Shoe Having an Inflatable Bladder

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00011. Field of the Invention

0002This invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to an athletic shoe having an inflatable bladder.

00032. Background Art

0004Athletic footwear must provide stable and comfortable support for the body while subject to various types of stress. It is important that the shoe be comfortable and provide support during various foot movements associated with athletic activity.

0005Articles of footwear typically include an upper and a sole, and are sold in a variety of sizes according to the length and width of the foot. However, even feet of similar length do not have the same geometry. Therefore, a conventional upper must be adjustable to provide support to various foot contours. Many different products and designs have focused on the need for adjustable upper support. For example, the upper may include an ankle portion which encompasses a portion of the ankle region of the foot and thereby provides support thereto.

0006In addition, it is well known to adjust the size of a shoe through lacing or through one or more straps reaching across the throat of a typical shoe. Lacing alone, however, suffers from several disadvantages, for example, when the shoe laces or strap is drawn too tightly, the fastening system can cause pressure on the instep of the foot. Such localized pressure is uncomfortable to the wearer and can make it difficult for the shoe to be worn for prolonged periods of time. Furthermore, while lacing allows the upper of the shoe to be adjustable to accommodate varying foot and ankle configurations, it does not mold the shoe to the contour of individual feet. Moreover, there are areas of the foot which are not supported by the upper, due to the irregular contour of the foot. The ski boot industry has often resorted to using inflatable insertable devices to improve the fit of the boots without the pressure caused by lacing. One of the problems associated with shoes has always been striking a balance between support and cushioning. Throughout the course of an average day, the feet and legs of an individual are subjected to substantial impact forces. Running, jumping, walking and even standing exert forces upon the feet and legs of an individual which can lead to soreness, fatigue, and injury. The human foot is a complex and remarkable piece of machinery, capable of withstanding and dissipating many impact forces. The natural padding of fat at the heel and forefoot, as well as the flexibility of the arch, help to cushion the foot. An athlete's stride is partly the result of energy which is stored in the flexible tissues of the foot. For example, during a typical walking or running stride, the achilleas tendon and the arch stretch and contract, storing energy in the tendons and ligaments. When the restrictive pressure on these elements is released, the stored energy is also released, thereby reducing the burden which must be assumed by the muscles. Although the human foot possesses natural cushioning and rebounding characteristics, the foot alone is incapable of effectively overcoming many of the forces encountered during athletic activity. Unless an individual is wearing shoes which provide proper cushioning and support, the soreness and fatigue associated with athletic activity is more acute, and its onset accelerated. This results in discomfort for the wearer which diminishes the incentive for further athletic activity. Equally important, inadequately cushioned footwear can lead to injuries such as blisters, muscle, tendon and ligament damage, and bone stress fractures. Improper footwear can also lead to other ailments, including back pain. In light of the above, numerous attempts have been made over the years to incorporate into a shoe a means for providing improved cushioning and resiliency to the shoe. For example, attempts have been made to enhance the natural elasticity and energy return of the foot with foams such as EVA, which tend to break down over time and lose their resiliency, or with fluid-filled inserts. Fluid filled devices attempt to enhance cushioning and energy return by containing pressurized fluid disposed adjacent the heel and forefoot areas of a shoe. Several overriding problems exist with these devices.

0007One of these problems is that often fluid filled devices are not adjustable for physiological variances between people and the variety of activities for which athletic shoes are worn. It has been known to adjust fluids in the sole of footwear, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,099 to Signori. However, under foot devices, while providing cushioning to the sole, typically do not aid in support for the sides, top and back of the foot. Attempts to cushion the upper and sole of a shoe with pressurized air have resulted in products that are either ineffective or, because of the construction techniques used, are too heavy and cumbersome to be used for a running shoe. In some conventional underfoot cushioning systems, the underfoot portion of an inflatable bladder is typically separate from the portions of an inflatable bladder along the sides and top of the foot. Thus, downward pressure in the heel of a conventional cushioning device has no effect on the cushioning surrounding the sides and heel of a foot. Further, conventional inflatable shoe inserts are also designed to be used in conjunction with a conventional shoe upper. A shoe with this type of design can be quite expensive because it requires all the materials of the upper and the additional materials of the inflatable insert. Often the inflatable inserts also add bulk to the shoe because they require a system of complex tubing between the inflation mechanism and the inflatable bladder hidden within several layers of upper padding and material. Most conventional inflatable shoes include either a hand-held inflation mechanism, e.g., that described in Brazilian Patent No. 8305004 to Signori, or an on-board inflation mechanism which is used to selectively inflate only a portion of a shoe. Other inflatable shoes are pre-inflated at the factory. Whether inflated at the factory or inflated by the user, there is a problem with diffusion of air out of the shoe. In the case of shoes inflated at the factory, the problem of diffusion has been partially solved by utilizing a large molecule gas as the fluid for inflating the shoe. While the large molecule gas does not diffuse at the same rate as air, the gas is more expensive which increases the costs of the shoe, and a user is not capable of varying the amount of pressure in the shoe to his individual preferences. Nonetheless, one problem associated with inflation devices in shoes is how to bleed excess air out of an inflated bladder to avoid overinflation.

0008It is also well known to use an inflatable bladder in the upper of a shoe to accommodate the variation in foot shape. The assignee of the present invention, Reebok International Ltd., popularized such a shoe with its introduction of “The Pump” in the late 1980's, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,767 and incorporated herein by reference. Also in the mid-1980's, Reebok International Ltd. developed a self inflating shoe which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,219 (“the '219 patent”), which is incorporated herein by reference. Later Reebok International Ltd. introduced a shoe known as the PUMP FURY shoe which utilizes an inflatable exoskeleton to support the upper of a shoe. This shoe is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,251, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. One of the problems associated with technologically advanced shoes such as the one described in the '219 patent is how to manufacture such shoes at a reasonable cost with as few parts and as little weight as possible. Accordingly, what is needed is a shoe which includes one continuously fluidly interconnected inflatable bladder, wherein fluid may flow between the underside of the foot to the medial and lateral sides of the foot. The footwear must be securely fitted and fastened to the foot of the wearer, whereby a comfortable but secure grip is assured around the ankle and around the instep of the wearer. Further, the bladder in the athletic shoe must be lightweight, inexpensive, self-contained, and easy to use. In addition, the shoe should be easily constructed with minimum required stitching.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0009The present invention is generally an article of footwear having a sole, and an upper. The upper has an outer surface and an inner surface. At least a portion of either the outer surface or the inner surface or both is formed from an inflatable bladder. The bladder is inflated by an inflation mechanism. The inflation mechanism is located in such a manner that the downward pressure of a user's foot causes the operation of the inflation mechanism. The bladder may be made from two sheets of urethane film which are welded together. Alternatively, the bladder can be formed from a polyester film, such as MYLAR®, or a laminate, such as a film and cloth laminate.

0010One inflatable bladder includes a sole compartment, a medial compartment, and a lateral compartment. The sole compartment extends under the foot of a wearer and is further divided into at least a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment is fluidly connected and adjacent to the medial compartment and the second compartment is fluidly connected to and adjacent the lateral compartment, such that the medial side and lateral side of the bladder are attached under the foot of the wearer. However, the first compartment and the second compartment are not directly fluidly connected and are separated by a periphery weld line. The first compartment and the second compartment are permanently attached under the foot, such as by the use of stitching in the margin of the bladder. Consequently, the bladder forms a continuous cushion running from one side of an inserted foot, under the foot, to a second side of the foot. This bladder further includes a heel portion fluidly connected and adjacent to both the medial compartment and the lateral compartment. The heel portion is permanently attached to the sole compartment, such that the bladder forms a boot surrounding a heel of a foot when it is inserted into a shoe. The first compartment generally includes an arch compartment, while the second compartment generally includes a heel compartment. The second compartment also includes a midfoot compartment, which may be fluidly connected to one of the heel compartment, the medial compartment or the lateral compartment. The second compartment further includes a forefoot compartment, which may also be fluidly connected to one of the midfoot compartment, the medial compartment or the lateral compartment. In another embodiment, the first compartment is a forefoot compartment, and the second compartment includes a heel compartment and a midfoot compartment, such that the midfoot compartment may be fluidly connected to one or more of the heel compartment, the lateral compartment and the medial compartment. An article of footwear of the present invention may include a release valve, which communicates between a bladder and the ambient atmosphere. With the release valve, a user can reduce the amount of air in a bladder manually. Alternatively, an article of footwear may include a check valve, whereby the pressure in a bladder is automatically released. In another embodiment, a combination check valve and release valve may be used in the present invention. A combination check valve and release valve is made from a cap, a seating forming an air-tight seal with the cap, and a check valve forming another air-tight seal with the seating. Downward pressure on the cap causes a separation between the seating and the cap releasing the airtight seal between the cap and the seating. In another embodiment, a check valve and a release valve may be side-by-side under the same cap, which is used to activate the release valve.

0011The underfoot inflation mechanism may define a hole which acts as a one-way valve to enable air to be introduced into said inflation mechanism. Generally, the inflation mechanism is located substantially under the heel of the foot and includes a foam insert to help maintain the volume of the inflation mechanism. More than one underfoot inflation mechanism may be used in the present invention. An underfoot inflation mechanism may be disposed within a cavity formed in the top surface of a foam midsole.

0012Air may be directed into an underfoot inflation mechanism from an outside location through a tube. The tube has a first end in fluid connection with the inflation mechanism and a second end open to the environment proximal to the article of footwear. The second end of the tube may have access to the environment via a plurality of substantially vertical holes, particular in a cover over the second end of the tube. The tube may be flexible or rigid.

0013In another embodiment, a shoe of the present invention may include a vamp compartment, a medial heel compartment, and a heel compartment, in which the heel compartment is an underfoot inflation mechanism. In this embodiment, vamp compartment may have a series of cross-hatched channels formed by a plurality of openings defined by a plurality of interior weld lines.

