Importance

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Abstract

A multiply adjustable frame includes coupled seat and back pans each provided with a flexible, sealed, bead-filled bag connected to a respective vacuum pump. With a person positioned on the frame, the seat and back bags assume the contour of respective portions of that person's torso and are maintained in this configuration upon evacuation by a vacuum pump. Cushions individually contoured to the person thus fitted may then be formed either directly from the evactuated bag or from a negative plaster cast of the evacuated bag. The adjustable molding frame, the configuration of which may be varied over a wide range of angles and dimensions, is particularly adapted to provide a custom bucket seat including custom contoured seat and back cushions for the severely handicapped and deformed. Seat pan length, or depth, and seat-to-back angle may be continuously varied over a wide range of values. In addition, the entire frame may be rotated rearward about a horizontal axis adjacent the intersection of the seat and back pans to position the person in a seated, inclined attitude in forming the back cushion to the contour of a rear portion of the person's torso. Adjustable foot supports are provided for proper positioning of the legs during the bucket seat fitting procedure. The frame may be secured in a locked position to retain the measured contour configuration when the person being fitted is no longer positioned on the frame.

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First Claim