Prosthetic hook adaptor for sporting equipment

A prosthetic adaptor includes a post plate, a grip plate coupled to the post plate, and an equipment interface coupled to the post plate. The equipment interface can be coupled to the post plate at an end of the post plate distal from the grip plate. The post plate can include a concave surface. The concave surface can be configured to receive a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure, in general, relates to an adapter for sporting equipment for prosthetic hooks.

BACKGROUND

As a result of global military conflicts, industrial accidents, and automobile or sporting accidents, a large number of individuals have lost a portion of a hand or a section of an arm. While various prosthetic devices have been created as a replacement for a lost appendage, the 2-part prosthetic hook remains a dominant prosthetic in the marketplace. But, it has its limitations. As such, amputees are often left without the ability to participate in sports or are required to use inconvenient adapters in place of the prosthetic hook. Moreover, many amputees are limited in their ability to return to work, particularly where work has a physical requirement to use particular equipment, such as firearms for law enforcement officers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, an adapter can be provided that permits prosthetic hooks to securely attached to sporting equipment and provide multidimensional control, such as multi-axis control and rotation, of sporting equipment using a prosthetic hook. Example prosthetic hooks include Hosmer-like hooks, such as hooks dimensioned similar to Hosmer 5 or Hosmer 7 prosthetic hooks. In a particular example, the adapter can be fitted to a firearm, such as a rifle or handgun. Alternative embodiments can be readily be envisioned based on the disclosure herein for adaptation to other sporting equipment including bows, weights, rackets, and bats, among others.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, an adapter to an existing foregrip of a firearm, such as a rifle or shotgun, can permit the griping of the foregrip with a prosthetic hook. For example, the foregrip102can be adapted with adapter104that includes a vertical plate portion106and a horizontal plate portion108. The horizontal plate portion108can include a portion112that extends to the side of the foregrip102and a portion110that extends forward from the foregrip102. In addition, the plate portion108can include a retention lip114. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the grip102can include an attachment section216that attaches to rails on the rifle or shotgun.

FIG. 2additionally illustrates the extension of the plate portion112to the side of the grip102. In use, the hook is extended or opened so that one side enters the capture port above the horizontal plate108at the forward extension110and the second part of the hook extends under the horizontal plate108. Accordingly, the curved part of the hook wraps around the front of the foregrip102. A back portion of the grip further grips the side extension112. The hook is prevented from moving forward when closed by the retention lip114. Although retention lip114is illustrated as extending upward, an additional retention lip may further be provided that extends downward.

The plates106and108can be formed of rigid polymer or metal materials. In addition, the surface of the horizontal plate108such as portion110or portion112can be coated with an elastomeric material to further secure the hook.FIG. 3,FIG. 4, andFIG. 5illustrates additional views of the adapter104.

FIG. 6,FIG. 7,FIG. 8,FIG. 9,FIG. 10, andFIG. 11illustrates an adapter600to be used with various sporting equipment. The adapter600can include a central shaft or post plate602attached to a horizontal plate or grip plate604. In addition, the adapter600can include a connector606. The connector606can take various forms such that the connector can attach to sporting equipment. For example, the connector can connect to a Picatinny rail. In another example, the connector606can connect to an M Lok connector.

Horizontal plate604attached to the central shaft or plate602can extend sideways to one or both sides of the central shaft or plate602. In addition, the horizontal plate604can include a lip612that extends forward of the central shaft or plate602. In addition, the central shaft or plate602can extend below the horizontal plate604and form a space616enclosed on three sides by the extension of the shaft608and the horizontal plate604. In addition, an opening or space614is defined between the lip612and the shaft or plate602.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the plate604further extends forward from the central shaft or plate602as illustrated at portion618. In use, the curved portions of the hook can be placed above and below the forward extension618of the horizontal plate604and slide into open spaces614and616. The hook is then close to around the horizontal plate604, placing the forward curved portions over and under the forward extension618and part of the straight portion of the hook on the plate portion610. When closed, the lip612prevents forward movement of the kooks. Optionally, a second lip can extend downward further assisting with securing the hook in place when it's closed. Further, the plate602can have a curved surface620that pinches the hook portions when they are drawn back toward the plate602. Optionally, the horizontal plate604can be a metal plate. Optionally, the metal plate can be coated with an elastomeric material to assist with preventing slippage of the hook.

As illustrated inFIG. 12,FIG. 13,FIG. 14,FIG. 15, andFIG. 16, a post plate1202is coupled with a grip plate1204. The adapter can further include a connector or equipment interface1216coupled to the post plate1202. For example, the connector or equipment interface1216can be a Picatinny rail or an M Lok interface common in the firearms, Airsoft, or crossbow sports, among other markets.

