Patent ID: 7340851
Filing Date: 2008-03-11
Classification: A43B,A43C,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An article of footwear, comprising: an inflatable bladder; an underfoot inflation mechanism disposed in a location that allows operation by the downward pressure of a wearer's foot, said inflation mechanism having an inlet and an outlet, wherein said outlet is fluidly connected to said inflatable bladder and said inlet is positioned so as to be closed by the downward pressure of the wearer's foot upon operation of said inflation mechanism; a valve disposed between said outlet and said inflatable bladder, wherein said valve limits air flow from said inflatable bladder to said inflation mechanism; and an adjustable check valve fluidly connected to said inflatable bladder, wherein said check valve is disposed on a portion of said inflatable bladder and provides direct communication between said inflatable bladder and the ambient atmosphere when the fluid pressure in said bladder is greater than a predetermined pressure and wherein said predetermined pressure is adjustable by said adjustable check valve.