Helmet with impact tracking

A helmet for tracking impact including at least one sensor, a processor in communication with the sensor and a storage file in communication with the processor, the at least one sensor measures a force applied to the helmet and sends a signal to the processor indicative of the measured force. The processor receives the signal indicative of the measured force and compares the measured force to a predetermined value, wherein if the measured force exceeds the predetermined value data is sent to the storage file to record the measured force. The helmet can include an alarm system and/or an Injury tracking system.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This application relates to a helmet and more particularly to a helmet having built in capabilities to track impact history and/or built in capabilities to test for brain injury. The helmet can also have varying shock absorption capabilities.

Background of Related Art

Head injuries in sports are becoming more prevalent. Part of the reason for such increase in incidence of injuries is that helmets provide a false sense of security and are therefore used offensively in contact sports such as football. When two helmets crash together, full force transmission occurs, leading to concussions and more severe head injuries.

Additionally, current helmets are heavy, which adds to the discomfort. Such heaviness further adds to the false sense of security, creating a mistaken correlation between helmet weight and protection.

It would be advantageous to provide helmets with impact tracking capabilities which could further prevent injury. This would enable the storage of data relating to head impact for evaluation to assess the wearer's condition.

Additionally, current helmets are built with some shock absorption features, but such shock absorption does not vary depending on the force of impact. There exists a need for improved helmets to reduce head injuries. It would also be advantageous to provide such injury reducing capabilities without increasing the weight and/or stiffness of the helmet.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages of the prior art.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a helmet for tracking impact is provided comprising at least one sensor, a processor in communication with the sensor and a storage file in communication with the processor. The at least one sensor measures a force applied to the helmet and sends a signal to the processor indicative of the measured force, the processor receiving the signal indicative of the measured force and compares the measured force to a predetermined value, wherein if the measured force exceeds the predetermined value data is sent to the storage file to record the measured force.

In some embodiments, if the measured force does not exceed the predetermined value, it is considered a non-event and data is not sent from the processor to the storage file.

In some embodiments, the data sent to the storage file includes one or more of a type of injury, a location of injury and a time of injury. The measured force can be a rotational force applied to a head of a wearer of the helmet and/or an impact force applied to the head of the wearer and the data can include a force value of the measured force. In some embodiments, the storage file updates a register to include the data in the register. In some embodiments, the register is repeatedly updated as additional data is received in response to subsequent measured forces detected which exceed a predetermined value, the data being retrievable for evaluation.

The helmet, in some embodiments, includes a plurality of shock absorbers including at least one first shock absorber having a first shock absorption characteristic and at least one second shock absorber having a second shock absorption characteristic, the second shock absorption characteristic being different than the first shock absorption characteristic wherein the first shock absorption characteristic provides a lower activation threshold than the second shock absorption characteristic such that activation of the first and second sets of shock absorbers is dependent on the force impact to the helmet.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention a helmet for tracking impact is provided comprising at least one sensor, a processor in communication with the sensor, a storage file in communication with the processor, and an alarm system in communication with the processor. The at least one sensor measures a force applied to the helmet and sends a first signal to the processor indicative of the measured force. The processor receives the first signal indicative of the measured force and compares the measured force to a predetermined value, wherein if the measured force exceeds the predetermined value a second signal is sent to the alarm system to activate an alarm.

In some embodiments, if the impact force does not exceed the predetermined value data is sent to the storage file containing details of the force applied to the helmet.

In some embodiments, the data sent to the storage file includes one or more of a type of injury, a location of injury, and a time of injury. The measured force can be a rotational force and/or an impact force applied to a head of a wearer of the helmet and the data can include a force value of the measured force. In some embodiments, the storage file updates a register and the data is stored in the register. In some embodiments, the register is repeatedly updated as additional data is received in response to subsequent measured forces detected which exceed a predetermined value, the data being retrievable for evaluation.

In some embodiments, the measured force is initially compared by the processor to a threshold value less than the predetermined value, and if the measured force is less than the threshold value it is computed as a non-event and no data is sent to the storage file by the processor.

In some embodiments, if the alarm is activated, data is sent to the storage file indicative of one or more of a type of injury, a location of injury, and a time of injury.

The helmet can include an algorithm in the processor which computes cumulative values indicative of impact history and the cumulative values are compared to threshold values, and if the cumulative values exceed the threshold values, a third signal is sent to the alarm to trigger the alarm.

