EP0536202B1 - Chaussure de sport a vessie gonflable - Google Patents

Chaussure de sport a vessie gonflable Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0536202B1
EP0536202B1 EP91911589A EP91911589A EP0536202B1 EP 0536202 B1 EP0536202 B1 EP 0536202B1 EP 91911589 A EP91911589 A EP 91911589A EP 91911589 A EP91911589 A EP 91911589A EP 0536202 B1 EP0536202 B1 EP 0536202B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bladder
pump
shoe
air
foot
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91911589A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0536202A4 (fr
EP0536202A1 (fr
Inventor
Eric D. Cohen
Andrew R. Jones
Jose Tadeo De Castro
Paul E. Litchfield
Steven F. Smith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Reebok International Ltd
Original Assignee
Reebok International Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Reebok International Ltd filed Critical Reebok International Ltd
Publication of EP0536202A1 publication Critical patent/EP0536202A1/fr
Publication of EP0536202A4 publication Critical patent/EP0536202A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0536202B1 publication Critical patent/EP0536202B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/02—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined wedge-like or resilient
    • A43B17/03—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined wedge-like or resilient filled with a gas, e.g. air
    • A43B17/035—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined wedge-like or resilient filled with a gas, e.g. air provided with a pump or valve

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improved athletic shoes of the type having flexible uppers and, more particularly, to athletic shoes suitable for exercise activities, for example, for basketball, aerobics, tennis or for activities such as running.
  • WO-A-90/04323 discloses an athletic shoe comprising a sole, said sole including an outsole and a midsole, an upper being attached with that sole, an inflatable bladder and a pump for inflating said inflatable bladder.
  • the WO-A-89/09552 relates to shoes, particularly sporting shoes having an inflatable lining consisting of air pillows and a pump.
  • the US-A-4 583 305 discloses a ski boot comprising an outer shell, an inner boot inserted in the outer shell, and an air pack.
  • the air pack comprises a bag disposed between the outer shell and the inner shell of the boot.
  • the boot also includes a means for controlling the pressure within the air pack.
  • the means comprises an air pump connected through a valve which supplies air to the air pack.
  • a pressure sensor is connected to the air pack for sensing and regulating the air pressure in the air pack. This sensor sends a signal to the control circuit which is operative in response to the signal from the pressure sensor to control activation of the air pump and valve.
  • Pressure sensor detects the air pressure in the air pack and the air pump automatically supplies air to the air pack until the pressure within the pack reaches a preset value.
  • Articles 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 necessarily have the same geometry. Therefore, the upper may be adjustable to accommodate various foot contours. Such adjustment may include medial and lateral side portions which, when tensioned, provide support to the foot. In addition, the upper may include an ankle portion which encompasses a portion of the ankle region of the foot and thereby provides support thereto.
  • 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.
  • fastening systems allow the upper of the shoe to be adjustable to accommodate varying foot and ankle configurations, they do not necessarily mold to the contour of individual feet.
  • regardless of how much tension is exerted on the medial and lateral side portion there still remain areas of the foot which are not supported by the upper, due to the irregular contour of the foot. Avoiding displacements between the footwear and the foot results in less strain on the ankle and other parts of the foot.
  • Ski boots are typically constructed to be much heavier than athletic shoes.
  • a system for cushioning such as a bladder system
  • the weight of the system is not a technical consideration.
  • ski boots are a much more expensive consumer item than athletic shoes. Therefore, the same incremental cost of an inflatable bladder system used in ski boots cannot realistically be added to athletic shoes. Any cushioning system added to athletic shoes must be inexpensive and simple to use.
  • any inflation cushioning device be lightweight, inexpensive and must include a pump which is integral with the shoe. Ski boots are heavy. Therefore, adding the weight of an inflation or support device is of little consequence. In athletic footwear, every ounce of weight is of great importance in the performance and comfort of the shoe.
  • the present invention is an athletic shoe with an inflatable bladder according to claim 1.
  • the inflatable bladder fits the anatomical shape of a foot and avoids possible gaps or empty regions between the upper and the foot.
  • the athletic shoe has an upper made of a flexible material.
  • the bladder is disposed within the flexible upper and is preferably in communication with a pump which is attached to the upper, and forms a cavity.
  • the pump may be conveniently located on the top of the tongue of the athletic shoe or on the side of the athletic shoe.
  • the bladder may have a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, and an instep portion.
  • the bladder may also include a release valve which may be disposed in close proximity to the pump.
  • the pump and a portion of the release valve may be formed from a single molded piece of material which is welded to the bladder.
  • One advantage provided by the invention is the compensation of the inequalities or bumps due to the interlacement of the laces in the buckling zone. Another advantage of the invention is that a shoe is provided which helps push the heel of a wearer back in the shoe, toward a heel counter.
  • the present invention is extremely light-weight and simple.
  • the invention allows a lightweight pump to be made integral with an athletic shoe, eliminating the need for a separate accessory (i.e., the pump) to be sold with the shoe.
  • a rubber bulb pump may be formed on the top of the tongue of the athletic shoe or on the side of the shoe for convenient access.
  • Shoe 10 incorporates the support system of the present invention.
  • the support system which will be discussed in detail below, allows a wearer to select the desired pressure applied to the foot of the wearer.
  • Shoe 10 includes a sole, shown generally at 12, and an upper, shown generally at 14.
  • the sole 12 generally includes a ground engaging outsole 16 which is made of an abrasive resistant material as is conventional and generally found in athletic shoes (such as basketball shoes, tennis shoes, aerobic shoes, running shoes, etc.).
  • a midsole 18 Disposed between outsole 16 and upper 14 is a midsole 18 which is typically made out of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (P.U.).
  • EVA ethyl vinyl acetate
  • P.U. polyurethane
  • foam EVA and P.U. midsoles are well-known, there are other possible midsole configurations and structures that could be used in conjunction with the present invention.
  • HYTREL a material available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co.
  • An example of such a support structure is sold by Reebok under the trademark ENERGY RETURN SYSTEM (ERS).
  • ERS ENERGY RETURN SYSTEM
  • This technology utilizes a plurality of HYTREL tubes which are encapsulated within the midsole of an athletic shoe. These tubes extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shoe and help the midsole material return quickly to its original shape.
  • Foam materials other than EVA or P.U. may also form the midsole used in the present invention.
  • the upper may be made from a generally flexible material such as leather or other material as is generally known in the art of athletic footwear.
  • Upper 14 may be attached to sole 12 by any known methods.
  • Figure 1 shows a shoe for the left foot.
  • a shoe incorporating the principles of the present invention for the right foot would be substantially a mirror image of Figure 1.