0014In another embodiment, one or more bladders may be fluidly connected to an underfoot inflation mechanism via a plurality of tubes. Each tube has a first end fluidly connected to one or more bladders and a second end forming an air-tight seal with a channel that is fluidly connected to the inflation mechanism located under the heel of the foot. The article of footwear may include a shank supported by one or more sole pieces. The shank provides support to the shoe sole and bladder. The shank may have cavities that receive the tubes and direct them towards the underfoot inflation mechanism. Tubes may also connect inflation mechanism to two bladders. Alternatively, tubes may connect an underfoot inflation mechanism to a first bladder, while a separate tube connects the first bladder to a second bladder.

0015A shoe of the present invention may include an underfoot inflation mechanism that inflates a plurality of flexible tubes, that when inflated tighten a conventional upper around a foot inserted therein. Tubes of a shoe of this embodiment have a first end and a second end, both of which form an air-tight seal with a channel that is fluidly connected to an underfoot inflation mechanism. Preferably, at least one tube extends across a vamp area of the article of footwear and at least one tube extends across a heel area of the article of footwear. The present invention is also directed toward an inflatable sockliner. The sockliner has a heel compartment that operates as an underfoot inflation mechanism. The heel compartment of the sockliner may be fluidly connected to several compartments including at least one medial compartment, at least one forefoot compartment, at least one big toe compartment, at least one toe compartment and at least one lateral compartment, defined by a periphery weld line and one or more interior weld lines. The inflatable sockliner also includes a deflation mechanism. Preferably, the deflation mechanism is at least one perforation that opens when pressure within the sockliner reaches a predetermined amount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

0016The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a lateral side of a shoe incorporating the present invention.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a top view of a bladder of the present invention.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the bladder.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a top view showing the stitching of the bladder of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> or <b>3</b>.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the bladder.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top view showing the stitching of a bladder of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a </i>is an exploded view of the spring mechanism of a blow off valve. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>b </i>is an exploded view of a combination check valve and release valve. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>c </i>is a cross section of a combination release valve and check valve. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>d </i>is a cross section of a combination release valve and check valve with the release valve function operating.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a </i>is cross-sectional view of another combination check valve and release valve of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>b </i>is a detailed view of a circled portion of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a. </i>

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the combination check valve and release valve of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a</i>, when the release valve is activated.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a perspective view of a cap of the combination check valve and release valve of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8</figref><i>a</i>, <b>8</b><i>b </i>and <b>9</b>.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref><i>a </i>is an above plan view of another combination check valve and release valve of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref><i>b </i>is a schematic cross-sectional view of the combination check valve and release valve of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref><i>a. </i>

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is an exploded perspective view of a snorkel assembly of the present invention.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a lateral side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is an above plan view of a bladder of the present invention.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is an above plan view of an alternative bladder of the present invention.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is an above plan view of an alternative bladder of the present invention.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a lateral side of a shoe of the present invention.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a lateral side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref><i>a </i>is an above plan view of a heel compartment assembly of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref><i>b </i>is a side plan view of the heel compartment assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref><i>a. </i>

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a lateral side view of another embodiment of the present invention.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a lateral side view of another embodiment of the present invention.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is an above plan view of an inflatable sockliner of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0040A preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to the Figures, in which like reference numerals are generally used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Also in the Figures, the left most digit of each reference numeral generally corresponds to the Figure in which the reference numeral first appears. While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that this invention can also be employed in other applications.

0041A shoe for a right foot according to the present invention is shown generally at <b>100</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. A corresponding shoe for the left foot could be a mirror image of shoe <b>100</b> and therefore, is not shown or described herein. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, shoe <b>100</b> has a heel area shown generally at <b>108</b>, an arch area shown generally at <b>103</b>, a vamp area shown generally at <b>105</b>, a forefoot area shown generally at <b>104</b>, and a medial side area generally shown at <b>106</b>. The present invention does not necessitate a conventional leather or cloth upper, particularly with the additional foam padding found along the interior of a typical athletic shoe upper. Therefore, shoe <b>100</b> includes a sole <b>120</b> and an upper <b>110</b> of which at least a portion entirely comprises an inflatable bladder <b>130</b>. In addition, upper <b>110</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> has a toe portion <b>134</b>. As demonstrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, toe portion <b>134</b> need not be constructed from bladder <b>130</b>. However, in alternative embodiments, bladder <b>130</b> may form any or all portions of upper <b>110</b>, including toe portion <b>134</b>. Upper <b>110</b> has an opening shown generally at <b>112</b>, which is designed to receive a wearer's foot.

0042In order for a wearer to customize the amount of air in the bladder at any time, bladder <b>130</b> is in communication with an inflation mechanism. In an embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a generic inflation mechanism <b>140</b> is attached to bladder <b>130</b> in the heel area of the shoe. However, in alternate embodiments, inflation mechanism <b>140</b> may be located on the tongue of the shoe, on the sole of the shoe, on the side of the shoe, or any other area of the shoe as would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art. For example, another embodiment comprising an inflation mechanism on the tongue will be later discusses with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0043A variety of different inflation mechanisms can be utilized in the present invention. The inflation mechanism may be, for example, a simple latex bulb which is physically attached to the shoe. Alternatively, the inflation mechanism may be a molded plastic chamber as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> or may be a hand held pump such as one which utilizes CO₂gas to inflate a bladder. Finally, as will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, a portion of the bladder can be isolated from the remainder of the bladder. This isolated portion fluidly communicates with the remainder of the bladder via a one-way valve. This one-way valve allows the isolated portion to act as an inflation mechanism. Having an isolated portion of the bladder act as an inflation mechanism is preferably suitable for an underfoot bladder so as to automatically inflate the bladder as a user engaged in activity. However such an inflation mechanism may be used on any portion of the shoe. Preferably, the inflation mechanism is small, lightweight, and provides a sufficient volume of air such that only little effort is needed for adequate inflation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,779, which is incorporated by reference, describes an inflation mechanism comprising a bulb (of various shapes) with a one-way check valve. When the bulb is compressed air within the bulb is forced into the desired region. As the bulb is released, the check valve opens because of the pressure void in the bulb, allowing ambient air to enter the bulb. Another inflation mechanism, also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,779, incorporated herein by reference, is a bulb having a hole which acts as a one-way valve. A finger can be placed over the hole in the bulb upon compression. Therefore, the air is not permitted to escape through the hole and is forced into the desired location. When the finger is removed, ambient air is allowed to enter through the hole. An inflation mechanism having collapsible walls in order to displace a greater volume of air may be preferred. A similar inflation mechanism may include a temporarily collapsible foam insert. This foam insert ensures that when the bulb is released, the bulb expands to the natural volume of the foam insert drawing in air to fill that volume. A preferred foam is a polyurethane, such as the 4.25-4.79 pound per cubic foot polyether polyurethane foam, part number FS-170-450TN, available from Woodbridge Foam Fabricating, 1120-T Judd Rd., Chattanooga, Tenn., 37406.

0044U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,225, incorporated herein by reference, describes another type of on-board inflation mechanism suitable for the present invention. One skilled in the art can appreciate that a variety of inflation mechanisms are suitable for the present invention. In addition, any inflation mechanism is appropriate for use with any embodiments of the present invention.

0045The inflation mechanism shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an accordion style inflation mechanism comprising a plastic, collapsible case. Air enters through a hole open to the exterior of the inflation mechanism. The inflation mechanism operates similar to that described above with respect to the bulb inflation mechanism except that the casing is collapsed accordion-style to increase the amount of air forced into the system. Upon release, the accordion-style casing expands and the air is forced into the casing to regulate the pressure within the casing.

0046These inflation mechanisms all require a one-way valve be placed between the inflation mechanism and the bladder <b>130</b>, so that once air enters the system it may not travel backwards into the inflation mechanism. Various types of one-way valves are suitable for use in conjunction with the various inflation mechanisms of the present invention. Preferably, the valve will be relatively small and flat for less bulkiness. U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,708 to Pekar, incorporated herein by reference, describes a valve suitable for the present invention. The patent describes a valve formed between thermoplastic sheets. The valve described in the Pekar patent allows for simple construction techniques to be used whereby the valve can be built into the system at the same time the bladder is being welded. One skilled in the art would understand that a variety of suitable valves are contemplated in the present invention.

0047The one-way valve provides a method to avoid over inflation of the system. In particular, if the pressure in the bladder is equal to the pressure exerted by the inflation mechanism, no additional air will be allowed to enter the system. In fact, when an equilibrium is reached between the pressure in the bladder and the pressure of the compressed inflation mechanism, the one-way valve which opens to allow air movement from the inflation mechanism to the bladder <b>130</b> may remain closed. Even if this valve does open, no more air will enter the system. Further, one skilled in the art can design a pump to have a certain pressure output to limit the amount of air that can be pumped into bladder <b>130</b>. Any one-way valve will provide a similar effect, as would be known to one skilled in the art. In addition, any one-way valve would be appropriate for use in any embodiments of the present invention.

0048One embodiment, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, may include a deflation valve <b>109</b>. The particular deflation valve in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a release valve. A release valve is fluidly connected to bladder <b>130</b> and allows the user to personally adjust the amount of air inserted into bladder <b>130</b>, particularly if the preferred comfort level is less than the pressure limits otherwise provided by the bladder. The release valve can comprise any type of release valve. One type of release valve is the plunger-type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,779, incorporated herein by reference, wherein the air is released upon depression of a plunger which pushes a seal away from the wall of the bladder allowing air to escape. In particular, a release valve may have a spring which biases a plunger in a closed position. A flange around the periphery of the plunger can keep air from escaping between the plunger and a release fitting because the flange is biased in the closed position and in contact with the release fitting. To release air from bladder <b>130</b>, the plunger is depressed by the user. Air then escapes around the stem of the plunger. This type of release valve is mechanically simple and light weight. The components of a release valve may be made out of a number of different materials including plastic or metal. Any release valve is appropriate for use in any embodiment of the present invention.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows one possible location of deflation valve <b>109</b> on shoe <b>100</b>. However deflation valve <b>109</b> may be positioned in any number of different locations provided that it is fluidly connected with bladder <b>130</b>, as would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art. Additionally, shoe <b>100</b> may include more than one deflation valve. As an alternative, deflation valve <b>109</b> may also be a check valve, or blow off valve, which will open when the pressure in bladder <b>130</b> is at or greater than a predetermined level. In each of these situations, bladder <b>130</b> will not inflate over a certain amount no matter how much a user attempts to inflate the shoe. One type of check valve has a spring holding a movable seating member against an opening in the bladder. When the pressure from the air inside the bladder causes a greater pressure on the movable seating member in one direction than the spring causes in the other direction, the movable seating member moves away from the opening allowing air to escape the bladder. Another type of check valve is an umbrella valve, such as the VA-3497 Umbrella Check Valve (Part No. VL1682-104) made of Silicone VL1001M12 and commercially available from Vernay Laboratories, Inc. (Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA). In addition, any other check valve is appropriate for use in the present invention, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Further, any check valve would be appropriate for use in any of embodiments of the present invention.

