Fluid flow control system for an article of footwear, foot support system, and article of footwear comprising a foot support system

Abstract

The fluid flow control system includes: (a) a first solenoid having a first port, a second port, and a third port; (b) a second solenoid including a first port and a second port; (c) a fluid line in fluid communication with the first port of each of the first and second solenoids; and (d) a manifold. The manifold includes: (a) a first manifold port in fluid communication with the second port of the first solenoid, (b) a second manifold port in fluid communication with the third port of the first solenoid, and (c) a third manifold port in fluid communication with the second port of the second solenoid. The first solenoid is independently switchable to: (a) a first configuration and (b) a second configuration. The second solenoid is independently switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fluid flow control systems and / or foot support systems in the field of footwear or other foot housing devices. At least some aspects of the invention relate to fluid dispensers, fluid delivery systems, sole structures, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, footwear articles, and / or other foot housing devices, which include components (e.g., manifolds, fluid delivery systems, electronic controllers, etc.) for selectively moving fluid into, into, and / or out of the sole structure (or other foot support member) and / or footwear article (or other foot housing device). Using such a system, the fluid pressure (e.g., foot support pressure, fluid container pressure) in one or more fluid-filled sacs (e.g., foot support sacs) and / or one or more fluid storage chambers and / or containers included throughout the system can be varied and controlled. Prior Technology

[0002] Traditional athletic footwear comprises two main components: the upper and the sole structure. The upper provides coverage for the foot, securely housing and positioning it relative to the sole structure. Additionally, the upper may have configurations that protect the foot and provide ventilation, keeping it cool and wicking away sweat. The sole structure is attached to the underside of the upper and is typically positioned between the foot and any contact surfaces. Besides reducing ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure also provides traction and controls potentially harmful foot movements, such as overpronation.

[0003] The upper forms a cavity within the footwear to accommodate the foot. This cavity has a general shape to the foot and an entrance at the ankle opening. Therefore, the upper extends along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, over the instep and toe areas, and around the heel area. A lacing system is typically integrated into the upper to allow the user to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly the girth, to accommodate different foot proportions. Additionally, the upper may include a tongue that extends below the lacing system to enhance footwear comfort (e.g., adjusting the pressure exerted on the foot by the lacing). The upper may also include a heel stabilizer to restrict or control heel movement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] As used herein, the term "footwear" refers to any type of wear for the feet, and includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, athletic shoes, sandals, flip-flops, mules, sleepwear, loafers, athletic shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball shoes, football or rugby shoes, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, etc.). The term "foot housing" as used herein refers to any device used by a user to house at least a portion of his or her foot. In addition to the various types of "footwear," foot housings include, but are not limited to: straps and other devices for securing the foot to skis, cross-country skis, water skis, snowboards, etc.; straps, clamps, or other devices for securing the foot to pedals used with bicycles, sports equipment, etc.; straps, clamps, or other devices for housing the foot during video games or other games. A “foot housing device” may include: (a) one or more “foot covering members” (e.g., similar to footwear upper components) that facilitate the positioning of the foot relative to other components or structures; and (b) one or more “foot support members” (e.g., similar to footwear sole structural components) that facilitate the support of at least one or more portions of the sole surface of the user’s foot. A “foot support member” may include components for and / or as a midsole and / or outsole in footwear articles (or components that provide the corresponding function in non-footwear foot housing devices).

[0005] As used herein, a “manifold” refers to a component having a surface or housing that defines or supports one or more ports allowing fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) to enter and / or exit the component. As used herein, a “port” refers to an opening through the wall of a component that allows fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) to pass from one side of the opening to the other. Optionally, a “port” may include a connector structure, such as for engaging another object, like a fluid line, another connector, etc. When a connector structure is included, a “port” may form, for example, a male connector structure, a female connector structure, or an adjacent surface connection structure. An object connected to a “port” may be fixedly connected or releasably connected. Additionally or alternatively, an object connected to a port may be fixed to or releasably connected to an internal surface of the opening via the wall of the component defining the opening. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0006] The following implementation will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the diagrams, in which similar element symbols represent the same or similar elements appearing in all various views of the diagram. Figures 1 through 2B provide various views of footwear products and their components according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 3A to 3D provide various views of pumping systems that can be used according to some examples of this technology; Figures 4A and 4B provide various views of foot support systems and their components according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 5A through 5F provide various views illustrating several example operational states according to some instances of the present technology; Figures 6 through 9 provide various views of integrating a fluid dispenser into footwear products according to some examples of this technology; [Figure 10] schematically illustrates the arrangement and joining features of components according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 11A to 15G illustrate various features of joining a fluid dispenser to footwear products according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 16A to 21D illustrate various features of a battery charging system that can be used according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 22A to 22E illustrate various features of example user input systems according to some instances of the present technology; Figures 23 and 24 illustrate schematic diagrams and component positioning features of some examples according to the present technology; [Figure 25] illustrates examples of communication in systems and methods according to some embodiments of the present technology; Figures 26A through 29 illustrate various components of a stem-based fluid transfer system according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 30A to 30G provide various views of different operating states of a stem-based fluid transfer system according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 31A to 31D provide various views illustrating the control of fluid flow rates according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 32A to 32C provide various views of sealing block and manifold connections according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 33A to 33F provide various views of combinations of valve housings, sealing connectors, manifolds, and pressure sensors according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 34A to 37B provide various views of the engagement of pressure sensors according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 38A and 38B are different views of the valve housing-to-manifold connection according to some examples of the present technology; [Figure 39] illustrates a position sensor in a valve stem-based fluid transfer system according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 40A to 40C provide various views of example gear transmission devices used in some instances according to the present technology; Figures 41A and 41B provide various views of example planetary gear transmissions used in some instances according to the present technology; [Figure 42] illustrates example solenoids used in solenoid-based fluid transport systems according to some embodiments of the present technology; Figures 43 through 47B provide various views of solenoid-based fluid transport systems according to some examples of the present technology; Figures 48A to 48F provide various views illustrating example operating states according to some instances of this technology; Figures 49A to 49D provide additional views illustrating various examples of solenoid-based fluid transport systems according to the present technology and their available operating states; and Figures 50A and 50B include information related to pressure sensing adjustment in some examples according to the present technology. Implementation

[0007] [Cross-reference to related applications] This application claims priority based on the following: (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,395, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,413, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,433, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (d) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,444, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (e) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,455, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (f) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,468, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (g) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,482, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (h) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,423, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,429, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (j) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,441, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (k) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,451, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; (l) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,460, filed May 28, 2020, entitled "Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure"; and (m) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,471, filed May 28, 2020, entitled “Foot Support Systems Including Fluid Movement Controllers and Adjustable Foot Support Pressure”.

[0008] Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 63 / 031,395, 63 / 031,413, 63 / 031,433, 63 / 031,444, 63 / 031,455, 63 / 031,468, 63 / 031,482, 63 / 031,423, 63 / 031,429, 63 / 031,441, 63 / 031,451, 63 / 031,460, and 63 / 031,471 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0009] This technology and its features can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods described in any one or more of the following: (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 463,859, filed on February 27, 2017; (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 463,892, filed on February 27, 2017; (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 547,941, filed on August 21, 2017; (d) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 678,635, filed May 31, 2018; (e) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 678,662, filed May 31, 2018; (f) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 772,786, filed November 29, 2018; (g) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 850,140, ​​filed May 20, 2019; (h) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 488,623, filed August 26, 2019; (i) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 488,626, filed on August 26, 2019; (j) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 105,170, filed August 20, 2018; (k) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 425,331, filed May 29, 2019; (l) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 425,356, filed May 29, 2018; (m) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 698,138, filed November 27, 2019; and (n) U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 878,342, filed on May 19, 2020.

[0010] Each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 463,859, 62 / 463,892, 62 / 547,941, 62 / 678,635, 62 / 678,662, 62 / 772,786, 62 / 850,140, ​​16 / 488,623, 16 / 488,626, 16 / 105,170, 16 / 425,331, 16 / 425,356, 16 / 698,138, and 16 / 878,342 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0011] In the following description of various examples of fluid flow control systems, footwear structures, and components according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this document, and illustrate various example structures and environments in which aspects of the present technology can be practiced. It should be understood that other structures and environments may be used without departing from the scope of the present technology, and structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods. [I.] [General description of the technology and various aspects of the invention] [ ]

[0012] This technology relates to fluid dispensers, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot-accommodating devices, such as those described below and / or those claimed and / or illustrated in the figures. Such fluid dispensers, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and / or other foot-accommodating devices may include any one or more structures, portions, features, attributes, and / or combinations of structures, portions, features, and / or attributes as described below and / or those claimed and / or illustrated in the figures.

[0013] The following description is divided into three main parts. Part One describes aspects and features of footwear and / or foot support device components, foot support devices, and / or footwear articles including components that selectively direct fluid into and / or move fluid through a fluid distributor to control and vary foot support pressure in a foot support system, which includes at least one fluid-filled bladder. The fluid distributor is capable of placing the fluid flow control system, foot support system, and / or footwear article into multiple different operating states. Another main part of this specification relates to fluid transfer systems within the fluid distributor, including movable valve stems to place the fluid flow control system, foot support system, and / or footwear article into different operating states. Another main part of this specification relates to fluid transfer systems within the fluid distributor, including one or more solenoid valves to place the fluid flow control system, foot support system, and / or footwear article into different operating states. Various other aspects and features of the art are described in these main parts. [A.] [Characteristics of footwear components and footwear products] [ ]

[0014] This technology and some aspects of the present invention relate to foot support systems and sole structures and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot housing devices) including such foot support systems. Foot support systems according to at least some examples of the present technology include: (a) at least one foot support bladder; (b) a first sole member (e.g., midsole component, polymer foam component, outsole component, etc.) engaged with the foot support bladder, wherein the first sole member includes a plantar support surface at least in the heel support region of the foot support system and sidewalls forming the outer surface of the first sole member; (c) at least one fluid container (e.g., fluid-filled bladder, can, storage chamber, etc.) optionally engaged with a portion of the footwear upper and / or sole structure; and (d) a fluid dispenser engaged with the outer surface of the upper and / or the first sole member. The fluid distributor includes one or more of the following: (i) an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid supply source, (ii) a first fluid passage for transferring fluid from inside the fluid distributor to the external environment, (iii) a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, and (iv) a third fluid passage in fluid communication with a fluid container. The fluid distributor may take the form of a manifold, valve housing, connector, and / or a combination of two or more of these components, or include them. The fluid supply source may be one or more of the following: a pump (e.g., one or more foot-activated pumps, one or more battery-powered pumps, etc.), a compressor, and / or a fluid supply line in fluid communication with the external environment.

[0015] Other aspects and features of foot support systems, sole structures incorporating foot support systems, and / or footwear articles (or other foot-accommodating devices) incorporating foot support systems are described in more detail below. [B.] [Valve Stem Characteristics] [ ]

[0016] This technology and some aspects of the present invention relate to fluid delivery systems and / or fluid flow control systems for foot support systems and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot housings), which include movable valve stems for selectively opening and closing fluid passages and distributing fluid. Such fluid delivery systems and / or fluid flow control systems, and foot support systems and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot housings) according to at least some examples of the present technology, include: (a) a valve housing; (b) a valve stem movably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the peripheral wall of the valve stem includes a plurality of through holes extending from the internal chamber to an outer surface of the peripheral wall; (c) a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; and (d) a manifold in fluid communication with the valve housing. The manifold may include a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold and reaching a first manifold port, a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold and reaching a second manifold port, and a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold and reaching a third manifold port. By having one or more of a plurality of through-holes (formed in the peripheral wall) in fluid communication with the first, second, or third fluid flow paths, movement of the valve stem to multiple positions (e.g., by rotation, sliding, etc.) selectively places the fluid transfer system and / or fluid flow control system into multiple operating states. If desired, additional valve stem openings, manifold ports, fluid lines, and / or operating states may be provided to accommodate additional foot support bladders and / or fluid containers.

[0017] Other aspects and features of stem-based fluid transfer systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures comprising them, and / or footwear articles (or other foot-accommodating devices) comprising them are described in more detail below. [C.] [Solenoid characteristics] [ ]

[0018] This technology and some aspects of the present invention relate to fluid transport systems and / or fluid flow control systems for foot support systems and / or footwear (and / or other foot-accommodating devices), which include one or more solenoids for selectively opening and closing fluid passages and distributing fluid. Such a fluid transport system and / or fluid flow control system, as well as a foot support system and / or footwear (and / or other foot housing device) according to at least some embodiments of the present technology, comprises: (a) a first solenoid including a first port and a second port and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; (b) a second solenoid including a first port and a second port and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; (c) a third solenoid including a first port and a second port and switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; (d) a fluid line in fluid communication with a first port of each of the first solenoid, the second solenoid and the third solenoid; and (e) a manifold having: (i) a first manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the first solenoid, (ii) a second manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the second solenoid, and (iii) a third manifold port in fluid communication with a second port of the third solenoid. The first, second, and third solenoids can be independently switched between their open and closed configurations to selectively place the fluid transport system or fluid flow control system into multiple operating states. Additional solenoids, manifold ports, fluid lines, and / or operating states can be provided if needed to accommodate additional foot support bladders and / or fluid containers.

[0019] Other examples of fluid transport systems and / or fluid flow control systems according to at least some embodiments of the present technology and invention, as well as foot support systems and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot-accommodating devices), include: (a) a first solenoid including a first port, a second port, and a third port; (b) a second solenoid including a first port and a second port; and (c) a fluid line in fluid communication with the first port of each of the first and second solenoids. A manifold in fluid communication with the solenoid may be included. The manifold may include: (a) a first manifold port in fluid communication with the second port of the first solenoid, (b) a second manifold port in fluid communication with the third port of the first solenoid, and (c) a third manifold port in fluid communication with the second port of the second solenoid. The first solenoid is independently switchable to: (a) a first configuration in which fluid flows through the first solenoid between the first and second ports, and (b) a second configuration in which fluid flows through the first solenoid between the first and third ports. The second solenoid is independently switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Simultaneously, selectively: (a) placing the first solenoid in one of a first configuration or a second configuration and (b) placing the second solenoid in one of an open configuration or a closed configuration, thereby selectively placing the fluid flow control system in multiple operating states. Additional solenoids, manifold ports, fluid lines, and / or operating states may be provided if needed to accommodate additional foot support bladders and / or fluid containers.

[0020] Other aspects and features of solenoid-based fluid transport systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures comprising them, and / or footwear articles (or other foot-accommodating devices) comprising them are described in more detail below. [D.] [Operational Status Characteristics] [ ]

[0021] This technology and some aspects of the invention relate to fluid transport systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems and / or footwear (or other foot-accommodating devices) that can be selectively placed in multiple operating states that control the movement and distribution of fluid. In at least some instances of this technology, these multiple operating states may include (in any combination) two or more of the following: (a) a first operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid source (e.g., a pump, compressor, etc.) to the surrounding environment or external environment (e.g., this may be a "steady state" or "standby" configuration in which no change in foot support pressure occurs), (b) a second operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid source to the foot support bladder (to increase the pressure in the foot support bladder), (c) a third operating state in which fluid moves from the foot support bladder to the surrounding environment or external environment (to decrease the pressure in the foot support bladder), (d) a fourth operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid container to the surrounding environment or external environment (to decrease the pressure in the fluid container), (e) a fifth operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid container to the foot support bladder (to increase the pressure in the foot support bladder), and / or (f) a sixth operating state in which fluid moves from a fluid source to a fluid container (to increase the pressure in the fluid container). Some instances of this technology may include all six of these operating states identified above. Other examples of this technology may include fewer than six of these operating states, such as the first, third, fourth, and sixth operating states. For the valve stem example of this technology, by selectively moving the valve stem (e.g., rotating, sliding, etc.) to various positions (e.g., a rotary position, a longitudinal position, etc.) such that the through-hole in the valve stem is selectively aligned with the fluid path and port, thereby moving the fluid in the desired manner described above, the fluid can be distributed to two or more of these different operating states. For the solenoid example of this technology, by selectively placing various solenoids in their available configurations such that the fluid moves to the fluid path and port in the desired manner described above, the fluid can be distributed to two or more different operating states.

[0022] Other aspects and features of the fluid transport system, fluid flow control system, foot support system, sole structure containing them and / or footwear (or other foot housing) containing them, in various operating states, are described in more detail below. [E.] [Additional or alternative features] [ ]

[0023] Additional or alternative features and aspects of this technology and invention relate to additional structures, components, and operations of fluid transport systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures, and / or footwear articles described herein and illustrated in the figures. This technology and these additional or alternative features and aspects of the invention relate to one or more of the following: (a) user input buttons included in the shoe, for example for inputting pressure change information and / or providing system-related status information; (b) external air inlet and / or filtration features for receiving air into the system; (c) connections between ports of various components, such as connector-to-manifold connections, fluid line-to-connector and / or manifold connections, etc.; (d) fluid distributor-to-footwear connection features; (e) valve stem position sensor features; (f) transmission features for transmitting power from the motor to the valve stem; (g) pressure control algorithm features; (h) shoe-to-shoe and / or other system electronic communication features; (i) system sealing features, such as one or more of manifold-to-valve housing, manifold-to-socket, and / or manifold-to-connector sealing features; and / or (j) features relating to pressure sensor mounting and engagement with manifolds and / or sealed connectors.

[0024] Some additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to button assemblies, such as buttons for receiving user input (e.g., changing pressure settings in one or more fluid-containing components in a system). One such aspect relates to a button assembly comprising: (a) a first button actuator; and (b) an elastomeric overmolding material covering the actuator surface of the first button actuator. The elastomeric overmolding material may include: (a) a first base portion having a first thickness and (b) a first recessed portion (e.g., U-shaped) adjacent to the first button actuator, wherein the first recessed portion has a second thickness less than the first thickness, and wherein the first base portion and the first recessed portion are formed as a continuous layer of the elastomeric overmolding material. The same elastomeric overmolding material can cover the actuator surface of the second button actuator, wherein the elastomeric overmolding material further includes: (a) a second base portion (e.g., U-shaped) having a third thickness and (b) a second recessed portion adjacent to the second button actuator, wherein the second recessed portion has a fourth thickness, wherein the fourth thickness is less than the third thickness, and wherein the second base portion and the second recessed portion are formed as part of a continuous layer of the elastomeric overmolding material. In this embodiment of the technology, the first thickness may be the same as or different from the third thickness, and / or the second thickness may be the same as or different from the fourth thickness. Some additional or alternative button assemblies according to aspects of the present technology may include: (a) a capacitive touch activator for unlocking the button assembly; (b) a first physical switch button activator for receiving user input; and, if desired, a second (or more) physical switch button activators for receiving user input.

[0025] A more specific additional or alternative aspect of this technology relates to a filtered fluid flow connector for footwear articles, the filtered fluid flow connector comprising: (a) a housing; (b) an inlet fluid inlet extending through the housing; (c) an inlet fluid outlet extending through the housing; (d) a filter for filtering the inlet fluid before it reaches the inlet fluid outlet; (e) a pumping fluid inlet extending through the housing, a pumping fluid outlet extending through the housing, and a pumping fluid line within the housing and connecting the pumping fluid inlet and the pumping fluid outlet; and (f) a first foot support bladder port extending through the housing, a second foot support bladder port extending through the housing, and a foot support fluid line within the housing and connecting the first foot support bladder port and the second foot support bladder port. Such a filtered fluid flow connector may further comprise: (a) a first fluid container port extending through the housing, a second fluid container port extending through the housing, and a fluid container fluid line within the housing and connecting the first fluid container port and the second fluid container port, and / or (b) a fluid release port extending through the housing. In some instances, the filter may have a surface with an area of ​​at least 50 mm2, which is positioned to form or cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing and to cover the fluid inlet.

[0026] Further or alternative aspects of this technology relate to a fluid flow connector system for footwear articles, the fluid flow connector system comprising: (a) a manifold having a first port; (b) a connector having: (i) a first port in fluid communication with the first port of the manifold, (ii) a second port, and (iii) a first internal connector fluid line connecting the first port of the connector and the second port of the connector; and (c) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the second port of the connector and in fluid communication with the first port of the manifold via the first internal connector fluid line. If desired, additional manifold ports may be connected to additional fluid lines via additional ports and fluid paths defined in the connector. Alternatively, some aspects of this technology may include a fluid flow connector system for footwear articles comprising: (a) a manifold having a first port, a second port, and a first internal manifold fluid line connecting the first port and the second port; (b) a fluid transport system in fluid communication with the first port of the manifold; and (c) a first external fluid line in fluid communication with the second port of the manifold, for example, without an intermediate connector between the manifold and the fluid path. At least some of these internal fluid paths extending through the connector (when the connector is present) or through the manifold (e.g., when a separate connector is not present) may define: (a) a first axial direction, (b) a second axial direction, and (c) a connecting portion combining the first and second axial directions. In such a configuration, the first and second axial directions may extend away from each other from the connecting portion of the internal fluid paths at an angle of 70 degrees or less (and in some instances, at an angle of 60 degrees or less, 50 degrees or less, 40 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, 20 degrees or less, or even parallel angles). In such a manner, fluid entering and exiting the connector (when present) or manifold (if a separate connector is not present) may do so at an angle of 70 degrees or less relative to each other.

[0027] Additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to methods of manufacturing sole structures for footwear articles, which include fluid flow control systems of the type described herein that engage with them. Some such methods may include: (a) engaging a first fluid line extending from a first sole component with a first port of a connector, wherein the first port of the connector is in fluid communication with a second port of the connector via a first internal connector fluid line extending through the connector; (b) engaging the second port of the connector with a first manifold port of a fluid dispenser; and (c) engaging the fluid dispenser and the connector as a single connected component with at least one of the first sole component or different sole components. Such methods may include engaging additional fluid lines from the sole component with the connector, which is part of the single connected component, before engaging the single connected component with the first sole component or different sole components. Additional or alternative aspects of this technology include methods comprising: (a) engaging a first fluid line extending from a first sole component with a first port of a manifold of a fluid dispenser, wherein the first port of the manifold is in fluid communication with a second port of the manifold via a first internal manifold fluid line extending through the manifold; and (b) engaging at least one of a first separate component or different separate components with a fluid dispenser having a first fluid line engaged with the first port of the manifold. Such methods may include engaging additional fluid lines from the same or other sole components with corresponding manifold ports prior to engaging the fluid dispenser with the first sole component or different sole components. Other aspects of this technology relate to sole structures obtained by the methods described above, regardless of any specific method used to manufacture the sole structure (e.g., a sole structure having the connections described above, regardless of the method steps and / or the order of the method steps used to manufacture the sole structure).

[0028] Further or alternative aspects of this technology relate to a fluid transport system for footwear articles, the fluid transport system comprising: (a) a valve housing defining an internal chamber; (b) a valve stem extending at least partially through the internal chamber, the valve stem having: (i) a first end operatively coupled to an electric motor to move the valve stem relative to the valve housing, (ii) a second end opposite the first end, and (iii) a peripheral wall extending from the first end to the second end; and (c) a position sensor for determining the position of the valve stem relative to the valve housing or other components of the fluid transport system, the position sensor comprising: (i) an encoder magnet movable (e.g., engaged) with the valve stem (e.g., between the first end, the second end, or both), and (ii) an encoder sensor (e.g., engaged with the valve housing) sensing changes in the magnetic field generated by the encoder magnet due to the position of the valve stem. In some instances, the encoder sensor may be located closer to the second end of the valve stem than the first end of the valve stem.

[0029] Other additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to transmission devices for fluid transport systems incorporated into footwear. Such transmission devices may include: (A) a motor pinion; (b) a first intermediate gear set comprising: (i) a first axial pin, (ii) a first gear having a first central axis coaxial with and engaging the motor pinion, the first gear having a first diameter, and (iii) a second gear having a second central axis coaxial with the first axial pin, the second gear having a second diameter different from the first diameter; (c) a second intermediate gear set comprising: (i) a second axial pin, (ii) a third gear having a third central axis coaxial with and engaging the second gear, the third gear having a third diameter, and (iii) a fourth gear having a fourth central axis coaxial with the second axial pin, the fourth gear having a fourth diameter different from the third diameter; (d) a third axial pin; and (e) a fifth gear having a third central axis coaxial with the third axial pin and engaging the fourth gear, wherein the third central axis of the fifth gear is coaxial with the rotation axis of the output end of the transmission device. If necessary or required, additional gears for specific functions or operations may be included. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of this technology may relate to drive systems for fluid transfer systems in footwear articles, these drive systems comprising: (a) an electric motor including a drive shaft; (b) a valve stem; and (c) a three-stage (or more) transmission operably coupled between the drive shaft and the valve stem to rotate the valve stem in response to rotation of the drive shaft. If desired, the three-stage transmission may include transmissions of the type described above.

[0030] Additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to electronic communication between components of different shoes. A footwear system according to at least some of these aspects may include: (a) a first shoe having a pressure-regulating first footwear component, a first microprocessor, and a first antenna in electronic communication with the first microprocessor; (b) a second shoe having a pressure-regulating second footwear component, a second microprocessor, and a second antenna in electronic communication with the second microprocessor; and (c) a central communication source for transmitting data to at least one of the first antenna or the second antenna in response to input data indicating a pressure change in at least one of the first or second footwear component. In some instances, the central communication source is located in the first shoe, and when input data indicates a pressure change in the second footwear component, the first shoe transmits data from the first antenna to the second antenna. In other instances: (a) during a first time period, the central communication source is located in the first shoe, and when input data indicates a pressure change in the second shoe component, the first shoe transmits data from the first antenna to the second antenna; and (b) during a second time period, the central communication source is located in the second shoe, and when input data indicates a pressure change in the first shoe component, the second shoe transmits data from the second antenna to the first antenna.

[0031] In other instances, the central communication source may constitute an external computing device (e.g., a smartphone, personal computer, etc.) not physically integrated into the first or second shoe. In such instances, the external computing device may: (a) transmit data to a first antenna when input data indicates a pressure change in the first shoe component, and / or (b) transmit data to a second antenna when input data indicates a pressure change in the second shoe component, and / or (c) transmit data to the first antenna when input data indicates a pressure change in either the first or second shoe component, and then, when input data indicates a pressure change in the second shoe component, the first antenna transmits data to the second antenna. In other embodiments of this aspect of the technology, communication of input data indicating pressure changes can be switched between at least three communication configurations: (a) a first communication configuration when an external computing device communicates electronically with at least one of the first or second shoes, wherein the external computing device acts as a central communication source and each of the first and second shoes acts as a peripheral communication device receiving pressure change input from the external computing device; (b) a second communication configuration when no external computing device communicates electronically with the first or second shoe, wherein the first shoe acts as a central communication source and the second shoe acts as a peripheral communication device receiving pressure change input from the first shoe; and (c) a third communication configuration when no external computing device communicates electronically with the first or second shoe, wherein the second shoe acts as a central communication source and the first shoe acts as a peripheral communication device receiving pressure change input from the second shoe.

[0032] This footwear communication system can also communicate electronically with at least one additional electronically adjustable component. This additional electronically adjustable component may include one or more of the following: a garment-based adjustable component on a garment article separate from the first and second shoes; a motorized garment component; a motorized lacing system for tightening or loosening lacing systems on at least one of the first or second shoes; a motorized shoe-fixing system for at least one of the first or second shoes; a motorized fluid comprising a sports bra; and a motorized fluid comprising a compression sleeve.