  • Shoe 10 may include a heel stabilizer 20, a tongue 22, laces 24 and eyestays 26. Naturally, many modifications can be made to the upper 14 without affecting the operation of the invention.
  • the shoe provides for a custom fit.
  • a lightweight system which includes a bladder and pump is incorporated into an athletic shoe which enables a user to inflate a bladder to a desired pressure with a conveniently placed pump.
  • the bladder when inflated, helps push the heel of a wearer toward the back of the shoe, into a heel counter.
  • the bladder is specially configured to assure that air is only distributed to those areas of the foot needing cushioning; it is lightweight so as to not significantly affect the ability of an athlete to move, and it provides support to improve fit and reduce injuries.
  • FIG. 2-4 three possible support systems of the present invention are shown. These systems include a pump 28 which is in fluid communication with inflatable bladder 30. Each ⁇ component of the preferred elements of the support system as well as variations will be described individually below.
  • the bladder 30 is made of a number of component parts which include a first film or exterior layer 32 which is shaped as shown in Figure 2.
  • the exterior layer may be made of a lightweight urethane film such as is available from J.P. Stevens & Co., Inc., Northampton, Massachusetts as product designation MP1880.
  • a second film or interior layer 34 (shown in Figure 3) which is substantially co-extensive with exterior layer 32 is attached to the exterior layer 32 along periphery weld lines 36.
  • the periphery weld lines 36 attach the exterior layer 32 to the interior layer 34 and prevent air from leaking therebetween.
  • One example of a suitable method of attachment of the exterior layer 32 to the interior layer 34 is the application of high radio frequency (r.f.) to the edges of the first and second film.
  • Interior weld lines 38 are also provided. These interior welded lines 38 are also formed by r.f. welding and define openings 40 and 42. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, a substantially circular opening 40 is used to accommodate the medial malleolus and an oblong opening 42 is used to accommodate the lateral malleolus. The shape of these openings is not critical to the practice of the invention.
  • the interior layer 34 and the exterior layer 32 are attached at the periphery weld lines 36 as well as at the interior weld lines 38 and at the circular welds 44.
  • the exterior layer 32 and interior layer 34 are otherwise not attached and enable a pocket or bladder to be formed which allows air or other gas to be introduced between the exterior layer 32 and the interior layer 34.
  • circular welds 44 are positioned throughout the bladder 30. These circular welds 44 are used to control the thickness of the bladder 30 when the bladder 30 is in its filled configuration (e.g., air has been pumped into the bladder 30). In regions of the bladder 30 where it is desirable to have the bladder inflated to a minimal thickness, the density of the circular welds 44 is greater than the areas where it is permissible or desirable for the bladder 30 to be inflated to a greater thickness. For example, it may be desirable to have the tongue inflate to a thickness which is less than the thickness around the ankles of the wearer. Conventional athletic shoes do not conform perfectly to the feet of the wearer.
  • the thickness of the inflated bladder is reduced if there is a high density of circular welds 44. Conversely, if the circular welds 44 are far apart, that area between the circular welds 44 is allowed to expand to a greater thickness.
  • weld lines 4 and 4' shown in Figures 27 and 28.
  • the bladder 30 is compartmented; individual compartments or fluid receiving chambers could be provided in various areas of bladder 30.
  • One example would be to heat-seal seams along bladder 30.
  • Such seams could also be perforated to allow ventilation to the foot.
  • Such compartments may be interconnected or may be individually inflated by pump 28 or by several pumps.
  • the bladder shown in Figure 2 has a number of different compartments which includes a lateral compartment 46, a medial compartment 48 and a tongue compartment 50.
  • the density of circular welds 44 in the tongue region is high.
  • a contouring effect takes place whereby the regions having a low density of circular welds 44 will obtain thicknesses which are greater than the thicknesses of the high density regions.
  • each of these compartments may be further compartmentalized.
  • a first tongue section 52 and a second tongue section 54 may be placed in tongue compartment 50.
  • the first section 52 and the second section 54 are separated by a pair of notches 56 and 58, one on each side of tongue compartment 50. These notches enable the tongue compartment 50 to easily flex at a location between the first section 52 and the second section 54.
  • the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2 enables small aeration holes 106 to be placed in the circular welds 44. Because the welds 44 are circular and do not enable air to pass therethrough, the holes 106 can be placed within the welds 44 without risk of leakage of gas or air.
  • a pump 28 At one end of the tongue compartment 50 is a pump 28.
  • the pump shown in Figure 2 is made of a hemispherical molded latex rubber located at the top of the tongue.
  • the pump 28 is conveniently located so that the wearer can simply place one finger, i.e., the thumb, on the rounded side of the molded rubber pump and another finger on the inside of the tongue, against the flat side of the pump. The pump can then be depressed to enable the bladder to be filled with air.
  • the pump is located in the back of the shoe.
  • the pump can be placed on the tongue (as previously mentioned) or on either side of the shoe.
  • the tongue compartment 50 lies between the outer material, e.g., leather or woven material, which would typically be seen in use and a layer of material such as flocking material.
  • the outer tongue material 49 is made of a conventional material such as leather or woven material or a combination thereof.
  • the outer tongue material 49 is stitched to a tongue backing 51 which may include padding 53 and a cloth lining which makes contact with the foot of the wearer.
  • the padding 53 may be made of any suitable padding material such as a soft foam which is conventionally utilized in the tongue of athletic footwear.
  • Disposed between the outer tongue material 49 and the tongue backing 51 is one embodiment of a tongue compartment 50.
  • a pump covering 55 is depicted.
  • the pump covering 55 is made of a molded rubber material which has a substantially flat region 57, a bulb cover region 59, and a flange 61.
  • the flange 61 enables the pump covering to be stitched to the outer tongue material.
  • the bulb cover region 59 is generally hemispherically shaped and lies over the bulb shaped pump 28.
  • the tongue compartment 50 is placed within an upper of an athletic shoe between an outermost layer of material such as leather and an inner layer of material such as a lining within the shoe.
  • the medial compartment 48 forms the medial portion of the shoe and again is disposed within the outer most layer or upper of the athletic shoe and an inner layer of material.
  • the lateral compartment 46 then wraps around the heel and forms the lateral side of the athletic shoe. Again, this compartment is generally disposed between the flexible upper of the athletic shoe and an inner layer.
  • the configuration of the bladder enables a single pump to inflate the entire upper of the athletic shoe. By providing the circular welds 44 in a particular orientation, for example that shown in Figure 2, specific regions of the foot can receive more air than other regions.
  • a release valve 94 is disposed in the bladder 30 to enable air to be released. The details of the preferred release valve are discussed further below.
  • the bladder of the present invention may also have a number of other configurations.
  • a bladder 30 is shown for use in a low top athletic shoe such as a tennis, aerobics or running shoe.
  • the bladder has a tongue compartment 50.
  • the tongue compartment 50 is segmented into three sections 50(a), 50(b) and 50(c).