In some embodiments, the helmet includes an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of shock absorbers, the shock absorbers being positioned internal of the outer shell and including at least one first shock absorber having a first shock absorption characteristic and at least one second shock absorber having a second shock absorption characteristic, wherein the second shock absorption characteristic is different than the first shock absorption characteristic and the first shock absorption characteristic provides a lower activation threshold than the second shock absorption characteristic such that activation of the first and second sets of shock absorbers is dependent on the force impact to the helmet.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a helmet for tracking impact is provided comprising an alarm system, at least one sensor, a processor in communication with the sensor, a storage file in communication with the processor, and an injury tracking system in communication with the processor. The at least one sensor measures a force applied to the helmet and sends a first signal to the processor indicative of the measured force. The processor receives the first signal indicative of the measured force and compares the measured force to a predetermined value, wherein if the measured force exceeds the predetermined value a second signal is sent to the injury tracking system to activate the injury tracking system.

In some embodiments, if the measured force does not exceed the predetermined value, it is considered a non-event and the injury tracking system is not activated.

In some embodiments, the impact tracking system includes a transmitter to transmit commands to a wearer of the helmet and responses of the wearer are inputted to and evaluated by a processor. The commands can be visual instructions to be followed by the wearer and/or audio instructions to be followed by the wearer. The impact tracking system can include a data display to display the commands to the wearer. The display can be provided on a face cover of the helmet.

In some embodiments, if input of the wearer does not fall within a preset set of parameters, a signal is sent by a processor to the alarm system to trigger an alarm and if input of the wearer to the processor satisfies the set of parameters, a signal is not sent to the alarm system and the injury tracking system is reset for later activation if necessary.

The helmet preferably includes a power supply mounted therein.

In some embodiments, the measured force is initially compared by the processor to a threshold value less than the predetermined value, and if the measured force is less than the threshold value it is computed as a non-event and no data is sent to the storage file by the processor. In some embodiments, if the measured force does not exceed the predetermined value, data is sent to the storage file containing details of the force applied to the helmet. The data sent to the storage file can include one or more of a type of injury, a location of injury, and a time of injury. The measured force can be a rotational force and/or an impact force applied to a head of a wearer of the helmet and the data can include a force value of the measured force.

In some embodiments, the storage file updates a register and the data is stored in the register. In some embodiments, the register is repeatedly updated as additional data is received in response to subsequent measured forces detected which exceed a predetermined value, the data being retrievable for evaluation.

An algorithm can be provided in the processor which computes cumulative values indicative of impact history and the cumulative values are compared to threshold values, and if the cumulative values exceed the threshold values, a third signal is sent to the alarm to trigger the alarm.

In some embodiments, the helmet includes an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of shock absorbers, the shock absorbers being positioned internal of the outer shell and including at least one first shock absorber having a first shock absorption characteristic and at least one second shock absorber having a second shock absorption characteristic, wherein the second shock absorption characteristic is different than the first shock absorption characteristic and the first shock absorption characteristic provides a lower activation threshold than the second shock absorption characteristic such that activation of the first and second sets of shock absorbers is dependent on the force impact to the helmet.

The helmets described above can in some embodiments include varying shock absorption. In some embodiments, the shock absorbers are composed of a compressible foam material. In some embodiments, the shock absorbers comprise air cells forming an air pocket. The air cells can include a relief valve to allow force deceleration and pressure release when a pressure threshold is exceeded. In some embodiments, the shock absorbers of a first set have a first height and the shock absorbers of the second set have a second height, the first height being greater than the second height.

The foregoing helmets can have an outer shell that spins or rotates with respect to the helmet body to release energy to a side. The outer shell can have a low friction outer surface to deflect impact to the helmet.

The foregoing helmets can include a third set of shock absorbers having a gradient of stress absorption different than the gradient of the first set of shock absorbers and the gradient of the second set of shock absorbers thereby providing successive loading based on severity of force impact to the helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates a football helmet of the prior art. The helmet10has a hard outer shell12and soft padding inside the shell12. The helmet10is relatively heavy and relies on the soft padding inside to cushion the head in an attempt to reduce brain injuries. However, the weight of the helmet makes the helmet cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear. The heavy weight can also adversely affect athletic performance.

Additionally, the padding inside the helmet does not provide adequate protection to the head, especially since the heavy helmet provides the wearer with a false sense of protection. This false sense of protection oftentimes lead to more head injuries since the helmet is used offensively as the wearer uses the helmet as a direct force against an opponent, and the wearer will incur direct impacts on the helmet.

Moreover, the amount of padding that can be provided in the helmet of the prior art is limited by the size of the helmet since if thicker padding is utilized it will take up more internal space, leading to even larger and more cumbersome helmet. Additionally, if such additional padding/cushioning is added, it would need to be sufficient to handle all impacts, regardless of the force. Therefore, the helmet would need to be designed with thicker cushioning throughout, even if not necessary to handle small impact forces. Also, if the helmet is designed solely to accommodate maximum impact, it will be stiffer and “bumpier” on the user's head.

