A bladder system with closable fluid lines and a foot support including such a bladder system.

Abstract

The bladder system (200), foot support system, sole structure (500), footwear article (100), and / or other foot receiving device include: (A) a foot support bladder portion (210), wherein a heel portion or midfoot portion of the foot support bladder portion (210) forms an outwardly extending flap; (B) a fluid reservoir portion (220); (C) a first fluid line (230) for moving fluid from the fluid reservoir portion (220) to the foot support bladder portion (240); and (D) a second fluid line (240) for moving fluid from the foot support bladder portion (210) to the fluid reservoir portion (220), wherein a first portion (200P) of the second fluid line (240) extends through the flap. The bladder system (200) may also include a pump (220P) for supplying fluid from the fluid reservoir portion (220) to the first fluid line (230). The pump (220P) may be included within or as part of the fluid storage chamber section (220). A valve component (226) may be provided to prevent fluid from moving from the pump (220P) to the main storage chamber section of the fluid storage chamber section (220), and / or a valve component (224) may be provided to prevent fluid from moving from the foot support bladder section (210) through the first fluid line (230) to the fluid storage chamber section (220).

Description

Relevant application data

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 604,566, filed November 30, 2023, entitled "Bladder Systems with Closable Fluid Line and Foot Supports Including Such Bladder Systems". U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 604,566 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This technology relates to bladder systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot receiving devices. Some more specific aspects of this technology relate to bladder systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot receiving devices that include fluid lines that can be opened and closed, for example, by a switch, clamp, or other means. Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of manufacturing and / or using such bladder systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot receiving devices.

[0003] Various aspects of this technology can be used in conjunction with footwear components and footwear structures of the type described and illustrated in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 604,559 entitled “Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Including Bladder Systems with Closable Fluid Line,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0004] Conventional athletic footwear comprises two main components: the upper and the sole structure. The upper provides coverage for the foot, securely receiving and positioning it relative to the sole structure. Furthermore, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides breathability, 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. In addition to damping ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure provides traction and controls potentially harmful foot movements, such as overpronation.

[0005] The upper creates a space inside the footwear to accommodate the foot. This space has a general shape to the foot and an entrance at the ankle opening. Therefore, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area. A lacing system is typically incorporated 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. Furthermore, the upper may include a tongue extending below the lacing system to enhance footwear comfort (e.g., to reduce pressure on the foot from the laces). The upper may also include a heel stabilizer to limit or control heel movement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce some general concepts related to the present technology in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify any key or essential features of the claimed invention.

[0007] Various aspects of this technology relate to pouch systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot receiving devices of the types described below and / or claimed and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Such pouch systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot receiving devices may include any one or more structures, portions, features, characteristics, and / or combinations of structures, portions, features, and / or characteristics of the examples described below and / or claimed and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0008] A bladder system, foot support system, sole structure, footwear article, and / or other foot receiving device according to at least some aspects of the present technology includes fluid lines formed by and / or located between layers of thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane or "TPU"). The fluid lines may include: (i) a first fluid line region having a first lateral cross-sectional area extending in a direction remote from the main internal bladder chamber; (ii) a second fluid line region extending from the first fluid line region and in a direction remote from the main internal bladder chamber, the second fluid line region having a second lateral cross-sectional area smaller than the first lateral cross-sectional area; and (iii) a third fluid line region extending from the second fluid line region and having a third lateral cross-sectional area larger than the second lateral cross-sectional area.

[0009] In some instances, the fluid line may connect the foot support bladder portion and the fluid storage chamber portion of the bladder system in the sole structure and / or footwear.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the fluid line may be formed within a flap extending outward from the main internal bladder chamber (e.g., from one of the foot support bladder portion or the fluid reservoir portion). This flap may, for example, be exposed on the exterior of the sole structure and / or footwear. The flap may form a region of the bladder system where the user can selectively interact (e.g., via a switch or other pinching / clamping component) to open and close the fluid line (e.g., a "pre-bent" or "pre-creased" region).

[0011] While aspects of the present technology have been described in relation to bladder systems, additional aspects of the present technology relate to sole structures, footwear articles, other foot receiving devices, methods of manufacturing such bladder systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot receiving devices, and / or methods of using such bladder systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and other foot receiving devices, for example, to change the pressure of the foot support bladder in the footwear article, sole structure, or other foot receiving device. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The foregoing description of the invention and the following detailed description of its embodiments will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements in all the various views in which the reference numerals appear.

[0013] Figure 1 Including rear-outer perspective views of footwear products and sole structures according to some examples of this technology;

[0014] Figures 2A to 2H The illustrations provide various views of capsule systems according to some examples of this technology and their use; and

[0015] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Another capsule system based on this technology and various views of its use are provided. Detailed Implementation

[0016] In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the present technology, and the drawings 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 utilized, and structural and functional modifications can be made to the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0017] As used herein, the term "footwear" means any type of clothing worn on the feet, and includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, athletic shoes, sandals, flip-flops, slippers, slippers, sleepwear, casual shoes, athletic footwear (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball shoes, soccer or rugby shoes, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, dance shoes, etc.). As used herein, the term "foot receiving device" means any device in which a user places at least a portion of his or her foot. In addition to various types of "footwear," foot receiving devices include, but are not limited to: straps and other devices for securing the foot to skis, cross-country skis, water skis, snowboards, etc.; straps, clips, or other devices for securing the foot to pedals used with bicycles, sports equipment, etc.; straps, clips, or other devices for receiving the foot during video games or other games. A "foot receiving device" may include one or more "foot covering members" (e.g., similar to footwear upper components) that help position the foot relative to other components or structures; and one or more "foot support members" (e.g., similar to footwear sole structural components) that support at least a portion or portions of the sole surface of the user's foot. A "foot support member" may include components for and / or serving as the midsole and / or outsole of a footwear article (or components that provide a corresponding function in non-footwear type foot receiving devices).

[0018] As used herein, the term “rearward” refers to the heel area located or facing the footwear article (or its components) or other parts, and the term “forward” refers to the forefoot or forefoot toe area located or facing the footwear article (or its components) or other parts. Unless otherwise defined: (a) the term “heel” or “heel area” refers to the rear (or rear) third of the sole structure, footwear article, or other foot receiving device; (b) the term “midfoot” or “arch” refers to the central third of the sole structure, footwear article, or other foot receiving device; and (c) the term “forefoot” or “forefoot area” refers to the front (or front) third of the sole structure, footwear article, or other foot receiving device. Furthermore, the term “lateral” refers to the “little toe” side or outer edge of the footwear article or its components (e.g., upper, sole structure, etc.) or other parts, and the term “medial” refers to the “big toe” side or inner edge of the footwear article or its components (e.g., upper, sole structure, etc.) or other parts.

[0019] As used herein, the term "port" includes any opening in a component through which fluid (e.g., gas) can enter or exit the component. Some "ports" may include one or more hardware components or other structures to which a fluid line can be connected. In some instances of this technology, a fluid line may be connected to a "port" of another component via adhesives, by thermofusion or welding (also referred to herein as "fusion technology"), by mechanical connectors, etc. In example structures where a fluid line is integrally formed with another part (such as a pump, a foot support bladder (e.g., a foot support bladder portion), a storage chamber component (e.g., a fluid storage chamber bladder portion), or other fluid source component), a "port" can be considered as the location where the size of an internal chamber changes from a relatively small fluid channel size to a relatively large and more open volume (e.g., a change in lateral cross-sectional area). The terms "inlet" and "outlet" as used herein can be considered as "ports".

[0020] As used herein, the term "flap" refers to a relatively thin portion of the bladder system that defines fluid lines passing through it, and this "flap" protrudes outward from the surface of another, larger portion of the bladder system. The fluid lines in the "flap" can lead to and are in direct fluid communication with the internal chamber of the larger portion of the bladder system, extending from that internal chamber. The "flap" may include (and define) a small portion of the fluid lines connecting the two larger portions of the bladder system. The "flap" may extend to a free edge, and this free edge may be exposed on the exterior of the sole structure and / or footwear. The portion of the "flap" defining the internal channels of the fluid lines extending through it can form portions of a seam (e.g., a weld line or other seam) that connects two layers of thermoplastic elastomer material to form the bladder system and the fluid lines. Therefore, the "flap" can constitute an integral part of the bladder system structure.

[0021] In at least some embodiments of this technology, the fluid conduit portion defined within the "flare" will have: (i) a half-section defined by a first material layer or sheet forming one half of the flap (e.g., the upper half of the flap), and (ii) a other half-section defined by a second material layer or sheet forming the other half of the flap (e.g., the lower half of the flap). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the "flare" will be formed by two mating surfaces of material (e.g., mutually facing layers or sheets of thermoplastic elastomer material), and the direction of fluid flow through the fluid conduit portion within the flap will extend substantially parallel to these two mating surfaces. Still additionally or alternatively, the longitudinal length of the fluid conduit portion within the "flare" may extend substantially parallel to the mating surfaces of the material forming the "flare".

[0022] This application and / or its claims use terms such as "first," "second," and "third" to identify certain components and / or features related to this technology. The use of these terms is merely for the purpose of, for example, facilitating the distinction between components and / or features of a particular structure. The use of these terms should not be construed as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and / or features in question. Furthermore, the use of these specific terms for a particular structure in the specification does not require the use of the same terms in the claims to refer to the same parts (e.g., a component or feature referred to as "third" in the specification may correspond to any numerical adjective used for that component or feature in the claims). I. General Description of Various Aspects of the Technology

[0023] As described above, aspects of this technology relate to pouch systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot receiving devices of the types described and / or claimed below and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Such pouch systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot receiving devices may include any one or more structures, portions, features, characteristics, and / or combinations of structures, portions, features, and / or characteristics of the examples described and / or claimed below and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] As some more specific examples, aspects of this technology relate to bladder systems for containing fluid, such as those used in sole structures and / or footwear articles. Such bladder systems may include: (a) a foot support bladder portion; (b) a fluid reservoir portion; (c) a first fluid line for moving fluid from the fluid reservoir portion to the foot support bladder portion; and (d) a second fluid line for moving fluid from the foot support bladder portion to the fluid reservoir portion. In some examples of this aspect of the technology, a first portion of the second fluid line extends outward from the heel or midfoot portion of the foot support bladder portion (e.g., rearward, laterally, etc. from the heel portion) and may be contained within or defined within a flap (e.g., an exposed flap of thermoplastic elastomer material forming the bladder). This flap may form a region or portion of the second fluid line so as to be selectively “pinched” closed to prevent fluid movement through the second fluid line (e.g., to alter foot support pressure within the bladder system).

