PROSTHETIC ADAPTER

A prosthetic device adaptor includes a tool interface, a coupling connected to the tool interface, and a prosthetic interface connected to the coupling. The prosthetic interface can connect with a Hosmer-style hook. The tool interface can be secured to a tool. The tool interface can include a strap, a circular clamp, a c-clamp, or a threaded connector. The coupling can have two parts that separate or detach from one another. The coupling can permit rotation around an axis.

BACKGROUND

Globally, hundreds of thousands of people lose limbs every year. As a result, they lose access to the jobs for which they were trained and lose the ability to enjoy hobbies they love. While such injuries represent significant monetary losses to employers, insurance companies, and the economy, the loss to the individual is immeasurable. They lose access to the many activities others often take for granted.

Yet, for many decades, relatively few prosthetic options have been available for amputees. Typical hook or clamp-like devices are available but have limited usability. Despite their common use, they do not interface well with power tools and gardening tools.

More recently, attempts have been made to develop robotic arm prosthetics. However, such robotic prosthetics are expensive to purchase, and training is costly. Moreover, such robotic prosthetics are currently too slow to use with power tools.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an example, a prosthetic adapter can connect to various tools and provides an interface for interaction with conventional prosthetics for upper-body limb amputees. For example, the most common conventional prosthetic for an upper-body limb amputee is the prosthetic Hosmer-like hook. In an example, a prosthetic adapter includes a tool interface coupled to a coupling, which is coupled to a prosthetic interface. For example, the prosthetic interface interfaces with Hosmer-like hooks.

In an example, the prosthetic adapter includes a prosthetic interface coupled with a tool interface. The prosthetic interface can operably interact with a prosthetic, such as an upper body prosthetic. In particular, the upper body prosthetic can be a prosthetic hook, such as a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook, for example, a Hosmer 5 or Hosmer 7 prosthetic hook. The tool interface can have various configurations designed to interact with different tools. For example, the tool interface can be configured to couple to a tool using a strap. In another example, the tool interface can be configured to couple to a tool using a circular clamp. In another example, the prosthetic interface can be designed to couple to a tool using a c-clamp like interface. In a further example, the tool interface can directly integrate with the frame or cover of a tool, for example, using a threaded interface or being welded to the frame or cover. In particular, the tool interface can be configured to couple to power tools such as drills, power drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws, jigsaws, chainsaws, grinders, sanders, or the like. In another example, the tool interface can be configured interface with gardening tools, such as weed eaters, edgers, hedge clippers, lawnmowers, shovels, hoes, rakes, tree trimmers, shears, clippers, or the like.

The prosthetic interface is coupled to the tool interface. For example, the prosthetic interface can be fixedly coupled to the tool interface. In another example, the prosthetic interface can be coupled to the tool interface using a detachable coupling, such as a quick release coupling. In an example, the coupling between the prosthetic interface and the tool interface can be fixed, not allowing for rotation or movement. In another example, the coupling between the prosthetic interface and the tool interface can allow rotation around a single axis, such as an axis defined through the coupling from the prosthetic interface to the tool interface. In another example, the coupling between the prosthetic interface and the tool interface can permit two-axis movement.

For example,FIG. 1includes an illustration of an adapted tool100that includes a tool body102and active portion104. The illustrated tool includes a grinder. Alternatively, the tool can be a drill, power drill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, jigsaw, or chainsaw, among other tools. A prosthetic adapter106is coupled with the tool body102. For example, the prosthetic adapter106includes a tool interface108that attaches to the tool body102. The prosthetic adapter106further includes a coupling112connected to the tool interface108and a prosthetic interface110. In particular, the coupling112rotates around an axis.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the coupling112can be formed of two parts, a male portion216and a female portion214. The male portion216and the female portion214can connect in a manner that allows the male portion216to rotate around an axis defined by the male and female portions. As illustrated, the portions214and216can be detached and reattached. Alternatively, the portions214and216can be fixed so that they are rotatable, but not detachable.