Helmets with Varying Shock Absorption

The present invention advantageously in some aspects provides a lightweight helmet without sacrificing effectiveness in injury prevention. This is achieved through the varying shock absorbers (shock absorbing members) lining the helmet. Additionally, the helmet is designed in certain embodiments so that upon certain impact forces, the outer shell spins with respect to the helmet body, thus further dispersing the force of the impact.

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify similar or like components throughout the several views,FIGS. 2A-3illustrate a first embodiment of the helmet of the present invention. The helmet is designated generally by reference number20and has a conventional face guard22. Inside the outer shell24of the helmet20is an inner liner30which forms the shock absorbing feature of the present invention. Inner liner30has an upper surface32which is attached to the inner surface of the outer shell24and a lower surface34from which the shock absorbers40extend.

Shock absorbers in the embodiment ofFIGS. 2A-3are composed of a compressible foam material with sufficient flexibility and rigidity to receive and disperse a force applied thereto. The shock absorbers40are of varying height and of varying compressibility thereby providing different shock absorbing characteristics with different activation thresholds. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 2A-3, there are three sized shock absorbers with shock absorbers40aof the smallest height h1having a first shock absorption characteristic, shock absorbers40cof the largest height h3having a second shock absorption characteristic and shock absorbers40bof an intermediate height h2having a third shock absorption characteristic. Height h2is greater than height h1and less than height h3. The shock absorbers40a,40band40care collectively referred to as shock absorbers40. For clarity, only some of the shock absorbers40a,40band40care labeled throughout the drawings. It can be appreciated that shock absorbers of more than three differing heights can be provided. It is also contemplated that shock absorbers of only two different heights can be provided. In any event, the liner will have at least one, and preferably a first set of shock absorbers, having a first shock absorption characteristic, and at least another shock absorber, and preferably a second set of shock absorbers, having a second shock absorption characteristic different than the first shock absorption characteristic. Also, the shock absorbers40can be arranged in a pattern or grouping different than that the alternating pattern shown inFIGS. 2A-3. As noted above, shock absorbers40can be formed of a compressible foam material which compresses upon sufficient impact. However, other cushioning materials are also contemplated.

In the alternate embodiment ofFIG. 5B, the shock absorbers50of inner liner48include shock absorbers50aof the smallest height g1, shock absorbers50cof the largest height g3and shock absorbers50bof an intermediate height g2which is greater than height g1and less than height g3. The shock absorbers50a,50band50care collectively referred to as shock absorbers50. For clarity only some of the shock absorbers50a,50b, and50care labeled inFIG. 5B. In this embodiment, the shock absorbers comprise air cells rather than a foam material as inFIG. 2A, and the air cells can include a relief valve. In all other respects the shock absorbing feature ofFIG. 5Ais identical to that ofFIG. 2Aand is used in a similar helmet as that shown inFIG. 2B. As can be appreciated, as explained above with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, although three sets of varying shock absorbers arranged in an alternating pattern are shown, a different number of sets of varying shock absorbers and/or a different pattern is contemplated.

FIGS. 6-8illustrate what occurs upon impact of varying forces on the helmet. AlthoughFIGS. 6-8illustrate the inner liner48ofFIG. 5B, the inner liner30ofFIG. 2Awould function and react in the same manner as shown inFIGS. 6-8. The shock absorbers50(like shock absorbers40) of varying heights have different gradients of stress absorption and therefore different thresholds for activation and provide successive loading dependent on severity of force impact. Consequently, if a relatively small impact force is applied to the helmet as shown inFIG. 6, only a few of the shock absorbers would be activated, i.e., shock absorbers50cwhich have the most flexibility and lowest activation threshold. If a greater impact is applied to the helmet as inFIG. 7, both the larger shock absorbers50cand the intermediate shock absorbers50bwould be affected and activated. If an even larger impact is applied as inFIG. 8, smaller shock absorbers50awould also be impacted as shock absorbers50ahave the smallest height, least flexibility and highest activation threshold. That is, all sized absorbers50would be activated to absorb and disperse the force. In this manner, only those shock absorbers necessary to absorb the shock would be activated, allowing for a series of smaller shock absorbers, taking up less room in the helmet and also reducing the weight of the helmet than would otherwise be necessary. Note shock absorbers40would be activated in the same manner as shock absorbers50, i.e., dependent on impact force.