[0033] Other additional or alternative aspects of this technology involve sealing connections between various components. One example sealing connection extends between a rotatable valve stem and a manifold, the valve stem having a peripheral wall including at least a first fluid port extending through it, and the manifold including at least a first manifold port. A sealing connector (e.g., made of rubber or elastomer) can combine these components. The sealing connector may include: (a) a first connector port that directly contacts the peripheral wall (to seal the peripheral wall), (b) a second connector port that connects to the first manifold port, and (c) a first connector fluid path that extends between the first connector port and the second connector port. Rotating the rotatable valve stem to a first position at least partially aligns the first fluid port of the rotatable valve stem with the first connector port to position the first fluid port of the rotatable valve stem in a sealed state for fluid communication with the first manifold port via the first connector fluid path. Such a sealing connection and sealing connector may include one or more additional ports in the valve stem, one or more corresponding additional ports in the manifold, and one or more additional sets of connector ports and connector fluid paths in the connector that combine the corresponding ports of the valve stem and the manifold. Different rotational positions of the valve stem selectively align the ports to open one or more fluid passages simultaneously. Any one or more connector ports (including all such connector ports) in direct contact with the peripheral wall may include a curved outer surface shaped to correspond to the curvature of the peripheral wall's outer surface and / or seal the port in direct contact with the peripheral wall. As the valve stem rotates, this curved outer surface moves along (relative to) the peripheral wall (and maintains sealed contact during rotation). Lubricant can help support this relative sliding motion and help maintain the sealed connection. Other sealing connections may also be provided throughout the system described herein.

[0034] Additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to including a pressure sensor in a fluid flow control system for footwear articles. Such a fluid flow control system may include: (a) a fluid distributor; (b) a manifold comprising: (i) a manifold body; (ii) a first manifold fluid path defined through the manifold body and extending from a first manifold port in fluid communication with the fluid distributor to a second manifold port in fluid communication with a first footwear component; (iii) a first pressure sensor mount (e.g., one or more recessed or raised tubes) defined in or extending from the manifold body; and (iv) a first open passage extending between the first pressure sensor mount and the first manifold fluid path; and (c) a first pressure sensor fluidly sealed at the first pressure sensor mount. Additional manifold ports, manifold fluid paths, pressure sensor mounts, and open passages may be provided, for example, to additional pressure sensors for measuring pressure in other fluid lines. Additionally or alternatively, a fluid flow control system for footwear articles may include: (a) a fluid distributor; (b) a manifold including a first manifold port; (c) a sealed connector comprising: (i) a connector body; (ii) a first connector fluid path defined through the connector body and extending from the first connector port in fluid communication with the fluid distributor to a second connector port in fluid communication with the first manifold port; (iii) a first pressure sensor mount (e.g., one or more recessed or raised tubes) defined in or extending from the connector body; (iv) a first open passage extending between the first pressure sensor mount and the first connector fluid path; and (d) a first pressure sensor fluidly sealed at the first pressure sensor mount. In such a system, additional manifold ports, connector ports, connector fluid paths, pressure sensor mounts, and open passages may be provided, for example, to additional pressure sensors for measuring pressure in other fluid lines.

[0035] Additional or alternative aspects of this technology relate to systems and methods for altering fluid pressure in components of footwear articles. Such systems and methods may include hardware and / or software for performing a method comprising: (a) receiving input data indicating a target pressure in a first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is a foot support bladder or fluid container; (b) causing fluid to flow through a continuous fluid line extending between a first port and a second port of a manifold or sealed connector, wherein the first port is in fluid communication with the first footwear component, and wherein the second port is in fluid communication with a second footwear component or an external environment; (c) measuring the fluid pressure in the continuous fluid line using a first pressure sensor as the fluid flows through the continuous fluid line; (d) determining an adjusted fluid pressure based on the fluid pressure measured by the first pressure sensor during the measurement step; and (e) stopping fluid flow through the continuous fluid line when the adjusted fluid pressure determined in the determination step is within a predetermined range of the target pressure. The adjusted fluid pressure estimates the fluid pressure in the first footwear component. In some instances of this technology, the adjusted fluid pressure correction corrects for the velocity-dependent offset between the fluid pressure measured by the first pressure sensor during the measurement step and the actual fluid pressure in the first footwear component. This velocity-dependent offset can be caused, for example, by fluid flow through a fluid conduit having a small internal cross-sectional area or diameter (e.g., less than 50 mm², and in some instances, less than 40 mm², less than 30 mm², less than 20 mm², or even less than 16 mm²).

[0036] Based on the general description of the features, examples, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements provided above in accordance with the present technology and the invention, the following is a more detailed description of specific examples of fluid transport systems, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures, footwear articles, and methods according to the present technology. [II.] [Examples of footwear, foot support systems, and other components based on this technology] [ / ] [Or a detailed description of the feature] [ ]

[0037] Referring to the figures and the following discussion, various examples of foot support systems, fluid flow control systems, sole structures, and footwear articles according to the present technology are described. Aspects of the present technology can be used in conjunction with, for example, the foot support systems, footwear articles (or other foot-accommodating devices), and / or methods described in the aforementioned U.S. patent applications. [A.] [Footwear Structure] [ ]

[0038] As described above, some aspects of this technology relate to foot support systems, sole structures, and / or footwear articles (and / or other foot receiving devices) that can be positioned in a variety of different operating states. Figure 1 generally illustrates a footwear article 100 (side view) according to some examples of this technology, which includes an upper 102 and a sole structure 104 engaged with the upper 102. The upper 102 and the sole structure 104 may be made of one or more components, including conventional components known and used in the footwear industry. The various components of the footwear article 100 (including the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 and / or their individual components) can be engaged together in any desired manner, including in conventional manner known and used in the footwear industry. In this example, the upper 102 includes a foot receiving opening 106 that leads to an internal cavity of the user's foot (defined by the upper 102 and / or the sole structure 104). The fastening system 108 (e.g., the laces shown, although other types may be used) allows the footwear article 100 to be releasably fastened to the user's foot.

[0039] As further shown in Figure 1, the footwear 100 includes a foot support system having a foot support bladder 200 for supporting at least a portion of the sole surface of the user's foot (in this particular illustrated example, the forefoot region). The foot support system also includes an "onboard" fluid container 400. The fluid container 400 contains fluid (e.g., under pressure) and, in this illustrated example, includes a fluid-filled bladder. The fluid container 400 may be located above the outsole portion 104O of the footwear 100, within the midsole portion (e.g., in a cavity of the foam portion), and / or engaged with the upper 102. A fluid dispenser (described in more detail below) selectively places the foot support system and / or footwear 100 into two or more operating states, for example, to move fluid from a fluid container 400 to a foot support bladder 200; to enter the fluid container 400 and / or the foot support bladder 200 from a fluid supply source; and to exit the fluid supply source, the fluid container 400 and / or the foot support bladder 200 to the surrounding environment or external environment. The fluid dispenser may include one or more of the following: a component having a movable valve stem; a component having one or more solenoids; a manifold connected to the valve stem and / or solenoids (e.g., their housing); a connector that connects the component of the fluid dispenser to a fluid supply source and / or fluid delivery lines; and / or one or more fluid delivery lines.

[0040] Figures 2A and 2B respectively show a top view and an exploded view of a portion of a footwear article 100 including various features according to aspects of the present technology. As shown, this example foot support system includes a fluid-filled foot support bladder 200 for supporting at least the forefoot portion of the user's foot. A portion of the fluid container 400 (also the fluid-filled bladder) in this example is located below the foot support bladder 200, and this portion extends rearward beyond the rear edge of the foot support bladder 200 (also note Figure 1). An upper sole component 104U (e.g., an upper midsole component optionally formed of polymer foam material) is located above and / or engages with the foot support bladder 200. A lower sole component 104L (e.g., a lower midsole component optionally formed of polymer foam material) is located below and / or engages with the foot support bladder 200. In the illustrated example, both the upper sole component 104U and the lower sole component 104L extend rearward and include foot support surfaces 104US and 104LS, respectively, at least in the heel support region of the sole structure 104. Furthermore, in this illustrated example, the upper sole component 104U and the lower sole component 104L each include openings 104UO and 104LO, which extend completely through them in the forefoot support region. These openings 104UO and 104LO correspond to the forefoot portion of the foot support bladder 200 and the fluid container 400 in the illustrated example, such that, if desired, at least portions of the top surface 400S of the fluid container 400 and the bottom surface 200S of the foot support bladder 200 directly face and / or contact each other in their forefoot support regions in the finally assembled sole structure 104.

[0041] One or more cage components 300, formed, for example, of a polymeric material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane), may be provided to secure the foot support bladder 200. Figure 2B shows a multi-part cage component 300, including an outer cage component 300L, an inner cage component 300M, and a middle or rear cage component 300R. The outer cage component 300L and the inner cage component 300M engage corresponding sidewalls of the lower sole button assembly 104L and / or corresponding sidewalls of the foot support bladder 200, and the middle or rear cage component 300R engages the rear edge of the foot support bladder 200. If desired (and as shown in Figure 2B), at least one of the outer cage component 300L and the inner cage component 300M may include openings defined through them, such that in the finally assembled sole structure 104, the sidewalls of the foot support bladder 200 are exposed and visible on the exterior of the sole structure 104. See Figure 1. This example sole structure 104 also includes an optional core pad 120 in the midfoot region. The example shoe insert 120 includes a generally U-shaped opening having arms that support the bottom edge of the foot support sac 200 and / or a rear base region that supports the bottom rear portion of the foot support sac 200.

[0042] The upper sole component 104U of this example includes a sidewall 104S (e.g., extending upward from the foot support surface 104US) forming part of its outer surface. The outer side of the sidewall 104S has a recess 104R defined therein. This recess 104R accommodates a fluid dispenser 500. In this illustrated example, an outer cage component 300L extends rearward and forms part of a base accommodated in the recess 104R, and this base engages with and / or forms at least some portions of the fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., a portion of its housing 502) and / or forms at least some portions of the fluid dispenser 500. Additionally, if desired, the fluid dispenser 500 may be a component independent of the outer cage component 300L and / or directly engaged with the outer surface of the upper sole component 104U (or other footwear component portions and / or upper 102 portions).

[0043] The following describes in detail several features and components of the fluid distributor 500. In some embodiments of the art, the fluid distributor 500 includes or defines: (a) an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid supply source (e.g., from the external environment, from another internal fluid line, from a pump or compressor, etc.), (b) a first fluid path for transferring fluid to the external environment (e.g., to vent excess gas introduced by the fluid supply source, to reduce the pressure in the foot support bladder 200, to reduce the pressure in the fluid container 400, etc.), (c) a second fluid path in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., to move fluid into and / or out of the foot support bladder 200 and / or change the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200), and / or (d) a third fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid container 400 (e.g., to move fluid into and / or out of the fluid container 400 and / or change the fluid pressure in the fluid container 400).

[0044] Figure 2B further illustrates the fluid delivery line 200F or tube extending into the foot support bladder 200 and the tube recess 200R formed within the sidewall recess 104R. The tube recess 200R provides space to allow the fluid flow line to merge with the fluid distributor 500, which will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 2B, this type of sole structure 104 may include a pump (e.g., a foot-activated pump, a battery-operated pump, a compressor, etc.) that serves as a fluid supply source and / or at least a portion of the outsole component 104O (e.g., to cover and protect the fluid container 400).

[0045] As described above and in the examples of Figures 3A to 3D, at least some instances of this technology will include a fluid supply source in the form of one or more pumps (including one or more foot-activated pumps). When a pump is present, it can move fluid received from the external environment to a fluid distributor 500 via a fluid path extending from the external environment to the pump for distribution to a final desired destination (e.g., foot support bladder 200, fluid container 400, or return to the external environment). Alternatively, Figure 3A illustrates a two-stage pumping system comprising a heel-activated ball pump 600H (also referred to herein as the "first pump") connected in series via a fluid line 602 to the forefoot-activated ball pump 600F (also referred to herein as the "second pump"). Therefore, in at least some embodiments of this technology: (a) the inlet 600HI of the heel-activated pump 600H is in fluid communication with the external environment (e.g., via a fluid path extending from the external environment through a fluid distributor 500 (e.g., fluid line 604) to the inlet 600HI); (b) the outlet 600HO of the heel-activated pump 600H is in fluid communication with the inlet 600FI of the forefoot-activated pump 600F via fluid line 602; and (c) the outlet 600FO of the forefoot-activated pump 600F is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid distributor 500 (e.g., fluid line 606). The “upstream” pump (600H in this specification, but 600F in some embodiments) may be slightly larger than the “downstream” pump (600F in this specification, but 600H in some embodiments) to improve fluid flow and pumping efficiency. Two-stage pumps may have features and / or structures similar to those shown in the corresponding structure disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 698,138, filed November 27, 2019.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, if necessary, when more than one pump is present, more than one pump can move fluid to the inlet of fluid distributor 500 (e.g., two or more pumps can have their outlets directly connected to the inlet of fluid distributor 500). Once pumped into fluid distributor 500, fluid distributor 500 selectively moves the fluid to its final destination, such as foot support bladder 200, fluid container 400, or back to the external environment, depending on its operating state. Exhaust valves or check valves can be equipped on any of the pumps 600H, 600F to prevent overpressure conditions (e.g., if the fluid line and / or components downstream of pumps 600H, 600F become blocked or malfunction for any reason). Pumps 600F, 660H can be made, for example, of RF-welded TPU films bonded together in a known manner to form a spherical pumping chamber.

[0047] Figure 3A illustrates generally spherical or ellipsoidal ball pumps 600H and 600F. On the other hand, Figures 3B through 3D show generally T-shaped ball pumps 600H and 600F, with the forefoot ball pump 600F more oriented below the metatarsal head support area of ​​the sole structure 104 (as opposed to more being in the toe support area in Figure 3A). Figure 3B shows the general possible location of pumps 600H and 600F in the sole structure 104. Figure 3C shows the overall arrangement of pumps 600H and 600F and their connecting lines, and Figure 3D shows a closer view of a T-shaped ball pump (e.g., 600H in this example) that may be in fluid communication with the forefoot pump 600F, fluid distributor 500, or another footwear component.

[0048] T-shaped ball pumps 600H and 600F can be made slightly wider and less round than a sphere or ellipsoid to distribute the pump chamber volume over a larger (e.g., wider) area of ​​the user's foot (and thus make the pumps 600H and 600F less noticeable under the foot). These T-shaped ball pumps 600H and 600F can also be connected in series (e.g., the outlet 600HO of pump 600H feeds into the inlet 600FI of pump 600F, and the outlet 600FO of pump 600F acts as a fluid supply source for fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100, for example, via fluid line 606). Ball pumps 600H and 600F can be sandwiched between sole components, for example, between the undersole component 104L and one or more outsole components 104O. As an alternative, if desired, a forefoot outsole component 104OF can be provided to engage the forefoot pump 600F, and a separate heel outsole component 104OH can be provided to engage the heel pump. In use, when the user steps or jumps, the ball pumps 600H and / or 600F will compress between the sole components under the applied force (the user's weight), thereby forcing fluid out of the outlets 600HO and 600FO of the ball pumps 600H and / or 600F and moving fluid from the pumps 600H and 600F to the fluid distributor 500. A one-way valve may be provided to prevent backflow of fluid through the pumps 600F and 600H. The ball pumps 600H and 600F may be attached to and / or located between flat or smoothly curved surfaces of foam, bladders, outsoles, or other sole components (e.g., to increase the pumping volume per step). However, if necessary, the ball pumps 600H and 600F may be at least partially housed within a recess in at least one of the components to which they are connected (e.g., within a recess in one or more of the surfaces of foam, bladder, outsole, or other sole components).

[0049] Figures 4A to 5F schematically illustrate fluid dispensers 500 and foot support systems according to at least some examples of the present technology, and their operation in various potential operating states. As shown and described above, these systems include a foot support bladder 200, a fluid container or reservoir 400 (which may also include a fluid-filled bladder), and at least one pump (e.g., a heel-based pump 600H and a forefoot-based pump 600F connected in series via the fluid line 602 shown). These components are operatively connected to a fluid flow control system or fluid dispenser 500, which may include some or all of the components shown in dashed lines in Figure 4A. In this example, the fluid distributor 500 serves as a central hub from which fluid originates (e.g., external environment or surrounding environment 150 or other fluid supply sources; pumps 600H, 600F; foot support bladder 200; or fluid container 400) and exits to various destinations (e.g., external environment or surrounding environment 150; foot support bladder 200; or fluid container 400). The fluid distributor 500 in this example includes a connector 700, a manifold 800, and a fluid transfer system 900.

[0050] The fluid transfer system 900 shown in Figure 4A can take various forms and / or structures. Figure 4B illustrates various example arrangements of different types of fluid transfer systems 900 in the fluid distributor 500. The fluid transfer systems facing the upper right of Figure 4B include a stem-based fluid transfer system 900A. The central fluid transfer system shown in Figure 4B is a solenoid-based fluid transfer system 900B, 900C. The fluid transfer system facing the lower left of Figure 4B is also a stem-based fluid transfer system 900D, but this fluid transfer system 900D includes a planetary gear type transmission, namely a planetary transmission 922B, opposite to the gear train transmission 922 disposed in the fluid transfer system 900A. These different fluid transfer systems 900A, 900B, 900C, 900D (and their variants) are described in more detail below and can be included in the housing 502 of the fluid distributor 500.

[0051] Various fluid lines connect the fluid distributor 500 to various fluid initiation and destination locations. These fluid lines are described in more detail with reference to the various operating states shown in Figures 5A to 5F. The large “X” in Figures 5A to 5F indicates the fluid path of the fluid transfer system 900, which can be closed in this operating state. When needed, these fluid paths can be closed in any desired manner due to the characteristics of the valve stem, the characteristics of the solenoid valve configuration, etc., for example, by means of a check valve or one-way valve (e.g., in fluid line 606 from pumps 600H and 600F).

[0052] Figure 5A illustrates the operating state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid distributor 500 and is discharged back into the external environment 150. The fluid flow in this operating state is indicated by the bold dashed arrow. This operating state can be used as a "standby" or "steady-state" operating state to maintain the movement of pumped fluid through the fluid distributor 500, even when pressure changes are not required in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400. In this operating state, inlet fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150 enters the connector 700 via filter 702 and connector inlet 702I. Filter 702 may be removable, replaceable, and / or otherwise cleanable (e.g., to maintain sufficient air intake from the external environment 150 into the system) if necessary or required. While any desired suction size can be used, in some aspects of this technology, filter 702 can have an area of ​​at least 50 mm², an area between 50 mm² and 100 mm², an area between 50 mm² and 150 mm², and an area between 25 mm² and 250 mm², or other desired areas. Any desired type of filter media, filter construction, and / or filter material can be used, such as plate filters, flat screens, etc. Filter 702 can provide a relatively large external area of ​​connector 700, potentially providing at least a majority of the surface area of ​​an exposed outer surface of connector 700, for example, as shown in Figures 5A to 5E, Figure 11A, Figure 12A, and Figure 13B. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the filter can be disposed at other locations within connector 700 and / or within the fluid flow path (e.g., somewhere before the inlet of pumps 600H, 600F, extending at least partially within the body of connector 700, extending at least partially within dedicated fluid path 702P, etc.).

[0053] Fluid travels from connector inlet 702I through the connector body (e.g., through fluid path 702P or the open internal space 710 within connector 700) and exits through a port / outlet, i.e., connector outlet port 702O. In some instances of this technology, the dedicated fluid path 702P (e.g., a closed fluid conduit) may be omitted (or discontinuous with the open end within the internal space 710 of connector 700), allowing fluid to enter the open internal space 710 from connector inlet 702I and / or exit the open internal space 710 at an opening provided as the port, i.e., connector outlet port 702O. In these instances, the open internal space 710 may be considered as at least a portion of the fluid path 702P through connector 700. The outlet, i.e., connector outlet port 702O, connects to the fluid path, i.e., fluid line 604, that carries fluid to the pump system (in this example, pumps 600H, 600F and the fluid line 602 connecting them). Fluid travels from pumps 600H and 600F down along fluid line 606 back to port 704 of the connector 700 inlet. A check valve or non-return valve may be present along fluid line 606 to prevent fluid from flowing back towards pumps 600H and 600F through connector inlet port 704 and / or fluid line 606. Fluid flows from connector inlet port 704 through connector fluid path 704P (also referred to herein as the "fourth connector fluid path") across connector 700, reaching connector outlet port 704O (also referred to herein as the "fourth fluid path connector"), and then to the inlet fluid port of manifold 800, i.e., manifold port 800A. From the inlet fluid port, i.e., manifold port 800A, fluid flows through fluid inlet path or flow path 802 in manifold 800, through fluid inlet port 800I, and into fluid transfer system 900. In this operating state, fluid leaves the fluid transport system 900, passes through the first manifold port 804, through the first manifold fluid flow path 806 defined in the manifold 800, through another manifold port 800B, reaches the first fluid path connector or port 706 of the connector 700, passes through the first connector fluid path 708, and optionally reaches the external environment 150. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid passing through the first fluid path connector or port 706 can be vented into the internal space 710 within the connector 700 (and thus become part of the external environment) and / or used for another pump cycle.

[0054] Alternatively, in some instances of this technology, in this operating state, instead of continuously moving the fluid through the fluid distributor 500 at each step when the fluid is simply to be discharged back into the external environment 150, a selectively operable fluid path can be provided directly from pumps 600H and 600F to the external environment 150. As another option, pumps 600H and 600F can be deactivated when it is not necessary to change the fluid pressure.

[0055] Figure 5B illustrates an operating state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid dispenser 500 and is delivered to the foot support bladder 200. Similarly, the fluid flow in this operating state is indicated by the bold dashed arrow. This operating state can be used to increase the pressure in the foot support bladder 200, for example, for a firmer feel and / or more intense activities (e.g., running). In this operating state, incoming fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150 moves through the connector 700, through the manifold 800, and into the fluid delivery system 900 in the same manner (and via the same components) as described above with respect to Figure 5A. However, in this operating state, the fluid leaves the fluid transport system 900, passes through the second manifold port 808, through the second manifold fluid flow path 810 defined in the manifold 800, through another manifold port 800C, and reaches the second fluid path connector of the connector 700, which has a port 712, passes through the second connector fluid path 714, through the port 720 of another connector, enters the foot support fluid line 202, and enters the foot support bladder 200.

[0056] In some cases, it may be necessary to remove fluid from the foot support bladder 200 to reduce the pressure within it (e.g., to provide a softer feel or for less strenuous activities such as walking or wearing casual clothing). An example of this operating state is shown in Figure 5C, with fluid flow indicated by a bold dashed arrow. In this operating state, fluid exits the foot support bladder 200, enters the foot support fluid line 202, passes through connector port 720 into the second connector fluid path 714, and reaches the second fluid path connector of connector 700, which has port 712. From port 712 of the second fluid path connector, fluid passes through manifold port 800C and enters the second manifold fluid flow path 810 defined in manifold 800, passes through second manifold port 808, and enters the fluid delivery system 900. From here, in this example system and operating state, the fluid is discharged to the external environment 150. This occurs as fluid leaves the fluid transport system 900, passes through the first manifold port 804, through the first manifold fluid flow path 806 defined in the manifold 800, through the manifold port 800B to the first fluid path connector or port 706 of the connector 700, and through the first connector fluid path 708 to the external environment 150 (which may constitute the internal space 710 within the connector 700). The first connector fluid path connector or port 706 may form a port for bringing fluid to be released from the entire system back to the connector 700 to achieve fluid release (“fluid release port”).

[0057] Figure 5D illustrates another potential operating state of the fluid distributor 500 and foot support system according to some examples of the present technology. In this operating state, fluid is transferred from the fluid container 400 to the external environment 150, for example, to reduce the fluid pressure in the fluid container 400. The fluid flow in this operating state is indicated by the bold dashed arrow. In this operating state, the fluid leaves the fluid container 400, enters the fluid container fluid line 402, enters the third connector fluid path 716 via connector port 722, and reaches the third fluid path connector of the connector 700, which has port 718. From port 718 of the third fluid path connector, the fluid passes through manifold port 800D and enters the third manifold fluid flow path 812 defined in the manifold 800, passes through the third manifold port 814, and enters the fluid transfer system 900. From here, in this example system and operating state, the fluid is discharged to the external environment 150. This occurs as fluid leaves the fluid transport system 900, passes through the first manifold port 804, through the first manifold fluid flow path 806 defined in the manifold 800, through the manifold port 800B to the first fluid path connector or port 706 of the connector 700, and through the first connector fluid path 708 to the external environment 150 (which may constitute the internal space 710 within the connector 700).

[0058] In some instances of the fluid distributor 500 and foot support system according to aspects of this technology, it may be necessary to use an on-board fluid container 400 to regulate (and in this example, increase) the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200. This allows for more predictable or controlled fluid transfer over time, as pressure spikes due to foot contact with the ground have a smaller impact on fluid flow. An example of this operating state is shown in Figure 5E. In this operating state, fluid exits the fluid container 400, enters the fluid container fluid line 402, enters the third connector fluid path 716 via connector port 722, and reaches the third fluid path connector of the connector 700, which has port 718. From port 718 of the third fluid path connector, fluid passes through manifold port 800D into the third manifold fluid flow path 812 defined in the manifold 800, passes through the third manifold port 814, and enters the fluid transfer system 900. From here, in this example system and operating state, fluid is transferred to the foot support bladder 200. This occurs as fluid leaves the fluid transport system 900, passes through the second manifold port 808, through the second manifold fluid flow path 810 defined in the manifold 800, through the manifold port 800C to the second fluid path connector 700 having port 712, through the second connector fluid path 714 to the connector port 720, enters the foot support fluid line 202 and enters the foot support bladder 200.

[0059] Figure 5F illustrates an example operating state for adding fluid to fluid container 400 (e.g., to increase the fluid volume and / or pressure in fluid container 400). In this operating state, inlet fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150 enters connector 700 via filter 702 and connector inlet 702I. The fluid travels from connector inlet 702I through connector body to connector outlet port 702O and then to fluid line 604 that carries the fluid to the pump system (pumps 600H, 600F). The fluid travels down fluid line 606 from pumps 600H, 600F back to inlet port 704 of connector 700. A check valve or non-return valve may be present along fluid line 606 to prevent fluid from flowing back towards pumps 600H, 600F through connector inlet port 704 and / or fluid line 606. Fluid flows from the connector inlet port 704 through the connector fluid path 704P, through the connector 700, to the connector outlet port 704O, and then to the inlet fluid port 800A of the manifold 800. From the inlet fluid port 800A, the fluid flows through the fluid inlet path or flow path 802 in the manifold 800, through the manifold inlet port 800I, and reaches the fluid transfer system 900. In this operating state, the fluid leaves the fluid transfer system 900, passes through the third manifold port 814, through the third manifold fluid flow path 812 defined in the manifold 800, through the manifold port 800D, reaches the third fluid path connector port 718 of the connector 700, passes through the third connector fluid path 716, through the connector port 722, enters the fluid container fluid line 402, and then enters the fluid container 400.

