Abstract: A hand, wrist and/or lower arm support pad and related assemblies are disclosed for use by operators of typewriter or computer keyboards, ten key pads and/or various computer peripherals such as a trackball or computer mouse. The support pad includes an enclosure defining a containment area having a flowable material therein and structure to assure retention of the enclosure at a selected location. The retention structure may be integral to the enclosure and/or may be associated with related assemblies. The flowable material preferably exhibits fluid-like characteristics, and, more preferably, is characterized by a non-constant shear rate to shear stress ratio. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the material will not flow under its own weight (i.e., no, or substantially reduced, cold flow characteristics).

Abstract: Flowable, pressure-compensating material compositions are provided. The compositions are directed toward improving one or more aspects of the flowable material, such as by providing/improving flame retardancy and/or the homogeneity of the composition over time. For instance, one composition includes a liquid, a viscosity-increasing material, and beads having a preselected coating thereon to provide for a coupling interaction with at least one of the liquid and the viscosity-increasing material.

Abstract: Flowable, pressure-compensating material compositions are provided. The compositions are directed toward improving one or more aspects of the flowable material, such as by providing/improving flame retardancy and/or the homogeneity of the composition over time. For instance, one composition includes a liquid, a viscosity-increasing material, and beads having a preselected coating thereon to provide for a coupling interaction with at least one of the liquid and the viscosity-increasing material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming fluid-containing envelopes from two superimposed layers of enclosure material, defining a workpiece, by transporting the workpiece on a support to a plurality of processing stations. One of the processing stations forms at least a portion of the perimeter of each envelope to be formed from the workpiece by appropriately sealing the two layers together in a predefined pattern. At least one inlet coinciding with an unsealed portion of the layers is provided for each such envelope such that an appropriate fluid may be provided thereto when the workpiece is positioned at another processing station. Advantageously, the workpiece is maintained in a certain position on/relative to the support when provided to the envelope filling/forming station and other processing stations which may be incorporated (e.g., secondary sealing station, die cutting station).

Abstract: A cycle saddle which accommodates for the movement of a rider's ischial tuberosities. In one embodiment, portions of the saddle substantially coinciding with the rider's ischial tuberosities yield to the downward movement of the ischial tuberosities to reduce the magnitude of the localized pressure concentrations in these areas. In another embodiment, the saddle has a portion which pivots transversely about the central, longitudinal axis of the saddle during the pedalling motion to account not only for the downward movement of an ischial tuberosity, but also for the associated upward movement of the other ischial tuberosity.

Abstract: A flame-resistant, flowable, pressure-compensating composition is provided. The composition can include a flame retardant such as boric oxide, boric acid, borax, bicarbonate of soda, epsom salt or mixtures thereof. The remainder of the composition can include silicone oil, glycerin or a wax/oil material.

Abstract: A closure device (10) for closing a flexible retainer (12) holding a flowable material (14) is provided. The retainer (12) comprises a body (18) for retaining the flowable material (14), a sealed slit (26), an opening (24), a neck (20) and mouth (22) between the body (18) and open end (24). The device (10) is closed, thereby substantially preventing flow of the material (14) therethrough, when the neck (20) is folded about a channel (30) and the opening (24) is inserted through the slit (26).

Abstract: A hand padding device comprising a pliable enclosure containing a flowable material. The device is designed to be inserted into a ball glove. Preferably, the padding device includes two convex surfaces.

Abstract: A padding device is provided comprising a flowable material and/or low compression set foam. The flowable material comprises discrete particles dispersed in a wax and oil base. The padding device is particularly suitable for use in seating cushions, including bicycle seat cushions. A method for securing the padding device to a bicycle seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A one-way flow device (10) for use in a passageway (18) is provided. The device (10) comprises first (12) and second (14) walls attached together to form a passageway (18). A flexible diaphragm (20) having at least one orifice (24) extends across the passageway (18). The diaphragm (20) flexes between open and closed positions responsive to flow conditions in the passageway (18). In the open position, the orifice (24) is exposed, allowing fluid flow. In the closed position, the orifice (24) is sealed by the first sheet (12), substantially preventing fluid flow.

Abstract: A self-reinitializing padding device having at least two fluidly connected chambers which contain flowable material for use in applications where it is desirable to reinitialize the padding device for subsequent use in absorbing and/or distributing impact forces. One application for which the padding device is particularly well suited is as a foot padding device in footwear. In this application, the device provides improved absorption and distribution of impact forces generated when the footwear contacts a surface, as well as improved lateral support for the foot. In a preferred embodiment, a primary chamber is positioned under the area to be padded, and a plurality of secondary chambers, each fluidly connected to the primary chamber, are positioned around the padded area. The impact force of the user's foot deforms the primary chamber, thereby forcing some of the flowable material contained therein to flow into the secondary chambers.

Abstract: A flowable, pressure-compensating composition is provided comprising a liquid, a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid and spherical particles. A method for making such composition is also provided. The composition is especially suitable for use in padding devices.

Abstract: A flowable, pressure-compensating composition is provided comprising a liquid, a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid and spherical particles. A method for making such composition is also provided. The composition is especially suitable for use in padding devices.

Abstract: A padding device is provided comprising a flowable material and/or low compression set foam. The flowable material comprises discrete particles dispersed in a wax and oil base. The padding device is particularly suitable for use in seating cushions, including bicycle seat cushions. A method for securing the padding device to a bicycle seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing process for producing clean, contamination-free seals. The process includes the step of incorporating a small amount of polar liquid within the material to be sealed between heat-sealable layers. An alternating electromagnetic energy field, such as that produced by a dielectric heating device, is applied to the seal area. The energy vaporizes the polar liquid, thereby cleaning the seal area. Subsequently, the energy causes the resinous layers to seal together, sealing the material within the package. A preferred composition for sealing within the resinous package is also disclosed. The material includes a polar liquid, a surfactant, wax, oil and microbeads. The material is especially suited for producing padding devices.