0050In another embodiment, deflation valve <b>109</b> may be adjustable check valve wherein a user can adjust the pressure at which a valve is released. An adjustable check valve has the added benefit of being set to an individually preferred pressure rather than a factory predetermined pressure. An adjustable check valve may be similar to the spring and movable seating member configuration described in the preceding paragraph. To make it adjustable, however, the valve may have a mechanism for increasing or decreasing the tension in the spring, such that more or less air pressure, respectively, would be required to overcome the force of the spring and move the movable seating member away from the opening in the bladder. However, any type of adjustable check valve is appropriate for use in the present invention, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, and any adjustable check valve would be appropriate for use in any embodiment of the present invention.

0051Bladder <b>130</b> may include more than one type of deflation valve <b>109</b>. For example, bladder <b>130</b> may include both a check valve and a release valve. Alternatively, bladder <b>130</b> may contain a deflation valve <b>109</b> which is a combination release valve and check valve. This type of valve is described in detail below with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a</i>-<b>7</b><i>d. </i>

0052In one embodiment, small perforations may be formed in the bladder to allow air to naturally diffuse through the bladder when a predetermined pressure is reached. The material used to make bladder <b>130</b> may be of a flexible material such that these perforations will generally remain closed. If the pressure in the bladder becomes greater than a predetermined pressure the force on the sides of the bladder will open the perforation and air will escape. When the pressure in bladder <b>130</b> is less than this predetermined pressure, air will escape very slowly, if at all, from these perforations. Any embodiment of a bladder of the present invention may also have these perforations for controlling the amount of air within the bladder.

0053Bladder <b>130</b> may be formed from an exterior layer or film and a coextensive interior layer or film. The bladder may be shaped in a variety of configuration, such as that shown for bladder <b>230</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The interior and exterior layers may be a lightweight urethane film such as is available from J. P. Stevens &amp; Co., Inc., Northampton, Mass. as product designation MP1880. Alternatively, the layers may be thin films of ethyl vinyl acetate or a similar barrier film. The interior layer and the exterior layer may also be formed from different materials. In addition, the exterior layer may be a laminate formed from the combination of a urethane film and a thin fabric attached thereto. The interior layer is attached to the exterior layer along air-tight periphery weld lines <b>210</b>. The periphery weld lines <b>210</b> attach the exterior layer to the interior layer and create a barrier to keep air between the layers. One example of a suitable method of attachment of the exterior layer to the interior layer is the application of high radio frequency (RF welding) to the edges of the first and second film. The exterior and interior layers may alternatively be heat welded or ultrasonic welded together or attached by any other air tight means. Interior weld lines <b>220</b> are also provided. These interior welded lines <b>220</b> are also formed by RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding or by other suitable means, and form the compartments of the present invention discussed in detail below. The exterior layer and interior layer are only attached along the periphery weld lines <b>210</b> and the interior weld lines <b>220</b>. Consequently, a pocket or bladder is formed which allows a fluid, such as air, another gas or a liquid, to be introduced between the exterior layer and the interior layer. The sheets are welded together along all the weld lines and then die cut to form the predetermined shape. Alternatively, bladder <b>130</b> may be formed by blow molding, extrusion, injection molding and sealing, vacuum forming or any other thermoforming process using a thermoplastic material.

0054Since bladder <b>130</b> forms at least a portion of an exterior and/or an interior surface of upper <b>110</b>, as seen in an embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a bladder of the present invention may also be formed with a thin layer of external material bonded or laminated to one or both of the exterior and interior layers. The bonding can occur either before or after the formation of the bladder. One suitable material is LYCRA® (available from DuPont). LYCRA® is a flexible and breathable material. Alternatively, one or both of the exterior and interior layers may be bonded to a foam laminate, any type of synthetic material, or any other material that would be available to one skilled in the art, or that is typically used in the production of a shoe. In a preferred embodiment, the bladder with or without the bonded material forms a portion of both the exterior and the interior of the shoe. Returning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, bladder <b>230</b> includes a plurality of compartments including medial compartment <b>254</b>, lateral compartment <b>256</b>, medial heel compartment <b>259</b>, lateral heel compartment <b>258</b>, and sole compartments designated arch compartment <b>252</b>, heel compartment <b>260</b>, midfoot compartment <b>262</b> and forefoot compartment <b>264</b>. Those compartments disposed on the medial side of the shoe are fluidly connected to those compartments disposed on the lateral side of the shoe via fluid connection junction <b>274</b> located in the achilleas tendon portion of the shoe. In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, inflation mechanism <b>208</b> is fluidly connected to medial compartment <b>254</b> and fluidly connected via passageway <b>272</b> to the medial heel compartment <b>259</b>. Medial compartment <b>254</b> provides cushioning to the medial side of the foot and is fluidly interconnected to arch compartment <b>252</b> which provides cushioning under the arch of the foot. Medial compartment <b>254</b> is also fluidly connected to medial heel compartment <b>259</b> via passageway <b>276</b> and to lateral heel compartment <b>258</b> via connection junction <b>274</b>, providing cushioning around heel area <b>108</b>. Lateral heel compartment <b>258</b> is fluidly connected to lateral compartment <b>256</b> via passageway <b>278</b> which provides cushioning along the lateral side of the foot.

0055Lateral compartment <b>256</b> is fluidly connected to heel compartment <b>260</b> which provides cushioning to the heel of the foot. Heel compartment <b>260</b> is also fluidly connected to connection junction <b>274</b> through passageway <b>280</b>. Heel compartment <b>260</b> is fluidly interconnected to midfoot compartment <b>262</b> and forefoot compartment <b>264</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, medial compartment <b>254</b>, lateral compartment <b>256</b>, midfoot compartment <b>262</b>, lateral heel compartment <b>258</b>, and medial heel compartment <b>259</b> are further compartmentalized. This allows shoe <b>100</b> and bladder <b>230</b> to easily flex and further conform to a user's foot.

0056The bladder shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> provides cushioning and a custom fit to the entire foot, including the sides of the foot. This increases the comfort of the wearer. Further, because the compartments located on the sides of the foot are fluidly connected to the different compartments located underneath the foot, air can flow to both sides of the shoe when the compartments located underneath the foot are under compression. Although bladder <b>230</b> is shown with lateral compartment <b>256</b> being fluidly connected to heel compartment <b>260</b> and medial compartment <b>254</b> being fluidly connected to arch compartment <b>252</b>, it would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art that any of the compartments located along the side and heel of the foot could be fluidly connected to any one of the compartments located beneath the foot to allow air to transfer from the bottom of the shoe to the sides of the shoe and vice versa. Furthermore, in alternate embodiments bladder <b>230</b> could include fewer or greater numbers of compartments, and the compartments of bladder <b>230</b> may be another size or shape, as would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art.

0057In a preferred embodiment, bladder <b>230</b> may include welds <b>270</b>, such as those shown in forefoot compartment <b>264</b>, heel compartment <b>260</b> and arch compartment <b>252</b>. Welds <b>270</b> are used to control the thickness of the bladder when the bladder is in its filled configuration (e.g., air has been pumped into the bladder). Welds <b>270</b> are also formed by RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding or by other suitable means. In regions of the bladder where it is desirable to have bladder <b>230</b> inflated to a minimal thickness, the density of circular welds <b>270</b> may be greater than the areas where it is permissible or desirable for bladder <b>130</b> to be inflated to a greater thickness. These welds may be circular or any other geometry, such as triangular, oval or square, provided that they are shaped to limit and control the inflation dimensions of the bladder of the present invention.

0058As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, deflation valve <b>109</b> may be located in lateral compartment <b>256</b> of bladder <b>230</b>, and inflation mechanism <b>208</b> may be fluidly connected to medial compartment <b>254</b>. However, in alternate embodiments, inflation mechanism <b>208</b> and deflation valve <b>109</b> may be located in any area of bladder <b>230</b>, which would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art, or absent altogether. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows an elongated inflation mechanism, which may fit more conveniently along a tongue portion of a shoe than a rounded bulb or an accordion style inflation mechanism. As stated earlier, any type of inflation mechanism is suitable for use in the present invention, as would be clear to one skilled in the art. Similarly all types of deflation valves described, above, with reference to bladder <b>130</b> may be used in an embodiment such as bladder <b>230</b>. Bladder <b>230</b> may also use perforations or one-way valves to control the amount of air in bladder <b>230</b>, as described above.