[0060] Some or all of the fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., including some or all of the connector 700, manifold 800, and / or fluid transfer system 900) may be included in or engaged with a housing 502 (e.g., including a frame 504 and a cover 506). See Figures 2A and 2B. The housing 502 may be mounted to the sole structure 104 and / or the footwear upper 102. When mounted on the side surface of the footwear article 100, for example, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and Figures 6-7E, the fluid dispenser 500 may be located in the heel area on the outer side of the upper 102 and / or the sole structure 104, for example, to illustrate preventing unwanted contact between the user's feet. The example footwear 100 structure of Figures 6-7E shows a sole structure 104 including an upwardly extending base surface 700S, which provides a base for attaching the fluid dispenser 500. The base surface 700S may form part of the outer cage component 300L described above in conjunction with FIG. 2B. Fluid lines (e.g., from the foot support bladder 200, from the fluid container 400, from a fluid source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F), and / or from the external environment 150) may extend through this base surface 700S and / or may otherwise be exposed at this base surface 700S for engagement with the fluid dispenser 500, as will be described in more detail below.

[0061] As further shown in Figure 6 (and described in more detail below), the cover 506 of the fluid dispenser 500 may include an input system, such as one or more switches (506A and 506B shown in Figure 6), if desired. These switches 506A and 506B can serve as user inputs, for example, allowing the user to manually increase (switch 506A) or decrease (switch 506B) the air pressure in the foot support bladder 200. When switches 506A and 506B are present, user interaction with switches 506A and 506B can activate the fluid dispenser 500 and the fluid transfer system 900 to move the fluid as described above with respect to one or more operating states. Figure 6 further illustrates that the fluid dispenser 500 may include one or more lamps 506L (e.g., one or more LEDs (e.g., 12)) within a light guide. These lamps 506L may be decorative and / or may allow for color variations of the displayed light. In some instances, lamp 506L may provide information relating to one or more of the following: (a) the “on” or “off” state of fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., lamp 506L on means power is on, lamp 506L off means power is not on); (b) foot support pressure and / or other pressure status information of footwear 100 (e.g., depending on light and / or flashing colors indicating maximum pressure, minimum pressure, intermediate pressure, etc.); (c) system reset mode; (d) factory reset mode; (e) power-on, power-off, and / or restart status; (f) pressure regulation in progress; (g) error status; (h) battery charging status; (i) remaining battery charging status; (j) successful and / or unsuccessful electronic communication status information with another shoe and / or mobile computing device (BTLE confirmation status); (k) data download, upload, and / or software update progress or status information; (l) identified operational status and / or status information; and so on. Additionally or alternatively, input data (e.g., from a speed and / or distance monitoring device, optionally included in the footwear) can be used to control the lights (e.g., the color of light 506L, the number of times light 506L is turned on, changes in lighting arrangement, the arrangement of lit lights 506L, the lighting sequence, light animation, etc.). Such data can also enable the lights to provide information such as stride speed, running distance, acceleration, exercise intensity, battery life status, decorative features, etc. The color, animation, style, etc., of the lights can vary, for example, between different shoe models, different shoe types, different shoe colorways, etc. The "animation" of the lights as used herein can include, for example, one or more of the following: the color of the displayed light; changes in the color of the displayed light; the frequency of light flashing or blinking; changes in the frequency of light flashing or blinking; the number and / or arrangement of the displayed lights; changes in the number and / or arrangement of the displayed lights; etc.While other options are possible, in the specific example shown in Figure 6, lamp 506L forms a ring around housing 502 (although the entire ring does not necessarily need to be lit simultaneously).

[0062] Accelerometer data, velocity and / or distance data, impact force data, and / or other data (e.g., data detected by an "onboard" foot sensor system, data from sensors included in the clothing, and / or data from external devices (e.g., a smartphone-based speed and / or distance monitoring system)) can be transmitted to the fluid flow control system and used, for example, to automatically adjust the pressure of the foot support bladder 200. Detected higher speeds and / or accelerations can be used as input to initiate an increase in foot support pressure, while detected lower speeds and / or decelerations can be used as input to initiate a decrease in foot support pressure. These types of additional input data, input data sources, and / or pressure regulation can be provided in any instance of the fluid dispenser 500, fluid flow control system, fluid delivery system 900, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100 described in this specification.

[0063] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate another example arrangement of the fluid dispenser 500 and / or foot support system in footwear article 100. As shown in these figures, the fluid container 400 (formed as a fluid-filled bladder in this example) is at least located in the heel support region of footwear article 100, and the foot support bladder 200 is at least located in the forefoot support region of footwear article 100. The opposite arrangement is also possible. For example, in Figure 8A, the fluid container 400 (e.g., formed as a fluid-filled bladder) may be at least located in the forefoot support region of footwear article 100, and the foot support bladder 200 may be at least located in the heel support region of footwear article 100. Some or all of the fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., including some or all of the connector 700, manifold 800, and / or fluid delivery system 900) may be mounted in the heel region of footwear article 100. In this example, the fluid dispenser 500 engages with the upper 102, but if desired, the fluid dispenser 500 may engage at least partially with the sole structure 104 in the heel region. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG9, if desired, at least a portion of the fluid dispenser 500 may be releasably secured (see arrow 508) within a recess 510 provided on the footwear structure 100 (e.g., as part of the sole structure 104 and / or the upper 102, such as a heel stabilizer-type component). If necessary or required, a locking mechanism (e.g., a releasable retaining flap 512) may be used to hold the fluid dispenser 500 in place relative to the recess 510. Without departing from this technique, the fluid dispenser 500 may be releasably secured in the recess 510 in any desired manner.

[0064] Figure 10 provides a block diagram of the assembly features of an illustrated example footwear article 100 (e.g., including a sole structure 104 as shown in Figure 2B), including an inclusion of a fluid distributor 500 or a fluid flow control system according to some aspects of the present technology. In addition to the various components and parts described above, Figure 10 provides additional information on how components and / or parts can be joined together. Examples include the use of primers and adhesives, snap-fit ​​components, retaining clips, RF soldering, and direct tube connections. Without departing from the technology, any desired method of joining various components and / or parts together can be used, including connectors, adhesives, etc., conventionally known and used in the footwear industry.

[0065] In some instances of this technology, the fluid distributor 500 may have a configuration similar to that shown in Figures 11A and 11B (also note the discussion of Figures 5A through 5F above). In this example, the connector 700 includes a filter 702 that receives fluid from the external environment (e.g., via inlet port 702I). The connector 700 forms a separate component that engages with the housing 750, and the manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900 are contained within the housing 750. In this example, the connector 700 is connected to four external fluid lines (e.g., flexible tubing). One fluid line 604 carries inlet fluid from the external environment to one or more pumps (600H, 600F) via the connector inlet port 702I and outlet port 702O. A second fluid line 606 carries fluid from one or more pumps (600H, 600F) back to the connector 700, so that it can be introduced into the manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900 under increased pressure from one or more pumps 600H, 600F. A third fluid line 202 extends into and is in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200. This fluid line 202 is used to move fluid from the fluid dispenser 500 into the foot support bladder 200 and out of the foot support bladder 200 into the fluid dispenser 500. A fourth fluid line 402 extends into and is in fluid communication with the fluid container 400. This fluid line 402 is used to move fluid from the fluid dispenser 500 into the fluid container 400 and out of the fluid container 400 into the fluid dispenser 500. Specifically, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, ports 702O, 704, 720, and 722 of the connector 700, which are respectively connected to external fluid lines 604, 606, 202, and 402, can be aligned along a surface 704S of the connector 700 (and, if necessary, extend at least partially parallel through the connector 700).

[0066] Figures 11A and 11B further illustrate that the housing 750 of the manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900 for this example includes four ports: 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D. Port 800A of this example connects to port 704O on the connector 700 body and is in fluid communication with the fluid line, i.e., the connector fluid path 704P, to receive inlet fluid from fluid line 606 (and therefore from one or more pumps (600H, 600F)) and to carry that inlet fluid into the manifold 800 and / or the fluid transfer system 900. Port 800B of this example connects to port 706 on the connector 700 body and drains excess or unwanted fluid back to the external environment (e.g., through the connector 700 body). Port 800C of this example connects to port 712 on the connector 700 body and exchanges fluid (in either direction) between the foot support bladder 200 and the manifold 800. In this example, port 800D connects to port 718 on the body of connector 700 and exchanges fluid (in either direction) between fluid container 400 and manifold 800. Specifically, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D of manifold 800 may be aligned along housing 750 and / or one surface 750A of manifold 800 (and may extend at least partially parallel through housing 750 and / or manifold 800 if desired). Ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718 of connector 700 (which connect to manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D, respectively) may be aligned along one surface 704S of connector 700 (and may extend at least partially parallel through connector 700 if desired). In the illustrated example, ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718 of connector 700 may be located slightly below and slightly offset from ports 704, 702O, 720, and 722 of connector 700 on surface 704B, respectively. Surfaces 704S and 704B may constitute a common surface on connector 700, and may be offset from each other, different from each other, or facing different directions, etc.

[0067] Figure 11B further illustrates one or more of the connector fluid paths 704P, 714, 716, which may define a curved or zigzag path. One or more connector fluid paths 704P, 714, 716 may include: (a) a first axial direction 700AX1, (b) a second axial direction 700AX2, and (c) a connecting portion 700CP that combines the first axial direction 700AX1 and the second axial direction 700AX2. The first axial direction 700AX1 and the second axial direction 700AX2 extend away from each other from the connecting portion 700CP at an angle of 70 degrees or less.

[0068] As further shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the connector 700 of this example includes fluid paths 704P, 714, and 716 that pass through the connector body to connect connector ports 704, 720, and 722 to manifold ports 800A, 800C, and 800D. In this example, the fluid paths 704P, 714, and 716 form a curved or tortuous path through the connector 700 body. Fluid can enter and exit the connector 700 from substantially the same side and / or in substantially the same direction (e.g., as shown in Figure 11B).

[0069] Figures 12A to 12C further illustrate the connection of connector 700 to housing 750 of Figures 11A and 11B to highlight some additional potential features. As shown in these figures, a sealing system 760 is disposed between ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D of manifold 800 and ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718 of the corresponding connector 700. The sealing system 760 includes concave engagement members (e.g., channels 760A, 760B, 760C, and 760D) that are fitted around convex engagement members (e.g., tubular structures forming the outer surfaces of ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D) to seal the manifold 800 to the connector 700. The other end of channels 760A, 760B, 760C, and 760D can be sealed to engage connector 700 and aligned with connector ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718 (and / or form connector ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718).

[0070] Figures 13A to 13C illustrate different connections between the housing 750 and external fluid lines 202, 402, 604, and 606. In this example, the connector 700 is not a separate component that engages with the manifold 800, but rather the connector 700 forms part of the manifold 800 and / or is fixed within the housing 750. In this connection, the ends of the fluid lines 202, 402, 604, and 606 form male connector portions that extend into concave openings at ports 704, 702O, 720, and 722 of the connector 700 portion forming the manifold 800. In this configuration, fluid enters and exits the connector 700 from different sides or surfaces 704S and 704B and / or in different directions. Therefore, the connection between connector 700 and housing 750 shown in Figures 13A to 13C follows a different fluid flow path shape than that shown in Figures 11A to 12C (i.e., the fluid paths 704P, 714, and 716 of the connector are different in these examples). Figures 13A to 13C further show the fluid lines 202, 402, 604, and 606 (which extend from an internal location within the footwear article 100) secured to the outer surface 750S of housing 750 by one or more retaining clips 752 (one clip 752 shown in Figures 13A to 13C that engages all fluid lines 202, 402, 604, and 606). The retaining clips 752 help hold the fluid lines 202, 402, 604, and 606 in place relative to housing 750, which can help prevent kinking, disconnection, etc., and / or facilitate assembly. The retaining clip 752 can engage with the housing 750 in any desired manner, including by retaining structure 754 and friction engagement, releasable engagement, fixed engagement, adhesive, mechanical connector, etc.

[0071] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate features of a fluid dispenser 500 according to some aspects of the present technology engaging with footwear article 100 or its components (e.g., a portion of sole structure 104). Returning to the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the fluid dispenser 500 engages with the outer cage component 300L of sole structure 104. This example of fluid dispenser 500 includes a housing 750 comprising at least a manifold 800 and a fluid delivery system 900 (optionally engaging with connector 700 as described above). Frame 504 can be engaged with or integrally formed with cage component 300L or other sole 104 and / or upper 102 components in any desired manner, such as adhesives, mechanical connectors, 3D printing, etc. Once housing 750 is engaged with connector 700 and / or connector 700 is engaged with external fluid lines (e.g., as described above and described in more detail below), housing 750 can be engaged within and secured thereto (in a permanently fixed or releasable manner) to a recess 504R in frame 504. In the illustrated example, the housing 750 is engaged with the sidewall 504W of the frame 504 by means of a retaining element 750R extending and fitting into a retaining recess 504A disposed inside the sidewall 504W of the frame 504. Pressure-sensitive adhesive (“PSA”) 770 may be applied to the top surface of the housing 750 and / or the bottom inner surface of the cover 506 to help hold these components together. Additionally or alternatively, the cover 506 may be engaged (permanently or releasably) with the sidewall 504W of the frame 504, for example, by means of a retaining element 506R extending and fitting into a retaining recess 504B disposed outside the sidewall 504W of the frame 504. When present, the retaining element 506R of the cover 506 may be made of a polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane material having good low-temperature flexibility and damping properties (e.g., to reduce clicking of the cover 506 on the frame 504).

[0072] Figures 15A to 15C further illustrate examples of incorporating a fluid distributor 500 into a footwear structure (e.g., into footwear sole structure 104) according to some embodiments of the present technology. The connections shown in Figures 15A to 15C involve a system having a housing 750 containing a manifold 800 and a fluid delivery system 900 that engages with a separate connector 700 structure, as shown, for example, in Figures 11A to 12C. As shown in Figure 15A, fluid lines from various footwear components are first brought to and engaged with the connector 700. In this example, these fluid lines include: (a) a fluid line 604 extending from connector inlet 702I to pumps 600H, 600F; (b) a fluid line 606 extending from pumps 600H, 600F back to connector 700; (c) a fluid line 202 extending between foot support bladder 200 and connector 700; and (d) a fluid line 402 extending between fluid container 400 and connector 700. Fluid lines 604, 606, 202, 402 can engage with the ports 702O, 704, 720, 722 of their respective connectors in any desired manner, including through the use of adhesives, mechanical connectors, friction fits, mating male / female connectors, etc.

[0073] Then, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the housing 750, including the manifold 800 and the fluid transfer system 900, can engage with the connector 700 (e.g., to form the complete fluid distributor 500 of this example). This can occur, for example, by sliding the manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, 800D into fluid communication with the connector fluid paths 704P, 708, 714, 716 at the connector ports 704O, 706, 712, 718, respectively. Note the above discussion regarding Figures 5A to 5F and Figures 11A to 12C. Although not strictly necessary, the example illustrated includes a sealing system 760 with channels 760A to 760D, which respectively accommodate the convex ports 800A to 800D of the manifold 800. If necessary or required, adhesive may be applied to manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, 800D, connector ports 704O, 706, 712, 718 and / or (if present) sealing channels 760A, 760B, 760C, 760D to secure the connecting parts together.

[0074] As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, when the housing 750 engages with the connector 700 (in the housing recess 750B), the housing 750 with the engaged connector 700 can move into the recess 504R of the frame 504, such that the housing 750 engages the frame 504 in the manner described above in conjunction with Figures 14A and 14B (e.g., snap-fit, adhesive, mechanical connector, etc.). Then, as shown in the comparison of Figures 15B and 15C, the cover 506 can engage with the housing 750 and / or the frame 504, for example, in the manner described above in conjunction with Figures 14A and 14B (e.g., snap-fit, adhesive with pressure-sensitive adhesive 770, mechanical connector, etc.). Figure 15C shows the finally assembled sole component 104 of this example. The sole component 104 can be engaged with the upper 102 to form the entire footwear article 100 (before or after the housing 750 is engaged in the frame 504).

[0075] Figures 15D to 15G illustrate the assembly of the connection, wherein the connector 700 is formed as part of the manifold 800 structure and is included in the housing 750 prior to assembly. As shown in Figures 15D and 15E, first fluid lines from various footwear components are first brought to and engaged with the connector 700 port located inside the housing 750. In this example, these fluid lines include: (a) a fluid line 604 extending from the connector inlet 702I to the pumps 600H, 600F; (b) a fluid line 606 extending from the pumps 600H, 600F back to the connector 700; (c) a fluid line 202 extending between the foot support bladder 200 and the connector 700; and (d) a fluid line 402 extending between the fluid container 400 and the connector 700. Fluid lines 604, 606, 202, and 402 can engage with their respective connector ports 702O, 704, 720, and 722 in any desired manner, including through the use of adhesives, mechanical connectors, friction mating, etc. In this example, the ends of fluid lines 604, 606, 202, and 402 may form or include concave connectors that mate with separate male connectors at ports 702O, 704, 720, and 722 where connectors are provided. Alternatively, the ends of 604, 606, 202, and 402 may form or include male connectors and mate within separate female connectors at ports 702O, 704, 720, and 722 where connectors are provided. Not all connections on the individual fluid distributor 500 need to be of the same type and / or construction.

[0076] As shown in Figures 15D and 15F, after fluid lines 604, 606, 402, and 202 are engaged with connector 700, housing 750 can be moved into recess 504R of frame 504, such that housing 750 engages frame 504 in a manner described above in conjunction with Figures 14A and 14B (e.g., snap-fit, adhesive, mechanical connector, etc.). Then, as shown in the comparison of Figures 15F and 15G, cover 506 can be engaged with housing 750 and / or frame 504 in a manner described above in conjunction with Figures 14A and 14B (e.g., snap-fit, adhesive with pressure-sensitive adhesive 770, mechanical connector, etc.). Figure 15G shows the finally assembled sole component 104 of this example. Sole component 104 can be engaged with upper 102 to form the entire footwear article 100 (before or after housing 750 is engaged in frame 504).

[0077] Fluid flow control systems (e.g., fluid dispenser 500 and / or portions thereof), foot support systems including such fluid flow control systems, and / or footwear 100 according to various aspects of the present technology may require power, for example, to power various components. Components that may require power may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: a user input system; a system for changing the pressure within one or both of the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400; a system for driving and / or controlling the fluid transport system 900; a lamp 506L (if present); an accelerometer and / or other sensors; a pump; a compressor; and so on. In at least some instances of the present technology, the power source may include a rechargeable battery contained in a housing 750. Figures 16A through 21C illustrate various examples of systems (e.g., wireless systems) for recharging batteries according to some examples of the present technology. As an example, Figures 16A through 16C show a charging disc 1102 that can be engaged with an AC adapter 1110 (e.g., via power cords 1104 and 1108). The charging disk 1102 includes a magnet 1106 that engages with the footwear article 100 at a charging station 502C. The charging station 502C (which may be included as part of a fluid dispenser 500) includes a receiver coil 514 that operatively engages with the transmitter coil of the charging disk 1102 to wirelessly recharge the battery in a manner known and used in the relevant art (e.g., inductive coupling). Figure 16A shows a charging disk 1102 that can be engaged in the heel region of the footwear article 100. Figures 16B and 16C show a charging disk 1102 engaged on one side of the footwear article 100 (e.g., the outer side, the heel side). Figure 16B further illustrates a pair of charging disks 1102 including a separate power line 1104 that engages with a connector 1108A, which extends to a single power line 1108 coupled to an AC adapter 1110. Some instances of this technology may use non-rechargeable batteries instead of rechargeable batteries.

[0078] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate other examples of charging disks 1102A and 1102B that can be used in some embodiments of the present technology. The charging disk 1102A of Figure 17A includes a plurality of magnets 1106 arranged around a ring-shaped transmitter coil 1112 to magnetically engage the charging disk 1102A with a magnet of the charging station 502C. The charging disk 1102B of Figure 17B includes a central magnet 1106 having a ring-shaped transmitter coil 1112 arranged around it.

[0079] Figures 18A to 18C illustrate various configurations in which the receiver coil 514 can be incorporated into a fluid dispenser 500 of the type described above (e.g., under or as part of a cover 506). The fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., its housing 750, cover 506, etc.) includes a magnet 520 to releasably couple a charging disk (e.g., 1102, 1102A, 1102B, another configuration) for inductive coupling and charging. The receiver coil 514 is included to be operatively coupled to a transmitter coil in the charging disk for inductive charging. The housing 522 (e.g., part of housing 750, cover 506, etc.) prevents direct contact between the receiver coil 514 and the charging disks 1102, 1102A, 1102B. The electrical output generated by the receiver coil 514 (due to interaction with the transmitter coil in the charging disk) can be used, for example, to charge a rechargeable battery in a manner known and used in various technologies.

[0080] Figures 18B and 18C illustrate alternative structures for the inductive charging system in the fluid distributor 500 (e.g., under cover 506). Figure 18B shows a receiver coil 514 separated from the printed circuit board 526 by a thin ferrite 524 layer (e.g., a ring of ferrite 524). Figure 18C shows an additional and / or thicker ferrite 524 layer, including ferrite 524 extending below the magnet 520 and separating the magnet 520 from the printed circuit board 526. The additional ferrite 524 in the example of Figure 18C helps to shield the charging system from the printed circuit board 526 and / or helps to prevent overheating. The additional ferrite 524 in the example of Figure 18C can also help prevent the magnet 520 from interfering with the operation of the solenoid, for example, in a fluid transport system 900 and / or fluid distributor 500 that includes a solenoid. Alternatively, if desired, a rechargeable battery (instead of an inductive charging system) that relies on direct electrical contact between a power source and a battery can be used.

[0081] One or both shoes in a pair of footwear articles 100 may require a power source and may therefore include a rechargeable battery for operating various components of the fluid dispenser 500. Figures 19A to 21C illustrate various examples of charging systems for a pair of footwear articles 100. Figures 19A to 19D illustrate an example system 1900 for simultaneously charging a pair of shoes 100L and 100R using wireless charging. In this illustrated example, the charging system 1900 resembles a pair of wired earbuds, with each shoe 100L, 100R having charging discs 1902L and 1902R, respectively. Power cords or wires 1904 from the charging discs 1902L, 1902R (which may be housed within an insulating casing known in the relevant art) meet at a central connector 1906, and power cords or wires 1908 extend from connector 1906 to an AC power adapter 1910. In the context of a recharging system for footwear 100, the term "wire" refers to any type of electrical connector, including single-wire, multi-wire, cable, conductive rail, or trace. Connector 1906 can distribute power to two separate power lines or wires 1904, one wire leading to each charging disc 1902L, 1902R. Figure 19A shows charging discs 1902L, 1902R engaged with a fluid dispenser 500 on the outer side of each of the left shoe 100L and right shoe 100R, respectively. Figures 19B and 19C show components of a charging system 1900 for storage or travel, with and without an AC power adapter 1910 (Figure 19B). While other options are possible, as shown in these figures, the power line or wire 1908 can terminate at a USB connector component 1912, and the AC power adapter 1910 can include a port for receiving the USB connector component 1912. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19D, in this system, the power line or wire 1904 is connected to the body of the disks 1902L and 1902R via the side surface 1902S of the disks 1902L and 1902R.

[0082] Figures 19B and 19C further illustrate that, for storage, the magnets of the charging disks 1902L and 1902R can engage with magnets or magnetically attractive materials in connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910. In this way, the charging disks 1902L and 1902R are magnetically engaged and force-releasably secured to connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910, for example, for storage or transport. If necessary, magnets or magnetically attractive materials can be incorporated into connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910 (e.g., into the inner or outer side surfaces of connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910) to facilitate this magnetically attractive engagement. Potential locations of magnets or magnetically attractive materials in connector 1906 and / or AC power adapter 1910 for this purpose are schematically shown in Figures 19B and 19C by dashed line 1914 (e.g., provided as one or more small metal plates, panels, rings, etc.). Alternatively, if desired, the two charging disks 1902L and 1902R can be engaged with each other by magnets included therein. As another option or alternative, if desired, a separate cover can be provided, comprising a magnet or magnetically attractive material, and the magnets of the charging disks 1902L and 1902R can engage with this cover. This cover can constitute a housing or container for holding the AC power adapter 1910, connector 1906, and / or the entire charging system 1900.

[0083] Figures 19E to 19G illustrate a similar “wired earbud” type charging system 1950 to that described above in conjunction with Figures 19A to 19D. However, the charging connectors 1952L and 1952R are more paddle-like in shape than the discs 1902L and 1902R. More specifically, a rigid plastic “handle” 1960 extends rearward from the charging base 1962, and a wire 1954 extends from the charging base 1962 through the handle 1960. The wires 1954 from each charging connector 1952L and 1952R (which may be housed within an insulating housing known in the relevant art) meet at the intermediate connector 1956, and a wire 1958 extends from connector 1956 to the AC power adapter 1910. Connector 1956 can distribute power to two separate wires 1954, one wire leading to each charging connector 1952L and 1952R. Figure 19E shows charging connectors 1952L and 1952R that engage with the fluid dispenser 500 on the outer side of each of the left shoe 100L and right shoe 100R, respectively. Figures 19F and 19G show components of a charging system 1950 for storage or travel, with and without an AC power adapter 1910 (Figure 19F). The charging system 1950 of Figures 19E to 19G may include a magnet or magnetically attractive material 1914 in the AC power adapter 1910, for example, in the same manner described above with respect to Figures 19B and 19C.

[0084] Figures 19E and 19F further illustrate that the intermediate connector 1956 can be releasably connected to the wire 1954, for example, by engaging the end 1954A of the wire 1954 from the end 1956A of the wire 1958. When releasable, any desired type of releasable electrical connection can be used, including sockets, plugs, clips, and / or other releasable connections known and used in the relevant fields. Figure 19F further illustrates charging connectors 1952L, 1952R that engage directly and magnetically with each other for storage or travel by magnets included therein. Additionally, the wires 1954, 1958 can be compactly wound around the handle 1960 for storage or travel, for example, as shown in Figure 19F.

[0085] Figures 20A to 20D illustrate another example system 2000 for simultaneously charging a pair of shoes 100L and 100R using, for example, the various types of wireless charging described above. In this illustrated example, the charging system 2000 resembles a pair of headphones, with each shoe 100L and 100R having charging discs 2002L and 2002R, respectively. Wires from the charging discs 2002L and 2002R extend through the interior of a flexible connector, namely an arched connector 2004, which typically has an arched structure. Wires from the charging discs 2002L and 2002R are connected to wires 2008 extending from the arched connector 2004 to an AC power adapter 2010. Internal circuitry and / or switches within the arched connector 2004 can distribute power to the two charging discs 2002L and 2002R. Figure 20A shows a charging disk 2002L engaged with a fluid dispenser 500 on the outer side of the left shoe 100L and a charging disk 2002R engaged with a fluid dispenser 500 on the outer side of the right shoe 100R. Figures 20B and 20C show components of a charging system 2000 for storage or travel, with and without an AC power supply 2010 (Figure 20B). Furthermore, as shown in Figures 20A and 20D, in this system 2000, an arched connector 2004 engages the side (and / or top) surfaces of the bodies of the charging disks 2002L and 2002R. Figure 20B further shows the charging disks 2002L and 2002R directly engaged with each other for storage or travel via magnets included therein. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the charging system 2000 of Figures 20A to 20D may include a magnet or magnetically attractive material 1914 in the AC power adapter 2010, for example, in the same manner described above with respect to Figures 19B and 19C.