The grip plate1204can be coupled to the post plate1202in an approximately perpendicular fashion. As used in herein, approximately perpendicular means closer to perpendicular than parallel. For example, the post plate1202can be coupled to the grip plate1204in a perpendicular manner. For example, when the post plate1202is vertical, the grip plate1204is horizontal. The post plate1202can coupled with the grip plate1204at location1206. For example, post plate1202can be adhered to the grip plate1204, welded to the grip plate1204, or mechanically secured to the grip plate1204.

The post plate1202can be formed of a sheet material, such as a sheet metal. Example metals include stainless steel, steel, aluminum, and titanium, among others. In another example, the post plate1202can be formed of a polymeric material. In a further example, the post plate1202can be placed replaced with a rod. Similarly, the grip plate1204can be formed of a sheet material, such as a sheet metal or a polymeric sheet, such as those described above.

That post plate1202includes a concave surface1208defining an upper ridge1222within the concave surface1208and a lower ridge1212within the concave surface1208. The grip plate1204extends forward at1210from the concave surface1208of the post plate1202.

The grip plate1204can further include a lip1214disposed at a front edge of the grip plate1204distal from the concave surface1208. Optionally, lip1214can extend out of the plane defined by the grip plate1204, for example, upward towards the equipment interface1216. Alternatively, the lip1204can extend downward towards the lower ridge1212.

The grip plate1204can extend further along one side of the post plate1202than along another side. For example, the side1218extends out and back from the post plate1202, optionally extending further rearward than the post plate1202. In contrast, an opposite side1220of the grip plate1204extends partially out and rearward to a lesser extent than the side1218.

In use, a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook, for example a Hosmer 5 or Hosmer 7 prosthetic hook engages the adapter from the side that extends further out. For example, the Hosmer-like prosthetic hook can engage the side1218, with a top finger of the hook extending over the grip plate1204along side1218and moving around to side1220. The other finger can extend under the plate1204and around the post plate1202. In particular, a top finger of the hook can reach around the post plate1202and engage the concave surface1208between the upper ridge1222and the grip plate1204, while a second finger of the Hosmer-like hooked engages the adapter between the lower ridge1212and the grip plate1204.

In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 15, the Hosmer-like prosthetic hook can reach around the post plate1202over and under the grip plate1204into cavities1524or1526. For example, as a top finger of the Hosmer-like hook enters the cavity1524and is drawn rearward towards the concave surface1208, the top finger engages the upper ridge1222of the post plate1202and the upper surface of the grip plate1204. The upper ridge1222is either curved or joins at an angle relative to the rear surface1532of the concave surface1208. Similarly, a lower finger of the Hosmer-like hook can enter into cavity1526and engage lower ridge1212and a surface of the grip plate1204. The lower ridge1212is either curved or engages the rearward surface1532of the concave surface1208at an angle. As the fingers of the Hosmer-like hook are drawn rearward towards the rear surface1532of the concave surface1208, the fingers of the Hosmer-like prosthetic hook are pinched in place. Often, the fingers include a resilient material that is compressed as the hook fingers are drawn into cavities1524or1526.

In a particular example, the upper ridge1222can form an angle1528with the rear surface1532of the concave surface1208. Similarly, the lower ridge1212can form an angle1530with rearward surface1532. In an example, the angle is in a range of 90° to 130°, such as a range of 95° to 120° or even a range of 95° to 110°.

Further, an entrance to the cavity1524defined by the distance between the lip1214and the closest edge of the post plate1202can have a desirable width. For example, the width can be in a range of 0.15 inches to 0.5 inches, such as a range of 0.2 inches to 0.3 inches or a range of 0.22 inches to 0.25 inches.

In another example, the grip plate1204can extend a distance forward at region1210. In an example, the distance forward is in a range of 0.6 inches to 1 inch, such as a range of 0.65 inches to 0.9 inches or a range of 0.7 inches to 0.8 inches. In a further example, the height between an upper surface of the grip plate1204and an upper ridge1222of the post plate1202at the rear surface1532can be in a range of 0.25 inches to 0.3 inches, such as a range of 0.255 inches to 0.28 inches or even a range of 0.26 to 0.27 inches. The distance between the lower ridge1212and a lower surface of the grip plate1204at the rearward surface1532can have similar measurements.

