Clause 8. The foot support system according to Clause 7, wherein the first port, the second port and the third port are aligned on the side surface of the housing.

[0249] Clause 9. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the fluid dispenser comprises a housing having: (a) an inlet, (b) a first port opening to the first fluid passage, (c) a second port opening to the second fluid passage, and (d) a third port opening to the third fluid passage.

[0250] Clause 10. The foot support system according to Clause 9, wherein the inlet, the first port, the second port and the third port are aligned on the side surface of the housing.

[0251] Clause 11. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the fluid container comprises a fluid-filled bladder.

[0252] Clause 12. The foot support system according to Clause 11, wherein at least a portion of the fluid-filled bladder extends below the bottom surface of the foot support bladder.

[0253] Clause 13. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12 further includes: a second sole component engaged with the fluid container.

[0254] Clause 14. The foot support system according to Clause 13, wherein the heel support portion of the second sole member engages with the heel support portion of the first sole member.

[0255] Clause 15. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the outer surface of the first sole member includes a recess defined therein, and wherein at least a portion of the fluid dispenser is received in the recess.

[0256] Clause 16. The foot support system according to Clause 15, wherein the fluid distributor includes or is attached to an outer cage member that engages at least one of the first sole member or another sole member.

[0257] Clause 17. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the exposed external surface of the fluid distributor includes a user input system that receives input that triggers pressure regulation in the foot support bladder.

[0258] Clause 18. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17, wherein the fluid dispenser includes an antenna for receiving user input wirelessly from a remote device.

[0259] Clause 19. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the fluid distributor engages with the outer surface of the first sole member at the lateral heel portion of the first sole member.

[0260] Clause 20. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the foot support bladder is located at least in the forefoot support region of the foot support system.

[0261] Clause 21. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the foot support bladder is located in the forefoot support region of the foot support system and the fluid container is located in the heel support region of the foot support system.

[0262] Clause 22. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the foot support bladder is located in the heel support region of the foot support system and the fluid container is located in the forefoot support region of the foot support system.

[0263] Clause 23. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the foot support bladder is located at least in the heel support region of the foot support system.

[0264] Clause 24. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the fluid container is located at least in the forefoot support region of the foot support system.

[0265] Clause 25. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the fluid container is located at least in the heel support region of the foot support system.

[0266] Clause 26. A footwear product comprising:

[0267] upper; and

[0268] The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 25 is coupled to the upper.

[0269] Clause 27. Footwear articles according to Clause 26, wherein a portion of the fluid dispenser is engaged with the upper.

[0270] Clause 28. A footwear product comprising:

[0271] vamp;

[0272] The first sole component that is joined to the upper;

[0273] A foot support bladder that engages with the first sole component;

[0274] A fluid container engaged with at least one of the upper or the first sole component; and

[0275] A fluid dispenser engaged with at least one of the upper or the first sole component, wherein the fluid dispenser comprises: (a) an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid supply source, (b) a first fluid passage for transferring fluid to an external environment, (c) a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, and (d) a third fluid passage in fluid communication with the fluid container.

[0276] Clause 29. Footwear products according to Clause 28 further include a fluid supply source, the fluid supply source including a first pump, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment and the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser.

[0277] Clause 30. Footwear products according to Clause 28 further include a fluid supply source comprising a first pump and a second pump, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser.

[0278] Clause 31. Footwear articles according to Clause 30, wherein the second pump is a foot activation pump.

[0279] Clause 32. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 29 to 31 further include a fluid line having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the external environment and the second end is in fluid communication with the inlet of the first pump.

[0280] Clause 33. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 29 to 32, wherein the first pump is a foot activation pump.

[0281] Clause 34. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 33, wherein the fluid dispenser includes a housing having: (a) a first port opening to the first fluid passage, (b) a second port opening to the second fluid passage, and (c) a third port opening to the third fluid passage.