FIG. 3illustrates an exploded view of the parts of an example prosthetic adapter. For example, a tool interface plate302can be attached to a strap310that couples with a tool. A female portion304of the coupling can be attached to the tool interface plate302. The female portion304of the coupling can interact with a male portion306the coupling that attaches to the prosthetic interface308.

WhileFIG. 3illustrates the female portion of the coupling304being associated with the tool interface plate302and the male portion306of the coupling being attached to the prosthetic interface308, the female portion304, alternatively, can be attached to the prosthetic adapter interface308and the male portion306can be attached to the tool interface plate302.

FIG. 4further illustrates the parts. For example, the tool interface plate302can be fixedly attached to a coupling portion304of the coupling. In an example, the coupling portion304can be welded to the interface plate302. Alternatively, the portion304can be adhered to the faceplate302or fixed with a fastener, such as a rivet or screw. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the coupling portion306is connected to or fixedly coupled with the prosthetic interface308. In particular, the portion306of the coupling can be inserted into the portion304of the coupling, attaching the prosthetic interface308to the tool interface plate302via the coupling in a rotatable manner.

FIG. 5includes further illustration of the interface to the tool. For example, the tool interface plate502can be coupled to a portion of a coupler504that creates a rotatable coupling. The tool interface plate502can be formed of a metal plate, plastic, or natural products such as leather. For example, the tool interface plate502can be a rigid material such as a metal or a rigid plastic. In another example, the tool interface plate302can be flexible such as a thin sheet of metal, a rubber, or a natural material, such as leather. In an example, the portion504of the coupling can be formed of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, a clamp602can be formed of a strap that can be adjusted to secure the tool interface to the tool. In an example, the strap can include a leather or rubber strap or a pipe coupling. Optionally, the strap can include a quick disconnect.

In an example, the portions of the coupling can be formed of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, a female portion702of the coupling includes a mounting base718mechanically fastened to a tool interface plate on a tool. A male inlet guide714can act as a ball bearing housing and slip ring stop that receives the male contact connection shaft. The male inlet guide714can be coupled with the mounting base718, for example, using a threaded connection. An external slip ring and locking mechanism716can lock and unlock ball bearings712. The female portion702can further include magnetic mounting surfaces and spring guide708or722or a spring-loaded retention ring and internal magnetic base710.

The male portion704can include a male shaft protrusion ball bearing interface706and optionally a male magnetic passive secondary locking point720. The male portion704can be hollow or can be solid.

FIG. 8illustrates another embodiment of the rotatable coupling between the tool interface and a prosthetic interface. For example, the male portion802of the coupling includes a shaft contoured to included ball bearing capture valley806. Further, the system can include a fasting screw808to fasten the male portion802to the prosthetic adapter interface.

The female portion804can include a lower housing822. The lower housing is optionally threaded to connect with the ball bearing housing812. The ball bearing housing812includes ball bearings814. A locking sleeve compression spring816and ball bearing locking sleeve810can slide over the bearing housing812when it is secured to the lower housing822. Optionally, the system can include a magnetic mount818and magnetic locking spring820that extends internally with the internal ball bearing housing812when the housing is secured to the lower housing822.

FIG. 9illustrates an example prosthetic interface900. The interface900includes a post plate902secured to a grip plate904. The post plate902includes a concave surface912. The grip plate904extends to either side of the post plate904and out from the concave surface912. At a distal end of the grip plate904distal from the concave surface912, a lip906can be formed. In an example, the lip extends in a first direction. Optionally, a second lip908extends in an opposite direction.

Optionally, a loop910is formed on an edge of the grip plate904. In particular, the loop910is formed on opposite side of the grip plate914from where a hook is to initially engage. When engaged, the hook slides across the grip plate904with a tip entering the loop910and the central portions of the hook engaging the concave surface912of the post plate902. In a particular example, the post plate902is formed of a metal sheet material. Alternatively, the post plate can be formed of a rod or take various forms. In an example, the grip plate904is formed of sheet metal or plastic.

