Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating a cushion contoured and fitted to the sitting support surfaces of a user includes a generally flat plate having a plurality of apertures in the upper surface thereof. Each aperture is coupled to and continuous with a duct within the flat plate, with all of the ducts coupled to a vacuum source by appropriate fittings and hoses. Mounted to the upper surface of the flat plate and in sealed engagement therewith are a plurality of rails arranged so as to form a generally rectangular structure, or form, open at the top and closed about its lateral periphery. A plaster positive having a generally flat lower surface and an upper surface conforming with the support surface to which the cushion is to be fitted is positioned within the rectangular form and a flexible, nonporous membrane is positioned over the open form and in contact with that portion of the flat plate therein as well as with the plaster positive.

Abstract: A quick disconnect mechanical coupler includes a housing having a longitudinal slot within which is positioned an elongated coupling pin which is displaceable within the slot along the length thereof. A first end of the housing is adapter to receive a mounting lug coupled to a first structure while a lateral portion of the housing is adapted for coupling to a second structure. With the mounting lug positioned in the first end portion of the housing, the elongated pin, which includes a knob at one end, is spring-biased in a firt direction for insertion in an aperture in the mounting lug to securely couple the housing thereto. Displacement of the coupling pin in a second, opposite direction disengages the housing from the lug and disconnects the first and second structures. The pin is provided with first and second locking projections positioned along the length thereof and extending transversely therefrom.

Abstract: An upright bicycle for supporting a handicapped or infirm person in a generally vertical position while providing a self-propelled ambulatory capability is disclosed. A pyramidal-shaped frame is comprised of a plurality of generally vertical telescoping members mounted on a flat, generally horizontal platform. Two large side wheels are rotationally mounted to the frame and easily rotated by a person positioned on an aft portion of the platform. The platform is provided with foot pads on the upper surface thereof for enhanced user support, with rollers/casters provided on the lower side thereof for increased platform stability. A sternal support in combination with a removable tray is mounted to an upper portion of the frame, while to an intermediate portion thereof is mounted a strap/buttocks support adapted to extend around and encompass the lower, rear portion of the torso of the person.

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.