[0025] Other aspects of this technology relate to bladder systems, for example, in sole structures and / or footwear articles, including a first thermoplastic elastomer layer bonded at one or more seams to a second thermoplastic elastomer layer to form an internal fluid chamber. The internal fluid chamber may include: (a) a foot support bladder portion; (b) a fluid reservoir portion; (c) a first fluid line extending between the fluid reservoir portion and the foot support bladder portion; and (d) a second fluid line extending between the foot support bladder portion and the fluid reservoir portion. In some examples of this aspect of the technology, a first portion of the second fluid line extends outward from the heel or midfoot portion of the foot support bladder portion (e.g., rearward, laterally, etc. from the heel portion) and may be contained within or defined within a flap (e.g., an exposed flap of thermoplastic elastomer material forming the bladder). The flap can form an area or portion of the second fluid line so that it can be selectively "clamped" closed to prevent fluid from moving through the second fluid line (e.g., to change the foot support pressure in the bladder system).

[0026] Other aspects of this technology relate to, for example, bladder systems for use in sole structures and / or footwear articles, such bladder systems comprising: (a) a first thermoplastic elastomer layer and a second thermoplastic elastomer layer connected together by a first seam portion and a second seam portion, wherein a first internal bladder chamber is defined between the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer; and (b) a first fluid line formed between the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer, the first fluid line having a first end leading to the first internal bladder chamber and extending between the first seam portion and the second seam portion. The fluid conduit may include: (i) a first fluid conduit region having a first lateral cross-sectional area and extending in a direction remote from the first internal cavity; (ii) a second fluid conduit region extending from the first fluid conduit region in a direction remote from the first internal cavity, the second fluid conduit region having a second lateral cross-sectional area smaller than the first lateral cross-sectional area; and (iii) a third fluid conduit region extending from the second fluid conduit region and having a third lateral cross-sectional area larger than the second lateral cross-sectional area. At least one of the first fluid conduit region, the second fluid conduit region, and / or the third fluid conduit region may form a region (e.g., a pre-bent or pre-creased region) where the first fluid conduit may be selectively opened and closed. At least the first fluid conduit region, the second fluid conduit region, and the third fluid conduit region may be included in a flap.

[0027] Other aspects of this technology relate to, for example, bladder systems for use in sole structures and / or footwear articles, such bladder systems comprising: (a) a first thermoplastic elastomer layer and a second thermoplastic elastomer layer, the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer being coupled together to define a first internal bladder chamber; and (b) a first fluid line having a first end in fluid communication with the first internal bladder chamber. The fluid line may include: (i) a first fluid line region having a first lateral cross-sectional area and extending in a direction remote from the first internal bladder chamber; (ii) a second fluid line region extending from the first fluid line region in a direction remote from the first internal bladder chamber, the second fluid line region having a second lateral cross-sectional area smaller than the first lateral cross-sectional area; and (iii) a third fluid line region extending from the second fluid line region in a direction remote from the first internal bladder chamber, the third fluid line region having a third lateral cross-sectional area larger than the second lateral cross-sectional area. At least one of the first fluid pipeline area, the second fluid pipeline area, and / or the third fluid pipeline area can form a region (e.g., a pre-bent or pre-creased region) where the first fluid pipeline can be selectively opened and closed. At least the first fluid pipeline area, the second fluid pipeline area, and the third fluid pipeline area can be included in the flap.

[0028] Other aspects of this technology relate to foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles and / or other foot receiving devices including bladder systems of the types described above, as well as methods of manufacturing and / or using such products.

[0029] At least some aspects of this technology may include structures of the type described in the following and / or may be used in systems of the type described in the following: (a) U.S. Patent No. 11,206,896 B2, (b) U.S. Patent No. 11,234,485 B2, (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 477,719, filed December 29, 2022, (d) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 498,593, filed April 27, 2023, and (e) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 541,431, filed September 29, 2023, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0030] Given the general description of features, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements of certain examples according to the present technology provided above, the following is a more detailed description of specific examples of foot support systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and methods according to the present technology. II. Detailed description of the exemplary pouch system, foot support system, sole structure, footwear and other components / features according to this technology.

[0031] Referring to the accompanying drawings and the following discussion, various examples of bladder systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and / or footwear articles according to various aspects of the present technology are described.

[0032] Now we will combine Figures 1 to 3B Examples of foot support systems 200, foot support systems (e.g., sole structure 500), footwear articles 100 (or other foot receiving devices) and / or components thereof are described according to various aspects of the present technology. Figure 1 A rear-outer perspective view of a sole structure 500 and a footwear article 100 according to at least some examples of the present technology is provided.

[0033] Figure 1 The footwear article 100 shown includes an upper 102 and a sole structure 500 joined to the upper 102. Figure 1 Only a portion of the upper 102 is shown, but the upper 102 may include any desired materials (e.g., fabric, leather, plastic, etc.), components, number of components, construction, structure, etc., including conventional materials, components, number of components, construction, structure, etc., known and used in the footwear industry. The upper 102 may be joined to the sole structure 500 in any desired manner (including by using one or more of adhesives, stitching, or mechanical fasteners, including in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear industry).

[0034] The sole structure 500 and / or footwear article 100 of this example include: (a) at least a portion of a bladder system 200 (e.g., at least a foot support bladder portion 210), (b) an outsole 502, and (c) a midsole 510. The bladder system 200 may include the following combinations Figures 2A to 3B The outsole 502 can be formed from one or more outsole components and / or can be made from any desired outsole material, including outsole components and / or outsole materials conventionally known and used in the footwear industry (e.g., rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, other thermoplastics, etc.). The outsole 502 may include one or more adhesion friction elements 504 at its ground contact surface 502G, such as adhesion friction elements 504 of types conventionally known and used in the footwear industry (e.g., anti-slip studs, spikes, ridges, recesses, etc.). The outsole 502 in this example also includes, for example, a pump activator 506 located in the heel area of ​​the sole structure 500 for activating the pump component of the bladder system 200 (e.g., a compressed ball pump 220P), which will be described in more detail below.

[0035] The midsole 510 may also be formed of one or more components, including one or more foam elements (e.g., made of polyurethane foam, ethylene vinyl acetate foam, and / or other foam materials conventionally known and used in the footwear industry). Although not required, one or more of the foam components and / or other components of the midsole 510 of this illustrated example may include or define one or more openings 510H through which a portion of the bladder system 200 (e.g., the side edge of the foot support bladder portion 210 in this illustrated example) is exposed. Figure 1 The illustration shows an opening 510H based on the lateral heel and an opening 510H based on the lateral forefoot. In other specific instances, more or fewer openings 510H may be provided (or no openings may be provided). Additionally or alternatively, the inner side of the footwear article 100 and the sole structure 500 may include one or more heel-based openings and / or forefoot-based openings. Alternatively, the midsole 510 may include: (i) openings or recesses (e.g., at the medial heel region) that allow the outer surfaces of the fluid lines 230 and / or 240 to be exposed, and / or (ii) support surfaces for supporting the surfaces of the fluid lines 230 and / or 240. In some embodiments of the art, foam components or other components may be provided between at least some portions of the mutually facing surfaces of the foot support bladder portion 210 and the fluid reservoir portion 220 of the bladder system 200.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In the example sole structure 500, a portion of the bladder system 200 (e.g., fluid reservoir portion 220) is located between the midsole 510 and the outsole 502. Furthermore, although not strictly necessary, in the example footwear article 100 and sole structure 500 illustrated, a portion of the bladder system 200 (e.g., fluid reservoir portion 220) is exposed between the midsole 510 and the outsole 502. The bladder system 200 may be formed from two (or more) thermoplastic elastomer layers (e.g., sheets or portions of sheets) sealed together at one or more seams 208 (see [reference needed]). Figure 1 and Figure 2C The capsule system 200 can be formed from layers of such thermoplastic elastomer material using conventional techniques in a conventional manner, such as those known and used in the footwear industry (e.g., welding, bonding with adhesives, etc.).

[0037] The footwear article 100 of this example also includes a heel component 520, for example, which engages with the midsole 510, another portion of the sole structure 500, and / or the upper 102. The heel component 520 may be made of a rigid material, such as plastic and / or the type of material used in conventional heel stabilizer-type structures. The heel component 520 of this illustrated example provides a base for pivotally engaging, for example, a switch member 400 at a pivot support 402 (a similar pivot support 402 mount for the switch member 400 may be provided on the inside of the example sole structure 500 and footwear article 100). Figure 1 The switch component 400 is on the pivot support 402. Figure 1 It pivots between the downward and upward positions shown. See also Figure 1 Arrow A in the diagram. In the upward position, the base 404 of the switch member 400... Figure 1 The position shown is moved upwards, for example, in which the base 404 can engage and secure to the latch member 522, which is part of the heel member 520 (to hold the switch member 400 in place relative to the heel member 520). Although Figure 1 The base 404 of the switch member 400 is shown to have a recess 404R that extends over and beyond a protrusion 522P provided as a latch member 522. However, in other specific embodiments of this aspect of the art, other latching features may be provided (e.g., where the switch member 400 includes a protrusion that fits into a recess provided in the heel member 520, where the arm 406 of the switch member 400 engages a latch, etc.).

[0038] In the above and Figure 1 In the illustrated sole structure 500 and footwear article 100, at least one of the heel component 520 and / or midsole 510 defines a recess 520R. In this example, the recess 520R provides space to receive a portion of the fluid line 200P of the bladder system 200 and a portion of the switching member 400. As will be described in more detail below, the switching member 400 is used to open a configuration (such as...) Figure 1 (as shown) and closed configuration (when) Figure 1 When the switching member 400 moves to the upward latching position, the fluid line section 200P of the switching capsule system 200 is switched between the two positions.

[0039] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 604,559, entitled "Sole Structures and Articles of Footwear Including Bladder Systems with Closable Fluid Line," provides additional structural details of footwear articles and / or sole structures, including switching components, etc., that can be used in accordance with various aspects of the technology disclosed herein. Additionally or alternatively, the bladder system 200, upper 102, outsole 502, midsole 510, and / or footwear article 100 may be formed from and / or have the type of components described and illustrated in: U.S. Patent No. 11,206,896 B2, U.S. Patent No. 11,234,485 B2, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 477,719, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 498,593, and / or U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 541,431.

