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: A joint protective apparatus is disclosed that is particularly well adapted to support and cushion the knee joint when kneeling. The apparatus includes a light weight, flexible support material wrap selectively positionable about the joint and having a retaining enclosure thereat positioned to be proximate the knee joint and upper shin area when properly positioned. A pad having plural compartments therein for containing a flowable material is receivable in, and substantially fills, the retaining enclosure. A relatively rigid yet deformable protective cap having a wedge shaped support platform configured to extend between the knee joint and the upper shin area is fastened to the wrap over the retaining enclosure.

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: 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 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 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 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.

Abstract: An ankle pad for use in a ski boot having a shell and a flexible liner disposed within said shell, the ankle pad being less dense than the density of the liner material and being adapted to fit in a recess located in the liner in the area where the ankle joint of a wearer contacts the liner.

Abstract: Ski boot with a semi-rigid shell and flex-adjusting means. A vertical split portion in the shell is provided with apertures on each side of the split spaced along its length. A clip including two spaced parallel legs is inserted from the inside of the boot into a selected pair of apertures to limit the extent of separation of the split in response to pressure on the boot, thus controlling the flex of the boot.

Abstract: An ankle pad insert for use in a boot, which covers the ankle of the wearer, including a ski boot, having a relatively stiff shell and a flexible liner disposed within said shell, the ankle pad insert being less dense than the density of the liner material and being adapted to fit in a recess located in the liner in the area where the ankle joint of a wearer contacts the liner.

Abstract: A rear entry ski boot which includes a vertical beam member which, when the boot is in the closed position, provides rigid support for an adjustable and pivotable cuff assembly, which supports the back and sides of the leg of the person wearing the ski boot.

Abstract: A rear-entry ski boot comprising a semi-rigid shell is provided with a two-piece liner system, one section of which covers the forward portion of the user's foot from behind the ankle bones, the second section covering the heel and Achilles' tendon areas, the sections cooperating to cover the entire surface of the wearer's foot within the shell. The liner sections are not interconnected, and at least the second section is readily removable and replaceable. By selection of an appropriate rear section, a custom fit can be more easily achieved, and changes in the wearer's foot size, as in the case of children, can be readily accomodated.