  • the tongue compartment is in fluid communication with a lateral compartment 46 and a medial compartment 48.
  • periphery weld lines 36 which connect two thin sheets of material such as lightweight polyurethane film.
  • the sheets are welded together along weld lines 36 either by r.f. welding, heat welding, or by other suitable means, and then die cut to form the predetermined shape.
  • the bladder 30 may include centering tabs 122 which are not filled with air but which are designed to help center or position the bladder 30 during the manufacturing process.
  • the medial compartment 48 and the lateral compartment 46 are bent substantially perpendicular to the orientation they are shown in Figure 4.
  • a pump 28 is used to introduce air into the bladder 30.
  • a release valve 92 may be used to release air from the bladder 30 according to the desires of the wearer.
  • the bladder of the present invention may also utilize a foam layer 108 (seen in Figure 3) disposed between interior layer 34 and exterior layer 32.
  • a foam layer 108 (seen in Figure 3) disposed between interior layer 34 and exterior layer 32.
  • both exterior layer 32 and interior layer 34 are comprised of a suitable material, for example, a urethane film.
  • Foam layer 108 may be comprised of any suitable resilient material capable of allowing fluid to pass therethrough.
  • an open-cell foam such as a polyurethane open-cell or reticulated foam having 10 to 55 pores per 2,54cm (10 to 55 PPI pores per inch)). Such material is available from United Foam Plastics of Georgetown, MA.
  • Exterior layer 32 and interior layer 34 with foam layer 108 disposed therebetween are attached at their edges to form bladder 30. Such attachment may be by any know methods, for example, by high radio frequency which welds the layers together, as described above.
  • bladder 30 may form a part of upper 14 such that exterior layer 34 forms the interior of upper 14.
  • Exterior layer 34 may have a brushed or napped surface facing the foot for improved comfort and may form the interior of the upper.
  • a foot compatible liner may be affixed to the foot contacting surface of exterior layer 34.
  • Bladder 30 may include a foot opening 220, through which the foot of a wearer is inserted. Bladder 30 also includes a medial side portion 112, a lateral side portion 114, an instep portion 116, which underlies the tongue 22 of shoe 10, and a forefoot portion 118. Forefoot portion 118 connects medial side portion 112 and lateral side portion 114 with instep portion 116. Forward end 120 of bladder 30 terminates at a point short of the toe receiving end of sole 12. Alternatively, forward end 120 could extend the full length of sole 12, thereby covering the toes of a wearer, or forward end 120 could also be positioned at any point between the toe and heel receiving ends of sole 12.
  • bladder 30 is shown to terminate where it joins sole 12, bladder 30 could extend along the top surface of sole 12, thereby underlying the foot of a wearer.
  • One example of such a configuration would be to extend bladder 30 under the instep region of the foot to provide support and cushioning to the plantar arch.
  • bladder 30 affords support to the foot of a wearer otherwise unavailable from upper 14 alone. Furthermore, bladder 30 provides increased cushioning to the foot by molding to the particular contour of the foot and thereby, accommodating for anatomical irregularities inherent in the human foot. Therefore, bladder 30 allows the wearer individualized interior sizing of shoe 10.
  • bladder 30 prevents uncomfortable localized pressure from the fastening system of the shoe by providing a cushion between the foot and the fastening system.
  • Bladder 30 provides uniform cushioning by which pressure from the fastening system is distributed across bladder 30.
  • an athletic shoe which is provided with a double wall tongue 1, within which there are arranged bags 2 which can be inflated through a small side tube 3 which is in turn provided with a valve for inflating, through a suitable tool.
  • inflatable bags 2 may be all mutually connected, whereby pressure is uniformly distributed according to the shape of weld lines 4.
  • Inflatable bags 2 have a slightly curved outline which diverges from the tongue base to the tongue tip, i.e., following the shape of said tongue, while at the free end of tongue 1 weld lines 4' are arranged at right angles in such a way as to define three bags, mutually connected as well, wherein the two lateral side ones are in the shape of quadrants of a circle.
  • welding spots or areas 5 are provided in a central region of these end bags respectively.
  • two rows of through perforations 6 are provided, whose outline follows the one of the longitudinal inflatable bags 2.
  • the base of the tongue which must be fastened to the shoe upper, extends into a flap 7 of the same gas-tight material comprising the walls of the inflatable bags 2.
  • the pump 28 has a body portion 60 which is made of a rubber material.
  • the pump 28 may be molded from rubber such as butyl rubber or a latex rubber to form a rubber bulb.
  • the pump 28 may also be a molded urethane or other material having good memory characteristics. If the pump 28 is a molded urethane, it can be welded to the bladder 30 with r.f. welding or the like. This embodiment of the invention simplifies construction of the pump and bladder assembly.
  • the body is substantially hemispherical in shape with the flat portion of the hemisphere adhered to the exterior layer 32.
  • a first pump valve 62 which prevents air from passing from the pump 28 to the atmosphere while allowing air to pass into the body portion 60.
  • a connector 64 which enables fluid (typically air) to be communicated from the pump 28 to the interior of the bladder 30 which is formed between the exterior layer 32 and the interior layer 34.
  • a second one-way valve 66 which enables air to be forced into the bladder upon application of pressure to the pump 20.
  • the one-way valve 66 prevents air from traveling from the bladder to the pump. Therefore, the bladder is pumped up simply by depressing the pump repeatedly until the bladder has reached a desired pressure.
  • the pump 28 has a flat lower surface which is adhered to the bladder 30 and a hemispherical upper surface which enables air to be pumped into the bladder upon depression.
  • the pump 28 may be made of injection molded rubber and may include an inlet check valve or first pump check valve 62 which is fitted into an opening in the pump 28.
  • Figure 6 depicts the check valve 62 positioned outside the opening.
  • the check valve 62 is inserted into the hole and only enables air to travel in the direction of arrow 63.
  • the operation of the check valve is as follows.
  • a disc 65 for check valve is fitted between a shoulder 67 and retaining pins 69. The disc is free to move within the check valve 62 because it has a smaller diameter than the interior cylinder formed by check valve 62. If air is moving in the direction opposite the arrow 63, the disc abuts the shoulder and air cannot escape through the check valve. If, however, air is entering the check valve 62 in the direction of arrow 63, the disc 65 is retained against the retaining pins 69.
  • the pins are intermittently spaced around the periphery of the cylindrical space forming the valve, thereby enabling air to pass around the disc 65 in those areas where the pins are not located.
  • the one-way check valve 62 enables air to move therethrough in the direction of arrow 63 only.
  • the wall thickness dimension A in Figure 6 is approximately 2.0 mm and the wall thickness dimension B is approximately 3.0 mm.
  • a small hole is formed on the top of the pump body 60. This hold obviates the need for one way check valve 62.
  • air is not permitted to escape to the atmosphere when the pump 28 is depressed because the thumb or finger of the user covers the hole. As the pump is released by the user, the small hole is uncovered, allowing air to enter the pump body 60.
  • This embodiment facilitates easy and inexpensive manufacture of the pump and bladder system.
  • Pump 28A includes a top layer 68 and a bottom layer 70, both of which are made from any suitable material, for example, a urethane film.
  • a suitable material for example, a urethane film.
