Impact awareness device

An impact awareness device (IAD) may include an impact switch configured to transition from an open-circuit state to a close-circuit state when a force is exerted on the IAD in a first direction and exceeds a force threshold. The IAD may further include a headliner configured to couple with a protective headgear. The headliner may include a flexible band comprising one or more substrates configured to conform to a headband of the protective headgear, and an electronic circuit coupled to the flexible band and electrically coupled to the switch and wherein when the force threshold is exceeded the electronic circuit transmits an indication signal to provide an indication of the likelihood of a head and a vertebral column injuries when the indicator signal is received.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to an impact awareness device for indicating the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column injuries after an impact event and, more specifically, for determining the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column injury from an impact event, immobilizing the head and/or diverting impact forces away from the head and/or vertebral column during the duration of the impact event.

BACKGROUND

Protecting the head and vertebral column from the impact forces which may cause injury is a critical objective. Determining the risk and the likelihood that a person has suffered a head and/or vertebral column injury as the result of an impact is often fraught with difficulties ranging from confusion, due to a lack of available information after an impact event, to the need to resume competition despite apparent trauma. Such injuries include bone or cartilage damage to the skull or vertebral column and/or brain injuries such as M.T.B.I. (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) to brain concussions and contusions.

Accordingly, a need exists for an alternative user worn device for protecting the head and/or vertebral column and determining the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column injury has occurred in real time as well as after an impact event for the benefit of both the user and outside observers.

SUMMARY

An impact awareness device (IAD) may include an impact switch configured to transition from an open-circuit state to a close-circuit state when a force is exerted on the IAD in a first direction and exceeds a force threshold. The impact switch may include a hub including a hub base coupled to the hub and having a central axis centered in the hub base, and a conductive body with a body axis coupled to the hub base, the body axis lies along the central axis. A conductive member may be coupled to the hub base along the central axis. A first wire may be electrically coupled to the conductive member. A second wire may be electrically coupled to the conductive body, The IAD may further include a headliner configured to couple with a protective headgear. The headliner may include a flexible band comprising one or more substrates configured to conform to a headband of the protective headgear, and an electronic circuit coupled to the flexible band and electrically coupled to the switch and wherein when the force threshold is exceeded the electronic circuit transmits an indication signal and a trigger signal. The IAD may further include an indicator circuit coupled to the protective headgear and electrically coupled to the electronic circuit, the indicator circuit is configured to provide an indication of the likelihood of a head and a vertebral column injuries when the indicator signal is received.

In another embodiment, a method of immobilizing a protective headgear in relation to a torso mount may include detecting an impact with impact awareness device (IAD), determining if the force threshold has been exceeded, indicating that the force threshold has been exceeded with the indicator circuit, and transmitting the trigger signal to an interlaced mat. The interlaced may include a flexible magnetorheological (MR) fluid assembly configured to transition from a fluid state to a rigid state when a magnetic field is present. The flexible MR fluid assembly may include a protective tube, a flexible tube disposed within the protective tube, a MR fluid disposed within the flexible tube, a magnetic wire electrically coupled to the electronic circuit and configured to create the magnetic field to transition the MR fluid from the fluid state to the rigid state when the trigger signal is received, one or more inner longitudinal tubes disposed within the flexible tube and enclosing the MR fluid, and a ferromagnetic core disposed within the flexible tube along a tube axis. The one or more flexible MR fluid assemblies may be woven together. The interlaced mat may have a first mat end and a second mat end, the first mat end is removably coupled to the protective headgear and the second mat end is removably coupled to the torso mount. The method may further include transitioning the one or more flexible MR fluid assemblies to the rigid state.

In yet another embodiment, an impact immobilization device to reduce the likelihood of head and a vertebral column injuries, the immobilization device may include an impact awareness device (IAD). The IAD may include an impact switch configured to transition from an open-circuit state to a close-circuit state when a force is exerted on the IAD in a first direction and exceeds a force threshold. The impact switch may include a hub including a hub base coupled to the hub and having a central axis centered in the hub base, and a conductive body with a body axis coupled to the hub base, the body axis lies along the central axis. A conductive member may be coupled to the hub base along the central axis. A first wire may be electrically coupled to the conductive member. A second wire may be electrically coupled to the conductive body, The IAD may further include a headliner configured to couple with a protective headgear. The headliner may include a flexible band comprising one or more substrates configured to conform to a headband of the protective headgear, and an electronic circuit coupled to the flexible band and electrically coupled to the switch and wherein when the force threshold is exceeded the electronic circuit transmits an indication signal and a trigger signal. The IAD may further include an indicator circuit coupled to the protective headgear and electrically coupled to the electronic circuit, the indicator circuit is configured to provide an indication of the likelihood of a head and a vertebral column injuries when the indicator signal is received.

