Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to a pump and more particularly to a pump for an article of footwear or apparel.

Articles of apparel, such as garments and headwear, and articles of footwear, such as shoes and boots, typically include a receptacle for receiving a body part of a wearer. For example, an article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure that operate to form a receptacle for receiving a foot of a wearer. Likewise, garments and headwear may include one or more pieces of material formed into a receptacle for receiving a torso or head of a wearer.

Articles of apparel or footwear are typically adjustable and/or include a relatively flexible material to allow the article of apparel or footwear to accommodate various sizes of wearers, or to provide different fits on a single wearer. While conventional articles of apparel and articles of footwear are adjustable, such articles typically require a wearer to secure the article by lacing or other means. For example, while laces adequately secure an article of footwear to a wearer by contracting or constricting a portion of an upper around the wearer's foot, the laces do not cause the upper to lock in a size or shape conforming to the user's foot. Accordingly, an optimum fit of the upper around the foot is difficult to achieve.

The Korean patent application <CIT> describes a surging removal device for shotcrete construction equipment. A pressure tank is installed in a transfer pipe. A cylinder lifted by a coil spring is installed in the pressure tank. When an opening and closing member is installed in the transfer pipe, concrete is transferred through the transfer pipe and is charged in the pressure tank. When the pressure is released, the opening and closing member closes the transfer pipe in a supply side and the concrete is discharged from the pressure tank to the transfer pipe through the cylinder to remove surging.

The object of the invention is to provide an advanced pump.

The solution of the objective is subject of the independent c claim <NUM>.

Particular embodiments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

In one configuration, a pump is provided an includes a conduit defining an inner volume and formed from a flexible material, the conduit movable between an expanded state and a relaxed state. A coil is disposed within the conduit and includes an outer diameter that is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the conduit, the coil substantially maintaining its outer diameter when the conduit is moved between the relaxed state and the expanded state. A manifold is in fluid communication with the inner volume and is operable to permit fluid to enter the inner volume in a first mode and expel fluid from the inner volume in a second mode.

The pump may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the coil may be formed from a different material than a material forming the conduit. Namely, the coil could be formed from a foam material. Additionally or alternatively, the coil may include a helical shape.

In one configuration, the coil may define a passageway formed therethrough. The passageway may include a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the coil. Additionally or alternatively, the manifold may include a first valve permitting fluid flow into the inner volume and preventing fluid flow out of the inner volume in the first mode and a second valve permitting fluid flow out of the inner volume and preventing fluid flow into the inner volume in the second mode. At least one of the first valve and the second valve may be a check valve.

An article of footwear incorporates the pump.

An article of apparel incorporates the pump.

In another configuration, a pump is provided and includes a conduit defining an inner volume and movable between an expanded state and a relaxed state, an effective length of the conduit being increased when moved from the relaxed state to the expanded state. A coil is disposed within the conduit, includes an outer diameter that is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the conduit, and has an effective length that is increased when the conduit is moved from the relaxed state to the expanded state, the coil substantially maintaining its outer diameter when the conduit is moved between the relaxed state and the expanded state. A manifold is in fluid communication with the inner volume and is operable to permit fluid to enter the inner volume in a first mode and expel fluid from the inner volume in a second mode.

The pump may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the coil may formed from a different material than a material forming the conduit. Namely, the coil could be formed from a foam material. Additionally or alternatively, the coil may include a helical shape.

An article of footwear may incorporate the pump.

An article of apparel may incorporate the pump.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an article of footwear <NUM> includes an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM> attached to the upper <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> may further include an anterior end <NUM> associated with a forward-most point of the footwear <NUM>, and a posterior end <NUM> corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear <NUM>. A longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the footwear <NUM> extends along a length of the footwear <NUM> from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM> parallel to a ground surface, and generally divides the footwear <NUM> into a medial side <NUM> and a lateral side <NUM>. Accordingly, the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear <NUM> and extend from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM>.

The article of footwear <NUM> may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region <NUM>, a mid-foot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. The forefoot region <NUM> may correspond with the phalanges and the metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region <NUM> may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region <NUM> may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

As shown, the sole structure <NUM> includes a midsole <NUM> configured to provide cushioning and support and an outsole <NUM> defining a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure <NUM>. In other examples, the midsole <NUM> may be configured as a composite structure including a plurality of components joined together. Stitching or adhesives may secure the midsole <NUM> to the upper <NUM>, while a bottom surface of the outsole <NUM> defines a ground-engaging surface of the sole structure <NUM>.

