Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SENSOR, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING AND TRACKING
IMPACTS SUSTAINED BY WEARER
FIELD
[0001] The
present invention relates to the activity accessories and impact
detection equipment.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
[0002]
Sports-related concussions have skyrocketed in the U.S. with over
3.8 million reported each year. The timely detection of a concussion is vital
because athletes who return to action too soon are vulnerable to repeat
injuries.
The damage can lurk inside, later surfacing as memory loss, a change in
personality, depression and the early onset of dementia. Even in the absence
of
a concussion, multiple impacts might alert a coach to focus on a specific
athlete's
technique. Further, federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
estimate
that nearly a quarter-million youths 19 and under visited the emergency room
for
sports and recreation-related concussions in 2009. Medical experts suspect a
far
greater number did not seek medical attention or did not receive a diagnosis.
It is
recognized that early detection of concussions could drastically reduce
injuries,
according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, since most
injuries occur because treatment is delayed. Further, more than 75 percent of
concussions go undiagnosed, eventually contributing to over 30 percent of head
trauma deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Early detection also could cut medical bills and lost
productivity.
[0003]
Contact sports such as football, lacrosse and hockey present
significant risks. Although helmets and other protective equipment (e.g.
facial
protection by visors, cages and/or goggles) used in these sports are
protective,
players can and do still suffer injuries such as a concussion. Even in the
absence
of a concussion, multiple impacts might alert a coach to focus on a specific
athlete's technique. Current concussive science is of the understanding that
even
minor head trauma, if undetected, can lead to long-term damage. For example,
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_
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative disease,
diagnosed post-mortem in individuals with a history of multiple concussions
and
other forms of head injury. CTE has been most commonly found in professional
athletes participating in American football, ice hockey, professional
wrestling and
other contact sports who have experienced head trauma, and also in military
service personnel exposed to a blast and/or a concussive injury. It is
recognized
that repeated concussions and injuries less serious than concussions ("sub-
concussions") incurred during the play of contact sports over a long period
can
result in CTE. Another effect under current research is Second-Impact Syndrome
(SIS), which is a condition in which the brain swells rapidly and
catastrophically
after a person suffers a second concussion before symptoms from an earlier one
have subsided. This deadly second blow may occur days, weeks or even minutes
after an initial concussion, and even the mildest grade of concussion can lead
to
SIS. Accordingly, researchers had developed an array of new technology,
sensors that fit into helmets, some equipped to transmit impact data to the
side-
line, in order to help address early detection needed for potential CTE and
SIS
conditions.
[0004] However, although these new devices might suit college
and
professional teams, the new devices can be too expensive for youth sports and
other broader based applications. Accordingly, more important that ever is the
need for a widely adopted force detection device that is easily customizable
and
implementable in a variety of sports and other activities requiring helmet
usage
and other protective elements, while at the same time providing for one or
more
advantages such as reusability, easily identifiable once installed, and
providing
visual and/or audible indication of force impact events after they occur.
SUMMARY
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
integrated
protective assembly to obviate or mitigate at least one o f the above-
presented
disadvantages.
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[0006] Current impact detection equipment might suit college and
professional teams, however this equipment can be too expensive for youth
sports and other broader based applications .Accordingly, more important than
ever is the need for a widely adopted force detection device that is easily
customizable and implementable in a variety of sports and other activities
requiring helmet usage and other protective elements, while at the same time
providing for one or more advantages such as reusability, easily identifiable
once
installed, and providing visual and/or audible indication of force impact
events
after they occur. An additional need is the ability to detect and account for
both
linear acceleration and rotational acceleration effects occurring during an
impact,
as rotational acceleration can result in greater concussive effects over
purely
linear acceleration. Contrary to current protective equipment, there is
provided an
integrated protective accessory for a helmet comprising: a protective element
for
rigidly attaching to an external shell of the helmet via one or more
fasteners; The
protective element includes an impact detection device integrated with the
protective element via one or more device fasteners such that a portion of the
protective element has a compatible fastening element to that of the one or
more
device fasteners so that the impact detection device is rigidly attached to
the
protective element, the impact detection device having: a housing; one or more
sensors within the housing for sensing an impact event of a wearer when
wearing
the helmet and for producing sensor data; an alarm element coupled to the
housing such that an alarm condition produced by the alarm element is
detectable by one or more persons near the wearer; and a processor within the
housing for processing the sensor data against an impact threshold and for
producing an alarm condition signal for expression by the alarm element as the
alarm condition.
[0007] A first aspect provided is an integrated protective accessory
for a
helmet comprising: a protective element for rigidly attaching to an external
shell
of the helmet via one or more fasteners; an impact detection device integrated
with the protective element via one or more device fasteners such that a
portion
of the protective element has a compatible fastening element to that of the
one or
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more device fasteners so that the impact detection device is rigidly attached
to
the protective element, the impact detection device having: a housing; one or
more sensors within the housing for sensing an impact event of a wearer when
wearing the helmet and for producing sensor data; an alarm element coupled to
the housing such that an alarm condition produced by the alarm element is
detectable by one or more persons near the wearer; and a processor within the
housing for processing the sensor data against an impact threshold and for
producing an alarm condition signal for expression by the alarm element as the
alarm condition.
[0008] A further aspect provided is an integrated protective accessory for
a
helmet comprising: a protective element for rigidly attaching to an external
shell
of the helmet including a pocket configured for receiving an impact detection
device and a window positioned between the pocket and an external
environment of the helmet; the impact detection device integrated with the
protective element via one or more device fasteners such that a portion of the
protective element has a compatible fastening element to that of the one or
more
device fasteners so that the impact detection device is rigidly attached to
the
protective element, the impact detection device having: a housing; one or more
sensors within the housing for sensing an impact event of a wearer when
wearing
the helmet and for producing sensor data; an alarm element coupled to the
housing such that an alarm condition produced by the alarm element is
detectable by one or more persons near the wearer through the window; and a
processor within the housing for processing the sensor data against an impact
threshold and for producing an alarm condition signal for expression by the
alarm
element as the alarm condition.