In particular examples, the adapter can be formed for use with a smaller weapon or tool, such as a pistol. As illustrated inFIG. 17,FIG. 18,FIG. 19, andFIG. 20, the adapter can be configured for use with a handgun. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 17, handgun1702includes a rail system1706to which a hook adapter1704is attached.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the hook adapter1704includes a vertical plate or shaft1802and a horizontal plate1804. The horizontal plate1804includes side extensions1810and1814. Further, the horizontal plate1804includes a forward lip1812extending upward and a second lip1818extending downward.

As illustrated inFIG. 19, the vertical plate or shaft can further extend downward to a curved portion1808that defines a cavity or opening1920below the horizontal plate1804and the second cavity1922above the horizontal plate1804. The hook can reach around the central shaft having the curved portion extending the cross the central shaft1802in through cavities1922and1920. Straight portions of the hook extend backwards and when closed secure the hook to the horizontal plate1804. The hook when closed is prevented from moving forward by the lips1812and1918.

The central shaft1802and or the horizontal plate1804can be formed of metal plate materials. Optionally, the metal plate materials can be coated with an elastomeric material to further prevent slippage of the hook when attached to the adapter.

A further example is illustrated inFIG. 21,FIG. 22,FIG. 23,FIG. 24,FIG. 25, andFIG. 26. The post plate2102is connected to a grip plate2104. For example, the post plate2102can be coupled to the grip plate2104in an approximately perpendicular fashion. An equipment interface or connector2130can be coupled with the post plate2102, for example, at the end of the post plate2102distal from the grip plate2104. The post plate2102can be formed of material such as sheet material, as described above. Alternatively, the post plate2102can be formed of a rod or other material. Similarly, the grip plate2104can be formed of sheet material similar to those described above.

The post plate2102can include a concave surface2120defines an upper ridge2110extending over an upper surface of the grip plate2104and a lower ridge2112extending under a lower surface of the grip plate2104. The grip plate2104can extend at2122from the concave surface2120of the post plate2102. One or more lips2106or2108can be defined at an end of the grip plate2104distal from the concave surface2120of the post plate2102. For example, a lip2108can extend out of the plane defined by the grip plate2104in an upward direction. Another lip2106can extend in a different direction, such as a downward direction out of the plane defined by the grip plate2104. The grip plate2104can further define a loop2116at an edge of the grip plate2104. For example, the loop2116can define an opening2118. The loop2116can be located in an edge of the grip plate2104distal from the post plate2102and parallel to the post plate2102.

Turning toFIG. 24, in practice, when engaging a Hosmer-like hook, such as a Hosmer 5 or Hosmer 7 prosthetic hook, the hook can engage the adapter from the side opposite the loop2116. For example, an upper portion or finger of the hook can engage a top surface of the grip plate2104extending into the cavity2424defined between an upper ridge2110of the concave surface2114and an upper surface of the grip plate2104. Another finger of the hook can enter the cavity2426defined between a lower ridge2112of the post plate2102and the lower surface of the grip plate2104. An end of a finger of the hook can extend around the post plate2102and engage the opening2118of the loop2116.

In particular, the upper ridge2110of the concave surface2114can engage a rearward portion of the concave surface at angles such as those described above in relation toFIG. 15. Similarly, the lower ridge2112can engage a rearward surface of the concave surface2114at angles as described above in relation toFIG. 15.

An opening to the cavity2424defined between the lip2108and a closest point of the post plate2102can have a width in a range of 0.25 inches to 0.35 inches, such as a width in a range of 0.26 inches to 0.3 inches or a range of 0.275 inches to 0.285 inches. An opening defined into cavity2426between the lip2106and the closest surface of post plate2102can have a width in a range of 0.28 inches to 0.35 inches, such as width in a range of 0.3 inches to 0.35 inches or even 0.325 inches to 0.34 inches.

Turning toFIG. 25, the loop2116can define the opening2118to receive a tip of a finger of the Hosmer-like prosthetic hook. In particular, the opening2118can be tapered, being larger at a forward surface2528and shorter at a rearward surface2530. For example, the opening at the forward surface2528can be in a range of 0.29 inches to 0.35 inches, such as a range of 0.3 inches to 0.33 inches or even a range of 0.3 inches to 0.32 inches. The rear surface2530of the opening2118can have a height in a range of 0.21 inches to 0.25 inches, such as a range of 0.22 inches to 0.24 inches or even a range of 0.23 inches to 0.24 inches.