The article of footwear <NUM> may further include a pump <NUM> and a release valve <NUM>. The pump <NUM> extends across the upper <NUM> and may be in fluid communication with the upper <NUM> through one or more valves to adjust a pressure in the upper <NUM> from a first pressure (e.g., at or above ambient) to a second pressure (e.g., below ambient) by removing fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid) from the upper <NUM>. The release valve <NUM> may be fluidly coupled to the upper <NUM> and serves to selectively permit fluid to enter the upper <NUM> to return the upper <NUM> to the first pressure. As discussed in greater detail below, the pump <NUM> and the release valve <NUM> cooperate to transition the upper <NUM> between a relaxed state (<FIG>) and a constricted state (<FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pump <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> coupled to the article of footwear <NUM> and a second end <NUM> coupled to the article of footwear <NUM> and disposed on an opposite end of the pump <NUM> than the first end <NUM>. The pump <NUM> further includes an endcap <NUM> disposed at the first end <NUM>, a manifold <NUM> disposed at the second end <NUM>, and an outer tube <NUM> extending between and connecting the endcap <NUM> and the manifold <NUM> to enclose a chamber <NUM> defined by the pump <NUM>. The pump <NUM> further includes a pump core <NUM> sized to be received by the chamber <NUM>. The pump core <NUM> substantially fills the outer tube <NUM> and extends between the endcap <NUM> and the manifold <NUM>. When assembled, the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> further define an actuator cable <NUM>.

The endcap <NUM> and the manifold <NUM> may include any suitable lightweight material, such as nylon (PA), polypropylene (PP), carbon, or an aluminum alloy. The outer tube <NUM> may include rubber, latex, butyl, silicone, or any other tubing that is highly elastic and retains its properties under a high number of cycles. The pump core <NUM> may include a flexible material such as a PP, PA, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, closed cell foam, BRSX, or any other material that retains its properties under a high number of cycles. When the pump <NUM> is assembled, the chamber <NUM> desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure. The endcap <NUM>, manifold <NUM>, and outer tube <NUM> may be secured together by compression fit, adhesive, or by any other external securing means.

The manifold <NUM> includes an inlet check valve <NUM> configured to selectively allow fluid to flow into the chamber <NUM>, and an exhaust check valve <NUM> configured to selectively permit fluid to flow out of the chamber <NUM>. The inlet check valve <NUM> may further include an intake port <NUM> connecting the inlet check valve <NUM> of the pump <NUM> to the upper <NUM>, and an exhaust port <NUM> connecting the exhaust check valve <NUM> of the pump <NUM> to the outside air (e.g., ambient).

With continued reference to <FIG>, the endcap <NUM> is defined by an outer end <NUM> corresponding to the first end <NUM> of the pump <NUM>, and an inner end <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the endcap <NUM> than the outer end <NUM> and facing the outer tube <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> is further defined by an outer end <NUM> corresponding to the second end <NUM> of the pump <NUM>, and an inner end <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the manifold <NUM> than the outer end <NUM> and facing the outer tube <NUM>. The outer tube <NUM> is defined by a first end <NUM> facing the inner end <NUM> of the endcap <NUM>, a second end <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the outer tube <NUM> than the first end <NUM> and facing the inner end <NUM> of the manifold <NUM>, and an inner surface <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the pump core <NUM> includes a coil <NUM> extending from a first end <NUM> coupled to the inner end <NUM> of the endcap <NUM>, to a second end <NUM> coupled to the inner end <NUM> of the manifold <NUM>. The coil <NUM> may further include an outer surface <NUM> defining the outer diameter of the coil <NUM>. In some implementations, one or both of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> are fully detached from the inner end <NUM> of the endcap <NUM> and the inner end <NUM> of the manifold <NUM>.

The coil <NUM> is disposed within the chamber <NUM> of the pump <NUM> and, with the outer tube <NUM>, forms a transformable structure (i.e., the actuator cable <NUM>) operable to transition the pump <NUM> between a relaxed state and a stretched state. When the pump <NUM> is assembled, the outer surface <NUM> of the coil <NUM> faces the inner surface <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>, and may be attached to the inner surface <NUM>. Thus, as the outer tube <NUM> moves between the relaxed state and the stretched state, the inner surface <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM> directly pulls the coil <NUM> to transition the coil <NUM> from the relaxed state to the stretched state.

