Footwear Structures Providing Compression and Thermal Treatment

Footwear components apply heat, cooling, and/or pressure to a wearer's foot/leg/ankle. Such footwear includes one or more of: (a) an interior upper layer formed from one or more interior upper component parts; (b) an exterior upper layer formed from one or more exterior upper component parts and engaged with the interior upper layer, wherein the interior and exterior upper layers define an ankle-receiving chamber of the footwear upper; (c) a fluid-filled bladder system including a first fluid chamber located between the interior and exterior upper layers; (d) a heating and/or cooling system having at least a portion engaged with the first fluid chamber; (e) a fluid source component (e.g., pump, compressor, etc.) in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber and configured to supply fluid to the first fluid chamber; (f) a power source; and/or (g) a securing system for releasably securing the footwear upper to a wearer's foot/leg/ankle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates to articles of footwear and/or footwear uppers that apply heat, cooling, and/or pressure to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making and/or using such footwear products.

BACKGROUND

Proper care of the feet and/or ankles can help improve an athlete's performance and help the athlete recover. Such care includes proper stretching, warm-up, and cool-down activities. But many athletes fail to take proper care for a variety of reasons, e.g., lack of training, uncertainty of techniques, inconvenience, etc.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts relating to this technology in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

Aspects of this technology relate to articles of footwear and/or footwear uppers that apply heat, cooling, and/or pressure to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making and/or using such articles of footwear and/or footwear uppers.

As some more specific examples, aspects of this technology relate to footwear uppers that include one or more of: (a) an interior upper layer formed from one or more interior upper component parts; (b) an exterior upper layer formed from one or more exterior upper component parts and engaged with the interior upper layer, wherein the interior upper layer and the exterior upper layer define an ankle-receiving chamber of the footwear upper; (c) a fluid-filled bladder system including a first fluid chamber located between the interior upper layer and the exterior upper layer; (d) a heating system having at least a portion engaged with the first fluid chamber; (c) a fluid source component in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber and configured to supply fluid to the first fluid chamber; (f) a power source for supplying power to at least the heating system; and/or (g) a securing system for releasably securing the footwear upper to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. Additional aspects of this technology relate to articles of footwear that include footwear uppers as described above engaged with a sole structure.

Additional aspects of this technology relate to sole structures for articles of footwear that include: (a) a sole component, wherein a recess is defined in the sole component, wherein one or more vents are defined in a material of the sole component, the one or more vents including: (i) one or more through hole openings extending from the recess to an exterior surface of the sole component (e.g., in the top surface of the recess) and/or (ii) one or more elongated channels defined in a material of the sole component and extending from the recess to the exterior surface of the sole component; and (b) a power source at least partially received in the recess. Additional aspects of this technology relate to articles of footwear that include sole structures as described above engaged with a footwear upper.

Still additional aspects of this technology relate to articles of footwear that include footwear uppers as described above engaged with sole structures as described above.

Additional aspects of this technology relate to articles of footwear that include: (A) a sole structure; (B) a footwear upper engaged with the sole structure, wherein the footwear upper includes: (i) a fluid-filled bladder system including a first fluid chamber zone and a second fluid chamber zone, and (ii) a securing system for releasably securing the footwear upper to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle; (C) a fluid transfer system configured to move fluid: (i) into and out of the first fluid chamber zone, (ii) into and out of the second fluid chamber zone, and (iii) in a manner to cyclically and sequentially increase pressure and decrease pressure in each of the first fluid chamber zone and the second fluid chamber zone; and (D) a power source for supplying power to the fluid transfer system.

Additional aspects of this technology relate to footwear systems for applying cooling, heat, and/or pressure to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. Such footwear systems may include footwear uppers of the various types described above and/or footwear sole structures of the various types described above. The footwear systems further may include an electronic control system engaged with at least one of the footwear upper and the sole structure, the electronic control system being configured to control the cooling, heat, and/or pressure applied to the wearer's foot.

Still additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of using footwear uppers, sole structures, articles of footwear, and/or footwear systems, e.g., of the types described above, for treating a foot, ankle, and/or leg of a wearer. Such methods may include: (a) placing a foot in an interior chamber of a footwear upper, article of footwear, and/or footwear system, e.g., of the types described above; (b) securing the footwear upper to the foot, ankle, and/or leg using a securing system; (c) powering a heating system to apply heat to the foot, ankle, and/or leg; (d) powering a cooling system to apply cooling to the foot, ankle, and/or leg; and (e) powering a fluid source component (e.g., a pump, a compressor, etc.) to change fluid pressure in the fluid-filled bladder system to thereby apply compressive force to the foot, ankle, and/or leg.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the present technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

“Footwear,” as that term is used herein, means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, dance shoes, etc.), and the like.

The term “rearward” as used herein means at or toward the heel region of the article of footwear (or component thereof), and the term “forward” as used herein means at or toward a forefoot or forward toe region of the article of footwear (or component thereof). Unless otherwise defined, the terms “heel area” or “heel region” refer to a rearmost ⅓ of an article of footwear and/or footwear component; the terms “forefoot area” or “forefoot region” refer to a forwardmost ⅓ of an article of footwear and/or footwear component; and the terms “midfoot area,” “midfoot region,” or “arch region” refer to a central ⅓ of an article of footwear and/or footwear component (e.g., located between the heel area and the forefoot area). Also, the term “lateral” means the “little toe” side or outside area of an article of footwear or component thereof (e.g., an upper, a sole structure, etc.), and the term “medial” means the “big toe” side or inside area of an article of footwear or component thereof (e.g., an upper, a sole structure, etc.).

This application describes that footwear upper components and/or bladder components may be configured and arranged to “wrap” around a wearer's ankle and/or leg. The term “wrap” (and variation thereof) as used herein in this context, means that the wrapping component extends around at least 90% of a circumference of the body part being “wrapped.” In some examples of this technology, a “wrapped” ankle or leg portion will have at least 90% of its circumference wrapped, e.g., from a forward lateral side, around a rear, and to a forward medial side, potentially leaving a small gap (10% of the circumference or less) at a forward portion of the ankle or leg. The small gap may be present, for example, due to the securing system, due to a large leg size, due to the design of the securing system and/or straps, etc. The term “completely wrapped” (and variations thereof) means that the wrapping component extends around 100% of the circumference of the body part being “wrapped.” In other examples of this technology, however, the footwear upper components and/or bladder components may be configured and arranged to at least partially extend around a body part (e.g., extend around at least a part of a wearer's ankle and/or leg). As some more specific examples, the footwear upper components and/or bladder components may be configured and arranged to extend around at least 75%, at least 80%, or even at least 85% of a circumference of the body part (e.g., around a wearer's ankle and/or leg) (and, in some examples, one or more strap members or other securing devices may extend around the remainder of the circumference to attach the footwear upper components and/or bladder components to the wearer's body part (e.g., around a wearer's ankle and/or leg)).

This application and/or its claims may use the terms, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like, to identify certain components and/or features relating to this technology. These terms are used merely for convenience, e.g., to assist in maintaining a distinction between components and/or features of a specific structure. Use of these terms should not be construed as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and/or features being discussed. Also, use of these specific terms in the specification for a specific structure does not require that the same term be used in the claims to refer to the same structure (e.g., a component or feature referred to as the “third” in the specification may correspond to any numerical adjective used for that component or feature in the claims).

Given the general description of features, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements according to certain examples of this technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example footwear uppers, sole structures, articles of footwear, footwear systems, and methods in accordance with this technology follows. Where the same reference number appears in multiple figures, the same or similar part is being referenced, and at least some of the overlapping description of that part may be omitted.

As mentioned above, aspects of this technology relate to articles of footwear, footwear uppers, systems, and methods for applying compressive force treatments (e.g., including massage treatments) and/or thermal treatments to a heel, ankle, and/or leg region of a user. As will be explained in more detail below, the compressive forces may be applied by increasing fluid pressure in a fluid-filled bladder system (e.g., bladder system600described below) included as part of a footwear upper (e.g., footwear upper102). In accordance with some aspects of this technology, compressive forces may be applied to the wearer through two or more zones of the bladder system in a cyclical and/or pulsating manner. As some more specific examples, based on the pressurization and deflation of various different bladder chambers of a fluid-filled bladder system, the wearer may feel that the compressive forces move rearward and/or upward along the heel, ankle, and/or leg regions, e.g., from a midfoot and/or instep region of the foot, up the ankle, up the leg, and to the top of the article of footwear. The cyclical and/or pulsating application of compressive forces may help push the wearer's blood rearward and/or upward along the wearer's heel, ankle, and/or leg regions, e.g., from a midfoot and/or instep region of the foot, up the ankle, and up the leg, thereby helping improve blood flow and the wearer's recovery and healing.

FIG.1schematically illustrates examples of processes in accordance with at least some examples of this technology having this type of cyclical and/or pulsating compressive force application.FIG.1illustrates locations of various zones of a bladder system (which may be provided in a footwear upper and article of footwear placed on a wearer's foot and/or leg10). While any number of separated zones may be provided (e.g., two or more) and many different specific arrangements of the zones may be provided, this illustrated example includes four zones: zone12A (located at the instep region at the forwardmost extent of the bladder system), zone12B (located at the lower heel/ankle region), zone12C (located at the ankle region), and zone12D (located at the lower leg region (e.g., including all or part of the Achilles tendon of the wearer's leg10). The zones12A-12D may represent separate bladder chambers of the bladder systems described in more detail below, or two or more of the zones12A-12D may be provided within a single bladder chamber of the bladder systems described below (optionally with fluid flow within the single bladder chamber controlled, e.g., based on the shape of the bladder chamber, the shapes of baffles or internal bonds within the bladder chamber, etc.).

The top left ofFIG.1shows this example bladder system when a compressive force treatment is initiated (time T=1). In this example, at the start, fluid is added to zone12A to increase the fluid pressure within this zone12A. Zone12A may include its fluid inlet toward its forward end (e.g., in the instep region) so that the fluid in zone12A moves from zone12A's forward end to its rear end (as shown by pressure arrow A). InFIG.1, the hatched pressure arrows are intended to relate to bladder zones having increased (or increasing) pressure and the unhatched pressure arrows are intended to relate to bladder zones having decreased (or decreasing) pressure. In some examples, internal bonds or baffles within zone12A may help the fluid flow move progressively from the forward inlet region in the rearward direction.

At this same time (or perhaps somewhat later), fluid is added to zone12B to increase the fluid pressure within this zone12B. Zone12B may include its fluid inlet toward its bottom end (e.g., at the lower ankle or heel region) so that the fluid in zone12B moves from zone12B's bottom end to its top end (as shown by hatched pressure arrows B and C). In some examples, internal bonds or baffles within zone12B may help the fluid flow move progressively from the bottom inlet region in the upward direction. At this time T=1, zones12C and12D are in a low pressure condition or may be unpressurized, e.g., as shown by unhatched pressure arrows D, E, F, and G in the top left ofFIG.1.

The top right ofFIG.1shows this example system at time T=2, some time after T=1 (ΔT1). At this time, the compressive forces applied by fluid in the bladder system have moved rearward through zone12A and upward through zone12B. During this time T=2, the bladder chamber (or bladder chamber portion) of zone12C increases in pressure (shown by hatched pressure arrows D and E at the top right ofFIG.1). Zone12C may include its fluid inlet toward its bottom end (e.g., at the mid-ankle region) so that the fluid in zone12C moves from zone12C's bottom end to its top end (as shown by hatched pressure arrows D and E). In some examples, internal bonds or baffles within zone12C may help the fluid flow move progressively from the bottom inlet region in the upward direction. Additionally, during this time T=2, the bladder chamber(s) (or bladder chamber portion(s)) of zones12A and12B decrease in pressure (shown by unhatched pressure arrows A, B, and C at the top right ofFIG.1).

The bottom left ofFIG.1shows this example system at time T=3, some time after T=2 (ΔT2). At this time, the compressive forces applied by fluid in the bladder system have moved upward through zone12C. During this time T=3, the bladder chamber (or bladder chamber portion) of zone12D increases in pressure (shown by hatched pressure arrows F and G in the bottom left ofFIG.1). Zone12D may include its fluid inlet toward its bottom end (e.g., at the mid-ankle region or upper ankle region) so that the fluid in zone12D moves from zone12D's bottom end to its top end (as shown by hatched pressure arrows F and G). In some examples, internal bonds or baffles within zone12D may help the fluid flow move progressively from the bottom inlet region in the upward direction. Additionally, during this time T=3: (i) the bladder chamber (or bladder chamber portion) of zone12C decreases in pressure (shown by unhatched pressure arrows D and E at the bottom left ofFIG.1) and (ii) the bladder chamber(s) (or bladder chamber portion(s)) of zones12A and12B increase in pressure (shown by hatched pressure arrows A, B, and C at the bottom left ofFIG.1).