It should be appreciated that inFIGS. 6-8, multiple or all of the shock absorbers50are shown impacted, however depending on the impact, only certain shock absorbers50a,50b, and50cwould be affected. For example, in certain instances, only the shock absorbers in the region of impact would be affected/activated. On sufficient impact, it is also possible that all shock absorbers of the liner48would be affected/activated. This is also applicable to liner30and shock absorbers40as well as the other shock absorbers disclosed herein, e.g., shock absorbers60and70described below.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, the shock absorbers60of inner liner61are of the same height but varying shock absorption is achieved by providing different materials. The embodiment ofFIG. 5Acan have the same advantages of reduced bulk as in the previously described embodiments achieved by varying the lightness of the material. It also has the advantage of varying shock absorption, wherein only a fraction of the shock absorbing elements are activated upon application of a relatively low force, i.e., the shock absorbers with the greatest flexibility/compressibility, and more shock absorbers are activated with application of a higher force i.e., including the shock absorbers having less flexibility/compressibility. Such varying shock absorption can be achieved using a pattern similar to that of the embodiments ofFIGS. 2A and 5B, e.g., three sets of shock absorbers of different shock absorption characteristics arranged in an alternating pattern with a first set of first flexibility/compressibility, a second set of a different, e.g., less flexibility/compressibility and a third set of a still different, e.g., even less flexibility/compressibility. It should be appreciated that as in the aforedescribed embodiments, a different number of sets of varying shock absorbers and/or different patterns of the varying shock absorbers are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the shock absorbers of the various embodiments described herein can contain material such as foam. Alternatively the shock absorbers can contain a fluid with a relief valve for releasing pressure when the pressure is greater than a pressure threshold to reduce the effects of impact to the head. The relief valves allow for force deceleration and would have different thresholds for release to provide shock absorbers of varying shock absorption characteristics. In other embodiments, some of the shock absorbers can contain compressible surfaces such as foam and other shock absorbers can contain fluid with a relief valve.

Thus, the shock absorbers in accordance with the present disclosure can have different configurations, different heights and/or different materials to accommodate different forces, thus providing differential protection. They can be arranged in an alternating arrangement or grouped together in a different pattern. They can be arranged in two or more sets of varying shock absorption characteristics and can be evenly or unevenly distributed. The number of shock absorbers for each set can be the same or alternately a different number in each set.

The inner liner with the aforedescribed shock absorbing features can be provided as a non-removable component attached to the helmet e.g., helmet20. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 9, the inner liner71with shock absorbers70can be a separate component insertable into a conventional helmet80and attached thereto by various methods such as adhesive or clips or other methods. The liner71shown inFIG. 9has the shock absorbers ofFIG. 2Abut other liners with other shock absorbers described herein e.g., shock absorbers50or60could also be provided as attachable and/or removable inner liners.

The outer shell of the helmet of the present invention in some embodiments can be rotatable with respect to the helmet body. This helps to deflect the force to minimize direct hit impact. This is shown for example inFIGS. 4B and 4C, represented by the directional arrow showing for example a front impact causing rotation of the outer body84with respect to the inner liner86andFIG. 4Cillustrating rotation of the outer body84upon a rear impact force. The outer shells of the helmets of the other embodiments disclosed herein (with associated shock absorbers) can likewise in some embodiments be rotatably mounted to the helmet body so they can rotate as inFIGS. 4B and 4C.

In some embodiments, any of the aforedescribed helmets can have a low friction outer surface, and even an enhanced slippery outer surface, by providing a low friction coating or low friction outer layer to aid in a glancing or deflecting rather than a direct hit. That is, the lower friction outer surface deflects the force to the helmet.

Helmets for other sports and uses are also contemplated.FIGS. 10A-10Cshow examples of different helmets which can contain any of the inner liners and shock absorbers of the present invention described herein, either permanently attached or as an attachable (mountable) insert as inFIG. 9.FIG. 10Aillustrates a motorcycle helmet100,FIG. 10Billustrates a bicycle helmet110andFIG. 10Cillustrates a baseball batter's helmet130. Other helmets are also contemplated including for example helmets for lacrosse, field hockey, etc.

Helmets with Impact Tracking

FIGS. 11-14illustrate flow charts of various embodiments of helmets of the present invention having impact tracking capabilities andFIGS. 15-17are schematic block diagrams of the systems ofFIGS. 11-14. The helmets of these embodiments can be used in combination with the helmets of varying shock absorption features ofFIGS. 1-10described above or alternatively can be used with helmets without the varying shock absorption features described above. In either case, the helmets as disclosed inFIGS. 11-18track and store impact history of the wearer to thereby prevent further injury to the wearer.

