Modular postural control system.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a modular postural control system.

More specifically, a postural control system in accordance with the present invention is of the type comprising a support surface and a plurality of inserts that can be positioned on the support surface so as to define a support structure that can be modified according to the anatomical characteristics of the user.

A postural control system according to the present invention is a modular system modified in order to obtain a range of adjustments not possible with known postural control systems, which does not require to increase, but rather reduces, the number of modules used.

It is known that a postural control system, generally known as a "postural system", is a technical aid intended to prevent, compensate, alleviate or neutralize the impairment, disability or handicap, through the implementation of a positioning mechanism that can include a seat cushion, a backrest cushion, leg rests or foot rests, armrests, or a head rest. A postural control system is generally intended to provide a base for the pelvis and lower limbs, a posterior support for the pelvis and trunk, and possibly a lateral and anterior support for the trunk and a support for the head of the user who is generally affected, in a mostly permanent and sometimes temporary way, from disabilities or anatomical malformations or dysfunctions of the neurological system that limit or prevent spontaneous postural control or is forced to remain in a sitting position for a long time. A modular postural control system includes replaceable modules, or "inserts", selected according to the anatomical needs of the user in an extensive range of modules variously and individually shaped to adapt to the anatomical structure of the user. These inserts are normally inserted into the seat cushion or backrest structure and contribute to define its overall shape and size.

US5343876 and US5018790 disclose modular seat cushions for disabled people including a flat base on which side, front and rear inserts can be positioned to define a containment structure for the legs and pelvis according to the anatomical needs of the user.

W02008/045347 discloses a postural control system comprising a seat cushion with a flat base and a plurality of modular inserts that, as a whole, define a structure adaptable to the anatomical characteristics of the user and are divided into modular groups of inserts shaped to provide a restraining action on the legs and pelvis and postural control. The postural control system disclosed in W02008/045347 also includes a backrest which, in turn, is formed by a plurality of modules configured to form a support structure that can be configured according to the desired containment or corrective action.

WO2011/148329 discloses a postural system comprising a plurality of shaped blocks which can be associated with a base structure and can be arranged superimposed on each other. These shaped blocks can be blocks of the type comprising a concave upper surface, with the concavity facing outwards, so as to exhibit an "L" or "C" side profile. Due to the the concave shape of the upper surface of the aforementioned blocks, this system does not allow the change of their mutual orientation or their orientation with respect to the base structure without losing the customization of the system. In fact, the concave blocks are specifically intended to perform a function of lateral containment of the legs, pelvis or trunk of the user, so that they must be shaped, positioned and used according to an arrangement necessarily correlated to the malformation of the same user and the concavity that characterizes them constitutes, at the same time, an insuperable constraint with respect to the possibility of modifying their reciprocal orientation without losing the function of containment and postural control. In other words, since the shaped blocks disclosed in WO2011/148329 are concave at the top, it is not possible to change their mutual orientation without compromising the functionality of the system in relation to the anatomical characteristics of the user.

US2018/0235374 discloses an orthopedic mattress comprising a base and a set of shaped blocks that can be removably associated with the base in such a way as to form a structure in which the individual blocks can be arranged in several different positions according to the needs of the user. The individual blocks can also be wedge-shaped and superimposed on each other to create a thickness for positioning a flat block, having a hexagonal shape, which constitutes the upper element of the group directly in contact with the anatomical areas concerned. In US2018/0235374 wedge-shaped elements are used to form thicknesses of suitable height for the positioning of the flat blocks that constitute the upper part of the containment or support groups for the anatomical parts concerned. In other words, in US2018/0235374 the wedge- shaped elements do not play an active role in the containment or support action but, on the contrary, they only serve to produce thicknesses of variable height so that the upper flat blocks are at the desired height with respect to the base and are oriented according to an arrangement determined by the wedge-shaped elements themselves.

WO 2015/162391 discloses an orthopedic support comprising a plurality of shaped blocks that can be associated in unchangeable positions to a base structure and can be arranged superimposed with each other. These shaped blocks can be blocks of the type comprising a concave upper surface, with the concavity facing outwards, so as to exhibit a lateral profile with at least one concave side. Also in this case, due to the concave shape of the upper surface of the aforementioned blocks, this system does not allow to modify their mutual orientation or their orientation with respect to the base structure without compromising its functionality.