In other examples, the outer surface <NUM> of the coil <NUM> may be fully detached from the inner surface <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>. In this configuration, the coil is free to slide with respect to the inner surface <NUM> of the outer tube as the outer tube <NUM> of the pump <NUM> transitions between the relaxed state and the stretched state. Here, the outer surface <NUM> of the coil <NUM> may be indirectly influenced into the relaxed and stretched states by the outer tube <NUM>. Alternatively, the outer surface <NUM> of the coil <NUM> may be zonally attached to the inner surface <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM> and/or may be attached at the ends <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the actuator cable <NUM> including the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> is shown. The coil <NUM> is further defined by a continuous elongated member <NUM> arranged in a helical manner to define a plurality of threads <NUM>, a coil pitch P between opposing threads <NUM>, and a through-hole <NUM> extending axially from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the coil <NUM>. Generally, as the pump <NUM> transitions from the relaxed state to the stretched state, the coil <NUM> is configured to maintain its diametric dimension while extending axially. In other words, the continuous elongated member <NUM> maintains a generally consistent cross-section (i.e., thickness) while the coil pitch P between each opposing threads <NUM> changes while in the relaxed state and the stretched state. Consequently, the coil <NUM> prevents the outer tube <NUM> from collapsing when the pump <NUM> moves between the relaxed state and the stretched state. In some implementations, the coil <NUM> may not include a through-hole <NUM>, to further fill the outer tube <NUM> in the relaxed state. Examples of different geometries of the coil <NUM> are discussed below with respect to <FIG>.

The outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> are configured to stretch when a force is applied to the actuator cable <NUM> (i.e., the actuator cable <NUM> is pulled in a tightening direction <NUM>). Due to the resiliency of the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM>, the actuator cable <NUM> returns to a resting length when released. Accordingly, the actuator cable <NUM> is operable to actuate the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> between a first position associated with a first length L1 where the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> are in a resting state (<FIG>), and a second position associated with a second length L2 where the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> are in a stretched state (<FIG>). Additionally, the first position is associated with a first pitch P1 (<FIG>) of the coil <NUM>, and the second position is associated with a second pitch P2 (<FIG>) of the coil <NUM>, where the second pitch P2 is a greater distance between the threads <NUM> of the elongated member <NUM> than the first pitch P1. When the actuator cable <NUM> is in the first position, the first pitch P1 may allow the coil <NUM> to substantially fill the outer tube <NUM>. As the actuator cable <NUM> is actuated into the second position, the coil <NUM> stretches axially, increasing the pitch from the first pitch P1 to the second pitch P2, which allows air to be drawn into the chamber <NUM> of the pump <NUM> by substantially maintaining an inner diameter of the outer tube <NUM>. Consequently, and as discussed below, cycling the actuator cable <NUM> between the first position and the second position operates to draw fluid in through the intake port <NUM> and exhaust fluid out through the exhaust port <NUM> when the force is released. This is accomplished by the coil <NUM> causing the outer tube <NUM> to maintain its diameter as the length of the outer tube <NUM> is increased due to the force exerted thereon. The increased length of the tube <NUM> along with it maintaining its relaxed diameter during elongation causes an internal volume of the tube <NUM> to increase, thereby causing fluid to be drawn into the tube <NUM> via the intake port <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, various geometries of coils 118a-118c are illustrated. As discussed above, the outer tube <NUM> is sized to receive the coil <NUM>. Accordingly, the geometry of coil 118a-118c will dictate the geometry of its corresponding outer tube <NUM>. The coils 118a-118c are defined by a continuous elongated member <NUM> arranged in a helical manner. This arrangement forms the plurality of threads 154a-154c defining the coil pitches Pa-Pc between opposing threads 154a-154c, and the through-holes 156a-156c extending axially from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the coils 118a-118c. Each of the coils 118a-118c may further be defined by a corresponding cross-sectional area 158a-158c.

For example, <FIG> and <FIG> show a coil 118a that includes a helical continuous elongated member 152a in a circle-shape (i.e., circular helix). In these examples, the cross-sectional area 158a is shaped in a square shape, and wraps around the through-hole 156a to form threads 154a separated by coil pitches Pa. As shown, the through-hole 156a is also circle-shaped to correspond to the circle shape of the coil 118a. Alternatively, a coil 118b includes a helical continuous elongated member 152b in an oval shape (<FIG> and <FIG>). In these implementations, the cross-sectional area 158b is shaped in a rectangular shape, and wraps around the through-hole 158b to form threads 154b separated by coil pitches Pb. As shown, the through-hole 156b is generally shaped as an elongated slot having a pair of rounded ends and substantially straight intermediate portions. In some examples, (<FIG> and <FIG>), a coil 118c includes a helical continuous elongated member 152c in an elongated slot shape having a pair of rounded ends and substantially straight intermediate portions. In these examples, the cross-sectional area 158c is shaped in a rectangular shape, and wraps around the through-hole 158c to form threads 154c separated by coil pitches Pc. As shown, the through-hole 156c is generally shaped as an elongated slot having a pair of rounded ends and substantially straight intermediate portions.