[0009] A third aspect provided is an integrated protective sports
accessory
comprising: a protective eyewear element including a frame having a pair of
lenses for protecting an area surrounding the eyes of a wearer and a strap for
affixing the protective eyewear element to the head o f the wearer; an impact
detection device integrated with the protective eyewear element via one or
more
device fasteners such that a portion of the protective eyewear element has a
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compatible fastening element to that of the one or more device fasteners so
that
the impact detection device is rigidly attached to the protective eyewear
element,
the impact detection device having: a housing; one or more sensors within the
housing for sensing an impact event of a wearer when wearing the protective
eyewear element and for producing sensor data; an alarm element coupled to the
housing such that an alarm condition produced by the alarm element is
detectable by one or more persons near the wearer; and a processor within the
housing for processing the sensor data against an impact threshold and for
producing an alarm condition signal for expression by the alarm element as the
alarm condition.
[00010] A further aspect provide is an integrated protective sports
accessory comprising: a protective headwear element including a band for
affixing the protective headwear element to the head of the wearer and a
pocket
attached to the band, the pocket configured for receiving an impact detection
device and having a window positioned on the pocket suitable for exposing an
impact detection device to an external environment of the protective headwear
element; the impact detection device integrated with the protective headwear
element as positioned in the pocket and retained therein via a pocket closure
mechanism such that the impact detection device is rigidly coupled to the
band,
the impact detection device having: a housing; one or more sensors within the
housing for sensing an impact event of a wearer when wearing the protective
headwear element and for producing sensor data; an alarm element coupled to
the housing such that an alarm condition produced by the alarm element is
detectable by one or more persons near the wearer through the window; and a
processor within the housing for processing the sensor data against an impact
threshold and for producing an alarm condition signal for expression by the
alarm
element as the alarm condition.
[00011] The impact detection device can have one or more sensors
including both an accelerometer and a gyroscope.
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[00012] In another aspect, an accessory for an activity is provided,
and
includes an accessory housing, an impact detection device and a secondary
module. The impact detection device includes at least one impact sensor
selected from the group of sensors comprising an accelerometer and a
gyroscope. The secondary module includes at least a battery configured for
powering both the impact detection device and the secondary module. The
impact detection device and secondary module together further include a
microcontroller and a memory. The impact detection device is removably
connectable to the secondary module and is connectable to another secondary
module in another protective accessory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00013] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in conjunction
with
the following drawings, by way of example only, in which:
[00014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective headgear system;
[00015] FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a protection element of the system
of
FIG. 1;
[00016] FIG. 3 is a further embodiment of a protection element of the
system of FIG. 1;
[00017] FIG. 4 is a further embodiment of a protection element of the
system of FIG. 1;
[00018] FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the protection element
of the
system of FIG. 4;
[00019] FIG. 6 is an example fastened combination of an impact
detection
device and the protection element of the system of FIG. 1;
[00020] FIG. 7 is a further embodiment of a protection element of the
system of FIG. 1;
[00021] FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the protection element
of the
system of FIG. 7;
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[00022] FIG. 9 is an example configuration of the impact detection
device of
FIG. 1;
[00023] FIG. 10 is an embodiment of a protective eyewear accessory
incorporating the impact detection device of FIG. 9;
[00024] FIG. 11 is an embodiment of a protective headwear accessory
incorporating the impact detection device of FIG. 9;
[00025] FIG. 12 is a further embodiment of the protective headwear
accessory of FIG. 11;
[00026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
headgear
w system;
[00027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a chin guard from the
headgear
system shown in FIG. 13;
[00028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the chin guard shown in FIG.
14
with a cover removed;
[00029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the chin guard shown in FIG. 14
with the cover and an impact detection device removed;
[00030] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the chin guard shown in FIG. 14
showing a secondary module that cooperates with the impact detection device;
[00031] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of the secondary module;
[00032] FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of the impact detection device;
[00033] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a module assembly housing that
holds
the secondary module and the impact detection device;
[00034] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the module assembly housing
shown in FIG. 20 with a cover of the housing removed;
[00035] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the module assembly housing
shown in FIG. 20 with the cover, the secondary module and the impact detection
device removed;
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[00036] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a headband that holds the
secondary module and the impact detection device;
[00037] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the headband shown in FIG. 23
with a cover removed;
[00038] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the headband shown in FIG. 23
with the cover, the secondary module and the impact detection device removed;
[00039] FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the headband shown in FIG.
23
showing a micro-USB port thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[00040] Referring to FIG. 1, shown is a protective headgear system 10
designed to help protect the wearer's skull from impacts with external objects
by
absorbing a portion of the mechanical energy of the impact and optionally
protecting against penetration of the skull by the external object. The
headgear
system 10 can include a helmet 12 having an external shell 14 with interior
padding 15 secured on the user's skull by a strap 16 (e.g. chin strap, back of
head strap, etc.). The external shell 14 can be constructed as a rigid shell
from
plastics or other rigid composite materials (e.g. fiberglass reinforced with
Kevlar
or carbon fiber) and is used to protect the padding 15, typically comprising
fabric
and foam interiors for both comfort and protection (e.g. EPS "Expanded
Polystyrene Foam"). The external shell 14 can be a continuous shell or can
have
holes or other cutouts (e.g. ear holes) that expose one or more portions of
the
wearer's skull for ventilation and/or weight reduction (of the helmet 12)
purposes.
