Patent ID: 7448150
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: A43B

Abstract:
1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole; an outsole; an insert disposed within said sole having a plurality of fluidly connected chambers, wherein each of said chambers is defined by a first surface and a second surface, wherein at least one of said surfaces has a molded shape, wherein said insert is inflatable to more than one pressure and wherein said insert retains substantially the same volume at ambient pressure and when inflated to a pressure greater than ambient pressure; an inflation mechanism fluidly connected to said insert, said inflation mechanism comprising an inlet for ambient air; and a one-way valve between said inflation mechanism and said insert; wherein said sole further comprises a sole plate including an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of holes extending from said upper surface to said lower surface for receiving said chambers; wherein said insert is positioned adjacent said upper surface of said sole plate, whereby said chambers extend through said holes towards said outsole positioned adjacent said lower surface of said sole plate.