US5524640 discloses a system for controlling the position of newborns, in particular premature or sick babies, structured to define a containment area that can be modified according to the desired posture. This system consists of a base in which several holes are formed in predefined positions and a set of shaped blocks provided with appendixes that can be inserted in said holes. Therefore, the shaped blocks can be associated with the base according to a plurality of predetermined positions which are imposed by the holes formed on the base and by the appendixes of the shaped blocks. Some of the shaped blocks can in turn be provided with holes having the same function as those formed in the base, in which the appendixes of other shaped blocks can be inserted to modify the overall geometry of the structure. The connections thus made between the shaped blocks and the base or between the shaped blocks themselves prevent both the translation and the reciprocal rotation of the latter.

Known modular postural systems use inserts that are either specifically customized on the basis of the anatomical needs of the user but are therefore unsuitable for meeting current production needs, which increasingly push towards the standardization of the components used to reduce their cost, or substantially standardized within a certain range of variations and therefore not suitable for satisfying production needs of customized adaptations, thus being unsuitable for satisfying the needs of users and at the same time satisfying the need to provide modular postural systems capable of being suitably customized.

The main purpose of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a modular postural control system capable of offering possibilities of adaptation to the anatomical needs of the user not previously offered by known postural systems, without however introducing structural. production or use complications, thus overcoming the problems of the known prior art and obtaining a result not previously offered by known modular postural systems. This result has been achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by providing a modular postural control system having the characteristics indicated in claim 1. Other characteristics of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A postural control system in accordance with the present invention offers a possibility of fine adjustment both in the longitudinal and lateral directions thanks to the modifiability of the mutual arrangement of the inserts and of their overall arrangement with respect to the support on which they are applied, thus allowing a postural control not obtained before, in order to adapt to the user's postural needs, even in the most serious cases of malformations that require adequate containment and support systems. Further advantages related to the present invention derive from the extreme ease of carrying out the adjustments of the configuration of use of the system, so as to allow the creation of the modular system most suitable for the user directly at the orthopedic centers that supply it, immediately at the time of supply and without the need to order a specific production or in any case request the intervention of the manufacturer. Furthermore, the realization of a modular postural control system in accordance with the present invention does not involve greater constructive complexity with respect to known postural control systems and can be easily integrated with aids for the disabled people such as wheelchairs and the like, and can also be used in case of minor malformations or in the absence of specific pathologies in order to induce postural corrections in non-disabled subjects or, again, in the post-surgical rehabilitation phases.

A postural control system according to the present invention consists of a structure in which the wedge-shaped elements that make up the inserts can be rotated and translated, both with respect to each other and with respect to the basic structure, without compromising the corrective function or containment of the inserts themselves in relation to the need to customize the postural system according to the user's anatomy but at the same time offering the possibility of producing standardized inserts. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the inserts consist of superimposed wedge-shaped elements which perform the function of containing and supporting the anatomical parts concerned directly, i.e. without requiring the interposition of further components, which allows to rationalize and standardize the production of postural control systems, without compromising their functionality, and obtaining systems that do not require the use of components with a complex structure and function and are reliable over time. These and further advantages and characteristics of the present invention will be more and better evident to every skilled in the art thanks to the following description and the attached drawings, provided by way of example but not to be considered in a limiting sense, in which:

Fig.l represents a schematic top plan view of a seat cushion for a modular postural system in accordance with the present invention;

Fig.2 represents a schematic side view of the cushion of Fig.1;

Fig.3 represents a schematic front view of the cushion of Fig.1;

Fig.4 represents a schematic rear view of the cushion of Fig.1;

Fig.5 represents a perspective view from above of the cushion shown in Figs.1-4;

Figs. 6-10 show details of the cushion shown in Figs. 1-5;

Figs. 11-12 schematically represent two possible ways of positioning an element (12) of an insert with respect to the underlying element (11) of the same insert;

Figs. 13-17 show five possible variants of embodiment of a seat cushion for a modular postural system in accordance with the present invention;

Figs.l8A-18B schematically represent two further ways of manufacturing an insert for a modular postural system in accordance with the present invention;

Fig.19 represents a schematic front view of a backrest for a modular postural system according to the present invention;

Fig.20 represents an antero-lateral perspective view of the backrest of Fig.19;

Fig.21 represents a bottom plan view of the backrest of Fig.19;

Figs. 22-30 represent further examples of embodiment of a modular postural system in accordance with the present invention concerning a footrest (Figs. 22- 23), a headrest (Figs. 24-25), a thoracic support pad (Figs. 26- 27) and an armrest (Figs. 28-30).