It is also recognized that the external shell 14 can be comprised of non-rigid
material such as exterior padding (e.g. such as those used in boxing and
martial
arts competitions). Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, shown are alternative
eyegear/headgear systems 10 for non-helmeted sports and activities that are
also prone to concussive impact events, such that the alternative headgear
systems 10 can include protective elements 20 such as goggles and headbands,
as further described below.
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[00041] Referring again to FIG. 1, the protective headgear system 10
can
also have one or more protective elements 20 that can be releasably and
rigidly
secured to the helmet 12 via one or more fasteners 22, such that the one or
more
fasteners 22 are used to mechanically join or affix the protective elements)
20
and the helmet 12 together. Examples of the fasteners 22 can include
mechanisms such as but not limited to: threaded fasteners (e.g. screws,
bolts);
one-time use adhesives; hook and loop fasteners; magnets; snaps; tab and slot
(e.g. T-shaped or L-shaped cross-sectional male tab configured to releasably
engage with a corresponding T-shaped or L-shaped cross-sectional female slot);
buckles; belts; and other fasteners known in the art. Further, an impact
detection
device 24 is rigidly secured (e.g. via device fastener(s) 36¨see FIG. 6) to
the
protective element 20 as an integrated assembly and thus to the protective
headgear system 10, such that the impact detection device 24 is configured to
measure and report force (e.g. G-force) caused by the impact, force direction
caused by the impact, rotational acceleration caused by the impact, and/or
duration of the impact. The impact detection device 24 can be configured as a
g-
force (for both translational and rotational forces/acceleration) monitoring
system
that provides for measurement and accumulation of impact data associated with
a wearer of the protective element 20, via a unique identifier 25 of the
impact
detection device 24 associated with the wearer. As further described below,
the
impact detection device 24 can be programmable that detects and quantifies g
force impacts in real-time and can include a Return to Play (RTP) interlock
functionality, as further described below.
[00042] It is recognized that the protective element 20 and the impact
detection device 24 are provided as the integrated assembly 35 (see FIG. 6),
such that the device fasteners 36 of the impact detection device 24 are
configured to connect with a compatible fastening element 37 of the protection
element 20. The compatible fastening element 37 can be a hole to receive a
threaded fastener of the device fastener 36. The compatible fastening element
37
can be a prepared surface to receive an adhesive fastener of the device
fastener
36. The compatible fastening element 37 can be one half of a two part fastener
of
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the device fastener 36. Examples of two part fasteners are fasteners such as
but
not limited to: hook and loop fasteners; magnets; snaps; tab and slot (e.g. T-
shaped or L-shaped cross-sectional male tab configured to releasably engage
with a corresponding T-shaped or L-shaped cross- sectional female slot);
buckles; belts; and other known fasteners. It is recognized that the device
fasteners 36 (and compatible fastening elements 37) can provide a releasably
secure connection between the impact detection device 24 and the protective
element 20, such that the impact detection device 24 can be detached from the
protective element 20 subsequent to the initial attachment via the fasteners
36,36. It is also recognized that the device fasteners 36 (and compatible
fastening elements 37) can provide a fixed and secure connection between the
impact detection device 24 and the protective element 20, such that once
secured only destruction of the integrity of the fasteners 36,37 can result in
detachment of the impact detection device 24 from the protective element 20.
As
further described below, the impact detection device 24 is configured to
determine the potential severity of the impact experienced by the protective
headgear system 10 against one or more impact thresholds (e.g. indicative of
potential concussion occurrence), and to make this determination available to
people (e.g. coach, parent, trainer, employer, manager, etc.) associated with
the
wearer. In particular, the impact detection device 24 (see FIG. 6) has one or
more lighting elements 62 (e.g. Light Emitting Diode¨LED) that are positioned
on an exterior housing 60 of the impact detection device 24, such that in
detection of a possible concussion causing force impact to the player wearing
the
helmet 12 (see FIG. 1), the light element 62 becomes illuminated and visible
to
other people (e.g. coaching staff, spectators, other team players, fellow
employers, etc.). It is recognized that the configuration of the protection
element
20 and the impact detection device 24 is such that once the protection element
20 is installed on the helmet 12 via the fasteners 22 (see FIG. 1), the light
element 62 is exposed and visible to the other people during activity of the
wearer (e.g. player playing foot- ball). Alternatively or in addition to the
light
element 62, an audio element 64 (e.g. speaker) can be positioned on the
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housing 60 of the impact detection device 24, such that in detection of a
possible
concussion causing force impact to the user wearing the helmet 12 (see FIG.
1),
the audio element 64 activates and makes an audible alarm/sound that is
audible
to other people (e.g. coaching staff, spectators, other team players, etc.)
near the
wearer. It is recognized that the configuration of the protection element 20
and
the impact detection device 24 is such that once the protection element 20 is
installed on the helmet 12 via the fasteners 22 (see FIG. 1), the audio
element 64
is exposed so as not to muffle exposure of the alarm/sound to the other people
during activity of the wearer (e.g. player playing football).
[00043] As shown in FIG. 7, the impact detection device 24 can be
embedded in a pocket 61 in the interior padding 15 anywhere in the helmet 12,
such that the location of the impact detection device 24 is adjacent to a
window
63 (e.g. transparent, translucent) that provides for transmission of
illumination
through the window 63 from the light element 62 (see FIG. 6). It is also
recognized that the window 63 can have one or more apertures 65 that provide
for transmission of audio through the window 63 from the audio element 64 (see
FIG. 6). In this case, the protective element 20 is the structure of the
pocket 61
with adjacent window 63 with apertures(s) 65, provided as an accessory of the
helmet 12, such that the protective element 20 is fixedly attached to the
helmet
12. As discussed above and not shown in FIG. 7 for illustrative convenience
only,
the impact detection device 24 is fastened to the protective element 20 via
the
device fasteners 36 (e.g. adhesive) and compatible fastening elements 37 (e.g.
portion of window 63 compatible with providing a mounting surface for
adhesive),
see FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the protective element 20
provided as the pocket 61 with associated window 63.
