Bladder with multi-stage regionalized cushioning
US7132032B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B13/20
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.