University College London

Other

Steven J Cousins

Kenneth E Ackerley

Keith N Jones

A shapeable matrix comprises a plurality of first members each of which has a plurality of projections located on the periphery thereof, and a plurality of second members each of which has a plurality of recesses located on the periphery thereof, each recess being adapted to receive a respective one of the projections of an adjacent first member. Means are provided on each of the second members for releasably clamping the projections of the first members in recesses of the second members, the clamping being operative in a released condition to permit alteration in the relative orientation of adjacent members and being operative in a clamped condition to prevent such alteration. A chair is disclosed which comprises a support frame and a shapeable matrix as set forth above mounted on the support frame.

Shapeable matrix, and a chair using a matrix

A seat has a shapeable matrix which is constructed of a multiplicity of modular units arranged in longitudinal and transverse rows. The modular units have passageways extending therethrough and contact surfaces which surround open ends of the passageways. Flexible members extend longitudinally through the passageways of the modular units of each row to opposite edges of the matrix. Anchors hold ends of the flexible members to marginal edges of the matrix and tension-applying devices fitted to the members along marginal edges of the matrix allow the modular units to be clamped together so that the contact surfaces are held against one another initially at a pressure allowing the matrix to be contoured to fit selected portions of the human body and subsequently at a greater pressure thereby maintaining the matrix in its contoured shape.

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Ashtead, United Kingdom

Steven J Cousins