[0282] Clause 35. Footwear article according to Clause 34, wherein the first port, the second port and the third port are aligned on the side surface of the housing.

[0283] Clause 36. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 35, wherein the fluid dispenser includes a housing having: (a) an inlet, (b) a first port opening to the first fluid passage, (c) a second port opening to the second fluid passage, and (d) a third port opening to the third fluid passage.

[0284] Clause 37. Footwear article according to Clause 36, wherein the inlet, the first port, the second port and the third port are aligned on the side surface of the housing.

[0285] Clause 38. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 28 to 37, wherein the fluid container comprises a fluid-filled bladder.

[0286] Clause 39. Footwear articles according to Clause 38, wherein at least a portion of the fluid-filled bladder extends below the bottom surface of the foot support bladder.

[0287] Clause 40. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 28 to 39 further include: a second sole component engaged with the fluid container.

[0288] Clause 41. Footwear article according to Clause 40, wherein the heel support portion of the second sole member engages with the heel support portion of the first sole member.

[0289] Clause 42. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 41, wherein the outer surface of the first sole member includes a recess defined therein, and wherein at least a portion of the fluid dispenser is received in the recess.

[0290] Clause 43. Footwear article according to Clause 42, wherein the fluid dispenser includes an outer cage component engaged with or connected to at least one of the first sole component or another sole component.

[0291] Clause 44. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 28 to 43, wherein the exposed external surface of the fluid dispenser includes a user input system that receives input that triggers pressure regulation in the foot support sac.

[0292] Clause 45. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 28 to 44, wherein the fluid dispenser includes an antenna for receiving user input wirelessly from a remote device.

[0293] Clause 46. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the foot support bladder is located at least in the forefoot support region of the footwear article.

[0294] Clause 47. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the foot support bladder is located in the forefoot support region of the footwear article and the fluid container is located in the heel support region of the footwear article.

[0295] Clause 48. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the foot support bladder is located in the heel support region of the footwear article and the fluid container is located in the forefoot support region of the footwear article.

[0296] Clause 49. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the foot support bladder is located at least in the heel support area of ​​the footwear article.

[0297] Clause 50. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the fluid container is located at least in the forefoot support area of ​​the footwear article.

[0298] Clause 51. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the fluid container is located at least in the heel support area of ​​the footwear article.

[0299] Clause 52. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 51, wherein the fluid dispenser engages with the outer surface of the first sole member at the lateral heel portion of the first sole member.

[0300] Clause 53. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 52, wherein the fluid dispenser engages with the upper at the heel region of the upper.

[0301] Clause 54. Footwear article according to Clause 53, wherein the heel region of the upper includes an insertion hole for attachment to one or more heel upper components, and wherein the fluid dispenser is accommodated in the insertion hole.

[0302] Clause 55. A fluid flow control system for footwear products, comprising:

[0303] valve housing;

[0304] A valve stem movably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the peripheral wall of the valve stem includes a plurality of through holes extending from the internal chamber to an outer surface of the peripheral wall;

[0305] A fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; and

[0306] A manifold in fluid communication with the valve housing, wherein the manifold includes a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a first manifold port, a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a second manifold port, and a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a third manifold port.

[0307] By connecting one or more of the plurality of through holes to the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path, the movement of the valve stem to multiple positions selectively places the fluid flow control system into multiple operating states.

[0308] Clause 56. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 55, wherein the plurality of operating states includes two or more of the following:

[0309] (a) A first operating state at a first position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid inlet port passes through the peripheral wall and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0310] (b) A second operating state at the second position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid inlet port passes through the peripheral wall and enters the second fluid flow path.

[0311] (c) A third operating state at the third position of the valve stem, wherein fluid passes through the second fluid flow path, through the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the peripheral wall, and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0312] (d) A fourth operating state at the fourth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid passes through the third fluid flow path, through the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the peripheral wall, and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0313] (e) A fifth operating state at the fifth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid flows through the third fluid flow path, through the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the peripheral wall, and into the second fluid flow path, and

[0314] (f) A sixth operating state at the sixth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid inlet port passes through the peripheral wall and enters the third fluid flow path.

