Patent ID: 6129799
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: B29C,B29K

Abstract:
A method for making a fluid-filled bladder, comprising:placing a first elastomeric film having elastic recovery over a cavity formed in a first mold half;vacuum drawing an outer surface of the first film into register with an inner surface of the cavity so that the first film conforms to the shape of the cavity;depositing a quantity of fluid comprising liquid or gel onto an open face of the first film in the cavity;overlaying the first film and fluid with a second film;placing a second mold half in register with the first mold half to mate opposed sealing surfaces formed in the mold halves along an outer perimeter of the cavity;expelling any air from between the first and second films in the cavity by releasing vacuum from the cavity to relax the first film;welding the first and second films between the opposed sealing surfaces to form a sealed bladder filled with the fluid; andremoving the fluid-filled bladder from the mold halves.