18390371. Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers simplified abstract (NIKE, Inc.)
Contents
- 1 Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 How does this technology compare to existing foot support systems in terms of cost-effectiveness?
- 1.11 What are the potential maintenance requirements for foot support systems utilizing this technology?
- 1.12 Original Abstract Submitted
Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Aaron B. Weast of Portland OR (US)
Timothy P. Hopkins of Lake Oswego OR (US)
Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18390371 titled 'Adjustable Foot Support Systems Including Fluid-Filled Bladder Chambers
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes foot support systems for articles of footwear that allow for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion and moving fluid between various portions of the system.
- Foot support systems for articles of footwear
- Systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion
- Systems for moving fluid between various portions of the foot support system
- Components include a foot support bladder, a pump, and a fluid reservoir
- Two or more fluid transfer lines connect these components
- Fluid lines equipped with fluid flow control devices and/or check valves
- Enable selective movement of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the foot support bladder
- Enable setting and maintaining two or more foot support pressures in the foot support bladder
Potential Applications
This technology could be applied in athletic footwear, medical orthotics, and work boots to provide customizable support and comfort.
Problems Solved
This technology solves the problem of one-size-fits-all foot support by allowing users to adjust the firmness and pressure of the support system to their individual needs.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include improved comfort, reduced foot fatigue, and potentially preventing foot injuries by providing tailored support.
Potential Commercial Applications
The potential commercial applications of this technology could include sports shoe companies, medical device manufacturers, and workwear brands looking to offer innovative foot support solutions.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be adjustable air cushioning systems in footwear, which have been used to provide customizable cushioning and support for the feet.
Unanswered Questions
How does this technology compare to existing foot support systems in terms of cost-effectiveness?
Answer: The article does not provide information on the cost-effectiveness of this technology compared to existing foot support systems.
What are the potential maintenance requirements for foot support systems utilizing this technology?
Answer: The article does not address the potential maintenance requirements for foot support systems utilizing this technology.
Original Abstract Submitted
Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system. Such systems may include: a foot support bladder, a pump, and a fluid reservoir. Two or more fluid transfer lines may be provided to connect these components, and these fluid lines are equipped with fluid flow control device(s) and/or check valves to enable selective movement of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the foot support bladder. Such systems enable one to set and maintain two or more foot support pressures in the foot support bladder.