FIG. 10includes a further illustration in which the prosthetic interface902is connected to a portion of the coupling1020. As illustrated, the coupling1020can be connected at various positions to the post plate902or alternatively to the grip plate904. In particular, a prosthetic1022including the Hosmer-like hook1024can slide such that the hook portions of the Hosmer-like hook attaches to either surface of the grip plate904and are secured against the concave surface of the post plate902and optionally slide into the loop910.

FIG. 11includes a further illustration as a side view illustrating the coupling portions1120connected to either a post plate1102of the prosthetic adapter or the grip plate1104of the prosthetic adapter.

FIG. 12includes a further illustration of a prosthetic adapter1200including a prosthetic interface1202and a tool interface1204. The prosthetic interface1202includes a platform1206for connecting with a prosthetic device, such as an upper body prosthetic device, for example, including a Hosmer-like hook. The prosthetic interface1202further includes a portion1208of a coupling. As illustrated, the portion1208includes a male end of the quick connect coupling.

In an example, the tool interface1204includes a portion1210configured to connect to the tool and a portion1212of the coupling. As illustrated, the portion1212of the coupling is a female portion of the quick connect coupling for receiving the male portion1208attached to the prosthetic interface1202.

The portion1210, which is to connect to the tool, can take various configurations. As illustrated, the portion1210of the tool interface1204is configured to receive a strap that connects the portion1210to a tool. Alternatively, the portion1210can include a circular clamp, a c-clamp, a threaded connector, or other connectors to interact with a specific tool.

FIG. 13andFIG. 14include illustrations of the example prosthetic interface1202. The prosthetic interface1202includes a platform1206to interact with a prosthetic device and includes the portion1208of the coupling for connecting with the tool interface.

The platform includes a post plate1316, a grip plate1318, and optionally, a loop1320. The prosthetic device, such as a prosthetic hook, can engage the grip plate1318and optionally, the loop1320. When positioned in place, the post plate1316further secures top and bottom surfaces of the prosthetic device.

As illustrated, the portion1208of the coupling is a male portion of a quick connect coupling. Alternatively, the portion1208can be a female portion of coupling. The male portion of the quick connect coupling includes a contour1314configured to engage the female portion of the quick connect coupling, for example, including a ridge to engage bearings of the female portion of the quick connect coupling.

The portion1208of the coupling is illustrated as being connected to the platform1206at position1322. The portion1208is further illustrated as being directed parallel to the grip plate1318with the coupling directed in the direction of the loop1320. The portion1208can be connected with a screw, bolt, pin, or welding to the platform1206. Alternatively, the portion1208can be connected at different angles at position1322.

In a further example, the portion1208of the coupling can be connected at other positions on the platform, such as position1324or1326at various angles. For example, the coupling portion1208can be connected at position1324or at position1326and extend parallel to the post plate1316at various angles. Depending upon the nature of the tool to which the prosthetic adapter is to be connected, a desired angle at which the prosthetic engages the platform can be different. As such, the portion1208of the coupling can be attached to the platform1206at angle and position desirable for interacting with a particular tool.

FIG. 15andFIG. 16include illustrations of the platform1206. A post plate1316is connected to a grip plate1318. For example, the post plate1316can be coupled to the grip plate1318in an approximately perpendicular fashion. The post plate1316can be formed of material such as sheet material, such as a sheet metal. Example metals include stainless steel, steel, aluminum, and titanium, among others. In another example, the post plate1316can be formed of a polymeric material. Alternatively, the post plate1316can be formed of a rod or other material Similarly, the grip plate1318can be formed of sheet material similar to those described above.