0059<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an alternate embodiment of a bladder <b>330</b>, wherein heel compartment <b>308</b> acts as an inflation mechanism under the heel area of the foot. A hole may be located in heel compartment <b>308</b> so that, with each step that is taken, the hole is sealed shut and the air located in heel compartment <b>308</b> is forced through one-way valve <b>320</b> into lateral compartment <b>356</b> and on through the rest of bladder <b>330</b>. The downward pressure from the heel against the hole creates an air tight seal so that the air in heel compartment <b>308</b> is forced through the one-way valve. One-way valve <b>320</b> will allow fluid to flow only in the direction opposite the direction of the arrow in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. As the gait cycle continues, the heel of the foot rises releasing the pressure on heel compartment <b>308</b> and removing the seal covering the hole. Air, preferably from inside the shoe or alternatively from a tube directed outside of the shoe, is forced through the hole to equalize the pressure in heel compartment <b>308</b>. Consequently, a inflating mechanism is created that consistently provides air to bladder <b>330</b> with each step. Alternatively, a butterfly valve could be used instead of a hole. One example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,487 to Pekar, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Also, as an alternative, heel compartment <b>308</b> may include a collapsible foam insert generally equivalent to the volume of heel compartment <b>308</b>. The heel of the foot compressed the foam insert and heel compartment <b>308</b> in a typical gait cycle. As the heel is released, the foam insert expands to its original shape expanding the volume of the heel compartment <b>308</b> and allowing air to enter with the expansion of the heel compartment <b>308</b>. A further example of a heel compartment comprising a foam insert is describe in detail below with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

0060Lateral compartment <b>356</b> is further fluidly connected to midfoot compartment <b>362</b> through passageway <b>322</b>, and forefoot compartment <b>364</b> is fluidly connected to lateral compartment <b>356</b> through one-way valve <b>380</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a second inflation mechanism in forefoot compartment <b>364</b>. This inflation mechanism is designed to work the same as the inflation mechanism discussed above for the heel compartment <b>308</b>. In this embodiment, air is forced into lateral compartment <b>356</b> through one-way valve <b>380</b> as the forefoot rolls onto forefoot compartment <b>364</b>. Air is allowed to enter forefoot compartment <b>364</b> via a hole as discussed above or via a valve as described above. Also, forefoot compartment <b>364</b> may comprise a foam insert, as described above for heel compartment <b>308</b>. In other words, the shoe of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> utilizes two inflation mechanisms, which together decrease the time it takes to inflate the bladder. By using two inflation mechanisms, one in the heel and one in the forefoot, a user begins to feel the shoe inflating in only a few steps. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, both the forefoot compartment <b>364</b> and the heel compartment <b>308</b> are shown to inflate the bladder. It should be understood that as an alternative, the forefoot compartment <b>364</b> could be orientated to inflate one portion of the bladder while heel compartment <b>308</b> inflates another portion of the bladder. Weld lines can be utilized to isolate portion of the bladder to accomplish this result. Lateral compartment <b>356</b> is fluidly connected to lateral heel compartment <b>357</b> through fluid passageway <b>370</b>. Lateral heel compartment <b>357</b> is fluidly connected to medial heel compartment <b>359</b> via fluid connection junction <b>358</b>, providing support around the heel portion <b>108</b> of shoe <b>100</b>. Medial heel compartment <b>359</b> is fluidly connected to medial compartment <b>354</b> through fluid passageways <b>372</b> and <b>374</b>. Medial compartment <b>354</b> is also fluidly connected to arch compartment <b>352</b>.

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows that forefoot compartment <b>364</b>, midfoot compartment <b>362</b>, lateral compartment <b>356</b>, medial compartment <b>354</b>, lateral heel compartment <b>357</b> and medial heel compartment <b>359</b> maybe further compartmentalized for the same purpose as the similar features of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. Also, the arch compartment <b>352</b> may have welds <b>270</b> similar to those described for <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0062Consequently, as a foot moves through a typical gait cycle, the pressure caused by the foot to the various compartments located under the foot forces the air into the various other fluidly connected parts of the bladder to provide added support around the medial side, lateral side and heel of the foot.

0063The embodiment described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> may also have a deflation valve <b>109</b> which opens bladder <b>330</b> to the atmosphere to reduce the amount of air in bladder <b>330</b>. Bladder <b>330</b> may have a release valve, wherein the individual wearer can release just the amount of pressure he or she desires, a check valve, which opens only when the air pressure in bladder <b>330</b> reaches a predetermined pressure, or a combination thereof as described below with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a</i>-<b>7</b><i>d</i>. Bladder <b>330</b> may alternatively comprise an adjustable check valve, wherein the user can adjust the pressure at which the valve opens. Bladder <b>330</b> may have one or more inflation mechanisms with a one-way valve which itself may act as a system to regulate the pressure, as described above with respect to the embodiment of bladder <b>130</b>. In other embodiments, bladder <b>330</b> of the present invention may include one or more manually operated inflation mechanisms located on the tongue of the shoe, near the heel of the shoe, on a lateral or medial side of the shoe, or anywhere else on the shoe as would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art. In an embodiment as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a bladder of the present invention, similar to those described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, is stitched together by an S-shaped stitch <b>490</b> located under the foot of the wearer. This stitching is placed in a stitching margin of periphery weld lines that are formed when the bladder is die cut. The stitching connects a portion of the periphery weld of an arch compartment <b>252</b>/<b>352</b> against the periphery weld of the midfoot compartment <b>262</b>/<b>362</b> and heel compartment <b>260</b>/<b>308</b> to the periphery weld disposed in area <b>408</b> below the fluid conjunctions <b>274</b>, <b>358</b>, of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>. Because the various compartments are sewn together, the bladder of the present invention forms a boot which completely surrounds the foot of the wearer. Because the components of the present invention are sewn together, the medial compartments <b>254</b>, <b>354</b>, of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, and lateral compartment <b>256</b>, <b>356</b>, of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, receive support from the other compartment. This support allows the bladder of the present invention to function as the upper itself.

0064Stitching is only one method for connecting these portions of the bladder. Alternatively, they may be adhered by gluing, bonding, RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or another other method known to one skilled in the art.

0065In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, another embodiment is described wherein a bladder <b>530</b> has an alternative design. Bladder <b>530</b> includes a forefoot compartment <b>564</b>, which is fluidly connected to lateral compartment <b>554</b> through fluid passageway <b>512</b>. Lateral compartment <b>554</b> is fluidly connected to fluid connection junction <b>558</b> through fluid passageways <b>514</b> and <b>516</b>. Lateral compartment <b>554</b> and medial compartment <b>556</b> are fluidly connected across connection junction <b>558</b>, which cushions the heel of the foot. Fluid connection junction <b>558</b> is fluidly connected to medial compartment <b>556</b> through fluid passageways <b>518</b> and <b>524</b>. Medial compartment <b>556</b> is fluidly connected to midfoot compartment <b>562</b> through fluid passageway <b>522</b>. Heel compartment <b>508</b> is fluidly connected to midfoot compartment <b>562</b> through one-way valve <b>520</b>. The shape and size of each compartment may vary and may be fluidly connected in any manner by the addition or removal of various internal weld lines, as apparent to one skilled in the art. Further, alternative embodiments may have a greater or fewer number of compartments.

0066Each of lateral compartment <b>554</b> and medial compartment <b>556</b> may have pockets formed from internal weld lines which are not fluidly connected to the rest of the compartment. Lateral pocket <b>532</b> is located within lateral compartment <b>554</b> and medial pocket <b>534</b> is located within medial compartment <b>556</b>. These pockets are pre-inflated and are not part of the adjustable inflation system of the rest of the bladder. Further, bladder <b>530</b> comprises a third pocket <b>528</b>. This third pocket provides support under and along the lateral side of the foot and in heel area <b>108</b>. Similarly, a fourth pocket <b>526</b> provides support to heel area <b>108</b>. Pockets <b>528</b> and <b>526</b> may in fact not be inflated. Instead, the two layers remain flat against one another. The weld lines surrounding pockets <b>528</b> and <b>526</b> keep the area separated from the inflated bladder without the need to weld together the sheets of film in the interior of pockets <b>528</b> and <b>526</b>. Alternatively, lateral pockets <b>532</b> and medial pocket <b>534</b> could be removed leaving openings in the bladder at the locations designated as <b>532</b> and <b>534</b>.

0067Bladder <b>530</b> may include welds <b>270</b>, such as those shown in forefoot compartment <b>564</b> and midfoot compartment <b>562</b>. Welds <b>270</b> may be of any shape provided that they limit and control the inflation dimensions of the bladder of the present invention. For example, elongated welds <b>540</b> can be found in forefoot compartment <b>564</b>, lateral compartment <b>554</b> and medial compartment <b>540</b>. Elongated welds <b>540</b> also define and limit the inflation dimensions of bladder <b>530</b>.

0068Any inflation mechanism may be used as described for other embodiments of the present invention. Preferred, however, is the use of heel compartment <b>508</b> as an inflation mechanism. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, heel compartment <b>508</b> includes a foam core <b>510</b>. Foam core <b>510</b> is likely a conventional porous polyurethane foam, such as the 4.25-4.79 pound per cubic foot polyether polyurethane foam, part number FS-170-450TN, available from Woodbridge Foam Fabricating, 1120-T Judd Rd., Chattanooga, Tenn., 37406. As a user's heel steps down in a typical gait cycle, heel compartment <b>508</b> and foam core <b>510</b> are compressed. The air in heel compartment <b>508</b> and foam core <b>510</b> is forced through one-way valve <b>520</b>, into midfoot compartment <b>562</b> and throughout the other fluidly connected compartments of bladder <b>530</b>. As the user's heel rises, air enters heel compartment <b>508</b> through a hole or through a one-way valve open to the atmosphere. The foam core <b>510</b> has a natural elasticity, such that the foam expands to its natural condition ensuring that heel compartment <b>508</b> expands with it. Air enters and takes up the whole volume of heel compartment <b>508</b>. Further, a shoe with an underfoot inflation mechanism may comprise a sole with an indented recess, or cavity, (not shown) substantially adjacent to the inflation mechanism and substantially the shape of the inflation mechanism. When the shoe is constructed, the inflation mechanism is inserted into the indented recess. During a typical gait cycle, the inflation mechanism is compressed between the indented recess and the foot such that the foot may sink into the indented recess. The indented recess may be located in either an outsole or a midsole portion of the sole. Bladder <b>530</b> may utilize perforations or the one-way valve as a technique for limiting the about of pressure build-up. Alternatively, deflation valve <b>109</b> may be a release valve, check valve, a combination check valve and release valve (see below), or an adjustable check valve. Further more than one type of deflation valve <b>109</b> may be used. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows one location for a generic deflation valve <b>109</b>, however, a deflation valve may be located on any portion of bladder <b>530</b>.

0069In an embodiment as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a bladder of the present invention, similar to that described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is stitched together by an J-shaped stitch <b>690</b> located under the foot of the user. This stitching is placed in a stitching margin which is formed when the bladder is formed. The stitching connects a portion of the periphery weld line around forefoot compartment <b>564</b> to the periphery weld line around midfoot compartment <b>562</b> and third pocket <b>528</b> to the periphery weld line around midfoot compartment <b>562</b> and heel compartment <b>508</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. In addition, the periphery weld line around heel compartment <b>508</b> is stitched to the periphery weld line adjacent to fourth pocket <b>526</b>. Because the various compartments are sewn together, the bladder of the present invention forms a boot, which completely surrounds the foot of the wearer. The support of this boot allows the bladder of the present invention to function as the upper itself.

