Abstract: A mechanical shape sensor measures and provides a two-dimensional representation of the contour of a person's thighs and buttocks or the dorsal and lateral surfaces of a person's trunk for facilitating the fabrication of custom contoured seat cushions such as for use in a wheelchair. The mechanical shape sensor is integrated in a chair-like base capable of multiple adjustments to accommodate a range of dimensions and sizes of persons being measured. The mechanical shape sensor converts the three-dimensional contoured support surface of a person seated on an array of movable support elements into a two-dimensional format which is recorded on a data sheet in a form which is easily transmitted via telecommunications link to a central locatin for fabricating a custom contoured seat cushion. Each of the moveable support elements is coupled to a position marker in the data recorder.

Abstract: A seating system includes seat and back internal support frames disposed within respective foam-filled seat and back cushions which each have an outer fabric cover. The back assembly is provided with a pair of quick-release clip locks, while the seat assembly includes a plurality of support hooks in combination with mounting brackets and locking mechanisms to facilitate quick mounting and removal of the seat from a support frame such as a wheelchair base. The seat and back assemblies are coupled together in a pivoting manner by means of a handle assembly which allows the seat to be compactly folded and easily carried when removed from a support base. The back inner support frame includes upper and lower support subassemblies pivotally coupled by means of a hinge joint which allows for extension of the lumbar region when the upper support subassembly is moved rearwardly to a reclined position.

Abstract: A seating system includes seat and back internal support frames disposed within respective foam-filled seat and back cushions which each have an outer fabric cover. The back assembly is provided with a pair of quick-release clip locks, while the seat assembly includes a plurality of support hooks in combination with mounting brackets and locking mechanism to facilitate quick mounting and removal of the seat from a support frame such as a wheelchair base. The seat and back assemblies are coupled together in a pivoting manner by means of a handle assembly which alows the seat to be compactly folded and easily carried when removed from a support base. The back inner support frame includes upper and lower support subassemblies pivotally coupled by means of a hinge joint which allows for extension of the lumbar region when the upper support subassembly is moved rearwardly to a reclined position.

Abstract: Apparatus for taking body measurements of a seated person for making individually sized seat and back support cushions includes a foldable frame having a first leg/buttocks rule and a second height rule pivotally coupled together and adapted for positioning adjacent the leg/buttocks and back portions, respectively, of a person positioned thereon. The height rule is moveable along the length of the leg/buttocks rule upon which the person being measured is seated for measuring the distance from the seated person's buttocks to his or her knees. A moveable, generally V-shaped bracket adapted for engaging the person's shoulders is attached to the height rule and allows the person's seat-to-shoulder dimension to be measured. A moveable third rule attached to the leg/buttocks rule and disposed between its knee engaging end and the height rule includes a pair of moveable hip engaging paddles for measuring the person's hip width.

Abstract: A seating system includes seat and back internal support frames disposed within respective foam-filled seat and back cushions which each have an outer fabric cover. The back assembly is provided with a pair of quick-release clip locks, while the seat assembly includes a plurality of support hooks in combination with mounting brackets and locking mechanisms to facilitate quick mounting and removal of the seat from a support frame such as a wheelchair base. The seat and back assemblies are coupled together in a pivoting manner by means of a handle assembly which allows the seat to be compactly folded and easily carried when removed from a support base. The back inner support frame includes upper and lower support subassemblies pivotally coupled by means of a hinge joint which allows for extension of the lumbar region when the upper support subassembly is moved rearwardly to a reclined position.

Abstract: A seating system includes seat and back internal support frames disposed within respective foam-filled seat and back cushions which each have an outer fabric cover. The back assembly is provided with a pair of quick-release clip locks, while the seat assembly includes a plurality of support hooks in combination with mounting brackets and locking mechanisms to facilitate quick mounting and removal of the seat from a support frame such as a wheelchair base. The seat and back assemblies are coupled together in a pivoting manner by means of a handle assembly which allows the seat to be compactly folded and easily carried when removed from a support base. The back inner support frame includes upper and lower support subassemblies pivotally coupled by means of a hinge joint which allows for extension of the lumbar region when the upper support subassembly is moved rearwardly to a reclined position.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring and providing a two-dimensional representation of the contour of a person's thighs and buttocks or the dorsal and lateral surfaces of a person's trunk facilitates the fabrication of custom contoured seat cushions such as for use by wheelchair users. The apparatus includes a frame having a rectangular matrix of compressible, resilient support elements with a generally flat upper surface. Attached to the upper surface of each support element is one end of a flexible, incompressible cable which is inserted through a conduit with a 90.degree. bend for directing the cable toward and beyond a side of the frame. Second end portions of the cable and conduit combinations are in parallel, planar alignment. The cable is free to move within and along the length of the conduit such that downward displacement of the upper surface of a support element and first end of a cable coupled thereto causes the cable's second end to be moved outward from the frame.

Abstract: A vacuum formed, foam-filled seat or back cushion having a covering and an inner portion comprised of a first type of foam further includes an insert comprised of a second type of a softer foam for use in high pressure areas in the support surface. The surface of the cushion is contoured in accordance with an intended user's dimensions and support surface configuration for improved user support and comfort, particularly for a non-ambulatory, handicapped person. The softer foam insert is formed integrally with the remaining foam portion of the cushion to provide a smooth, continuous, secure support surface. The cushion's covering is formed about the foam insert in a manner which prevents stretching or tearing of the covering due to the difference in firmness of the underlying foam portions. The cushion includes a rigid base formed integrally with the foam core as well as rigid internal lateral reinforcements for user support and seating stability.