abstract |
In one method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber, two polymer layers are located between two mold portions, the surfaces of the mold portions cooperatively defining a peripheral cavity with first and second regions, an inward extent of the first region exceeding an inward extent of the second region. A tensile structure may be positioned between the polymer layers and the mold portions may be compressed together. Part of a peripheral portion of the chamber may be formed by drawing first and second areas of the chamber against the first and second regions of the peripheral cavity, respectively. After pressurization, the first region of the peripheral cavity may have a greater extent of outward protrusion than the second region of the peripheral cavity. Accordingly, an asymmetric medio-lateral shape may be imparted to the chamber without the use of a tensile structure that is itself tapered or contoured. |