[00044] One example application of the helmet 12 is a motorcycle
helmet
generally designed to distort in a crash (thus expending a portion of the
energy
otherwise destined for the wearer's skull). The density and the thickness of
the
padding 15 and/or the external shell 14 is designed to cushion or crush on
impact
to help prevent head injuries. However, once the helmet 12 experiences an
impact, the helmet 12 may provide little subsequent protection at the impact
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location and therefore should be replaced, as the material(s) o f the padding
15
and/or external shell 14 in the vicinity of the impact can be damaged beyond
repair and thus would not be able to prop- erly protect against a subsequent
impact in the same location. Other examples of helmets 12 can include
activities
such as but not limited to: bicycle helmet; football helmet; boxing helmet;
martial
arts helmet; hockey helmet; lacrosse helmet; automobile ormotorcycle racing
helmet; water sports; winter sports; equestrian helmet; construction worker
helmet; min- ing helmet; military helmet; etc. It can be an advantage of
having the
impact detection device 24 coupled (e.g. via device fasteners 36) to the
protective element 20 as a combined assembly, rather than directly to the
helmet
12 itself, so that the integrated assembly of protective element 20 and impact
detection device 24 can be retained and re-used with a replacement helmet 12
in
the event that component(s) (e.g. padding 15, external shell 14) of the helmet
12
has/have sustained damage due to impact. It is recognized that it is because
of
the releasably secure connection (when used) of the protective element 20 (via
the fasteners 22) to the helmet 12, for example to the external shell 14, that
the
integrated assembly of protective element 20 and impact detection device 24
can
be reused for other helmets.
[00045] Referring to FIG. 2, the protective element 20 is rigidly
connected
(e.g. releasably secured) to the helmet 12 via the fasteners 22, such that
mechanical energy of the impact exerted on the helmet 12 is transferred to the
protective element(s) 20 via the fasteners 22. In this manner, mechanical
energy
of the impact is also experienced by the protective elements 20, and as such
the
impact(s) are detect- able by the impact detection device 24. The acceleration
characteristics, deceleration characteristics, or other impact characteristics
of the
impacts are measured by the impact detection device 24, such that these
characteristics are deter- mined as indicators of possible head
trauma/concussion experienced by the wearer. It is recognized that
characteristics of real-time impacts are detected and analyzed, as well as
optionally cumulative impact history (i.e. aggregation of multiple impacts
sustained over time). It is also recognized that the protective element 20 can
be
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permanently affixed to the helmet 12 via appropriate fasteners 22 (e.g.
rivets),
however preferably the protective element 20 is releasably secured to the
helmet
12 via appropriate fasteners 22.
[00046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the integrated protective element
20
with impact detection device 24 can be embodied as an accessory for the
protective headgear system 10. One example of a protective element 20 is a
face
cage 30 having one or more fasteners 22 for releasable securing the face cage
30 to the helmet 12. The face cage 30 can be a type of protective visor
including
cage work 34 of thick wire or thin metal bars for positioning over at least a
portion
of a face opening 32 of the helmet 12. The face cage 30 is attached to the
front
of the helmet 12 via fasteners 22 to reduce potential of injury to the face of
the
wearer. The metal or composite mesh of the cage work 34 can covers the entire
face of the wearer, although some portion (e.g. half) cages exist to help
protect
the eyes while allowing greater airflow. The bars of the cage work 34 are
spaced
far enough apart to provide for seeing through to action adjacent to the
wearer
but are close enough to stop objects (e.g. pucks and sticks in the case of
hockey)
from getting through to injure the face of the wearer. The impact detection
device
24 is connected to the face cage 30 via a one or more device fasteners 36, see
FIG. 6, such that the impact detection device 24 is rigidly coupled to the
protective element 20 via the device fastener 36 so that mechanical energy of
the
impact experienced by the protective element 20 is also transferred and
therefore
detected by the impact detection device 24. Examples of the device fasteners
36
can include mechanisms such as but not limited to: threaded fasteners (e.g.
screws, bolts); one-time use adhesives; hook and loop fasteners; magnets; tab
and slot (e.g. T-shaped or L-shaped cross-sectional male tab configured to
releasably engage with a corresponding T-shaped or L-shaped cross-sectional
female slot); snaps; buckles; belts; and other fasteners as is known in the
art.
Positioning of the impact detection device 24 on the face cage 30 is
preferably on
a side of the face cage 30, so as not to obscure the wearer's field o f
vision.
[00047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, shown is a further embodiment of the
integrated protective element 20 with impact detection device 24 as a visor
40.
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The visor 40 has one or more fasteners 22 for releasable securing the visor 40
to
the helmet 12. The visor 40 or shield is a protective device attached to the
front
of the helmet 12 to reduce potential of injury to the face of the wearer.
Partial
visors 40 can cover the upper half of the face, while full visors 40 (also
known as
face shields 40) cover the entire face of the wearer. The visors 40 can be
made
of a high impact-resistant plastic that is trans- parent, which can either be
clear or
shaded/tinted to help protect the eyes of the wearer from the sun or other
bright
lights. The impact detection device 24 is connected to the visor 40 via a one
or
more device fasteners 36, such that the impact detection device 24 is rigidly
coupled to the protective element 20 via the device fastener 36 so that
mechanical energy of the impact experienced by the protective element 20 is
also transferred and therefore detected by the impact detection device 24.
