Low profile deflation mechanism for an inflatable bladder
US7900378B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B23/029
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An article of footwear includes a movable knob and a lever coupled to the knob. The movable knob is accessible from an exterior surface of the article of footwear and has a substantially low profile with respect to the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The lever has a first position in which the lever lays flat against the knob and a second position wherein the lever is positioned for a user to move the knob via the lever. In one embodiment, an article of footwear also includes an inflatable bladder, an inflation mechanism and a deflation mechanism. The knob is part of a deflation mechanism including a cap and a base, wherein the base is anchored to the inflatable bladder and the cap is rotatable with respect to the base. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a movable knob accessible from an exterior surface of the article of footwear and an apron substantially surrounding the movable knob. The apron includes ramped sides and provides a substantially low profile to the knob with respect to the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The apron may be temporarily removed from the knob such that a user may access the knob.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.