초록 ▼

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 f

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°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. By arranging the second end portions of the cables in a cyclic manner in accordance with the number of support elements in a given row within the matrix, the three-dimensional contoured support surface of a person sitting on the array of support elements is presented in two dimensions in a format which is easily recorded and reproduced for fabricating a custom contoured seat cushion.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for measuring and recording the contour of a person\s seating support surface, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of compressible, resilient elements disposed in a generally planar array and adapted to receive a person seated thereon, wherein upper portions of said elements are deflect

Apparatus for measuring and recording the contour of a person\s seating support surface, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of compressible, resilient elements disposed in a generally planar array and adapted to receive a person seated thereon, wherein upper portions of said elements are deflected in accordance with the person\s seating support surface; a plurality of flexible, non-compressible members each having a first end coupled to an upper portion of a respective one of said elements; guide means coupled to each of said members for aligning second end portions of each of said members in a planar array; indicator means coupled to a each of said members and moveable with its associated member as the member is displaced upon compression of an element with a person positioned thereon; and recording means for engaging said indicator means and recording the relative positions of said indicator means in a two-dimensional format.