Patent ID: 8037623
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: A43B

Abstract:
1. An article of footwear, comprising: a first sheet of thermoplastic elastomeric film and a second sheet of thermoplastic elastomeric film, wherein said first sheet is welded to said second sheet to form an inflation mechanism and an inflatable bladder, wherein both said inflation mechanism and said inflatable bladder are formed by both said first sheet and said second sheet and wherein said inflation mechanism is monolithic with said inflatable bladder; an air inlet fluidly connected to said inflation mechanism for introducing ambient air outside of said inflatable bladder to said inflation mechanism; and a valve, wherein said inflation mechanism is fluidly connected to said inflatable bladder through said valve, wherein said valve permits air flow from said inflation mechanism to said inflatable bladder, and wherein said valve limits air flow from said inflatable bladder to said inflation mechanism; wherein said inflation mechanism is positioned so as to be operated by the downward pressure of a wearer's foot.