Reduced to its essential structure and with reference to Figures 1-12 of the attached drawings, a modular postural control system according to the present invention comprises a structure (1) with a base (10), preferably flat, and a plurality of inserts or blocks that can be removably associated to the same base (10) to define a containment, support and postural control structure, which can be customized according to the user's anatomy. More specifically, with reference to the example represented in the attached drawings, said inserts can be divided into a plurality of front, side and rear inserts. Each insert can be associated with the base (10) by means of a reversible anchoring, for example of the "Velcro" type. The front part of the base (10) comprises two pairs of superimposed wedge-shaped elements (11, 12), in substantially specular positions with respect to a longitudinal symmetry plane (L-L) of the same base. Each of said pairs of wedge-shaped elements (11, 12) has: a lower wedge-shaped element (11) with a lower surface (110) parallel to the surface of the base (10), an inclined surface (111) and a surface (112) substantially orthogonal to the lower surface (110) and facing outwards, so that the inclined surface (111) descends towards the central part of the base (10); and an upper wedge-shaped element (12) which has a lower inclined surface (120) parallel to the upper surface (111) of the lower element (11), an upper surface (121) parallel to the lower surface (110) of the lower element ( 11), and a surface (122) which joins the upper (121) and lower (120) surfaces and faces the central part of the base (10). By sliding the upper wedge-shaped element (12) on the lower element (11) of each of said pairs, it is possible to change the shape of the front part of the base (10) according to the specific needs of the user. For example, with reference to Fig. 12, the upper element (12) of the pair of wedge-shaped elements (11, 12) on the right is translated with respect to the corresponding lower element (11) towards the central part of the base (10) as schematically indicated by the arrow "FR". In Fig. 11 the same upper element (12) is translated forward with respect to the lower element (11) as schematically indicated by the arrow "FF". Once the mutual position of the wedge- shaped elements (11, 12) has been established according to the overall shape desired for that area of the cushion, it is possible to cut the excess part of the upper element

(12), i.e. the part protruding from the corresponding lower element (11). It is also possible to rotate the upper element (12) of the pair with respect to the lower element (11) and vice versa. In this way, the shape of the front part of the base (10) can be easily adapted to the user's anatomy. It is understood that the front part of the base (10) can be formed by a single pair of wedge-shaped elements (11, 12) extending over the entire width of the same base, instead of two pairs of wedge-shaped elements as in the example described above. It is also understood that the superimposed wedge-shaped elements (11, 12) can be configured as pairs arranged asymmetrically with respect to the aforementioned plane (L-L) of the base (10). Above the wedge-shaped elements (11, 12) there are applied front side inserts (2) and central inserts (3) which perform the function of containing and controlling the position of the user's legs. For example, the front side inserts (2) can each be formed by a plurality of overlapping wedge-shaped elements (21, 22) cooperating with each other to define a containment surface oriented towards the inside of the cushion. With reference to this embodiment of the invention, the lower wedge-shaped element (21) of the front side insert (2) has a lower surface (210) parallel to the base (10), an inclined upper surface (211) and a surface (212) which joins the other two surfaces and faces outwards from the base (10), while the upper wedge-shaped element (22) of the same front side insert (2) has a lower surface (220) parallel to the upper surface of the lower wedge-shaped element (21), an upper surface (221) and a surface (222) which connects the other two surfaces (220, 221) and faces the outside of the base (10). By translating and/or rotating the upper wedge- shaped element (22) on the lower wedge-shaped element (21) of the front lateral insert (2) and vice versa, the shape of the latter can be finely adjusted according to the morphological characteristics of the user. Further possibilities for adjusting the shape of the front side insert (2) derive from the fact that the lower wedge-shaped element (21) can in turn be made to translate and/or rotate on the underlying wedge (12). In practice, the superimposed wedge-shaped elements (21, 22) in cooperation with each other define a concave surface whose radius varies according to the mutual arrangement of the same wedge- shaped elements.