  • One example of a urethane film which is applicable in the present invention is available from J.P. Stevens & Co., Inc., Northampton, MA, as product designation MP1880.
  • Disposed between top layer 68 and bottom layer 70 may be foam member 72.
  • the function of foam member 72 is to add resiliency to pump 28A.
  • Foam member 72 may be made of any suitable porous material which is capable of allowing fluid to pass therethrough.
  • a suitable material is a polyurethane open-cell foam having 10 to 55 pores per 2,54cm (10 to 55 PPI (pores per inch)). Such as material is available from United Foam Plastics of Georgetown, MA. Naturally, pumps other than the molded pump and the pump having a foam member in its interior could be substituted for those pumps specifically described in the present invention.
  • the bottom layer 70 of the pump 28 may be a substantially flat sheet of material which forms the side of the pump 28 which lies adjacent to upper 14 as seen in Figure 1.
  • Top layer 68 is a vacuum formed sheet which is shaped to define a cavity, and foam member 72 is commensurate in size to the cavity and is disposed therein.
  • the top layer 68 forms a first surface 74 which provides a surface convenient for forcing air from the cavity into bladder 30.
  • the top layer 68 also has edge 76 which provides a surface for suitable attachment to the bottom layer 70.
  • One example of a suitable method of attachment is by the application of high radio frequency (r.f.) to edge 76 and the bottom layer 70. Application of the r.f. will cause the top and bottom layers 68 and 70, respectively, to adhere to one another.
  • attachment methods other than r.f. welding are possible.
  • top layer 68 and bottom layer 70 is approximately 2,54cm x 2,54cm x 1,27cm (1.0" x 1.0" x 0.5").
  • the precise size and shape of the pump may be varied.
  • an inlet port 78 and an outlet port 80 are provided on pump 30. These ports may extend between the top layer 68 and the bottom layer 70 as shown or may extend through either the top layer 68 or bottom layer 70.
  • the pump 30 will generally be disposed on the upper 14 of athletic shoe 10.
  • pump 30 is shown to be located in the back of the shoe with the bottom layer 70 being adjacent or next to the material forming the upper.
  • the pump may also be located in other locations such as on the tongue of the shoe or on the vamp of the shoe.
  • the pump is located in the tongue 22 of an athletic shoe.
  • the bladder can lie between the leather or other flexible material which forms upper 14 and a soft material which forms the interior of the shoe.
  • the pump 30 can fit within a hemispherical cavity formed in the leather upper. This cavity can be formed from any of a number of conventional materials.
  • the pump 30 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere via inlet tube 82.
  • the outlet tube 84 is in fluid communication with the bladder 36. This can be seen in the schematic representation of the system which is depicted in Figure 9.
  • the tubing which may be utilized with the present invention may be comprised of any suitable flexible, small diameter tubing material which is capable of being affixed to pump 28 and bladder 30.
  • One example of tubing which is suitable for use with the present invention is a 1,5875mm (1/16 inch) I.D. x 3.175mm (1/8 inch) O.D. clear polyurethane tubing which is available from Industrial Specialties, Inc., Englewood, Colorado.
  • the inlet tube 82 has thereon an inlet check valve 86 which assures that air only flows into pump 28 from the atmosphere.
  • an inlet check valve 86 which assures that air only flows into pump 28 from the atmosphere.
  • One example of acceptable check valves for use with the present invention is model #2804-401, available from Air Logic, Racine, Wisconsin (other outlet valves will be discussed in detail below).
  • the outlet tube 84 has an exit check valve 88 which ensures that, after bladder 30 is inflated to a desired pressure, air does not flow out of the bladder 30 through pump 28.
  • the outlet tube 84 is connected to a T-connector 90.
  • the exact shape of the T-connector 90 need not be a T-shape.
  • the T-connector 90 enables air passing through outlet tube 84 to be in fluid communication with the bladder through a bladder inlet 83.
  • the pump 28 is depressed, thereby compressing foam member 72 if a pump having a foam member is used.
  • the air which previously occupied the cavity in the pump 30 is prevented by a check valve 86 from escaping to the atmosphere. Therefore, the air is forced through outlet tube 84, through check valve 88 and into bladder 30.
  • the pump 30 is manually depressed, it is released.
  • the foam and the other materials used to form the pump are made of materials with good memory and therefore the pump 30 quickly returns to its pre-depressed state. As it returns to its original shape, ambient air is sucked through inlet tube 82 (if used) via the one-way inlet check valve 86, into the cavity of pump 30.
  • the pump is then depressed again and the process is repeated until the bladder 30 is inflated to a desired pressure.
  • release valve 94 may be depressed to allow air to escape from bladder 30.
  • This release valve 94 may be positioned in a number of different locations as long as it is in fluid communication with the bladder 30. The details of a preferred release valve will be set forth below.
  • a release valve is used as part of the invention to vent air from the bladder.
  • the release valve 94 is in fluid communication with the bladder 30 to enable venting or deflating of the bladder 30. While the release valve 94 may be located anywhere on the bladder 30, it is preferable that the release valve 94 be located on the bladder 30 where it can be conveniently activated by the user of the athletic shoe. For example, it may be preferable to place the release valve 30 close to the location of the pump 28.
  • the release valve 94 as shown in Figure 10 can include a plunger 98 having a spring 100 which biases the plunger in the closed position as shown in Figure 10.
  • a flange 102 around the periphery of stem 104 of the plunger 98 keeps air from escaping between the plunger 98 and the release fitting 105 because the flange is biased in the closed position and in contact with the release fitting 105.
  • the plunger 98 is depressed by the user. Air then escapes around the stem 104 of plunger 98.
  • This release valve is mechanically simple and light weight.
  • the components of the release valve may be made out of a number of different materials including plastic or metals. It may be preferable to use a material such as aluminum to form the plunger 98 because it is easier to ensure that an aluminum plunger will be of a particular geometry (e.g., round), thus avoiding leakage problems which can be created by a plunger of irregular shape.
  • the release fitting 105 is made of a molded urethane and, in fact, the release fitting 105 and the pump 28 may both be molded as a unitary single piece.
  • a single molded urethane piece which comprises a pump 28 and a release fitting 105 can be welded to the urethane sheets which form a bladder 30.
  • Figure 23 is a schematic cross section of a pump, release valve and bladder assembly in which the pump and release fitting are molded as a unitary structure. This figure is intended for purposes of illustration and example and is not intended to be a to scale representation.
  • Figure 23 depicts an exterior layer 32 and an interior layer 34 which are welded together to form bladder 30.
  • a pump 28 is provided which is made of molded urethane.
  • a release valve 94 is also provided which, like the release valve depicted in Figure 10, has a plunger 98 and a spring around the stem of the plunger.
  • the release valve 94 has a release fitting 105 which is molded urethane.
  • the pump 28 and the release fitting 105 are formed from a single piece of material. The pump 28 and release fitting 105 assembly is then welded to the bladder 30.
  • a small hole 160 is provided in the top of the molded pump 28 to allow air to pass into the pump and to act as a one way valve.
  • the pump 28 is depressed.
  • the user typically will use a thumb to depress the pump 28; therefore, hole 160 is covered and air is free to pass into the bladder 30. After the pump is released by the thumb of the user, air passes through hole 160 to fill the pump interior volume.