[0315] Clause 57. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 55 or 56, wherein the first manifold port, the second manifold port and the third manifold port are aligned along the outer side of the manifold.

[0316] Clause 58. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 57, wherein the fluid inlet port introduces fluid into the internal chamber at the second end of the valve stem.

[0317] Clause 59. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 58 further includes a sealing connector that engages the manifold and the valve housing.

[0318] Clause 60. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 59, wherein the sealing connector includes a sealing block body having a first sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the first fluid flow path, a second sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the second fluid flow path, and a third sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the third fluid flow path.

[0319] Clause 61. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 60, wherein the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel extend through the sealing block body in a parallel direction.

[0320] Clause 62. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 60 or 61, wherein the axial directions of the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel are aligned in the sealing block body.

[0321] Clause 63. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 60 to 62, wherein the outer surface of the sealing block body includes a first opening to the first sealing channel, a second opening to the second sealing channel, and a third opening to the third sealing channel, and wherein in each of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening, the second opening, and / or the third opening is aligned with one or more of the plurality of through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0322] Clause 64. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 59, wherein the sealing connector includes a first opening opening to a first sealing channel, and wherein, in at least one of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening is aligned with one of the plurality of through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0323] Clause 65. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 64 further includes a housing that includes at least the valve housing, the valve stem, the manifold, and the sealing connector.

[0324] Clause 66. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 65 further includes a drive system engaged at the first end of the valve stem, wherein the drive system moves the valve stem to at least the plurality of positions.

[0325] Clause 67. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 66, wherein the drive system includes an electric motor.

[0326] Clause 68. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 67, wherein the drive system further includes a transmission operatively coupled between the output of the electric motor and the first end of the valve stem.

[0327] Clause 69. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 66 to 68 further includes a housing that includes at least the valve housing, the valve stem, the manifold, and the drive system.

[0328] Clause 70. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 66 to 68 further includes a power source for supplying power to the drive system.

[0329] Clause 71. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 70, wherein the power source includes a battery.

[0330] Clause 72. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 70 or 71 further includes a housing that includes at least the valve housing, the valve stem, the manifold, the drive system, and the power supply.

[0331] Clause 73. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 72 further includes a sensor for determining the position of the valve stem relative to the valve housing.

[0332] Clause 74. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 73, wherein the sensor includes a magnetic encoder.

[0333] Clause 75. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 73 or 74 further includes a housing that includes at least the valve housing, the valve stem, the manifold, and the sensor.

[0334] Clause 76. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 75 further includes a first pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path.

[0335] Clause 77. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 76, wherein the first pressure sensor is provided for determining fluid pressure in the third fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid flow control system further comprises a second pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path.

[0336] Clause 78. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 77 further includes a housing that includes at least the valve housing, the valve stem, and the manifold.

[0337] Clause 79. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 78 further includes a connector that engages with the housing and includes: (a) a first connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the first manifold port; (b) a second connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the second manifold port; and (c) a third connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the third manifold port.

[0338] Clause 80. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 79, wherein the connector further comprises a fourth connector fluid path extending through the connector and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0339] Clause 81. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 80 further includes a first pump located in the fluid path between the connector and the fluid inlet port.

[0340] Clause 82. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 81 further includes a second pump located in the fluid path between the connector and the fluid inlet port.

[0341] Clause 83. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 82, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0342] Clause 84. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 80 to 83, wherein the fourth connector fluid path is in fluid communication with the external environment to introduce external fluid from the external environment.

[0343] Clause 85. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 84 further includes a filter for filtering the external fluid before it enters the fluid path of the fourth connector.

[0344] Clause 86. A fluid flow control system for footwear products, comprising:

[0345] A manifold, comprising: (a) a fluid inlet path extending through the manifold to a fluid inlet port; (b) a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a first manifold port; (c) a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a second manifold port; and (d) a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a third manifold port.