0070Stitching is only one method for constructing the bladder. Alternatively, periphery weld lines may be adhered by gluing, bonding, RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or another other method known to one skilled in the art. As discussed above, the present invention may include a combination check valve and release valve. This combination check valve and release valve is depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a</i>-<b>7</b><i>d</i>. The combination release valve and check valve <b>701</b> is made from sleeve <b>704</b>, spring <b>702</b>, base <b>706</b>, umbrella valve <b>708</b> and cap <b>710</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a </i>shows an exploded view of how sleeve <b>704</b> is supported in base <b>706</b>. Sleeve <b>704</b> has a lip <b>712</b> which rest on spring <b>702</b>. Spring <b>702</b> fits into base <b>706</b>. Sleeve <b>704</b> is preferably made of aluminum to ensure a quality surface of lip <b>712</b>. Alternatively, sleeve <b>704</b> can be made from any number of plastic materials or other materials which would be known to one skilled in the art. Preferably, all the materials in combination release valve and check valve <b>701</b> are lightweight. Spring <b>702</b> is preferably made from stainless steel but may be made from a variety of metals or other materials.

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>b </i>is an exploded view of the entire combination release valve and check valve <b>701</b>. Cap <b>710</b> has a surface portion <b>738</b> and a side portion <b>740</b>. Cap <b>710</b> and base <b>706</b> both may be formed from a molded plastic. Preferably, cap <b>710</b> and base <b>706</b> are formed from an injection-molded resin. For example, cap <b>710</b> may be injection molded from Estane 58863 (85A hardness), while base <b>706</b> may be injection molded from Bayer resin (60D hardness). Alternatively, cap <b>710</b> and base <b>706</b> may be injection molded from the same resin. Umbrella valve <b>708</b> sits through a hole <b>730</b> in the bottom of sleeve <b>704</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a</i>. An assembled combination release valve and check valve <b>701</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>c</i>, wherein the release valve mechanism is not activated. Base <b>706</b> is in contact with the bladder. Air enters the combination release valve and check valve <b>701</b> via a hole <b>720</b> in base <b>706</b> which is fluidly connected to the bladder of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>c </i>shows umbrella valve <b>708</b> having the general shape of an umbrella and forming an air-tight seal against sleeve <b>704</b>. The umbrella-shape is generally thick in the middle but forms a thin flap <b>718</b> which rests and forms an air tight seal against sleeve <b>704</b>. Air from the bladder travels through a first slot <b>722</b> located in the base of the umbrella valve <b>708</b> and through a second slot <b>724</b> located underneath the umbrella. Umbrella valve <b>708</b> is preferably made of a material which is more rigid when thick and somewhat flexible when thin, such as silicone, so that thin flap <b>718</b> is somewhat elastic. When the air pressure underneath the umbrella shape, and therefore the pressure in the bladder of the present invention, reaches a predetermined pressure, thin flap <b>718</b> is deformed and lifted off of the sleeve <b>704</b>. Air is then allowed to escape through holes <b>716</b> in the surface portion <b>738</b> of cap <b>710</b>. Dotted line <b>728</b> shows the route of air through the release valve portion of combination release valve and check valve <b>701</b>. When the air pressure in the bladder and under the umbrella becomes less than the predetermined pressure, the thin flap <b>718</b> returns to its natural shape an again creating a seal against sleeve <b>704</b>. The preferred umbrella valve <b>708</b>, commercially available as VA-3497 Umbrella Check Valve (Part No. VL1682-104) from Vernay Laboratories, Inc. (Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA), typically deforms when the pressure in the bladder is around 5 pounds per square inch. Any other type of umbrella valve, however, would be suitable in the combination check valve and release valve of the present invention, as would be clear to one skilled in the art.

0072Spring <b>702</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>c </i>is in a slightly compressed state such that it holds sleeve <b>704</b> firmly and air-tightly against cap <b>710</b> so that the only air that may escape is through umbrella valve <b>704</b>, as describe above. In particular, an air tight seal is formed by the pressure of lip <b>712</b> of sleeve <b>704</b> against a molded hinge <b>714</b> jutting from cap <b>710</b>. When the surface portion of cap <b>710</b> is pressed, cap <b>710</b> deforms, as can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>d</i>. When this occurs the surface portion <b>738</b> becomes flat pressing down on an upper rim <b>742</b> of sleeve <b>704</b>. As sleeve <b>704</b> is forced downward, spring <b>702</b> compresses and lip <b>712</b> is pulled away from hinge <b>714</b>. A gap <b>726</b> between hinge <b>714</b> and lip <b>712</b> allows air to escape out holes <b>716</b> in cap <b>710</b>. Dotted line <b>729</b> shows the path of air flow when the release valve portion of combination release valve and check valve is activated. In order to avoid a finger or thumb covering the holes located on the top of cap <b>710</b> and preventing the air from escaping through holes <b>716</b>, an embodiment may include an extension or wall sticking out from the surface portion <b>738</b> of cap <b>710</b>. For example, one embodiment may have a ring-shaped wall (not shown) outside of the holes <b>716</b>. The ring-shaped wall further has holes in the sides of the wall, such that when a finger or thumb is placed on the ring-shaped wall, the wall pushes down on the cap <b>710</b> rather than the finger or thumb. The air that escapes through holes <b>716</b> is still trapped by the finger or thumb from the top, but can escape through the holes in the sides of the ring-shaped wall. Another embodiment may have an extension sticking out from the center of surface portion <b>738</b>. When the extension is depressed, the cap <b>710</b> depresses without covering the holes <b>716</b>. An additional cap may be placed on top of the extension or wall to provide a bigger surface for a finger or thumb to depress the extension or wall. Consequently, the air is allowed to escape from a gap between cap <b>710</b> and the additional cap.

0073<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8</figref><i>a</i>, <b>8</b><i>b </i>and <b>9</b> shows an alternative combination release valve and check valve <b>801</b>. Combination release valve and check valve <b>801</b> is made from a base <b>806</b>, umbrella valve <b>808</b> and cap <b>810</b>. Therefore, combination release valve and check valve <b>801</b> has less pieces and materials and is therefore preferred over combination release valve and check valve shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a </i>shows a cross section of base <b>806</b>, umbrella valve <b>808</b> and cap <b>810</b>, wherein the release valve mechanism is not activated. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>b </i>is a detailed view of the portion of combination release valve and check valve <b>801</b> that is circled in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a</i>. Wedge portion <b>844</b> is attached to side portion <b>840</b> by hinge portion <b>846</b>. Preferably, cap <b>810</b> and base <b>806</b> are formed from an injection-molded resin, similar to one or more of those described above, with respect to combination release valve and check valve <b>701</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a</i>-<b>7</b><i>d</i>. Cap <b>810</b> and base <b>806</b> may be made from either the same resin or different resins.

0074Base portion <b>848</b> which is in contact with cap portion <b>842</b>. Base portion <b>848</b> and cap portion <b>842</b> form an air-tight seal. Preferably, this air tight seal is formed by gluing, bonding, RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or another method known to one skilled in the art. Base <b>806</b> has a ledge <b>850</b> against which wedge portion <b>844</b> is pressed when combination release valve and check valve <b>801</b> is not activated. Wedge portion <b>844</b> and ledge <b>850</b> form an air tight seal.

0075Umbrella valve <b>808</b> sits through a hole <b>830</b> in base <b>806</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a</i>. Umbrella valve <b>808</b> has the general shape of an umbrella and forms an air-tight seal against a top surface <b>817</b> of ledge <b>850</b>. The umbrella-shape is generally thick in the middle but forms a thin flap <b>818</b> which rests and forms an air tight seal against top surface <b>817</b> of ledge <b>850</b>. Air from the bladder travels through a slot <b>822</b> located along the stem of the umbrella valve <b>808</b>. Umbrella valve <b>808</b> is preferably made of a material which is more rigid when thick and somewhat flexible when thin, such as silicone, so that thin flap <b>818</b> is somewhat elastic. When the air pressure underneath the umbrella shape, and therefore the pressure in the bladder of the present invention, reaches a predetermined pressure, thin flap <b>818</b> is deformed and lifted off of top surface <b>817</b> of ledge <b>850</b>, similar to the operation of the umbrella valve <b>708</b> discussed above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a</i>-<b>7</b><i>d</i>. The air moves from the bladder to the atmosphere out a hole <b>816</b> in cap <b>810</b> along a dotted line <b>828</b>. When the air pressure in the bladder and under the umbrella becomes less than the predetermined pressure, the thin flap <b>818</b> returns to its natural shape an again creating a seal against base <b>806</b>. The preferred umbrella valve <b>708</b>, discussed above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a</i>-<b>7</b><i>d </i>is also the preferred umbrella valve <b>808</b> for the combination release valve and check valve <b>801</b>. Although, many other types of umbrella valve are suitable, as would be clear to one skilled in the art.

0076One of cap portion <b>842</b> or base portion <b>848</b> is in contact with the bladder of the present invention depending upon how combination release valve and check valve <b>801</b> is integrated with the bladder, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Base <b>806</b> has holes <b>820</b>, which allow air to pass from the bladder to an area <b>853</b> closed off by wedge portion <b>844</b> and ledge <b>850</b>, along dotted line <b>856</b>. When the surface portion <b>838</b> of cap <b>810</b> is pressed, cap <b>810</b> deforms, as can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. When this occurs, wedge portion <b>844</b> and surface portion <b>838</b> act like a lever, such that hinge <b>846</b> acts like a fulcrum moving wedge portion <b>844</b> away from ledge <b>850</b>. Dotted line <b>929</b> shows the path of air flow out of holes <b>816</b> when the release valve portion of combination release valve and check valve <b>801</b> is activated. In order to avoid a finger or thumb covering holes <b>816</b> located on the top of cap <b>810</b> and preventing the air from escaping therethrough, holes <b>816</b> may be recessed in cap <b>810</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>. Thus, when surface portion <b>838</b> is depressed, fingers do not actually come into contact with holes <b>816</b>, and air can escape around the finger used to depress cap <b>810</b> through channel <b>1027</b>.