[0040] Now we will combine Figures 2A to 2H A more detailed description of the various aspects of this technology is provided. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The illustration schematically depicts features of a bladder system 200 that can be included in a foot support system, sole structure 500, and / or footwear article 100, according to some aspects of the present technology. Figure 2C The image shows a top plan view of the bladder system 200 before it is incorporated into the sole structure 500 or footwear article 100. Figure 2D It shows Figure 2C Enlarged view of fluid line section 200P (“flange”) shown in a circle in the center; Figure 2E It shows the along in the open configuration Figure 2D A cross-sectional view of the fluid pipeline section 200P cut off by line 2E-2E in the diagram; Figure 2F A cross-sectional view of the fluid pipeline section 200P in a closed configuration is shown; Figure 2G It shows along Figure 2C The image shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid reservoir portion 220 taken along line 2G-2G, where the bladder system 200 is in a lower-pressure foot support configuration (e.g., in this lower-pressure foot support configuration, the example fluid reservoir portion 220 and the foot support bladder portion 210 are under "equal" pressure); and Figure 2H It shows along Figure 2CThe image shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid reservoir portion 220 taken along line 2G-2G, where the bladder system 200 is in a higher-pressure foot support configuration (e.g., in this higher-pressure foot support configuration, fluid is removed from this example fluid reservoir portion 220 and enters the foot support bladder portion 210). Figures 1 to 2H When the same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar parts are referenced.

[0041] First, combine Figures 2A to 2C The various parts of the example bladder system 200 are described. The example bladder system 200 includes four main regions or parts: (a) a foot support bladder portion 210; (b) a fluid reservoir portion 220; (c) a first fluid line 230 (including its internal fluid passage 230C), for example, for moving fluid from the fluid reservoir portion 220 to the foot support bladder portion 210; and (d) a second fluid line 240 (including its internal fluid passage 240C), for example, for moving fluid from the foot support bladder portion 210 to the fluid reservoir portion 220. Figure 2C As further shown, the example bladder system 200 includes a pump 220P (e.g., a foot-activated pump, such as a ball pump located in the heel support area of ​​the bladder system 200) for moving fluid from the fluid storage chamber portion 220 to the fluid line 230. Figure 2C The dashed arrows in the diagram illustrate the direction of fluid flow in this example capsule system 200.

[0042] exist Figure 2C In this example, the pump 220P is formed within and / or as part of the fluid storage chamber portion 220 of the bladder system 200 (and the pump 220P region may be at least partially surrounded by the fluid storage chamber portion 220, such as...). Figure 2C (As shown). In Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this context, the components of these combinations are shown enclosed in dashed boxes 222. In some instances of this technology, however: (a) pump 220P need not be included as part of the fluid reservoir portion 220, (b) pump 220P need not be a foot-activating pump and / or a ball pump (e.g., it may be formed as a separate component connected via fluid lines, etc.), and / or (c) pump 220P need not be included in the heel support area (e.g., the foot-activating pump may be in the forefoot support area of ​​the sole structure 500). Furthermore, two or more foot-activating pumps of the type described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 11,510,458 B2, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, may be provided (e.g., connected in series).

[0043] Various sizes, shapes, and / or arrangements of the foot support bladder portion 210 and the fluid storage chamber portion 220 can be used in specific embodiments of this technology. For example... Figure 2C As illustrated, the foot support sac portion 210 may include a heel support area, a midfoot support area, and a forefoot support area, for example, at least portions of the plantar surfaces of the wearer's heel, midfoot, and forefoot. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid reservoir portion 220 may include a heel area, a midfoot area, and a forefoot area, for example, beneath at least portions of the plantar surfaces of the wearer's heel, midfoot, and forefoot. When installed as... Figure 1 When the sole structure 500 and / or footwear article 100 shown are in use, the foot support bladder portion 210 and the fluid storage chamber portion 220 can be released from the foot. Figure 2C The configuration shown moves relative to each other, causing fluid lines 230 and 240 to bend in the vertical direction, and Figure 2C The two main surfaces of the foot support bladder portion 210 and the fluid storage chamber portion 220 shown face each other directly (optionally, foam material or other material is located between at least some portions of these mutually facing main surfaces).

[0044] In some instances of this technology, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2C As shown, a portion 200P of the fluid line 240 extends outward (e.g., rearward) from the heel portion (e.g., the hindfoot portion) of the foot support bladder portion 210 and may form a flap through which this portion 200P of the fluid line 240 extends. This portion 200P may form part of a seam 208 connecting the thermoplastic elastomer layer of the bladder system 200 and continue extending from that seam. Figure 1 As shown, the flap of the fluid line portion 200P, including the fluid line 240, can be at least partially exposed to the outside of the sole structure 500 and / or the footwear structure 100 (thus forming an "exposed flap").

[0045] exist Figure 2A In the configuration shown, the switch member 400 is in the open configuration (e.g., the one combined with the above). Figure 1 The description of the downward position and Figure 2A The open “X” in the designation corresponds to the “lower pressure foot support configuration,” which will be described in more detail below. Figure 2B In the configuration shown, the switch member 400 is in a closed configuration (e.g., in...). Figure 1 The middle is shown as the upward position, and in Figure 2BThe "X" (shown as a darkened "X") corresponds to the "higher pressure foot support configuration," which will be described in more detail below. Additionally, this example bladder system 200 is a "closed system," meaning it has a fixed amount (e.g., mass) of fluid (e.g., gas, such as air or other gases, including those conventionally known and used in foot support bladder systems) sealed within it, and the bladder system 200 neither introduces new fluid from the external environment nor discharges fluid to the external environment. Fluid moves between the foot support bladder portion 210 and the fluid storage chamber portion 220 to change the foot support pressure in the foot support bladder portion 210. However, alternatively, at least some aspects of this technology can be used in "open" bladder systems, such as bladder systems that introduce air (or other gases) from the external environment (e.g., via a pump (manual pump, including a foot-activated pump, or an electric pump) or a compressor) and / or discharge air (or other gases) to the external environment to change the foot support pressure in the foot support bladder.

[0046] Figure 2A A bladder system 200 in a "low-pressure" foot support configuration is shown, and Figure 2B The bladder system 200 is shown in a foot support configuration under "high pressure". When the switching member 400... Figure 2A When shown to be open (where switch component 400 is in the position of...) Figure 1(As shown in the downward position), fluid line 240 is open, and fluid flows freely around the entire bladder system 200 loop as follows: (a) from foot-activated pump 220P, (b) through pump outlet 220PO, (c) through check valve 224, (d) through fluid reservoir outlet 220O (if disconnected from check valve 224), (e) into first fluid line 230, (f) through foot support bladder inlet 210I, (g) into foot support bladder section 210 (entering... Its internal chamber 210C, (h) enters the second fluid line 240 through the foot support bladder outlet 210O, (i) enters the fluid storage chamber section 220 through the fluid storage chamber inlet 220I, (k) enters the fluid storage chamber section 220 (entering its internal chamber 220C), (l) enters the fluid storage chamber outlet 222O, (m) enters the check valve 226, (n) enters the pump inlet 220PI, and (o) returns to the pump 220P (e.g., entering its internal chamber 222C). In use, the check valve 226 (or other valve structure) prevents the pumped fluid (e.g., compression from the ball pump 220P) from re-entering the main storage chamber volume of the fluid storage chamber section 220 via the fluid storage chamber outlet 222O, and the check valve 224 (or other valve structure) prevents fluid from re-entering the pump 220P from the foot support bladder section 210 (via the fluid storage chamber outlet 220O). After the foot is stepped on and compressed to activate the internal chamber 222C of the pump 220P to discharge fluid from the pump outlet 220PO, the internal chamber 222C of the pump 220P will re-expand and be refilled with fluid that has moved from the fluid storage chamber portion 220 through the check valve 226 for the next pedal pumping cycle.

[0047] However, when the switch component 400 is closed, such as Figure 2B As shown (and where the switch member 400 is in Figure 1(As shown in the upward position), fluid line 240 is closed, and fluid flow around the loop is interrupted. In this configuration (“higher pressure foot support configuration”), the fluid moves as follows: (a) from the foot-activated pump 220P, (b) through pump outlet 220PO, (c) through check valve 224, (d) through fluid reservoir outlet 220O (if separated from check valve 224), (e) into first fluid line 230, (f) through foot support bladder inlet 210I, and (g) into foot support bladder portion 210 (into its internal chamber 210C). After the foot is stepped on and compressed to activate the internal chamber 222C of pump 220P to discharge fluid from pump outlet 220PO, the internal chamber 222C of pump 220P will re-expand and be refilled with fluid that has moved from fluid reservoir portion 220 through check valve 226 for the next pedaling pumping cycle (e.g., as long as fluid remains in reservoir portion 220). Because fluid line 240 is closed and check valve 224 prevents fluid from flowing back into pump 220P via pump outlet 220PO, fluid accumulates in foot support bladder portion 210 (e.g., by gradually increasing gas mass and pressure), and fluid is continuously consumed and reduced in fluid reservoir portion 220. This action increases the fluid pressure in foot support bladder portion 210 and decreases the fluid pressure in fluid reservoir portion 220.

[0048] The foot support bladder portion 210, when fully inflated, defines a first internal volume V1 (the volume of internal chamber 210C), and the fluid reservoir portion 220, when fully inflated, defines a second internal volume V2 (the volume of internal chamber 220C). These volumes can vary relative to each other. In some embodiments of the art, these volumes will satisfy at least one of the following relationships: 0.8 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.2 × V2, and / or 0.9 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.1 × V2. In some embodiments of the art, V1 and V2 can be substantially equal (e.g., within ±2% of each other).

[0049] The following will be referred to separately. Figures 2D to 2H To describe additional aspects of this technology. Figure 2CThe illustrated bladder system 200 includes a first thermoplastic elastomer layer 200A, which is coupled to a second thermoplastic elastomer layer 200B at one or more seams 208 to form an internal fluid chamber (e.g., a continuous internal chamber), the internal fluid chamber including: (a) an internal chamber 210C of a foot support bladder portion 210, (b) an internal chamber 220C of a fluid reservoir portion 220, (c) an internal fluid passage 230C of a first fluid line 230 (extending between the fluid reservoir portion 220 and the foot support bladder portion 210), (d) an internal fluid passage 240C of a second fluid line 240 (extending between the foot support bladder portion 210 and the fluid reservoir portion 220), and (e) in at least some instances, an internal chamber 222C of a pump 220P.