The bottom right ofFIG.1shows this example system at time T=4, some time after T=3 (ΔT3). At this time, the compressive forces applied by fluid in the bladder system have moved upward through zone12D. During this time T=4: (i) the bladder chamber (or bladder chamber portion) of zone12D decreases in pressure (shown by unhatched pressure arrows F and G at the bottom right ofFIG.1); (ii) the bladder chamber (or bladder chamber portion) of zone12C increases in pressure (shown by hatched pressure arrows D and E at the bottom right ofFIG.1); and (iii) the bladder chamber(s) (or bladder chamber portion(s)) of zones12A and12B decrease in pressure (shown by unhatched pressure arrows A, B, and C at the bottom right ofFIG.1).

After these initial start up steps, the bladder systems may cycle any desired number of times between the configurations shown at T=4 and T=3, e.g., as shown by cycle arrows X inFIG.1. This action repeatedly pressurizes and depressurizes zones12A-12D to progressively move compressive forces rearwardly and upwardly, e.g., from zone12A to zone12D, and improve blood movement and flow through these zones. The cyclical and/or pulsating application of compressive forces may help push the wearer's blood rearward and/or upward along the wearer's heel, ankle, and/or leg regions, e.g., from a midfoot and/or instep region of the foot, up the ankle, and up the leg, helping improve the wearer's recovery and healing.

While the explanation ofFIG.1includes four zones12A-12D, similar cyclical and/or pulsating application of compressive forces may be applied in any desired number of zones (e.g., two or more zones) in other specific examples of this technology. Also, while the above description ofFIG.1describes various different actions taking place at times T=1 through T=4, when multiple actions are described as occurring at a specific time, those actions need not occur at exactly the same moment. Rather, the various actions described as taking place within time T=1, within time T=2, within time T=3, and/or within time T=4 may take place at different moments in some examples of this technology (e.g., in a sequential manner to support the desired blood flow directional effect).

In view of the above general description in association withFIG.1, more specific examples of footwear uppers, articles of footwear, systems, and methods for performing these (and potentially other) functions are described below in conjunction withFIGS.2A-12.

FIGS.2A-2Eprovide various views of an article of footwear100(and also a footwear system) in accordance with some aspects of this technology. More specifically,FIG.2Aprovides a lateral side view of the article of footwear100;FIG.2Bprovides a rear, medial, perspective view;FIG.2Cprovides a rear view;FIG.2Dprovides a bottom view; andFIG.2Eprovides a front perspective view with the footwear upper102in a foot insertion and/or removal configuration. In addition to the footwear upper102mentioned above, articles of footwear100in accordance with at least some aspects of this technology include a sole structure104engaged with the footwear upper102(e.g., using one or more of adhesives, stitching, mechanical connectors, etc.). Example features of footwear uppers102and sole structures104in accordance with aspects of this technology will be described in more detail below.

The footwear upper102of this illustrated example defines a foot-receiving chamber106that sized and shaped receive a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. This example footwear upper102extends upward from the foot-containing region at least to contain a wearer's ankle. In the illustrated example, the footwear upper102extends upward such that the top edge106E of the footwear upper102would be located above a wearer's ankle (and thus the footwear upper102includes an ankle-containing region and/or an Achilles tendon containing region). In some examples of this technology, the footwear upper102may generally extend upward to a height of conventional “hightop” footwear or even higher. As some more specific examples, the footwear upper102may extend at least 5 cm above an ankle-containing level of the footwear upper102(the “ankle-containing level” of a footwear upper102may be defined as the portion of the footwear upper102that covers the medial malleolus and lateral malleolus bones of a typical wearer). As some additional examples, the footwear upper102may extend at least 8 cm, at least 10 cm, or even at least 12 cm above the ankle-containing level. Additionally or alternatively, the top edge106E may include a central, rear heel recess or notch (an example is shown in broken lines106N inFIG.2E), e.g., to provide a more comfortable fit.

The footwear upper102is engaged with sole structure104. The sole structure104of this article of footwear100is configured to provide a surface suitable for many types of ambulatory activities, e.g., including walking, warm-up, cool-down, stretching, jogging, etc. This illustrated example sole structure104includes a midsole component200that provides comfort underfoot and attenuates impact forces (e.g., when moving). This illustrated midsole component200includes one or more polymeric foam components. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the midsole component200(or another component of the sole structure104) may include one or more of: one or more fluid-filled bladders and/or one or more mechanical shock absorbing components, etc. As shown inFIG.2D, this sole structure104further includes a rearward outsole component104R and a forward outsole component104F (leaving a bottom surface202B of the midsole component200exposed at the bottom of the overall sole structure104at least in the midfoot region). The outsole components104R,104F include traction elements104T formed as a matrix of raised nubs, although any desired type of traction element structures and/or arrangements may be provided in other specific examples of this technology. The outsole components104R,104F are suitable for contacting the ground during use (e.g., have sufficient hardness, durability, abrasion resistance, etc. to engage a ground surface, such as a floor, grass, concrete, asphalt, etc.). The bottom surface202B of the midsole component200also may include traction elements and/or flex promoting structures (e.g., note the transverse longitudinal channels200C shown inFIG.2D). In other sole structures104in accordance with other examples of this technology, the bottom surface202B of the midsole component200may be covered by one or more outsole components. A wide variety of sole structures may be used in other examples of this technology.

While two separated outsole components104R,104F are shown in this specific example sole structure104, more or fewer outsole components could be provided (including no outsole components). Further, any outsole components present may have any desired size, shape, and/or arrangement in other specific examples of this technology. The outsole component(s)104R,104F, when present, may constitute stock fit parts, e.g., that fit into shallow recesses formed in the bottom surface202B of the midsole component200(and may be cemented in place). The outsole component(s)104R,104F may be formed from any desired material, including materials conventionally known and used for outsoles in the footwear arts (e.g., rubber materials, thermoplastic polymer materials, elastomeric materials, etc.). One or more outsole components also could be provided to completely cover the bottom surface202B of the midsole component200, in some examples of this technology.

As noted above, articles of footwear100and overall footwear systems in accordance with aspects of this technology include features for applying heat and/or compressive force to a wearer's foot, ankle and/or leg. While the heat and pressure applying systems are not generally visible inFIGS.2A-2E,FIGS.2A-2Cillustrate that this example article of footwear100(and footwear system) includes a housing300for holding one or more electronic components and other components provided with this article of footwear100(and footwear system). These additional components include at least portions of the systems and components for applying heat and/or compressive force to the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. As will be explained in more detail below, the housing300may be formed from multiple component parts, e.g., a dock part (attached to the footwear upper102and/or sole structure104) and a cover part (e.g., which may snap fit or otherwise attach to the dock part), and an interior space may be defined by these multiple component parts (e.g., between the dock part and the cover part). The housing300may house (e.g., within its interior space) at least portions of one or more of: an electronic control system for controlling functions of the article of footwear100or footwear system; a fluid source component (e.g., a pump or compressor for supplying air to other footwear component parts, a fluid reservoir component, etc.); a heating system; an input system; an antenna; one or more microprocessors; one or more fluid lines; wiring from one or more of the noted components or systems; etc.

This example housing300fits around and is engaged with a rear heel region of the footwear upper102. While other shapes are possible, the housing300of this example includes a lateral arm310L, a medial arm310M, and a rear central portion310C connecting the lateral arm310L and medial arm310M. Thus, the housing300may be C-shaped when viewed from above. The rear central portion310C of this illustrated example housing300further includes an upwardly extending arm310U that extends upward above top surfaces of the lateral arm310L and medial arm310M. As further shown inFIGS.2A-2C, in this specific example article of footwear100structure, at least the upwardly extending arm310U is separated from the main footwear upper102components by a moderator component312. The moderator component312may include a foam pad or other structure located between at least a portion of the housing300(e.g., the upwardly extending arm310U) and the exterior-most surface or layer of the footwear upper102. The moderator component312moderates the feel of the housing300against the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. In addition to its location adjacent the upwardly extending arm310U, the moderator component312may extend to separate all or at least some portion(s) of the medial arm310M, the lateral arm310L, and/or the rear central portion310C of the housing310from the exterior surface or layer of the footwear upper102. The moderator component312also may be formed from multiple moderator component parts (e.g., multiple foam parts).

The housing300of this example includes input buttons300B (hard or physical buttons) used to activate and/or control various functions of the article of footwear100and footwear system (e.g., one or more of the heating system, the fluid source component, and/or the power source, as will be described in more detail below). While four discrete buttons300B are shown inFIGS.2A and2C, more or fewer buttons may be provided (including no hard or physical buttons) in other specific examples of this technology. Also, whileFIGS.2A and2Cshow the buttons300B located on a top surface310T of lateral arm310L of the housing300, one or more buttons300B could be provided at other locations on the housing300and/or at other locations on the overall article of footwear100in other specific examples of this technology (e.g., on the medial arm310M, on the rear central portion310C, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, other types of buttons, switches, and/or input devices may be provided on the housing300and/or on the overall article of footwear100in other specific examples of this technology. For example, in addition or as an alternative to the physical or hard buttons300B shown inFIGS.2A and2C, if desired, one or more input buttons300B may be provided as “soft buttons,” e.g., using a touch screen or touch panel affixed to the article of footwear100(e.g., affixed with one or more of housing300, footwear upper102, sole structure104, etc.). The buttons300B of the example article of footwear100ofFIGS.2A-2Emay have any of the features, functions, options, and/or alternatives described in more detail below in conjunction withFIG.9C.

FIG.2Eshows this example footwear upper102in an open configuration (whileFIGS.2A-2Cshow the footwear upper102in a closed configuration). As shown inFIGS.2A-2C and2E, at least the ankle-containing region of the footwear upper102includes an interior upper layer1201and an exterior upper layer120X engaged with and located opposite the interior upper layer1201. The interior upper layer1201may be formed by any number (one or more) of interior upper component parts (e.g., one or more fabric component parts), such as one or more interior lining layer parts conventionally used in footwear construction. The exterior upper layer120X also may be formed by any number (one or more) of exterior upper component parts (e.g., one or more fabric component parts), including component parts conventionally known and used in footwear construction. While other arrangements are possible, in this illustrate example, the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X are engaged together by one or more sewn seams (e.g., extending around a perimeter of the combined upper components). Additionally or alternatively, the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X may be joined in other manners, such as via adhesives, via fasteners, etc.

As evident fromFIG.2E, the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X define an ankle-containing chamber120A of the footwear upper102(e.g., including at least a lateral side ankle-containing region, a rear ankle-containing region, and a medial side ankle-containing region). The interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X may be fixed together, at least at the ankle-containing chamber120A, to form an interior pocket or chamber between the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X. At least a portion of a heating system and/or a compressive force applying system (e.g., including a fluid-filled bladder system) will be located within this interior pocket or chamber. For reasons that will become more apparent from the discussion below, the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X may be fixed together relatively loosely at least at the interior pocket or chamber, e.g., so that the interior upper layer120I can move relatively freely with respect to the exterior upper layer120X at least at the ankle-containing chamber120A.

Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this technology, the interior upper layer1201may have a first stretchability and the exterior upper layer120X may have a second stretchability, wherein the first stretchability is greater than the second stretchability. In other words, in at least some examples of this technology, the interior upper layer1201may be more “stretchable” than the exterior upper layer120X. Still additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this technology, the interior upper layer1201may have a first stiffness and the exterior upper layer120X may have a second stiffness, wherein the second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness. In other words, in at least some examples of this technology, the exterior upper layer120X may be made from “stiffer” material than the interior upper layer1201. As will become more apparent from the discussion below, these features, when present, may help the footwear upper102displace inward when the fluid-filled bladder system600is pressurized to apply compressive forces to a wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg and/or to provide a conforming fit to a wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg.