The central front insert (3) is in two parts, applied along the internal sides of the underlying wedge-shaped elements (12) applied on the front part of the base (10), and each of said two parts has a structure similar to that of the side inserts (2) previously described. In fact, each of said parts consists of the superposition of two wedge- shaped elements (31, 32), with a lower wedge-shaped element (31), applied along the internal side of the underlying element (12), and an upper wedge-shaped element (32). Also in this case, the lower wedge-shaped element (31) of each central half-insert has a lower surface (310) parallel to the base (10), an inclined upper surface (311) and a surface (312) that connects the others two surfaces and is turned towards the interior of the base (10), while the homologous upper wedge-shaped element (32) has a lower surface (320) parallel to the upper surface of the lower wedge-shaped element (31), an upper surface (321 ) and a surface (322) which connects the other two surfaces (320, 321) and faces the inside of the base (10). By translating and/or rotating the upper wedge-shaped element (32) on the lower wedge-shaped element (31) of each central half insert and vice versa, the shape of the latter - and consequently the shape of the central insert (3) - can be finely adjusted according to the user's morphological characteristics. Further possibilities for adjusting the shape of the central insert (3) derive from the fact that the lower wedge-shaped element (31) can in turn be made to translate and/or rotate on the underlying wedge (12). Also in this case, the superimposed wedge-shaped elements (31, 32) in cooperation with each other define a concave surface whose radius varies according to the mutual arrangement of the same wedge-shaped elements.

In a more rearward position than the front side inserts (2), on the base (10) two median side inserts (4) can be applied, also shaped so as to exhibit each a containment surface facing the inside of the cushion. The median lateral inserts (4) have a structure similar to that of the front side inserts (2). More precisely, each median side insert (4) consists of two overlapping wedge-shaped elements (41, 42), with a lower wedge-shaped element (41), applied along a corresponding side of the base (10), and an upper wedge-shaped element (42). Also in this case, the lower wedge-shaped element (41) has a lower surface (410) parallel to the base (10), an inclined upper surface (411) and a surface (412) that joins the other two surfaces and faces the outside of the base (10), while the homologous upper wedge-shaped element (42) has a lower surface (420) parallel to the upper surface of the lower wedge-shaped element (41), an upper surface (421) and a surface (422 ) which joins the other two surfaces (420, 421) and faces the outside of the base (10). By translating and/or rotating the upper wedge-shaped element (42) on the lower wedge-shaped element (41) of each median side insert (4) and vice versa, the shape of the latter can be finely adjusted according to the morphological characteristics of the user. Further possibilities for adjusting the shape of each median side insert (4) derive from the fact that the lower wedge-shaped element (41) can in turn be made to translate and/or rotate on the underlying base (10). Once again, the superimposed wedge-shaped elements (41, 42) in cooperation with each other define a concave surface whose radius varies according to the mutual arrangement of the same wedge-shaped elements.

Under the base (10) a positioning wedge (5), known per se, can be applied which serves to adjust the inclination of the cushion with respect to the support (for example the seat of a wheelchair for disabled persons) on which the cushion itself is placed. Between the base (10) and the positioning wedge (5) one or more strips of "Velcro" can be positioned, if required.

Rear inserts (6) are applied on the rear part of the base (10), each of which is formed by two overlapping wedge- shaped elements (61, 62), with a lower element (61) having a lower surface (610) parallel to the base (10), an inclined upper surface (611), and a surface (612) which connects the other two and faces outwards. The upper element (62) has a lower surface (620) parallel to the upper surface (611) of the lower element (61), an inclined upper surface (621) and a surface (622) which connects the other two and faces outwards. The upper element (62) can be translated and rotated on the lower element (61) which, in turn, can be rotated on the base (10). Conversely, leaving the position of the lower element (61) unchanged, the upper element (62) can be rotated on the lower one. Therefore, by adjusting the mutual position of the two elements (61, 62) of each rear insert (6) and adjusting the position of the lower element (61) on the base (10) if necessary, it is always possible to adapt the shape of each insert (6) to the specific anatomical conformation of the user, such that the upper inclined surfaces (611, 621) of the wedge-shaped elements (61, 62) exert a substantially orthogonal reaction on the anatomical area of the user at the support point where the insert is positioned. According to the example shown in the drawings, the rear inserts (6) are three in number, with an insert (6) in a central position and two side inserts (6). Also in this case, the overlapping wedge-shaped elements (61, 62) in cooperation with each other define a concave surface whose radius varies according to the mutual arrangement of the same wedge-shaped elements.