[0050] In at least some embodiments of this technology, all these internal fluid chamber portions (e.g., internal chamber 210C of foot support bladder portion 210, internal chamber 220C of fluid reservoir portion 220, internal fluid channels of fluid line 230, internal fluid channels 240C of fluid line 240, and (in at least some embodiments) internal chamber 222C of pump 220P) can be formed as a single integral bladder component (e.g., formed from two thermoplastic elastomer layers 200A, 200B provided as part of one or more thermoplastic elastomer materials). In such integral bladder component structures, fluid lines 230 and 240 are integrally formed with foot support bladder portion 210 and fluid reservoir portion 220. Therefore, in the production of such bladder system 200, it is not necessary to attach separate fluid lines (e.g., tubes) to the bladder ports (e.g., by welding, by adhesive, etc.), and it is not necessary to provide any separate port hardware and incorporate it into the bladder structure. Such an integral construction can simplify production, avoid the use of adhesives, reduce costs, and / or help prevent leakage. However, if desired, the hardware of valves 224 and / or 226 can be placed between thermoplastic elastomer layers 200A and 200B before joint 208 is formed and / or at another appropriate time during production, and / or valves 224 and / or 226 can be arranged in another appropriate manner.

[0051] like Figure 1 , Figure 2C and Figure 2DAs shown, a portion 200P of the fluid conduit 240 extends outward (e.g., rearward) from the heel portion (e.g., the hindfoot portion) of the foot support sac portion 210 and forms a flap (e.g., an exposed flap), through which an internal fluid channel 240C of the fluid conduit 240 extends. This flap may extend from and form a portion of the seam 208 between the thermoplastic elastomer layers 200A, 200B. Additional exemplary features and properties of the fluid conduit portion 200P and the flap will now be described.

[0052] A first thermoplastic elastomer layer 200A and a second thermoplastic elastomer layer 200B (formed from one or more sheets of thermoplastic elastomer material) are joined together (e.g., at one or more seams 208) to define an internal bladder chamber (e.g., in the example illustrated, including a foot support bladder internal chamber 210C). A fluid line 240 has a first end leading to and in fluid communication with the foot support bladder internal chamber 210C. The portion 200P of the fluid line 240 exiting the foot support bladder internal chamber 210C (e.g., entering the flap) at the foot support bladder outlet 210O includes: (i) a first fluid line region 206A having a first lateral cross-sectional area (e.g., extending in a direction away from the foot support bladder internal chamber 210C), (ii) a second fluid line region 206B extending from the first fluid line region 206A (e.g., in a direction away from the foot support bladder internal chamber 210C), the second fluid line region 206B having a second lateral cross-sectional area smaller than the first lateral cross-sectional area, and (iii) a third fluid line region 206C extending from the second fluid line region 206B (e.g., in a direction away from the foot support bladder internal chamber 210C), the third fluid line region 206C having a third lateral cross-sectional area larger than the second lateral cross-sectional area (and optionally the same as or substantially the same as the first lateral cross-sectional area). Thus, the flap may include: (a) a front portion (e.g., a first fluid line region 206A), wherein a first end of the fluid line 240 leads to the foot support bladder chamber 210 and receives fluid from the foot support bladder chamber 210 (or, in other instances, from the fluid storage chamber 220), and (b) a rear portion that forms the free end 246 or edge of the flap.

[0053] In some instances of this technology, the portion 200P of the fluid line 240 (e.g., in a flap) may further include: (i) a fourth fluid line region 206D extending from the third fluid line region 206C (e.g., in a direction toward the internal chamber 210C of the foot support bladder), the fourth fluid line region 206D having a fourth lateral cross-sectional area (which may be the same as or substantially the same as the first and / or the third lateral cross-sectional area and / or may be larger than the second lateral cross-sectional area), and (ii) a fifth fluid line region 206E extending from the fourth fluid line region 206D (e.g., in a direction toward the internal chamber 210C of the foot support bladder), the fifth fluid line region 206E having a fifth lateral cross-sectional area smaller than the fourth lateral cross-sectional area (and the fifth lateral cross-sectional area may be the same as or substantially the same as the second lateral cross-sectional area). This portion of fluid line 240 (e.g., in a flap) may also include at least a portion of a sixth fluid line region 206F extending from the fifth fluid line region 206E, the sixth fluid line region 206F having a sixth lateral cross-sectional area that is larger than the fifth lateral cross-sectional area (and the sixth lateral cross-sectional area may be the same as or substantially the same as one or more of the first lateral cross-sectional area, the third lateral cross-sectional area and / or the fourth lateral cross-sectional area).

[0054] As used herein in this context, the term "transverse cross section area" refers to the area enclosed by the fluid conduit and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. As used herein in this context, the term "substantially identical" means that the two areas being compared are within 10% of each other (e.g., A1 = A2 ± 10%, and / or A2 = A1 ± 10%). In at least some instances of this technique, each of the first, second, third, fourth (if present), and fifth (if present) transverse cross section areas may be less than 500 mm. 2The second and / or fifth transverse cross-sectional area (if present) may be at least 10% smaller than the area of ​​one or more of the first, third, and / or fourth transverse cross-sectional areas (if present), and in some instances, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, or even at least 30% smaller. Therefore, the portion 200P of the fluid line 240 included in the flap may include an open internal fluid channel 240C within the flap, the open internal fluid channel 240C having: (a) a first arm (e.g., formed by at least a portion of a first fluid line region 206A, a second fluid line region 206B, and a third fluid line region 206C), (b) a second arm (e.g., formed by at least a portion of a fourth fluid line region 206D, a fifth fluid line region 206E, and a sixth fluid line region 206F (if present)), and (c) a base connecting the first arm and the second arm (e.g., wherein the base includes at least a portion of the third fluid line region 206C and / or the fourth fluid line region 206D). In this way, the first arm will define a first thinning region of the open internal fluid passage 240C (e.g., corresponding to the second fluid line region 206B), and the second arm will define a second thinning region of the open internal fluid passage 240C (e.g., corresponding to the fifth fluid line region 206E). These thinning regions may be positioned adjacent to each other (e.g., side by side) and may form pre-creases or pre-bending regions of the fluid line 240 in the flaps.

[0055] The second fluid pipeline region 206B may be located adjacent to (e.g., side-by-side) the fifth fluid pipeline region 206E, and optionally separated from the fifth fluid pipeline region 206E by a portion of joint 208. Thus, a portion of joint 208 may define adjacent sides of each of the second fluid pipeline region 206B and the fifth fluid pipeline region 206E. Additionally or alternatively, the first fluid pipeline region 206A may be located adjacent to the sixth fluid pipeline region 206F, and optionally separated from the sixth fluid pipeline region 206F by a portion of joint 208. Thus, a portion of joint 208 (e.g., the same joint 208 described above) may define adjacent sides of the first fluid pipeline region 206A and the sixth fluid pipeline region 206F. Similarly, if desired, the third fluid pipeline region 206C may be located adjacent to the fourth fluid pipeline region 206D, and optionally separated from the fourth fluid pipeline region 206D by a portion of the same joint 208. Therefore, a portion of the joint 208 can define adjacent sides of the third fluid pipeline region 206C and the fourth fluid pipeline region 206D.

[0056] In some instances of this technology, the linear fluid line length of the fluid line 240 within the fold (e.g., extending at least from the starting point of the first fluid line region 206A (at the outlet 210O of the foot support bladder portion 210) through the end of the fifth fluid line region 206E) can be less than 100 mm, and in some instances, less than 90 mm, less than 75 mm, less than 65 mm, or even less than 50 mm. Furthermore, in Figure 2D In the illustrated example structure, the portion 200P of the fluid conduit 240 included within the flaps (e.g., at least a portion of the first fluid conduit region 206A, the second fluid conduit region 206B, the third fluid conduit region 206C, the fourth fluid conduit region 206D, and / or the fifth fluid conduit region 206E) can form a square or rectangular tab or flap extending outward from the first internal bladder chamber (e.g., the internal chamber 210C of the foot support bladder). Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of the present technology, the internal channels 240C forming the fluid conduits passing through the flap regions (e.g., including two or more of the aforementioned fluid conduit regions 206A to 206F) can form U-shaped channels.

[0057] The sixth fluid line section 206F can extend into the internal chamber of another sac section (e.g., in...). Figures 1 to 2H The internal chamber 220C of the fluid storage chamber portion 220 in the illustrated example), and / or otherwise fluidly communicates with the internal chamber of another sac portion. Therefore, as... Figure 2C As shown, the sixth fluid line region 206F can extend from the medial heel region of the fluid reservoir portion 220 to the portion 200P of the fluid line 240 included in the flap. At least a portion of the sixth fluid line region 206F of the fluid line 240 can be adjacent to at least a portion of the fluid line 230 and extend along at least a portion of the fluid line 230 (e.g., parallel to at least a portion of the fluid line 230) (and optionally separated from at least a portion of the fluid line 230 by a section of the seam 208). These adjacent portions of the sixth fluid line region 206F and the fluid line 230 can be located in the heel region and / or midfoot region (e.g., medial heel region and / or medial midfoot region) of the pouch system 200, the sole structure 500, and the footwear article 100. Additionally or alternatively, these adjacent portions of the sixth fluid line region 206F and the fluid line 230 may form bends in the bladder system 200, for example, to support movement of the foot support bladder portion 210 relative to the fluid storage chamber portion 220 (e.g., such that the foot support bladder portion 210 moves as...). Figure 1The final assembled sole structure 500 and footwear article 100 shown are located above the fluid storage chamber portion 220. If necessary or required, structures of the type described in one or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 11,206,896 B2, 11,234,485 B2, 63 / 477,719, 63 / 498,593, and 63 / 541,431 may be provided to support the fluid lines 230, 240 and / or prevent undesirable clamping or closure of the fluid lines 230, 240 at the sixth fluid line region 206F and these adjacent portions of the fluid line 230.

[0058] In at least some embodiments of this technology, regions with smaller lateral cross-sectional areas—the second fluid line region 206B and / or the fifth fluid line region 206E (when present)—can form pre-creases or pre-bends for closing the fluid line 240. For example... Figure 2E and Figure 2F As shown (also note) Figure 1 The switching member 400 may include a contact surface 410, for example, located below a flap of the portion 200P including the fluid line 240. When the switching member 400 moves upward, the contact surface 410 will pull upward the free end 246 of the fluid line portion 200P, as from... Figures 2E to 2F The transition is shown. This action clamps (or kinks) the internal fluid passage 240C to close, thereby changing the fluid line 240 from an open configuration to a closed configuration, and thus stopping the flow of fluid through the fluid line 240. This action moves the capsule system 200 from... Figure 2A and Figure 2E The lower pressure foot support configuration shown is changed to Figure 2B and Figure 2F The higher pressure foot support configuration is shown. If necessary or required, the switch member 400 may include another contact surface 412 located above the flap that includes the portion 200P of the fluid line 240. This contact surface 412 (when present) can help push the free end 246 of the flap back down (and help ensure that the internal fluid passage 240C reopens).

