NIKE, Inc.
Fluid-filled cushioning article with seamless side walls and method of manufacturing

Abstract:

A method of manufacturing a cushioning article comprises wrapping a polymeric sheet around a support so that the polymeric sheet surrounds a perimeter of the support. A first portion of the polymeric sheet adjacent a first side edge of the polymeric sheet overlaps and is stacked on a second portion of the polymeric sheet adjacent a second side edge of the polymeric sheet. The first portion is welded to the second portion at a first weld disposed between the first side edge and the second side edge while the polymeric sheet is wrapped around the support so that the polymeric sheet forms an open-ended sheath with a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall with the first weld disposed at only one of the top wall and the bottom wall. A cushioning article manufactured according to the method is disclosed.