[0346] A valve housing in fluid communication with the manifold, wherein the valve housing includes a fluid inlet path in fluid communication with the fluid inlet path of the manifold; and

[0347] A valve stem rotatably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the fluid inlet path of the valve housing is in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the valve stem.

[0348] Rotating the valve stem to multiple rotational positions selectively places the fluid flow control system into several operating states, including the following:

[0349] (a) A first operating state at a first rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid intake path passes through a first through-hole in the peripheral wall and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0350] (b) A second operating state at the second rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid intake path passes through the second through-hole in the peripheral wall and enters the second fluid flow path.

[0351] (c) In the third operating state at the third rotational position of the valve stem, fluid passes through the second fluid flow path, through the third through hole of the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the fourth through hole of the peripheral wall, and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0352] (d) In the fourth operating state at the fourth rotational position of the valve stem, fluid passes through the third fluid flow path, through the fifth through hole of the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the sixth through hole of the peripheral wall, and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0353] (e) In the fifth operating state at the fifth rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid passes through the third fluid flow path, through the seventh through hole of the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the eighth through hole of the peripheral wall, and enters the second fluid flow path, and

[0354] (f) The sixth operating state at the sixth rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid intake path passes through the ninth through hole of the peripheral wall and enters the third fluid flow path.

[0355] Clause 87. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 86, wherein the fluid inlet port, the first manifold port, the second manifold port, and the third manifold port are aligned along the outer side of the manifold.

[0356] Clause 88. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 86 or 87, wherein the fluid intake path introduces fluid into the internal chamber at the second end of the valve stem.

[0357] Clause 89. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 88 further includes a sealing connector that engages the manifold and the valve housing.

[0358] Clause 90. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 89, wherein the sealing connector includes a sealing block body having a first sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the first fluid flow path, a second sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the second fluid flow path, and a third sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the third fluid flow path.

[0359] Clause 91. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 90, wherein the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel extend through the sealing block body in a parallel direction.

[0360] Clause 92. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 90 or 91, wherein the axial directions of the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel are aligned in the sealing block body.

[0361] Clause 93. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 90 to 92, wherein the outer surface of the sealing block body includes a first opening to the first sealing channel, a second opening to the second sealing channel, and a third opening to the third sealing channel, and wherein at each of the first rotational position, the second rotational position, the third rotational position, the fourth rotational position, the fifth rotational position, and the sixth rotational position, the degree of rotational alignment of the first opening, the second opening, and / or the third opening of the sealing block body relative to at least one of the through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0362] Clause 94. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 89, wherein the sealing connector includes a first opening opening to a first sealing channel, and wherein, in at least one of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening is aligned with one of the through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0363] Clause 95. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 94 further includes a rotary drive system engaged at the first end of the valve stem, wherein the rotary drive system moves the valve stem to at least the plurality of rotary positions.

[0364] Clause 96. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 95, wherein the rotary drive system includes an electric motor.

[0365] Clause 97. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 96, wherein the rotary drive system further includes a transmission operatively coupled between the output of the electric motor and the first end of the valve stem.

[0366] Clause 98. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 95 to 97 further includes a power source for supplying power to the rotary drive system.

[0367] Clause 99. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 98, wherein the power source includes a battery.

[0368] Clause 100. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 99 further includes a sensor for determining the rotational position of the valve stem.

[0369] Clause 101. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 100, wherein the sensor includes a magnetic encoder.

[0370] Clause 102. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 101 further includes a first pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path.

[0371] Clause 103. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 102, wherein the first pressure sensor is provided for determining the fluid pressure in the third fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid flow control system further comprises a second pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining the fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path.

[0372] Clause 104. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 103 further includes a housing that includes at least the manifold, the valve housing, and the valve stem.

