Swing regulating mechanism and wrist emulator for assisting an amputee in swinging a golf club

Abstract

A golf prosthesis assisting an upper extremity amputee to swing a golf club. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises first and second prosthetic sockets in which the amputee's limbs are received. An extension pylon extends from the first prosthetic socket towards the golf club. The second prosthetic socket is attached to the extension pylon, thereby assisting the amputee in keeping shoulders, back and hips in proper alignment during back swing and return swing. There is also a more complete transfer of energy into the swing from the shoulders, back and legs. A wrist terminal device connects the extension pylon to the golf club. The wrist terminal device emulates cocking and release of the wrists during a conventional golf swing. The wrist terminal device provides a club holder firmly holding the golf club, and a rotary joint advantageously restrained from rotation in all but a preselected plane. The preselected plane is adjustably selectable with respect to the direction in which the amputee desires to hit the ball. The rotary joint permits predetermined amounts of rotation during back swing and return swing. In one set of embodiments, rotation in the preselected plane is encouraged by spring action to return to a rest position in which the golf club extends substantially straight towards the ball and away from the amputee when the amputee addresses the ball before swinging.