Fluid-filled body and method for forming the same

Abstract

A fluid-filled chamber is provided and includes a first barrier layer, a second barrier layer attached to the first barrier layer and cooperating with the first barrier layer to define an interior void, and a third layer attached to one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer including mineral mica that provides the one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer with an iridescent appearance caused by differential refraction of light waves.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fluid-filled chamber comprising:
 a first barrier layer;   a second barrier layer attached to the first barrier layer and cooperating with the first barrier layer to define an interior void; and   a third layer attached to one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer and including mineral mica operable to provide the one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer with an iridescent appearance caused by differential refraction of light waves.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid-filled chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the third layer is formed from a polymer material. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid-filled chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the third layer is formed from a polyurethane material. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid-filled chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the mica is at least one of ground mica, built-up mica, and sheet mica. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid-filled chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the mica is deposited on an outer surface of the third layer. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid-filled chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the third layer is impregnated with mica. 
     
     
         7 . The fluid-filled chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the third layer is disposed within the interior void. 
     
     
         8 . The fluid-filled chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the third layer is attached to an exterior surface of at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid-filled chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the third layer is attached to an interior surface of at least one of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer within the interior void. 
     
     
         10 . An article of footwear incorporating the fluid-filled chamber of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . A method comprising:
 attaching a first iridescent material to a first barrier sheet;   inserting the first barrier sheet into a mold;   inserting a second barrier sheet into the mold;   applying at least one of heat and pressure to at least one of the first barrier sheet, the second barrier sheet, and the iridescent material via the mold;   joining the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet together to define a chamber; and   inflating the chamber.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein inserting the first barrier sheet into the mold includes positioning the first iridescent material between the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein inserting the first barrier sheet into the mold includes positioning the first barrier sheet between the first iridescent material and the second barrier sheet. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising attaching a second iridescent material to the second barrier sheet. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein inserting the second barrier sheet into the mold includes positioning the second iridescent material between the second barrier sheet and the first barrier sheet. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein inserting the second barrier sheet into the mold includes positioning the second barrier sheet between the second iridescent material and the first barrier sheet. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein providing the first iridescent material includes providing a polymer material having an iridescent appearance caused by differential refraction of light waves. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein providing the first iridescent material includes providing a material including mica. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein providing a material including mica includes providing a material impregnated with mica. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising incorporating the chamber into an article of footwear.