  • a second one way valve 66 Provided between the pump 23 and bladder 30 may be a second one way valve 66.
  • This valve may be of the type described earlier with reference to Figure 6 or may be as described below.
  • the second one way valve 66 shown in Figure 23 utilizes a pair of sheets of urethane material 166 which may be welded at weld points 162, 164. The sheets are folded in substantially a U-shape and allow air to pass therethrough only in the direction of arrow 168.
  • a simple one way valve is constructed which is inexpensive and simple to manufacture.
  • the plunger 98 of release valve 94 is depressed, enabling air to pass from the bladder 30 around the plunger 98 and into the atmosphere.
  • a dual chamber bladder system is used to selectively inflate predetermined regions of an athetic shoe.
  • a plurality of bladder chambers 30(a) and 30(b) are used in the invention.
  • bladder chambers 30(a) and 30(b) are formed from the same material and are stamped out from the same sheets of urethane film.
  • One of the bladder chambers may be positioned in the upper of the shoe as described with respect to the bladder depicted in Figure 3.
  • the bladder chamber 30(a) shown in Figure 12 may take on a number of different shapes. However, like the bladder of Figure 3, it may have a tongue compartment 50, a medial compartment 48 and a lateral comparatment 46.
  • the bladder 30 may use circular welds formed by r.f. welding in selective areas of the bladder.
  • the circular welds 44 may have aeration holes 106 therethrough as also previously described.
  • a second bladder chamber 30(b) which may be constructed in a manner similar to bladder chamber 30(a). That is, the bladder chamber 30(b) may be constructed using two thin sheets of urethane film which are welded together by r.f. welding or other suitable means and die-cut in a desired shape. The second bladder chamber 30(b) may be cut in a suitable shape to be inserted under the foot of a wearer to provide additional cushioning to the underside of the foot. Like bladder chamber 30(a), bladder chamber 30(b) may have suitable weld configurations which may include weld lines 126 as well as circular welds 44 as needed to accommodate the lower surface of a foot.
  • a single pump 28 is used to selectively inflate the two bladder chambers.
  • a manual switch 124 Disposed downstream of pump 28 and upstream of the bladder chambers 30(a) and 30(b) is a manual switch 124 which enables a user to inflate either the bladder chamber 30(a) which is disposed in the upper or bladder chamber 30(b) disposed under the foot of the wearer.
  • the switch 124 is not depicted in Figure 12; however, the location of the switch used in the bladder of Figure 12 is indicated by arrow 124. It may also be possible to utilize a three-way switch to selectively pump either bladder chamber 30(a), bladder chamber 30(b), or both bladder chambers 30(a) and 30(b) simultaneously.
  • Each bladder chamber 30(a), 30(b) is provided with a release valve 94(a) and 94(b) which enables excess air to be released from the bladder chambers 30(a), 30(b).
  • One-way valve 62 as described with reference to Figure 6 may be provided to allow air to fill the pump 28 after it has been depressed.
  • a second one-way valve 66 is also provided which keeps air which is forced out of pump 28 from returning to the pump 28 after the pump 28 is depressed.
  • the pump 28 is manually operated to introduce air into channel 128 via a suitable conduit (not shown).
  • the conduit and the pump 28 can be molded from a single piece of material.
  • Channel 128 is in fluid communication with both bladder chamber 30(a) and bladder chamber 30(b) as shown by flow streams 130 and 132, respectively.
  • Channel 128 is bounded by channel weld lines 134 which prevent air from entering bladder chamber 30(a) except as indicated by flow stream 130.
  • the location of the valve for switching between bladder chamber 30(a) and bladder chamber 30(b) is the back of the heel of a wearer. This location is chosen for convenience of the user; however, it is understood that there are other suitable locations.
  • bladder chamber 30(a) or 30(b) is selectively inflated by use of a valve which enables air to be directed to one or the other of the bladder chambers 30(a) or 30(b).
  • a switch is used which pinches off either flow stream 130 or flow stream 132 according to the preference of the user.
  • the pincher switch is constructed with two main components, a backer plate 136 (seen in Figures 13-18) and a cam device 138 (seen in Figures 19-22).
  • the bladder 30, seen in Figure 12 is sandwiched between the backer plate 136 made of material such as transparent polyurethane and cam device 138 made of a hard plastic material such as acro butyl styrene (ABS) to selectively pinch off either flow stream 130 or flow stream 132.
  • backer plate 136 made of material such as transparent polyurethane
  • cam device 138 made of a hard plastic material such as acro butyl styrene (ABS) to selectively pinch off either flow stream 130 or flow stream 132.
  • ABS acro butyl styrene
  • the backer plate 136 includes projections 140 and 142 which project through openings 144 and 146 (seen in Figure 12).
  • the projections 140 and 142 form circular openings 148 and 150 for receiving cam device 138.
  • the bladder 30 is thus oriented between cam device 138 and surface 152 on backer plate 136.
  • the cam device 138 has a plurality of cam surfaces 154, 156 and 158 which cooperate with surface 152 of backer plate 136 to pinch off either flow stream 130 or flow stream 132.
  • the cam device 138 is rotatably positioned in the circular openings 148 and 150. As the cam device 138 is rotated from a first position to a second position, the cam surfaces serve to pinch off either flow stream 130 or flow stream 132.
  • a lip 160 is provided on the backer plate 136 (see Figure 14) to prevent the cam device 138 from sliding completely through the circular openings 148, 150.
  • the dual chamber bladder system described above locates the bladder chambers 30(a), 30(b) on the upper and under the wearer's foot, respectively, it is possible to have dual bladder chambers in other configurations.
  • a first bladder chamber could be located around the collar of a shoe (such as a basketball or tennis shoe) while a second bladder chamber could be located at the instep (the collar of the shoe depicted in Figure 25 is designated with reference numeral 222).
  • more than two bladder chambers, with a selective inflation valve, could be utilized in practicing the invention.
  • a bladder may be used which is specifically oriented in the collar of an athletic shoe.
  • Figure 24 shows a collar bladder of the present invention.
  • Bladder 30, like previous embodiments, utilizes two sheets of urethane film welded together at periphery weld lines 36 and at circular welds 44.
  • a pump 28 is provided which is made of molded urethane.
  • the pump 28 and release fitting 105 of release valve 94 are monolithic.
  • a plunger 94 fits within release fitting 105.
  • bladder 30 wraps around the back of the foot of the wearer such that centering tabs 122 are substantially in line on opposite sides of the wearer's foot.
  • Figure 25 shows generally the location of the pump and release valve on an athletic shoe 10.
  • the pump 30 (of Figure 24) is covered by pump covering 168 and the release valve (of Figure 24) is covered by release valve covering 170.
  • an arch bladder 30 which like previously described bladders utilizes periphery weld lines 36 to attach two sheets of urethane.
  • the arch bladder has been welded but is shown prior to die cutting the bladder along periphery weld lines 36.
  • the bladder 30 of Figure 26 fits under the arch of the foot and the pump 28 and release valve 94 wrap up the side of the shoe to be conveniently located on the side of the shoe (in a manner similar to Figure 25).
  • a bladder may be designed which conforms to parts of the foot other than those parts specified above.
  • a pressure gauge such as a digital read-out pressure gauge, is incorporated into the shoe using the present invention to enable a user to consistently add the same air pressure to the bladder.
  • a second digital read-out pressure gauge can be used when more than one bladder is used. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Landscapes