The post plate1316can include a concave surface1330that defines an upper ridge1332extending over an upper surface of the grip plate1318and a lower ridge1334extending under a lower surface of the grip plate1318. The grip plate1318can extend at1336from the concave surface1330of the post plate1316. One or more lips1338or1340can be defined at an end of the grip plate1318distal from the concave surface1330of the post plate1316. For example, a lip1340can extend out of the plane defined by the grip plate1318in an upward direction. Another lip1338can extend in a different direction, such as a downward direction out of the plane defined by the grip plate1318. The grip plate1318can further define a loop1320at an edge of the grip plate1318. For example, the loop1320can define an opening1342. The loop1320can be located at an edge of the grip plate1318distal from the post plate1316and parallel to the post plate1316.

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 loop1320. For example, an upper portion or finger of the hook can engage a top surface of the grip plate1318extending into the cavity1344defined between an upper ridge1332of the concave surface1330and an upper surface of the grip plate1318. Another finger of the hook can enter the cavity1346defined between a lower ridge1334of the post plate1316and the lower surface of the grip plate1318. An end of a finger of the hook can extend around the post plate1316and engage the opening1342of the loop1320.

In particular, the upper ridge1332of the concave surface1330can engage a rearward portion of the concave surface at angles such as in a range of 90° to 130°, a range of 95° to 120° or even a range of 95° to 110°. Similarly, the lower ridge2112can engage a rearward surface of the concave surface2114at such angles.

An opening to the cavity1344defined between the lip1340and a closest point of the post plate1316can 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 cavity1344between the lip1340and the closest surface of post plate1316can 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.

The loop1320can define the opening1342to receive a tip of a finger of the Hosmer-like prosthetic hook. In particular, the opening1342can be tapered, being larger at a forward surface1348and shorter at a rearward surface1350. For example, the opening at the forward surface1348can 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 surface1350of the opening1342can 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 plate1316and has a tip of the upper finger enter into the opening1342, the hook is drawn rearward and is pinched both by the height between the post plate1316and the grip plate1318, as well as being secured and pinched by the restricted height of the opening1342. WhileFIG. 15andFIG. 16illustrate a prosthetic platform configured for a left hand prosthetic hook, a mirror of the parts can be used to form a platform configured for a right hand prosthetic hook.

FIG. 17andFIG. 18include illustrations of an example tool interface1204including a portion1210to connect with the tool and a portion1212for connecting with the prosthetic interface1202. In the illustrated example, the portion1212can be a female portion of a coupling, such as that illustrated inFIG. 7. The slip ring1718can slide along the male inlet guide1720to permit insertion of the male portion1208of the coupling. Movement of the slip ring1718allows the bearings1822to move, allowing the male portion to enter and be locked into place within the male inlet guide1720.

The portion1212of the coupling can be secured to the portion1210to interface with the tool by a post1716. For example, the post1716can be secured to the portion1210with a bolt. In another example, the post1716can be secured to the portion1210using welds. In the illustrated example, the post1716is secured to the portion1212of the coupling using a threaded connection.

As illustrated, the portion1210is configured to receive a strap through slots1714. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 19, the portion1210includes slots1714to engage a strap surrounding a tool. Further, the portion1210can include an opening1924to engage the post1716. For example, the portion1210can be connected to the post by inserting a bolt through the opening1924and threadedly securing the post1716to the portion1210.

FIG. 20andFIG. 21include illustrations of a tool interface, such as the tool interface1204secured to a tool. As illustrated, the tool2002is a reciprocating saw coupled to tool interface2006using a strap2008and a tool portion2004of the tool interface2006. As illustrated inFIG. 21, the strap2008can include slits that are engaged by a fitting2010that permits the strip2008to be tightened by rotating a threaded pin of the fitting2010. Optionally, the threaded fitting2010can be a quick release fitting.

