Nike, Inc.

Rémy Pieron

Narissa Y Chang

Adam Vollmer

Stepan Ryabinin

Daniel Weeks

Michael Fairchild

Ethan Vella

Michael Allison

Devin Bailly

Matthew Browne

John Geile

Foot support systems include a first foot support bladder, a fluid tank, and a fluid distributor. The fluid distributor's body may have: (a) first and second solenoid mounts, (b) a main fluid distribution channel in fluid communication with the first and second solenoid mounts, (c) a tank channel in fluid communication with the first solenoid mount, (d) a first foot support bladder channel in fluid communication with the second solenoid mount, (e) a first foot support connector connecting the first foot support bladder with the first foot support bladder channel, and (f) a tank connector connecting the fluid tank with the tank channel. First and second solenoids are engaged with the fluid distributor at the first and second solenoid mounts, respectively. In some examples, the fluid distributor may include a third solenoid mount and a second foot support connector for use with a second foot support bladder.

Fluid distributors and foot support systems including fluid movement controllers and adjustable foot support pressure

Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Such systems may include: (a) a first solenoid including first, second, and third ports; (b) a valve in fluid communication with the first solenoid's first port; and (c) a second solenoid including first, second, and third ports (the first port in fluid communication with the valve). Each of the first and second solenoids is switchable to: (a) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and second port and (b) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and third port. The valve is switchable between open and closed configurations. The solenoid and valve configurations are used to selectively place the systems in plural operational states.

Foot support systems including fluid movement controllers and adjustable foot support pressure

Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.

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Portland, OR, United States of America

Rémy Pieron