[0059] For example, the flap through which the portion 200P of the fluid conduit 240 extends can have a relatively small size and / or volume compared to the size and / or volume of the internal chamber 210C of the foot support bladder portion 210 and / or the internal chamber 220C of the fluid storage chamber portion 220. As some more specific examples, the flap (e.g., including at least the portion 200P of the first fluid conduit region 206A, the second fluid conduit region 206B, and the third fluid conduit region 206C described above) can be defined as less than 2000 mm. 2The area (and in some instances, less than 1600 mm) 2 Less than 1200 mm 2 And even less than 1000 mm 2 The area of ​​the fluid lines 240 within the flap (e.g., including at least portions 200P of the first fluid line region 206A, the second fluid line region 206B, the third fluid line region 206C, the fourth fluid line region 206D, and the fifth fluid line region 206E) can be set within any of the aforementioned area ranges. Additionally or alternatively, the flap (including portions of the fluid lines 240 therein) may have a thickness of less than 20 mm (and in some instances, less than 16 mm, less than 12 mm, or even less than 10 mm) over at least 75% of the flap surface area. These thickness ranges may exist over at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or even more than 100% of the flap surface area. Still additionally or alternatively, the extension of the fluid line 240 through the internal fluid channel 240C of the flap (e.g., from the starting point of the first fluid line region 206A (at the outlet 210O of the foot support bladder portion 210) through the end of the fifth fluid line region 206E) can enclose less than 7500 mm. 3 (And in some instances, less than 6000 mm) 3 Less than 5000 mm 3 or even less than 4000mm 3 The volume of the fluid line 240. Additionally or alternatively, the internal fluid passage 240C of the fluid line 240 through the flap (e.g., from the starting point of the first fluid line region 206A (at the outlet 210O of the foot support sac portion 210) through the end of the fifth fluid line region 206E) may enclose a volume that: (a) is less than 1% of the volume V1 defined within the internal chamber 210C of the foot support sac portion 210 (and in some instances, less than 0.5%, less than 0.25%, less than 0.1%, or even less than 0.05%), and / or (b) is less than 1% of the volume V2 defined within the internal chamber 220C of the fluid storage chamber portion 220 (and in some instances, less than 0.5%, less than 0.25%, less than 0.1%, or even less than 0.05%).

[0060] The following will be referred to separately. Figure 2G and Figure 2H Additional features and uses of some examples of this technology will be described in more detail. Figure 2G It shows along Figure 2CThe image shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid reservoir portion 220 taken by line 2G-2G, in which the bladder system 200 is in a lower pressure foot support configuration (e.g., in this lower pressure foot support configuration, the fluid reservoir portion 220 and the foot support bladder portion 210 in this example are under “equal” pressure, and the switch member 400 is in the open position). Figure 2H It shows along Figure 2C The cross-sectional view of the fluid storage chamber portion 220 taken by line 2G-2G shows the bladder system 200 in a higher pressure foot support configuration and the switching member 400 in a closed position (e.g., after fluid has been removed from the fluid storage chamber portion 220 and entered the foot support bladder portion 210). Figure 2G and Figure 2H Further illustration shows that the bladder system 200 (e.g., fluid reservoir portion 220) may include one or more internal stretching elements 248, for example, to help control the shape of the bladder system 200 during inflation. The foot support bladder portion 210 may also include one or more internal stretching elements 248 of this type (see also...). Figure 2C The tension element 248 can be made of materials and constructions commonly known and used in the footwear industry.

[0061] As some more specific examples, the internal stretching element 248 of this example includes: (i) a first base element 248A (e.g., a fabric component) attached to the inner surface 200AI of the thermoplastic elastomer layer 200A (e.g., by an adhesive); (ii) a second base element 248B (e.g., a fabric component) attached to the inner surface 200BI of the thermoplastic elastomer layer 200B (e.g., by an adhesive); and (iii) a plurality of flexible connecting elements 248C (e.g., threads, fibers, yarns, spacer meshes, etc.) extending between and connecting the first base element 248A and the second base element 248B. Thus, when the fluid storage chamber portion 220 is inflated, as... Figure 2G As shown, these connecting elements 248C can limit the extent to which the fluid reservoir portion 220 can expand, because the connecting elements 248C limit the distance by which the base elements 248A and 248B (and the thermoplastic elastomer layers 200A, 200B respectively connected) can separate from each other. In this way, the internal tensioning element 248 can control the shape of the inflatable bladder portion including the internal tensioning element 248. Additionally or alternatively, internal welds or connections may be provided for shape control purposes (where the inner surface 200AI of the thermoplastic elastomer layer 200A is welded or otherwise fixed to the inner surface 200BI of the thermoplastic elastomer layer 200B).

[0062] When the switch member 400 is in the open configuration (e.g., as Figure 1 and Figure 2A As shown, in this example bladder system 200, the pressure is balanced throughout, with the foot support bladder portion 210 in a lower pressure foot support configuration and the fluid storage chamber portion 220 in a lower pressure configuration. Figure 2G The expansion configuration is shown. At a certain point in time, the switching member 400 will be moved to change the fluid line 240 from an open configuration to a closed configuration (e.g., moving the switching member 400 to...). Figure 1 The upper part of the middle and the capsule system 200 from Figure 2A Configuration change to Figure 2B (Configuration). Once this change is made, fluid line 240 will be clamped shut (e.g., in a configuration where...). Figure 2F (as shown at the fold). Then, when the user walks (in this example, the foot pump 220P is activated via activator 506), the fluid will gradually move (gradually) from the fluid storage chamber portion 220 to the foot support bladder portion 210 and remain in the foot support bladder portion 210 (because the fluid line 240 is closed and the check valve 224 prevents backflow into the pump 220P).

[0063] As fluid moves into the foot support bladder portion 210, the pressure within it will increase, for example, because any substantial volume change may be limited by the tensioning element 248 contained therein. However, as fluid moves out of the fluid reservoir portion 220, the pressure within it will decrease. Ultimately, if sufficient fluid is removed, and when sufficient fluid is removed, the fluid reservoir portion 220 may begin to collapse and its height will decrease. Figure 2G and Figure 2H The illustration shows the height of the fluid reservoir portion 220 changing from H1 to H2 as fluid moves out of the fluid reservoir portion 220 and into the foot support bladder portion 210. Fluid can continue to be pumped out of the fluid reservoir portion 220 (e.g., via the foot activation pump 220P) until the fluid reservoir portion 220 is empty (or nearly empty). In some instances of this technology, such as in Figure 1 In the footwear structure 100 shown, this height reduction in the fluid reservoir portion 220 can be visually observed (e.g., because the fluid reservoir portion 220 is visible and / or exposed in the sole structure 500, and / or because the height change of the sole structure 500 is otherwise made visually observable).

[0064] When the bladder system 200, sole structure 500, and footwear 100 are in Figure 2HIn the illustrated configuration, in this example, the switch member 400 moves from a closed configuration (upward position) to an open configuration (downward position), switching the bladder system 200, sole structure 500, and footwear 100 from a higher-pressure foot support configuration to a lower-pressure foot support configuration. In at least some embodiments of the present technology, this change opens the fluid line 240 and equalizes the pressure throughout the bladder system 200. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present technology, this change is accompanied by (a) a change in foot support pressure (from firmer to softer) and (b) a change in the height of the fluid reservoir section 220 (from H2 to H1). The height change can also be observed in the overall sole structure 500 and footwear 100. In at least some embodiments of the present technology, the change in foot support pressure (from firmer to softer) and the height change can occur substantially instantaneously (e.g., within 2 seconds after the switch member 400 moves to the open configuration (downward position). Alternatively, if necessary, a fluid flow controller and / or other means of slowing fluid transmission through fluid lines 230, 240 may be provided to control the rate of change of the bladder system 200, sole structure 500 and footwear 100 between these conditions, for example to produce smoother pressure and / or height changes.

[0065] In at least some embodiments of this technology, the entire capsule system 200 may be formed from two thermoplastic elastomer material layers 200A, 200B (e.g., one or more thermoplastic elastomer sheets welded together via one or more seams 208 in a manner known and used in the art). In such a configuration, the entire interior of the capsule system 200 (e.g., internal chamber 210C, internal chamber 220C, internal fluid passage 230C of fluid line 230, internal fluid passage 240C of fluid line 240, and pump internal chamber 222C) may be in fluid communication with each other. A single continuous peripheral seam 208 may extend completely around the outer periphery of the capsule system 200, at which layers 200A and 200B meet and are secured together, and the single continuous peripheral seam 208 may extend to form and / or define at least portions of: (a) an internal chamber 210C, (b) an internal chamber 220C, (c) an internal fluid passage 230C of fluid lines 230, and (d) an internal fluid passage 240C of fluid lines 240. Additionally or alternatively, such as Figure 2C and Figure 2DAs shown, the peripheral seam 208 extends continuously from the region forming the outer edge of the internal chamber 210C of the foot support sac portion 210 to the region forming the outer edge of the flap including the fluid conduit portion 200P of the fluid conduit 240. This same continuous seam 208 may extend to form the remainder of the flap, the outer edge of the fluid conduit 240, and the outer edge of the internal chamber 220C of the fluid storage chamber portion 220. This same continuous seam 208 may also extend to form the outer edge of the fluid conduit 230 and the remainder of the outer edge of the internal chamber 210C. Additionally or alternatively, such as... Figure 2C and Figure 2D As further shown, the joint 208 can be formed such that the internal chambers 210C and 220C extend continuously to form (e.g., transform into) internal fluid channels 230C of fluid line 230 and internal fluid channels 240C of fluid line 240, respectively. Such a continuous structure avoids the need for separate port component hardware portions for attaching individual fluid lines 230, 240 (e.g., as pipes) to the foot support bladder portion 210 and the fluid storage chamber portion 220. Additional internal joints can be provided in the bladder system 200, for example, to define the pump internal chamber 222C, to separate fluid lines 230 and 240 from each other and / or from internal chambers 210 and / or 220, and / or for shape control, etc. Any necessary hardware for valves 224 and / or 226 can be placed in place at the appropriate time during the manufacturing process (e.g., before layers 200A and 200B are joined to form joint 208).