[0086] Figures 21A to 21D illustrate another example system 2100 for simultaneously charging a pair of shoes 100L and 100R using, for example, the various types of wireless charging described above. In this illustrated example, the charging system 2100 includes charging discs 2102L and 2102R for each shoe 100L and 100R, respectively. A wire 2108 from an AC power adapter 2110 is connected to one charging disc (disc 2102R in this example), and another wire 2104 extends from this charging disc to the other charging disc (disc 2102L in this example). Thus, as shown in Figure 21D, the circuitry within the charging disc 2102R separates the input power from the wire 2108: (a) for charging at disc 2102R and (b) for reaching the wire 2104 and disc 2102L through disc 2102R. Therefore, wires 2108 and 2014 are connected in series to charging disks 2102R and 2102L. Figure 21A shows the charging disk 2102R engaged with the fluid dispenser 500 on the outside of the right shoe 100R and the charging disk 2102L connected to the outside of the left shoe 100L. Figures 21B and 21C show the components of a charging system 2100 for storage or travel, with and without the AC power adapter 2110 (Figure 21B). Figure 21B further shows charging disks 2102L and 2102R directly engaged with each other for storage or travel via magnets included therein. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the charging system 2100 of Figures 21A to 21D may include a magnet or magnetically attracting material 1914 in the AC power adapter 2110, for example, in the same manner described above with respect to Figures 19B and 19C.

[0087] Figures 21B and 21C further illustrate different connectors 2112 between the wire 2108 and the AC power adapter 2110. Connector 2112 includes a mechanical connector for electrical connection (e.g., plug-type connection) with a corresponding connector disposed on the power adapter 2110. Without departing from this technology, any desired type of connection between connector 2112 (and other connectors described above in Figures 19A through 20D) and its corresponding AC power adapter 2110 can be used, including fixed electrical connections, releasable electrical connections, USB plug connections, and / or other suitable plugs, sockets, clips, and / or electrical connections known and used in the relevant rechargeable electronic and electrical device technology.

[0088] As described above, the fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., including a housing 502 made of rigid plastic material) may include one or more buttons 506A, 506B, for example, as user inputs to change / control the pressure in the foot support bladder 200 (and / or other parts of the footwear 100). The fluid dispenser 500 may also include one or more lights 506L, for example, as decoration and / or to indicate some status information about the footwear 100 and / or the entire system as described above. Figures 22A to 22E provide additional information about potential examples of user interface switches or systems 2200 for unlocking user interface switches or systems 2200 and / or changing the pressure in certain parts of the foot support system. The “disabled” area shown in Figure 22A corresponds to the area of ​​housing 502 including the coil for magnetic charging as described above (“disabled” means that the “property” below this area has been required for the coil or other structure and therefore cannot accommodate the circuitry and / or components for the user interface switch 2200).

[0089] Figure 22A provides a diagram of various options for unlocking and using the user interface switch or system 2200 and its operation. Figures 22B through 22E provide views of the potential structure of such an input system (specifically illustrating Example 4 of Figure 22A). In Example 1 of Figure 22A, the button is a capacitive button (e.g., detecting a user's finger touch via capacitive coupling of structures known and used in the relevant field). This example user interface switch or system 2200 is unlocked by a brushing action of the button, and pressure changes are also input by brushing actions (e.g., brushing to the right (towards 506B in Figure 22B) to decrease the pressure by a predetermined amount or step, and brushing to the left (towards 506A in Figure 22B) to increase the pressure by a predetermined amount or step). A single brush can be used to unlock the user interface switch or system 2200 and introduce pressure change input. For example, an initial "touch" and the start of a brush can unlock (and, if necessary, wake up) the user interface switch or system 2200, and continued brushing actions (to the left or right) can provide pressure change input. Additionally or alternatively, two brushes may be used or required, for example, the first brush is used to unlock and / or wake up the user interface switch or system 2200, and the second brush is used to provide pressure change input.

[0090] In Example 2 of Figure 22A, the button is a capacitive button (e.g., including capacitive sensing electrodes of structures known and used in the relevant field). This example user interface switch or system 2200 is unlocked by a brushing action of the button, and pressure changes are input by a touch action on either side of the center (e.g., touching the right side 506B to decrease the pressure by a predetermined amount, and touching the left side 506A to increase the pressure by a predetermined amount).

[0091] In Figure 22A, each of Examples 3 and 4 illustrates the structure of two potential input options. As one option in each of Examples 3 and 4 (the top options shown in the table), buttons 2200A and 2200B can be physical buttons requiring two physical presses (also referred to herein as “haptic buttons”), one press to unlock the user interface switch or system 2200, and another press to input the desired pressure increase or decrease information. As another option (the bottom options in Examples 3 and 4 shown in the table), buttons 2200A and 2200B can be a combination of a capacitive touch button (for unlocking the user interface switch or system 2200) and a haptic button (for changing the pressure setting). In these bottom options of Examples 3 and 4, the system unlocks and / or wakes the user interface switch or system 2200 via (a) an initial “touch” action, and then (b) a button press action (at buttons 2200A and 2200B) to change the pressure setting. One difference between the buttons in Examples 3 and 4 of Figure 22A involves the position of buttons 2200A and 2200B relative to the "disabled" area. In Example 3, buttons 2200A and 2200B are adjacent to each other on the same side of the button and the same side of the disabled area. In Example 4, buttons 2200A and 2200B are separated from each other by the disabled area and are at different ends of the button. Buttons labeled "Button Press" or "Press" in Figure 22A can constitute a physical switch-type button activator.

[0092] Tactile buttons (e.g., having structures known and used in the relevant field) can have an outer surface that provides a distinct tactile sensation. As an example, the exposed pressing surface of one button (e.g., pressure-increasing button 2200A) may have a convex outer surface, and the exposed pressing surface of another button (e.g., pressure-reducing button 2200B) may have a concave surface. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, one side of the cover 506 may be marked with a recessed or raised "positive" sign ("+"), and the other side may be marked with a recessed or raised "negative" sign ("-") to provide a distinct tactile sensation. In this way, even when wearing shoes, the user can more easily locate and interact with the correct button to make the desired pressure changes.

[0093] Figures 22B to 22E provide various views of the example button construction for the "touch / press" option of Example 4 in Figure 22A. Figure 22B shows flexural regions 2202A and 2202B corresponding to physical tactile button locations 2200A and 2200B, which are overmolded (or formed in a two-stage injection molding process) from a rubber or other polymer (e.g., silicone or other elastomer) composition. Grooves 2204A and 2204B extending partially through the overmolded material 2210 surrounding the button actuator region create a thinner layer of rubber or other material (e.g., elastomer) to better facilitate bending when buttons 2200A and 2200B are actuated. These grooves 2204A and 2204B can also provide the aforementioned tactile characteristics. The flexural regions 2202A and 2202B may include a base portion of an elastomeric overmolding material having a first thickness (e.g., 2 mm to 10 mm), and the recesses 2204A and 2204B may have a second thickness (e.g., 0.5 mm to 3 mm) less than the first thickness. The first thickness of the overmolding material at the base portion may be 1.5 to 20 times thicker than the second thickness of the overmolding material in the recesses 2204A and 2204B.

[0094] In this example, when buttons 2200A and 2200B are pressed, the overmolded material in grooves 2204A and 2204B stretches slightly under the applied force. When the force from the button press decreases or is removed, the stretched material in grooves 2204A and 2204B returns to its unstretched configuration, thus providing return energy. This return energy can provide an interesting tactile sensation on the user's finger, somewhat like a "bouncing" or "trampoline" effect. Overmolded material 2210 also seals the button area to prevent water, debris, or other undesirable materials from entering the interior of housing 502. Flexible regions 2202A and 2202B can be formed as part of a cover 506 placed on the housing 750 of the fluid dispenser 500 and / or formed as the top surface of the housing 750 of the fluid dispenser 500. However, if desired, the grooves 2204A and / or 2204B in flexible regions 2202A and / or 2202B can be replaced by through holes. If necessary or required, additional sealing components (e.g., elastomer gaskets, O-rings, etc., see Figure 22E) may be provided in such a system to seal the button opening and / or provide a “bouncing” or “trampoline” effect (if desired).

[0095] Without departing from this technology, the grooves 2204A and 2204B in FIG22B can have any desired shape. They can be located near the button actuator region (e.g., above and / or around the hardware required to activate the button). In the example illustrated in FIG22B, the grooves 2204A and 2204B are generally U-shaped, with their free ends or open ends facing each other. The free ends or open ends may also face other directions, including away from each other, towards other surfaces of the button, etc. In other examples, the grooves 2204A and / or 2204B can form a closed path around the button actuator region.

[0096] Figure 23 provides an electrical block diagram 2300 of some examples of components in a fluid distributor 500, a fluid flow control system, a sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 according to aspects of the present technology. While Figure 23 illustrates several components and systems incorporated into the fluid distributor 500, the fluid flow control system, the sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 according to aspects of the present technology, any desired subset or combination of these components and systems may be used in some instances of the present technology. More of these components and systems identified in Figure 23 will be described in more detail below.

[0097] Figure 24 illustrates an example layout of various components within (and / or on) a housing 502 of a fluid dispenser 500 according to at least some embodiments of the present technology. Figure 24 shows various lamps 506L arranged around the external periphery of the housing 502 as described above. An optical driver 2410 (“LED driver”) is provided to control the operation of the lamps 506L, which may form a 12 RGB LED ring (e.g., under programmed / programmable control). Figure 24 further illustrates that the system may include an antenna 2402 (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy (“BLE”) for receiving wireless input (such as from a computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a “smartphone”); for receiving electronic messages from a pair of shoes; for receiving electronic messages from clothing and / or another source; for receiving electronic information from other sensors (e.g., onboard shoe sensors, clothing-based sensors, sensors included in an external computing device as speed and / or distance monitors, etc.); and so on. A microcontroller 2404 (“MCU”) is provided to run the software and hardware (and optionally any other functions and / or hardware) required to perform the functions described above and those described in more detail below. One or more inertial measurement units (“IMUs”) 2406, such as accelerometers (“ACC”), magnetometers (“MAG”), etc., may also be provided to detect user movement in footwear article 100. Data from such inertial measurement units or other available sensors can be used to automatically control and / or change the pressure settings in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 in one or both shoes. A motor driver 2408 is present in the example shown in the illustration, for example, to control the operation of any motor in the fluid dispenser 500 (e.g., as will be described in more detail below). “Open spaces” on the surfaces within housing 502 may at least partially fill some or all of the manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900, rechargeable battery, and / or other desired components.

[0098] Figure 25 illustrates several potential communication methods between the central controller 2500 and a pair of shoes (e.g., worn by a user). These communications can be performed via hardware, systems, communication protocols, etc., as known and used in the prior art. While each shoe in a pair can include all the hardware and software required to provide the desired functionality (e.g., as described above and / or in more detail below), in some instances of this art, one shoe in the pair may include all the desired hardware and software (“connected as central” shoe 2502 in Figure 25), and that shoe 2502 may communicate with the other shoe (“connected as peripheral” shoe 2504 in Figure 25), for example, wirelessly, via antenna 2402. In this way, by providing less hardware in one shoe, the overall hardware cost of the pair of shoes can be reduced. The central controller 2500 may be included as part of one shoe (e.g., within the housing 502 of the fluid dispenser 500 for that shoe), and it may communicate with that shoe via a wired or wireless connection. The shoe including the central controller 2500 can communicate with the other shoe, for example, via a wireless connection as described above. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, the central controller 2500 can be provided as part of a computing device (e.g., a mobile computing device), such as an application operating on a smartphone. In this way, pressure change information can be provided via an external computing device (e.g., a smartphone) and transmitted, for example, via antenna 2402 in housing 502 to one or both shoes.

[0099] Figure 25 further illustrates how various components operate to enter and exit "sleep" mode 2506. For example, a component can enter "sleep" mode 2506 when one or both shoes do not receive "foot presence sensor" or "FPS" data within a predetermined time period, or when the connection with one or both shoes is lost after a timeout period (e.g., no foot pressure sensing). Foot presence within shoes 2502, 2504 can be sensed in any desired manner, such as via capacitive sensors, force / pressure sensors, switch-type sensors, etc. For example, a component can "wake up" from "sleep" mode when foot pressure is sensed in at least one footwear item 100, or when interaction between a user and an input device (e.g., input buttons 506A, 506B, an application on a mobile computing device, etc.) is received. Once awakened, the central controller 2500 can be activated to "inform" of available wireless connectivity for engagement with at least shoe 2502. The central controller 2500 can also notify the central shoe 2502 and the peripheral shoe 2504 of their availability, and facilitate connection between the central shoe 2502 and the peripheral shoe 2504 (and optionally act as a connection intermediary). Other component interactions and communication states are shown in Figure 25, for example, to show when and how various components attempt to connect to each other, attempt to maintain their connection to each other, and / or attempt to reconnect to each other.

[0100] In the arrangement shown in Figure 25, shoes 2502 and 2504 can communicate directly with each other. Furthermore, in some connection protocols, during direct communication: (a) either shoe 2502 or 2504 can act as a “central” communication point (providing input and information to the other shoe) and / or controller 2500, and (b) either shoe 2502 or 2504 can act as a “peripheral” communication point (receiving input and information from the other shoe and / or controller 2500). For a given pair of shoes, the same shoe does not necessarily have to be the central shoe and / or controller 2500, and the same shoe does not necessarily have to be the peripheral shoe. Furthermore, in some arrangements shown in Figure 25, when communication occurs between shoes 2502 and 2504 and an external computing device, for example via a wireless communication connection with a mobile phone, smartphone, etc., shoes 2502 and 2504 both become peripheral devices, and the external computing device becomes the central device. The external computing device may include a user input system to receive user input, for example, via an application, and send the input (e.g., pressure change input) to one or more shoes 2502, 2504.

[0101] Additionally, if needed, shoes 2502, 2504 and / or external communication devices communicating with shoes 2502, 2504 can receive data and / or information from one or more electronic devices integrated into clothing 2510 and / or send data and / or information to one or more electronic devices integrated into clothing 2510 (e.g., motorized fluids including a sports bra (e.g., where fluid pressure changes alter support, for example, provided by a fluid bladder incorporated into the sports bra), motorized fluids including a compression sleeve (e.g., a hollow tubular sleeve including a fluid bladder, where fluid pressure changes in the fluid bladder of the sleeve provide a level of compression), clothing having a fluid transport system of the type described herein incorporated therein (e.g., having a fluid bladder), motorized shoelace components, etc.). Therefore, shoes 2502, 2504 and / or external communication devices communicating with shoes 2502, 2504 can receive and / or send communications to other components, such as motorized and / or self-adjusting lacing and support systems (e.g., sports bras, compression sleeves, etc.) inside / on shoes or inside / on clothing. When communicating with other such systems provided in clothing 2510, clothing 2510 can be used as a central communication point together with shoes 2502, 2504 as peripheral devices, or any one of shoes 2502, 2504 can be used as a central communication point together with clothing 2510 and other shoes as peripheral devices. However, in such a system, if an external computing device enters the communication loop, that device can be used as a central device, and shoes 2502 and any devices included in clothing 2510 can be used as peripheral devices. Furthermore, wireless connections with shoes 2502, 2504 can allow connection to any one or more automated and / or motorized shoe fastening mechanisms, such as motorized lacing systems. Clothing 2510 may include any or all of the electronic equipment, communication capabilities and / or fluid transport capabilities as described herein for similar components in footwear.

[0102] Various examples of the structure and operation of the fluid transfer system 900 are described in more detail in the following sections. Some aspects of the fluid transfer system 900 according to the present technology involve a valve stem within a valve housing to open and close various fluid passages through the manifold 800. Other aspects of the fluid transfer system 900 according to the present technology involve a solenoid-based system that selectively opens and closes to control the flow of fluid through the manifold 800. [B.] [Characteristics of stem-based fluid transport systems] [ ]

[0103] Figures 26A to 26D provide various views of an example fluid distributor 500 including a movable stem-type fluid transfer system 900A according to aspects of the present technology. As described above, the example fluid distributor 500 includes a housing 502 in which a manifold 800 and the fluid transfer system 900A are housed, and a connector 700 that engages the components within the housing 502 with a fluid source (e.g., external environment, pump 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), an external environment 150, at least one foot support bladder 200, and at least one fluid container 400. Figures 26A to 26D further illustrate the location of the fluid transfer system 900A and a rechargeable battery 2602 for powering various electrical or electronic components.

[0104] Figures 27A to 29 provide additional details of components of an example manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900A according to some aspects of the present technology. The example manifold 800 includes a manifold body or housing 820. Referring also to Figures 5A to 5F, a surface 822A or side of the manifold body 820 includes ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D, which are fluidly connected to corresponding ports 704O, 706, 712, and 718 of the connector 700, respectively. The opposing surface 822B of the manifold body 820 (although it could be another surface) includes an inlet port 800I, a first manifold port 804, a second manifold port 808, and a third manifold port 814. A fluid inlet path or flow path 802 extends between port 800A and fluid inlet port 800I, a first fluid flow path 806 extends between port 800B and first manifold port 804, a second fluid flow path 810 extends between port 800C and second manifold port 808, and a third fluid flow path 812 extends between port 800D and third manifold port 814. Therefore, in this illustrated example, manifold 800 includes four separate fluid paths extending through it. The manifold 800 of this example also includes at least one pressure sensor (two pressure sensors 850A and 850B shown in Figures 27A to 28). Pressure sensors 850A and 850B are configured to determine the fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path 806, the second fluid flow path 810, or the third fluid flow path 812. In some more specific instances, a first pressure sensor 850A may be provided to determine the fluid pressure in the third fluid flow path 812 (and therefore in the fluid container 400), and a second pressure sensor 850B may be provided to determine the fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path 806 or the second fluid flow path 810 (e.g., the pressure in the foot support bladder 200). An O-ring 852 (or a washer and / or other suitable sealing device) may be provided to sealably engage the pressure sensors 850A, 850B with the manifold body 820.

[0105] The illustrated example of a fluid transfer system 900A includes a valve housing 902 and a valve stem 910 movably (e.g., rotatably, slidably, etc.) mounted in the valve housing 902. The valve stem 910 of this example includes a first end 910A (e.g., a driven end) and a second end 910B (e.g., a free end) opposite the first end 910A. A peripheral wall 910W extends between the first end 910A and the second end 910B. The first end 910A, the second end 910B, and the peripheral wall 910W define an internal chamber 910I of the valve stem 910. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910 includes a plurality of through holes 910H extending from the internal chamber 910I to the peripheral wall 910W and the outer surface of the valve stem 910. As will be described in more detail below (e.g., in conjunction with Figures 30A to 30G), by fluidly communicating one or more of the plurality of through holes 910H with the first fluid flow path 806, the second fluid flow path 810 and / or the third fluid flow path 812, movement of the valve stem 910 to multiple positions selectively places this fluid flow control system (e.g., fluid distributor 500, fluid transfer system 900A, combined manifold 800 and fluid transfer system 900A, etc.) into multiple operating states.

[0106] Figures 27A through 29 further illustrate this example fluid transfer system 900A, including a drive system (e.g., an electric motor 920) and a transmission 922 (including an output gear, a nose pin, a cup seal, and other gears, described in more detail below). The transmission 922 components transmit power from the electric motor 920 to a first end 910A of the valve stem 910 to move (in this example, rotate) the valve stem 910 relative to the valve housing 902 (and manifold 800). A power source (e.g., from a rechargeable battery 2602) and a microcontroller, such as one equipped with a fluid distributor 500 and not shown in Figures 27A through 29, selectively drive the electric motor 920 to position the valve stem 910 in one of a plurality of positions, thereby enabling fluid to move from a desired starting point to a desired location.

[0107] The fluid transfer system 900A in this example further includes an encoder system (e.g., an on-axis magnetic encoder system, an off-axis magnetic encoder system, etc.) comprising an encoder magnet 932 and an encoder plate 934 for detecting the position (e.g., rotational position) of the valve stem 910 relative to the valve housing 902 and / or other components. The encoder system provides data indicating this position to the microcontroller. Such encoder systems are commercially available, and their operation is known in the relevant art.

[0108] In this example fluid transfer system 900A, the valve housing 902 engages with the manifold body 820 in a sealing manner. While this seal can be achieved in various ways, in the illustrated example, one or more sealing connectors 840 are provided between the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910 and one or more of the fluid inlet port 800I, the first manifold port 804, the second manifold port 808, and / or the third manifold port 814. The sealing connector 840 extends into a recess 902R on one side of the valve housing 902. In the illustrated example, a single sealing connector 840 or sealing block includes three sealing ports 840A, 840B, and 840C. Three sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C through the sealing connector 840 connect to the first manifold port 804, the second manifold port 808, and the third manifold port 814, respectively. In this manner, sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C are in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path 806, the second fluid flow path 810, and the third fluid flow path 812 of the manifold body 820, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, another sealing port and another sealing channel can be provided in the sealing connector 840 to connect the fluid inlet port 800I of the manifold 800 to the valve housing 902. However, in the specific example of FIG. 29, the fluid inlet path 802 or flow path from the manifold port 800A to the fluid inlet port 800I is directly connected to the valve housing 902, and the fluid introduction path 902A extends through the valve housing 902 to allow incoming fluid to enter the internal chamber 910I of the valve stem 910 through the open second end 910B of the valve stem 910. See the fluid passage 902P shown by the dashed line in FIG. 29.

[0109] As further shown in Figure 29, the first manifold port 804, the second manifold port 808, and the third manifold port 814 are aligned along the outer side of the manifold 800. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D are aligned along the outer side of the manifold 800 (and in the example shown, on the side of the manifold 800 opposite to ports 804, 808, and 814). Any two or more fluid flow paths 802, 806, 810, and 812 may extend aligned and / or parallel through the manifold body 820. Additionally or alternatively, any two or more sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C of the sealing connector 840 may extend aligned and / or parallel through the sealing connector 840 body.

[0110] The valve stem 910 can position the fluid transfer system 900A in two or more operating states depending on its position relative to the valve housing 902 body. Movement of the valve stem 910 alters the positioning of the through-hole 910H through the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910, and allows different holes 910H to align with ports 840A, 840B, and 840C of the sealing connector 840. The valve stem 910 can be moved, for example rotated, under the control of a microprocessor controlling the motor 920. Figures 30A to 30G provide additional details regarding the various operating states that can be provided and used in the fluid dispenser 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and footwear article 100 including the fluid transfer system 900A according to aspects of the present technology. As shown in Figure 29, this discussion assumes that: (a) manifold port 800A is in fluid communication with a fluid source, such as pumps 600H and 600F (e.g., via connector ports 702I and 704O and the components connecting them or other suitable fluid lines) to bring fluid into the fluid transport system 900A; and (b) manifold port 800B is in fluid communication with the external environment 150 (e.g., via connector port 706 and fluid path 708 and / or other suitable fluid lines) to drain any excess fluid from the fluid transport system 900A. (c) The manifold port 800C is in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., via connector ports 712 and 720 and fluid lines 714 and / or other components connecting them) to increase or decrease the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200; and (d) the manifold port 800D is in fluid communication with the fluid container 400 (e.g., via connector ports 718 and 722 and fluid lines 716 and / or other components connecting them) to increase or decrease the fluid pressure in the fluid container 400. Note also the connections and discussion of the operating states shown and discussed in conjunction with Figures 5A through 5F.

[0111] As described above, in this example fluid distributor 500, the valve stem 910 rotates to different positions to place the fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100 into different operating states. While any number of operating states may be provided, in the illustrated example, the valve stem 910 can rotate to six different operating states as shown in Figures 30A to 30G. Figure 30A schematically illustrates the various positions of the valve stem 910 when rotated clockwise (e.g., from operating state 1 to operating state 6) or counterclockwise (e.g., from operating state 6 to operating state 1). In some pressure control methods according to aspects of this technology, a “standby” state can be the typical state during most of the time (when no pressure change occurs). The valve stem 910 rotates an appropriate amount to enter the desired operating state (e.g., operating states 2 to 6), waits for the pressure to reach the desired level (as measured by pressure sensors 850A, 850B), and then rotates back to the standby state.

[0112] Operating state 1 in this example is a "standby" or "idle" state, in which the fluid pumped in each step simply flows through the system, for example from pumps 600H and 600F, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, back through manifold 800, and to the external environment 150. See Figure 30B. Operating state 1 prevents any part of the entire foot support system from being overpressurized, for example, when the foot activation pump is used and activated in each step to move the fluid.

[0113] Operating state 2 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 1) is a "pumping" state for moving fluid from a pump (or other fluid source) to the foot support bladder 200. In operating state 2, fluid pumped in one step passes through the system (e.g., from one or more pumps 600H, 600F, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and into the foot support bladder 200. See Figure 30C. This operating state can be used to rapidly and / or directly increase the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200 (e.g., "inflating" configuration of the foot support bladder 200).

[0114] Operating state 3 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 2) is an "active" state for moving fluid from foot support bladder 200 to the external environment 150. In operating state 3, fluid flows through the system (e.g., from foot support bladder 200, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and reaches the external environment 150. See Figure 30D. This operating state can be used to release fluid and reduce the fluid pressure in foot support bladder 200 (e.g., a "venting" configuration of foot support bladder 200).

[0115] Operating state 4 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 3) is also an "active" state for moving fluid from fluid container 400 to the external environment 150. In operating state 4, fluid travels through the system (e.g., from fluid container 400, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and reaches the external environment 150. See Figure 30E. This operating state can be used to release fluid and reduce the fluid pressure in fluid container 400 (e.g., a "venting" configuration of fluid container 400).

[0116] Operating state 5 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 4) is also an "active" state for moving fluid from fluid container 400 to foot support bladder 200. In operating state 5, fluid flows through the system (e.g., from fluid container 400, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and reaches foot support bladder 200. See Figure 30F. This operating state can be used to increase the fluid pressure in foot support bladder 200 by moving fluid from fluid container 400 to foot support bladder 200 (e.g., "inflated" configuration of foot support bladder 200). This operating state allows for changes in fluid pressure in foot support bladder 200 without requiring the user to take one or more steps to activate pumps 600H, 600F (e.g., when the user is standing or sitting still and / or raising his / her foot). This operating state also allows for more controlled and fine-tuned pressure changes in the foot support bladder 200, for example, because in this operating state, the direct fluid communication between the large pressure spikes caused by the wearer stepping or jumping and the foot support bladder 200 is closed (e.g., because the fluid line 606 from the foot activation pumps 600H, 600F is closed).

[0117] Operating state 6 (e.g., valve stem 910 rotated 60 degrees clockwise from operating state 5) is the "pumping" state from the pump (or other fluid source) to the fluid container 400. In operating state 6, fluid flows through the system (e.g., from pumps 600H, 600F, through manifold 800, through fluid transfer system 900A, and back through manifold 800) and into the fluid container 400. See Figure 30G. This operating state can be used to rapidly and / or directly increase the fluid pressure in the fluid container 400 (e.g., "air-filling" configuration of the fluid container 400).