FIG. 22illustrates an alternative embodiment of a tool interface2200. As illustrated, the tool interface2200includes a coupling portion2202, such as a quick connect coupling. In addition, the tool interface2200includes a tool interface portion2204in the form of a circular clamp. A lower portion2206of the circular clamp can rotate around a pivot2208to enclose a cylindrical interface of the tool. The lower portion2206can engage a connector2210that can, for example, screw into place to secure lower portion2206to the interface portion2204. In addition, the interface portion2204can include a set screw2212to further secure the cylindrical tool interface within the tool portion2204. Optionally, elastomeric material2214can be disposed around the inner circumference of the tool interface2204. In the illustrated example, the portion2202of the coupling is coupled to the tool interface portion2204using a bolt post2216.

Such a circular connector2200can coupled to various post-like tool interfaces. In an example, such a tool interface2200can couple to shovels, hoes, rakes, or various handles of power tools. For example, such a connector can connect to a handle of a chainsaw, as illustrated inFIG. 23andFIG. 24. In particular, the chainsaw2302includes a circular handle2304to which the interface2306is connected. A prosthetic interface2308is connected to the tool interface2306. As further illustrated inFIG. 24, a hook device, such as a Hosmer-like prosthetic hook2412can engage the prosthetic interface to2308, which is connected to the tool interface2306.

In another example illustrated inFIG. 25, a weed eater2502includes a circular handle2504. The tool interface2506can engage the circular handle2504of the weed eater2502. A prosthetic interface2508coupled to the tool interface2506can engage a prosthetic hook2510, as illustrated inFIG. 26.

In a further example, the tool interface can directly couple with the frame of a tool. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 27, a grinder2702includes a threaded interface2704integrated with the frame2710of the tool. The tool interface2706can be directly connected to the frame2710of the tool2702. The threaded connection2706directly connects to the coupling portion2708to the tool2702.

In another example, the tool interface can include a c-clamp. As illustrated inFIG. 28andFIG. 29, a tool interface2802includes a coupling portion2804connected to a u-shaped bar or c-clamp2806. At one side of the c-clamp2806, a shoe2810is attached. At the opposite end of the c-clamp, a second shoe2812is connected to a threaded rod2814threaded through a portion of the c-clamp2806. When the threaded rod2814is rotated, the shoe2812moves relative to the side of the c-clamp2806, resulting in a clamping motion.

As illustrated inFIG. 30, the c-clamp interface2802can be secured to various tools having a bar interface. For example, a circular saw3002includes a circular bar interface3004to which the clamp2802can be secured.

In a first embodiment, a prosthetic device adaptor includes a tool interface, a coupling connected to the tool interface, and a prosthetic interface connected to the coupling.

In an example of the first embodiment, the prosthetic interface is to connect with a Hosmer-style hook.

In another example of the first embodiment and the above examples, the tool interface includes a plate and strap.

In a further example of the first embodiment and the above examples, the tool interface includes a clamp For example, the clamp is a circular clamp. In another example, the clamp is a c-clamp. For example, the c-clamp includes shoes to engage a tool handle.

In an additional example of the first embodiment and the above examples, the tool interface includes a threaded connector to directly engage a frame or casing of a tool.

In another example of the first embodiment and the above examples, the coupling is fixed.

In a further example of the first embodiment and the above examples, the coupling permits rotation around an axis. For example, the axis extends from the tool interface to the prosthetic interface.

In an additional example of the first embodiment and the above examples, the coupling includes a first portion connected to the tool interface and a second portion connected to the prosthetic interface. For example, the first and second portions of the coupling are detachable from each other. In an example, the first portion is a female coupling and the second portion is a male coupling. In another example, the first portion includes a magnet to attract the second portion. In a further example, the coupling includes ball bearings.

In another example of the first embodiment and the above examples, 17 the first portion is connected to the tool interface and the second portion is connected to the prosthetic interface.