FIG. 18illustrates by way of example a helmet containing a sensor for measuring impact and an injury tracking system discussed in detail below.FIG. 18also illustrates three sets of shock absorbers corresponding to the shock absorbers ofFIG. 5Bto provide varying shock absorbing characteristics as described above. The other aforedescribed shock absorbers can also be utilized. However, in alternate embodiments, such shock absorbers ofFIGS. 1-10would not be utilized and conventional shock absorption would be utilized in the helmets ofFIGS. 11-18. Note the various types of helmets ofFIGS. 10A-10C, with or without the aforedescribed shock absorbers, as well as helmets for other uses, can also contain the sensors, storage file and impact tracking of the present invention.

Turning to a first embodiment of the impact tracking helmet of the present invention, the system provided in the helmet is illustrated in the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 15and in the flow chart ofFIG. 11. In this embodiment, the helmet wearer's history is tracked and stored within the helmet. That is, information relating to helmet impact can be tied to the player's career and tag coded to the individual. As shown in the flow chart, when a force is applied to the helmet, which can be in the form of an external impact, e.g., a direct blow to the head, or in the form of a rotational force, e.g., a jerking motion to the head, a sensor(s) within the helmet detects and measures such force. One or more sensors can be provided and located in various locations in or on the helmet.

If head rotation is detected by the sensor112(FIG. 15), the sensor112sends a signal to the processor100indicative of the measured rotational force. The processor100receives the signal indicative of the measured rotational force R2where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value R1. If the rotational force value R2does not exceed such predetermined value R1, then it is determined (computed) a “non-event” and no data is transferred by the processor100to the storage file114. This ensures that minor movements of the head which have no actual or cumulative effect on the wearer are not added to the storage file (memory) and skew future comparative analysis.

If, however, the measured force value R2exceeds the predetermined value R1, then it constitutes an injury incident and the data is sent to the storage file114to record one or more, and preferably all, of the following data: a) the type of injury; 2) the exact location of the injury; 3) the date and time of injury; and 4) the force value. After this information is recorded, the storage file is updated to add this information, i.e., type, location, date/time of injury and force, to the existing register so a cumulative record can be maintained, thereby tracking the wearer's history. For example, by recording the location of the injury (or impact), it can be determined if the user has received repeated injury (or impact) to the same region of the head which alone might not be serious but from a cumulative standpoint can be significant and troublesome. Similarly, if the injury has occurred in a shortened period of time, this presents a greater risk to the wearer than if over a more extended period of time. Also, the total value over multiple impact forces could translate to a significant risk. Thus, the storage file updates a register to include the data in the register. The register is repeatedly updated as additional data is received in response to subsequent measured forces exceeding the predetermined value. The register enables that at any given time, the player's injury history can be retrieved from memory, and reviewed and evaluated and necessary steps can be taken to prevent further injury.

With continued reference to the system and method ofFIGS. 11 and 15, if an external force (impact) F2is detected by the sensor110, the sensor110sends a signal to the processor100indicative of the measured impact force F2. The processor100receives the signal indicative of the measured force F2where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold force value F1. If the force F2does not exceed such predetermined value F1, then it is determined (computed) a “non-event” and no data is transferred to the storage file114. This ensures that minor impact to the head which have no actual or cumulative effect on the wearer are not added to memory and skew future comparative analysis.

If, however, the measured force value F2exceeds the predetermined value F1, then it constitutes an injury incident and the data is transferred to the storage file to record one or more, and preferably all, of the following data: a) the type of injury; 2) the exact location of the injury; 3) the date and time of injury; and 4) the force value. After this information is recorded, the storage file114is updated to add this information, i.e., type, location, date/time of injury and force, to the existing register so a cumulative record can be maintained. Such recordation and storage has the advantages identified above with evaluation of rotational force R2. In this manner, at any given time, the player's injury history can be retrieved from memory, reviewed and evaluated and necessary steps can be taken to prevent further injury.

An alternate embodiment of the helmet and impact tracking system contained therein is depicted in the flow chart ofFIG. 12and schematic block diagram ofFIG. 16. The system and method includes an alarm system124provided in the helmet so that the wearer and others are alerted to the danger or potential danger of brain injury. In addition, cumulative calculations are performed to compute cumulative effect of impact and injury. The alarm of this system can be triggered by a single impact incident or triggered by a cumulative calculation of one or more measured incidents/impacts.