  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Claims (6)

  1. Chaussure de sport, comprenant :
    une unité de semelle (12) qui inclut une semelle médiane (18) et une semelle d'usure (16),
    une tige souple (14) attachée à ladite unité de semelle (12),
    une vessie gonflable (30), et
    un mécanisme de gonflage (28) pour gonfler ladite vessie gonflable (30) ;
    caractérisée par des moyens de mesure de pression pour mesurer la pression à l'intérieur de ladite vessie gonflable (30), lesdits moyens de mesure de pression comprenant un affichage numérique afin d'indiquer la pression de ladite vessie (30) au porteur de la chaussure.
  2. Chaussure de sport selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite vessie gonflable (30) comprend deux chambres (30a, 30b).
  3. Chaussure de sport selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre une soupape (124) pour permettre à l'utilisateur de bloquer sélectivement le trajet de fluide vers l'une ou l'autre desdites deux chambres (30a, 30b).
  4. Chaussure de sport selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, comprenant en outre une soupape (94) pour libérer du fluide depuis ladite vessie gonflable (30).
  5. Chaussure de sport selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 4, dans laquelle l'une au moins desdites deux chambres est située au-dessous du pied de l'utilisateur.
  6. Chaussure de sport selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans laquelle ledit mécanisme de gonflage (28) est disposé sur ladite tige.
EP91911589A 1990-05-30 1991-05-23 Chaussure de sport a vessie gonflable Expired - Lifetime EP0536202B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US53085490A 1990-05-30 1990-05-30
US530854 1990-05-30
PCT/US1991/003610 WO1991018527A1 (fr) 1990-05-30 1991-05-23 Chaussure de sport a vessie gonflable