[0118] In addition to pressure sensing in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, some pressure sensing algorithms and methods according to aspects of the present technology can rely on sensor input to determine the operating state to be used. For example, data from an accelerometer, foot force sensor, and / or speed and / or distance monitor can be used to determine whether an increase in pressure in the foot support bladder 200 should be achieved via operating state 2 (using fluid from the foot activation pump system 600H, 600F) or via operating state 5 (using fluid from the fluid container 400). For example, if the user moves relatively slowly, transmission via operating state 2 may be desirable, especially if the fluid container 400 is at a relatively low pressure. However, if the user moves quickly and / or applies high contact force on the foot pumps 600H, 600F, operating state 5 may be preferred (e.g., to produce a more uniform fluid flow without pressure spikes due to the sole contacting the ground). Additionally or alternatively, accelerometer, foot force sensor, and / or speed and / or distance monitor data can be used to automatically change the operating state, such as increasing or decreasing foot support pressure in the foot support bladder based on movement speed, contact force, etc. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some instances of the systems and methods according to this technology, the system can begin to "learn" (e.g., recognize patterns) how the user moves (e.g., tends to run or exercise at a certain time of day, tends to run on a particular type of surface, tends to run at varying speeds (e.g., based on a workout program), etc.), and based on this information predict and apply changes in the operating state to match the predicted movement changes. In this way, pressure changes in the foot support system can be better aligned "instantly" or seemingly instantaneously with changes in the user's movement. Alternatively, when linked to a digital coaching system, automatic (or system-generated) changes in the operating state can be aligned with desired movement changes received from the digital coaching system to match desired performance or mitigate injury risk, thus also serving as a communication system for the user.

[0119] Additionally or alternatively, if desired, systems and methods according to at least some aspects of this technology can determine and / or use various step metrics, including step metrics related to the user's contact force with the ground and / or various characteristics of the user's movement (e.g., metrics related to the user's running or other sports techniques). Such metrics may include one or more of the following: (A) contact time per foot per step (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the time period when a vertical force applied by the foot is greater than 50 N); (b) swing time period per foot per step (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the time per foot when a vertical force applied by the foot is less than 50 N until the foot generates a force greater than 50 N again); (c) step rhythm (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the reciprocal of the sum of the contact and swing times of each foot); (d) stride length (e.g., using... (e) Foot force signals, such as the sum of contact and swing time x average velocity); (f) Impulse (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the peak rate of rise of vertical ground reaction force, effective peak value of vertical ground reaction force, etc.); (g) Impulse per foot per step (e.g., using foot force signals, such as the integral of the magnitude of ground reaction force during contact); and (g) Contact type per foot per step (e.g., using motion capture data, such as the foot angle relative to the horizontal during each step, rear foot contact angle, midfoot contact ankle, forefoot contact angle, etc.).

[0120] The fluid dispenser 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100 may have (or be placed in) any one or more (and any combination of) these operating states. Some specific examples of this technology may include all six operating states. Alternatively, some specific examples of this technology may include operating states 1, 3, 5, and 6 or 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (and use fluid supplied from the fluid container 400 to achieve any desired pressure increase in the foot support bladder 200). If necessary or required, the fluid dispenser 500, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100 according to some examples of this technology may include pressure-reducing valves (optionally replacing operating states 3 and / or 4, respectively) in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, for example, to prevent overpressure of these components.

[0121] Further details of the fluid flow through the fluid distributor 500, including the fluid transfer system 900A, will now be described in conjunction with Figures 5A to 5F, 29, and 30B to 30G. In operating state 1 shown in Figures 5A, 29, and 30B, at this first rotational position of the valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from the fluid supply source (e.g., from the external environment 150, through connector inlet 702I, through fluid path 702P, through connector outlet port 702O, through fluid line 604, through heel pump 600H, through fluid path or fluid line 602, through forefoot pump 600F, through fluid line 606), (b) through connector inlet port 704, (c) through connector fluid path 704P, (d) through connector outlet port 704O, (e) through manifold port 800A, (f) through manifold fluid inlet path or The flow path 802, (g) passes through the manifold fluid inlet port 800I, (h) passes through the fluid introduction path 902A, (i) enters the open end 910B of the valve stem 910, (j) passes through the internal chamber 910I, (k) passes through the first through hole 940A, (l) passes through the sealing port 840A, (m) passes through the first sealing channel 842A, (n) passes through the first manifold port 804, (o) passes through the first manifold fluid flow path 806, (p) passes through the manifold port 800B, (q) passes through the first fluid path connector port 706, (r) passes through the first connector fluid path 708, and (s) reaches the external environment 150 (e.g., through the internal space 710 of the connector 700). If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block or sealing connector 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then the fluid flow through these components will not exist in the aforementioned fluid flow path.

[0122] In operating state 2 as shown in Figures 5B, 29, and 30C, at this second rotational position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from the fluid supply source (e.g., from the external environment 150, through connector inlet 702I, through fluid path 702P, through connector outlet port 702O, through fluid line 604, through heel pump 600H, through fluid path or fluid line 602, through forefoot pump 600F, through fluid line 606), (b) through connector inlet port 704, (c) through connector fluid path 704P, (d) through connector outlet port 704O, (e) through manifold port 800A, (f) through manifold fluid inlet path or flow path 8 02, (g) through the manifold fluid inlet port 800I, (h) through the fluid introduction path 902A, (i) into the open end 910B of the valve stem 910, (j) through the internal chamber 910I, (k) through the second through hole 940B, (l) through the sealing port 840B, (m) through the second sealing channel 842B, (n) through the second manifold port 808, (o) through the second manifold fluid flow path 810, (p) through the manifold port 800C, (q) through the port 712 of the second fluid path connector, (r) through the second connector fluid path 714, (s) through the port 720 of the connector, (t) through the fluid line 202 of the bladder, and (u) into the foot support bladder 200. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block or sealing connector 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then the fluid flow through these components will not exist in the aforementioned fluid flow path.

[0123] In operating state 3 as shown in Figures 5C, 29, and 30D, at this third rotational position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from the foot support bladder 200, (b) through the fluid line 202 of the bladder, (c) through the connector port 720, (d) through the second connector fluid path 714, (e) through the port 712 of the second fluid path connector, (f) through the manifold port 800C, (g) through the second manifold fluid flow path 810, (h) through the second manifold port 808, (i) through the second sealing channel 842B, and (j) through the sealing end. (k) Through the third through-hole 940C, (l) through the internal chamber 910I, (m) through the fourth through-hole 940D, (n) through the sealing port 840A, (o) through the first sealing channel 842A, (p) through the first manifold port 804, (q) through the first manifold fluid flow path 806, (r) through the manifold port 800B, (s) through the first fluid path connector port 706, (t) through the first connector fluid path 708, and (u) to reach the external environment 150 (e.g., through the internal space 710 of the connector 700). If necessary or required, a one-way valve at some point in the fluid path from the fluid supply source (e.g., in the fluid line 606) can prevent fluid from flowing out of the second end 910B of the valve stem 910 and into the channel formed by the fluid inlet path 902A, through the fluid inlet port 800I and / or through the fluid inlet path or flow path 802. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components identified above (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block or sealing connector 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then fluid flow through these components will not exist in the fluid flow path described above.

[0124] In operating state 4 as shown in Figures 5D, 29, and 30E, at this fourth rotational position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from fluid container 400, (b) through container fluid line 402, (c) through connector port 722, (d) through third connector fluid path 716, (e) through port 718 of third fluid path connector, (f) through manifold port 800D, (g) through third manifold fluid flow path 812, (h) through third manifold port 814, (i) through third sealing channel 842C, and (j) through sealing end. (k) Through the fifth through-hole 940E, (l) Through the internal chamber 910I, (m) Through the sixth through-hole 940F, (n) Through the sealing port 840A, (o) Through the first sealing channel 842A, (p) Through the first manifold port 804, (q) Through the first manifold fluid flow path 806, (r) Through the manifold port 800B, (s) Through the first fluid path connector port 706, (t) Through the first connector fluid path 708, and (u) To reach the external environment 150 (e.g., through the internal space 710 of the connector 700). If necessary or required, a one-way valve at some point in the fluid path from the fluid supply source (e.g., in the fluid line 606) can prevent fluid from flowing out of the second end 910B of the valve stem 910 and into the channel formed by the fluid inlet path 902A, through the fluid inlet port 800I and / or through the fluid inlet path or flow path 802. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components identified above (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block or sealing connector 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then fluid flow through these components will not exist in the fluid flow path described above.

[0125] In operating state 5 as shown in Figures 5E, 29, and 30F, at this fifth rotational position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from fluid container 400, (b) through container fluid line 402, (c) through connector port 722, (d) through third connector fluid path 716, (e) through third fluid path connector port 718, (f) through manifold port 800D, (g) through third manifold fluid flow path 812, (h) through third manifold port 814, (i) through third sealing channel 842C, and (j) through sealing port 840C. (k) Through the seventh through-hole 940G, (l) Through the internal chamber 910I, (m) Through the eighth through-hole 940H, (n) Through the sealing port 840B, (o) Through the second sealing channel 842B, (p) Through the second manifold port 808, (q) Through the second manifold fluid flow path 810, (r) Through the manifold port 800C, (s) Through the port 712 of the second fluid path connector, (t) Through the second connector fluid path 714, (u) Through the connector port 720, (v) Through the fluid line 202 of the bladder, and (w) into the foot support bladder 200. If necessary or required, a one-way valve at some point in the fluid path from the fluid supply source (e.g., in fluid line 606) can prevent fluid from flowing out of the second end 910B of the valve stem 910 and into the channel formed by the fluid inlet path 902A, through the fluid inlet port 800I and / or through the fluid inlet path or flow path 802. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components identified above (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block or sealing connector 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then fluid flow through these components will not exist in the fluid flow path described above.

[0126] In operating state 6 of Figures 5E, 29, and 30G, at this sixth position of valve stem 910, the fluid moves as follows: (a) from the fluid supply source (e.g., from the external environment 150, through connector inlet 702I, through fluid path 702P, through connector outlet port 702O, through fluid line 604, through heel pump 600H, through fluid path or fluid line 602, through forefoot pump 600F, through fluid line 606), (b) through connector inlet port 704, (c) through connector fluid path 704P, (d) through connector outlet port 704O, (e) through manifold port 800A, (f) through manifold fluid inlet path or flow path 802. (g) Through the manifold fluid inlet port 800I, (h) Through the fluid introduction path 902A, (i) into the open end 910B of the valve stem 910, (j) Through the internal chamber 910I, (k) Through the ninth through hole 940I, (l) Through the sealing port 840C, (m) Through the third sealing channel 842C, (n) Through the third manifold port 814, (o) Through the third manifold fluid flow path 812, (p) Through the manifold port 800D, (q) Through the port 718 of the third fluid path connector, (r) Through the third connector fluid path 716, (s) Through the connector port 722, (t) Through the container fluid line 402, and (u) into the fluid container 400. If a particular fluid distributor 500, foot support system, sole structure 104 and / or footwear 100 does not include all of these components (e.g., no separate connector 700, no sealing block or sealing connector 840, one or fewer foot activation pumps 600H, 600F, etc.), then the fluid flow through these components will not exist in the aforementioned fluid flow path.

[0127] Therefore, as described above, the valve stem 910 includes a plurality of through holes 910H (and 940A to 940I) defined through its peripheral wall 910W. As shown in Figures 30B to 30G, rotation of the valve stem 910 aligns each particular hole 910H with ports 840A, 840B, 840C in the sealing connector 840 (and / or with ports 804, 808, 814 in the manifold 800, if the separate sealing connector 840 is omitted and / or if the manifold 800 itself is used as the sealing connector). In the individual operating state of the valve stem 910, the through holes 910H aligned with ports 840A, 840B, 840C, 804, 808, 814 are circumferentially offset from each other, such that only one or more holes are required to align the desired fluid flow connection and passage with the correct port. For operating conditions that rely on two (or more) through holes 910H passing through the peripheral wall 910W (e.g., operating conditions 3, 4 and 5 above), the through holes required to form the fluid flow connection can be: (a) aligned along the axial length and direction of the valve stem 910, and / or (b) extended parallel through the peripheral wall 910W.

[0128] The fluid flow rate entering and / or exiting the fluid transfer system 900A can be controlled in various ways. For example, when the periphery of the through-hole 910H in the valve stem 910 is fully aligned with the port to which it is connected (e.g., the sealing connector ports 840A, 840B, 840C), the maximum flow rate through the through-hole 910H and the aligned port can be achieved (e.g., depending on the pressure difference between the fluid source direction and the fluid destination direction).

[0129] However, in some cases, a maximum flow rate may not be necessary. This may occur, for example, when a user wants to create a small pressure change in the foot support bladder 200, or when approaching a potential overpressure situation. Therefore, when needed, in any operating state, the valve stem 910 can be moved (e.g., rotated) to a position relative to the corresponding connection ports (e.g., 840A, 840B, 840C, 804, 808, 814) such that the through-hole 910H is not fully aligned with the port it is connected to. Figures 31A to 31D provide various examples of this type of "offset" of the through-hole 910H relative to its connection port in the axial direction to reduce and control the flow rate through the component and the rate of fluid exchange between components. Figures 31A to 31D show examples of the two through-holes 940G, 940H partially aligned with the corresponding two sealing ports 840B, 840C and two sealing channels 842B, 842C from operating state 5 in Figure 30F above. However, these same types of variations can be applied to other operating states and / or when only one through hole and / or when the other through holes are at least partially aligned with the port. Examples in Figures 31A to 31D show a sealed connector port 840A and a sealed channel 842A that are not aligned with the through holes (and thus the peripheral wall 910W can be seen through port 840A and channel 842A).

[0130] In Figure 31A, the valve stem 910 is rotatably positioned such that the central axes of the through holes 940G and 940H are offset by 10 degrees from the central axes of the sealing ports 840C and 840B, respectively. In at least some arrangements (e.g., depending on fluid pressure, orifice size, relative orifice size, etc.), when the orifices and components are perfectly aligned, the offset causes the fluid velocity to decrease to approximately 41% of the full flow rate. In Figure 31B, the valve stem 910 is rotatably positioned such that the central axes of the through holes 940G and 940H are offset by 15 degrees from the central axes of the sealing ports 840C and 840B, respectively. When the orifices and components are perfectly aligned, this example causes the fluid velocity to decrease to approximately 25% of the full flow rate. In Figure 31C, the valve stem 910 is rotatably positioned such that the central axes of the through holes 940G and 940H are offset by 20 degrees from the central axes of the sealing ports 840C and 840B, respectively. When the orifices and components are fully aligned, this example results in a fluid flow rate reduction to approximately 10% of the full flow rate. In Figure 31D, the valve stem 910 is rotatably positioned such that the central axes of the through-holes 940G and 940H are offset by 25 degrees from the central axes of the sealing ports 840C and 840B, respectively. When the orifices and components are fully aligned, this example results in a fluid flow rate reduction to approximately 1% of the full flow rate. Only the small slots 940G and 940H are visible in Figure 31D. The reduced flow rate can be used, for example, for small or slow pressure adjustments to the foot support bladder 200 and / or the fluid container 400 to fine-tune to a desired pressure.

[0131] Figures 32A and 32B provide a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an example combined manifold 800 (rigid plastic) and a cylindrical sealing connector 840. As shown, the example manifold 800 has: (a) four ports 800A, 800B, 800C, 800D (optionally aligned) at a surface 800E; (b) a fluid inlet port 800I; (c) a first port 804, a second port 808, and a third port 814 at another surface 800F (e.g., the surface opposite to surface 800E), for example, ports 804, 808, 814 aligned; and (d) four fluid flow paths 802, 806, 810, 812 (optionally aligned and / or extending parallel) through the manifold body 820. Although Figures 32A and 32B show end surfaces 800E and 800F on opposite sides of the manifold body 820 and fluid flow paths 806, 810, and 812 extending straight through the manifold body 820 from surface 800E to surface 800F, other arrangements are possible. For example, one or more of the fluid flow paths 802, 806, 810, and 812 may be curved and / or angled, such that one or more ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D at one end of the fluid flow path are not located on surfaces opposite to corresponding ports 800I, 804, 808, and 814 at the other end of the fluid flow path. Any desired port arrangement and / or path shape can be used. The illustrated arrangements help maintain the manifold 800 in a relatively compact size and shape.

[0132] In this example, ports 804, 808, 814 (and surface 800F) are located within a recess 800R defined in the manifold body 820. A sealing connector 840 is received in the recess 800R and secured by chemical bonding or opposing face seals (optionally, not just peripheral seals). The sealing connector 840 in this example includes: (a) three ports 840A, 840B, 840C at a surface 840E; and (b) three sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C extending from ports 840A, 840B, 840C to an opening at surface 840F (the opening in the sealing connector at surface 840F can also be considered a "port" of the sealing connector 840). The surface 840F of the sealing connector 840 abuts the surface 800F of the manifold 800, and the sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C are aligned with the fluid flow paths 806, 810, and 812 of the manifold 800, respectively, to enable fluid communication between the sealing connector 840 and the manifold 800. While Figures 32A and 32B show the end surfaces 840E and 840F on opposite sides of the sealing connector 840 and the sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C extending linearly through the sealing connector 840 from surface 840E to surface 840F, other arrangements are possible. For example, one or more of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, and 842C may be curved and / or angled, such that one or more ports 840A, 840B, and 840C at one end of the fluid flow path are not located on a surface opposite to a corresponding opening at the other end of the fluid flow path. Any desired port arrangement, opening, and / or path shape can be used. The arrangement shown in the diagram helps to keep the sealed connector 840 in a relatively compact size and shape.

[0133] The example structures shown in Figures 29 to 32B include a sealing connector 840 having three sealed channels 842A, 842B, and 842C in fluid communication with three fluid flow paths 806, 810, and 812 in manifold 800. In these structures, the fluid inlet path or flow path 802 passing through manifold 800 does not pass through the sealing connector 840. Instead, it connects directly to the fluid inlet path 902A of valve housing 902 (not shown in Figures 32A and 32B). As an alternative, as shown in Figure 32C, the sealing connector 840 may include (a) four ports 840A, 840B, 840C, 840D at a surface 840E, and (b) four sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 840D extending from the ports 840A, 840B, 840C, 840D to an opening at a surface 840F (the opening in the sealing connector at surface 840F may also be considered a "port"). The additional port 840D and sealing channel 842D in the example of Figure 32C may engage with the fluid inlet port 800I and flow in fluid communication with the fluid inlet path or flow path 802. The manifold 800 recess 800R in this configuration may be increased in size and / or shaped to extend to include the fluid inlet port 800I and accommodate the additional port 840D, the sealing channel 842D, and flow in fluid communication with the fluid inlet path or flow path 802. As an alternative, if desired, the additional port 840D and sealing channel 842D of the example of Figure 32C can be engaged with a fluid channel that is in fluid communication with another component of the entire foot support system, such as another foot support bladder (if present), another fluid container (if present), etc.

[0134] As described above in conjunction with Figures 28A to 31G, in some examples of this technology, the sealing connector ports 840A, 840B, and 840C directly engage the outer surface of the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910. The valve stem 910 moves (e.g., rotates) to place the fluid transfer system 900A of this example into various operating states. Figure 32C illustrates the features of the sealing connector ports 840A, 840B, 840C (and 840D, in this example) that illustrate maintaining the sealing connection between the sealing connector 840 and the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910. In the illustrated example, the outer surface of the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910 has a cylindrical shape and a curved periphery (e.g., a circular circumference) and cross-sectional shape. To maintain better contact and sealing between the sealing connector 840 and the peripheral wall 910W, the sealing connector ports 840A, 840B, 840C (and 840D) have an arched outer surface shape (840S), even during relative rotation. The arched outer surface shape 840S is shaped to correspond to the curvature of the peripheral wall 910W. In this example, the arched outer surface shape 840S has two opposing curve inflection points (e.g., local maxima) 844A on opposite sides of ports 840A, 840B, and 840C in the rotational direction of the valve stem 910, and two opposing curve inflection points (e.g., local minima) 844B on opposite sides of ports 840A, 840B, and 840C in the axial direction of the valve stem 910. In this example, the arched outer surface shape 840S rises from a base surface, i.e., surface 840E, to give the arched outer surface shape 840S a slightly "fish-lip" appearance. These shapes correspond to the curved surface of the peripheral wall 910W and maintain better contact with the curved surface of the peripheral wall 910W. If necessary or required, the peripheral walls 910W and / or ports 840A, 840B, 840C may be treated with a lubricant (or made of a material with a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to each other, such as a material containing polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.) to facilitate the sliding and sealing of the peripheral walls 910W relative to 840A, 840B and / or 840C.

[0135] Figures 33A to 37B illustrate aspects of this technology involving the integration of one or more pressure sensors into a fluid flow control system and / or a foot support system, for example, to determine fluid pressure within the foot support bladder 200, the fluid container 400, and / or other components of the system. Various types of pressure sensors can be used without departing from this technology, including, for example, the MPR series pressure sensors (e.g., piezoresistive silicon pressure sensors) available from Honeywell. As some examples, pressure sensors useful according to at least some aspects of this technology will have one or more of the following: (A) a sensing pressure range from atmospheric pressure to at least +40 psi (e.g., 14.7 to 54.7 psi); (b) a small size (e.g., 5 mm × 5 mm or less); (c) a relative accuracy or error level (including nonlinearity, hysteresis, and non-repeatability) of less than 0.15 psi; (d) an absolute accuracy of less than 1 psi; (e) a digital output with on-board temperature compensation; and / or (f) a refresh rate of 50 Hz or greater.

[0136] In at least some instances of this technology, typically: (a) a pressure sensor 850A is in fluid communication with a third fluid flow path 812 for measuring fluid pressure in a fluid container 400 (in at least some illustrated instances, which is in fluid communication with fluid flow path 812 via connector fluid path 716 and container fluid path, i.e., fluid line 402); and (b) another pressure sensor 850B is in fluid communication with a second fluid flow path 810 for measuring fluid pressure in a foot support bladder 200 (in at least some illustrated instances, which is in fluid communication with the fluid flow path via connector fluid path 714 and foot support fluid path (i.e., foot support fluid line 202)). Some figures may appear to show pressure sensors in other marked paths. This is done at least in part so that the illustrations of pressure sensors 850A, 850B, and their ports are sufficiently separated to remain clear. The same type of pressure sensor, construction, and / or mounting can be used, regardless of the specific fluid channel at the installation pressure. Any desired arrangement of fluid paths through the sealed connector 840, manifold 800, and / or connector 700, from or to any location, can be used. As a supplement to or alternative to the aforementioned “typical” pressure sensors 850A and 850B, if desired, pressure sensors (including one of pressure sensors 850A and 850B) can be positioned in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path 806 to measure fluid pressure (e.g., from a fluid source such as pumps 600H and 600F) in fluid lines extending to the external environment 150 and / or in fluid inlet paths or flow paths 802.

[0137] Figures 33A to 33F illustrate examples of a combined valve housing 902, valve stem 910, sealing block or sealing connector 840, and manifold 800, wherein two pressure sensors 850A and 850B (e.g., of the type described above) are disposed within separate recesses 820R formed in the manifold body 820. In the illustrated example, the recess 820R provides a pressure sensor mounting and extends inwardly from the bottom surface of the manifold body 820. Pressure sensors 850A and 850B are sealed within the recess 820R of the manifold body 820 by an O-ring 852. An open channel 3302 extends from the recess 820R to a fluid passage (812 shown in Figure 33A) to expose the pressure sensors 850A and 850B to the fluid pressure within the passage (a similar arrangement of the open channel may be provided in other pressure sensor mounting recesses 820R). In the example of Figure 33A, the manifold 800 is provided as a separate component from and engages with the valve housing 902 (e.g., via a mechanical connector, adhesive, etc.). In the example structure shown in Figure 33A, the pressure sensor mounting recess 820R for accommodating pressure sensors 850A, 850B extends into the manifold body 820 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow (arrow 812F) through the manifold fluid path (e.g., 812) at the location of the open channel 3302. The open channel 3302 can be considered as an extension of the recess 820R.

[0138] Figures 33B to 33F provide various views of another example combination of valve housing 902, valve stem 910, sealing block or sealing connector 840, and manifold 800, in which two pressure sensors 850A and 850B (e.g., of the type described above) are provided. In this example configuration 3300, manifold body 820 and valve housing 902 are formed as a single piece. Sealing block or sealing connector 840 and valve stem 910 can be inserted into the combined manifold body 820 and valve housing 902 structure, for example at the open end where an encoder plate or sensor 934 can be mounted. The various components shown in Figures 33B to 33F use the same element symbols as the same or similar components described above (and therefore many overlapping or redundant descriptions are omitted).

[0139] Without departing from this technology, one or more pressure sensors 850A and / or 850B can be placed in other locations throughout the system. Figures 34A and 34B illustrate an example structure with one or more pressure sensor mountings (e.g., tubes (two tubes 854A, 854B shown in Figures 34A and 34B)) that define a recess 840R for mounting a pressure sensor (e.g., 850A, 850B) as part of a sealing connector 840. The sealed connector 840 of this example includes: (a) a base surface, i.e., surface 840E, including ports 840A, 840B, 840C, and 840D; (b) an outlet surface 840F, which includes openings (or ports) 846A, 846B, 846C, and 846D for engaging ports 800I, 804, 808, and 814 of a manifold 800 (not shown in Figures 34A and 34B); and (c) sealed fluid passages 842A, 842B, 842C, and 842D extending between surfaces 840E and 840F. Surface 840F is disposed therein defining the free end of a material block 848 to which pressure sensor tubes (e.g., 854A, 854B) and pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) are mounted. If necessary, the tubular structures defining the sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, and 842D can be flexible, allowing block 848 to move relative to its connection with valve housing 902 at surface 840E, for example, to facilitate assembly, provide tolerances, etc. For example, via the open channels described above in conjunction with FIG. 33A, pressure sensor tubes (e.g., 854A, 854B) can be in fluid communication with any of the sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, and 842D extending between surfaces 840E and 840F to measure pressure in any of channels 842A, 842B, 842C, and 842D and / or in devices in fluid communication with them. In some instances, pressure sensors 850A and 850B will provide pressure readings in foot support bladder 200 and fluid container 400. Although not shown in Figures 33A to 33F, the pressure sensor mount in the manifold body 820 may have a tubular structure of the type shown in Figures 34A to 34B (and pressure sensor mounts shown in Figures 35A to 37B) if required.

[0140] Figures 35A and 35B illustrate another example of a pressure sensor (e.g., 850A, 850B) mating with a sealing connector 840. Unlike the examples in Figures 34A and 34B, this sealing connector 840 is more similar to the sealing connector shown in Figure 32C; for example, it lacks flexibility and / or separate, clearly defined sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D. Instead, the sealing connector 840 in this example is more of a block of material 848 through which the sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D are formed. Although fluid communication with sealed channels 842B and 842D is shown in Figures 35A and 35B, pressure sensor tubes (e.g., 854A, 854B) – and therefore pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) – may be in fluid communication with any of the sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D extending between surfaces 840E and 840F, for example, to measure pressure in any of channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D and / or in devices in fluid communication with them. In some instances, pressure sensors 850A, 850B will provide pressure readings in foot support bladder 200 and fluid container 400.