[0066] A single inflation port 200I can be provided for one of these internal fluid chambers of the bladder system 200 (in Figure 2C In this example, the fluid reservoir chamber 220C leads to the internal chamber of the fluid storage chamber, and the single inflation port 200I can be configured to inflate each of the foot support bladder portion 210, the fluid reservoir portion 220, the fluid line 230, and the fluid line 240 (as well as the pump chamber 222C). Once inflated, the port 200I can be sealed, and the bladder system 200 can function as a closed fluid-sealed system.

[0067] Figure 3A and Figure 3B They are similar to Figure 2A and Figure 2C The views illustrate, and these figures also depict, the components and arrangement of another example capsule system 300 according to various aspects of the present technology. Figure 3A and Figure 3B When the same reference numerals are used as in other figures in this document, the same or similar parts are referenced, and many overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

[0068] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The bladder system 300 can be considered similar to those described above, except that the pump 220P and valves 224 and 226 are configured to work in conjunction with... Figure 2C The fluid moves in the opposite direction to the direction shown. Therefore, as... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, pump 220P (e.g., compresses pump chamber 222C in response to the user's steps) moves fluid from foot support bladder portion 210 to fluid storage chamber portion 220. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The bladder system 300 can be integrated into the sole structure 500 and / or the footwear article 100 structure, in a similar manner, and / or used with the above-mentioned... Figures 1 to 2H The parts described are of the same type.

[0069] Figure 3A A bladder system 300 in a higher-pressure foot support configuration is shown, wherein a switching member 400 is open (and therefore the fluid line 240 is open). In this example bladder system 300, when the switching member 400 is closed, the fluid line 240 is closed, and fluid is pumped from the foot support bladder portion 210 and into the fluid storage chamber portion 220. This action puts the foot support bladder portion 210 in a lower-pressure foot support configuration.

[0070] When the switching component 400 is as follows Figure 3A When shown to be open (where switch component 400 is in the position of...) Figure 1(As shown in the downward position), fluid line 240 is open. In this open configuration, the fluid flows freely around the entire bladder system 300 loop as follows: (a) from the foot-activated pump 220P, (b) through the pump outlet 220PO, (c) through check valve 224, (d) through the fluid reservoir inlet 220I (if separated from check valve 224), (e) into the fluid reservoir section 220 (entering its internal chamber 220C), (f) into the fluid reservoir outlet 220O, (g) into the fluid line 240, (h) through the foot support bladder inlet 210I, (i) into the foot support bladder section 210 (entering its internal chamber 210C), (j) through the foot support bladder outlet 210O, (j) into the fluid line 230, (j) through check valve 226, (k) through the pump inlet 220PI, and (o) back to the pump 220P (e.g., into its internal chamber 222C). During use, check valve 226 (or other valve structure) prevents pumped fluid (e.g., compression from ball pump 220P) from re-entering the fluid line 230 and / or the internal chamber 210C of the foot support bladder portion 210O via the foot support bladder outlet 210O, and check valve 224 (or other valve structure) prevents fluid from re-entering the pump 220P from the fluid reservoir portion 220 (via the fluid reservoir inlet 220I). After stepping on and compressing the foot activates the internal chamber 222C of the pump 220P to expel fluid from the pump outlet 220PO, the internal chamber 222C of the pump 220P will be refilled with fluid that has moved from the foot support bladder portion 210 through the fluid line 230 and check valve 226 for the next pedaling pumping cycle.

[0071] When the switching component 400 is closed (where the switching component 400 is in the position of...) Figure 1(As shown in the upward position), fluid line 240 is closed. In this orientation, fluid flow around the loop is interrupted. In this configuration (the lower pressure foot support configuration in this example), fluid moves as follows: (a) from the foot-activated pump 220P, (b) through the pump outlet 220PO, (c) through the check valve 224, (d) through the fluid reservoir inlet 220I (if separated from the check valve 224), and (e) into the fluid reservoir section 220 (into its internal chamber 220C). After stepping on and compressing the internal chamber 222C of the foot-activated pump 220P to expel fluid from the pump outlet 220PO, the internal chamber 222C of the pump 220P will be refilled with fluid that has moved from the foot support bladder section 210 through fluid line 230 and check valve 226 for the next pedaling pumping cycle. Because the fluid line 240 is closed, fluid accumulates in the fluid reservoir portion 220 (e.g., gradually increasing in a stepwise manner), and fluid is continuously consumed and reduced in the foot support bladder portion 210. This action reduces the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder portion 210 and increases the fluid pressure in the fluid reservoir portion 220. When the switching member 400 is moved to open the fluid line 240, the pressure is equalized throughout this example bladder system 300 (e.g., substantially instantaneously, or in a more controlled manner using the flow control device as described above).

[0072] Figure 1 A switch member 400 is shown, which is mounted to footwear 100 (e.g., to heel component 520) to clamp and close fluid line 240, for example, as shown above. Figure 2E and Figure 2F The above discussion. However, if desired, other methods of clamping and closing the fluid line 240 can be used without departing from the present technology. For example, a clamp, clip, or plug valve type structure can be provided at or near the fluid line section 200P to cause the fluid line 240 to collapse (e.g., and clamp and close). As another example, the switch member 400 can be slidably mounted on the heel part 520 (and / or mounted to the upper 102 and / or sole structure 500) instead of a pivot switch member 400. As another example, if desired, an electronically controlled switch system (instead of) can be used. Figure 1 The illustrated manual switch component 400 is used to open and close the fluid line 240 (e.g., an electronic control device of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 11,206,896 B2, U.S. Patent No. 11,234,485 B2 and / or U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 541,431).

[0073] In addition, although Figures 1 to 3BThe example bladder systems 200 and 300 shown illustrate a flap including a portion 200P of a fluid conduit 240 extending outward from the surface of the foot support bladder portion 210. However, if desired, the flap and / or portion 200P of the fluid conduit 240 can be located at other parts of the overall bladder system 200 and 300. For example, if desired, the flap portion can extend outward from the fluid reservoir portion 220 of the bladder system 200 and 300, and / or the first fluid conduit region 206A of the portion 200P of the fluid conduit 240 can directly connect to the internal chamber 220C of the fluid reservoir portion 220 of the bladder system 200 and 300.

[0074] In addition, although Figure 1 The recess 520R, fluid line portion 200P, and contact surfaces 410, 412 of the switch member 400 located in the heel area of ​​the sole structure 500 and footwear article 100 are shown, but these (or similar) components may be located in other locations in the sole structure 500 and / or footwear article 100, such as in the medial heel area, lateral heel area, medial midfoot area, lateral midfoot area, medial forefoot area, lateral forefoot area, and / or forefoot toe area.

[0075] As used herein, the terms “higher pressure foot support configuration” and “lower pressure foot support configuration” mean that the pressure is higher and lower than each other (e.g., a “higher pressure foot support configuration” is at a higher pressure than a “lower pressure foot support configuration”, and a “lower pressure foot support configuration” is at a lower pressure than a “higher pressure foot support configuration”). While other ranges are possible, in some instances of this technique, a “lower pressure foot support configuration” can place the foot support bladder portion 210 at pressures less than 20 psi, less than 15 psi, less than 12 psi, between 8 psi and 20 psi, and / or between 10 psi and 20 psi. Additionally or alternatively, while other ranges are possible, in some instances of this technology, a “higher pressure foot support configuration” can subject the foot support bladder portion 210 to pressures of at least 15 psi, at least 18 psi, at least 20 psi, at least 25 psi, at least 28 psi, between 15 psi and 35 psi, between 18 psi and 35 psi, and / or between 20 psi and 30 psi.

[0076] Finally, while the figures herein illustrate footwear article 100 and pouch system 200 with specific dimensions, shapes, and decorative appearances, many variations in the dimensions, shapes, and / or decorative appearances of the various parts and combinations thereof can be provided without departing from the art. For example, sole structure 500 need not include one or more (or any) openings 510H, and / or openings 510H (if present) can have various sizes, shapes, locations, relative positions, etc. Recesses 520R and / or fluid line portions 200P (including flaps) can also have various sizes, shapes, locations, etc. Additionally or alternatively, recesses 520R can be omitted, and switching members can engage fluid line portions 200P at a location within the interior of sole structure 500 and / or footwear article 100 (and optionally in a manner that makes fluid line portions 200P invisible on the exterior of sole structure 500 or footwear article 100). The switching member 400 (e.g., including a recess 404R and / or a latching member 522 engaging therewith) can also have various sizes, shapes, component arrangements, and latching interaction portions that are still capable of interacting with the fluid line portion 200P and latching in the desired manner. Any desired type of outsole 502 can also be present (e.g., adhesive friction elements 504 having many different sizes, shapes, arrangements, and orientations). Without departing from the art, the foot support bladder portion 210, fluid reservoir portion 220, fluid line 230, and fluid line 240 of the bladder system 200 can have various sizes, shapes, orientations; relative sizes, shapes, and orientations; positions; relative positions; and arrangements. Generally, the decorative appearance of the various footwear 100, sole structure 500, and bladder system 200 components and portions illustrated in the figures is not essential to their function, as footwear 100 and bladder system 200 components and portions with many different appearances can be provided and still perform the desired function in the desired manner as described above. III. Conclusion

[0077] The present technology has been disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various embodiments. However, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present technology, and not to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the claimed invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0078] For the avoidance of doubt, this invention includes, within its scope, at least the subject matter defined in the following numbered "clauses":

[0079] Clause 1. A capsule system for containing fluid, said capsule system comprising: The foot support sac portion, wherein the heel portion or midfoot portion of the foot support sac portion forms an outwardly extending flap; Fluid storage chamber section; A first fluid line for moving fluid from the fluid storage chamber portion to the foot support sac portion; and A second fluid line is used to move fluid from the foot support bladder portion to the fluid storage chamber portion, wherein a first portion of the second fluid line extends outward through the flap.

[0080] Clause 2. The capsule system according to Clause 1 further includes a pump for supplying fluid from the fluid storage chamber portion to the first fluid line.

[0081] Clause 3. The capsule system according to Clause 1, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion includes a pump for supplying fluid to the first fluid line.

[0082] Clause 4. The bladder system according to Clause 2 or 3 further includes a valve component configured to prevent fluid from moving from the pump into the main storage chamber portion of the fluid storage chamber portion.

[0083] Clause 5. The bladder system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4 further includes a valve component configured to prevent fluid from moving from the foot support bladder portion through the first fluid line into the fluid storage chamber portion.

