US 7,546,696 B1
Inflation mechanism and outlet valve for an article of footwear incorporating an inflatable bladder
Jeff Acheson, Brookline, Mass. (US); and Mark Busse, Providence, R.I. (US)
Assigned to Reebok International Ltd., Canton, Mass. (US)
Filed on Oct. 17, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/250,613.
Int. Cl. A43B 13/20 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 36—29  [36/3 R; 36/35 B] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An article of footwear, comprising:
an inflatable bladder;
an inflation mechanism fluidly connected to said inflatable bladder, said inflation mechanism having an inflation chamber and an outlet; and
an outlet valve positioned between said outlet of said inflation mechanism and said inflatable bladder, wherein said outlet valve includes an umbrella valve having a seating and a stem, said seating having a first surface defining a portion of said inflation chamber, said first surface having an aperture for receiving said stem and having a flange extending from said first surface for preventing blocked air flow to said inflatable bladder.