Configurable fluid transfer manifold for inflatable footwear
US7934521B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 3, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87885
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A configurable fluid transfer system for inflatable footwear includes a manifold. The manifold has a top surface, a bottom surface with a plurality of openings, a lateral side with at least one opening, a medial side, a heel side with a plurality of openings and a forefoot side. The manifold is part of an inflation system having an underfoot pump connected to one of the plurality of openings in the heel side of the manifold, an inflatable forefoot bladder connected to two of the plurality of openings in the bottom surface of the manifold and an inflatable heel bladder connected to one of the plurality of openings in the bottom surface of the manifold. fluid flows from the underfoot pump to the inflatable forefoot bladder through a one-way valve and into a first channel in the manifold connected to a forefoot bladder. The fluid inflates the forefoot bladder and exits into a second channel in the manifold. fluid flows from the inflatable forefoot bladder to the inflatable heel bladder through the second channel and inflates the heel bladder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.