Article of footwear with fluid-filled chamber lacking an inflation channel and method for making the same
US11166522B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29D35/128
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An article of footwear is provided having a pressurized fluid-filled chamber in the sole structure having a continuous perimeter weld and lacking an inflation channel. The chamber may be formed from opposing polymer sheets, a continuous perimeter weld lacking a weld channel bonding the sheets and forming an interior void between the sheets, and a fluid disposed within the interior void exerting outward pressure on the sheets. A method for making the chamber can include placing a pair of polymer sheets in an opposing arrangement, pressing opposing perimeter weld portions of the sheets against each other to form an airtight seal along a perimeter region of an interior void, supplying a flow of pressurized air between the opposing sheets into the interior void, and, while maintaining a desired fluid pressure, welding the perimeter weld portions of the sheets to each other. A high-frequency welder for forming chamber is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.