In at least some examples of this technology, the interior upper layer1201may have at least 10% greater “stretchability” than the exterior upper layer120X, and in some examples, at least 25% greater, 35% greater, 50% greater, 75% greater, or even 100% greater (e.g., as measured by standard fabric stretchability measurement standards, such as ASTM-D3107 and/or ASTM-D2594-99aand/or using conventional fabric stretchability measurement equipment and/or techniques). Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this technology, the exterior upper layer120X may have at least 10% greater “stiffness” than the interior upper layer1201, and in some examples, at least 25% greater, 35% greater, 50% greater, 75% greater, or even 100% greater (e.g., as measured by standard fabric stiffness measurement standards, such as ASTM-D1388 and/or ASTM-D4032 and/or using conventional fabric stiffness measurement equipment and/or techniques).

FIG.2Efurther illustrates that this example footwear upper102defines a foot-receiving opening at the top (around top edge106E) and forward instep area of the footwear upper102. In addition to the top edge106E, the foot-receiving opening of this example footwear upper102includes a first side edge106L (a lateral side edge in this illustrated example) that extends downward from the top edge106E. Additionally, the top edge106E extends to a securing flap122located on the opposite side of the top edge106E from first side edge106L. The securing flap122ends at a second side edge106M that extends downward from the top edge106E. A fastener system124A provided along the second side edge106M (e.g., on interior upper layer1201) releasably engages a complementary fastener system124B provided on the first side edge106L (e.g., on the exterior upper layer120X) to releasably engage the securing flap122around a wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg (and to at least partially close the instep opening108of the footwear upper102). The fastener system124A/124B may comprise a hook-and-loop fastener or other desired type of fastener (e.g., button(s), snap(s), buckle(s), magnetic fasteners, zippers, laces, etc.). The second side edge106M of this example further includes a pulling tab106T or other gripping element to assist the user with grasping and pulling actions to secure the footwear upper102to the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg. The pulling tab106T may have other structures from that specifically illustrated to enhance grip and tightening around the wearer's foot, such as one or more of: a loop structure, a through hole structure (e.g., a hole extending from the exterior upper layer120X through the interior upper layer1201), a grip element engaged with the footwear upper102, etc. This example footwear upper102additionally includes a bottom flap126extending downward and/or outward from the securing flap122. The bottom flap126, when present, may cover the forward edge108F of the instep opening108, e.g., to help assure the instep opening108remains closed. If desired, a hook-and-loop fastener or other type of fastener may releasably hold the bottom flap126to the instep region of the exterior upper layer120X. In this manner, the footwear upper102(including the bladder system600as will be described in more detail below) will substantially surround and wrap the wearer's ankle, heel, and/or leg regions (and optionally contain and wrap some or all of the Achilles tendon region of a wearer's leg), and the bladder system600will be positioned and configured to apply compressive force to the wearer's ankle, heel, and/or leg regions, as will be described in more detail below. In some examples of this technology, the footwear upper102(including the bladder system600as will be described in more detail below) will completely wrap the wearer's ankle, heel, and/or leg regions (and optionally completely contain and wrap the Achilles tendon region of a wearer's leg).

Now that the basic components and features of article of footwear100and the footwear systems have been generally described, additional and more specific features and functions of articles of footwear100, footwear systems, and/or methods in accordance with examples of this technology will be described in more detail.

FIG.3illustrates the footwear upper102as an upper blank, e.g., in a flat configuration before it is incorporated into an article of footwear. The footwear upper102is made from multiple component parts, including: the exterior upper layer120X, the interior upper layer120I (not shown inFIG.3), a heel pull tab component120H (e.g., forming a loop), and a forward toc box component120T. The bottom perimeter edge120P of the footwear upper102may engage a bottom upper component (e.g., a strobel) or a sole member, e.g., to close off the interior chamber of the footwear upper102and form the foot-receiving chamber106.

As further shown inFIG.3, the lower rear heel area of the exterior upper layer120X includes one or more openings128that lead into the open interior space between the exterior upper layer120X and the interior upper layer1201. Three openings128are shown in this illustrated example, although more or fewer openings could be provided in other examples of this technology. These openings128allow fluid lines128F and/or wiring128W (and/or other components) to extend to fluid-filled bladder component parts and/or heating system component parts (and/or other component parts) that are located between the exterior upper layer120X and the interior upper layer120I, as will be described in more detail below. These openings128, the fluid lines128F, and/or the wiring128W may be covered by and contained within the housing300in the final assembled article of footwear100, e.g., as shown inFIGS.2A-2C.

In addition to (or as an alternative to) fastener systems124A,124B for releasably engaging the securing flap122with the footwear upper102, this example footwear upper102includes a strap system400. NoteFIGS.2A-2C and3. This example strap system400includes one or more strap members402and one or more strap securing members404. The strap member402of this example includes: (i) a side base portion402B (e.g., located on a medial side of the ankle-containing region of the footwear upper102); (ii) a rear heel portion402R extending from the side base portion402B at least to a rear heel region of the footwear upper102(the rear heel portion402E could extend around the rear heel region to the opposite side of footwear upper102, if desired), and (iii) a first strap portion402S1extending from the first side base portion402B at least around a forward ankle region of the footwear upper102. This illustrated example strap member402further includes a second strap portion402S2extending from the first side base portion402B and spaced upward on the footwear upper102from the first strap portion402S1. The side base portion402B, the rear heel portion402R, and/or the strap securing member(s)404may be fixed to another footwear upper102component (e.g., to the exterior surface of the exterior upper layer120X), e.g., by stitching, by adhesives, by fasteners, etc. The first strap portion402S1and the second strap portion402S2may extend around the forward instep region of the footwear upper102, optionally over securing flap122, and releasably engage the strap securing member(s)404on the opposite side of the footwear upper102. While any desired type of releasable connection could be used (e.g., buckles, hooks, snaps, buttons, magnetic fasteners, zippers, laces, etc.), in this illustrated example, the first strap portion402S1and the second strap portion402S2include portions of a hook-and-loop fastener system that engage complementary portions of the hook-and-loop fastener system provided as strap-securing member404.

The sizes, shapes, and/or aesthetic appearances of the first strap portion402S1, the second strap portion402S2, and the strap-securing member404can vary widely from the specific examples shown in these figures. Also, while two strap portions402S1and402S2are shown in the figures, more or fewer strap portions may be provided to extend across the front and/or instep region of the footwear upper102and/or article of footwear100.

In the illustrated example, each of the first strap portion402S1and the second strap portion402S2is relatively wide at least at the locations where they cross the instep area and/or the front of the footwear upper102and article of footwear100. In at least some examples of this technology, one or both of the first strap portion402S1and/or the second strap portion402S2will have a width dimension W1 (seeFIG.3) of at least 35 mm directly across its longitudinal length direction: (i) at locations where the strap portion(s)402S1and/or402S2cross the first side edge106L of the footwear upper102, and/or (ii) at locations where the strap portion(s)402S1and/or402S2cross the second side edge106M of the footwear upper102. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the first strap portion402S1and/or the second strap portion402S2may have a width dimension W1 of at least 35 mm directly across its longitudinal length direction at the location where the first strap portion402S1and/or the second strap portion402S2crosses from a medial side to a lateral side of the footwear upper102. The width dimension W1 of the first strap portion402S1and/or the second strap portion402S2may be at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at least 50 mm, or even at least 55 mm at any of the locations described above. The two strap portions402S1and402S2(when two are present) need not have the same width dimensions W1, longitudinal length dimensions, and/or other features. The relatively wide strap portion(s) (e.g.,402S1,402S2) across the front and/or instep regions of the footwear upper102can help keep the underlying components of the footwear upper102(e.g., the bladder system600and/or the thermal control system) wrapped around the heel, ankle, and/or leg regions of the wearer's body and closely held to the wearer's body.

FIGS.4A and4Bprovide top, medial perspective views of an example midsole component200before it is attached to a footwear upper102. The midsole component200may be made, at least in part, from a polymeric foam material, including polymeric foam materials as are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., polyurethane foams, ethylvinylacetate foams, etc.). The midsole component200also may be made from one or more component parts, including: one or more polymeric foam material parts; one or more fluid-filled bladder parts; and/or one or more mechanical shock absorbing parts.

As shown, this example midsole component200includes a top surface202T (located opposite bottom surface202B discussed above) that has a recess200R defined in it (e.g., defined in the foam material of the midsole component200). The recess200R, as shown inFIG.4B, may receive at least a portion of a power supply500(e.g., a rechargeable battery). The power supply500may be used to operate the fluid source component (e.g., pump or compressor), the heating system, the electronic control system, and/or other features of the footwear system, e.g., as will be described in more detail below.

In at least some examples of this technology, the recess200R (and any power supply500included therein) may be accessible, e.g., through an opening in the footwear upper102(e.g., an opening defined through the bottom of the footwear upper102in the foot-receiving chamber106, such as an opening through a strobel member provided as a bottom of the footwear upper102). Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology, the bottom of the footwear upper102may include a removable insole component or sockliner that at least partially covers the top surface202T of the midsole component200and/or any strobel member present. As still another additional or alternative option, the bottom surface202B of the midsole component200may include an opening (optionally an opening closed off by a cover member) that allows access to the recess200R and/or any power supply500included therein. Power supply500access in such manners may be useful to remove or replace the power supply500in at least some examples of this technology.

As illustrated inFIG.4A, in this illustrated example, the bottom surface200B of the recess200R includes one or more vents 202V defined in it (e.g., as through hole openings extending through the midsole component200from the bottom surface200B of the recess200R to the bottom surface202B of the midsole component200. Thus, the vents 202V in this example may open at the bottom exterior surface of the overall sole structure104of the article of footwear100. Note alsoFIG.2D. The vents 202V can help dissipate heat generated by the power source500during use.

Additionally or alternatively, if desired, one or more elongated channels202C may be defined in the midsole component200, e.g., extending from the recess200R to a rear heel portion of the midsole component200and/or to an exterior surface of the midsole component200. In this example, the elongated channel(s)202C is (are) formed in the top surface202T of midsole component200. The elongated channel(s)202C may be used as a pathway through which wiring128W extends between the power source500and the interior of the housing300. SeeFIG.4B. Additionally or alternatively, one or more elongated channels202C of this type may be used as a pathway through which heat may be moved away from the power source500(e.g., and to a location outside of the midsole component200) and/or as a pathway for fluid lines128F (e.g., to move fluid to and/or between one or more inflatable fluid chambers602A,602B of bladder system600described in more detail below). One or more elongated channels202C also may provide a pathway for wiring from port808inFIG.2Bto the power source500to enable the power source to be recharged (e.g., element808inFIG.2Brepresents a port for recharging power supply500, and wiring from this port808to the power supply500may pass through one or more channels202C).

FIGS.4A and4Bfurther illustrate that this example midsole component200includes at least a portion of housing300engaged with it. More specifically,FIGS.4A and4Billustrate that the rear heel area of midsole component200includes a base or “dock” component300D engaged with it (e.g., by adhesive, by mechanical fasteners, etc.). In this illustrated example, the outer perimeter of the midsole component200at the rear heel area of the midsole component200includes a lowered rim area210R, e.g., forming a portion of a top surface of the midsole component200, and a base surface310S of the dock component300D is supported by this rim area210R on the top surface of the midsole component200. The rim area210R and the top outer perimeter of the midsole component200extend outward, e.g., beyond the exterior surfaces of the footwear upper102at the medial heel side, lateral heel side, and rear heel area of the article of footwear100. Note alsoFIGS.2A-2C. The outwardly extending rim area210R of this example forms a crescent shaped curved surface that extends around the rear of the midsole component200beyond the exterior surface of the footwear upper102from the lateral heel region to the medial heel region of the midsole component200, footwear upper102, and/or article of footwear100. Outer perimeter shapes other than crescent shaped also may be provided (e.g., outer perimeter shapes having more angular sides and/or more pronounced corners, etc.). At least some portions of the rim area210R may extend outward beyond an exterior surface of the footwear upper102to provide a base surface to which the dock component300D may attach that is at least 10 mm wide at some locations, and in some examples, having a widest portion (e.g., at the central, rear heel area) that is at least 12 mm wide, at least 15 mm wide, at least 18 mm wide, or even at least 20 mm wide. This outwardly extending rim area210R provides a surface onto which the base surface310S of dock component300D may be fixed (e.g., by adhesive, by mechanical fasteners, etc.). At locations forward of the dock component300D, the top outer perimeter edge of the midsole component200may substantially correspond to the size and shape of the footwear upper102at the junction of the midsole component200and the footwear upper102.

