| abstract |
A method for forming a fluid-filled bladder is disclosed. The method includes placing a core between a first sheet and a second sheet of thermoplastic material. The first sheet, the second sheet, and the core are compressed in a mold such that a first portion of the mold contacts the first sheet to bond the first sheet to the core, and the first portion of the mold contacts and shapes substantially all of a sidewall area of the first sheet to form a sidewall of the bladder from the sidewall area. A second portion of the mold also contacts the second sheet to bond the second sheet to the core. In addition, the first sheet and the second sheet are compressed together around the periphery of the core to form a peripheral bond between the second sheet and the sidewall. |