Conformable pod for a manual implement

A conformable pod for a manual implement, comprising:

• a relatively thin and easily deformable outer skin;
• a substrate joined to said outer skin to define a substantially closed chamber;
• a viscous gel material encased within said closed chamber;
• and
• means for mounting said substrate relative to a manual implement;
• said outer skin and said gel material being deformable to a deformed shape in response to engagement with minimal applied manual pressure, and for substantially pressureless retention of said deformed shape;
• said gel material having a memory for retaining said deformed shape for a predetermined time delay period following release thereof, and for returning relatively slowly following said time delay period substantially to an initial nondeformed shape.

A method of making a conformable pod for a manual implement, said method comprising the steps of:

• shaping a relative thin and easily deformable outer skin to define an open-sided cavity bounded by a peripheral edge;
• substantially filling the cavity with a viscous gel material adapted for deformation to a deformed shape in response to minimal applied manual pressure, and for substantially pressureless retention of said deformed shape;
• and
• substantially closing the cavity with a substrate sealingly secured to the peripheral edge of the outer skin.