During World War II, the U.S. Navy called upon Charles and Ray Eames to create a lightweight, inexpensive leg splint.  A highly sculptural yet functional device that could be mass-produced and, being modular, conveniently and inexpensively transported. Access to military technology and manufacturing facilities allowed the designers to perfect their technique for molding plywood, which they had been working on for several years. The development of this technique gave rise to  the Eames' subsequent, highly influential plywood furniture designs such as the Eames Lounge Chair.