The dock component300D engages (e.g., snap fits or clips to, engaged by fasteners, etc.) a cover component300C (e.g., as shown inFIGS.2A-2C) to form the overall housing300and to attach the housing300to the midsole component200. Open space may be defined between the dock component300D and the cover component300C (over the base surface310S of the dock component300D), and wiring128W, fluid lines128F, electronic components, fluid source components610, and other parts may be included within that open space. As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the dock component300D may include one or more openings302through which some wiring128W, fluid lines128F, and/or other components can extend (e.g., the wiring128W from the power source500).

Similar to the overall housing300described above, in this illustrated example, the dock component300D includes a lateral arm300L, a medial arm300M, and a rear central portion300R connecting the lateral arm300L and the medial arm300M. Additionally, if desired, the rear central portion300R may include an upwardly extending arm304. The lateral arm300L, medial arm300M, rear central portion300R, and upwardly extending arm304of the dock component300D may generally complement and match in size and shape to be engaged with corresponding parts of the cover component300C such that the combined dock component300D and cover component300C form the lateral arm310L, medial arm310M, rear central portion310C, and upwardly extending arm310U of the housing300. The dock component300D may be fixed to the footwear upper102and/or to the moderator component312(when present), in at least some examples of this technology. For example, the interior surfaces of one or more of the lateral arm300L, the medial arm300M, the rear central portion300R, and/or the upwardly extending arm304may be attached to the exterior surface of the exterior upper layer120X and/or to an exterior surface of moderator component312(when present), e.g., by an adhesive, by one or more fasteners, etc., e.g., as shown inFIGS.2A-2C.

FIGS.2A-2C,4A, and4Bshow the housing300, including its dock component300D and cover component300C having various specific shapes (with a lateral arm300L, medial arm300M, rear central portion300R, and upwardly extending arm304) and at a specific location on the article of footwear100(centered around the rear heel area). Other housing shapes and/or locations are possible in other specific examples of this technology. For example, the housing300(e.g., including a dock component300D and cover component300C or other housing structure) may be more cubic shaped, rounded shaped, cylindrical shaped, arch shaped, crescent shaped, without an upwardly extending arm, etc., in other specific examples of this technology. Additionally or alternatively, the housing300(e.g., including a dock component300D and cover component300C or other housing structure of any desired shape) may be mounted to the footwear sole structure104(e.g., midsole component200) and/or footwear upper102at a lateral heel area, a medial heel area, a lateral midfoot area, a medial midfoot area, a lateral forefoot area, a medial forefoot area, and/or an instep area. Additionally or alternatively, two or more housings300may be provided at any of the locations described above.

In at least some examples of this technology, the cover component300C may be removably attached to the dock component300D. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more screws and/or other fasteners may be provided to releasably secure the cover component300C to the dock component300D. As a more specific example, at least one screw or bolt may be provided to extend downward through the top of the rear central portion310C of the cover component300C (e.g., at location314shown inFIG.2C), and this screw or bolt may releasably secure to a threaded receptacle provided on the dock component300D. A top, central fastener component at such a location may help prevent the housing300from pulling away from the footwear upper102.

As described above, at least some aspects of this technology relate to features of applying compressive force to a wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg. This is accomplished, in accordance with aspects of this technology, by inflating a fluid-filled bladder system600(including at least one inflatable fluid chamber) located between the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X.FIG.5illustrates an example of such a fluid-filled bladder system600. Fluid-filled bladder systems600for use with this technology may be made from materials and using techniques as used in the footwear arts for forming fluid-filled bladders used for footwear midsoles (e.g., from thermoplastic elastomeric sheets that are joined together by one or more seams (e.g., using heat and pressure, using welding techniques, etc.) to define the inflatable chambers). As shown inFIG.5, this example fluid-filled bladder system600includes two inflatable fluid chambers602A (the lower chamber) and602B (the upper chamber). The fluid chambers602A,602B extend from a medial side edge602M to a lateral side edge602L and from a top edge602T to a bottom edge602X. In this illustrated example, the two inflatable fluid chambers602A,602B will be located between the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X and extend: (a) from a location proximate to first side edge106L of the footwear upper102to a location proximate to the second side edge106M of the footwear upper102, and/or (b) from a location proximate to the top edge106E of the footwear upper102to a location proximate to the bottom perimeter edge120P of the footwear upper102. Thus, in this manner, the two inflatable fluid chambers602A,602B are configured to completely wrap around a wearer's lower leg and/or ankle region (or at least wrap around the lateral, rear, and medial ankle-containing region of the footwear upper102). In addition or as an alternative to providing compressive forces, the fluid-filled bladder system600may provide an improved and conforming fit of the article of footwear100to a wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg (e.g., eliminating or reducing space between the footwear upper102and the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg when the footwear is donned).

In at least some examples of this technology, the two inflatable fluid chambers602A and602B may be isolated from one another, e.g., not in fluid communication, so that different pressures can be set, controlled, and maintained in the two fluid chambers602A,602B. As shown inFIG.5, in this illustrated example, separate fluid lines128F may be provided for each fluid chamber602A,602B, and an additional fluid line128F may be provided as a pressure sensor tube. Alternatively, if desired, the two fluid chambers602A,602B may be in fluid communication with one another, so that at least some fluid can move in either or both directions between fluid chamber602A and fluid chamber602B. The fluid-filled bladder system600may be secured with the footwear upper102(e.g., with one or both of the exterior upper layer120X and/or the interior upper layer1201), e.g., by adhesives, by sewn seams, by mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, if desired, the fluid-filled bladder system600may be loose between the exterior upper layer120X and/or the interior upper layer1201(e.g., and held therein due to the seam(s) or other structure holding exterior upper layer120X with the interior upper layer1201). In some examples of this technology, fluid pressure in either or both fluid chamber602A and/or602B may be cycled between a relatively high pressure condition and a relatively low pressure condition (e.g., to apply a pulsating compression force against the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle).

WhileFIG.5illustrates a fluid-filled bladder system600that includes two fluid chambers602A,602B, other structures are possible. For example, a single fluid chamber may be provided, or more than two fluid chambers may be provided (having any desired combination of fluid chambers isolated from one another and/or fluid chambers in fluid communication with one another). As another option, when two (or more) fluid chambers are in fluid communication with one another, they may be in fluid communication in a manner that enables control of the pressure between the fluid chambers, e.g., using a controllable valve. As yet another option, when two (or more) fluid chambers are in fluid communication with one another, they may be in fluid communication in a manner such that a pressure differential between the two fluid chambers will equalize at a controlled and/or predictable rate (e.g., by providing one or more narrow fluid passageways between the two fluid chambers so that fluid transfers slowly but predictably between the chambers until the chamber pressures equalize).

As also described above, at least some aspects of this technology relate to features of applying heat to a wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg. This is accomplished, in accordance with aspects of this technology, by heating system700(including at least one heating region or zone) located between the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X.FIG.6illustrates an example of such a heating system700(attached to a surface of fluid-filled bladder system600). Any desired type of heating systems700may be used with this technology. As some more specific examples, the heating system700may include a resistor pattern applied to a base member, e.g., of the types provided in commercial products available from Hyperice, Inc. As shown inFIG.6, this example heating system700includes two heating zones702A (the lower zone) and702B (the upper zone). The lower zone702A is joined with the lower fluid chamber602A of the fluid-filled bladder system600(e.g., by an adhesive, etc.) and the upper zone702B is joined with the upper fluid chamber602B of the fluid-filled bladder system600(e.g., by an adhesive, etc.) in this example. The two heating zones702A,702B are located between the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X. In this manner, the two heating zones702A,702B are configured to apply heat to a wearer's foot, lower leg, and/or ankle region.

In at least some examples of this technology, the two heating zones702A and702B may be isolated from one another, e.g., so that different temperatures can be set, controlled, and maintained in the two heating zones702A,702B. Separate temperature controls may be provided for each zone702A,702B. The heating system700may be secured with the footwear upper102along with the fluid-filled bladder system600(e.g., with one or both of the exterior upper layer120X and/or the interior upper layer1201). In some examples, the heating system700will be fixed to an interior surface of bladder system600, and the bladder system600may be fixed to one or more of the footwear upper102components. In at least some examples of this technology, an additional layer of fabric or other material704may be provided over the layer of the heating system700including the heating element (e.g., the heat generating resistors). This additional layer of fabric or other material704may be placed between the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle and the heating elements to spread out and/or moderate the feel of the heating elements on the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. The additional layer of fabric or other material704(if present) and the interior upper layer1201may be made sufficiently thin and/or heat conductive, e.g., so as not to significantly impede the thermal transfer (e.g., the transfer of heat from the heating system700) to the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg.

WhileFIG.6illustrates a heating system700that includes two heating zones702A,702B, other structures are possible. For example, a single heating zone may be provided, or more than two heating zones may be provided. As another option, when two (or more) heating zones are present, they may be separately controlled so that different temperatures can be set, controlled, and maintained in each zone.

FIG.7Aschematically shows a sectional view through one side of the footwear upper102along with other components making up a footwear system650in accordance with at least some examples of this technology. As shown inFIG.7A, this example footwear system650includes an interior space602defined between the exterior upper layer120X and interior upper layer1201. The combined fluid-filled bladder system600and heating system700are included within that interior space602. In this illustrated example, the heating system700(including heating element zones702A,702B and material704) is located on (e.g., optionally engaged with) an inside surface6041of the fluid-filled bladder system600and adjacent the interior upper layer120I (so as to efficiently transfer heat to the wearer's leg, foot, and/or ankle region). The heating system700may be fixedly secured to the interior upper layer1201, or it may be unfixed. The outer surface6040of the fluid-filled bladder system600is positioned adjacent the exterior upper layer120X, and this outer surface6040may be fixedly secured to the exterior upper layer120X, or it may be unfixed.FIG.7Afurther shows a portion of the strap system400engaged with the exposed exterior surface of the exterior upper layer120X.

The example footwear system650ofFIG.7Afurther includes a fluid source component610(e.g., a pump, a compressor, etc.) in fluid communication with the fluid-filled bladder system600(e.g., with one or more of the fluid chambers602A,602B). The fluid source component610may be located in the housing300, e.g., shown inFIGS.2A-2C. The fluid source component610may receive incoming fluid (e.g., air from the exterior environment) or other fluid via fluid inlet port608and supply this fluid to a fluid chamber602A or602B via fluid line128F and bladder inlet606. A check valve612(e.g., in fluid line128F or in bladder inlet606) can be provided to prevent fluid from back-flowing out of the fluid chamber602A/602B via fluid line128F.

The fluid chamber(s)602A and/or602B of this illustrated example further includes a bladder outlet614that may be controlled by a valve616(e.g., an electronically controlled valve). When the valve616is open, fluid can be discharged from the fluid chamber(s)602A and/or602B via bladder outlet614, e.g., to the external environment or to an internal reservoir included with the footwear system650. Note fluid outlet port620. Valve616may be provided within the housing300. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, fluid inlet port608and/or fluid outlet port620may be defined through a wall of housing300(seeFIG.2C) and/or may be provided on another component of the overall article of footwear100. When multiple fluid chambers602A,602B are present, each chamber may have its own connection to the fluid source component610, its own bladder inlet606, its own bladder outlet614, its own valve616, and/or its own outlet port620. Alternatively, if desired, the multiple fluid chambers602A,602B may share at least some of these components (e.g., the same inlet port608, the same valve616, and/or the same outlet port620). Fluid inlet port608and fluid outlet port620may constitute a single common port through the housing300cover. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, fluid inlet port608and/or fluid outlet port620may constitute a vent for venting any excess heat accumulated in the housing300.

An electronic controller630may control operation of the fluid source component610and the valve616to control fluid pressure within the fluid chamber(s)602A and/or602B. Such electronic controllers630may include one or more of: (a) input devices (e.g., input ports, or an antenna for receiving user input, program instructions, program code, etc.); (b) one or more microprocessors (e.g., for performing operations on the data and/or performing other functions); and (c) one or more output devices (e.g., output ports or connections providing electronic signals for operating one or more of the fluid source component610, the valve616, and/or (as described below), the heating system700. Programmable electronic controller hardware components of this type are known and commercially available. By selectively controlling operation of the fluid source component610and the valve616, fluid pressure in the fluid chamber(s)602A and/or602B can be changed and controlled. In this manner, compressive force applied to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle also can be changed and controlled. Power source500(e.g., a battery, seeFIG.4B) provides power to operate one or more of the fluid source component610, the valve616, and/or the controller630(e.g., to independently operate or control fluid pressures in the fluid chambers602A,602B).