[0373] Clause 105. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 104 further includes a connector that engages with the housing and includes: (a) a first connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the first manifold port; (b) a second connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the second manifold port; and (c) a third connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the third manifold port.

[0374] Clause 106. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 105, wherein the connector further includes a fourth connector fluid path extending through the connector and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0375] Clause 107. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 106 further includes a first pump located in the fluid path between the connector and the fluid inlet port.

[0376] Clause 108. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 107 further includes a second pump located in the fluid path between the connector and the fluid inlet port.

[0377] Clause 109. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 108, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0378] Clause 110. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 106 to 109, wherein the fourth connector fluid path is in fluid communication with the external environment to introduce external fluid from the external environment.

[0379] Clause 111. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 110 further includes a filter for filtering the external fluid before it enters the fluid path of the fourth connector.

[0380] Clause 112. A foot support system, comprising:

[0381] Foot support pouch;

[0382] Fluid containers; and

[0383] A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 111, for moving fluid into and out of the foot support bladder and the fluid container.

[0384] Clause 113. A footwear product comprising:

[0385] vamp;

[0386] The sole structure that joins the upper; and

[0387] According to Clause 112, the foot support system wherein the foot support bladder is engaged with or formed as part of the sole structure.

[0388] Clause 114. A foot support system for footwear, comprising:

[0389] Foot support pouch;

[0390] fluid container;

[0391] Fluid supply source;

[0392] valve housing;

[0393] A valve stem movably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the peripheral wall of the valve stem includes a plurality of through holes extending from the internal chamber to an outer surface of the peripheral wall;

[0394] A fluid inlet port that connects the fluid supply source to the internal chamber; and

[0395] The manifold includes: (a) a first manifold port fluidly connected to an external environment and leading to a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold; (b) a second manifold port fluidly connected to the foot support bladder and leading to a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold; and (c) a third manifold port fluidly connected to the fluid container and leading to a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold.

[0396] By fluidly communicating one or more of the plurality of through holes of the valve stem with the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path, movement of the valve stem to multiple positions selectively places the foot support system into multiple operating states.

[0397] Clause 115. The foot support system according to Clause 114, wherein the plurality of operating states includes two or more of the following:

[0398] (a) A first operating state at a first position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source through the fluid inlet port, into the internal chamber, through the first fluid flow path, through the first manifold port, and reaches the external environment.

[0399] (b) A second operating state at the second position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source through the fluid inlet port, into the internal chamber, through the second fluid flow path, through the second manifold port, and into the foot support bladder.

[0400] (c) A third operating state at the third position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the foot support bladder through the second manifold port, through the second fluid flow path, into the internal chamber, through the first fluid flow path, through the first manifold port, and into the external environment.

[0401] (d) A fourth operating state at the fourth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid container through the third manifold port, through the third fluid flow path, into the internal chamber, through the first fluid flow path, through the first manifold port, and reaches the external environment.

[0402] (e) A fifth operating state at the fifth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid container through the third manifold port, into the internal chamber, through the second fluid flow path, through the second manifold port, and into the foot support bladder, and

[0403] (f) A sixth operating state at the sixth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source through the fluid inlet port into the internal chamber, through the third fluid flow path, through the third manifold port, and into the fluid container.

[0404] Clause 116. The foot support system according to Clause 114 or 115, wherein the first manifold port, the second manifold port and the third manifold port are aligned along the outer side of the manifold.

[0405] Clause 117. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 116, wherein the fluid inlet port introduces fluid into the internal chamber at the second end of the valve stem.

[0406] Clause 118. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 117 further includes a sealing connector that engages the manifold and the valve housing.

[0407] Clause 119. The foot support system according to Clause 118, wherein the sealing connector includes a sealing block body having a first sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the first fluid flow path, a second sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the second fluid flow path, and a third sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the third fluid flow path.

[0408] Clause 120. The foot support system according to Clause 119, wherein the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel extend in a parallel direction through the sealing block body and / or are aligned in the sealing block body.