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0536202A1 EP0536202A1 (fr) 1993-04-14
EP0536202A4 EP0536202A4 (fr) 1994-02-09
EP0536202B1 true EP0536202B1 (fr) 1999-03-10

Family

ID=24115252

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91911589A Expired - Lifetime EP0536202B1 (fr) 1990-05-30 1991-05-23 Chaussure de sport a vessie gonflable

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0536202B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH07112441B2 (fr)
AU (1) AU650270B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2084080C (fr)
DE (1) DE69130980T2 (fr)
WO (1) WO1991018527A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0625013A4 (en) * 1992-01-31 1995-12-20 Reebok Int Ltd Support system for footwear.
JPH06506384A (ja) * 1992-01-31 1994-07-21 リーボック　インターナショナル　リミテッド 運動靴の甲革及びその製造方法
WO1993021790A1 (fr) * 1992-04-30 1993-11-11 L.A. Gear, Inc. Chaussure de sport comportant des moyens indicateurs de la pression de la vessie d'air
US5400529A (en) * 1992-08-21 1995-03-28 Oansh Designs, Ltd. Sports medicine shoe
US8677652B2 (en) 2002-07-02 2014-03-25 Reebok International Ltd. Shoe having an inflatable bladder
DE10339256A1 (de) * 2003-08-26 2005-04-21 Li-Chieh Lin Luftblasenvorrichtung mit musterveränderndem Mechanismus
US8256141B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2012-09-04 Reebok International Limited Article of footwear having an adjustable ride
US8414275B1 (en) 2007-01-11 2013-04-09 Reebok International Limited Pump and valve combination for an article of footwear incorporating an inflatable bladder
US9788608B2 (en) * 2013-02-13 2017-10-17 Nike, Inc. Shoe upper having multiple weld zones
US9237779B2 (en) 2013-02-13 2016-01-19 Nike, Inc. Shoe upper having multiple unwelded flex zones
KR102217483B1 (ko) 2017-02-27 2021-02-22 나이키 이노베이트 씨.브이. 유체-충진 블래더 챔버들을 포함하는 조절 가능한 발 지지 시스템
CN108477740B (zh) * 2018-02-07 2023-06-16 福建奇鹭物联网科技股份公司 一种太阳能智能调节舒适鞋
CN112512365B (zh) 2018-05-31 2022-04-01 耐克创新有限合伙公司 包括流体填充囊腔的可调节足部支撑系统
EP4316299A3 (fr) 2018-11-29 2024-04-10 NIKE Innovate C.V. Systèmes de support de pied comprenant des vessies remplies de fluide avec mouvement de fluide entre les vessies
KR20230024920A (ko) 2020-05-28 2023-02-21 나이키 이노베이트 씨.브이. 유체 이동 컨트롤러 및 조정 가능한 발 지지 압력을 포함하는 발 지지 시스템