Referring briefly to <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper <NUM> may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define an interior void <NUM>. Suitable materials of the upper <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The example upper <NUM> may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper <NUM> to facilitate movement of the article of footwear <NUM> between the constricted state and the relaxed state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, without limitation, spandex, elastane, rubber or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

In the illustrated example, the upper <NUM> includes one or more fluid chambers <NUM> in fluid communication with the pump <NUM>. Each of the chambers <NUM> includes a compressible component <NUM> disposed therein that compresses as the upper <NUM> transitions from the relaxed state (<FIG>) to the constricted state (<FIG>). The compressible component <NUM> may include a lattice structure <NUM> defining a plurality of reliefs <NUM> (e.g., openings). As discussed above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pump <NUM> is in fluid communication with the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. In these implementations, an intake conduit <NUM> connects the intake port <NUM> including the inlet check valve <NUM> to the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM> allowing fluid communication between the pump <NUM> and the upper <NUM>. In some implementations, the release valve <NUM> includes a release valve <NUM> including a Schrader valve that is selectively activated by the release valve <NUM> to allow outside air (e.g., ambient) to enter the upper <NUM> to return the upper <NUM> to a relaxed state from a constricted state.

In use, the pressure within the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM> is reduced by drawing a vacuum within the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM> via the pump <NUM>. As the pressure is reduced, the upper <NUM> moves from a relaxed state to a constricted state that forms the upper <NUM> around the wearer's foot. Thus, as the vacuum is drawn by cycling the pump <NUM>, as described below with respect to <FIG>, fluid is drawn from within the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and into the chamber <NUM> of the pump <NUM> to compress the lattice structure <NUM> of the compressible component <NUM>, thereby constricting the upper <NUM> around the foot of the wearer. When the release valve <NUM> is actuated, the lattice structure <NUM> of the compressible component <NUM> expands within each chamber <NUM>, thereby causing an internal volume of the chamber <NUM> to increase. The increase in volume draws fluid from the release valve <NUM> of the release valve <NUM> and allows the upper <NUM> to move to the relaxed state around the wearer of the foot. Optionally, the upper <NUM> may include a locking system which, when activated, locks the geometry of the upper <NUM> in place once it is in the constricted state.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the upper <NUM> may be transitioned between the relaxed state and the constricted state via the pump <NUM>. Here, a vacuum may be drawn by pulling the actuator cable <NUM> in the tightening direction <NUM> (i.e., moving the cable <NUM> away from the upper <NUM>) and releasing the actuator cable <NUM> for a number of cycles. As the actuator cable <NUM> is pulled in the tightening direction, the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> are moved from the first position (<FIG>) associated with the first length L1 to the second position (<FIG>) associated with the second length L2. Concurrently, the coil pitch P extends from the first coil pitch P1 associated with the first length L1 to the second coil pitch P2 associated with the second length L2, thereby creating space between the threads <NUM> of the coil <NUM> and creating a vacuum drawing fluid <NUM> from the upper <NUM> into the chamber <NUM> via the intake port <NUM> and the inlet check valve <NUM>. Once the actuator cable <NUM> is in the second position, the inlet check valve <NUM> closes to prevent the fluid <NUM> from escaping the chamber <NUM> back into the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM>.

When the actuator cable <NUM> is released, the resiliency of the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> bias the actuator cable <NUM> from the second position (<FIG>) associated with the second length L2 to the first position (<FIG>) associated with the first length L1, decreasing the coil pitch P from the second coil pitch P2 to the first coil pitch P2 and exhausting the fluid <NUM> within the chamber <NUM> through the exhaust check valve <NUM> and the exhaust check valve <NUM>. Thus, the fluid <NUM> drawn from the chambers <NUM> when the actuator cable <NUM> moves from the first position to the second position is exhausted from the pump <NUM> when the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> return from the second position to the first position. Accordingly, the steps of pulling the actuator cable <NUM> in the tightening direction <NUM> followed by releasing the actuator cable <NUM> constitutes a cycle. For each cycle that the actuator cable <NUM> is pulled in the tightening direction <NUM> and released, the pressure within the upper <NUM> is incrementally reduced. In some examples, the pressure within the upper <NUM> reaches an ideal pressure to constrict the upper <NUM> e.g. <NUM> kPa (e.g., -<NUM> psi) after three pulls on the actuator cable <NUM>. In other examples, fewer or more pulls on the actuator cable <NUM> are required.