Examples of the device fasteners 36 can include mechanisms such as but not
limited to: threaded fasteners (e.g. screws, bolts); one-time use adhesives;
hook
and loop fasteners; magnets; snaps; tab and slot (e.g. T-shaped or L-shaped
cross-sectional male tab configured to releasably engage with a corresponding
T-
shaped or L-shaped cross- sectional female slot); buckles; belts; and other
fasteners as is known in the art. Positioning of the impact detection device
24 on
the visor 40 is preferably on a side of the visor 40, so as not to obscure the
wearer's field o f vision.
[00048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, shown is a further embodiment of
the
integrated protective element 20 with impact detection device 24 as a helmet
pad
50, for example a cheek pad (also known as a jaw pad). These pads 50 provide
for the helmet 12 to have a tight fit to the wearer's head. The cheek pads 50
are
typically located just below the ear holes 52 in the helmet 12 and are usually
fastened to the inside of the external shell 14 via fasteners 22 (e.g. hook
and loop
fasteners or snaps). These pads 50 are typically releasably secured to the
helmet
12 via the fasteners 22 and are used to provide a customized or enhanced fit
of
the helmet 12 to the wearer's head. For example, these pads 50 can be
installed
on the helmet 12 after the wearer has positioned the helmet 12 on their head
and
these pads 50 can also be removed prior to removal of the helmet 12 from the
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wearer's head. These pads 50 can be made of resilient padding material 54
including EPS foam, air bladders, and/or gel inserts. The impact detec- tion
device 24 is positioned in an interior 56 (shown by example as a cutout in a
covering 51 of FIG. 4) of the pads 50 and is fastened to the pads 50 interior
56
via a one or more device fasteners 36 (not shown), such that the impact detec-
tion device 24 is rigidly coupled to the protective element 20 via the device
fastener 36 so that mechanical energy of the impact experienced by the
protective element 20 is also transferred and therefore detected by the impact
detection device 24. Examples of the device fasteners 36 can include
mechanisms such as but not limited to: threaded fasteners (e.g. screws,
bolts);
one-time use adhesives; hook and loop fasteners; magnets; snaps; buckles;
belts; and other fasteners as is known in the art. As shown in FIG. 5, the pad
50
has a complete padded cover 51 containing the impact protection device 24
(shown in dotted lines) in the interior 56. Also provided is an aperture 66 in
the
cover 51 so as to provide for exposure of the light element 62 (if present) to
the
helmet exterior 66. Also provided is an aperture 66 in the cover 51 so as to
provide for exposure of the audio element 64 (if present) to the helmet
exterior
66. Accordingly, the pad 50 can be positioned next to the skull and/or
jaw/cheek
of the helmet 12 wearer so that the padded cover 51 is in contact with the
skin/hair of the helmet 12 wearer, for wearer comfort. Therefore the impact
protection device 24 is contained within the interior 56 and thus not exposed
to
direct contact with the skin/hair of the helmet 12 wearer, while at the same
time
providing for exposure of the element 62,64 to the exterior 66 for observation
(e.g. audibly, visibly) by the others in view/hearing of the player. It is
also
recognized that the cover 51 o f the pad 50 may not completely encase the
impact protection device 24 (i.e. have openings¨ not shown) in those areas
that
are configured as non-adjacent to the skin/hair of the helmet 12 wearer once
the
pad 50 is installed in the helmet 12 via the fasteners 22.
[00049] Referring to FIG. 10, shown is an example of an integrated
protective sports accessory 10 comprising a protective eyewear element 100
including a frame 102 having a pair of lenses 104 for protecting an area
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surrounding the eyes of the wearer and a strap 106 for affixing the protective
eyewear element to the head of the wearer. The integrated protective sports
accessory 10 also has the impact detection device 24 integrated with the
protective eyewear element 100 via one or more device fasteners 36 (see FIG.
6)
such that a portion of the protective eyewear element 100 has a compatible
fastening element 37 to that of the one or more device fasteners 36 so that
the
impact detection device 24 is rigidly attached to the protective eyewear
element
100 (e.g. to the frame 102). Referring to FIG. 9, the impact detection device
24
has: the housing 60, one or more sensors 70 within the housing 60 for sensing
the impact event of the wearer when wearing the protective eyewear element 100
and for producing sensor data 72; the alarm element 62,64 coupled to the
housing 60 such that the alarm condition produced by the alarm element 62,64
is
detectable by one or more persons near the wearer; and the processor 74 within
the housing 60 for processing the sensor data 72 against the impact threshold
82
and for producing the alarm condition signal for expression by the alarm
element
as the alarm condition. Positioning of the impact detection device 24 on the
protective eyewear element 100 is preferably on a side o f the protective
eyewear
element 100, so as not to obscure the wearer's field of vision. It is
recognized
that the protective eyewear element 100 is advantageous for those activities
(e.g.
sports) in which a helmet is not used.
[00050] Referring to FIG. 11, shown is a further embodiment of an
integrated protective sports accessory 10 comprising: a protective headwear
element 108 including a band 110 for affixing the protective headwear element
108 to the head of the wearer and a pocket 112 attached to the band 110, the
pocket 112 configured for receiving therein the impact detec- tion device 24
(shown in dotted lines) and having a window 114 positioned on the pocket 112
suitable for exposing (e.g. visually, audibly, etc.) the impact detection
device 24
to an external environment of the protective headwear element 108. The impact
detection device 24 is integrated with the protective headwear element 108 as
positioned in the pocket 112 and retained therein via a pocket closure
mechanism 116 such that the impact detection device 24 is rigidly coupled to
the
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band 110. The pocket closure mechanism 116 can be configured as any number
of mechanisms such as but not limited to: a fastened (e.g. hook and loop) fold
covering an opening of the pocket 112, a slit in a sidewall of the pocket 112
of a
dimension suitable to provide for insertion of the impact device 24 within the
pocket 112 interior, etc. Referring to FIG. 9, the impact detection device 24
has:
the housing 60; one or more sensors 70 within the housing for sensing an
impact
event of the wearer when wearing the protective headwear element 108 and for
producing sensor data 72; the alarm element 62,64 coupled to the housing 60
such that the alarm condition produced by the alarm element 62,64 is
detectable
by one or more persons near the wearer through the window 114; and the
processor 74 within the housing 60 for processing the sensor data 72 against
the
impact threshold 82 and for producing an alarm condition signal for expression
by
the alarm element 62,64 as the alarm condition.