[0409] Clause 121. A foot support system according to Clause 119 or 120, wherein the outer surface of the sealing block body includes a first opening to the first sealing channel, a second opening to the second sealing channel, and a third opening to the third sealing channel, and wherein in each of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening, the second opening, and / or the third opening is aligned with one or more of the plurality of through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0410] Clause 122. The foot support system according to Clause 118, wherein the sealing connector includes a first opening opening to a first sealing channel, and wherein, in at least one of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening is aligned with one of the plurality of through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0411] Clause 123. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 122 further includes a drive system engaged at the first end of the valve stem, wherein the drive system moves the valve stem to at least the plurality of positions.

[0412] Clause 124. The foot support system according to Clause 123, wherein the drive system includes an electric motor.

[0413] Clause 125. The foot support system according to Clause 124, wherein the drive system further includes a transmission device operatively coupled between the output of the electric motor and the first end of the valve stem.

[0414] Clause 126. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 123 to 125 further includes a power source for supplying power to the drive system.

[0415] Clause 127. The foot support system according to Clause 126, wherein the power source includes a battery.

[0416] Clause 128. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 127 further includes a sensor for determining the position of the valve stem relative to the valve housing.

[0417] Clause 129. The foot support system according to Clause 128, wherein the sensor includes a magnetic encoder.

[0418] Clause 130. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 129 further includes a first pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path.

[0419] Clause 131. The foot support system according to Clause 130, wherein the first pressure sensor is provided for determining the fluid pressure in the third fluid flow path, and wherein the foot support system further comprises a second pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining the fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path.

[0420] Clause 132. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 131 further includes a housing that includes at least the valve housing, the valve stem, and the manifold.

[0421] Clause 133. The foot support system according to Clause 132 further includes a connector that engages with the housing and includes: (a) a first connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the first manifold port; (b) a second connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the second manifold port; and (c) a third connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the third manifold port.

[0422] Clause 134. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 133 further includes a fluid supply line extending from the fluid supply source to the fluid inlet port.

[0423] Clause 135. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 134 further includes a fluid line extending from the first manifold port to the external environment.

[0424] Clause 136. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 135 further includes a foot support fluid line extending from the foot support system to the second manifold port.

[0425] Clause 137. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 136 further includes a container fluid line extending from the fluid container to the third manifold port.

[0426] Clause 138. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 137, wherein the fluid supply source comprises a first pump in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0427] Clause 139. The foot support system according to Clause 138, wherein the fluid supply source includes a second pump in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0428] Clause 140. The foot support system according to Clause 138, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0429] Clause 141. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 138 to 140, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment.

[0430] Clause 142. The foot support system according to Clause 141 further includes a filter for filtering the external fluid before it enters the first pump.

[0431] Clause 143. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 138 to 142 further includes an external fluid supply line for supplying fluid from the external environment to the first pump.

[0432] Clause 144. A footwear product comprising:

[0433] upper; and

[0434] The foot support system according to any one of clauses 114 to 143 is coupled to the upper.

[0435] Clause 145. A foot support system, comprising:

[0436] Foot support pouch;

[0437] fluid container;

[0438] Fluid supply source;

[0439] The manifold includes: (a) a fluid inlet port fluidly connected to the fluid supply source and leading to a fluid inlet path extending through the manifold; (b) a first manifold port fluidly connected to the external environment and leading to a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold; (c) a second manifold port fluidly connected to the foot support bladder and leading to a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold; and (d) a third manifold port fluidly connected to the fluid container and leading to a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold.

[0440] A valve housing in fluid communication with the manifold, wherein the valve housing includes a fluid inlet path in fluid communication with the fluid inlet path of the manifold; and

[0441] A valve stem rotatably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the fluid inlet path of the valve housing is in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the valve stem.