0077<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11</figref><i>a </i>and <b>11</b><i>b </i>show yet another combination release valve and check valve <b>1101</b>, which is a side-by-side valve. In this embodiment, a conventional release valve <b>1160</b> is placed side-by-side with an check valve <b>1108</b> under a cap <b>1110</b> comprising an exit hole <b>1116</b>. Both check valve <b>1108</b> and release valve <b>1160</b> are embedded into a base <b>1106</b> which communicates with the interior of a bladder. Exit hole <b>1116</b> may be located anywhere within cap <b>1110</b> because both check valve <b>1108</b> and release valve <b>1160</b> create air-tight seals with base <b>1106</b>. Thus, either air will exit out of exit hole <b>1116</b> in cap <b>1110</b>, whether escaping from the check valve <b>1108</b> automatically due to pressure in the bladder exceeding a predetermined pressure or escaping from the release valve <b>1160</b> due to manual operation thereof.

0078As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref><i>b</i>, which is a cross sectional view of combination release valve and check valve <b>1101</b>, release valve <b>1160</b> may have a plunger <b>1120</b> and a spring <b>1122</b>, similar to that described above. However, any release valve, such as those described above, may be used in this embodiment. Similarly, check valve <b>1108</b> may be an umbrella valve as described above, with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a</i>-<b>7</b><i>d</i>, or it may be any other type of check valve <b>1108</b>.

0079In other embodiments, combination release valve and check valves, such as those described above, may incorporate an adjustable check valve, such as the adjustable check valve described above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, instead of the umbrella valves shown therein.

0080As discussed above, an underfoot inflation mechanism may be used in a shoe of the present invention. One way air may enter to the underfoot inflation mechanism is through a hole in heel compartments <b>308</b> and <b>508</b>, as discussed above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 5</figref>. Compression of heel compartment <b>308</b>, <b>508</b> seals the hole, such that air is forced into bladder <b>330</b>, <b>530</b>. However, sometimes, the materials used to make the sole are not sufficiently breathable to allow air contact to the hole. Further, moisture from the foot may enter into the hole causing damage to the inflation mechanism.

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows a perspective exploded view of a snorkel assembly <b>1262</b>. Snorkel assembly <b>1262</b> includes a valve chamber <b>1264</b>, a tube <b>1266</b>, a cover <b>1268</b> and a sole component <b>1270</b>. Valve chamber <b>1264</b> generally is a thermoplastic unit that is adhered over a hole a heel compartment (such as heel chamber <b>308</b>, <b>508</b>). Valve chamber <b>1264</b> includes a flat portion <b>1265</b> that is directly adhered to an exterior or interior surface <b>1261</b> of heel compartment <b>308</b>, <b>508</b> via gluing, bonding, RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or another other method known to one skilled in the art. Valve chamber <b>1264</b> also has a domed portion <b>1263</b>. Domed portion <b>1263</b> is generally a half-cylinder shape with a closed first end <b>1267</b> and a second end <b>1269</b> comprising an opening <b>1271</b>.

0082Since valve chamber <b>1264</b> inhibits a seal of the hole in heel chamber <b>308</b>, <b>508</b>, valve chamber contains a one-way valve (not shown), such that air will flow through valve chamber <b>1264</b> and into a heel chamber without flowing in the opposite direction (i.e., valve will not allow air to escape from a heel compartment. Any type of one-way valve, such as those described in detail above would be suitable for use in valve chamber <b>1264</b>. One such valve is a duckbill valve, wherein two flexible pieces form a funnel shape. The funnel shape has the two layers open on one end and pressed flat together on the other end, thus closing off the flat end. Air flows from the open end where the pressure is high to the flat end where the pressure is low, so that the flat end opens and the air is forced therethrough. Thus, air will flow in only one direction away from the increase in pressure. Another duckbill valve uses four flexible pieces that come together to form a plus (+) shaped closed end rather than a flat (−) shaped closed end of the duckbill valve described above. The plus-shaped valve allows for greater flow therethrough when opened and does not make as much noise as when air flows through a flat-shaped duckbill valve.

0083Tube <b>1266</b> has a first end <b>1272</b> and a second end <b>1273</b>. Tube <b>1266</b> is generally made of a thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic urethane tubing. Tube <b>1266</b> may be rigid or flexible. First end <b>1272</b> of tube <b>1266</b> is inserted into opening <b>1271</b> in valve chamber <b>1264</b> and forms an air tight seal therewith. Tube has a generally J-shape and curves along the outside of a bladder (such as bladder <b>330</b>, <b>530</b>). Second end <b>1273</b> is held against the outside of bladder by cover <b>1268</b>. Cover <b>1268</b> is a thermoplastic formed piece having a flat portion <b>1274</b> and a dome portion <b>1275</b>. Flat portion <b>1274</b> is adhered to the outside of the bladder via gluing, bonding, RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or another other method known to one skilled in the art. Alternatively, cover <b>1268</b> may have a backing adhered to flat portion <b>1274</b> on a first side and the outside of bladder on a second side. Preferably, flat portion <b>1274</b> is adhered to an outside of the upper in the general vicinity of fluid connection junctions (such as fluid conjunctions <b>358</b> and <b>558</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 5</figref>, respectively), such as in heel area <b>108</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Dome portion <b>1275</b> is generally a half-cylinder shape with a closed first end <b>1276</b> and a second end <b>1277</b> open to receive second end <b>1273</b> of tube <b>1266</b>. Cover <b>1268</b> also has one or more openings <b>1278</b> along the cylindrical part of dome portion <b>1275</b>. Having openings <b>1278</b> on a generally vertical part of the shoe allows air to enter dome portion <b>1275</b>, but keeps out dirt and moisture that may cause damage to the inflation mechanism. Thus, when there is a low pressure inside a heel compartment, air will flow into heel chamber via snorkel assembly <b>1262</b>. In particular, air will flow into cover <b>1268</b> through openings <b>1278</b>, through tube <b>1266</b> from second end <b>1273</b> to first end <b>1272</b>, through valve chamber <b>1264</b> and a valve housed therein and into a heel compartment. In another embodiment, second end <b>1273</b> of tube <b>1266</b> may have a butterfly valve or other valve inside cover <b>1268</b> for additional protection of the inflation mechanism.

0084Snorkel assembly <b>1262</b> also has a sole component <b>1270</b>. Sole component <b>1270</b> may be a midsole, an outsole, a thermoplastic plate or another part of a shoe sole, as are known to those skilled in the art. The sole component <b>1270</b> has a cavity <b>1280</b> therein. When sole component <b>1270</b> is adhered to a bladder, a heel compartment rests at least partially within cavity <b>1280</b>. Cavity <b>1280</b> further has a recess <b>1282</b> into which valve chamber <b>1264</b> is inserted. Sole component <b>1270</b> also has a recess <b>1284</b> into which tube <b>1266</b> is inserted when the shoe is assembled. The snorkel assembly <b>1262</b> of the present invention is particularly described with respect to heel compartments <b>308</b>, <b>508</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 5</figref>, respectively. However, one skilled in the art can appreciate that snorkel assembly <b>1262</b> is appropriate for use with any underfoot inflation mechanism, such as those described with respect to further embodiments discussed below, or any other kind of inflation mechanism.

0085<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> show yet another embodiment of the present invention. Shoe <b>1300</b> has a heel area shown generally at <b>1308</b>, an arch area shown generally at <b>1303</b>, a vamp area shown generally at <b>1305</b>, a forefoot area shown generally at <b>1304</b>, and a lateral side area generally shown at <b>1306</b>. Shoe <b>1300</b> also includes a sole <b>1320</b> and an upper <b>1310</b> of which at least a portion entirely comprises an inflatable bladder <b>1330</b>. In addition, upper <b>1310</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> has a toe portion <b>1334</b>. As demonstrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, bladder <b>1330</b> may form all portions of upper <b>1310</b>, including toe portion <b>1334</b>. Upper <b>1310</b> has an opening shown generally at <b>1312</b>, which is designed to receive a wearer's foot.

0086Upper <b>1330</b> is formed from bladder <b>1330</b>. Bladder <b>1330</b> is generally formed in the same manner described above with respect to the bladders of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2, 3</figref> and <b>5</b>. However, air flows through bladder <b>1330</b> within generally cross-hatched channels <b>1382</b> formed by generally diamond shaped openings <b>1384</b> in bladder <b>1330</b>. Openings <b>1384</b> are generally made in the same way as pockets <b>532</b> and <b>534</b> as describe above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. In other words, interior weld lines <b>1386</b> are formed in a closed diamond shape and the material inside of interior weld line <b>1386</b> is removed forming an opening <b>1384</b>. Openings <b>1384</b> are particularly useful for cooling and drying the foot as synthetic material, such as polyurethane films, may cause the foot to generate moisture in the shoe.

0087Bladder <b>1330</b> generally has a deflation mechanism <b>109</b>, which may be any of the deflation mechanisms discussed above, or another deflation mechanism that would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Further, bladder <b>1330</b> may have any type of inflation mechanism discussed above. Preferably, however, the inflation mechanism is an under foot inflation mechanism, similar to that described above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 5</figref> and discussed further with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14-16</figref>.

0088<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is generally a top plan view of a bladder <b>1430</b> that is similar to bladder <b>1330</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. Bladder <b>1430</b> includes an interior layer and an exterior layer of a thin film that are attached by a periphery weld line <b>1410</b> that surrounds bladder <b>1430</b>. Bladder <b>1430</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is constructed by stitching, or otherwise attaching, a first area <b>1489</b> of periphery weld line <b>1410</b> to a second area <b>1490</b> of periphery weld line <b>1410</b>. Also, a third area <b>1491</b> of periphery weld line <b>1410</b> is stitched, or otherwise attached, to a fourth area <b>1492</b> of periphery weld line <b>1410</b> to form a left boot which surrounds most of the foot of the wearer. One skilled in the art can appreciate that a mirror image of bladder <b>1430</b> may be used to form a right boot.