In practice, as the Hosmer-like hook engages the adapter, it wraps around the post plate2102and has a tip of the upper finger enter into the opening2118, the hook is drawn rearward and is pinched both by the height between the post plate2102and the grip plate2104, as well as being secured and pinched by the restricted height of the opening2118.

In a first aspect, a prosthetic adaptor includes a post plate, a grip plate coupled to the post plate, and an equipment interface coupled to the post plate.

In an example of the first aspect, the equipment interface is coupled to the post plate at an end of the post plate distal from the grip plate.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, the equipment interface is a Picatinny interface, or an m-lock interface.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, the post plate includes a concave surface. For example, the concave surface is configured to receive a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook. In another example, the concave surface is to pinch a finger of the hook when the hook is drawn toward the post plate along the grip plate. In an additional example, the grip plate extends forward from the concave surface. In a further example, a top cavity is formed between a top surface of the grip plate and the concave surface of the post plate. For example, the top cavity is configured to receive a finger of a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook. In another example, a bottom cavity is formed between a bottom surface of the grip plate and the concave surface of the post plate. For example, the bottom cavity is configured to receive a second finger of the Hosmer-like prosthetic hook.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, the grip plate is coupled to the post plate approximately perpendicular to the post plate.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, the grip plate includes a lip at an edge distal from the post plate. For example, the edge is a front edge. In another example, the lip extends in a first direction out of a plane of the grip plate. For example, the grip plate further includes a second lip at the edge of the grip plate and extending in a second direction out of the plane of the grip plate.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, the grip plate further includes a loop at an edge of the grip plate. For example, the loop the edge is a side edge of the grip plate distal from the post plate. In another example, the loop is configured to receive a tip portion of a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook. In a further example, the loop defines a taller opening toward a front of the grip plate than toward a rear of the grip plate.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, the grip plate extends further around the post plate at a first side than at a second side. For example, the grip plate extends rearward beyond the post plate on the first side.

In a second aspect, an adapted device includes a firearm and an adapter coupled to the firearm and configured to receive a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook.

In an example of the second aspect, the adapted device further includes a barrel and handguard, the adapter coupled to the firearm at the handguard.

In another example of the second aspect, the adapted device further includes a barrel and frame, the adapter coupled to the firearm at the frame.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, the adapter further includes a post plate, a grip plate coupled to the post plate, and an equipment interface coupled to the post plate.

In an example of the second aspect and the above examples, the equipment interface is coupled to the post plate at an end of the post plate distal from the grip plate.

In another example of the second aspect and the above examples, the equipment interface is a Picatinny interface, or an m-lock interface.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, the post plate includes a concave surface. For example, the concave surface is configured to receive a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook. In another example, the concave surface is to pinch a finger of the hook when the hook is drawn toward the post plate along the grip plate. In an additional example, the grip plate extends forward from the concave surface. In a further example, a top cavity is formed between a top surface of the grip plate and the concave surface of the post plate. For example, the top cavity is configured to receive a finger of a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook. In another example, a bottom cavity is formed between a bottom surface of the grip plate and the concave surface of the post plate. For example, the bottom cavity is configured to receive a second finger of the Hosmer-like prosthetic hook.

In an additional example of the second aspect and the above examples, the grip plate is coupled to the post plate approximately perpendicular to the post plate.

In another example of the second aspect and the above examples, the grip plate includes a lip at an edge distal from the post plate. For example, the edge is a front edge. In another example, the lip extends in a first direction out of a plane of the grip plate. For example, the grip plate further includes a second lip at the edge of the grip plate and extending in a second direction out of the plane of the grip plate.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, the grip plate further includes a loop at an edge of the grip plate. For example, the loop the edge is a side edge of the grip plate distal from the post plate. In another example, the loop is configured to receive a tip portion of a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook. In a further example, the loop defines a taller opening toward a front of the grip plate than toward a rear of the grip plate.

In an additional example of the second aspect and the above examples, the grip plate extends further around the post plate at a first side than at a second side. For example, the grip plate extends rearward beyond the post plate on the first side.

In a third aspect, a method of adapting a firearm for use with a prosthetic hook includes coupling an adapter to the firearm, the adapter configured to receive a Hosmer-like hook and engaging the adapter with the Hosmer-like hook by a wearer of the Hosmer-like hook.

While the adapters illustrated herein relate to adaptations to firearms, one of ordinary skill could envision based on the disclosure herein adaptations to other sporting equipment such as bats rackets, weightlifting equipment, ball adapters, and surfaces for use in ball control such as baseballs, basketballs, footballs, tennis balls, golf balls, golf clubs, or any combination thereof.