Abstract: A conformable pod and related method of production are provided, wherein the pod defines a soft structure adapted for deformation in response to minimal pressure applied manually, i.e., by contact with some portion of the body, and for retaining a deformed configuration substantially in the absence of continued application of manual pressure. The pod includes a viscous and tacky gel material encased within a closed chamber defined at least in part by a relatively thin and easily deformed outer skin providing minimal deformation resistance. In a preferred form, the encased gel material is a coagulated or partially coagulated gel such as a silicone-based gel material adapted for deformation in response to minimal applied manual pressure, and for substantially pressureless retention of the as-deformed shape, followed by relatively slow return (at least two seconds or more) to an initial nondeformed shape upon manual release of the pod.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 21, 2005
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
Willat Ergonomic Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Boyd I. Willat, Adrian Cordova, Robert C. Portillo, Gary D. Delgado
Abstract: A wine glass constructed from molded plastic includes an upper body defining an upwardly narrowed flume for concentrating the wine bouquet, in combination with a contoured lower base defining an annular moat surrounding a central punt for enhanced visual inspection of the wine. In addition, the upper body further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof forming a shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules adapted for assembly to form the wine glass, and disassembly for respective compact stacking. In another form, the wine glass has a one-piece construction adapted for compact stacking by nested reception of the upwardly narrowed flume partially into the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 1, 2004
Date of Patent:
September 25, 2007
Assignee:
Willat Ergonomic Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Boyd I. Willat, Joseph T. Perrulli, Paul H. Velick
Abstract: A conformable pod and related method of production are provided, wherein the pod defines a soft structure adapted for deformation in response to minimal pressure applied manually, i.e., by contact with some portion of the body, and for retaining a deformed configuration substantially in the absence of continued application of manual pressure. The pod includes a viscous and tacky gel material encased within a closed chamber defined at least in part by a relatively thin and easily deformed outer skin providing minimal deformation resistance. In a preferred form, the encased gel material is a coagulated or partially coagulated gel such as a silicone-based gel material adapted for deformation in response to minimal applied pressure, and for substantially pressureless retention of the as-deformed shape, followed by relatively slow return (at least two seconds or more) to an initial nondeformed shape upon release of the pod.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 13, 2006
Publication date:
May 17, 2007
Applicant:
WILLAT ERGONOMIC TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Boyd Willat, Adrian Cordova, Robert Portillo, Gary Delgado