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0119009A1 (fr) * 1983-02-09 1984-09-19 Nike International Ltd. Dispositif pour déterminer la vitesse, la distance parcourue, le temps écoulé et les calories consumées par une personne en train de courir
US4583305A (en) * 1984-12-26 1986-04-22 Nara Sports Co., Ltd. Ski boot
WO1989009552A1 (fr) * 1988-04-04 1989-10-19 Nikola Lakic Bottes et costume chauffes et refroidis a circulation forcee d'air

Family Cites Families (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US692170A (en) * 1901-05-23 1902-01-28 Max Wallerstein Apparatus for aerating wort and improving the quality of yeast.
US1059485A (en) * 1911-09-12 1913-04-22 Piatt M Orlopp Engine-valve.
US1285695A (en) * 1916-12-26 1918-11-26 William W Harman Cut-off valve for sawmill-carriages.
US3685176A (en) * 1970-07-02 1972-08-22 Marion F Rudy Inflatable article of footwear
US3721265A (en) * 1971-04-29 1973-03-20 Fmc Corp Three-way valve
AT327737B (de) * 1972-04-10 1976-02-10 Koeflach Sportgeraete Gmbh Skischuh
IT981462B (it) * 1972-04-10 1974-10-10 Koeflach Sportgeraete Gmbh Calzatura da sci
JPS5241700A (en) * 1975-09-30 1977-03-31 Teijin Ltd Process for preparing aromatic polymers having nitrogen-containing cyc lic groups
FR2356384A1 (fr) * 1976-07-01 1978-01-27 Sopric Chaussure de ski munie d'un dispositif pneumatique d'extraction et de maintien du pied
US4183156A (en) * 1977-01-14 1980-01-15 Robert C. Bogert Insole construction for articles of footwear
FR2407008A1 (fr) * 1977-10-28 1979-05-25 Bataille Jean Roger Ensemble dynamique de calage du pied et de la jambe dans un ensemble rigide
CH633424A5 (de) * 1977-11-02 1982-12-15 Nordica Spa Vorrichtung zum blockieren des fusses in einem schischuh.
FR2496423A1 (fr) * 1980-12-19 1982-06-25 Ato Chimie Chaussure de ski
AT386322B (de) * 1984-02-16 1988-08-10 Koeflach Sportgeraete Gmbh Ventilanordnung fuer das aufblasen und entleeren eines luftpolsters
US4662087A (en) * 1984-02-21 1987-05-05 Force Distribution, Inc. Hydraulic fit system for footwear
DE3665530D1 (en) * 1985-07-24 1989-10-19 Raichle Sportschuh Ag Sports shoe, in particular a ski boot
FR2588452B1 (fr) * 1985-10-11 1987-12-11 Porcher Pierre Chaussure de ski a serrage atmospherique
GB8531139D0 (en) * 1985-12-18 1986-01-29 R Plc Sa Footwear
DE3600437A1 (de) * 1986-01-09 1987-07-16 Josef Lederer Skischuh stichwort: doppelpumpe
DE8802338U1 (fr) * 1988-02-23 1989-07-13 Klepper, Peter, 6070 Langen, De
US4912861A (en) * 1988-04-11 1990-04-03 Huang Ing Chung Removable pressure-adjustable shock-absorbing cushion device with an inflation pump for sports goods
WO1990004323A2 (fr) * 1989-02-08 1990-05-03 Reebok International Ltd. Chaussure de sport dotee d'une vessie gonflable
US4999932A (en) * 1989-02-14 1991-03-19 Royce Medical Company Variable support shoe
US4995173A (en) * 1989-04-13 1991-02-26 Leonard Cooper High tech footwear

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0119009A1 (fr) * 1983-02-09 1984-09-19 Nike International Ltd. Dispositif pour déterminer la vitesse, la distance parcourue, le temps écoulé et les calories consumées par une personne en train de courir
US4583305A (en) * 1984-12-26 1986-04-22 Nara Sports Co., Ltd. Ski boot
WO1989009552A1 (fr) * 1988-04-04 1989-10-19 Nikola Lakic Bottes et costume chauffes et refroidis a circulation forcee d'air

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2084080C (fr) 2000-01-11
DE69130980T2 (de) 1999-11-11
EP0536202A4 (fr) 1994-02-09
EP0536202A1 (fr) 1993-04-14
AU7961291A (en) 1991-12-31
AU650270B2 (en) 1994-06-16
JPH07112441B2 (ja) 1995-12-06
JPH05507220A (ja) 1993-10-21
WO1991018527A1 (fr) 1991-12-12
CA2084080A1 (fr) 1991-12-01
DE69130980D1 (de) 1999-04-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5113599A (en) Athletic shoe having inflatable bladder
US5987779A (en) Athletic shoe having inflatable bladder
US5158767A (en) Athletic shoe having inflatable bladder
AU631191B2 (en) An article of footwear
US10251450B2 (en) Shoe having an inflatable bladder
US7152625B2 (en) Combination check valve and release valve
US6557274B2 (en) Athletic shoe construction
EP0536202B1 (fr) Chaussure de sport a vessie gonflable
CA2026782C (fr) Article chaussant d'athletisme vessie interieure gonflable
WO1998023863A1 (fr) Pompe et soupape miniatures universelles pour doublures gonflables

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19921222

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 19931220

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950726

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19990310

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19990310

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19990310

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69130980

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19990415

EN Fr: translation not filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20100531

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20100528

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69130980

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20110522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20110522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20110524