Foot support systems including fluid movement controllers and adjustable foot support pressure

US12369688B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NIKE, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Stepan Ryabinin · Portland, US
• Narissa Chang · Portland, US
• Remy Pieron · San Francisco, US
• Adam Vollmer · Palo Alto, US
• Michael Allison · Ridgefield, US
• Michael Fairchild · Vancouver, US
• Ethan Vella · Portland, US
• Daniel Weeks · Portland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 28, 2022
• Grant date: Jul 29, 2025
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16K31/06
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Such systems may include: (a) a first solenoid including first, second, and third ports; (b) a valve in fluid communication with the first solenoid's first port; and (c) a second solenoid including first, second, and third ports (the first port in fluid communication with the valve). Each of the first and second solenoids is switchable to: (a) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and second port and (b) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and third port. The valve is switchable between open and closed configurations. The solenoid and valve configurations are used to selectively place the systems in plural operational states.