Abstract: A supporting element having a rigidity which may be adjustably controlled includes a cover (29) and a filler (30). The filler includes a flexible laminated structure having a plurality of layers (31, 32, 33; 32a, 32b; 34) which are mounted to be moveable relative to one another under the effect of a non-uniform distribution of force compressing the filler in the absence of a controlled pressure. The cover (29) is coupled to a vacuum source and is adapted to receive a controlled pressure to make the supporting element more or less rigid. When the cover (29) has a predetermined inner pressure, the relative displacement of the respective layers is prevented thereby giving the layers a predetermined rigidity. The layers may have a device for immobilizing the layers distributed on either side of at least one compressible layers (32, 32a, 32b).

Abstract: A system of protection by modeling and/or immobilization comprises at least one flexible and leakproof envelope, a plurality of resilient and deformable balls therein, and means for establishing a vacuum inside the envelope. Two elastic skins joined in leak-proof fashion by their peripheries constitute the envelope, inside which vacuum is created by a vacuum-generating unit including a gas generator. This system can be used in particular for transporting the wounded, or as a seat, the latter being constituted by one or more envelopes.