More specifically, a sensor(s)112detects and measures head rotation and/or external force applied to the helmet as in the embodiment ofFIG. 11. The measured rotational force R4is sent via a first signal to the processor120. The processor120receives the signal indicative of the measured rotational force R4where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value R3. (Note that R4can be the same as R2ofFIG. 11or alternatively another value). The threshold value R3can be the same or different than R1of the embodiment ofFIG. 11. If the measured rotational force R4exceeds the threshold value R3, a second signal is sent by the processor120to the alarm system124to trigger the alarm. The alarm can be of various forms such as audible, e.g. a beeping sound, or visual, e.g., a light or LED can be illuminated in the helmet. Similarly, if the sensor110detects an external impact force F4to the helmet, the sensor110measures the force and sends a first signal to the processor120indicative of the measured external force F4where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value F3. Note that F4can be the same as F2ofFIG. 11or alternatively another value. The threshold value F3can be the same or different than threshold value F1of the embodiment ofFIG. 11. If the measured force F4exceeds the threshold value F3, a second signal is sent to the alarm system124to trigger the alarm.

If the measured rotational force R4or measured external force F4does not exceed the predetermined values R3or F3, respectively, then the data is transferred to the storage file122to enable cumulative calculations. The data storage file122in the helmet is updated to record one or more, and preferably all, of the following data (parameters): 1) the type of injury; 2) the location of the injury; 3) the date and time of injury; and 4) the force value, and then a cumulative total of each of these parameters is calculated and stored in the file. Once the cumulative value of each of these incidents/parameters is generated, which is representative of the wearer's personal history of injury incidents, it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value correlating to a safe cumulative value. The processor120includes an algorithm to perform these computations and compare them to either individual cumulative values for each parameter or compute a value based on a combination of one or more of the parameters. For example, if the cumulative value of any one of these parameters, e.g., frequency of impact/injury, exceeds a threshold cumulative value of such frequency, then a signal is sent to trigger the alarm. On the other hand, if none of the cumulative values exceed the threshold value, then the alarm is not triggered, but the storage file remains updated with the new data so the values can be recalculated upon receipt of new data in response to subsequent impact to access if an alarm situation is warranted. Note that even if none of the cumulative values exceeds the specific threshold value for that parameter, in some embodiments, the combination of two or more might together compute as an “event” and trigger the alarm. Thus, the processor can evaluate the combination of the parameters (data) in accordance with the algorithm to evaluate whether the combination of two or more of the cumulative values will trigger an “event” thereby activating the alarm system124.

Also note that the system ofFIG. 12can be configured in alternate embodiments that if the head rotation R4or impact force F4exceeds the values R3and F4, and the alarm system114is triggered, these values are transmitted to the storage file122and considered in the cumulative calculations generated. This ensures that the forces which trigger the alarm remain part of the impact history. Thus, in this embodiment, the flow chart ofFIG. 12would include an arrow that in addition to sending a signal to trigger an alarm (in response to the first decision box), would also show data being sent to the storage file to update the record.

Note that in certain embodiments of the system ofFIG. 12, the predetermined value R3and F3are different, i.e., greater, than the first predetermined values R1and F1ofFIG. 11. That is, in such embodiments, a comparative analysis is first made by the processor120to determine if this first (lower) predetermined value R1, F1is exceeded. If it is exceeded, than a comparison is made to R3and F3and the foregoing steps ofFIG. 12apply. However, in such embodiments if the force R4or F4does not exceed this lower value R1, F1, it is considered a non-event as in the system steps ofFIG. 11, and no data is transferred, thereby ensuring that minor impacts on the helmet which have no adverse bodily effect are not transmitted to the storage file register and are omitted from any injury calculation or evaluation. Note these identical steps to that ofFIG. 11regarding the first predetermined values are omitted from the flow chart ofFIG. 12for clarity. If the force R4or F4, on the other hand, does exceed the first predetermined value R1or F1, it constitutes an “event” and is then compared to the predetermined value R3, F3in accordance with the first decision box ofFIG. 12.

The alternate embodiments ofFIGS. 13 and 14provide an injury tracking system where the helmet wearer's injury can be assessed right on site. That is, the helmet contains software to assess brain injury patterns by various methods such as an eye tracking system to assess the focusing/concentration ability of the wearer, a motion tracking system to determine if the user can follow a set of verbal commands to move parts of his body, a hearing testing system to determine the wearer's response to commands, a verbal testing system to determine the wearer's verbal response to questions and/or commands, as well as other forms of testing the wearer, including a smell test emitter of a stimulant gas or liquid. As can be appreciated, such systems can utilize for example, visual, verbal, olfactory and/or auditory testing. If the user fails the injury assessment test by not performing the commands within acceptable preset standards/parameters, then an alarm is triggered to alert the wearer and others that sufficient brain injury, e.g., a concussion, has occurred. Consequently, the helmet itself can function as “on site physician.” Note the injury testing in the embodiment ofFIG. 14differs from that ofFIG. 13in that it is also tied into the accumulation of incidents of injury, severity and frequency, as explained in detail below.

