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Bladder with multi-stage regionalized cushioning

  • US 7,132,032 B2
  • Filed: 04/24/2003
  • Issued: 11/07/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of manufacturing a shoe sole that includes a fluid-filled bladder, the method comprising the steps of:

  • forming an envelope from a first outer layer and a second outer layer of barrier film material sealed along their peripheries;

    locating a first inner layer of barrier film material between the first outer layer and the second outer layer to define a first fluid layer between the first outer layer and the first inner layer;

    attaching the first inner layer to the first outer layer to subdivide the first fluid layer into at least two first chambers isolated from fluid communication with each other, at least one of the first chambers extending only partially across a width of the first fluid layer;

    pressurizing the first chambers with fluids having differing fluid pressures;

    locating a second inner layer of barrier film material between the first inner layer and the second outer layer to form;

    a second fluid layer located between the first inner layer and the second inner layer, anda third fluid layer located between the second inner layer and the second outer layer,that are isolated from fluid communication with each other;

    pressurizing at least one of the second fluid layer and the third fluid layer with a fluid having a fluid pressure that is different from at least one of the fluid pressures in the first chambers; and

    incorporating the bladder into the shoe sole.

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