Frequently Asked Questions

What is Free Form?

Free Form is a modular, dynamic array that can be shaped into any configuration for a custom moulded seating system. It is infinitely adjustable and can grow and adapt to client’s needs. It is provided as a kit (everything needed for custom back support) or as a sheet for configuring into your own customized system. Custom shapes are also available.

What is Free Form

Can Free Form be modified?

Yes. Free Form can be infinitely and widely adjusted, in shape and size. It can be adjusted for weight fluctuations and more modules can be added to accommodate growth. If the fit isn't ideal, it can be adjusted until it is.

Modify

What is Free Form made of?

The mounting clamps are made of aircraft grade aluminum, the center screws are stainless steel and the two balls and edge balls are composite material that is extremely durable. The shell or array has a small amount of flex (dynamic movement) that also dampens vibration.

Material

Does Free Form have a cover?

A cover is supplied with Back Kits. Free Form can be covered with any material you like. Foam, Gel, and air can be used to pad the shell, and any covering material such as air mesh, Lycra, Dartex can be used. It will be up to the clinician and fitter to determine the most appropriate material for the client.

Cover

Does Free Form have a weight limit?

No. Free Form by itself is strong and has some flex to dampen vibration and give dynamic feedback. For clients with high tone, the flex will absorb movement and come back to the initial shape. The shell can be rigidified with Alloy 2-Balls if desired. More stability for large systems can be achieved by adding extra Independent Mounts.

Weight

How do I adjust Free Form?

Each Hex Clamp node of a Free Form array includes a screw that tightens or loosens the grip of the clamp. When loosened, the shell or array can be easily contoured, then tightened back up to become rigid. A Hex Key is included with each system for such adjustment. A power drill can also be used to quickly tighten the shell.

Adjust

Is Free Form heavy?

Free Form is a material that can be used in a large or small configuration. The weight depends on the amount of modules and mounting. A medium size back weighs 2 kg (4.4 lbs). For a custom back support or full body system, the weight is comparable with other custom moulded systems.

Heavy

Why would I use Free Form rather than ABS, foam-in-place or any other custom moulded seating system?

Free Form can be infinitely and widely adjusted. It can grow with the client. It can be adjusted to meet changing postural needs. It does not wear out. It can be recycled. It can be disinfected and used for multiple clients to create a custom fitted seating system. It is very cost effective. It has open air flow for heat and moisture dissipation. Fit and pressure can be checked directly through the shell. It can be covered with the most appropriate material for your client. It is flexible and dynamic for clients with high tone. It reduces labour through fitting time and fewer assessments and appointments. Only one tool is needed to adjust the shell. A custom system can be made in the same day as the initial assessment. No mess. No carving. No digitizing. No shape capture. Fewer transfers. Less wait time. Nothing to ship back to the manufacturer. There are many, many benefits and advantages.

Alternative

Which types of users is Free Form made for?

Any client that would benefit from a system that gives even pressure distribution, requires off-loading of an area of compromised skin integrity, clients with high tone, low tone, Pediatric clients that need a system that will grow, clients with a kyphosis, scoliosis, or any type of unique shape. Free Form is a material that can be configured to everybody's needs, and then reconfigured. Keep checking our "gallery page" for examples of different configurations.

Users

What other uses for Free Form are there?

Free Form can be used for a contoured (and corrective) sleep system shell, custom headrests, arm troughs and any other positioning requirements. The only limit is your imagination.

Other uses

Does Free Form include a Warranty?

Yes. We warranty Free Form shell components for 5 years. The covers are under Warranty for 1 year.

Warranty

What is the return policy?

30 days. Just pay the shipping.

Return

How does Free Form mount to a wheelchair, and does it fit any wheelchair?

The Wheelchair Clamps fit a wide range of tube diameters and shapes. We have two types of mounts, the Centre Mount for backrests and the Independent Mounts for all other purposes. They are quick release and provide a completely rigid interface between frame and shell. There are also Surface Mounts and Flat Plate Mount Adapters for use on wheelchairs without back canes. Free Form systems have also been used on stroller bases.

Mount

Can Free Form be used for corrective seating?

Yes. Because Free Form can be continually adjusted and the shape can be changed, it can be used to gradually correct non-fixed deformities.

Corrective

Does the client feel the little pieces? Is it comfortable?

When fitted correctly, no individual pieces should be felt by the user. The shell will give even load distribution (or proper off-loading if that is the goal) and is covered with whatever material is appropriate for the user. Even without a cover, if it is fitted evenly, people typically don't feel individual modules.

Comfort

Is Free Form easy to adjust?

Yes! If you can turn a Hex Key (Allen Wrench), then you can adjust the Free Form shell.

Easy Adjust

How do I fit Free Form?

Free Form comes pre-torqued to allow it to be shaped by hand into the desired configuration. For a full body system, it can be configured and mounted in the wheelchair before the client is transferred into it. Pre-configuration is done based on their measurements. It can then be adjusted once they have been transferred into it. Use a non-permanent marker to mark excess clamps that can be removed and make note of where clamps should be added for more surface area. A reverse mould can also be used if a shape capture is necessary. Backrests can be fitted with the client in the wheelchair.

How to Fit

How do I know if Free Form is fitted correctly?

Check directly through the shell to see and feel if contact is made or if there is excess pressure. Pressure mapping can be used. Skin checks for redness should always be done and the system should be fitted by a qualified clinician and or seating technician.

Correct Fit

Can I mount a headrest, shoulder harness, and other positioning components?

Yes. Extended screws allow for mounting of a headrest plate, clamps and clips directly to the outside of the shell.

Accessories

Do the laterals swing-away?

No. The shell is fixed in place once tightened. However, additional swing away lateral equipment can be mounted to the back post of the wheelchair. For swing-away lateral support consider our line of L.U.B.S. (Lateral Upper Body Supports)!

Swing-away

Remind me, what childeren's toys does Free Form look like?

K-nex™! Or Meccano™, and if you squint: LEGO® Technic™. Maybe Basemax from Big Hero 6™?

Toys

Does it loosen over time?

No. There is no maintenance required. The steel screw binds to the aluminum clamps and will not loosen. In our trials and testing it has not loosened. We have trialed it with young active users in power wheelchairs and monitored the integrity of the shell closely. Over 3 years of extensive use, the shell has remained in the same configuration as the initial fitting. We do recommend monitoring both the seating system and the client's skin with frequent checks.

Loosen

Who makes the cover and padding for a full body system?

This is the responsibility of the fitter. Symmetric Designs does not make full body system covers.

However, we do make custom covers for custom configured backs!

We will coordinate with you to use your desired cover material and foam type.

All that is required is pictures. We can then replicate the system in our factory, produce a custom cover, send you images of the completed cover to ensure satisfaction, then with your approval, ship the finished cover to you.

Full Body

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