FIG.7Afurther illustrates that controller630may control the heating system700, e.g., supplying electronic signals indicating when one or more of the heating zones702A and/or702B should be activated. By selectively controlling operation of the heating system700, the heat applied to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle also can be controlled. Power source500(e.g., a battery, seeFIG.4B) also provides power to operate the heating system700(e.g., to independently operate or control the heating zones702A,702B). Electronic controllers for controlling heating systems700are known and are commercially available.

The bladder system600example ofFIG.7Adescribed above includes a fluid source610, such as a pump or compressor, that intakes air (e.g., from the external environment) via fluid inlet port608and discharges air via fluid outlet port620. If necessary or desired, the footwear system650ofFIG.7Amay include features to reduce or eliminate the introduction of water/moisture and/or debris into the footwear system650through the ports608/620and/or entrained with the incoming air. For example, the fluid inlet port608and/or the fluid outlet port620may include a filter or air permeable membrane that allows air to pass but stops moisture and/or solid materials from passing (e.g., a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane).

Additionally or alternatively, the interior of the fluid chamber(s)602A and/or602B may include one or more of a desiccant material, a mold growth inhibitor, and/or a mildew inhibitor (e.g., as a coating, as an insert, etc.), e.g., to prevent collection of water, formation of mold and/or mildew, etc. within the bladder system600. Other ways of controlling undesired introduction, collection, and/or formation of water, moisture, mold, mildew, and/or debris also may be used in other specific examples of this technology.

As another example, the fluid source may be formed as part of a “closed system,” e.g., including a reservoir chamber.FIG.7Bschematically shows an example of such a closed system660. Where the same reference numbers are used inFIG.7Bas used inFIG.7Aand the other figures contained herein, the same or similar parts are being referenced, and much of the overlapping and/or repetitive description may be omitted. As shown inFIG.7B, such a closed system660may include: (i) a compressive force applying bladder chamber (e.g., provided in the footwear upper102, such as one or more of fluid chamber(s)602A and602B described above) in fluid communication with (ii) a reservoir chamber670(e.g., a bladder or other reservoir provided at another location within the article of footwear100, such as within the midsole component200, engaged with the footwear upper102, etc.). When compressive force is to be applied to the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg, fluid is moved from the reservoir chamber670to the fluid chamber602A/602B, e.g., via fluid line672, valve676(or switch), fluid line128F, and bladder inlet606. When increased compressive force is to be applied to the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg, additional fluid is moved from the reservoir chamber670to the fluid chamber602A/602B, e.g., via fluid line672, valve676(or switch), fluid line128F, and bladder inlet606. When decreased compressive force is to be applied to the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg, fluid is moved from the fluid chamber602A/602B to the reservoir chamber670(e.g., via bladder outlet614, valve616, pump680, and fluid line674). In such closed systems660, the fluid remains within the article of footwear100and just moves between different chambers (the bladder chamber602A/602B and reservoir670), depending on the compressive force to be applied. In closed systems, a single reservoir670may be in fluid communication with more than one bladder chamber (e.g.,602A,602B) or zone or each bladder chamber (e.g.,602A,602B) may connect with a separate reservoir670. Closed systems660of these types may have a reduced likelihood of collecting water and/or debris and/or developing mold and/or mildew, etc. within the bladder system600.

In such closed systems660, if the fluid pressure is maintained higher in the reservoir chamber670than in the bladder fluid chamber602A/602B, then: (a) valve676(or switch) may be selectively opened to transfer fluid into the fluid chamber602A/602B (and thereby increase fluid pressure in the fluid chamber602A/602B) and (b) pump680may be selectively activated to move fluid from the fluid chamber602A/602B to the reservoir chamber670(and thereby decrease fluid pressure in the fluid chamber602A/602B). But if the fluid pressure is maintained higher in the bladder fluid chamber602A/602B than in the reservoir chamber670, then a pump (e.g. akin to pump610inFIG.7A) may be provided and selectively activated to transfer fluid from the reservoir chamber670into the fluid chamber602A/602B (and thereby increase fluid pressure in the fluid chamber602A/602B) and (b) a valve or switch may be provided and selectively activated to move fluid from the fluid chamber602A/602B to the reservoir chamber670(and thereby decrease fluid pressure in the fluid chamber602A/602B). In other words, if the fluid pressure is maintained higher in the bladder fluid chamber602A/602B than in the reservoir chamber670, the valve676(or switch) and pump680will switch positions in the example schematic diagram ofFIG.7B.

Closed fluid systems that include fluid bladders, fluid reservoirs, bladder/reservoir interconnections, bladder and/or reservoir engagements with footwear components, and/or movement of fluid between a bladder and a reservoir are described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,206,896 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 11,234,485 B2, and U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. No. 2024/0215683 A1, each of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. These patent documents illustrate examples of closed system components, their mounting in footwear, and interconnection features that may be used in examples of the present technology, e.g., as shown inFIG.7B.

FIGS.8A and8Bfurther illustrate operation of footwear systems650,660of the types described above.FIG.8Aincludes a view of a footwear upper102similar to the view ofFIG.7Ain an unpressurized configuration (the top ofFIG.8A) and in a pressurized configuration (the bottom ofFIG.8A).FIG.8Bschematically illustrates a view of an ankle-containing region of the footwear upper102in the unpressurized configuration (the left side ofFIG.8B) and in the pressurized configuration (the right side ofFIG.8B). These figures help illustrate potential displacement of portions of the footwear upper102during use of the footwear systems650,660in some examples of this technology. When the fluid-filled bladder system600is in the unpressurized configuration, the fluid chamber(s)602A and/or602B may be collapsed (or collapsible), thereby giving the footwear upper102a first thickness dimension T1 (e.g., measured from the exterior surface of exterior upper layer120X to the interior surface of interior upper layer1201, as shown inFIG.8A). Pressurization of the fluid-filled bladder system600using fluid source component610(e.g., with valve616closed) causes one or both of fluid chambers602A and/or602B to inflate. Such inflation in this structure causes displacement of the interior upper layer1201with respect to the exterior upper layer120X, as shown by arrows702, thereby increasing the thickness to a second thickness dimension T2.

Thus, in the example above, the second thickness dimension T2 (in the inflated or pressurized configuration) will be greater than the first thickness dimension T1 (in the uninflated or unpressurized configuration). In at least some examples of this technology, T2 may be at least 1.1×T1, at least 1.25×T1, at least 1.4×T1, at least 1.5×T1, at least 1.75×T1, or even at least 2×T1.

FIG.8Billustrates the effect of pressurization of the fluid-filled bladder system600at the ankle-containing region712of a footwear upper102in accordance with at least some examples of this technology.FIG.8Bschematically illustrates a wearer's foot, ankle, or leg710included within the ankle-containing region712of footwear upper102. In this example structure, each of the interior upper layer1201, the fluid chamber(s) (602A,602B), and the exterior upper layer120X extend to form at least a lateral ankle-containing region, a rear ankle-containing region, and a medial ankle-containing region of the footwear upper102(with the fluid chamber(s)602A,602B being located within a space between the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X in the view ofFIG.8B). In at least some examples of this technology, each of the interior upper layer1201, the fluid chamber(s) (602A,602B), and the exterior upper layer120X extend to close the ankle-containing region712when the securing system (e.g., fastener system124A,124B, strap system400, etc.) places the footwear upper102in a closed configuration.

In the unpressurized configuration (the left side ofFIG.8B), a space712A may exist between the interior upper layer1201and the surface of the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg710around at least some portion of the perimeter of the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg710. Once sufficiently pressurized, the interior upper layer1201of the footwear upper102may displace with respect to the exterior upper layer120X as discussed above in conjunction withFIG.8A. This displacement may eliminate space712A and cause the interior surface of the interior upper layer1201to move into contact with the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg710, e.g., around the complete perimeter of the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg710, as shown on the right side ofFIG.8B. This action improves the fit of the article of footwear100to the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg710and applies a compressive force to the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg710. The fastener system124A/124B and/or the strap system400may be tightened around the wearer's foot, ankle, and/or leg710before pressurization of the bladder system600, e.g., to make the space712A as small as possible and/or to maximize the compressive force application capabilities of the footwear system.

As further shown inFIG.8B, displacement of the interior upper layer1201of the footwear upper102with respect to the exterior upper layer120X causes an internal transverse dimension of the ankle-containing region712to change from D2(unpressurized) to D3(pressurized). In at least some examples of this technology, the change from the unpressurized configuration to the pressurized configuration may be capable of changing an internal transverse dimension of the ankle-containing region712within the following ranges: D2may be at least 1.05×D3, at least 1.1×D3, at least 1.15×D3, at least 1.2×D3, at least 1.25×D3, or even at least 1.4× D3.

In order for a compressive force to be applied to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle when the fluid-filled bladder system600changes between an unpressurized configuration or condition and a pressurized configuration or condition, the footwear upper102of this example is configured so that the interior upper layer1201displaces inwardly toward a center of the ankle-containing region712. If the exterior upper layer120X displaces outward too much upon bladder system600pressurization, then insufficient compressive force or no compressive force may be applied to the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle710. Thus, in at least some examples of this technology, a transverse dimension of the footwear upper102at the ankle-containing region712(from the exterior surface of the exterior upper layer120X to the exterior surface of the exterior upper layer120X at an opposite side of the ankle-containing region712) in the unpressurized configuration (D1(U)) will be substantially equal to the transverse dimension of the footwear upper102at the ankle-containing region712in the pressurized configuration (D1 (P)). In at least some examples of this technology, the term “substantially equal” as used herein in this context will mean that D1 (P)=D1 (U)+10%. In some additional examples of this technology, D1(P)=D1(U)+7.5% or even D1(P)=D1(U)+5%.

To help assure that displacement takes place in the desired direction (inwardly) in at least some examples of this technology, the interior upper layer1201may be made to have a first stretchability and the exterior upper layer120X may be made to have a second stretchability, wherein the first stretchability is greater than the second stretchability. In other words, in at least some examples of this technology, the interior upper layer1201may be made more “stretchable” than the exterior upper layer120X. In this manner, force applied to the footwear upper102by inflation and displacement of the bladder system600will tend to predominantly stretch the interior upper layer1201(because it is easier to do so), thereby causing the interior upper layer1201to stretch and displace inwardly.

Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this technology, the interior upper layer1201may be made to have a first stiffness and the exterior upper layer120X may be made to have a second stiffness, wherein the second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness. In other words, in at least some examples of this technology, the exterior upper layer120X may be made from “stiffer” material(s) than the interior upper layer1201. In this manner, force applied to the footwear upper102by inflation and displacement of the bladder system600will tend to predominantly displace the less stiff interior upper layer1201(because it is easier to do so), thereby causing the interior upper layer1201to displace inwardly.

Still additionally or alternatively, other features of the footwear upper102can help assure that that displacement of the footwear upper102takes place inwardly in a direction to apply compressive force to a wearer's leg, foot, and/or ankle in the ankle-containing region712. For example, as shown inFIGS.2B and3, the side base portion402B and/or the rear heel portion402R of the strap system400is applied to an exterior surface of the exterior upper layer120X at least at one side (e.g., the medial side in this illustrated example) of the footwear upper102. These portions of the strap system400may be formed from a relatively unstretchable and/or stiff material, e.g., to prevent or to help prevent stretch and/or to increase stiffness of the underlying exterior upper layer120X. Additionally or alternatively, as shown inFIGS.2A and3, the strap securing member(s)404of the strap system400is applied to an exterior surface of the exterior upper layer120X at least at one side (e.g., the lateral side in this illustrated example) of the footwear upper102. These strap securing member(s)404may be formed from a relatively unstretchable and/or stiff material, e.g., to prevent or to help prevent stretch and/or to increase stiffness of the underlying exterior upper layer120X. Other upper components and/or structural features could be used to help bias footwear upper102displacement in the desired direction(s).