0089Bladder <b>1430</b> comprises a vamp compartment <b>1453</b>, a medial heel compartment <b>1458</b>, and a heel compartment <b>1460</b>. Vamp compartment <b>1453</b> is generally the largest compartment and provides cushioning to the medial side area <b>1488</b>, vamp area <b>1305</b>, lateral side area <b>1306</b> and a portion of heel area <b>1308</b>. Vamp compartment <b>1453</b> is fluidly connected to medial heel compartment <b>1458</b> via fluid connection junction <b>1474</b>. Medial heel compartment <b>1458</b> also provides cushioning to a portion of heel area <b>1308</b> and is fluidly connected to heel compartment <b>1460</b> via fluid passageways <b>1472</b> and <b>1473</b>. Heel compartment <b>1460</b> provides cushioning to the heel of the foot and is preferably used as an inflation mechanism, as described in detail with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 5</figref>. Bladder <b>1430</b> also has a deflation mechanism <b>109</b>, as shown in a location of vamp area <b>1305</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. As discussed above, deflation mechanism <b>109</b> may be any deflation mechanism described above and may be located in any position on bladder <b>1430</b>. Thus, in a typical gait cycle when the heel of the foot compresses heel compartment <b>1460</b>, air will move out of heel compartment <b>1460</b>, through a one-way valve <b>1480</b> and fluid passageways <b>1472</b> and <b>1473</b> into medial heel chamber <b>1458</b>. From medial heel chamber <b>1458</b> fluid will move through fluid connection junction <b>1474</b> to inflate vamp compartment <b>1453</b>. As air enters bladder <b>1430</b>, the bladder may constrict around opening <b>1312</b>, which operates as a closure for the shoe, such that laces, zippers, hook and pile or other closure system are not necessary.

0090As discussed above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, vamp compartment <b>1453</b> and medial heel compartment <b>1458</b> have openings <b>1384</b> formed by interior weld lines <b>1386</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> shows only the approximate locations of interior weld lines <b>1386</b>. Openings <b>1384</b> can be of various sizes by making interior weld lines <b>1386</b> bigger or smaller in shape or by increasing or decreasing the widths of interior weld lines <b>1386</b>. In addition to sizes, the locations, numbers and shapes of openings <b>1384</b> may be varied. Openings <b>1384</b> are spaced such that the inflatable area between them forms cross-hatched channels <b>1382</b>. Further, the width of periphery weld lines <b>1410</b> may be larger or smaller than that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>.

0091Bladders <b>1330</b> and <b>1430</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13 and 14</figref>, respectively, make up almost all of upper <b>1310</b>. However, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> show the top plan views of bladders <b>1530</b> and <b>1630</b> respectively that constitute a smaller portion of an upper. Thus, forefoot area <b>1304</b> is not covered by bladders <b>1530</b> and <b>1630</b> when they are fully assembled into a shoe. Vamp compartments <b>1553</b> and <b>1653</b>, respectively, are shown in various sizes. In particular, vamp compartment <b>1553</b> of bladder <b>1530</b> is smaller than vamp compartment <b>1453</b> of bladder <b>1430</b>. Thus, a shoe having bladder <b>1530</b> has less of the upper made from a bladder than a shoe having bladder <b>1430</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. Similarly, vamp compartment <b>1653</b> of bladder <b>1630</b> is smaller than vamp compartment <b>1553</b> of bladder <b>1530</b>. Thus, a shoe have bladder <b>1630</b> has less of the upper made from a bladder than a shoe having bladder <b>1530</b>. However, medial heel compartment <b>1558</b>, <b>1658</b> and heel compartment <b>1560</b>, <b>1660</b> if <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> are similar to medial heel compartment <b>1458</b> and heel compartment <b>1460</b> described above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> show the preferred width of the interior weld lines <b>1586</b> and <b>1686</b>, although interior weld lines <b>1586</b> may be a variety of widths, shapes and sizes. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a photograph of a lateral side of a shoe <b>1700</b> which has a bladder <b>1730</b> similar to the bladder shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>. As discussed above, bladders of the present invention may be made of thin polyurethane film. The bladder in FIG. <b>17</b>, however, is made from a metallized polyester film, such as MYLAR® (available from Dupont Teijin Films, Wilmington, Del.) or another thin, light weight polyester film. MYLAR® is particularly suited to be used in a bladder of the present invention because it has great strength in a very thin film. In addition, polyester films, such as MYLAR® are air-tight, tear-resistant and puncture resistant. Further, polyester films may be printed, embossed, dyed, clear, colored or metallized, which provides a variety of styles for a single shoe design. A bladder may be made from layers of polyester film has periphery and interior weld lines generally formed by heat sealing, or other such processes similar to those used in sealing packages in the food industry and/or the MYLAR® balloon industry. However, weld lines may also be made using any other method of forming an air tight seal with a polyester film, as would be known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the polyester film may be a composite of polyester film and urethane filaments or a very thin layer of polyurethane film, particularly for the formation of air tight seals around inflation and deflation mechanisms and components thereof. A polyester and polyurethane composite also has increase tear-resistance with the benefits of the lightweight nature of the polyester film.

0092Shoe <b>1700</b> is shown with openings <b>1784</b> cut inside interior weld lines <b>1786</b> to allow air to circulate through the shoe. Although openings are generally diamond-shaped in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13-17</figref>, openings may be circular, square, oval, or any other closed regular or irregular shape. Thus, interior weld lines that form openings <b>1384</b>/<b>1784</b> can have an equal variety of shapes. In addition, openings <b>1384</b>/<b>1784</b> may vary in size and shape within various locations over the upper, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13-17</figref>.

0093<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows another embodiment of the present invention in shoe <b>1800</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a lateral view of shoe <b>1800</b>. A medial side of shoe <b>1800</b> is similar in form. Shoe <b>1800</b> has an upper <b>1810</b> that includes a first bladder <b>1830</b><i>a </i>and a second bladder <b>1830</b><i>b</i>. First bladder <b>1830</b><i>a </i>is generally located in a vamp area <b>1805</b>, and second bladder <b>1830</b><i>b </i>is generally located in a heel area <b>1808</b>. A third bladder (not shown) is an underfoot inflation mechanism located substantially under the heel, as described above with respect to heel compartments <b>308</b>, <b>508</b>, <b>1460</b>, <b>1560</b>, and <b>1660</b> above. However, first and second bladders <b>1830</b><i>a </i>and <b>1830</b><i>b </i>are not manufactured as a single unit with the heel compartment in the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. Instead, the heel compartment is fluidly connected with first bladder <b>1830</b><i>a </i>via tubes <b>1890</b>, and first bladder <b>1830</b><i>a </i>is fluidly connected with second bladder <b>1830</b><i>b </i>via tube <b>1891</b>. In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, tube <b>1891</b> is redirected through redirectional device <b>1892</b> between first and second bladders <b>1830</b><i>a </i>and <b>1830</b><i>b</i>. Although not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, a medial side of shoe <b>1800</b> would have tubes similar to tubes <b>1890</b> and <b>1891</b>, such that the combination of bladders <b>1830</b><i>a</i>, <b>1830</b><i>b </i>and tubes <b>1890</b> and <b>1891</b> form an opening <b>1812</b> for a foot.

0094As a typical gait cycle occurs, air flows from the heel compartment through tubes <b>1890</b> into first bladder <b>1830</b><i>a </i>and from first bladder <b>1830</b><i>a </i>to second bladder <b>1830</b><i>b </i>through tube <b>1891</b>. When inflated first and second bladders <b>1830</b><i>a </i>and <b>1830</b><i>b </i>close around an inserted foot such that laces or another closure system is not necessary.

0095Tubes <b>1890</b> and <b>1891</b> are fluidly connected to first and second bladders <b>1830</b><i>a </i>and <b>1830</b><i>b </i>via tube connections <b>1894</b>. Tube connectors <b>1894</b> are thermoplastic cases that are fluidly connected to a hole in first or second bladder <b>1830</b><i>a</i>, <b>1830</b><i>b</i>. The tube connectors <b>1894</b> have a flat portion <b>1865</b> that is directly adhered to an exterior or interior surface of bladders <b>1830</b><i>a </i>and <b>1830</b><i>b</i>, depending on how tube connectors are integrated with bladders <b>1830</b><i>a </i>and <b>1830</b><i>b </i>as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Tube connectors <b>1894</b> may be adhered via gluing, bonding, RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or another other method known to one skilled in the art, forming an air-tight seal therewith. Tube connector <b>1894</b> also has a domed portion <b>1896</b>. Domed portion <b>1896</b> is generally a half cylinder-shape with a closed first end <b>1897</b> and a second end <b>1898</b> comprising an opening, into which tube <b>1890</b> or tube <b>1891</b> is inserted. Tubes <b>1890</b> and <b>1891</b> and tube connectors <b>1894</b> form an air-tight seal such that air cannot escape where tubes are connected to first and second bladders <b>1830</b><i>a </i>and <b>1830</b><i>b</i>. In an alternate embodiment, air may flow from the heel compartment directly to second bladder <b>1830</b><i>b</i>. For example, tube <b>1891</b> could be two tubes <b>1891</b><i>a </i>and <b>1891</b><i>b </i>which are each connected to the heel compartment. Tubes <b>1890</b> and <b>1891</b> may be thermoplastic urethane or other thermoplastic tubing, and may be flexible or inflexible. Tubes <b>1890</b> extend into the sole <b>1820</b> of the shoe <b>1800</b>. Shoe <b>1800</b> also includes a hard thermoplastic shank <b>1893</b>, in which channels <b>1893</b><i>a </i>have been formed to receive tubes <b>1890</b> and direct them towards the heel compartment, to which they are fluidly connected under the foot of the wearer. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> also shows a tube <b>1866</b> and cover <b>1868</b> of a snorkel assembly, such as that described above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, so that air can reach the heel compartment without a buildup of moisture in the inflation mechanism. Further, the embodiment of the present invention shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> may include any of the deflation devices discussed above, e.g., one of the combination release valve and check valve described above.