[00051] In the pocket 112 attached to the band 110, the location of
the
impact detection device 24 is adjacent to the window 114 (e.g. transparent,
translucent) that provides for transmission of illumination through the window
114
from the light element 62 (see FIG. 6). It is also recognized that the window
114
can have one or more apertures (not shown) that provide for transmission of
audio through the window 114 from the audio element 64 (see FIG. 6). As
discussed above and not shown in FIG. 7 for illustrative convenience only, the
impact detection device 24 can be fastened to the protective headwear element
108 via the device fasteners 36 (e.g. adhesive) and compatible fastening
elements 37 (e.g. portion of window 114 compatible with providing a mounting
surface for adhesive), see FIG. 6.
[00052] An alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is where one or more
resilient (e.g. elastic) retaining bands 118 are positioned on the band 110
for
retaining the impact detection device 24 to the band 110, once the impact
detection device 24 is inserted into the retaining bands 118. It is recognized
that
the impact detection device 24 can be fastened to the retaining bands 118
and/or
the ban 110 via the device fasteners 36 (e.g. hook and loop) and compatible
fastening elements 37 (e.g. hook and loop), see FIG. 6.
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Impact Device 24 Example Configuration
[00053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, shown is an example configuration
of
the impact detection device 24 that is pro- vided as part of an integrated
protective accessory for the helmet 12, configured on a protective element 20
for
rigidly attaching to the external shell 14 of the helmet 12 via one or more
fasteners 22. The impact detection device 24 (as shown in FIG. 6) is
integrated
with the protective element 20 via one or more device fasteners 36 such that a
portion of the protective element 20 has a compatible fastening element 37 to
that of the one or more device fasteners 36 so that the impact detection
device
24 is rigidly attached to the protective element 20.
[00054] The impact detection device 24 has the housing 60 (e.g.
providing
encapsulation for internal components to pro- vide for shock and moisture
resistance) for mounting therein (or thereon) one or more sensors 70 for
sensing
the impact event experienced by the player when wearing the helmet 12. The
sensors 70 produce sensor data 72 that can be provided to a processor 74 for
processing the sensor data 72 on-board the impact detection device 24, which
is
coupled to a storage device 75 configured for storing the sensor data 72,
storing
processing results 73 of the sensor data 72, and/or storing operating system
instructions 80 for the processor 74 and other device hardware (e.g. alarm
elements such as lighting element 62 and audio element 64). The alarm
elements 62,64 are coupled to the housing such that the alarm condition
produced by the alarm element 62,64 is detectable by one or more persons near
the wearer. The impact detection device 24 can also have a wireless
communication device 76 (e.g. 2.4 GHz ISM band) for transmitting the obtained
sensor data 72 to a remote computer 78 within range of the wireless
communication device 76. These transmissions can be in real- time for all
detected impacts and/or only for transmission of those impacts that have
exceeded one or more thresholds 82. The impact detection device 24 also has a
battery 77 (e.g. rechargeable lithium ion) used to power various electrical
18
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components, such as the processor 74, the alarm elements 60,62, the storage
device 75, and the wireless communication device 76.
[00055] The one or more thresholds 82 can be programmed as
instructions
80 for use by the processor 74 to compare the sensor data 72 for each detected
impact to: a Hit Injury Criteria (HIC) threshold 82; a GAAD Severity Impact
(GS!)
threshold 82; a linear force/acceleration magnitude threshold 82; a rotational
force/acceleration magnitude threshold 82; a force/acceleration impact
location
and/or direction threshold 82 (e.g. specific impact locations and/or
directions can
war- rant special attention¨for example impacts causing compressive spine
events, impacts laterally to the neck, etc.); and/or sensed temperatures past
a
predefined maximum temperature threshold 82. The processor 74 is mounted
within the housing and is configured for processing (e.g. comparing) the
sensor
data 72 against an impact threshold 82 and for producing an alarm condition
signal 83 for expression by the alarm element 62,64 as an alarm condition.
When
the processor 74 has determined that the sensor data 72 is indicative of an
impact that has exceeded one or more thresholds 82, based on the force to
threshold 82 comparison, the processor 74 is programmed to activate the alarm
element(s) 62,64. The processing data 73 that is representative o f the
detected
force to threshold 82 comparison can also be exported from the impact
detection
device 24 to the remote computer 78 using a wired connection (e.g. via a USB
or
other data transfer protocol) port 79. The processing data 73 that is
representative of the detected force to threshold 82 comparison can also be
exported from the impact detection device 24 to the remote computer 78 using
the wireless communication device 76.
[00056] The sensors 70 (e.g. in conjunction with the processor 74) can be
programmed to detect and record all detected impacts and/or to only record
those detected impacts that exceed one or more of thresholds 82. As such, it
is
recognized that the quantitative value(s) of the threshold(s) can be selected
or
otherwise programmed via the processor 74, thus providing for user selectable
threshold(s) 82. In terms of sensors 70, the sensors 70 can include a
gyroscope
(e.g. tri-axial) measuring rotational acceleration (e.g. of up to +/-2000
degrees
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per second at 750 Hz sample rate). The gyroscope 70 provides sensor data 72
indicative of force/ acceleration representative of orientation and rotation,
thus
providing more robust sensor data 72 for increased recognition of movement
within a 3D space of the wearer of the impact detection device 24. The
gyroscope 70 is a device for measuring orientation and force/acceleration due
to
changes in rotational attitude of the impact detection device 24, based on the
principles of angular momentum. Mechanically, the gyroscope 70 can be a
spinning wheel or disk in which the axle is free to assume any orientation.