FIGS.9A-9Dprovide various views of an alternative article of footwear800structure in accordance with some aspects of this technology.FIG.9Aprovides a lateral side view of the article of footwear800;FIG.9Bprovides a rear heel view;FIG.9Cprovides a close up view of the housing300including various input buttons300B useful as part of an “input system;” andFIG.9Dprovides a front, lateral perspective view. Second strap portion402S2is not shown in the view ofFIG.9Dso that more of the footwear upper102and securing flap122remains visible (although a single strap portion (e.g., like402S1as shown inFIG.9D) could be provided as the strap system400in some examples of this technology). Where the same reference numbers are used inFIGS.9A-9Das used inFIGS.2A-8B, the same or similar parts are being referenced, including all options or alternatives relating to that part, and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. Further, the input buttons300B (and their functions) described below in conjunction withFIGS.9A-9Dalso may be used with and/or applied to the input buttons300B provided with the article of footwear100structures ofFIGS.2A-8Bdescribed above.

One difference between the article of footwear800ofFIGS.9A-9Dand the article of footwear100ofFIGS.2A-2Erelates to the absence of moderator component312at the rear heel area between the housing300and the exterior upper layer120X (the example ofFIGS.2A-2Ehas the moderator component312, the example ofFIGS.9A-9Ddoes not). The moderator component312may be omitted, for example, if the footwear upper102(e.g., the interior upper layer1201and/or the exterior upper layer120X) possesses sufficient moderator function (e.g., force attenuation, stiffness, cushioning, etc.) such that a separate moderator component312is not necessary and/or if the housing300itself is made from suitable materials (e.g., soft, flexible, etc.) such that further moderator function is not needed.

FIG.9Cfurther shows a close up view of an input system included with the housing300in accordance with some aspects of this technology. This example input system includes four input buttons300B, e.g., in electrical communication with controller630(seeFIG.7A), which may be included within housing300. More or fewer input buttons300B may be provided and/or the buttons300B may initiate additional and/or different functions from those described below. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, one or more input buttons300B may be provided as “soft buttons,” e.g., using a touch screen or touch panel affixed to the article of footwear800(e.g., affixed with one or more of the housing300, footwear upper102, sole structure104, etc.). While other options are possible, in this specifically illustrated example, button300B1comprises a “power on/off” button and/or may be useful to check battery status (e.g., with status indicated by LED322).

Interaction with button300B2may provide (e.g., toggle through) different levels of ankle/leg compression (e.g., by inflating bladder system600to various different pressures). As a more specific example: (a) one press of button300B2may cause controller630to produce a low pressure compressive force (a first pressure) using bladder system600; (b) two presses of button300B2may cause controller630to produce a medium pressure compressive force (a second pressure) using bladder system600; (c) three presses of button300B2may cause controller630to produce a high pressure compressive force (a third pressure) using bladder system600; and (d) four presses of button300B2may toggle back to the first pressure setting (or to an “off” or “no pressure” setting); etc. In other examples of this technology, in addition or as an alternative to switching pressure settings by multiple button300B2presses, the amount of time button300B2is pressed could be used to toggle through the different pressure settings. As a more specific example: (i) a first pressure setting may be provided with an initial button300B2press, (ii) the system switches to a second pressure setting after a first time period while button300B2is held down (e.g., two seconds later), (iii) the system switches to a third pressure setting after a second time period while button300B2is held down (e.g., two additional seconds later), and (iv) the system switches back to the first pressure setting (or to an “off” or “no pressure” setting) after a third time period while button300B2is held down (e.g., two additional seconds later), In some examples, a series324of three LED indicators or other indicator configuration may be provided to display the selected compression level information.

Interaction with button300B3may provide (e.g., toggle through) different heating levels (e.g., using heating system700). As a more specific example: (a) one press of button300B3may cause controller630to produce a low heating temperature using heating system700; (b) two presses of button300B3may cause controller630to produce a medium heating temperature using heating system700; (c) three presses of button300B3may cause controller630to produce a high heating temperature using heating system700; and (d) four presses of button300B3may toggle back to the low temperature setting (or to an “off” setting); etc. In other examples of this technology, in addition or as an alternative to switching temperature settings by multiple button300B3presses, the amount of time button300B3is pressed could be used to toggle through the different temperature settings. As a more specific example: (i) a first temperature setting may be provided with an initial button300B3press, (ii) the system switches to a second temperature setting after a first time period while button300B3is held down (e.g., two seconds later), (iii) the system switches to a third temperature setting after a second time period while button300B3is held down (e.g., two additional seconds later), and (iv) the system switches back to the first temperature setting (or to an “off” setting) after a third time period while button300B3is held down (e.g., two additional seconds later), In some examples, a series326of three LED indicators or other indicator configuration may be provided to display the selected heating level information.

Interaction with button300B4may toggle between “pause” and “proceed” actions, with one or more LED indicators328or other indicator configuration providing status information of this button. The pause/play button300B4may allow a wearer to interrupt a treatment process (e.g., temporarily) without fully powering down the system and/or without having to completely restart the treatment process. In some examples of this technology, button300B4also could be used to completely stop a treatment process and/or to add additional time to an on-going treatment process (e.g., add two minutes), e.g., using a press and hold or other action. Many other functions, combinations of functions, and the like may be associated with the buttons300B in other specific examples of this technology.

FIGS.4A and4Bshow the housing300's dock component300D mounted to the rear heel area of a sole component (e.g., a midsole component200in this specific example). Other options are possible. For example,FIG.10shows the housing dock component300D mounted to the rear heel area of a footwear upper102. As shown, the footwear upper102and dock component300D include openings through which fluid lines128F and wires128W can extend to engage other components of the system (such as portions of the fluid-filled bladder system600and the heating system700located between the interior upper layer1201and the exterior upper layer120X as discussed above). This example dock component300D includes a lateral arm300L, a medial arm300M, and a rear central portion300R connecting the lateral arm300L and the medial arm300M. But, this example dock component300D does not include an upwardly extending arm304like the example ofFIGS.4A and4B(although one could be provided, if desired).

The example articles of footwear100,800and footwear systems650,660described above included physical buttons300B as an input system used to receive user input for activating and controlling the compression system (e.g., fluid-filled bladder system600and fluid source component610), the heating system700, and/or the power source500.FIGS.11A and11Billustrate additional input system features and/or alternative input system features to the physical button300B input system described above. The footwear system1000ofFIGS.11A and11Bmay include any and/or all of the features of the footwear structures and systems described above in conjunction withFIGS.1-10.

In the example ofFIGS.11A and11B, the footwear system1000includes an input system1002(e.g., including an antenna1002A, one or more transceiver devices, one or more input ports (such as USB ports, plug receptacles, etc.), etc.) for receiving user input from a remote computing device1010, such as a mobile or cellular telephone (e.g., a “smartphone” including an antenna1010A). The input system1002may be in electronic communication with (and optionally provided as part of) electronic controller630, e.g., shown inFIG.7A. In this illustrated example, the remote computing device1010is in wireless communication with the input system1002(e.g., using any desired wireless transmission technology and/or communication protocols). See transmission icon1012. As a more specific example, in at least some examples of this technology, the remote computing device1010may comprise a smartphone running a phone application program and communicating with the controller630through input system1002via a “BLUETOOTH” low energy (“BLE”) communication system and/or protocol. Alternatively, in some examples of this technology, a wired connection may be used to transmit user input through input system1002to the controller630.

In at least some examples of this technology, the input systems1002on two articles of footwear of a pair may be in communication with a remote computing device1010and/or the shoes of the pair may communicate with one another (e.g., via input systems1002). Such types of communication features with a pair of shoes may be used to coordinate the application of compressive forces and/or the application of thermal treatments for the shoes of the pair. In other words, timing of treatment applied to a wearer's right foot may be controlled to coordinate with the timing of the treatment applied to the wearer's left foot. While the two treatment regimens for the wearer's two feet may be identical and in synch, this is not a requirement in all examples of this aspect of the present technology. Rather, in some examples of this technology, the treatments applied by the two shoes may be coordinated such that the treatments on each foot take place at a desired timing with respect to one another, but the two feet do not need to experience the exact same temperature and/or compressive force application conditions at the same time.

FIG.11Billustrates examples of various functions and/or information that may be presented to a user on a graphical user interface screen1014and provided by an application program for receiving user input (e.g., for providing user input to controller630). Similar to the buttons300B, this application program (and its graphical user interface screen1014) provides the user with the ability to: (a) power on/power off the system (soft button1016); (b) the ability to raise or lower compression pressure (soft buttons 1018+, 1018−, with pressure level indicators1018); (c) the ability to raise or lower temperature (soft buttons 1020+, 1020−, with temperature level indicators1020); and (d) the ability to pause and/or stop a treatment process (soft buttons1022P (for “pause”) and1022S (for “stop”)). The graphical user interface screen1014of this example further includes soft buttons1024L,1024R to toggle between the graphical user interface screens1014for a left shoe and a right shoe as well as one or more indicators1024I as to which shoe's information is being displayed. Additionally, the graphical user interface screen1014includes a shortcut (soft button1026) to enable the user to match the settings for this shoe with the settings used on the other shoe. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this technology, the graphical user interface screen1014and/or compressive force treatment system and/or the thermal treatment system controlled through it may communicate with two shoes of a pair in a manner to coordinate the treatment processes in the two shoes, e.g., as described above.

Graphical user interfaces of this type may include other and/or different functions and information as well. For example, this graphical user interface screen1014includes a “Release Pressure” soft button1028that will immediately stop the system1000from introducing fluid into the fluid-filled bladder chamber(s)602A,602B and open valve616. Soft button1028could be activated to quickly provide relief, e.g., if the user's foot, leg, and/or ankle is exposed to too much pressure and/or too high a temperature, and/or if the user otherwise needs to get out of the article of footwear100,800in a rapid manner.

A “settings” soft button1030allows a user to access, change, and control various settings for the footwear system1000, e.g., in conventional manners in which application programs enable “setting” changes. The “settings” button1030also may allow a user to enter, set, change, and control the treatment processes activated by the two “Preset” soft buttons1032A and1032B. The “Preset” soft buttons1032A,1032B (more or fewer may be provided) of this example will trigger the controller630to initiate a pre-selected compression and/or heating regimen for the wearer. The “Preset” soft buttons1032A,1032B may come pre-programmed with different compression and/or heating regimens (e.g., one for pre-game or pre-workout “warm up” and one for post-game or post-workout “cool down” or treatment). Additionally or alternatively, a user may be allowed to select from a list of potential pre-programmed regimens (e.g., available through the “settings” soft button1030) and/or a user may be able to design a customized treatment regimen (e.g., with selectable temperature levels and/or pressure levels for different time periods and/or durations).

FIG.12provides a view of a footwear system1100similar to the footwear systems650,660described above with respect toFIGS.7A and7B, but with some additional potential features, components, and/or functionality included. Where the same reference numbers are used inFIG.12as used in any ofFIGS.1-11Babove, the same or similar parts are being referenced, including any of the options, alternatives, and/or variations described above, and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. Also, whileFIG.12shows the additional features ofFIG.12in combination with an “open” bladder system that intakes new air from and discharges air to the external environment, the additional features ofFIG.12may be used in combination with a “closed system,” of the types described above in conjunction withFIG.7B. The footwear system1100ofFIG.12may include wireless communication from a remote (e.g., mobile) computing device1010and/or a hard button300B array, e.g., mounted directly on a housing300for an article of footwear100,800. Controller630receives user input (e.g., via buttons300B and/or remote computing device1010) and controls one or more of the fluid source component610, the heating system700, the power source500, and/or the valve616to control the heat and/or compressive force applied to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle, e.g., in the various manners described above. Thus, the footwear system1100ofFIG.12may include any and/or all of the features of the footwear structures and systems described above in conjunction withFIGS.1-11B.

FIG.12further shows that controller630includes various input/output ports630P for receiving input and/or signals from and/or for sending output and/or signals to one or more of: (a) power source500, (b) fluid source component610, (c) heating system700, (d) valve616, and (c) and buttons300B. The input/output ports630P are in electronic communication with a processing system630M (including one or more microprocessors) that performs desired computations on the input data and generates suitable outputs to be transmitted back to one or more of the power source500, the fluid source component610, the heating system700, the valve616, and/or the button300B array. The same or a similar electronic controller630structure may be provided in the footwear systems650and660ofFIGS.7A and/or7B.