[0442] Rotating the valve stem to multiple rotational positions selectively places the foot support system into several operating states, including the following:

[0443] (a) A first operating state at a first rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source through the fluid inlet port, enters the internal chamber, passes through the first fluid flow path, passes through the first manifold port, and reaches the external environment.

[0444] (b) A second operating state at the second rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source through the fluid inlet port, into the internal chamber, through the second fluid flow path, through the second manifold port, and into the foot support bladder.

[0445] (c) In a third operating state at the third rotational position of the valve stem, fluid moves from the foot support bladder through the second manifold port, through the second fluid flow path, into the intern...

Claims

1. A fluid flow control system for footwear products, comprising: The first solenoid includes a first port and a second port and is capable of switching between an open configuration and a closed configuration; The second solenoid includes a first port and a second port and is capable of switching between an open configuration and a closed configuration; The third solenoid includes a first port and a second port and is capable of switching between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A fluid line in fluid communication with a first port of each of the first solenoid, the second solenoid, and the third solenoid; as well as A manifold having: (a) a first manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the first solenoid, (b) a second manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the second solenoid, and (c) a third manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the third solenoid. The first solenoid, the second solenoid, and the third solenoid can independently switch between their open and closed configurations to selectively place the fluid flow control system into multiple operating states.

2. The fluid flow control system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating states includes two or more of the following: (a) First operating state, where, The first solenoid is in an open configuration, the second solenoid is in a closed configuration, and the third solenoid is in a closed configuration, so that fluid can move from the fluid line through the second port of the first solenoid and reach the first manifold port. (b) A second operating state, wherein the first solenoid is in a closed configuration, the second solenoid is in an open configuration, and the third solenoid is in a closed configuration, so that fluid can move from the fluid line through the second port of the second solenoid and reach the second manifold port. (c) A third operating state, wherein the first solenoid is in an open configuration, the second solenoid is in an open configuration, and the third solenoid is in a closed configuration, so that fluid can move from the second manifold port through the second port of the second solenoid, through the fluid line, through the second port of the first solenoid, and to the first manifold port. (d) A fourth operating state, wherein the first solenoid is in an open configuration, the second solenoid is in a closed configuration, and the third solenoid is in an open configuration, so that fluid can move from the third manifold port through the second port of the third solenoid, through the fluid line, through the second port of the first solenoid, and to the first manifold port. (e) A fifth operating state, wherein the first solenoid is in a closed configuration, the second solenoid is in an open configuration, and the third solenoid is in an open configuration, so that fluid can move from the third manifold port through the second port of the third solenoid, through the fluid line, through the second port of the second solenoid, and to the second manifold port. (f) A sixth operating state, wherein the first solenoid is in a closed configuration, the second solenoid is in a closed configuration, and the third solenoid is in an open configuration, so that fluid can move from the fluid line through the second port of the third solenoid and reach the third manifold port.

3. The fluid flow control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first solenoid is a normally open lock-in solenoid, the second solenoid is a normally closed lock-in solenoid, and the third solenoid is a normally closed lock-in solenoid.

4. The fluid flow control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first manifold port, the second manifold port and the third manifold port are aligned along the outer side of the manifold.

5. The fluid flow control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the manifold includes a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the fluid pipeline.

6. The fluid flow control system of claim 5, wherein the fluid inlet port, the first manifold port, the second manifold port, and the third manifold port are aligned along the outer side of the manifold.

7. The fluid flow control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a power supply for switching the first solenoid, the second solenoid, and the third solenoid between their open configuration and their closed configuration.

8. The fluid flow control system according to claim 7, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

9. The fluid flow control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a connector, the connector engaging with the manifold and comprising: (a) a first connector fluid path extending through the connector and connecting to the first manifold port, (b) a second connector fluid path extending through the connector and connecting to the second manifold port, and (c) a third connector fluid path extending through the connector and connecting to the third manifold port.

10. The fluid flow control system of claim 9, wherein the manifold includes a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the fluid pipeline, and wherein the connector further includes a fourth connector fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

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