Although this orientation does not remain fixed, it changes in response to an
external torque much less and in a different direction than it would without
the
large angular momentum associated with the disk's high rate of spin and moment
of inertia. Since external torque is minimized by mounting the device in
gimbals,
its orientation remains nearly fixed, regardless of any motion of the platform
on
which it is mounted. Gyroscopes 70 based on other operating principles also
exist, such as the electronic microchip-packaged Micro Electro-Mechanical
System (MEMS) gyroscope devices that use a vibrating element to produce the
sensor data 72, a vibrating structure gyroscope (VSG) that uses a resonator
made o f different metallic alloys, solid-state ring lasers, and fiber optic
gyroscopes (FOG) that use the interference of light to detect mechanical
rotation
in a coil of optical fiber. It is recognized that concussive effects of
rotational
acceleration can be greater that the concussive effects of linear
acceleration.
[00057] Another sensor type 70 is one or more high G accelerometers
measuring translation (e.g. single axis or tri-axis x-y-z) of g-force impacts
for G
forces up to 205 Gs (e.g. 50 to 200 G sensing) by transforming detected linear
translation into a proportional voltage. The g scale o f the high G
accelerometers
can be at least an order of magnitude greater than the low G sensors. The g
scale o f the high G accelerometers can be two orders of order of magnitude
greater than the low G sensors. For example, the high G accelerometers can be
for measuring 300+ G force impacts and could be configured for measuring 400+
G force impacts. Accelerometers 70 are available to detect magnitude and
direction of the proper acceleration (or g-force), as a vector quantity, using
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example mechanisms of piezoelectric, piezoresistive and/or capacitive
components that convert the sensed mechanical motion into an electrical signal
(e.g. voltage proportional to the amount of force sensed). Some accelerometers
70 can use the piezoelectric effect, as they can contain microscopic crystal
structures that get stressed by accelerative forces, which causes a volt- age
to be
generated. Another accelerometer 70 configuration is through sensing changes
in capacitance, such that for two or more micro structures next to each other,
they have a certain predefined capacitance between them. As an accelerative
force moves one of the structures, then the capacitance will change and
additional sensor circuitry can convert from capacitance to voltage that is
representative of the capacitance change. Other alternative accelerometer 70
configurations can include piezoresistive effect, hot air bubbles, and light.
Other
accelerometers can include separate lower G sensors (e.g. +/-2,4,8, 16 G)
accelerometers 70 used to mea- sure accelerometer translation of x-y-z
calculations for bio- metric data collection (e.g. 48 Hz sampling rate).
Another
sensor 70 type is a temperature sensor used to provide temperature sensor data
72 to the processor 74 that could be indicative of potential heatstroke of the
wearer when doing activity in higher temperature settings, such that the pre-
defined threshold 82 would be a maximum temperature and/ or maximum rate of
temperature rise.
[00058] It is recognized that the processing results 73 can include
data such
as but not limited to: number of sensed impacts (e.g. number of impacts per
session identified), date and time stamping of detected impacts, for example
for
both alarm condition impacts and non-alarm condition impacts; from record
value
to alarm points; severity of detected impact based on determined alarm
condition
by checking to see if the sensor data 72 exceeds a user selectable threshold
82
(e.g. calculation and identification of impacts within the alarm threshold
(VVTH)-
VVTH=10% of threshold); historical accumulation of a plurality of detected
impacts
for a session time period (e.g. a game, a race, a work shift, a defined
portion of a
day or days, etc.); calculation of duration of detected impact (e.g. force vs.
time
curve/data); representation of linear acceleration for the detected impact in
one
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or more spatial dimensions (e.g. 3); location of the detected impact on the
wearer's body, the helmet 12 and/or protective element 20; degree of severity
indication for the detected impact (e.g. color or number coded impact¨green,
yellow, red based on severity of impact trough comparison to threshold 82);
Hit
Injury Criteria (HIC) calculation with each impact; GAAD Severity impact (GSI)
Calculation with each impact; linear and/or rotational spatial dimension
calculations for the detected impact.
[00059] Alternatively, in the event where processing on-board is not
desired, the sensor data 72 can be supplied to the wireless communication
device 76 for transmitting the obtained sensor data 72 to the remote computer
78
within range of the wireless communication device 76. In further alternative,
in
the event where processing on-board is not desired, the sensor data 72 can be
supplied to the storage device 75 for later retrieval (e.g. downloaded) via a
data
access port 79 (e.g. USB port).