[0141] Figures 36A and 36B illustrate another example of a pressure sensor (e.g., 850A, 850B) engaging with a sealing connector 840. Unlike the examples in Figures 34A to 35B, this sealing connector 840 can be made of a slightly more rigid material and has various connections that seal with the valve housing 902 via O-rings, gaskets, and / or other types of seals. In the illustrated example, the engagement of surface 840E with the valve housing 902 is sealed by one or more O-rings, gaskets, and / or other types of seals 858A, and the engagements of ports 840A, 840B, 840C, 840D with the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910 are sealed by O-rings, gaskets, and / or other types of seals 858B (only one seal 858B is shown in Figures 36A to 36B). The sealing connector 840 in this example is a block of material 848 through which sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, and 842D are formed. Although fluid communication with sealed channels 842B and 842D is shown in Figures 36-36B, recesses (e.g., 856A, 856B) defined in the block of material 848 of the sealing connector—and thus pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) housed in the recesses (e.g., 856A, 856B)—can be in fluid communication with any of the sealed fluid channels 842A, 842B, 842C, and 842D extending between surfaces 840E and 840F, for example, to measure pressure in any of the channels 842A, 842B, 842C, and 842D and / or in devices in fluid communication with them. In some instances, pressure sensors 850A and 850B will provide pressure readings in the foot support bladder 200 and the fluid container 400. Pressure sensors 850A and 850B engage with a sealing connector 840 within recesses 856A and 856B via an O-ring 852 (or a gasket or other suitable seal).

[0142] Furthermore, Figures 36A and 36B illustrate a sealing connector 840 that engages with manifold 800. The manifold 800 in this example is relatively short compared to the other manifolds described above. Manifold 800 includes a base 820A and four manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D projecting outward from the base 820A. The base 820A has a base surface 820B that engages with a surface 840F of the sealing connector 840. These manifold ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D can engage with connector 700 as described above and / or can directly engage with fluid lines from sources such as fluid supply sources (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F), the external environment 150, foot support bladder 200, and fluid container 400 (e.g., if connector 700 is not present).

[0143] Figures 37A and 37B illustrate an example structure comprising a two-part sealing connector 840—one part 840G being relatively flexible while the other part 840H is more rigid. More specifically, as shown in Figures 37A and 37B, the flexible portion 840G of the sealing connector 840 forms a direct interface with the valve housing 902 and the peripheral wall 910W of the valve stem 910. Sealing ports 840A, 840B, 840C, and 840D are disposed on an extension 840I of the flexible portion 840G, which extends inward from surface 840E and into a recess 902R defined in the valve housing 902. Furthermore, this example flexible portion 840G includes tubes 854A and 854B for engaging pressure sensors 850A and 850B. The example flexible portion 840G forms the upper half of a portion of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D between pressure sensors 850A, 850B and valve housing 902. The flexible portion 840G also defines the entire sealing channel 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D between the pressure sensors 850A, 850B and the surface 840F of the sealing connector 840, which includes openings 846A, 846B, 846C, 846D for connection to manifold 800 (or other suitable component, e.g., if manifold 800 and sealing connector 840 are formed as a single component).

[0144] The rigid portion 840H forms the lower half of a portion of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D between the pressure sensors 850A, 850B and the valve housing 902. Therefore, between the pressure sensors 850A, 850B and the valve housing 902, the flexible portion 840G and the rigid portion 840H cooperate to define portions of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D. The rigid portion 840H also defines portions of the sealing channels 842A, 842B, 842C, 842D that pass through channels 842A to 842D and directly face the pressure sensors 850A, 850B. This two-part sealing connector 840 provides a degree of flexibility, such as ease of assembly, while still providing a robust overall structure.

[0145] As described above in conjunction with Figures 28 to 30G, 32A, 32B, and 33, in some instances of this technology, the valve housing 902 can be engaged with a rigid manifold 800 component, which includes a recess 800R into which a sealing connector 840 is inserted. The valve housing 902 and the manifold 800 can be joined together using any desired technique, such as mechanical connectors, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and / or other fusion techniques. Figures 38A and 38B illustrate an example of such a connection (but similar connections can be used to engage the sealing connector 840 with the valve housing 902, for example, as shown in Figures 34A to 37B, if desired). In this example, each of the four corners and / or edges of the valve housing 902 and the manifold 800 is mechanically snapped together to hold these components together. At the interface between the valve housing 902 and the manifold 800, as shown in FIG38B, a flat surface 3800 (although a grooved surface may be provided if desired) is provided on each of the valve housing 902 and the manifold 800, for example, around the different interfacing side surfaces. An adhesive (e.g., a liquid dispensing adhesive) may be provided on the interfacing surface, i.e., the flat surface 3800, to permanently secure the valve housing 902 to the manifold 800 before these components are snapped together. A small chamfer 3802 may be included in one or both of the interfacing surfaces 3800 of the valve housing 902 and the manifold 800, for example, to provide space for any excess adhesive extruded from the interfacing surface, i.e., the flat surface 3800. An overlapping lip 3804 may also be provided between these components, for example, from the flat surface 3800 inwards.

[0146] A fluid transfer system 900A according to at least some embodiments of the present technology includes one or more sensors for determining the position (e.g., rotational position) of a valve stem 910 relative to a valve housing 902 (and / or relative to any one or more of a sealing connector 840 and / or manifold 800, when either or both are present). Figure 39 illustrates an example fluid transfer system 900A in which a position sensor 934 is disposed. In at least some embodiments of the present technology, position sensing may be performed by an encoding system capable of measuring absolute rotational position or a relative positioning sensor having an additional index channel representing a particular absolute rotational position. In the illustrated example, the position sensor constitutes a magnetic encoder system 930 (e.g., an on-axis magnetic encoder system, an off-axis magnetic encoder system, etc.) including an encoder magnet 932 and a sensor 934. The magnetic encoder system 930 is an absolute position sensor. The encoder magnet 932 engages with a movable (e.g., rotatable) valve stem 910 (e.g., within an internal chamber 910I at a second end 910B) and rotates with the valve stem 910. The change in magnetic field strength measured at sensor 934 indicates the position of magnet 932 relative to valve housing 902 or other components (and thus the position of valve stem 910). The relative position of magnet 932 (and valve stem 910) relative to valve housing 902 or other components also determines (and / or allows determination) the operating state of fluid transfer system 900A as described above. Other types of position sensors 930 (e.g., optical encoders, other rotary sensors, etc.) can be used without departing from at least some aspects of this technology. However, magnetic encoder systems 930 offer several advantages because they do not require physical contact between components, and they are generally less prone to failure due to adhesives, lubricants, debris, or other undesirable materials that may enter the internal chamber 910I. Optical encoders are more prone to failure, for example, because undesirable materials may potentially obscure or block light sources or photodetectors. Magnetic encoder systems 930 and other position sensor systems are known and commercially available.

[0147] Figures 40A through 40C (together with Figure 28 and other figures) provide different views of a drive system comprising an electric motor 920 and a transmission 922 to transmit power to a first end 910A of a valve stem 910 and to move (in this example, rotate) the valve stem 910 relative to a valve housing 902 (and / or manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840, etc.). A power source (e.g., from a battery) and a microcontroller, for example equipped with a fluid distributor 500 (not shown in Figures 40A and 40B), selectively drive the electric motor 920 to position the valve stem 910 in one of a variety of positions and operating states, thereby moving fluid between desired positions as described above. The electric motor 920 may be configured as a DC coreless brushless motor (e.g., commercially available from Constar Micromotors Ltd. or other commercial sources).

[0148] The transmission 922 is at least partially mounted on a frame 924 (e.g., a die-cast zinc frame) and may be covered by a cover plate 926 (e.g., made of metal). This specific example transmission 922—a three-stage transmission—will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 40A to 40C. The shaft 920S of the motor 920 engages a motor pinion 928. The motor pinion 928 engages a large gear 928A of a first intermediate gear set 928B, which further includes a pinion 928C mounted on a rotating pin 928D (e.g., a steel pin) shared with the large gear 928A. The pinion 928C of the first intermediate gear set 928B engages a large external gear 928E of a second intermediate gear set 928F. The large external gear 928E of the second intermediate gear set 928F is mounted on a rotating pin 928G (e.g., a steel pin) shared with a smaller gear 928H of the second intermediate gear set 928F. The smaller gear 928H of the second intermediate gear set 928F engages the external gear train 928I of the output gear 928J. The central opening 928K of the output gear 928J includes the internal gear train that engages the gear end 910G of the valve stem 910. One or more cup seals 910S, O-rings, washers, or other sealing devices may be provided at the first end 910A of the valve stem 910 to prevent fluid leakage from the valve housing 902. A nose pin 928L secures the output gear 928J and its associated components to the frame 924.

[0149] In the example transmission system 922 shown in Figures 40A and 40B, the axis 920T of the motor shaft 920S extends parallel to and is spaced from the axis of rotation 910T of the valve stem 910. Figures 41A and 41B show a fluid transmission system 900D with a different arrangement of the motor 920 and the valve stem 910, wherein the axis 920T of the motor shaft 920S is aligned with and collinear with the axis of rotation 910T of the valve stem 910. In this case, a planetary transmission 922B or a planetary gearbox can be used to transmit power and rotational motion from the motor 920 to the valve stem 910. A typical planetary transmission 922B includes a central “sun gear” (e.g., driven by the shaft 920S of the motor 920) and multiple “planetary gears” that rotate cooperatively to transmit rotational energy from the motor to the driven shaft (e.g., the gear 910G of the valve stem 910). This type of planetary transmission 922B is known and commercially available.

[0150] The foot support system and fluid distributor 500 described above with respect to the fluid delivery system 900A include a single foot support bladder 200 and a single fluid container 400. However, if desired, the foot support system, fluid distributor 500, sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 according to at least some aspects of the present technology may include structures for supporting fluid pressure variations for more than one foot support bladder 200 and / or more than one fluid container 400. When two or more foot support bladders 200 are present, fluid can be introduced into all bladders simultaneously. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, all foot support bladders can be simultaneously filled by branching the fluid line 202 into separate foot support supply lines extending to the corresponding individual foot support bladders. As another example, all foot support bladders in the footwear article 100 can be simultaneously filled by connecting the foot support bladders in series or parallel via fluid lines. Similarly, two or more fluid containers 400 can be filled simultaneously in the same manner, but by branching the container fluid lines 402 into separate lines and / or connecting the fluid containers in series or parallel.

[0151] If multiple foot support bladders 200 and / or fluid containers 400 exist in a single footwear article 100, and it is desirable to potentially provide different fluid pressures in the bladders 200 and / or containers 400, then appropriate valve adjustment or switching mechanisms can be provided, for example, after the fluid exits the connector 700 and enters the foot support fluid line 202 and / or container fluid line 402. Alternatively, if desired, a separate fluid passage can be provided for each individual foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 through the connector 700, manifold 800, and sealing connector 840 (if present); a separate through-hole 910H for attaching the foot support bladder and / or fluid container can be provided in the valve stem 910 (e.g., axially spaced apart from other through-holes 910H); and additional operating states can be provided. In other words, each additional foot support bladder in the footwear 100 can be provided with an additional set of ports, fluid channels, etc., as shown in the figure, for moving fluid into and out of the foot support bladder 200, and / or each additional fluid container in the shoe can be provided with an additional set of ports, fluid channels, etc., as shown in the figure, for moving fluid into and out of the fluid container 400. The input system (e.g., on an external computing device, part of an "onboard" switching system 2200, etc.) can also be modified to allow individual input and control to each additional foot support bladder and / or fluid container.

[0152] Characteristics of solenoid-based fluid transport systems

[0153] The fluid transfer system 900A described above utilizes a movable (e.g., rotatable) valve stem 910, which can be moved to various positions to place the fluid dispenser 500, fluid flow control system, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear 100 into two or more different operating states. However, other types of fluid transfer systems 900 can be used to place such systems and components into two or more different operating states, including any two or more operating states described above with respect to Figures 5A to 5F. The following discussion relates to a solenoid-based fluid transfer system 900B according to at least some aspects of the present technology.

[0154] According to some aspects of this technology, various types of solenoids and / or combinations of solenoids can be used in the fluid transport system 900B. Some solenoids that can be used according to this technology are “locked solenoids”. Similar to the locked solenoid 4200 shown in Figure 42, some locked solenoids include two stable states – an open state and a closed state. When no power is applied, such a solenoid can remain in either of these stable states. Figure 42 shows the solenoid 4200 in the open state, where the plunger 4202 moves backward to allow fluid to flow through the solenoid body 4204 between one port 4206 and the other port 4208 (in either direction). See fluid flow arrow 4212. In the closed state, the spring 4210 or other biasing device forces the plunger 4202 forward to close (seal) one or both of the ports 4206, 4208. In this state, fluid does not flow through the solenoid body 4204.

[0155] To lock the solenoid, power is needed to initiate the movement of plunger 4202 and change the solenoid 4200 from one state to another. Typically, a short power pulse is applied to move plunger 4202 of solenoid 4200 from one position to another. The locking solenoid also typically has a "normal state." The "normal state" is the state that plunger 4200 will be in when no "latch" is activated to hold plunger 4200 in one state (e.g., due to a biasing force on plunger 4202).

[0156] For a bidirectional latching solenoid, the solenoid can be "normally open" (or "NO"), where fluid can flow through the solenoid, or "normally closed" (or "NC"), where fluid cannot flow through the solenoid. Power can be applied in relatively short pulses to a normally open solenoid to: (a) move the plunger from an open configuration to a closed configuration and (b) activate a latching mechanism to hold the solenoid in the closed position without continuous power application. To return the solenoid to its open configuration, power is applied in relatively short pulses to release the latch or "unlock" the plunger, and then a biasing system (e.g., a spring) returns the plunger to its open configuration. A "normally closed" solenoid operates in a slightly reverse manner. Power can be applied in relatively short pulses to a normally closed solenoid to: (a) move the plunger from a closed configuration to an open configuration and (b) activate a latching mechanism to hold the solenoid in the open position without continuous power application. To return the solenoid to its closed configuration, power is applied with a relatively short pulse to release the latch or "unlock" the plunger, and then a biasing system (e.g., a spring) returns the plunger to its closed configuration. In this way, a relatively small amount of power is consumed to move the locking solenoid between its different configurations, and a prolonged continuous application of power is not required. Due to the position of the spring 4210 in Figure 42, the illustrated solenoid 4200 is a "normally closed" solenoid. If the spring 4210 is moved to apply its biasing force between the port 4206 and the front surface 4202S (region A) of the plunger 4202, the solenoid will be a "normally open" solenoid.

[0157] Similar to latching solenoids, non-latching solenoids can also have a "normal" position (e.g., NO or NC) and one or more abnormal positions. Unlike latching solenoids, non-latching solenoids require a continuous application of power to maintain the valve in one of two (or more) states. For example, a normally open ("NO") non-latching valve requires a continuous application of power to move the valve and maintain it in the closed position, but when the power is turned off (e.g., under a bias force applied to the plunger), the valve returns to the open position. Similarly, a normally closed ("NC") valve requires a continuous application of power to move the valve and maintain it in the open position, but when the power is turned off (e.g., under a bias force applied to the plunger), the valve returns to the closed position. Therefore, in practice, from the viewpoint of power consumption and / or battery life, it is advantageous to choose a normally open non-latching solenoid for applications where the valve only needs to be closed for a relatively short period of time and / or a normally closed non-latching solenoid for applications where the valve only needs to be open for a relatively short period of time.

[0158] As described above in conjunction with Figures 4A and 4B (and other figures), fluid distributors 500, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures 104, and / or footwear articles 100 according to some examples of the present technology include fluid transport systems 900 for controlling the direction of fluid flow and for opening / closing fluid paths. A solenoid-based fluid transport system 900B (described in more detail below) can be used as the fluid transport system 900 shown in Figure 4A. Therefore, the solenoid-based fluid transport system 900B according to some aspects of the present technology can use any features of the foot support bladder 200, fluid container 400, housing 502, connector 700, manifold 800, sealing connector 840, etc., described above (e.g., in conjunction with Figures 1 to 41), except that fluid transport systems 900A and 900D are replaced by the fluid transport system 900B described below.

[0159] Figure 43 provides a schematic diagram of a solenoid-based fluid transfer system 900B that can be used as the fluid transfer system 900 in the examples of Figures 4A and 4B (and others). The fluid transfer system 900B of Figure 43 includes three 2×2 solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C. While other options are possible, in this specific example, solenoid valve 4300A is a normally open, lock-in solenoid valve, and solenoid valves 4300B and 4300C are normally closed, lock-in solenoid valves. The fluid transfer system 900B is connected to a manifold 800 (e.g., at interface 4302, optionally via a sealed connector 840 if desired), which includes: (a) ports 800A and 800I and a fluid inlet path or flow path 802 (from a fluid source, such as one or more pumps 600H, 600F); (b) ports 800B and 804 and a first fluid path 806 (to the external environment); (c) ports 800C and 808 and a second fluid path 810 (to and from the foot support bladder 200); and (d) ports 800D and 814 and a third fluid path 812 (to and from the fluid container 400). Solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C may be contained in a common housing 4304, which includes ports 800I, 804, 808, and 814 for engaging manifold 800 (e.g., ports 800A, 800B, 800C, and 800D, other types of connector structures, etc.). The structure and operation of solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C, as well as their connection to manifold 800, are described in more detail below.

[0160] Figure 44A is an exploded view of a fluid distributor 500 similar to that of Figure 26C, but the stem-based fluid transfer system 900A of Figure 26B is replaced by a solenoid-based fluid transfer system 900B. Figure 44B provides an assembly diagram of this fluid distributor 500. This example fluid distributor 500 includes a housing 502, in which a manifold 800 and the fluid transfer system 900B are housed. The housing 502 further defines a space 500A for engaging a connector 700, which connects components within the housing 502 to a fluid source (e.g., external environment, pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), an external environment 150, at least one foot support bladder 200, and at least one fluid container 400. Figures 44A and 44B further illustrate possible locations of the fluid transfer system 900B within the housing 502 and the rechargeable battery 2602, for example, to power various electrical components, including the solenoid, shown and described above or below. Example switch components 506A, 2200A, 506B, and 2200B are also shown in Figure 44A (and may have the same structure and / or function as described above for these components).

[0161] Figures 45 to 47B illustrate example physical structures and fluid paths of a solenoid-based fluid transport system 900B coupled to a manifold 800 according to some aspects of the present technology. As shown, these example fluid transport systems 900B and fluid flow control systems include: (a) a first solenoid, i.e., a solenoid valve 4300A, having a first port 4310A and a second port 4310B and switchable between an open and closed configuration; (b) a second solenoid, i.e., a solenoid valve 4300B, having a first port 4312A and a second port 4312B and switchable between an open and closed configuration; and (c) a third solenoid, i.e., a solenoid valve 4300C, having a first port 4314A and a second port 4314B and switchable between an open and closed configuration.

[0162] In this example fluid transfer system 900B, the first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4314A of the solenoids, i.e., solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C, are in fluid communication with a common fluid line 4320. Therefore, the common fluid line 4320 also allows the first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4314A of the solenoids, i.e., solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C, to be in fluid communication with each other (at least under some conditions). As an example, the common fluid line 4320 can branch into: (a) fluid line 4310F (to the first port 4310A of the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A), (b) fluid line 4312F (to the first port 4312A of the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B), and (c) fluid line 4314F (to the first port 4314A of the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C). Additionally, the common fluid line 4320 is also in fluid communication with a fluid source (e.g., one or more pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, external environment 150, etc.) via, for example, manifold 800 port 800A, fluid inlet path or flow path 802, fluid inlet port 800I, connector 700, etc.

[0163] In this example, the second port 4310B of the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, is in fluid communication with the external environment 150 via one or more of the following: manifold port 804, first fluid flow path 806, manifold port 800B, connector 700, etc. The first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, in this example is a normally open, locked solenoid. The second port 4312B of the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, in this example is in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 via one or more of the following: manifold port 808, second fluid flow path 810, manifold port 800C, connector 700, etc. The second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, in this example is a normally closed, locked solenoid. The second port 4314B of the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, in this example is in fluid communication with the fluid container 400 via one or more of the following: manifold port 814, third fluid flow path 812, manifold port 800D, connector 700, etc. The third solenoid in this example, namely the solenoid valve 4300C, is also a lock-up solenoid with a normally closed configuration.

[0164] As shown in Figure 47A, in this example configuration, each of the solenoids, namely the solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C, is arranged such that its first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4313A are located at one end of the solenoid, and its second ports 4310B, 4312B, and 4313B are located at the opposite ends of the solenoid (e.g., a "double-sided" solenoid). In this way, the first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4313A can be aligned at one end of the fluid transfer system 900B, and the second ports 4310B, 4312B, and 4313B can be aligned at the opposite ends of the fluid transfer system 900B. As shown in Figure 47B, in this example configuration, each of the solenoids, namely solenoid valves 4300A, 4300B, and 4300C, is arranged such that its first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4314A are located at one end of the solenoid, and its second ports 4310B, 4312B, and 4314B are located on the side surface of the solenoid (e.g., a "one-sided" solenoid). Also note the "one-sided" arrangement of solenoid ports 4206 and 4208 in Figure 42 and the solenoid ports in Figure 43. In this way, the first ports 4310A, 4312A, and 4314A can be aligned at one end of the fluid transfer system 900B, and all ports are positioned toward this same end. These types of "one-sided" arrangements provide a compact package, for example, suitable for engagement with footwear article 100 and / or sole structure 104.

[0165] Figures 48A to 48F provide schematic diagrams of an example of a solenoid-based fluid transfer system 900B placed in one of the six operating states described above in conjunction with Figures 5A to 5F. Figure 48A (together with Figure 5A) shows an operating state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid distributor 500 and is discharged back into the external environment 150. The fluid flow in this operating state is shown by the bold dashed arrows in Figures 5A and 48A. This operating state can be used as a “standby” or “steady state” operating state to maintain the movement of pumped fluid through the fluid distributor 500, even when pressure changes are not required in the foot support bladder 200 and / or the fluid container 400. In this operating state, the incoming fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150 moves, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 5A, until it passes through the manifold 800 and reaches the fluid transfer system 900B. In this first operating state, the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, is in the open configuration, the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, is in the closed configuration, and the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, is in the closed configuration. Therefore, fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4320, through fluid line 4310F, through the first port 4310A of the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, through the second port 4310B of the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, through manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0166] Alternatively, in some instances of this technology, in this operating state, instead of continuously moving the fluid through the fluid distributor 500 at each step when the fluid is simply to be discharged back into the external environment 150, a fluid path can be provided directly from pumps 600H and 600F to the external environment 150. Alternatively, pumps 600H and 600F can be deactivated to provide this operating state.

[0167] Figure 48B (together with Figure 5B) illustrates an operating state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid distributor 500 and is delivered to the foot support bladder 200. The fluid flow in this operating state is indicated by the bold dashed arrows in Figures 5B and 48B. This operating state can be used to increase the pressure in the foot support bladder 200, for example, for a firmer feel and / or support for more intense activities (e.g., running). In this operating state, the incoming fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150 moves, for example, as described above with respect to Figures 5A and 5B, until it passes through the manifold 800 and reaches the fluid delivery system 900B. In this second operating state, the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, is in a closed configuration, the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, is in an open configuration, and the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, is in a closed configuration. Therefore, the fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4320, through fluid line 4312F, through the first port 4312A of the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, through the second port 4312B of the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, through the second port 4312B of the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, through manifold port 800C, and reaches its final destination (in this example, foot support bladder 200).

[0168] In some cases, it may be necessary to remove fluid from the foot support bladder 200 to reduce the pressure within it (e.g., to provide a softer feel or for less strenuous activities such as walking or wearing casual clothing). Figure 48C (together with Figure 5C) illustrates an example of this operating state. Similarly, the fluid flow in this operating state is indicated by the bold dashed arrows in Figures 5C and 48C. In this third operating state, the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, is in the open configuration, the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, is in the open configuration, and the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, is in the closed configuration. Therefore, the fluid flows from the foot support bladder 200, through the second manifold port 800C, through the second port 4312B of the second solenoid (i.e., solenoid valve 4300B), through the first port 4312A of the second solenoid (i.e., solenoid valve 4300B), through the fluid line 4312F, through the common fluid line 4320, through the fluid line 4310F, through the first port 4310A of the first solenoid (i.e., solenoid valve 4300A), through the second port 4310B of the first solenoid (i.e., solenoid valve 4300A), through the manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (in this example, the external environment 150).

[0169] Figure 48D (together with Figure 5D) illustrates another potential operating state of the fluid transfer system 900B and foot support system according to some embodiments of the present technology. In this operating state, fluid is transferred from the fluid container 400 to the external environment, for example, to reduce the fluid pressure in the fluid container 400. The fluid flow in this operating state is shown by the bold dashed arrows in Figures 5D and 48D. In this fourth operating state, the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, is in the open configuration, the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, is in the closed configuration, and the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, is in the open configuration. Therefore, the fluid flows from the fluid container 400, through the third manifold port 800D, through the second port 4314B of the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, through the first port 4314A of the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, through the fluid line 4314F, through the common fluid line 4320, through the fluid line 4310F, through the first port 4310A of the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, through the second port 4310B of the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, through the manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0170] In some examples of the fluid transfer system 900B and foot support system according to aspects of this technology, it may be necessary to use the on-plate fluid container 400 to regulate (and in this example, increase) the pressure in the foot support bladder 200. Figure 48E (together with Figure 5E) illustrates an example of this operating state. In this fifth operating state, the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, is in the closed configuration, the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, is in the open configuration, and the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, is in the open configuration. Therefore, when the pressure in the fluid container 400 is higher than the pressure in the foot support bladder 200, the fluid flows from the fluid container 400, through the third manifold port 800D, through the second port 4314B of the third solenoid (i.e., solenoid valve 4300C), through the third solenoid (i.e., solenoid valve 4300C), through the first port 4314A of the third solenoid (i.e., solenoid valve 4300C), through the fluid line 4314F, through the common fluid line 4320, through the fluid line 4312F, through the first port 4312A of the second solenoid (i.e., solenoid valve 4300B), through the second port 4312B of the second solenoid (i.e., solenoid valve 4300B), through the manifold port 800C, and reaches its final destination (in this example, the foot support bladder 200).

[0171] Figure 48F (together with Figure 5F) illustrates an example operating state for adding fluid to fluid container 400 (e.g., to increase the fluid volume and / or pressure in fluid container 400). In this sixth operating state, the first solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300A, is in the closed configuration, the second solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300B, is in the closed configuration, and the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, is in the open configuration. Thus, fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4320, through fluid line 4314F, through the first port 4314A of the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, through the second port 4314B of the third solenoid, i.e., solenoid valve 4300C, through manifold port 800D, and to its final destination (fluid container 400 in this example).

[0172] As described above, fluid distributors 500, fluid flow control systems, foot support systems, sole structures 104, and / or footwear products 100 according to some embodiments of the present technology do not need to provide all six operating states mentioned above. Instead, in some embodiments of the present technology, there may be more operating states, fewer operating states, and / or different operating states. Figures 49A to 49D illustrate an example of a solenoid-based fluid transfer system 900C with four operating states when a foot support bladder 200 and a fluid container 400 are present.