A postural cushion according to the present invention can in any case be provided with a predetermined number of conventional inserts combined with inserts formed by the superimposition of wedge-shaped elements. For example: with reference to Fig. 13 of the attached drawings, the inserts (L, C) positioned on the wedge-shaped elements (11, 12) applied on the front part of the base (10) are of the conventional type, i.e. consisting each of a single containing element (L) or more non-wedge-shaped elements (C), while the other inserts (11, 12, 41, 42, 61, 62) are of the type previously described with reference to Figs.1-12; with reference to Fig. 14 of the attached drawings, the front side inserts (L) are of the conventional type, i.e. of the type consisting each of a single containing element (L), while the other inserts (11, 12, 31, 32, 41, 42, 61, 62) are of the type previously described with reference to Figures 1-12; with reference to Fig. 15 of the attached drawings, the front side inserts are of the conventional type, i.e. of the type consisting each of a single containing element (L) and on the front part of the base (10) are applied transversal modules (B) formed by blocks oriented according to the width of the base (10) instead of the overlapping wedge-shaped inserts (11, 12), while the other inserts (31, 32, 41, 42,

61, 62) are of the type previously described with reference to Figs. 1 -12; with reference to Fig. 16 of the attached drawings, the side median inserts are of the conventional type, that is, of the type each consisting of a single containing element (M), while the other inserts (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 61, 62) are of the type previously described with reference to Figs.1-12; with reference to Fig. 17 of the attached drawings, the lateral median inserts and the rear inserts are of the conventional type, i.e. of the type consisting each of a single containing element (M, P), while the other inserts (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32) are of the type previously described with reference to Figs. 1- 12.

The structure (1) described above with reference to the examples shown in Figs. 1-17 is a structure adapted to define a seat cushion, in which the inserts positioned in the front, in the median and in the rear part of the structure itself can be all or in part made up of superimposed wedge-shaped elements.

In accordance with the present invention, at least one of said inserts consists of a plurality of superimposed wedge- shaped elements.

According to the examples described above, the overlapping wedge-shaped elements are two in number for each insert. It is understood, however, that the overlapping wedge- shaped elements may be more than two in number depending on the shape and size of the inserts.

For example, with reference to Fig.l8A, on the lower wedge- shaped element (21) of the front side insert (2), in addition to the wedge-shaped element (22) already described, an additional wedge-shaped element (23) is applied. Again, for example, with reference to Fig.l8B, the additional wedge-shaped element (23) is applied to the wedge-shaped element (22) of the side insert (2). This arrangement comprising more than two wedge-shaped elements can be applied not only the front side inserts (2) as in the examples of Figs 18A-18B but to also to any other insert of the system.

Figs. 19-21 show the use of the inserts formed by overlapping wedge-shaped elements to the construction of the structure of a backrest of a modular postural control system in accordance with the present invention. Said backrest comprises a backrest bearing surface (70) on which one or more inserts (7) can be applied, each of which consists of more superimposed wedge-shaped elements (71, 72) which can be mutually rotated and translated. More particularly, each insert comprises a lower wedge-shaped element (71) and a wedge-shaped element (72) applied to the lower one. Similarly to what has been said in relation to the inserts that form the structure (1) of a cushion for a modular postural control system in accordance with the present invention, the lower wedge-shaped element (71) is applied to the backrest bearing surface (70). Also in this case, the lower wedge-shaped element (71) has a lower surface (710) parallel to the underlying backrest bearing surface (70), an inclined upper surface (711) and a surface (712) which connects the other two surfaces and faces towards the outside of the surface (70), while the homologous upper wedge-shaped element (72) has a lower surface (720) parallel to the upper surface of the lower wedge-shaped element (71), an upper surface (721) and a surface ( 722) which connects the other two surfaces (720, 721) and faces the outside of the backrest bearing surface (70). By translating and/or rotating the upper wedge- shaped element (72) on the lower wedge-shaped element (71) and vice versa, the shape of the insert can be finely adjusted according to the morphological characteristics of the user. Further possibilities for adjusting the shape of the inserts applied to the backrest bearing surface (70) of the backrest derive from the fact that the lower wedge- shaped element (71) can in turn be made to translate and/or rotate on the same backrest bearing surface (70). Similarly to what has been previously disclosed in relation to the structure of the seat cushion, also in the case of the realization of a backrest of a modular postural system in accordance with the present invention, the inserts (7) can be formed by more than two superimposed wedge-shaped elements. Again, similarly to what has been said previously in relation to the structure of the seat cushion, conventional inserts combined with inserts consisting of more wedge-shaped elements can also be used for the realization of a backrest of a modular postural control system according to the present invention.

Further ways of implementing a postural control system in accordance with the present invention are shown in Figs. 22-30 of the attached drawings.