While not shown, when the wearer wishes to move the upper <NUM> to the relaxed state, the wearer increases the pressure within the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM> by pressing the release valve <NUM> of the release valve <NUM>. Specifically, the wearer may press the release valve <NUM> located on the outer surface of the sole structure <NUM>, which biases the release valve <NUM> to an open position to allow ambient air to flow within the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Consequently, the pressure within the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM> increases, and the upper <NUM> transitions from the constricted state (<FIG>) to the relaxed state (<FIG>) around the wearer's foot.

With particular reference to <FIG>, another example of a configuration of a pump 102a is shown. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the pump <NUM> with respect to the pump 102a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The pump 102a includes the actuator cable <NUM> including the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> with respect to <FIG>, but includes an alternate arrangement of check valves. Here, the pump 102a includes a first manifold 112a disposed on the first end <NUM> and including an inlet check valve 120a and a second manifold 112b disposed on the second end <NUM> and including an outlet check valve 122a. Accordingly, the inlet check valve 120a and the outlet check valve 122a are inline, as shown in <FIG>. A vacuum may be drawn by pulling the actuator cable <NUM> in the tightening direction <NUM> and releasing the actuator cable <NUM> for a number of cycles. As the actuator cable <NUM> is pulled in the tightening direction, the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> are moved from the first position (<FIG>) associated with the first length L1 to the second position (<FIG>) associated with the second length L2. Concurrently, the coil pitch P extends from the first coil pitch P1 associated with the first length L1 to the second coil pitch P2 associated with the second length L2, thereby creating space between the threads <NUM> of the coil <NUM> and creating a vacuum drawing fluid 30a from the upper <NUM> into the chamber <NUM> via an intake port 124a and the inlet check valve 120a disposed on the first end <NUM> of the pump 102a. Once the actuator cable <NUM> is in the second position, the inlet check valve 120a closes to prevent the fluid 30a from escaping the chamber <NUM> back into the chambers <NUM> of the upper <NUM>.

When the actuator cable <NUM> is released, the resiliency of the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> bias the actuator cable <NUM> from the second position (<FIG>) associated with the second length L2 to the first position (<FIG>) associated with the first length L1, decreasing the coil pitch P from the second coil pitch P2 to the first coil pitch P1 and exhausting the fluid <NUM> within the chamber <NUM> through an exhaust check valve 126a and the exhaust check valve 122b disposed on the second end <NUM> of the pump 102a. Thus, the fluid 30a drawn from the chambers <NUM> when the actuator cable <NUM> moves from the first position to the second position is exhausted from the pump 102a when the outer tube <NUM> and the coil <NUM> return from the second position to the first position.

While not shown, the inlet check valves <NUM>, 120a and the exhaust check valves <NUM>, 122a may be flipped directions to create a pump <NUM> that creates positive pressure (i.e., creates pressure in the upper <NUM>) rather than negative pressure (i.e., pulls a vacuum in the upper <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, the pump <NUM> may be incorporated into an article of apparel such as shirt <NUM>. In this example, the shirt <NUM> may include one or more fluid-filled chambers <NUM> in fluid communication with the pump <NUM>. As discussed with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the chambers <NUM> may include a compressible component disposed therein which compresses as the shirt <NUM> transitions from a relaxed state (<FIG>) to a constricted state (<FIG>). In these implementations, an intake conduit <NUM> connects the pump <NUM> to the chambers <NUM> of the shirt <NUM> allowing fluid communication between the pump <NUM> and the shirt <NUM>.

In use, the shirt <NUM> begins in the relaxed state (<FIG>), and the wearer actuates the pump <NUM> by moving the actuator cable <NUM> from the first position to the second position thereby creating a vacuum drawing fluid from the shirt <NUM> into the chamber <NUM> of the pump <NUM>. Once the actuator cable <NUM> is in the second position, the inlet check valve <NUM> closes to prevent the fluid from escaping the chamber <NUM> back into the chambers <NUM> of the shirt <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A pump (<NUM>) for an article of footwear or apparel comprising:
a conduit (<NUM>) defining an inner volume (<NUM>) and formed from a flexible material, the conduit (<NUM>) movable between an expanded state and a relaxed state;
a coil (<NUM>) disposed within the conduit (<NUM>) and including an outer diameter that is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the conduit (<NUM>), the coil (<NUM>) substantially maintaining its outer diameter when the conduit (<NUM>) is moved between the relaxed state and the expanded state; and
a manifold (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the inner volume (<NUM>) and operable to permit fluid to enter the inner volume (<NUM>) in a first mode and expel fluid from the inner volume (<NUM>) in a second mode.