[0173] The example fluid transport system 900C includes two solenoids: (a) a first solenoid 4900A, which includes a first port 4910A, a second port 4910B, and a third port 4910C; and (b) a second solenoid 4900B, which includes a first port 4912A and a second port 4912B. In the example fluid transport system 900C, the first ports 4910A and 4912A of solenoids 4900A and 4900B are in fluid communication with a common fluid line 4920. Therefore, the common fluid line 4920 also allows the first ports 4910A and 4912A of solenoids 4900A and 4900B to be in fluid communication with each other (at least under some conditions). As an example, the common fluid line 4920 can branch into: (a) fluid line 4910F (to the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A) and (b) fluid line 4912F (to the first port 4912A of the second solenoid 4900B). Additionally, the common fluid line 4920 is also in fluid communication with a fluid source (e.g., one or more pumps 600H, 600F, a compressor, external environment 150, etc.) via, for example, manifold 800 port 800A, fluid inlet path or flow path 802, fluid inlet port 800I, connector 700, etc. In this example, the first solenoid 4900A can be a locked three-port two-state solenoid (3 / 2 solenoid), and the second solenoid 4900B can be a normally closed non-locking solenoid (2 / 2 solenoid), but other specific types of solenoids may be used if required. The fluid transfer system 900C can be coupled to various types of manifolds 800 described above (e.g., four-port and four-fluid-path manifolds of the types described above).

[0174] In the illustrated example (and as will be described in more detail below), the first solenoid 4900A is independently switchable to: (A) a first configuration, in which fluid flows through the first solenoid 4900A between the first port 4910A and the second port 4910B, and (b) a second configuration, in which fluid flows through the first solenoid 4900A between the first port 4910A and the third port 4910C. Therefore, in this example, the first port 4910A and the first solenoid 4900A are always kept open and the plunger 4910P moves between: (a) a position where the second port 4910B is open and the third port 4910C is closed, and (b) another position where the second port 4910B is closed and the third port 4910C is open. In the illustrated example, the first solenoid 4900A is biased to be "normally" in the first configuration (where the biasing system closes the third port 4910C). The second solenoid 4900B in this example can be independently switched between an open configuration (where fluid flows through solenoid 4900B between the first port 4912A and the second port 4912B) and a closed configuration (where fluid does not flow through solenoid 4900B). In this fluid transfer system 900C, simultaneously and selectively: (a) placing the first solenoid 4900A in one of the first or second configurations and (b) placing the second solenoid 4900B in one of the open or closed configurations, thereby selectively placing the fluid transfer system 900C in multiple (e.g., two or more) operating states. Examples of these operating states are described in more detail below.

[0175] Figures 49A to 49D provide schematic diagrams of the solenoid-based fluid transfer system 900C in four operating states. Figure 49A (together with Figure 5A) shows one operating state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 into the fluid distributor 500 and is discharged back into the external environment 150. The fluid flow in this operating state is shown by the bold dashed arrows in Figures 5A and 49A. This operating state can be used as a “standby” or “steady state” operating state to maintain the movement of pumped fluid through the fluid distributor 500, even when pressure changes are not required in the foot support bladder 200 and / or the fluid container 400. In this operating state, the incoming fluid (e.g., air) from the external environment 150 moves, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 5A, until it passes through the manifold 800 and reaches the fluid transfer system 900C. In this first operating state, the first solenoid 4900A is in a first configuration and the second solenoid 4900B is in a closed configuration. Therefore, the fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4920, through fluid line 4910F, through the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A, through the first solenoid 490A, through the second port 4910B of the first solenoid 4900A, through manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0176] Alternatively, in some instances of this technology, in this operating state, instead of continuously moving the fluid through the fluid distributor 500 at each step when the fluid is simply to be discharged back into the external environment 150, a fluid path can be provided directly from pumps 600H and 600F to the external environment 150. Alternatively, pumps 600H and 600F can be deactivated to achieve this operating state.

[0177] Figure 49B (together with Figure 5F) illustrates an example operating state for adding fluid to fluid container 400 (e.g., to increase the fluid volume and / or pressure in fluid container 400). In this second operating state, the first solenoid 4900A is in a second configuration and the second solenoid 4900B is in a closed configuration. Thus, fluid flows from a source (e.g., pumps 600H, 600F, compressor, etc.), through manifold port 800A, through common fluid line 4920, through fluid line 4910F, through the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A, through the first solenoid 4900A, through the third port 4910C of the first solenoid 4900A, through manifold port 800D, and to its final destination (fluid container 400 in this example).

[0178] In this example fluid transfer system 900C, the on-plate fluid container 400 is used to regulate (and in this example, increase) the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200. Figure 49C (together with Figure 5E) illustrates an example of this operating state. In this third operating state, the first solenoid 4900A is in the second configuration and the second solenoid 4900B is in the open configuration. Therefore, when the pressure in the fluid container 400 is higher than the pressure in the foot support bladder 200, the fluid flows from the fluid container 400, through the third manifold port 800D, through the third port 4910C of the first solenoid 4900A, through the first solenoid 4900A, through the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A, through the fluid line 4910F, through the common fluid line 4920, through the fluid line 4912F, through the first port 4912A of the second solenoid 4900B, through the second solenoid 4900B, through the second port 4912B of the second solenoid 4900B, through the manifold port 800C, and reaches its final destination (the foot support bladder 200 in this example).

[0179] In some cases, it may be necessary to remove fluid from the foot support bladder 200 to reduce the pressure within it (e.g., to provide a softer feel or for less strenuous activities such as walking or wearing casual clothing). Figure 49D (together with Figure 5C) illustrates an example of this operating state. Fluid flow in this operating state is indicated by the bold dashed arrow. In this fourth operating state, the first solenoid 4900A is in the first configuration and the second solenoid 4900B is in the open configuration. Therefore, the fluid flows from the foot support bladder 200, through the second manifold port 800C, through the second port 4912B of the second solenoid 4900B, through the second solenoid 4900B, through the second port 4912B of the second solenoid 4900B, through the fluid line 4912F, through the common fluid line 4920, through the fluid line 4910F, through the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A, through the first solenoid 4900A, through the second port 4910B of the first solenoid 4900A, through the manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (external environment 150 in this example).

[0180] Therefore, compared to fluid transfer system 900B, fluid transfer system 900C includes up to four operating states instead of the six operating states of fluid transfer system 900B described above. Specifically, fluid transfer system 900C of Figures 49A to 49D does not have an operating state in which fluid moves from the external environment 150 to the fluid distributor 500 and is directly transferred to the foot support bladder 200 (the states shown in Figures 5B and 48B). Instead, in fluid transfer system 900C of Figures 49A to 49D, the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder 200 is increased only by fluid transfer from the fluid container 400 to the foot support bladder 200 (as shown in the operating state of Figure 49C). Furthermore, compared to fluid transfer system 900B, fluid transfer system 900C does not have an operating state in which fluid moves from the fluid container 400 to the external environment 150 (the states shown in Figures 5D and 48D). If necessary or required, fluid container 400 may include a check valve that is open to the external environment to prevent over-pressurization of fluid container 400 (instead of allowing excess fluid from container 400 to pass through fluid transfer system 900C to reduce pressure in fluid container 400). Additionally or alternatively, if the fluid pressure from a fluid source (e.g., the fluid pressure generated by one or more foot-activated pumps 600H, 600F) is insufficient or lower than the fluid pressure in the open fluid passage leading to fluid container 400, fluid will not be transferred from the fluid source to fluid container 400. Still additionally or alternatively, other pressure-reducing valves and / or fluid passages may be provided at one or more locations throughout fluid transfer system 900C, fluid distributor 500, fluid flow control system, foot support system, sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 to prevent overpressure in any part of the system (e.g., pressure relief from fluid discharged by pumps 600H, 600F if no other location is available for fluid passage).

[0181] However, the fluid transfer system 900C has some advantages because it uses only two solenoids, compared to the three solenoids used in the fluid transfer system 900B. Therefore, the fluid transfer system 900C can be slightly lighter, smaller, cheaper, and / or more energy-efficient (e.g., consuming less battery power) compared to the fluid transfer system 900B.

[0182] The fluid delivery systems 900B and 900C described above include a single foot support bladder 200 and a single fluid container 400. However, if desired, the fluid delivery system, foot support system, fluid distributor 500, sole structure 104, and / or footwear article 100 according to at least some aspects of the present technology may include structures for supporting fluid pressure variations for more than one foot support bladder 200 and / or more than one fluid container 400. When two or more foot support bladders 200 are present, fluid can be introduced into all bladders simultaneously. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, all foot support bladders can be simultaneously filled by branching the fluid line 202 into separate foot support supply lines extending to the corresponding individual foot support bladders. As another example, all foot support bladders in the footwear article 100 can be simultaneously filled by connecting the foot support bladders in series or parallel via fluid lines. Similarly, two or more fluid containers 400 can be filled simultaneously in the same manner, but by branching the container fluid lines 402 into separate lines and / or connecting the fluid containers in series or parallel.

[0183] If multiple foot support bladders 200 and / or fluid containers 400 exist in a single footwear product 100, and it is desirable to potentially provide different fluid pressures in the bladders 200 and / or containers 400, then appropriate valve adjustment or switching mechanisms can be provided, for example, after the fluid exits the connector 700 and enters the foot support fluid line 202 and / or container fluid line 402. Alternatively, if desired, a separate fluid passage can be provided for each individual foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 through the connector 700, manifold 800, and sealing connector 840 (if present); a separate solenoid can be provided for each additional foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400; and additional operating states can be provided. In other words, each additional foot support bladder can be provided with an additional set of ports, fluid channels, solenoids, etc., as shown in the figure, for moving fluid into and out of the foot support bladder 200, and / or each additional fluid container in the shoe can be provided with an additional set of ports, fluid channels, solenoids, etc., as shown in the figure, for moving fluid into and out of the fluid container 400. The input system (e.g., on an external computing device, part of an "on-board" switching system 2200, etc.) can also be modified to allow individual input and control to each additional foot support bladder and / or fluid container.

[0184] Figures 49A to 49D schematically illustrate (as “optional”) the second foot support bladder 250 in the fluid transfer system 900C. Therefore, in this fluid transfer system 900C, a third solenoid 4900C is provided to transfer fluid into and out of the second foot support bladder 250. The third solenoid 4900C includes a first port 4914A and a second port 4914B, and the third solenoid 4900C can be configured as a normally closed non-locking solenoid, such as a 2 / 2 solenoid. The first port 4914A of the third solenoid 4900C may have a fluid line 4914F in fluid communication with a common fluid line 4920. The second port 4914B of the third solenoid 4900C is in fluid communication with the second foot support bladder 250 in any desired manner. Specifically, the fluid passage from the second port 4914B to the foot support bladder 250 may have a separate set of ports and fluid paths passing through the manifold 800, the sealing connector 840 (if present), the connector 700 (if present), etc., which generally correspond structurally and / or functionally to the fluid passage between the second port 4912B of the second solenoid 4900B and the foot support bladder 200.

[0185] By placing the first solenoid 4900A and the second solenoid 4900B in the configurations shown in Figures 49A to 49D and maintaining the third solenoid 4900C in the closed configuration, the fluid transfer system 900C of Figures 49A to 49D can be placed in all the operating states shown in Figures 49A to 49D. However, this example fluid transfer system 900C may include two additional operating states to accommodate: (a) an increase in fluid pressure in the second foot support bladder 250, and (b) a decrease in fluid pressure in the second foot support bladder 250. A fifth operating state for increasing the fluid pressure in the second foot support bladder 250 utilizes the first solenoid 4900A in the second configuration, the second solenoid 4900B in the closed configuration, and the third solenoid 4900C in the open configuration. Therefore, in a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 49C, fluid moves from fluid container 400, through third manifold port 800D, through third port 4910C of first solenoid 4900A, through first solenoid 4900A, through first port 4910A of first solenoid 4900A, through fluid line 4910F, through common fluid line 4920, through fluid line 4914F, through first port 4914A of third solenoid 4900C, through third solenoid 4900C, through second port 4914B of third solenoid 4900C, and from there to its final destination (foot support bladder 250 in this example).

[0186] Similarly, the sixth operating state for reducing the fluid pressure in the second foot support bladder 250 utilizes a first solenoid 4900A in the first configuration, a second solenoid 4900B in the closed configuration, and a third solenoid 4900C in the open configuration. Thus, in a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 49D, fluid moves from the foot support bladder 250 (through any provided fluid passages), through the second port 4914B of the third solenoid 4900C, through the third solenoid 4900C, through the first port 4914A of the third solenoid 4900C, through fluid line 4914F, through common fluid line 4920, through fluid line 4910F, through the first port 4910A of the first solenoid 4900A, through the first solenoid 4900A, through the second port 4910B of the first solenoid 4900A, through manifold port 800B, and reaches its final destination (in this example, the external environment 150).

[0187] Additional solenoids (e.g., 2 / 2 non-locking solenoids) and appropriate structural and operational configurations can be provided for any additional foot support bladders other than the aforementioned bladders 200 and 250.

[0188] As described herein, aspects of this technology relate to controlling and altering pressure in various footwear components, such as one or more foot support bladders 200 and / or one or more fluid reservoirs 400 (which may also be fluid-filled bladders). However, in the various example configurations described above, pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) are not directly located inside or directly engaged with the corresponding foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid reservoir 400. Directly integrating or engaging pressure sensors 850A, 850B with or within foot support bladders 200 and / or fluid reservoirs 400 of the type described herein can be practically difficult, for example, due to the flexible bladder structure, their location within the footwear, difficulties in footwear assembly, etc. Therefore, as described above, systems and methods according to at least some aspects of this technology provide pressure sensors 850A, 850B at locations where pressure is measured in fluid lines within a manifold 800 or a sealed connector 840. These fluid lines are in fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 and / or the fluid container 400. In this way, the pressure sensors 850A and 850B can be equipped with an external fluid distributor 500 (as described above), and when the fluid distributor 500 is connected to the footwear 100, it can be more easily and conveniently integrated into the overall structure of the footwear 100.

[0189] When no fluid flows through the associated fluid lines equipped with sensors 850A and 850B, these sensors 850A and 850B will typically measure the pressure in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 accurately (because sensors 850A and 850B are mounted at fluid lines in open fluid communication with the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400). However, because pressure sensors 850A and 850B are not directly included in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, pressure measurements taken at pressure sensors 850A and 850B within the manifold 800 or sealing connector 840 when fluid flows through the associated fluid lines may not correspond to the actual pressure stored in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400. For example, because fluid flows through relatively small-sized (e.g., smaller cross-sectional area and / or diameter) fluid lines within manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840, there may be significant flow restrictions for fluid flowing through manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840. This flow resistance at the locations of pressure sensors 850A, 850B results in a corresponding difference in pressure readings obtained at sensors 850A, 850B (and at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840) compared to the actual pressure at foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400. This “difference” between the sensed pressure and the actual pressure can be termed a “offset.” This flow resistance offset can also be affected by the flow velocity passing through pressure sensors 850A, 850B during fluid flow (i.e., velocity-dependent offset). The flow resistance offset may also be more significant shortly after fluid flow begins, stops, and / or changes significantly in rate.

[0190] For these reasons, systems and methods according to at least some aspects of this technology can determine “regulated” pressures (e.g., regulated for offset) based on pressure readings obtained at one or more pressure sensors (e.g., 850A, 850B) within manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840. These regulated pressures can then be used as inputs (e.g., input data from the microprocessor of on-board fluid distributor 500, input data from an external computing device controlling pressure change operations, etc.) to determine when to start and stop fluid flow (e.g., when to rotate valve stem 910 and / or when to change the configuration of one or more solenoids / solenoid valves (e.g., 4300A to 4300C, 4900A to 4900C) when regulating pressure in foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400). Using regulated pressures to control pressure changes allows the fluid flow control system to better achieve target pressures in response to pressure change inputs. For example, instead of directly using the pressure measured by sensors 850A and 850B, using regulated pressure allows the system and / or method to reach the target pressure more directly and / or with less pressure variation in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 (i.e., over-inflation or under-inflation compared to readings from actual pressure sensors 850A and 850B). Additionally or alternatively, this allows the system and / or method to reach the target pressure with fewer cycles of "starting" and "stopping" fluid flow, to reach the final target pressure (and particularly to fine-tune and regulate the pressure to the final target pressure with fewer short starting pulses).

[0191] In some instances of this aspect of the technology, a state observer model can be used to determine the regulated pressure due to flow rate-related offsets. The state observer model uses a system that provides an estimate of the internal state of a given actual system (in this instance, the actual pressure in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, PACTUAL) from measurements of the actual system (in this instance, pressure measurements at pressure sensors 850A, 850B (P850A, P850B) at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840). Figures 50A and 50B provide diagrams that help explain a potential state observer model. Figure 50A illustrates an electrical equivalent model 5000 of a pneumatic pressure control system of the type described herein, where the actual system includes a foot support bladder 200 (“cushion”) and a fluid container 400 (“canister”). In this model, the fluid container 400 and the foot support bladder 200 are modeled as capacitors and storing pressure. The fluid flow through the various parts of the system is modeled as resistors (e.g., the fluid flow between the fluid container 400 and the fluid transport system 900 is shown as resistor 5020, the fluid flow through the fluid transport system 900 is shown as resistor 5022, and the fluid flow between the foot support bladder 200 and the fluid transport system 900 is shown as resistor 5024).

[0192] Figure 50B illustrates how the state observer model 5000 of Figure 50A corresponds to the actual pressure measurements (and other relevant information) in sensors 850A and 850B. Line 5002 represents the desired target pressure in the foot support bladder 200 and shows the desired pressure change from approximately 18 psi to approximately 27 psi shortly before time 358.5. Lines 5004 and 5006 represent the operation of the solenoid valves for the fluid container 400 and the foot support bladder 200, respectively. These lines 5004 and 5006 show that both solenoid valves change configuration when the desired pressure change is triggered (shortly before time 358.5). The valve configuration change configures the solenoid to allow fluid to be transferred from the fluid container 400 to the foot support bladder 200 (thus increasing the pressure in the foot support bladder 200 and decreasing the pressure in the fluid container 400). Curve 5008 shows the actual pressure measurement obtained by sensor 850A in the manifold / sealed connector fluid line in fluid communication with fluid container 400, and curve 5010 shows the actual pressure measurement obtained by sensor 850B in the manifold / sealed connector fluid line in fluid communication with foot support bladder 200. It is clear from curves 5008 and 5010 that the actual sensor 850A and sensor 850B measurements jump significantly when flow begins and stops due to flow resistance offset. This flow resistance offset typically becomes more pronounced as the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid line decreases.

[0193] On the other hand, curves 5012 and 5014 show the pressure values ​​predicted / calculated by model 5000 of Figure 50A. As shown, these curves 5012 and 5014 do not have obvious "jumps" and therefore correspond better to the actual fluid pressure within fluid container 400 and / or foot support bladder 200. Based on the actual measured pressure readings at pressure sensors 850A and / or 850B, the state observer pressure values ​​can be calculated using model 5000. For example, based on the pressure sensor measurements 850A and 850B (which are related to the voltages measured by sensors 850A and 850B), and taking into account the known values ​​of the various resistors 5020, 5022, and 5024 and capacitors (canister and pad) assigned to model 5000, the voltages at fluid container model location 5026 and foot support bladder model location 5028 can be calculated. These calculated voltages correspond to the state observer pressure values ​​calculated by the pressure calculation.

[0194] These calculated state observer pressure values ​​can then be used as inputs corresponding to the pressures in the foot support bladder 200 and / or the fluid container 400. Using the calculated state observer pressure values ​​as pressure inputs and data allows systems and methods according to some instances of this technology to better control pressure changes, achieve target pressures more directly, and / or achieve target pressures with smaller pressure changes ("overshoot" (i.e., too much inflation) or "undershoot" (too much deflation), and / or achieve target pressures with fewer "start" and "stop" cycles of fluid flow (e.g., due to the lack of "jumps").

[0195] The adjusted pressure value (and the actual pressure in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400) can be determined using actual pressure readings from pressure sensors 850A and 850B. As an example, a laboratory physical model of the entire foot support system can be configured to include the same interconnected foot support bladder 200, fluid container 400, and fluid dispenser 500 components, but this model can be configured to additionally include pressure sensors in the foot support bladder 200 and fluid container 400 to measure the actual pressure in these components. Using this physical model, pressure measurements can then be taken at: (a) at pressure sensors 850A and 850B (P850A, P850B) located at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840, and (b) at additional pressure sensors included in the foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400, as part of a physical model (PACTUAL) under various operating conditions (e.g., using different flow rates, using different starting pressures, using different pressure variations, etc.). By comparing the actual pressure measurement of part (a) with the actual pressure measurement of part (b), the difference in the actual measured pressure can be used to develop a correction factor that will be used in systems and methods where the actual pressure measurement is available only at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840 (i.e., in actual shoes where no additional pressure sensor is directly included in foot support bladder 200 and / or fluid container 400 during use). The correction factor can take the form of a datasheet, a mathematical formula or equation for converting P850A, P850B into PACTUAL, a "best fit" curve, etc., and can be applied by a microprocessor to the actual pressure readings P850A, P850B. Applying an appropriate correction factor for the conditions to the pressure sensor measurements at manifold 800 and / or sealing connector 840 (P850A, P850B) provides an adjusted pressure value that can be used as an input for controlling pressure variations, for example, as described above. [III.] [ ] [in conclusion] [ ]

[0196] The invention has been disclosed above and in the drawings with reference to various embodiments. However, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention without limiting its scope. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0197] For the avoidance of doubt, this application, technology and invention shall include at least the subject matter described in the following numbered clauses:

[0198] Clause 1. A foot support system, comprising: Foot support bladder; A first sole component that engages with the foot support bladder, wherein the first sole component includes a plantar support surface at least in the heel support region of the foot support system and a sidewall forming the outer surface of the first sole component; Fluid containers; and A fluid dispenser engaged with the outer surface of the first sole component, wherein the fluid dispenser includes: (a) an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid supply source, (b) a first fluid passage for transferring fluid to an external environment, (c) a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, and (d) a third fluid passage in fluid communication with the fluid container.

[0199] Clause 2. The foot support system according to Clause 1 further includes a fluid supply source, the fluid supply source including a first pump, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment and the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid distributor.

[0200] Clause 3. The foot support system according to Clause 1 further includes a fluid supply source comprising a first pump and a second pump, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser.

[0201] Clause 4. The foot support system as described in Clause 3, wherein the second pump is a foot activation pump.

[0202] Clause 5. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4 further includes a fluid line having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the external environment and the second end is in fluid communication with the inlet of the first pump.

[0203] Clause 6. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4, wherein the first pump is a foot activation pump.

[0204] Clause 7. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the fluid distributor includes a housing having: (a) a first port opening to the first fluid passage, (b) a second port opening to the second fluid passage, and (c) a third port opening to the third fluid passage.

[0205] Clause 8. The foot support system according to Clause 7, wherein the first port, the second port and the third port are aligned on the side surface of the housing.

[0206] Clause 9. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the fluid dispenser comprises a housing having: (a) an inlet, (b) a first port opening to the first fluid passage, (c) a second port opening to the second fluid passage, and (d) a third port opening to the third fluid passage.

[0207] Clause 10. The foot support system according to Clause 9, wherein the inlet, the first port, the second port and the third port are aligned on the side surface of the housing.

[0208] Clause 11. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the fluid container comprises a fluid-filled bladder.

[0209] Clause 12. The foot support system according to Clause 11, wherein at least a portion of the fluid-filled bladder extends below the bottom surface of the foot support bladder.

[0210] Clause 13. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12 further includes: a second sole component engaged with the fluid container.

[0211] Clause 14. The foot support system according to Clause 13, wherein the heel support portion of the second sole member engages with the heel support portion of the first sole member.

[0212] Clause 15. A foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the outer surface of the first sole member includes a recess defined therein, and wherein at least a portion of the fluid dispenser is received in the recess.

[0213] Clause 16. The foot support system according to Clause 15, wherein the fluid distributor includes or is attached to an outer cage member that engages at least one of the first sole member or another sole member.

[0214] Clause 17. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the exposed external surface of the fluid distributor includes a user input system that receives input that triggers pressure regulation in the foot support bladder.

[0215] Clause 18. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17, wherein the fluid dispenser includes an antenna for receiving user input wirelessly from a remote device.

[0216] Clause 19. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the fluid distributor engages with the outer surface of the first sole member at the lateral heel portion of the first sole member.

[0217] Clause 20. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the foot support bladder is located at least in the forefoot support region of the foot support system.

[0218] Clause 21. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the foot support bladder is located in the forefoot support region of the foot support system and the fluid container is located in the heel support region of the foot support system.

[0219] Clause 22. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the foot support bladder is located in the heel support region of the foot support system and the fluid container is located in the forefoot support region of the foot support system.

[0220] Clause 23. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the foot support bladder is located at least in the heel support region of the foot support system.

[0221] Clause 24. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the fluid container is located at least in the forefoot support region of the foot support system.

[0222] Clause 25. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the fluid container is located at least in the heel support region of the foot support system.

[0223] Clause 26. A footwear product comprising:

[0224] upper; and

[0225] The foot support system according to any one of clauses 1 to 25 is coupled to the upper.

[0226] Clause 27. Footwear article as described in Clause 26, wherein a portion of the fluid dispenser is engaged with the upper.

[0227] Clause 28. A footwear product comprising:

[0228] vamp;

[0229] The first sole component that engages with the upper;

[0230] A foot support bladder that engages with the first sole component;

[0231] A fluid container engaged with at least one of the upper or the first sole component; and

[0232] A fluid dispenser engaged with at least one of the upper or the first sole component, wherein the fluid dispenser comprises: (a) an inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid supply source, (b) a first fluid passage for transferring fluid to an external environment, (c) a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the foot support bladder, and (d) a third fluid passage in fluid communication with the fluid container.

[0233] Clause 29. The footwear product according to Clause 28 further includes a fluid supply source, the fluid supply source including a first pump, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment and the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser.

[0234] Clause 30. The footwear product according to Clause 28 further includes a fluid supply source comprising a first pump and a second pump, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser.

[0235] Clause 31. Footwear articles as described in Clause 30, wherein the second pump is a foot activation pump.

[0236] Clause 32. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 29 to 31 further include a fluid line comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the external environment and the second end is in fluid communication with the inlet of the first pump.

[0237] Clause 33. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 29 to 32, wherein the first pump is a foot activation pump.

[0238] Clause 34. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 33, wherein the fluid dispenser includes a housing having: (a) a first port opening to the first fluid passage, (b) a second port opening to the second fluid passage, and (c) a third port opening to the third fluid passage.

[0239] Clause 35. Footwear article according to Clause 34, wherein the first port, the second port and the third port are aligned on the side surface of the housing.

[0240] Clause 36. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 35, wherein the fluid dispenser includes a housing having: (a) an inlet, (b) a first port opening to the first fluid passage, (c) a second port opening to the second fluid passage, and (d) a third port opening to the third fluid passage.

[0241] Clause 37. Footwear article according to Clause 36, wherein the inlet, the first port, the second port and the third port are aligned on the side surface of the housing.

[0242] Clause 38. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 28 to 37, wherein the fluid container comprises a fluid-filled bladder.

[0243] Clause 39. Footwear article according to Clause 38, wherein at least a portion of the fluid-filled bladder extends below the bottom surface of the foot support bladder.

[0244] Clause 40. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 39 further includes: a second sole component engaged with the fluid container.