More particularly, with reference to Figs. 22-23 of the attached drawings, a postural control system according to the present invention comprises a footrest with a footrest bearing surface (80) on which are applied two inserts (8) consisting each of two overlapping wedge-shaped elements (81, 82). In Fig.22 and Fig.23 the reference "LC" indicates two tubular elements for connecting the bearing surface (80) to an aid such as a wheelchair for disabled persons. In this example, the footrest bearing surface (80) is connected to the tubular elements (LC) by means of brackets (MC) arranged on the two sides of the same surface (80). Similarly to what has been said in relation to the examples described above, the lower wedge-shaped element (81) is applied to the footrest bearing surface (80). Also in this case, the lower wedge-shaped element (81) has a lower surface (810) parallel to the underlying bearing surface (80), an inclined upper surface (811) and a surface (812) which connects the other two surfaces and faces towards the outside of the footrest bearing surface (80), while the homologous upper wedge-shaped element (82) has a lower surface (820) parallel to the upper surface of the lower wedge-shaped element (81), an upper surface (821) and a surface ( 822) which connects the other two surfaces (820, 821) and faces the outside of the footrest bearing surface (80). By translating and/or rotating the upper wedge- shaped element (82) on the lower wedge-shaped element (81) and vice versa, the shape of the insert can be finely adjusted according to the morphological characteristics of the user. Further possibilities for adjusting the shape of the inserts applied to the footrest bearing surface (80) of the footrest derive from the fact that the lower wedge- shaped element (81) can in turn be made to translate and/or rotate on the same footrest bearing surface (80).

With reference to Figs. 24-25 of the accompanying drawings, a postural control system according to the present invention comprises a headrest with a headrest bearing surface (90) on which two inserts (9) each formed by two overlapping wedge-shaped elements (91, 92) are applied. In Fig.24 and Fig.25 the reference "PT" denotes a hole formed on the surface (90) for connecting the latter to an aid such as a wheelchair with known methods. Similarly to what has been said in relation to the examples described above, the lower wedge-shaped element (91) is applied to the headrest bearing surface (90). Also in this case, the lower wedge-shaped element (91) has a lower surface (910) parallel to the underlying headrest bearing surface (90), an inclined upper surface (911) and a surface (912) which connects the other two surfaces and faces towards the outside of the surface (90), while the homologous upper wedge-shaped element (92) has a lower surface (920) parallel to the upper surface of the lower wedge-shaped element (91), an upper surface (921) and a surface (922) which connects the other two surfaces (920, 921) and faces the outside of the bearing surface (90). By translating and/or rotating the upper wedge-shaped element (92) on the lower wedge-shaped element (91) and vice versa, the shape of the insert can be finely adjusted according to the morphological characteristics of the user. Further possibilities for adjusting the shape of the inserts applied to the headrest bearing surface (90) of the headrest derive from the fact that the lower wedge-shaped element (91) can in turn be made to translate and/or rotate on the same headrest bearing surface (90).

With reference to Figs. 26-27 of the attached drawings, a postural control system in accordance with the present invention comprises two thoracic support pads with a thoracic support pad bearing surface (TO) on which two inserts (T) each formed by two overlapping wedge-shaped elements (Tl, T2). In Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 the reference "AT" indicates an appendix of the thoracic support pad bearing surface (TO) for connecting the latter to an aid such as the structure of a backrest (S) of a wheelchair with per se known methods. Similarly to what was said in relation to the examples described above, the lower wedge- shaped element (Tl) is applied to the bearing thoracic support pad bearing surface (TO). Also in this case, the lower wedge-shaped element (Tl) has a lower surface (T10) parallel to the underlying thoracic support pad bearing surface (TO), an inclined upper surface (Til) and a surface (T12) that connects the other two surfaces and faces towards the outside of the surface (TO), while the homologous upper wedge-shaped element (T2) has a lower surface (T20) parallel to the upper surface of the lower wedge-shaped element (Tl), an upper surface (T21) and a surface ( T22) which connects the other two surfaces (T20, T21) and faces the outside of the thoracic support pad bearing surface (TO). By translating and/or rotating the upper wedge-shaped element (T2) on the lower wedge-shaped element (Tl) and vice versa, the shape of the insert can be finely adjusted according to the morphological characteristics of the user. Further possibilities for adjusting the shape of the inserts applied to the thoracic support pad bearing surface (TO) derive from the fact that the lower wedge-shaped element (Tl) can in turn be made to translate and/or rotate on the same surface (TO).