[00060] The processor 74 of the impact detection device 24 can also be
programmed to have a Return to Play (RTP) interlock feature 89, whereby once
the alarm signal (or condition) has been activated (e.g. illumination by the
light
element 62 and/or audio by the audio element 64), the alarm condition cannot
be
turned off until certain data events have occurred. One example of the data
event
is where the sensor data 72 has been exported from the impact detection device
24 via a wired connection 90 between the data port 79 and the remote computer
78. The processor 74 receives an export command 91 (or acknowledgement of
receipt of exported data) from the remote computer 78 and in response can turn
off or otherwise deactivate the alarm element(s) 62,64, as a result of
receiving
and exporting the sensor data 72. Alternatively, the processor 74 (after
exporting
the sensor data 72 to the remote computer 78) can receive an alarm
cancellation
signal 92 from the remote computer 78 over the wired connection 90 and in
response can deactivate the alarm element (s) 62,64. A further alternative
embodiment o f the data event is where the sensor data 72 has been exported
from the impact detection device 24 via a wireless connection 94 between the
wireless communication device 76 and the remote computer 78. This export of
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the sensor data 72 can be configured as either a data push or a data pull
operation 91 between the impact detection device 24 and the remote computer
78. Upon export of the sensor data 72 via the wireless connection 94, the
processor 74 can deactivate the alarm element(s) 62,64. Alternatively, upon
export o f the sensor data 72 via the wireless connection 94 and receipt of a
deactivate signal from the remote computer 78, the processor 74 can deactivate
the alarm element(s) 62,64. It is recognized that the export of the sensor
data 72
to the remote computer 78 can provide for assessment and review of the sensor
data 72 by a qualified professional (e.g. coach, trainer, or other medically
trained
professional) prior to allowing the wear to return to their activity (e.g.
game).
[00061] Referring to FIG. 13, shown is the protective headgear system
10
wherein the chin strap 16 has a chin guard 501 which is shown in more detail
in
Figure 14. The chin guard 501 has a compartment 502 (Figure 3) with a
removable cover 503 for releasably holding an impact detection device 504
(Figures 15 and 16).
[00062] A block diagram of the impact detection device 504 is shown in
Figure 18. The impact detection device 504 may include a first printed circuit
board (PCB) 506, a main module connector 508 for connecting to a secondary
module connector 509 (Figure 19) on a secondary module 510 in the chin guard
502 (Figure 17), a 3-axis accelerometer 512, which may be as described above
in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-12, the 3-axis gyroscope 514
which may be as described above in relation to the embodiment shown in
Figures 1-12, a microcontroller 516 similar to that described above, a memory
module 518 and a wireless communications transceiver 520, all of which are
mounted to the PCB 506. A housing 522 (Figure 16) is provided for shock and
moisture protection of the aforementioned components.
[00063] The secondary module 510 is shown in Figure 19. The secondary
module 510 includes a plurality of components including a second PCB 524, a
temperature sensor 526, a proximity sensor 528, the secondary module
connector 509, a micro-USB port 530, a battery 532, a power supply 534, a
23
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power switch 536, and an output device such as an LED 538, which are all
mounted to the PCB 524.
[00064] Several different components that are worn by the user during
different activities may each contain a version of the secondary module 510
and
may include a compartment 502 for receiving the impact detection device 504.
For example, as shown in Figures 20-22, a module assembly housing 540 may
be provided that is portable and may be adhered, inserted, connected or
otherwise used wherever appropriate. The module assembly housing 540
includes the aforementioned compartment 502, the openable cover 503, and the
secondary module 510 for receiving the impact detection device 504.
[00065] In the embodiment shown in Figure 23, a headband 550 is shown
with a headband strap 551 and a headband module housing 552. The housing
552, which is shown in Figures 24-26 includes a compartment 502 for holding
the
impact detection device 504 in releasable connection with the secondary module
510.
[00066] The battery 532 may be rechargeable (e.g. via the USB
connector
530) and is connected to the PCB 524 to power both the secondary module 510
and the impact detection device 504. By keeping the battery 532 with the
secondary module 510, the impact detection device 504 can remain small and
the battery 532 can be shaped as needed to best fit within the shape of the
accessory in which the secondary module 510 is installed in.
[00067] The temperature sensor 526 may be similar to the temperature
sensor described above in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-12. It
is advantageous for the temperature sensor 526 to be in the secondary module
510 so that it can be individually calibrated as necessary to provide accurate
temperature readings based on its position with its associated accessory.
Because the impact detection device 504 is positioned in a different position
relative to the wearer and because each housing has different thermal
properties,
a temperature sensor mounted to the impact detection device 504 might require
calibration for each different accessory. By keeping the temperature sensor
532
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,
in the secondary module 510 calibration is not required each time the impact
detection device 504 is moved to a new accessory.
[00068] The proximity sensor 528 is positioned to detect the head
of the
wearer (or whatever body part of the wearer that the sensor 528 is positioned
to
be proximate to). By detecting the head of the wearer the proximity sensor can
indicate to the impact detection device 504 that it is okay to read signals
from the
impact sensors (the accelerometer 512 and gyroscoper 514). By contrast, if the
wearer is simply holding his helmet by the chin strap 16 and swinging it
around or
throwing it against something, the proximity sensor 528 would not sense the
head of the wearer and would prevent the impact detection device 504 from
recording this data, thereby preventing certain false positive readings for
impacts
that could otherwise occur. Like the temperature sensor, the proximity sensor
528 may be provided as part of the secondary module 510 so as to remain in a
constant position in the accessory and so as to not require repeated
recalibration
when the impact detection device 504 is transferred from one accessory to
another. The proximity sensor 528 need not be used only in an embodiment in
which there is an impact detection device that is separate from a secondary
module 510. It can be used in any suitable assembly that includes one or more
of the impact sensors, the microcontroller and whatever other components are
necessary.
[00069] In each case, the accessory (i.e. the chin guard 501, the
module
housing 540 and the headband module housing 552) includes an accessory
housing, the impact detection device 504 and the secondary module 510. The
impact detection device 504 includes at least one impact sensor selected from
the group of sensors comprising the accelerometer 512 and a gyroscope 514,
and the secondary module 510 includes at least the battery 532. The impact
detection device 504 and the secondary module 510 together further include a
microcontroller 516 and the memory 518. The impact detection device 504 is
removably connectable to the secondary module 510 and is connectable to
another secondary module 510 in another accessory.
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[00070] Those
skilled in the art will understand that a variety of
modifications may be effected to the embodiments described herein without
departing from the scope of the appended claims.
26