[0245] Clause 41. The footwear article according to Clause 40, wherein the heel support portion of the second sole member engages with the heel support portion of the first sole member.

[0246] Clause 42. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 41, wherein the outer surface of the first sole member includes a recess defined therein, and wherein at least a portion of the fluid dispenser is received in the recess.

[0247] Clause 43. The footwear article according to Clause 42, wherein the fluid dispenser includes an outer cage component engaged with or connected to at least one of the first sole component or another sole component.

[0248] Clause 44. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 43, wherein the exposed external surface of the fluid dispenser includes a user input system that receives input that triggers pressure regulation in the foot support sac.

[0249] Clause 45. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 28 to 44, wherein the fluid dispenser includes an antenna for receiving user input wirelessly from a remote device.

[0250] Clause 46. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the foot support bladder is located at least in the forefoot support region of the footwear article.

[0251] Clause 47. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the foot support bladder is located in the forefoot support region of the footwear article and the fluid container is located in the heel support region of the footwear article.

[0252] Clause 48. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the foot support bladder is located in the heel support region of the footwear article and the fluid container is located in the forefoot support region of the footwear article.

[0253] Clause 49. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the foot support bladder is located at least in the heel support area of ​​the footwear article.

[0254] Clause 50. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the fluid container is located at least in the forefoot support area of ​​the footwear article.

[0255] Clause 51. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 45, wherein the fluid container is located at least in the heel support area of ​​the footwear article.

[0256] Clause 52. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 51, wherein the fluid dispenser engages with the outer surface of the first sole member at the lateral heel portion of the first sole member.

[0257] Clause 53. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 28 to 52, wherein the fluid dispenser engages with the upper at the heel region of the upper.

[0258] Clause 54. The footwear article according to Clause 53, wherein the heel region of the upper includes an insertion hole for attachment to one or more heel upper components, and wherein the fluid dispenser is accommodated in the insertion hole.

[0259] Clause 55. A fluid flow control system for footwear products, comprising:

[0260] valve housing;

[0261] A valve stem movably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the peripheral wall of the valve stem includes a plurality of through holes extending from the internal chamber to an outer surface of the peripheral wall;

[0262] A fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber; and

[0263] A manifold in fluid communication with the valve housing, wherein the manifold includes a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a first manifold port, a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a second manifold port, and a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a third manifold port.

[0264] By connecting one or more of the plurality of through holes to the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path, the movement of the valve stem to multiple positions selectively places the fluid flow control system into multiple operating states.

[0265] Clause 56. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 55, wherein the plurality of operating states includes two or more of the following:

[0266] (a) A first operating state at a first position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid inlet port passes through the peripheral wall and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0267] (b) A second operating state at the second position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid inlet port passes through the peripheral wall and enters the second fluid flow path.

[0268] (c) A third operating state at the third position of the valve stem, wherein fluid passes through the second fluid flow path, through the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the peripheral wall, and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0269] (d) A fourth operating state at the fourth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid passes through the third fluid flow path, through the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the peripheral wall, and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0270] (e) A fifth operating state at the fifth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid passes through the third fluid flow path, through the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the peripheral wall, and enters the second fluid flow path, and

[0271] (f) A sixth operating state at the sixth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid inlet port passes through the peripheral wall and enters the third fluid flow path.

[0272] Clause 57. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 55 or 56, wherein the first manifold port, the second manifold port, and the third manifold port are aligned along the outer side of the manifold.

[0273] Clause 58. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 57, wherein the fluid inlet port introduces fluid into the internal chamber at the second end of the valve stem.

[0274] Clause 59. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 58 further includes a sealing connector that engages the manifold and the valve housing.

[0275] Clause 60. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 59, wherein the sealing connector includes a sealing block body having a first sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the first fluid flow path, a second sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the second fluid flow path, and a third sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the third fluid flow path.

[0276] Clause 61. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 60, wherein the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel extend through the sealing block body in a parallel direction.

[0277] Clause 62. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 60 or 61, wherein the axial directions of the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel are aligned in the sealing block body.

[0278] Clause 63. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 60 to 62, wherein the outer surface of the sealing block body includes a first opening opening to the first sealing channel, a second opening opening to the second sealing channel, and a third opening opening to the third sealing channel, and wherein in each of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening, the second opening, and / or the third opening is aligned with one or more of the plurality of through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0279] Clause 64. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 59, wherein the sealing connector includes a first opening opening to a first sealing channel, and wherein, in at least one of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening is aligned with one of the plurality of through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0280] Clause 65. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 64 further includes a housing, the housing comprising at least the valve housing, the valve stem, the manifold, and the sealing connector.

[0281] Clause 66. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 65 further includes a drive system engaged at the first end of the valve stem, wherein the drive system moves the valve stem to at least the plurality of positions.

[0282] Clause 67. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 66, wherein the drive system includes an electric motor.

[0283] Clause 68. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 67, wherein the drive system further comprises a transmission device operatively coupled between the output of the electric motor and the first end of the valve stem.

[0284] Clause 69. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 66 to 68 further includes a housing, the housing comprising at least the valve housing, the valve stem, the manifold, and the drive system.

[0285] Clause 70. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 66 to 68 further includes a power source for supplying power to the drive system.

[0286] Clause 71. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 70, wherein the power source includes a battery.

[0287] Clause 72. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 70 or 71 further includes a housing that includes at least the valve housing, the valve stem, the manifold, the drive system, and the power supply.

[0288] Clause 73. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 72 further includes a sensor for determining the position of the valve stem relative to the valve housing.

[0289] Clause 74. The fluid flow control system pursuant to Clause 73, wherein the sensor includes a magnetic encoder.

[0290] Clause 75. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 73 or 74 further includes a housing that includes at least the valve housing, the valve stem, the manifold, and the sensor.

[0291] Clause 76. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 75 further includes a first pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path.

[0292] Clause 77. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 76, wherein the first pressure sensor is provided for determining the fluid pressure in the third fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid flow control system further comprises a second pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining the fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path.

[0293] Clause 78. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 55 to 77 further includes a housing, the housing comprising at least the valve housing, the valve stem, and the manifold.

[0294] Clause 79. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 78 further includes a connector that engages with the housing and includes: (a) a first connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the first manifold port; (b) a second connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the second manifold port; and (c) a third connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the third manifold port.

[0295] Clause 80. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 79, wherein the connector further comprises a fourth connector fluid path extending through the connector and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0296] Clause 81. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 80 further includes a first pump located in the fluid path between the connector and the fluid inlet port.

[0297] Clause 82. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 81 further includes a second pump located in the fluid path between the connector and the fluid inlet port.

[0298] Clause 83. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 82, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0299] Clause 84. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 80 to 83, wherein the fourth connector fluid path is in fluid communication with the external environment to introduce external fluid from the external environment.

[0300] Clause 85. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 84 further includes a filter for filtering the external fluid before it enters the fluid path of the fourth connector.

[0301] Clause 86. A fluid flow control system for footwear products, comprising:

[0302] A manifold, comprising: (a) a fluid inlet path extending through the manifold to a fluid inlet port; (b) a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a first manifold port; (c) a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a second manifold port; and (d) a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold to a third manifold port.

[0303] A valve housing in fluid communication with the manifold, wherein the valve housing includes a fluid inlet path in fluid communication with the fluid inlet path of the manifold; and

[0304] A valve stem rotatably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the fluid inlet path of the valve housing is in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the valve stem.

[0305] Rotating the valve stem to multiple rotational positions selectively places the fluid flow control system into several operating states, including the following:

[0306] (a) A first operating state at a first rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid intake path passes through a first through-hole in the peripheral wall and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0307] (b) A second operating state at the second rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid intake path passes through the second through-hole in the peripheral wall and enters the second fluid flow path.

[0308] (c) In the third operating state at the third rotational position of the valve stem, the fluid passes through the second fluid flow path, through the third through hole in the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the fourth through hole in the peripheral wall, and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0309] (d) In the fourth operating state at the fourth rotational position of the valve stem, the fluid passes through the third fluid flow path, through the fifth through hole of the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the sixth through hole of the peripheral wall, and enters the first fluid flow path.

[0310] (e) In the fifth operating state at the fifth rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid passes through the third fluid flow path, through the seventh through hole of the peripheral wall, through the internal chamber, through the eighth through hole of the peripheral wall, and enters the second fluid flow path, and

[0311] (f) The sixth operating state at the sixth rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid introduced into the internal chamber through the fluid intake path passes through the ninth through hole of the peripheral wall and enters the third fluid flow path.

[0312] Clause 87. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 86, wherein the fluid inlet port, the first manifold port, the second manifold port, and the third manifold port are aligned along the outer side of the manifold.

[0313] Clause 88. A fluid flow control system according to Clause 86 or 87, wherein the fluid intake path introduces fluid into the internal chamber at the second end of the valve stem.

[0314] Clause 89. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 88 further includes a sealing connector that engages the manifold and the valve housing.

[0315] Clause 90. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 89, wherein the sealing connector includes a sealing block body having a first sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the first fluid flow path, a second sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the second fluid flow path, and a third sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the third fluid flow path.

[0316] Clause 91. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 90, wherein the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel extend through the sealing block body in a parallel direction.

[0317] Clause 92. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 90 or 91, wherein the axial directions of the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel are aligned in the sealing block body.

[0318] Clause 93. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 90 to 92, wherein the outer surface of the sealing block body includes a first opening to the first sealing channel, a second opening to the second sealing channel, and a third opening to the third sealing channel, and wherein at each of the first rotational position, the second rotational position, the third rotational position, the fourth rotational position, the fifth rotational position, and the sixth rotational position, the degree of rotational alignment of the first opening, the second opening, and / or the third opening of the sealing block body relative to at least one of the through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0319] Clause 94. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 89, wherein the sealing connector includes a first opening opening to a first sealing channel, and wherein, in at least one of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening is aligned with one of the through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0320] Clause 95. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 94 further includes a rotary drive system engaged at the first end of the valve stem, wherein the rotary drive system moves the valve stem to at least the plurality of rotary positions.

[0321] Clause 96. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 95, wherein the rotary drive system comprises an electric motor.

[0322] Clause 97. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 96, wherein the rotary drive system further includes a transmission device operatively coupled between the output of the electric motor and the first end of the valve stem.

[0323] Clause 98. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 95 to 97 further includes a power source for supplying power to the rotary drive system.

[0324] Clause 99. The fluid flow control system as described in Clause 98, wherein the power source includes a battery.

[0325] Clause 100. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 99 further includes a sensor for determining the rotational position of the valve stem.

[0326] Clause 101. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 100, wherein the sensor includes a magnetic encoder.

[0327] Clause 102. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 101 further includes a first pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path.

[0328] Clause 103. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 102, wherein the first pressure sensor is provided for determining the fluid pressure in the third fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid flow control system further comprises a second pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining the fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path.

[0329] Clause 104. The fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 103 further includes a housing, the housing comprising at least the manifold, the valve housing, and the valve stem.

[0330] Clause 105. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 104 further includes a connector that engages with the housing and includes: (a) a first connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the first manifold port; (b) a second connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the second manifold port; and (c) a third connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the third manifold port.

[0331] Clause 106. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 105, wherein the connector further includes a fourth connector fluid path extending through the connector and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0332] Clause 107. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 106 further includes a first pump located in the fluid path between the connector and the fluid inlet port.

[0333] Clause 108. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 107 further includes a second pump located in the fluid path between the connector and the fluid inlet port.

[0334] Clause 109. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 108, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0335] Clause 110. A fluid flow control system according to any one of Clauses 106 to 109, wherein the fourth connector fluid path is in fluid communication with the external environment to introduce external fluid from the external environment.

[0336] Clause 111. The fluid flow control system according to Clause 110 further includes a filter for filtering the external fluid before it enters the fluid path of the fourth connector.

[0337] Clause 112. A foot support system, comprising:

[0338] Foot support bladder;

[0339] Fluid containers; and

[0340] A fluid flow control system according to any one of clauses 55 to 111, for moving fluid into and out of the foot support bladder and the fluid container.

[0341] Clause 113. A footwear product comprising:

[0342] vamp;

[0343] The sole structure that joins the upper; and

[0344] According to Clause 112, the foot support system wherein the foot support bladder is engaged with or formed as part of the sole structure.

[0345] Clause 114. A foot support system for footwear, comprising:

[0346] Foot support bladder;

[0347] fluid container;

[0348] Fluid supply source;

[0349] valve housing;

[0350] A valve stem movably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the peripheral wall of the valve stem includes a plurality of through holes extending from the internal chamber to an outer surface of the peripheral wall;

[0351] A fluid inlet port that connects the fluid supply source to the internal chamber; and

[0352] The manifold includes: (a) a first manifold port fluidly connected to an external environment and leading to a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold; (b) a second manifold port fluidly connected to the foot support bladder and leading to a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold; and (c) a third manifold port fluidly connected to the fluid container and leading to a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold.

[0353] The foot support system is selectively placed in multiple operating states by moving the valve stem to multiple positions by connecting one or more of the plurality of through holes of the valve stem to the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path.

[0354] Clause 115. The foot support system according to Clause 114, wherein the plurality of operating states includes two or more of the following:

[0355] (a) A first operating state at a first position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source, through the fluid inlet port, into the internal chamber, through the first fluid flow path, through the first manifold port, and reaches the external environment.

[0356] (b) A second operating state at the second position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source, through the fluid inlet port, into the internal chamber, through the second fluid flow path, through the second manifold port, and into the foot support bladder.

[0357] (c) In a third operating state at the third position of the valve stem, fluid moves from the foot support bladder, through the second manifold port, through the second fluid flow path, into the internal chamber, through the first fluid flow path, through the first manifold port, and into the external environment.

[0358] (d) In the fourth operating state at the fourth position of the valve stem, fluid moves from the fluid container, through the third manifold port, through the third fluid flow path, into the internal chamber, through the first fluid flow path, through the first manifold port, and reaches the external environment.

[0359] (e) In the fifth operating state at the fifth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid container, through the third manifold port, into the internal chamber, through the second fluid flow path, through the second manifold port, and into the foot support bladder, and

[0360] (f) A sixth operating state at the sixth position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source, through the fluid inlet port, into the internal chamber, through the third fluid flow path, through the third manifold port, and into the fluid container.

[0361] Clause 116. The foot support system according to Clause 114 or 115, wherein the first manifold port, the second manifold port and the third manifold port are aligned along the outer side of the manifold.

[0362] Clause 117. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 116, wherein the fluid inlet port introduces fluid into the internal chamber at the second end of the valve stem.

[0363] Clause 118. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 117 further includes a sealing connector that engages the manifold and the valve housing.

[0364] Clause 119. The foot support system according to Clause 118, wherein the sealing connector includes a sealing block body having a first sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the first fluid flow path, a second sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the second fluid flow path, and a third sealing channel extending from the peripheral wall to the third fluid flow path.

[0365] Clause 120. The foot support system according to Clause 119, wherein the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel, and the third sealing channel extend in a parallel direction through the sealing block body and / or are aligned within the sealing block body.

[0366] Clause 121. The foot support system according to Clause 119 or 120, wherein the outer surface of the sealing block body includes a first opening opening to the first sealing channel, a second opening opening to the second sealing channel, and a third opening opening to the third sealing channel, and wherein in each of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening, the second opening, and / or the third opening is aligned with one or more of the plurality of through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0367] Clause 122. The foot support system according to Clause 118, wherein the sealing connector includes a first opening opening to a first sealing channel, and wherein, in at least one of the plurality of operating states, the degree to which the first opening is aligned with one of the plurality of through holes in the peripheral wall of the valve stem is adjustable to allow control of the rate of fluid flow through the sealing connector.

[0368] Clause 123. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 122 further includes a drive system engaged at the first end of the valve stem, wherein the drive system moves the valve stem to at least the plurality of positions.

[0369] Clause 124. The foot support system as described in Clause 123, wherein the drive system includes an electric motor.

[0370] Clause 125. The foot support system according to Clause 124, wherein the drive system further includes a transmission device operatively coupled between the output of the electric motor and the first end of the valve stem.

[0371] Clause 126. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 123 to 125 further includes a power source for supplying power to the drive system.

[0372] Clause 127. The foot support system as described in Clause 126, wherein the power source includes a battery.

[0373] Clause 128. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 127 further includes a sensor for determining the position of the valve stem relative to the valve housing.

[0374] Clause 129. The foot support system as described in Clause 128, wherein the sensor includes a magnetic encoder.

[0375] Clause 130. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 129 further includes a first pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path, the second fluid flow path, or the third fluid flow path.

[0376] Clause 131. The foot support system according to Clause 130, wherein the first pressure sensor is provided for determining the fluid pressure in the third fluid flow path, and wherein the foot support system further comprises a second pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for determining the fluid pressure in at least one of the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path.

[0377] Clause 132. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 131 further includes a housing, the housing comprising at least the valve housing, the valve stem, and the manifold.

[0378] Clause 133. The foot support system according to Clause 132 further includes a connector that engages with the housing and includes: (a) a first connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the first manifold port; (b) a second connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the second manifold port; and (c) a third connector fluid path extending through the connector and connected to the third manifold port.

[0379] Clause 134. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 133 further includes a fluid supply line extending from the fluid supply source to the fluid inlet port.

[0380] Clause 135. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 134 further includes a fluid line extending from the first manifold port to the external environment.

[0381] Clause 136. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 135 further includes a foot support fluid line extending from the foot support system to the second manifold port.

[0382] Clause 137. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 136 further includes a container fluid line extending from the fluid container to the third manifold port.

[0383] Clause 138. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 114 to 137, wherein the fluid supply source comprises a first pump in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0384] Clause 139. The foot support system according to Clause 138, wherein the fluid supply source includes a second pump in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0385] Clause 140. The foot support system according to Clause 138, wherein the outlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump, and wherein the outlet of the second pump is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port.

[0386] Clause 141. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 138 to 140, wherein the inlet of the first pump is in fluid communication with the external environment.

[0387] Clause 142. The foot support system according to Clause 141 further includes a filter for filtering the external fluid before it enters the first pump.

[0388] Clause 143. The foot support system according to any one of Clauses 138 to 142 further includes an external fluid supply line for supplying fluid from the external environment to the first pump.

[0389] Clause 144. A footwear article comprising:

[0390] upper; and

[0391] The foot support system according to any one of clauses 114 to 143 is coupled to the upper.

[0392] Clause 145. A foot support system, comprising:

[0393] Foot support bladder;

[0394] fluid container;

[0395] Fluid supply source;

[0396] The manifold includes: (a) a fluid inlet port fluidly connected to the fluid supply source and leading to a fluid inlet path extending through the manifold; (b) a first manifold port fluidly connected to the external environment and leading to a first fluid flow path extending through the manifold; (c) a second manifold port fluidly connected to the foot support bladder and leading to a second fluid flow path extending through the manifold; and (d) a third manifold port fluidly connected to the fluid container and leading to a third fluid flow path extending through the manifold.

[0397] A valve housing in fluid communication with the manifold, wherein the valve housing includes a fluid inlet path in fluid communication with the fluid inlet path of the manifold; and

[0398] A valve stem rotatably mounted in the valve housing, wherein the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a peripheral wall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end, the second end, and the peripheral wall define an internal chamber of the valve stem, and wherein the fluid inlet path of the valve housing is in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the valve stem.

[0399] Rotating the valve stem to multiple rotational positions selectively places the foot support system into several operating states, including the following:

[0400] (a) A first operating state at a first rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source, through the fluid inlet port, into the internal chamber, through the first fluid flow path, through the first manifold port, and reaches the external environment.

[0401] (b) A second operating state at the second rotational position of the valve stem, wherein fluid moves from the fluid supply source, through the fluid inlet port, into the internal chamber, through the second fluid flow path, through the second manifold port, and into the foot support bladder.

[0402] (c) In the third operating state at the third rotational position of the valve stem, fluid moves from the foot support bladder, through the second manifold port,...

Claims

1. A method for changing the fluid pressure in a component of footwear, comprising: (a) Receive input data indicating a target pressure in a first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component is a foot support bladder or a fluid container; (b) Allowing fluid to flow through a continuous fluid line extending between a first port of a manifold or sealing connector and a second port of the manifold or sealing connector, wherein the first port is in fluid communication with the first footwear component and wherein the second port is in fluid communication with a second footwear component or the external environment; (c) Measuring the fluid pressure in the continuous fluid line using a first pressure sensor as the fluid flows through the continuous fluid line; (d) Determining an adjusted fluid pressure based on the fluid pressure measured by the first pressure sensor during the measurement step; and (e) Stopping fluid flow through the continuous fluid line when the adjusted fluid pressure determined in the determination step is within a predetermined range of the target pressure.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first footwear component is a foot support bladder, and the second port is in fluid communication with the external environment.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the fluid moves along a direction from the foot support bladder to the second port to reduce the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first footwear component is a foot support bladder, and the second port is in fluid communication with the second footwear component.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the fluid moves along a direction from the second footwear component to the foot support bladder to increase the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the second footwear component is a fluid container.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first footwear component is a fluid container and the second port is in fluid communication with the external environment.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the fluid moves in a direction from the fluid container to the second port to reduce the fluid pressure in the fluid container.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first footwear component is a fluid container and the second port is in fluid communication with the second footwear component.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the fluid moves in a direction from the first footwear component to the second footwear component to reduce the fluid pressure in the first footwear component.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the second footwear component is a foot support pouch.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adjusted fluid pressure estimates the fluid pressure in the first footwear component.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adjusted fluid pressure corrects for the flow rate-related offset between the fluid pressure measured by the first pressure sensor during the measurement step and the actual fluid pressure in the first footwear component.

14. The method according to request item 1, wherein the step of receiving input data includes: Receive data indicating a desired increase or decrease in fluid pressure in the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component includes a foot support bladder.

15. The method according to request item 1, wherein the step of receiving input data includes: It interacts with an input button mounted on the footwear to indicate a desired increase or decrease in fluid pressure in the first footwear component.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the input data indicates a desired increase or decrease in fluid pressure in the first footwear component, the step of moving the fluid comprises: The fluid is moved from the first footwear component to the external environment through the continuous fluid pipeline.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the input data indicates a desired increase or decrease in fluid pressure in the first footwear component, the step of moving the fluid comprises: The fluid is moved from the second footwear component to the first footwear component through the continuous fluid line.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the input data indicates a desired increase or decrease in fluid pressure in the first footwear component, the step of moving the fluid comprises: The fluid is moved from the external environment to the first footwear component through the continuous fluid pipeline.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of moving the fluid comprises: Rotate the valve stem to a first rotation position to allow fluid to move through the continuous fluid line between the first port and the second port and change the fluid pressure of the first footwear component to the target pressure.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of moving the fluid comprises: Selectively, one or more solenoids are positioned in a configuration necessary to allow fluid to move through the continuous fluid line between the first port and the second port and to change the fluid pressure to the target pressure.

21. A foot support system for footwear, comprising: The first footwear component includes a foot support sac or fluid container; A first fluid line extending between a first port of a manifold or sealed connector and a second port of the manifold or sealed connector, wherein the first port is in fluid communication with the first footwear component and wherein the second port is in fluid communication with the second footwear component or the external environment; a first pressure sensor configured to measure fluid pressure in the first fluid line; and a control system configured to change fluid pressure in the first footwear component, wherein the control system is configured to: (1) receive input data indicating a target pressure in the first footwear component; (2) receive fluid pressure data measured in the first fluid line as fluid flows through the first pressure sensor; (3) determine an adjusted fluid pressure based on the fluid pressure measured in the first fluid line; and (4) stop fluid flow through the first fluid line when the adjusted fluid pressure is determined to be within a predetermined range of the target pressure.

22. The foot support system according to claim 21, wherein the first footwear component is a foot support bladder, and the second port is in fluid communication with the external environment.

23. The foot support system according to claim 22, wherein, When it is desired to reduce the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder, the control system is configured to move the fluid in a direction from the foot support bladder to the second port.

24. The foot support system according to claim 21, wherein the first footwear component is a foot support bladder, and the second port is in fluid communication with the second footwear component.

25. The foot support system according to claim 24, wherein, When it is desired to increase the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder, the control system is configured to move the fluid in the direction from the second footwear component to the foot support bladder.

26. The foot support system according to claim 21, wherein the first footwear component is a fluid container and the second port is in fluid communication with the external environment.

27. The foot support system according to claim 21, wherein the first footwear component is a fluid container and the second port is in fluid communication with the second footwear component.

28. The foot support system according to claim 27, wherein, When it is desired to increase the fluid pressure in the second footwear component, the control system is configured to move the fluid in a direction from the first footwear component to the second footwear component.

29. The foot support system according to claim 21, wherein the regulated fluid pressure estimates the fluid pressure in the first footwear component.

30. The foot support system according to claim 21, wherein the adjusted fluid pressure corrects for a flow rate-related offset between the fluid pressure measured by the first pressure sensor in the first fluid line and the actual fluid pressure in the first footwear component.

31. The foot support system of claim 21, wherein the control system is configured to receive data indicating a desired increase or decrease in fluid pressure in the first footwear component, wherein the first footwear component includes a foot support bladder.

32. The foot support system according to claim 31, wherein the control system comprises: An input button, wherein the user's interaction with the input button provides input data indicating a desired increase or decrease in fluid pressure in the first footwear component.

33. The foot support system according to claim 32, wherein, When the input data indicates a desire to reduce the fluid pressure in the first footwear component, the control system is configured to move fluid from the first footwear component to the external environment through the first fluid line.

34. The foot support system according to claim 32, wherein, When the input data indicates a desire to increase the fluid pressure in the first footwear component, the control system is configured to move fluid from the second footwear component to the first footwear component through the first fluid line.

35. The foot support system according to claim 21, further comprising a valve stem that is selectively movable to supply fluid to and receive fluid from the first fluid line.

36. The foot support system according to claim 21, further comprising one or more solenoids selectively configured to supply fluid to and receive fluid from the first fluid line.

37. A foot support system for footwear, comprising: A first fluid line, comprising a manifold or a sealed connector, wherein the first fluid line extends between a first port of the manifold or the sealed connector and a second port of the manifold or the sealed connector; a foot support bladder in fluid communication with the first port; a fluid container in fluid communication with the second port; a first pressure sensor configured to measure fluid pressure in the first fluid line; and a control system for changing the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder, wherein the control system is configured to: (1) receive input data indicating a target pressure in the foot support bladder; (2) receive fluid pressure data measured in the first fluid line as fluid flows through the first fluid line from the first pressure sensor; (3) determine an adjusted fluid pressure based on the fluid pressure measured in the first fluid line; and (4) stop fluid flow through the first fluid line when the adjusted fluid pressure is determined to be within a predetermined range of the target pressure.

38. The foot support system according to claim 37, wherein: When the input data indicates a desired reduction in the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder, the control system is configured to move fluid through the first fluid line from the foot support bladder to the external environment; and when the input data indicates a desired increase in the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder, the control system is configured to move fluid through the first fluid line from the fluid container to the foot support bladder.

39. The foot support system according to claim 37, wherein the regulated fluid pressure estimates the fluid pressure in the foot support bladder.

40. The foot support system according to claim 37, wherein the regulated fluid pressure corrects for a flow rate-dependent offset between the fluid pressure measured by the first pressure sensor in the first fluid line and the actual fluid pressure in the foot support bladder.

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