With reference to Figs. 28-30 of the attached drawings, a postural control system according to the present invention comprises an armrest with an armrest bearing surface (KO) on which two inserts (K) are applied, each formed by two superimposed wedge-shaped elements (Kl, K2). In Fig. 28 the reference "KT" indicates a screw connector arranged on the armrest bearing surface (KO) for connecting the latter to an aid such as a wheelchair with known methods. Similarly to what has been said in relation to the examples described above, the lower wedge-shaped element (Kl) is applied to the armrest bearing surface (KO). Also in this case, the lower wedge-shaped element (Kl) has a lower surface (K10) parallel to the underlying armrest bearing surface (KO), an inclined upper surface (Kll) and a surface (K12) that connects the other two surfaces (K10, Kll) and faces the outside of the armrest bearing surface (KO), while the homologous upper wedge-shaped element (K2) has a lower surface (K20) parallel to the upper surface of the lower wedge-shaped element (Kl), an upper surface (K21) and a surface (K22) that connects the other two surfaces (K20, K21) and faces the outside of the bearing surface (KO). By translating and/or rotating the upper wedge- shaped element (K2) on the lower wedge-shaped element (Kl) and vice versa, the shape of the insert can be finely adjusted according to the morphological characteristics of the user. Further possibilities for adjusting the shape of the inserts applied to the armrest bearing surface (KO) derive from the fact that the lower wedge-shaped element (Kl) can in turn be made to translate and/or rotate on the same surface (KO). According to the example shown in Figs. 28-30, the inserts (K) are applied along the sides of the armrest bearing surface (KO). In an advanced position with respect to said inserts (K), on the armrest bearing surface (KO) a further insert (M) can be applied, formed by overlapping wedge-shaped elements (Ml, M2) adapted to define a support surface for the user's hand. Also in this case, a lower wedge-shaped element (Ml) and an upper wedge- shaped element (M2) can be arranged, linked together by means of reversible coupling means, for example of the "Velcro" type, allowing their reciprocal translation and rotation. The structure and mutual arrangement of said wedge-shaped elements (Ml, M2) is similar to that of the previously described wedge-shaped elements: the lower wedge-shaped element (Ml) is applied to the support surface (MO) and has a lower surface (M10) parallel to the underlying surface (MO), an inclined upper surface (Mil) and a surface (M12) that connects the other two surfaces (M10, Mil) and faces the outside of the surface (MO), while the homologous upper wedge-shaped element (M2) has a lower surface (M20) parallel to the upper surface of the lower wedge-shaped element (Ml), an upper surface (M21) and a surface (M22) that connects the other two surfaces (M20, M21) and faces the outside of the bearing surface (MO). By translating and/or rotating the upper wedge-shaped element (M2) on the lower wedge-shaped element (Ml) and vice versa, the shape of the insert can be finely adjusted according to the morphological characteristics of the user. Further possibilities for adjusting the shape of the inserts applied to the surface (MO) derive from the fact that the lower wedge-shaped element (Ml) can in turn be made to translate and/or rotate on the same surface (MO). The lower wedge-shaped element (Ml) is applied to an underlying support surface (MO) which constitutes an anterior appendix of the armrest bearing surface (KO). The present postural control system can also comprise two armrests both configured as described above.

A modular postural system according to the present invention is therefore a modular postural control system comprising a structure with a support surface (10; 70; 80; 90; K0; M0), and a plurality of inserts or blocks which can be removably associated to the same surface and configured to define a containment, support and postural control area that can be customized according to the user's anatomy, in which at least one of said inserts is made up of several overlapping wedge-shaped elements that are removably hooked to one another and to the support surface by means of hooking means (for example of the "velcro" type) configured to allow their reciprocal translation and rotation and translation and rotation with respect to the support surface.

As is known, the "Velcro" is a device for quick closure of dresses, suits, bags, upholstery items, etc., replacing various types of buttoning, consisting of two fabric tapes, one of which is covered by the loops of a thickly tangled thread in which the tiny flexible hooks that cover the other get entangled when the two ribbons are overlapped and pressed; for opening, the two parts are separated by tear. It is understood that any other reversible coupling mechanism can be used instead of the Velcro allowing reciprocal translation and rotation of the wedge-shaped elements and their translation and rotation with respect to the support surface. For example, although introducing fewer adjustment possibilities with respect to the use of Velcro, said wedge-shaped elements can be provided with press studs (not visible in the drawings) distributed along predetermined areas of the respective surfaces to engage reversibly between them and to the surface on which applied.