Turning first to the embodiment ofFIG. 13, as in the embodiment ofFIG. 11, one or more sensors detects and measures head rotation and/or external force applied to the helmet. The measured rotational force is sent by the sensor134(FIG. 17) to a processor130. The processor130receives the signal from the sensor134indicative of the measured rotational force R6where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value R5. If the measured rotational force R6does not exceed a threshold value R5, then it is considered a “non-event” and the injury tracking system138is not initiated. Similarly, if the measured external force F6received from force sensor132by processor130does not exceed a threshold value F5, then it is considered a “non-event” and the injury tracking system138is not initiated. Note the values R6and F6can be the same as R4and F4of the embodiment ofFIG. 12or alternatively other values. Additionally, the threshold values R5and F5can be the same or different than values R3and F3ofFIG. 12.

On the other hand, if the measured rotational force R6or the measured external force F6exceeds the predetermined or threshold value R5, F5, respectively, a signal is sent to the injury tracking system138to initiate (activate) the system. The injury tracking system138is show schematically in the block diagram ofFIG. 17A. The system138includes a processor150and a transmitter152to transmit commands to the wearer. The wearer responds (input156) to the commands and the responses are inputted to the processor150for assessment. A data display154could also be provided which provides visual commands or prompts (instructions) to the wearer whose responses are inputted to the processor150.

More specifically, when the injury tracking system138is initiated (activated), the command or prompt is given to the wearer (user) such as a visual command for the user to move his hand or foot, or the user is instructed to focus his vision on various screens, such as display screen154. If the wearer can follow the commands and satisfy the testing parameters, no alarm is triggered and the injury tracking system138is reset for later initiation if necessary. However, if the user cannot follow the commands within the acceptable parameters, a signal is sent to the alarm system140to trigger the alarm or other indicator. The alarm can be of various forms such as audible or visual, e.g., a beeping sound can be heard or a light or LED can be illuminated in the helmet.

A storage file136could also be provided to record the type of injury, location of injury, date/time of injury and force value in the same manner as the system ofFIG. 11.

In the alternate system ofFIG. 14A, 14B(contained on two sheets of drawings-FIGS. 14A-14Bdue to the length of the flow chart), the injury tracking system is initiated either by a) initial measured force impact (as in the system ofFIG. 13) or b) by cumulative calculations of specified parameters. That is, viewed in one way, the system ofFIG. 14A, 14Bdiffers from that ofFIG. 13in that it also calculates cumulative history as in the system ofFIG. 12, and uses these calculations to activate the injury tracking system, if necessary, not just relying on the initial measurements as in the system ofFIG. 13. Viewed in another way, this embodiment ofFIG. 14A, 14Bdiffers from that ofFIG. 12in that the cumulative calculations alone are not sufficient to trigger the alarm, but instead, a test of the wearer's motor skills, focus, hearing, etc. is utilized to detect the severity of the injury, and only if the wearer's responses to the testing are determined deficient, is the alarm triggered. This provides on site assessment of injuries and can avoid premature initiation of an alarm since the trigger is not based solely on cumulative history but on a measurement of the wearer's functional abilities which are representative of the severity of the injury.

More specifically, as in the previous embodiments, in the alternate system and method ofFIG. 14A, 14B, a sensor detects and measures head rotation and/or external force applied to the helmet. The measured rotational force is compared to a first predetermined or threshold value. If the measured rotational force sent to the processor from the sensor (such as rotation sensor134ofFIG. 17) does not exceed a threshold value, a signal is not sent from the processor to the injury tracking system (such as injury tracking system138ofFIG. 17) and the injury tracking system is not initiated to activate a test for the wearer as it is computed as a “non-event.” However, the data, e.g., type of injury, location of injury, date/time of injury, force value, etc., is sent to the storage file to update the register to record the data (parameters) in the same manner as in the system ofFIG. 12. Similarly, the measured external force measured by a sensor (such as force sensor132ofFIG. 17) is compared by a processor to a predetermined or threshold value. If the measured force does not exceed a threshold value, a signal is not sent by the processor to the injury tracking system (such as injury tracking system138) and the injury tracking system is not initiated to activate the test for the wearer as it is computed as a non-event. However, the data, e.g., type of injury, location of injury, date/time of injury, force value, etc., is sent to the storage file to update the register to record the data (parameters) in the same manner as inFIG. 12. Thus, if the measured rotational or impact force does not exceed the predetermined values, then the data is transferred to the storage file to perform cumulative calculations of the type of injury, location of injury, date/time of injury and the rotational or impact force value in the same manner as described above in conjunction with the embodiment ofFIG. 12. Once a cumulative total of each of these parameters is calculated, a cumulative value of each of these parameters is generated, which is representative of the wearer's personal history of injury incidents, and it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value correlating to a safe cumulative value in accordance with an algorithm which evaluates the cumulative values for each parameter as well as a combination of cumulative values to determine if the combination presents a significant injury as described above in the system ofFIG. 12. If the threshold value representative of the safe cumulative value, or combination value is exceeded, then a signal is sent to initiate the injury tracking system, and the system runs as in the embodiment ofFIG. 13andFIG. 17described above, triggering an alarm or indicator if the wearer does not pass the test, i.e., does not satisfy the prompts or commands transmitted to the wearer, which is indicative of sufficient brain injury. If the cumulative values or combination values does not exceed the threshold value, then the injury tracking system is not triggered but the storage file remains updated with the new data for later addition to subsequent force impacts so the values can be recalculated to assess if activation of the tracking system is warranted at a later date.