[0084] Clause 6. A bladder system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the foot support bladder portion defines a first internal volume V1 when inflated, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion defines a second internal volume V2 when inflated, and wherein 0.8 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.2 × V2.

[0085] Clause 7. A bladder system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the foot support bladder portion defines a first internal volume V1 when inflated, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion defines a second internal volume V2 when inflated, and wherein 0.9 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.1 × V2.

[0086] Clause 8. A capsule system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein a second portion of the second fluid line is positioned adjacent to the first fluid line and separated from it by a seam.

[0087] Clause 9. The bladder system according to Clause 8, wherein the second portion of the second fluid line extends from the inner heel region of the fluid storage chamber portion to the flap.

[0088] Clause 10. The bladder system according to Clause 8 or 9, wherein the second portion of the first fluid line and the second fluid line includes a bend to support rotation of the foot support bladder portion relative to the fluid storage chamber portion.

[0089] Clause 11. The bladder system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the first fluid line extends between the medial heel region of the fluid storage chamber portion and the medial heel region of the foot support bladder portion.

[0090] Clause 12. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the extension of the second fluid line through the first portion of the flap includes an open U-shaped internal fluid passage.

[0091] Clause 13. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the extension of the second fluid line through the first portion of the flap includes an open internal fluid passage within the flap, the open internal fluid passage having a first arm, a second arm, and a base connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0092] Clause 14. The capsule system according to Clause 13, wherein the first arm defines a first thinning region of the open internal fluid passage, and the second arm defines a second thinning region of the open internal fluid passage.

[0093] Clause 15. The capsule system according to Clause 14, wherein the first thinning region is located adjacent to the second thinning region.

[0094] Clause 16. The bladder system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion includes a heel area, a forefoot area, and a midfoot area located between the heel area and the forefoot area.

[0095] Clause 17. A capsule system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the flap includes a pre-crease area at which the first portion of the second fluid line will be clamped to or toward the closed configuration under an applied force.

[0096] Clause 18. A bladder system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion includes an internal tension member that controls the external shape of the fluid storage chamber portion during inflation.

[0097] Clause 19. A bladder system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the foot support bladder portion includes an internal tension member that controls the external shape of the foot support bladder portion when inflated.

[0098] Clause 20. The bladder system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the foot support bladder portion, the fluid storage chamber portion, the first fluid line and the second fluid line are thermoformed into a single part.

[0099] Clause 21. A capsule system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 20, wherein the capsule system forms a closed fluid system.

[0100] Clause 22. A capsule system comprising: A first thermoplastic elastomer layer is bonded to a second thermoplastic elastomer layer at one or more joints to form an internal fluid chamber, the internal fluid chamber comprising: The foot support sac portion, wherein the heel portion or midfoot portion of the foot support sac portion forms an outwardly extending flap; Fluid storage chamber section; A first fluid line extends between the fluid storage chamber portion and the foot support sac portion; and A second fluid line extends between the foot support sac portion and the fluid storage chamber portion, wherein a first portion of the second fluid line extends through the flap.

[0101] Clause 23. The capsule system according to Clause 22, wherein the one or more seams forming the internal fluid chamber further define a pump area having a pump chamber connected to the first fluid line.

[0102] Clause 24. The bladder system according to Clause 23, wherein the pump area is partially surrounded by the fluid storage chamber.

[0103] Clause 25. The bladder system according to Clause 23 or 24, wherein the pump area is located in the heel support area of ​​the bladder system.

[0104] Clause 26. A bladder system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 25, wherein the foot support bladder portion defines a first internal volume V1 when inflated, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion defines a second internal volume V2 when inflated, and wherein 0.8 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.2 × V2.

[0105] Clause 27. A bladder system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 25, wherein the foot support bladder portion defines a first internal volume V1 when inflated, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion defines a second internal volume V2 when inflated, and wherein 0.9 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.1 × V2.

[0106] Clause 28. A capsule system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 27, wherein a second portion of the second fluid line is positioned adjacent to the first fluid line and separated from each other by a portion of the one or more seams.

[0107] Clause 29. The bladder system according to Clause 28, wherein the second portion of the second fluid line extends from the inner heel region of the fluid storage chamber portion to the flap.

[0108] Clause 30. The bladder system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 29, wherein the first fluid line extends between the medial heel region of the fluid storage chamber portion and the medial heel region of the foot support bladder portion.

[0109] Clause 31. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 30, wherein the extension of the second fluid line through the first portion of the flap includes an open U-shaped internal fluid passage.

[0110] Clause 32. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 30, wherein the extension of the second fluid line through the first portion of the flap includes an open internal fluid passage within the flap, the open internal fluid passage having a first arm, a second arm, and a base connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0111] Clause 33. The capsule system according to Clause 32, wherein the first arm defines a first thinning region of the open internal fluid passage, and the second arm defines a second thinning region of the open internal fluid passage.

[0112] Clause 34. The capsule system according to Clause 33, wherein the first thinning region is located adjacent to the second thinning region, for example, and the first thinning region is separated from the second thinning region by one of the one or more seams connecting the first thermoplastic elastomer layer to the second thermoplastic elastomer layer.

[0113] Clause 35. The bladder system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 34, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion includes a heel area, a forefoot area, and a midfoot area located between the heel area and the forefoot area.

[0114] Clause 36. A bladder system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 30, wherein the flap includes a pre-crease area at which the first portion of the second fluid line will be clamped to or toward the closed configuration under an applied force.

[0115] Clause 37. A bladder system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 36, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion includes an internal tension member that controls the external shape of the fluid storage chamber portion during inflation.

[0116] Clause 38. A bladder system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 37, wherein the foot support bladder portion includes an internal tension member that controls the external shape of the foot support bladder portion when inflated.

[0117] Clause 39. The bladder system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 38 further includes a single inflation port that leads to the internal fluid chamber and is configured to inflate each of the foot support bladder portion, the fluid storage chamber portion, the first fluid line, and the second fluid line.

[0118] Clause 40. A capsule system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 39, wherein the one or more seams form the capsule system as a closed fluid system.

[0119] Clause 41. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 40, wherein the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer are portions of a monolithic thermoplastic elastomer material.

[0120] Clause 42. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 22 to 40, wherein the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer are part of separate sheet components.

[0121] Clause 43. A capsule system comprising: A first thermoplastic elastomer layer and a second thermoplastic elastomer layer, the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer being connected together by a first seam portion and a second seam portion, wherein a first internal cavity is defined between the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer; and A first fluid conduit is formed between a first thermoplastic elastomer layer and a second thermoplastic elastomer layer, the first fluid conduit having a first end leading to the first internal cavity, the first fluid conduit extending between a first joint portion and a second joint portion, wherein the first fluid conduit includes: (i) a first fluid conduit region having a first lateral cross-sectional area and extending in a direction away from the first internal cavity, (ii) a second fluid conduit region extending from the first fluid conduit region in the direction away from the first internal cavity, the second fluid conduit region having a second lateral cross-sectional area smaller than the first lateral cross-sectional area, and (iii) a third fluid conduit region extending from the second fluid conduit region and having a third lateral cross-sectional area larger than the second lateral cross-sectional area.

[0122] Clause 44. The capsule system according to Clause 43, wherein the first fluid line further comprises: (i) a fourth fluid line region extending from the third fluid line region in a direction toward the first internal capsule chamber, the fourth fluid line region having a fourth lateral cross-sectional area; (ii) a fifth fluid line region extending from the fourth fluid line region in the direction toward the first internal capsule chamber, the fifth fluid line region having a fifth lateral cross-sectional area smaller than the fourth lateral cross-sectional area; and (iii) a sixth fluid line region extending from the fifth fluid line region, the sixth fluid line region having a sixth lateral cross-sectional area larger than the fifth lateral cross-sectional area.

[0123] Clause 45. The capsule system according to Clause 44, wherein the second fluid pipeline region is located adjacent to the fifth fluid pipeline region.

[0124] Clause 46. The capsule system according to Clause 44, wherein the third joint portion connecting the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer: (i) defines adjacent sides of each of the first fluid pipeline region and the sixth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the first fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the sixth fluid pipeline region, and (ii) defines adjacent sides of each of the second fluid pipeline region and the fifth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the second fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the fifth fluid pipeline region.

[0125] Clause 47. The capsule system according to Clause 44, wherein the third joint portion connecting the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer: (i) defines adjacent sides of each of the first fluid pipeline region and the sixth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the first fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the sixth fluid pipeline region; (ii) defines adjacent sides of each of the second fluid pipeline region and the fifth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the second fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the fifth fluid pipeline region; and (iii) defines adjacent sides of each of the third fluid pipeline region and the fourth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the third fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the fourth fluid pipeline region.

[0126] Clause 48. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 44 to 47, wherein the sixth fluid line region extends along a portion of the second joint portion.

[0127] Clause 49. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 44 to 48 further includes a second internal capsule chamber, wherein the sixth fluid line region is in fluid communication with the second internal capsule chamber.

[0128] Clause 50. A capsule system according to any one of Clauses 44 to 48, wherein a second internal capsule chamber is defined between the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer, and wherein fluid exiting the sixth fluid line region flows into the second internal capsule chamber.

[0129] Clause 51. The capsule system according to Clause 49 or 50 further comprises: (i) a pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet receiving fluid from the second internal capsule chamber; and (ii) a second fluid line extending from the outlet of the pump to the first internal capsule chamber.

[0130] Clause 52. The capsule system according to Clause 49 or 50, wherein the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer further define: (a) a pump region having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet receiving fluid from the second internal capsule chamber; and (b) a second fluid line extending from the outlet of the pump region to the first internal capsule chamber.

[0131] Clause 53. The capsule system according to Clause 51 or 52, wherein at least a portion of the second fluid line extends to a location adjacent to at least a portion of the sixth fluid line region.

[0132] Clause 54. The capsule system according to Clause 51 or 52, wherein at least a portion of the second fluid line and at least a portion of the sixth fluid line region are defined by a joint segment and separated from each other by the joint segment, wherein the first thermoplastic elastomer layer is connected to the second thermoplastic elastomer layer at the joint segment.

[0133] Clause 55. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 44 to 54, wherein the length of the linear fluid pipeline from the beginning of the first fluid pipeline region to the end of the fifth fluid pipeline region is less than 75 mm.

[0134] Clause 56. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 44 to 55, wherein each of the first lateral cross-sectional area, the second lateral cross-sectional area, the third lateral cross-sectional area, the fourth lateral cross-sectional area, and the fifth lateral cross-sectional area is less than 500 mm. 2 .