The example footwear system1100ofFIG.12may include one or more sensors that provide additional input data to the controller630. This input data may be used to control operation of the footwear system1100, e.g., to activate, deactivate, and/or modify certain processes and/or functions. As one more specific example, the interior of the ankle-containing chamber (or foot-receiving chamber106) may include one or more sensors1102(e.g., mounted to interior upper layer1201), such as a temperature sensor (e.g., to sense skin temperature or the temperature of the foot-receiving chamber106), a sweat and/or moisture sensor, and/or a pressure or force sensor (e.g., to sense force being applied to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle by the bladder system600). Sensor1102may provide signals to (and receive signals from) electronic controller630via an input/output port630P. Additionally or alternatively, the bladder system600(e.g., one or more of fluid chamber(s)602A and/or602B) may include a pressure sensor1104(e.g., to determine gas pressure in the bladder chamber(s)602A and/or602B). Sensor1104may provide signals to (and receive signals from) electronic controller630via another input/output port630P. Data from the sensor(s)1102and/or1104, when available, may be used to allow for “smart” control and/or automatic control of the heat and/or compression applied to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. As some more specific examples, data from sensor(s)1102and/or1104may be used as follows:to automatically slow or stop operation of fluid source component610if fluid pressure in the bladder system600as measured by sensor1104exceeds a threshold value;to automatically open valve616if fluid pressure in the bladder system600as measured by sensor1104exceeds a threshold value;to automatically slow or stop operation of fluid source component610if force or pressure sensor1102measures force applied to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle above a threshold value;to automatically open valve616if force or pressure sensor1102measures force applied to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle above a threshold value;to automatically stop or pause one or more of heating processes and/or compression (bladder inflation) processes if no foot is detected in the foot-receiving chamber106;to automatically discontinue operation of heating elements702A/702B if moisture sensor1102senses moisture in the foot-receiving chamber106; and/orto automatically discontinue operation of heating elements702A/702B if temperature sensor1102senses a temperature in the foot-receiving chamber106above a threshold value.

Other uses of the data from sensor(s)1102and/or1104also may be provided in other specific examples of this technology.

Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of treating a foot, ankle, and/or leg of a wearer. Such methods may include: placing a foot, leg, and/or ankle in a foot-receiving chamber106of an article of footwear100,800, e.g., of any of the types described above (including any of the options, alternatives, or variations described above). Once inside, the foot, leg, and/or ankle may be secured in the foot-receiving chamber106, e.g., by one or more of fastener system124A and124B for securing flap122and/or strap system400(e.g., to reduce or minimize space712A discussed above). Then, controller630may activate the heating system700to apply heat to the foot, leg, and/or ankle and/or the fluid source component610to change fluid pressure in the fluid-filled bladder system600. Heat and/or compressive force may be applied to the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle and modified over discrete time periods and/or over time intervals to apply a desired heat and/or compressive force treatment course to the wearer's leg, foot, and/or ankle. Different heat and/or pressure treatment courses may be used for different treatment purposes, such as: (i) warm up (for an athletic performance to be performed); (ii) cool down or recovery (from an athletic performance that has just been completed); (iii) long term recovery or treatment; (iv) injury treatment; (v) injury prevention; etc.

As noted above, in some examples of this technology, the fluid-filled bladder system600may include at least two distinct fluid chambers, e.g., lower fluid chamber602A and upper fluid chamber602B. In at least some treatment courses in accordance with this technology, fluid pressure in at least one of these fluid chambers602A,602B will be cycled between a relatively low pressure condition and a relatively high pressure condition (e.g., to apply a pulsating force to the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle). In some more specific examples of this technology, fluid pressure may be varied in lower fluid chamber602A and upper fluid chamber602B so that: (a) pressure is first low in both the lower fluid chamber602A and upper fluid chamber602B, (b) pressure is increased in the lower fluid chamber602A, and (c) then pressure is increased in the upper fluid chamber602B and, optionally, pressure is decreased in the lower fluid chamber602A. Appropriate valving and/or switching systems may be provided to introduce fluid into and remove fluid from fluid chamber602A and to introduce fluid into and remove fluid from fluid chamber602B at the appropriate timing to provide the desired compressive force treatments at the different areas. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology: (a) pressure in a first chamber (e.g., lower fluid chamber602A) can be increased at the same time that pressure in a second chamber is decreased (e.g., upper fluid chamber602B) by moving fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber, and/or (b) pressure in the first chamber (e.g., lower fluid chamber602A) can be decreased at the same time that pressure in the second chamber is increased (e.g., upper fluid chamber602A) by moving fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber. In other words, one fluid chamber can act as a reservoir chamber for the other fluid chamber, and fluid can be moved back and forth between these two chambers to produce the compressive force pulsating action. Force applied in these manners can help push the compressive force (e.g., and thus the blood flow) upward on the wearer's leg. Thus, the pressure may be varied in fluid chambers602A and602B such that: during a first time period, fluid pressure in the lower fluid chamber602A is greater than fluid pressure in the upper fluid chamber602B, and (b) during another time period (e.g., later than the first time period), the fluid pressure in the upper fluid chamber602B may be equal to or greater than the fluid pressure in the lower fluid chamber602A. This pulsating action can be repeated over multiple cycles, e.g., to repeatedly apply the compressive force (and induce blood flow) in an upward direction in the wearer's leg. Additionally or alternatively, the pulsating action by the bladder system600can be cycled and applied (e.g., in any of the manners described above) to perform a massage type function on the wearer's heel, ankle, and/or leg region.

In accordance with at least some aspects of this technology, the article of footwear100,800may be constructed for at least some conventional ambulatory activities, e.g., at least walking, jogging, for warm ups, etc. Thus, in such articles of footwear100,800, the sole structure104may be formed of materials and constructions that facilitate contact with the floor (or other contact surface), enable bending of the foot (e.g., to permit weight transfer from the heel to the toe as a wearer takes a conventional step), and/or otherwise support natural foot motion and flexion. Thus, the fluid-filled bladder system600and/or the heating system700may be limited to the heel, leg, and/or ankle areas (and/or to the portion of the footwear upper102corresponding to the “hightop” and “ankle-containing region” of a hightop footwear upper) and need not be included in the forefoot region of such footwear uppers and/or articles of footwear100,800. In this illustrated example, the fluid-filled bladder system600has its forwardmost extent located within the heel and/or midfoot region of the article of footwear100(e.g., located substantially in line with a forward edge of a wearer's leg when contained in the article of footwear100). These features may keep the forefoot and forward toe region of the footwear uppers and articles of footwear100,800relatively free and flexible (e.g., to better support ambulatory action in the footwear100,800).

As noted above, the “Preset” soft buttons1032A,1032B may come pre-programmed with different compression and heating treatment regimens, such as one for pre-game or pre-workout “warm up” and one for post-game or post-workout, “cool down,” or other treatment. In some examples of this technology, the article of footwear100,800may be worn and the warm-up compression and heating treatment programs may be activated while the wearer actually warms up immediately prior to the game and/or performance (e.g., optionally taking off the article of footwear100,800immediately before the game and/or performance begins). “Preset” buttons of this type also may be provided as a hard or physical button (e.g., part of a button array, like one of buttons300B1to300B4shown inFIG.9C).

Additional or alternative “preset” options may be available to the user. For example, predetermined or “preset” compression and/or heating treatment programs may be provided for different sports and/or different uses (e.g., a user could be prompted on graphical user interface screen1014to “select activity” from a list of activities, such as a list of sports). Systems and methods according to some examples of this technology may use the user input relating to the selected “activity” at least in part to develop and/or select a specific compression and/or heating treatment program to be applied to the user's foot, leg, and/or ankle.

As another example, systems and methods in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may receive user input (e.g., via graphical user interface screen1014) indicating the difficulty or strenuousness of a workout, game, and/or other performance. The systems and/or methods may use this user input information to develop and/or select a specific compression and/or heating treatment program based, at least in part, on the difficulty or strenuousness input (e.g., with longer treatment times, higher temperatures, and/or different compression protocols selected for more difficult and/or strenuous workouts or performances).

Also, while the description above focuses on applying heat via heating system700, at least some examples of this technology may additionally or alternatively include a cooling system for cooling the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. In such systems, rather than or in addition to heating elements and one or more heating zones702A and/or702B, cooling elements and/or cooling zones may be provided. Cooling may be provided, for example, by coolant lines provided on a base member (e.g., a coolant fluid may be pumped through coolant lines). An additional layer of fabric or other material, such as fabric or material704layer, may be provided over the layer of the cooling system. This additional layer of fabric or other material (like material704layer) may be placed between the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle and the cooling elements to spread out and/or moderate the feel of the cooling elements on the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle.