In other words, in the system ofFIG. 14A, 14B, cumulative values are computed and compared to the threshold values in the same manner asFIG. 12, except that if the threshold is exceeded, instead of triggering an alarm as the next step as inFIG. 12, the injury tracking system138is activated to determine if an alarm needs to be triggered. The injury tracking system can be the same as described above with respect toFIG. 13and for brevity is not repeated herein. Note that the provision of an algorithm to calculate the cumulative values, and evaluate their significance either independently or as a combination can be the same as that described above with respect toFIG. 12and therefore for brevity is not repeated herein.

If, on the other hand, the measured rotational force from the sensor (e.g., sensor132) exceeds a threshold or predetermined value (see first decision box ofFIG. 14A), a signal is sent from the processor to the injury tracking system to activate the test for the wearer as described above in conjunction withFIG. 13. Similarly, if the measured force from the sensor (e.g., sensor134) exceeds a threshold or predetermined value (FIG. 14A), a signal is sent from the processor to the injury tracking system to activate the test for the wearer. The tracking system tests the wearer's motion, force/concentration, hearing, etc. in the manner described above to determine if it conforms to acceptable parameters, and if not, an alarm is triggered or other indicator is activated to alert the wearer and others that sufficient injury has occurred.

If measured force exceeds the threshold value to trigger the injury tracking system, preferably data (e.g., type, location, and date of injury and force value) is sent to the storage file to record the history for later retrieval from memory and evaluation.

The foregoing helmets thus contain the wearer's information/history which is easily accessible from memory. The tracking system can advantageously replace the on field physician. The tracking system can be placed for example on Plexiglas face protector on the helmet or integrated into google type glasses on the front of the helmet.FIG. 18illustrates an example where the tracking system is placed on the face protector of the helmet.

The force sensors/transducers can be placed at various regions of the helmet so as to monitor impact at any portion of the helmet.

In addition to providing systems as outlined in the flow charts ofFIGS. 11-14B, the present invention can also include methods for tracking impact on a helmet comprising the steps set forth in the flow charts ofFIGS. 11-14B.

Note the processor can be implemented utilizing a microprocessor, micro-computer, central processing unit or any other device that manipulates analog and/or digital signals. The memory module, e.g., storage file, performs a storage function while the processor executes operational instructions. The systems disclosed herein can be wireless.

There are various ways to power the helmets disclosed herein such as pressure, battery, polar, solar kinetic energy, etc.

The foregoing helmets can also include one or more cameras so that the wearer's reaction can be viewed during activation of the injury tracking system. Cameras can be aligned with the wearer to view what the wearer is visualizing, aligned with the wearer's eyes and/or additional cameras viewing from behind the wearer or to either side of the wearer.

As noted above, the helmets with impact tracking and/or injury tracking systems ofFIGS. 11-18can also optionally include structure to vary shock absorption and/or to diffuse and disperse the impact as in the helmets ofFIGS. 1-10. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of air cells with relief valves are positioned within the helmet as described above. The cells can be of different characteristics so their shock absorption function is initiated depending on the extent of impact. The shock absorbers can alternatively be composed of compressible foam with differing flexibility/compressibility as described above. The outer shell can also optionally include a low friction surface to reduce the force impact by diffusing the force of a direct hit to the helmet. The outer shell can also optionally spin with respect to the outer body. Thus, the helmets ofFIGS. 1-10with varying shock absorption can optionally be provided with any of the systems ofFIGS. 11-18.

While the above description contains many specifics, those specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure as defined by the claims appended hereto.