[0135] Clause 57. A capsule system according to any one of Clauses 44 to 56, wherein at least a portion of the first fluid line region, the second fluid line region, the third fluid line region, the fourth fluid line region, the fifth fluid line region, and at least a portion of the sixth fluid line region form a U-shaped flap extending outward from the first internal capsule chamber.

[0136] Clause 58. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 44 to 57, wherein the second fluid line region and the fifth fluid line region form a pre-crease region for closing the first fluid line.

[0137] Clause 59. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 43 to 58, wherein the first fluid line region extends away from the first internal capsule chamber at the heel support region of the capsule system.

[0138] Clause 60. A capsule system comprising: A first thermoplastic elastomer layer and a second thermoplastic elastomer layer, the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer being coupled together to define a first internal cavity; and A first fluid line having a first end in fluid communication with the first internal cavity, wherein the first fluid line includes: (i) a first fluid line region having a first lateral cross-sectional area and extending in a direction away from the first internal cavity; (ii) a second fluid line region extending from the first fluid line region in the direction away from the first internal cavity, the second fluid line region having a second lateral cross-sectional area smaller than the first lateral cross-sectional area; and (iii) a third fluid line region extending from the second fluid line region in the direction away from the first internal cavity, the third fluid line region having a third lateral cross-sectional area larger than the second lateral cross-sectional area.

[0139] Clause 61. The capsule system according to Clause 60, wherein the first fluid line further comprises: (i) a fourth fluid line region extending from the third fluid line region in a direction toward the first internal capsule chamber, the fourth fluid line region having a fourth lateral cross-sectional area; (ii) a fifth fluid line region extending from the fourth fluid line region in the direction toward the first internal capsule chamber, the fifth fluid line region having a fifth lateral cross-sectional area smaller than the fourth lateral cross-sectional area; and (iii) a sixth fluid line region extending from the fifth fluid line region, the sixth fluid line region having a sixth lateral cross-sectional area larger than the fifth lateral cross-sectional area.

[0140] Clause 62. The capsule system according to Clause 61, wherein the second fluid pipeline region is located adjacent to the fifth fluid pipeline region.

[0141] Clause 63. The capsule system according to Clause 61, wherein the first joint portion: (i) defines adjacent sides of each of the first fluid pipeline region and the sixth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the first fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the sixth fluid pipeline region, and (ii) defines adjacent sides of each of the second fluid pipeline region and the fifth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the second fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the fifth fluid pipeline region.

[0142] Clause 64. The capsule system according to Clause 61, wherein the first joint portion: (i) defines adjacent sides of each of the first fluid pipeline region and the sixth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the first fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the sixth fluid pipeline region; (ii) defines adjacent sides of each of the second fluid pipeline region and the fifth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the second fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the fifth fluid pipeline region; and (iii) defines adjacent sides of each of the third fluid pipeline region and the fourth fluid pipeline region and separates at least a portion of the third fluid pipeline region from at least a portion of the fourth fluid pipeline region.

[0143] Clause 65. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 61 to 64 further includes a second internal capsule chamber, wherein the sixth fluid line region is in fluid communication with the second internal capsule chamber.

[0144] Clause 66. The capsule system according to Clause 65 further includes: (i) a pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet receiving fluid from the second internal capsule chamber; and (ii) a second fluid line extending from the outlet of the pump to the first internal capsule chamber.

[0145] Clause 67. The capsule system according to Clause 66, wherein at least a portion of the second fluid line extends to a location adjacent to at least a portion of the sixth fluid line region.

[0146] Clause 68. The capsule system according to Clause 66, wherein at least a portion of the second fluid line and at least a portion of the sixth fluid line region are defined by a joint segment and separated from each other by the joint segment.

[0147] Clause 69. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 61 to 68, wherein the length of the linear fluid pipeline from the beginning of the first fluid pipeline region to the end of the fifth fluid pipeline region is less than 75 mm.

[0148] Clause 70. A capsule system according to any one of Clauses 61 to 70, wherein each of the first lateral cross-sectional area, the second lateral cross-sectional area, the third lateral cross-sectional area, the fourth lateral cross-sectional area, and the fifth lateral cross-sectional area is less than 500 mm. 2 .

[0149] Clause 71. A capsule system according to any one of Clauses 61 to 70, wherein at least a portion of the first fluid conduit region, the second fluid conduit region, the third fluid conduit region, the fourth fluid conduit region, the fifth fluid conduit region, and at least a portion of the sixth fluid conduit region form a U-shaped flap extending outward from the first internal capsule chamber.

[0150] Clause 72. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 61 to 71, wherein the second fluid line region and the fifth fluid line region form a pre-crease region for closing the first fluid line.

[0151] Clause 73. The capsule system according to any one of Clauses 60 to 72, wherein the first fluid line region extends away from the first internal capsule chamber at the heel support region of the capsule system.

[0152] Clause 74. A sole structure comprising: (A) a sole component, and (B) a bladder system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 73, the bladder system being secured to the sole component.

[0153] Clause 75. A footwear article comprising: (A) a footwear upper, and (B) a sole structure as described in Clause 74, the sole structure being attached to the upper.

Claims

1. A capsule system for containing fluid, the capsule system comprising: The foot support sac portion, wherein the heel portion or midfoot portion of the foot support sac portion forms an outwardly extending flap; Fluid storage chamber section; A first fluid line is used to move fluid from the fluid storage chamber portion to the foot support bladder portion; as well as A second fluid line is used to move fluid from the foot support bladder portion to the fluid storage chamber portion, wherein a first portion of the second fluid line extends through the flap.

2. The capsule system of claim 1, further comprising a pump for supplying fluid from the fluid storage chamber portion to the first fluid line.

3. The capsule system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion comprises A pump for supplying fluid to the first fluid line.

4. The bladder system according to claim 2 or 3 further includes a valve component configured to prevent fluid from moving from the pump into the main storage chamber portion of the fluid storage chamber portion.

5. The bladder system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a valve component configured to prevent fluid from moving from the foot support bladder portion through the first fluid line into the fluid storage chamber portion.

6. The bladder system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the foot support bladder portion defines a first internal volume V1 when inflated, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion defines a second internal volume V2 when inflated, and wherein 0.8 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.2 × V2, or wherein 0.9 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.1 × V2.

7. The capsule system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second portion of the second fluid line is positioned adjacent to the first fluid line and separated from it by a seam.

8. The capsule system of claim 7, wherein the second portion of the second fluid line extends from the inner heel region of the fluid storage chamber portion to the flap.

9. The bladder system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the second portion of the first fluid line and the second fluid line includes a bend to support rotation of the foot support bladder portion relative to the fluid storage chamber portion.

10. The bladder system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first fluid line extends between the medial heel region of the fluid storage chamber portion and the medial heel region of the foot support bladder portion.

11. The capsule system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the extension of the second fluid line through the first portion of the flap includes an open U-shaped internal fluid channel.

12. The capsule system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the extension of the second fluid line through the first portion of the flap includes an open internal fluid channel within the flap, the open internal fluid channel having a first arm, a second arm, and a base connecting the first arm and the second arm.

13. The capsule system of claim 12, wherein the first arm defines a first thinning region of the open internal fluid passage, and the second arm defines a second thinning region of the open internal fluid passage.

14. The capsule system of claim 13, wherein the first thinning region is located adjacent to the second thinning region.

15. The capsule system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flap includes a pre-crease area, at which the first portion of the second fluid line will be clamped to or toward the closed configuration under an applied force.

16. The bladder system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the foot support bladder portion, the fluid storage chamber portion, the first fluid line and the second fluid line are thermoformed into a single component.

17. The capsule system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the capsule system forms a closed fluid system.

18. The bladder system of claim 1, wherein the first thermoplastic elastomer layer is connected to the second thermoplastic elastomer layer at one or more seams to form an internal fluid chamber, the internal fluid chamber including the foot support bladder portion, the fluid storage chamber portion, the first fluid line and the second fluid line.

19. The capsule system of claim 18, wherein the one or more seams forming the internal fluid chamber further define a pump region having a pump chamber connected to the first fluid line.

20. The capsule system of claim 19, wherein the pump area is partially surrounded by the fluid storage chamber.

21. The bladder system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the pump area is located in the heel support area of ​​the bladder system.

22. The bladder system according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the foot support bladder portion defines a first internal volume V1 when inflated, wherein the fluid storage chamber portion defines a second internal volume V2 when inflated, and wherein 0.8 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.2 × V2, or wherein 0.9 × V2 ≤ V1 ≤ 1.1 × V2.

23. The capsule system according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein a second portion of the second fluid line is positioned adjacent to the first fluid line and separated from each other by a portion of the one or more seams.

24. The capsule system of claim 23, wherein the second portion of the second fluid line extends from the inner heel region of the fluid storage chamber portion to the flap.

25. The bladder system according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the first fluid line extends between the medial heel region of the fluid storage chamber portion and the medial heel region of the foot support bladder portion.

26. The capsule system according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the extension of the second fluid line through the first portion of the flap includes an open U-shaped internal fluid channel.

27. The capsule system according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the extension of the second fluid line through the first portion of the flap includes an open internal fluid channel within the flap, the open internal fluid channel having a first arm, a second arm, and a base connecting the first arm and the second arm.

28. The capsule system of claim 27, wherein the first arm defines a first thinning region of the open internal fluid passage, and the second arm defines a second thinning region of the open internal fluid passage.

29. The capsule system of claim 28, wherein the first thinning region is located adjacent to the second thinning region.

30. The capsule system according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the flap includes a pre-crease area, at which the first portion of the second fluid line will be clamped to or toward the closed configuration under an applied force.

31. The bladder system according to any one of claims 18 to 30, further comprising a single inflation port, the single inflation port being open to the internal fluid chamber and configured to inflate each of the foot support bladder portion, the fluid storage chamber portion, the first fluid line, and the second fluid line.

32. The capsule system according to any one of claims 18 to 31, wherein the one or more seams form the capsule system as a closed fluid system.

33. The capsule system according to any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer are portions of a single thermoplastic elastomer material.

34. The capsule system according to any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein the first thermoplastic elastomer layer and the second thermoplastic elastomer layer are part of separate sheet-like components.

35. A shoe sole structure, comprising: Shoe sole components; as well as The bladder system according to any one of claims 1 to 34 is fixed to the sole component.

36. A footwear product, comprising: Footwear uppers; as well as According to claim 35, the sole structure is fixed to the upper of the footwear.

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