CONCLUSION

The present technology is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to this technology, not to limit the scope of the claimed invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the presently claimed invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered Clauses:Clause 1. A footwear upper, comprising:an interior upper layer formed from one or more interior upper component parts;an exterior upper layer formed from one or more exterior upper component parts and engaged with the interior upper layer, wherein the interior upper layer and the exterior upper layer define an ankle-receiving chamber of the footwear upper;a fluid-filled bladder system including a first fluid chamber located between the interior upper layer and the exterior upper layer;a heating system having at least a portion engaged with the first fluid chamber;a fluid source component in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber and configured to supply fluid to the first fluid chamber;a power source for supplying power to at least the heating system; anda securing system for releasably securing the footwear upper to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle (e.g., wherein the footwear upper and/or the fluid-filled bladder system will extend at least partially around or wrap at least partially around a circumference of a wearer's ankle and/or leg).Clause 2. The footwear upper according to Clause 1, wherein the interior upper layer has a first stretchability level and the exterior upper layer has a second stretchability level, wherein the first stretchability level is greater than the second stretchability level; and/orwherein the interior upper layer has a first stiffness level and the exterior upper layer has a second stiffness level, wherein the second stiffness level is greater than the first stiffness level.Clause 3. The footwear upper according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein each of the interior upper layer and the exterior upper layer extends to form a lateral ankle-containing region, a rear ankle-containing region, and a medial ankle-containing region.Clause 4. The footwear upper according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein each of the interior upper layer and the exterior upper layer extends to close the ankle-receiving chamber when the securing system places the footwear upper in a closed configuration.Clause 5. The footwear upper according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein each of the interior upper layer, the first fluid chamber, and the exterior upper layer extends to form a lateral ankle-containing region, a rear ankle-containing region, and a medial ankle-containing region.Clause 6. The footwear upper according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein each of the interior upper layer, the first fluid chamber, and the exterior upper layer extends to close the ankle-receiving chamber when the securing system places the footwear upper in a closed configuration.Clause 7. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the securing system includes a first strap member secured to at least one of the interior upper layer or the exterior upper layer, and a first strap securing member secured to at least one of the interior upper layer or the exterior upper layer.Clause 8. The footwear upper according to Clause 7, wherein the first strap securing member includes a first portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, and wherein the first strap member includes a second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener.Clause 9. The footwear upper according to Clause 7, wherein the first strap securing member includes a first portion of a hook-and-loop fastener system, and wherein the first strap member includes: (i) a first strap portion having a second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener system and (ii) a second strap portion having a third portion of the hook-and-loop fastener system.Clause 10. The footwear upper according to Clause 7, wherein the first strap member includes: (i) a first side base portion, (ii) a rear heel portion extending from the first side base portion at least to a rear heel region of the footwear upper, and (iii) a first strap portion extending from the first side base portion at least around a forward ankle region of the footwear upper.Clause 11. The footwear upper according to Clause 7, wherein the first strap member includes: (i) a first side base portion, (ii) a rear heel portion extending from the first side base portion at least to a rear heel region of the footwear upper, (iii) a first strap portion extending from the first side base portion at least around a forward ankle region of the footwear upper, and (iv) a second strap portion extending from the first side base portion and spaced upward on the footwear upper from the first strap portion.Clause 12. The footwear upper according to Clause 10 or 11, wherein the first side base portion is located at a medial side of the footwear upper.Clause 13. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 7 to 12, wherein the first strap securing member is engaged with an exterior surface of the exterior upper layer.Clause 14. The footwear upper according to Clause 13, wherein the first strap securing member comprises a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener element.Clause 15. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the exterior upper layer includes a body portion having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, wherein the body portion is oriented to extend around a rear heel portion of the footwear upper such that the first edge defines a forward foot-insertion opening edge of the footwear upper and the second edge extends at least to the forward foot-insertion opening edge when the securing system places the footwear upper in a closed configuration; and wherein in some examples, the second edge includes a pulling tab or other grip-enhancing element.Clause 16. The footwear upper according to Clause 15, wherein at least a portion of the securing system is fixed to the exterior upper layer.Clause 17. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, further comprising a housing, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the heating system, the fluid source component, and/or the power source is located in the housing.Clause 18. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, further comprising a housing, wherein at least a portion of the fluid source component is located in the housing.Clause 19. The footwear upper according to Clause 17 or 18, wherein the housing is engaged with the exterior upper layer at a rear heel region of the footwear upper.Clause 20. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 17 to 19, wherein the housing includes a lateral arm, a medial arm, and a rear central portion connecting the lateral arm and the medial arm.Clause 21. The footwear upper according to Clause 20, wherein the rear central portion includes an upwardly extending arm.Clause 22. The footwear upper according to Clause 21, further comprising a moderator component located between the rear central portion and the exterior upper layer.Clause 23. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 17 to 22, wherein the housing includes one or more user input buttons for controlling one or more of the heating system, the fluid source component, and/or the power source.Clause 24. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 17 to 23, wherein the housing includes a vent port for venting heat generated by the power source.Clause 25. The footwear upper according to any one of Clause 17 to 24, wherein the housing includes a dock part and a cover part that engages with the dock part to form a housing chamber.Clause 26. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the fluid source component includes at least one of a pump or a compressor.Clause 27. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 26, wherein the power source includes a battery.Clause 28. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 27, wherein the first fluid chamber of the fluid-filled bladder system is changeable between a first pressure condition and a second pressure condition, wherein the second pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the first pressure condition, wherein changing the first fluid chamber from the first pressure condition to the second pressure condition is accompanied by displacement of interior upper layer toward a center of the ankle-receiving chamber.Clause 29. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 28, further comprising an input system for receiving user input for controlling one or more of the heating system, the fluid source component, and/or the power source.Clause 30. The footwear upper according to Clause 29, wherein the input system includes one or more buttons.Clause 31. The footwear upper according to Clause 29, wherein the input system includes an antenna for receiving electronic input in a wireless manner.Clause 32. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 31, wherein the fluid-filled bladder system includes a second fluid chamber, and wherein the fluid-filled bladder system is configured such that different fluid pressures are present in the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber at least during a first time period.Clause 33. The footwear upper according to Clause 32, wherein the first fluid chamber is located lower on the footwear upper than the second fluid chamber.Clause 34. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 33, wherein the heating system includes a first heating element and a second heating element.Clause 35. The footwear upper according to Clause 34, wherein the first heating element is located lower on the footwear upper than the second heating element.Clause 36. The footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 35, further comprising an electronic control system for controlling one or more of the heating system, the fluid source component, and/or the power source.Clause 37. An article of footwear, comprising:a sole structure; anda footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 36 engaged with the sole structure.Clause 38. The article of footwear according to Clause 37, wherein at least a portion of the power source is engaged with the sole structure.Clause 39. The article of footwear according to Clause 37, wherein the sole structure includes a midsole component, and wherein the power source is engaged with the midsole component.Clause 40. The article of footwear according to Clause 39, wherein the midsole component includes a top surface having a recess defined therein, and wherein at least a portion of the power source is received in the recess.Clause 41. The article of footwear according to Clause 40, wherein the top surface of the midsole component further includes a channel that extends from the recess to a rear heel portion of the midsole component.Clause 42. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 38 to 41, wherein a bottom surface of the sole structure includes one or more vent openings that open into a chamber into which the portion of the power source is received.Clause 43. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 38 to 41, wherein the sole structure includes one or more vent channels that open into a chamber into which the portion of the power source is received and extend to a location exterior to the sole structure.Clause 44. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:a sole component, wherein a recess is defined in the sole component, wherein one or more vents are defined in a material of the sole component, the one or more vents including: (i) one or more through hole openings extending from the recess to an exterior surface of the sole component and/or (ii) one or more elongated channels defined in a material of the sole component and extending from the recess to the exterior surface of the sole component; anda power source at least partially received in the recess.Clause 45. The sole structure according to Clause 44, wherein the sole component includes a midsole component formed at least in part from a polymer foam material, wherein the recess is defined in the polymer foam material.Clause 46. The sole structure according to Clause 45, wherein the midsole component includes a top surface having the recess defined therein.Clause 47. The sole structure according to Clause 46, wherein the top surface of the midsole component further includes a channel that extends from the recess to a rear heel portion of the midsole component.Clause 48. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 44 to 47, wherein the one or more vents include the one or more through hole openings extending from the recess to the exterior surface of the sole component.Clause 49. The sole structure according to Clause 48, wherein the exterior surface of the sole component is a bottom exterior surface of the sole component.Clause 50. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 44 to 49, wherein the one or more vents include the one or more elongated channels defined in the material of the sole component and extending from the recess to the exterior surface of the sole component.Clause 51. The sole structure according to Clause 50, wherein the one or more elongated channels are defined in a top surface of the sole component.Clause 52. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 44 to 51, further comprising a housing component engaged with the sole component.Clause 53. The sole structure according to Clause 52, wherein the housing component is engaged at a rear heel area of the sole component.Clause 54. The sole structure according to Clause 52 or 53, wherein the housing component includes a lateral arm, a medial arm, and a rear central portion connecting the lateral arm and the medial arm.Clause 55. The sole structure according to Clause 54, wherein the rear central portion includes an upwardly extending arm.Clause 56. The sole structure according to any one of Clause 52 to 55, wherein the housing component includes a dock part, wherein the dock part is engageable with a cover part to form a housing chamber.Clause 57. The sole structure according to Clause 56, wherein the housing chamber includes one or more user input buttons for controlling one or more of power, heat, and/or compressive force generated by one or more footwear components associated with the sole structure.Clause 58. The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 52 to 57, wherein the housing component includes an outlet port for venting heat generated by the power source.Clause 59. An article of footwear, comprising:a footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 36; anda sole structure according to any one of Clauses 44 to 58 engaged with the footwear upper.Clause 60. A footwear system for applying heat and/or pressure to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle, the footwear system comprising:a footwear upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 36;a sole structure according to any one of Clauses 44 to 58 engaged with the footwear upper; andan electronic control system engaged with at least one of the footwear upper and the sole structure, the electronic control system being configured to control the heat and/or pressure applied to the wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle.Clause 61. The footwear system according to Clause 60, further comprising an electronic computing device in communication with the electronic control system to provide user input to the electronic control system.Clause 62. The footwear system according to Clause 61, wherein the electronic computing device is in wireless communication with the electronic control system.Clause 63. The footwear system according to Clause 61 or 62, wherein the electronic computing device is configured to display information identifying one or more heat and/or pressure treatment regimens for user selection as potential user input.Clause 64. The footwear system according to any one of Clauses 61 to 63, wherein the user input relates to one or more of: a change in temperature to be generated by the heating system; a change in fluid pressure to be provided in the fluid-filled bladder system; a stop command; and a pause command.Clause 65. The footwear system according to any one of Clauses 60 to 64, wherein the electronic control system includes one or more buttons configured to activate one or more functions of the footwear system.Clause 66. A method of treating a foot, ankle, and/or leg, comprising:placing a foot, leg, and/or ankle in an interior chamber of an article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 37 to 43 or 59;securing the footwear upper to the foot, leg, and/or ankle using the securing system (e.g., wherein the footwear upper and/or the fluid-filled bladder system will extend at least partially around or wrap at least partially around a circumference of a wearer's ankle and/or leg);powering the heating system to apply heat to the foot, leg, and/or ankle; andpowering the fluid source component to change fluid pressure in the fluid-filled bladder system.Clause 67. The method according to Clause 66, wherein the fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber is cycled between a low pressure condition and a high pressure condition.Clause 68. The method according to Clause 66 or 67, wherein the fluid-filled bladder system includes a second fluid chamber, and wherein the fluid source component is controlled such that, during at least some time periods, different fluid pressures are present in the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber.Clause 69. The method according to Clause 68, wherein the first fluid chamber is located lower on the footwear upper than the second fluid chamber.Clause 70. The method according to Clause 68 or 69, wherein during a first time period, fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber is greater than fluid pressure in the second fluid chamber, and wherein during a second time period later than the first time period, the fluid pressure in the second fluid chamber is equal to or greater than the fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber.Clause 71. The method according to any one of Clauses 66 to 70, further comprising receiving user input relating to one or more of: a change in temperature to be generated by the heating system; a change in the fluid pressure to be provided in the fluid-filled bladder system; a stop command; and a pause command.Clause 72. The method according to any one of Clauses 66 to 71, further comprising receiving user input indicating a desired heat/pressure treatment regimen to be performed.Clause 73. The method according to Clause 72, wherein the desired heat/pressure treatment regimen to be performed is selected by a user from a list of two or more pre-programmed heat/pressure treatment regimens.Clause 74. An article of footwear, comprising:a sole structure;a footwear upper engaged with the sole structure, wherein the footwear upper includes: (i) a fluid-filled bladder system including a first fluid chamber zone and a second fluid chamber zone, and (ii) a securing system for releasably securing the footwear upper to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle (e.g., wherein the footwear upper and/or the fluid-filled bladder system will extend at least partially around or wrap at least partially around a circumference of a wearer's ankle and/or leg);a fluid transfer system configured to move fluid: (a) into and out of the first fluid chamber zone, (b) into and out of the second fluid chamber zone, and (c) in a manner to cyclically and sequentially increase pressure and decrease pressure in each of the first fluid chamber zone and the second fluid chamber zone; anda power source for supplying power to the fluid transfer system.Clause 75. The article of footwear according to Clause 74, wherein the second fluid chamber zone is located rearward in the article of footwear with respect to the first fluid chamber zone.Clause 76. The article of footwear according to Clause 75, wherein the fluid-filled bladder system includes a third fluid chamber zone located upward in the article of footwear with respect to the second fluid chamber zone, and wherein the fluid transfer system further is configured to move fluid into and out of the third fluid chamber zone and in a manner to cyclically and sequentially increase pressure and decrease pressure in the third fluid chamber zone.Clause 77. The article of footwear according to Clause 74, wherein the second fluid chamber zone is located upward in the article of footwear with respect to the first fluid chamber zone.Clause 78. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 74 to 77, wherein the fluid transfer system further is configured to move fluid such that: (A) at a first time: (i) the first fluid chamber zone is at a first pressure condition and (ii) the second fluid chamber zone is at a second pressure condition, wherein the first pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the second pressure condition; and (B) at a second time that is after the first time: (i) the first fluid chamber zone is at a third pressure condition and (ii) the second fluid chamber zone is at a fourth pressure condition, wherein the fourth pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the third pressure condition.Clause 79. The article of footwear according to Clause 78, wherein the fluid transfer system further is configured to move fluid such that at a third time that is after the second time: (i) the first fluid chamber zone is at a fifth pressure condition and (ii) the second fluid chamber zone is at a sixth pressure condition, wherein the fifth pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the sixth pressure condition.Clause 80. The article of footwear according to Clause 79, wherein the fluid transfer system further is configured to move fluid such that at a fourth time that is after the third time: (i) the first fluid chamber zone is at a seventh pressure condition and (ii) the second fluid chamber zone is at an eighth pressure condition, wherein the eighth pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the seventh pressure condition.Clause 81. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 74 to 77, wherein the fluid transfer system further is configured to move fluid such that during a first time period: (i) the first fluid chamber zone changes from a first pressure condition to a second pressure condition, wherein the first pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the second pressure condition; and (B) the second fluid chamber zone changes from a third pressure condition to a fourth pressure condition, wherein the fourth pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the third pressure condition.Clause 82. The article of footwear according to Clause 81, wherein the fluid transfer system further is configured to move fluid such that during at least a portion of the first time period, fluid is moving to change the first fluid chamber zone from the first pressure condition to the second pressure condition while fluid is moving to change the second fluid chamber zone from the third pressure condition to the fourth pressure condition.Clause 83. The article of footwear according to Clause 81 or 82, wherein the fluid transfer system further is configured to move fluid such that during a second time period after the first time period: (i) the first fluid chamber zone changes from the second pressure condition to a fifth pressure condition, wherein the fifth pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the second pressure condition; and (B) the second fluid chamber zone changes from the fourth pressure condition to a sixth pressure condition, wherein the fourth pressure condition is at a higher pressure than the sixth pressure condition.Clause 84. The article of footwear according to Clause 83, wherein the fluid transfer system further is configured to move fluid such that during at least a portion of the second time period, fluid is moving to change the first fluid chamber zone from the second pressure condition to the fifth pressure condition while fluid is moving to change the second fluid chamber zone from the fourth pressure condition to the sixth pressure condition.