0096<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref><i>a </i>and <b>19</b><i>b </i>show one embodiment of a heel compartment assembly <b>1901</b>, suitable to be used in the sole <b>1820</b> of shoe <b>1800</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. Heel compartment <b>1960</b> is fluidly connected to a plurality of tubes <b>1990</b> through a channel <b>1999</b>. Channel <b>1999</b> is fluidly connected to heel compartment <b>1960</b> via a one way valve <b>1995</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref><i>a </i>and <b>19</b><i>b </i>also show a valve chamber <b>1963</b> and a tube <b>1966</b> of a snorkel assembly <b>1962</b> as described above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. Channel <b>1999</b> and heel compartment <b>1960</b> may be made by two or more layers of a flexible polyurethane film. Heel compartment <b>1960</b> may also comprise a polyurethane foam core, similar to that described above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Further, the embodiment of the present invention shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> may include any of the deflation devices discussed above, e.g., one of the combination release valve and check valve described above.

0097Tubes <b>1990</b> are welded along with the film layers at a periphery weld line <b>1910</b> creating an air-tight seal around tubes <b>1990</b>. Channel <b>1999</b> further has welds <b>1970</b>. Welds <b>1970</b> are used to control the thickness of the channel <b>1999</b> when air is moving through it, and they help direct the flow of air into tubes <b>1990</b>. Periphery weld line <b>1910</b> and welds <b>1970</b> may be formed by RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding or by other suitable means.

0098<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> shows another shoe <b>2000</b> of the present invention which also uses a heel compartment assembly as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref><i>a </i>and <b>19</b><i>b</i>. Shoe <b>2000</b> is similar to shoe <b>1800</b>, except that bladder <b>2030</b> is one piece. Bladder <b>2030</b> is fluidly connected to tubes <b>2090</b> via tube connectors <b>2094</b>. Tube connectors <b>2094</b> have flat portions <b>2065</b> that are directly adhered to an exterior or interior surface of bladder <b>2030</b> via gluing, bonding, RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or another other method known to one skilled in the art, forming an air-tight seal therewith. Tube connectors <b>2094</b> also have domed portions <b>2096</b>. Domed portions <b>2096</b> are generally a half-cylinder shape with a closed first end <b>2097</b> and a second end <b>2098</b> comprising an opening, into which tube <b>2090</b> is inserted. Tubes <b>2090</b> and tube connector <b>2094</b> form an air-tight seal such that air cannot escape where tubes <b>2090</b> are connected to bladder <b>2030</b>. As a typical gait cycle occurs, air flows from the heel compartment (not shown) through tubes <b>2090</b> into bladder <b>2030</b>. When inflated bladder <b>2030</b> closes around an inserted foot such that laces or another closure system is not necessary. Shoe <b>2000</b> also incorporates a shank <b>2093</b>, which is formed with cavities <b>2093</b><i>a </i>for receiving tubes <b>2090</b>. Shank <b>2093</b> may be a molded thermoplastic piece, a shaped metal plate, a midsole foam piece, or another other structure that would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Tubes <b>2090</b> are fluidly connected with the heel compartment under the foot of the wearer, such as described above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>. Further, the embodiment of the present invention shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> may include a snorkel assembly, such as that described above with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> and/or any of the deflation devices discussed above, e.g., one of the combination release valve and check valve described above.

0099Bladder <b>2030</b> may be connected to heel compartment via tubes <b>2090</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>. Alternatively, bladder <b>2030</b> and an underfoot inflation mechanism located either in the forefoot area or in the heel area may be formed as a unitary construction. One possible construction would be similar to that of shoe <b>2100</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>.

0100<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> shows an exploded view of a shoe construction of shoe <b>2100</b> of the present invention. Bladder <b>2130</b> has two underfoot sections, a forefoot compartment <b>2164</b> and a heel compartment <b>2160</b>. Either forefoot compartment <b>2130</b> or heel compartment <b>2160</b> may be an inflation mechanism, preferably heel compartment <b>2160</b>, for inflating the remaining compartments of bladder <b>2130</b>. Bladder <b>2130</b> is bonded to two outsole pieces <b>2120</b><i>a </i>and <b>2120</b><i>b</i>, via gluing or other type of adhesive. Outsole piece <b>2120</b><i>a </i>is bonded to heel compartment <b>2160</b>, and outsole piece <b>2120</b><i>b </i>is bonded to forefoot compartment <b>2164</b>. A portion of shank <b>2193</b> is bonded to both outsole pieces <b>2120</b><i>a </i>and <b>2120</b><i>b </i>and overlaps bladder <b>2130</b>. Shank <b>2193</b> is used to provide support between the outsole pieces <b>2120</b><i>a </i>and <b>2120</b><i>b</i>. An optional midsole <b>2155</b> may be included over bladder <b>2130</b>. Midsole <b>2155</b> may have indentations <b>2155</b><i>a </i>which receive and may be bonded to the interior of upper <b>2110</b>. Additional, upper material (not shown) may be stitched to bladder <b>2130</b> and bonded to midsole <b>2155</b>, particularly in toe area <b>2104</b>. Additional material provides protection from the elements for an inserted foot where bladder <b>2130</b> does not cover the foot. Shoe <b>2100</b> may also have a sockliner <b>2123</b> above the midsole or above shank <b>2193</b>. Other parts of shoe <b>2100</b> not shown may include a snorkel assembly as described with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, as well as other features that provide stability and protection to a wearer's foot.

0101<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> shows another shoe <b>2200</b> which incorporates the heel compartment assembly <b>1901</b> shown and described with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref><i>a </i>and <b>19</b><i>b </i>as an underfoot inflation mechanism. Shoe <b>2200</b> comprises a conventional upper <b>2210</b> and a plurality of flexible, inflatable tubes <b>2290</b>. When inflated, tubes <b>2290</b> expand and close around an inserted foot as inflatable laces, such that conventional laces or another closure system is not necessary. To remove shoe <b>2200</b> a deflation device (not shown) in fluid connection with tubes <b>2290</b>, such as those discussed above, is activated releasing air from and collapsing tubes <b>2290</b>. The deflation device may be any of the deflation devices discussed above, e.g., one of the combination release valve and check valve. Tubes <b>2290</b> are fluidly connected to a channel <b>1999</b> (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>) at both ends, forming a loop over upper <b>2210</b>. As the wearer applies pressure to a heel compartment assembly, tubes <b>2290</b> inflate. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> shows five tubes <b>2290</b> extending across a vamp area <b>2205</b> of shoe <b>2200</b> and three tubes <b>2290</b> extending across a heel area <b>2208</b>. One skilled in the art can appreciate that more or less tubes <b>2290</b> may be used on shoe <b>2200</b>. For example, shoe <b>2200</b> may have only one tube extend across each of the vamp area <b>2205</b> and heel area <b>2208</b>. Alternatively, shoe <b>2200</b> may have no tubes in the heel area and only tubes in the vamp area, or vice-versa, provided that tubes <b>2290</b> when inflated help cushion and secure a foot inside shoe <b>2200</b>.

0102Shoe <b>2200</b> also has a shank <b>2293</b> with cavities <b>2293</b><i>a </i>for receiving tubes <b>2290</b>. Shank <b>2293</b> provides shoe <b>2200</b> with support and structure. Shoe <b>2200</b> may also have a covering layer of material (not shown) over tubes <b>2290</b>.

0103Each of the shoes described above may include a sockliner, such as sockliner <b>2123</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>. However, the same underfoot inflation mechanism described above may also be used in an inflatable sockliner. An overhead plan view of inflatable sockliner <b>2323</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>. Sockliner <b>2323</b> may also be made from two layers of a polyurethane film bonded by gluing, bonding, RF welding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or another other method known to one skilled in the art for forming an air-tight seal. Sockliner <b>2323</b> is generally defined by a periphery weld line <b>2310</b> and includes various compartments defined by both periphery weld line <b>2310</b> and various shaped interior weld lines <b>2320</b>.

0104Sockliner <b>2323</b> has a heel compartment <b>2360</b> with a hole <b>2361</b> allowing air to enter heel compartment <b>2360</b>. When hole <b>2361</b> is covered, and pressure is applied to heel compartment <b>2360</b>, air is forced through one-way valve <b>2350</b> into a plurality of medial compartments <b>2354</b>. Medial compartments <b>2354</b> are fluidly connected to a plurality of forefoot compartments <b>2364</b>. Forefoot compartments <b>2364</b> are fluidly connected to a plurality of first phalanx compartments <b>2351</b> and a plurality of second through fifth phalanx compartments <b>2353</b>. Forefoot compartments <b>2364</b> are also fluidly connected to a plurality of lateral compartments <b>2356</b>. The various compartments shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> are designed to have the general shape of the foot of the wearer. However, more or less compartment and alternatively shaped compartments are suitable for a sockliner of the present invention.

0105Sockliner <b>2323</b> uses a perforation deflation mechanism described above. Preferably, sockliner <b>2323</b> has at least one perforation <b>2309</b>, the location of which is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> by crossed lines. The material used to make sockliner <b>2323</b> may be of a flexible material such that perforation <b>2039</b> will generally remain closed. If the pressure in the sockliner <b>2323</b> becomes greater than a predetermined pressure the force on the sides of the sockliner <b>2323</b> will open perforation <b>2309</b> and air will escape. Since sockliner <b>2323</b> is inserted into the interior of a shoe, it will not be necessary for the wearer to have access to a deflation device within the shoe to avoid overinflation of sockliner <b>2323</b>. However, one skilled in the art can appreciate that another deflation mechanism may be incorporated into sockliner <b>2323</b>. Further, sockliner <b>2323</b> may have a snorkel assembly similar to that discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref><i>a </i>and <b>19</b><i>b </i>for introducing air into or out of sockliner <b>2323</b>.

0106Sockliner <b>2323</b> may be removable or may be permanently inserted into the shoe during manufacture thereof. Further, sockliner <b>2323</b> may be used in any shoe of the present invention or in any conventional athletic, walking or hiking shoe or boot.

0107While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation, and various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, any of the bladders of the present invention may be pre-inflated at the factory. A bladder of this type would not require an inflation mechanism or a deflation valve. Further, laces or another closure system may be incorporated into any shoe design of the present invention.

0108Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. Additionally, all references cited herein, including issued U.S. patents, or any other references, are each entirely incorporated by reference herein, including all data, tables, figures, and text presented in the cited references.

0109The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art (including the contents of the references cited herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.