In a further example of the first embodiment and the above examples, the prosthetic interface includes a post plate and a grip plate connected to the post plate. For example, the post plate includes a concave contour, the grip plate connected approximately perpendicular to the post plate extending from an interior surface of the concave contour. In another example, the grip plate includes a lip extending out of a plane of the grip plate at an edge disposed distal from the post plate. For example, the prosthetic device further includes a second lip extending out of the plane of the grip plate in a direction opposite the first lip. In an additional example, the prosthetic device further includes a loop connected to the grip plate. For example, the loop is disposed at an edge of the grip plate parallel to the post plate.

In a second embodiment, an adapted tool includes a tool and a prosthetic device adaptor. The prosthetic device includes a tool interface, a coupling connected to the tool interface, and a prosthetic interface connected to the coupling.

In an example of the second embodiment the tool includes a power tool. For example, the power tool includes a reciprocating saw, a drill, a power drill, a circular saw, a chainsaw, a jigsaw, a grinder, or a sander.

In another example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the tool includes a shovel, hoe, or rake.

In a further example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the prosthetic interface is to connect with a Hosmer-style hook.

In an additional example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the tool interface includes a plate and strap.

In another example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the tool interface includes a clamp For example, the clamp is a circular clamp. In another example, the clamp is a c-clamp. In a further example, the c-clamp includes shoes to engage a tool handle.

In a further example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the tool interface includes a threaded connector to directly engage a frame or casing of a tool.

In an additional example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the coupling is fixed.

In another example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the coupling permits rotation around an axis. For example, the axis extends from the tool interface to the prosthetic interface.

In a further example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the coupling includes a first portion connected to the tool interface and a second portion connected to the prosthetic interface. For example, the first and second portions of the coupling are detachable from each other. In an example, the first portion is a female coupling and the second portion is a male coupling. In another example, the first portion includes a magnet to attract the second portion. In a further example, the coupling includes ball bearings.

In an additional example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the first portion is connected to the tool interface and the second portion is connected to the prosthetic interface.

In another example of the second embodiment and the above examples, the prosthetic interface includes a post plate and a grip plate connected to the post plate. For example, the post plate includes a concave contour, the grip plate connected approximately perpendicular to the post plate extending from an interior surface of the concave contour. In another example, the grip plate includes a lip extending out of a plane of the grip plate at an edge disposed distal from the post plate. For example, the adapted tool further includes a second lip extending out of the plane of the grip plate in a direction opposite the first lip. In another example, the adapted tool further includes a loop connected to the grip plate. For example, the loop is disposed at an edge of the grip plate parallel to the post plate.

In a third embodiment, a method for preparing a tool includes securing a tool interface of a prosthetic adapter to the tool. The prosthetic adapter includes a tool interface, a coupling connected to the tool interface, and a prosthetic interface connected to the coupling. Examples of the third embodiment are found in the above examples of the prosthetic device and adapted tool.

In a fourth embodiment, a method for preparing a tool includes securing a tool interface of a prosthetic adapter to the tool. The prosthetic adapter includes a tool interface, a coupling including a first portion connected to the tool interface, and a prosthetic interface connected to a second portion of the coupling. The method further includes selecting the prosthetic interface configured for the tool and connecting the selected prosthetic interface to the tool interface. Examples of the fourth embodiment are found in the above examples of the prosthetic device and adapted tool.

In a fifth embodiment, a method for using an adapted tool includes selecting the adapted tool. The adapted tool includes a tool and a prosthetic adapter. The prosthetic adapter includes a tool interface, a coupling including a first portion connected to the tool interface, and a prosthetic interface connected to a second portion of the coupling. The method further includes engaging the prosthetic interface of the prosthetic adapter with a prosthetic. Examples of the fifth embodiment are found in the above examples of the prosthetic device and adapted tool.

It should be understood that various rotatable couplings can be utilized as alternatives to the illustrated rotatable coupling. Further, alternative tool interfaces can be envisaged based on the illustrated examples.