In accordance with the examples described above, said surface can be the base of a seat cushion and/or the bearing surface of a backrest and/or a footrest and/or a thoracic support pad and/or an armrest and/or a headrest of the postural control system. Furthermore, in accordance with the examples described above, said inserts or blocks can be made up all or in part of several superimposed wedge-shaped elements with the possibility of reciprocal rotation. More specifically, the inserts consisting of superimposed wedge-shaped elements can be the front inserts and/or the side inserts and/or the rear inserts of the seat cushion and/or a predetermined number of inserts applied at the back, or inserts suitable for exercise a containment or support function of the lower limbs, upper limbs and/or the head.

According the examples described above, said superimposed wedge-shaped elements have a surface configured to exert a direct reaction orthogonally to a contact area with an anatomical area of the user.

As previously mentioned, the use of superimposed wedge- shaped elements for the realization of the inserts, in which the connection between the wedge-shaped elements allows their reciprocal translation and rotation, allows the formation of a concave surface whose radius varies according to the mutual arrangement of the same wedge- shaped elements. Therefore, each insert can be customized on the basis of the specific needs of the user, being modifiable both for what concerns the shape and for what concerns the overall dimensions of said surface, which also allows to create more easily customizable postural control structures in the event of a change in the user's needs. Further economic advantages derive from an easier management of the parts both on the producer side and on the distributors side since, despite the customizability of the inserts themselves, these are formed by wedge-shaped elements of predetermined or standardized dimensions, at most groupable in a limited number of sizes. From the foregoing description it is evident that a modular postural system in accordance with the present invention allows a particularly effective postural control to be achieved, even in the case of the most serious malformations thanks to the possibility of finely adjusting the shape and size of the inserts of the seat cushion structure and/or the backrest according to the user's anatomy. The simplicity of execution of the aforementioned adjustments and the constructive simplicity of the system are evident, as the possibility of using the system itself even in the case of minor malformations, in the absence of specific pathologies in order to induce postural corrections in non-disabled subjects or even in a post-operative rehabilitation phase.

A covering (not visible in the drawings), possibly a padded covering, can be placed on the structures formed by the inserts and by the surfaces on which the inserts are applied.

A modular postural control system according to the present invention can also consist of the seat cushion alone, when there is no need to provide a backrest, or of the backrest only, when there is no need to provide a seat cushion, or the headrest only, armrest only, footrest only or thoracic support pad only or any combination of these components. Thus, for example, a modular postural control system according to the present invention can be made by a seat cushion having the characteristics indicated above and a traditional backrest or by a conventional seat cushion combined with a backrest having the characteristics indicated above. The postural control system described above can also be applied to, or be an integral part of, a seat for motor vehicles or other means of transport. Furthermore, the postural control system described above can also be applied to, or be an integral part of, an office chair or armchair.

In all the examples described above, the superimposed wedge-shaped elements of each insert in cooperation with each other define a concave surface whose radius varies according to the mutual arrangement of the same wedge- shaped elements.

Said support surface can be a rigid surface, for example made of steel or plastic material, or yielding, for example a surface of expanded polyurethane foam. For simplification, the Velcro is schematically represented only in Fig.l8B, marked by the reference "V".

The aforementioned wedge-shaped elements can have a rectangular, square, circular, elliptical, oval, polygonal or irregular shape, depending on the overall shape desired for making the inserts.

In accordance with the present invention, the superimposed wedge-shaped elements perform the function of containing and supporting the anatomical parts concerned directly, that is, without requiring the interposition of additional components. In fact, the upper surfaces of the wedge-shaped elements of each group of superimposed wedge-shaped elements are not surmounted by further elements, of any shape, applied on them. In other words, the upper wedge- shaped element of each group of overlapping wedge-shaped elements defines the area of local contact with the affected anatomical part of the user.

According to the examples shown in the drawings, the upper surface of said wedge-shaped elements is flat. Therefore, the translation and/or rotation of the overlapping wedge- shaped elements, and their reciprocal repositioning or repositioning with respect to the support surface, allows the formation of customized containment or support areas of the anatomical parts concerned, without the constraints imposed by the systems that use, for this purpose, support or containment bodies with a concave unchangeable upper surface.

In particular, the superimposed wedge-shaped elements of each insert can define, in cooperation with each other, a concave surface whose overall geometry can be varied according to the mutual arrangement of the same wedge- shaped elements even if the upper side of the latter is flat.

In practice, the details of execution can in any case vary in an equivalent way as regards the individual elements described and illustrated, without departing from the scope of the idea of the solution adopted and therefore remaining within the limits of the protection conferred by this patent in accordance with the following claims.