The impact immobilization device may also include a headgear immobilization device electrically coupled to the electronic circuit. The headgear immobilization device may include a mounting base coupled to the protective headgear; a mounting bracket that removably couples to the mounting base and comprises a quick release lever, wherein when the mounting bracket is inserted into the mounting base, the mounting bracket and the mounting base are coupled together and when the quick release lever is actuated, the mounting bracket and the mounting base are decoupled apart; and one or more linear locks. Each linear lock may include a lock housing with a first lock end and a second lock end, a mount with a first mount end and a second mount end, the first mount end is coupled to the first lock end and the second mount end is coupled to the mounting bracket, a rod with a first rod end and a second rod end, a plurality of substantially parallel grooves are disposed along the rod between the first rod end and the second rod end, the first rod end travels through a housing aperture at the second lock end, and the second rod end is coupled to a torso mount, and an interrupter mechanism is disposed within a platform, the platform is disposed within the lock housing and slideably couples with the rod, the interrupter mechanism is configured to restrict the travel of the rod by engaging an individual groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves when the trigger signal is received thereby restricting the movement of the protective headgear in relation to the torso mount.

The impact immobilization device may also include a binding immobilizer coupled to the torso mount and electrically coupled to the electronic circuit. The binding immobilizer may include a belt comprising a plurality of substantially parallel grooves, a belt mount coupled to the belt at a distal end, a buckle coupled to the belt at a proximal end, and a roller buckle slideably coupled to the belt between the proximal end and the distal end and configured to matedly couple with the buckle around the torso mount and wherein the interrupter mechanism is disposed within a recess in the belt mount and configured to removably engage a groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves when the trigger signal is received.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the present disclosure. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible, and it will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, with any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. All publications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1 through 4with specific numerical reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B, multiple embodiments of an impact switch10are shown. The impact switch10is an open circuit device (i.e., it will not conduct current (non-conductive) between a first wire40and a second wire45in a rest state). The impact switch10is configured to transition to a close circuit device (i.e., conduct current (conductive) between the first wire40and the second wire45) when a force threshold is exceeded. In other words, when the impact switch10is exposed to a force that exceeds the force threshold the impact switch10is configured to detect or designed to detect, the impact switch10will indicate that the force threshold has been exceed by changing from an open circuit device (non-conductive) to a close circuit device (conductive).

The force that the impact switch10responds to may be an impact event (i.e., an event that exerts a force to the impact switch10for some duration of time) or it may be a sudden motion event (i.e., an impulse force). The impact switch10may be oriented in a specific direction to increase its sensitivity to the force along a specific axis. The impact switch10may have many configurations but generally, the impact switch is configured to detect lateral movements, 360 degrees around a central axis30.

Referring now toFIGS. 1A and 1B, an exploded view of the impact switch10is shown. The impact switch10includes a hub15, a hub base20, a conductive body25, a conductive member35, the first wire40, and the second wire45. The hub15provides the mounting structure for the impact switch10. The hub15may be circular in shape, square, or a combination thereof. The hub15may include mounting brackets (not shown) or other hardware to secure the hub15to a surface or structure. The hub base20is substantially centered upon a central axis30and is shaped to matedly couple with the conductive body25. The hub base20may be coupled to the hub15. In another embodiment, the hub15and the hub base20may be constructed as one piece. In all embodiments, the hub15and the hub base20are made from non-conductive materials and may be made from glass, epoxy, ceramic, plastic, coated metal, coated glass, epoxy, ceramic or plastic or other dielectric materials.

The conductive member35may be resilient, may be positioned along the central axis30, and coupled to the hub base20. The conductive member35is configured to lie along the central axis30while the impact switch10is in a rest state. The rest state is when zero or about zero forces are exerted on the impact switch10. The conductive member35may take on a number of shapes as sizes as shown below inFIGS. 2A through 2Ithat may determine the force threshold for the impact switch10.

The conductive body25is coupled to the hub base20. The conductive body25may include a body axis31. The body axis31defines the center of the conductive body25. The body axis31may also define the area within the conductive body25where the conductive member35occupies while in the open-circuit state. In one embodiment, the conductive body25is coupled to the hub base20. In another embodiment, a lip55may be coupled to the conductive body25and may be configured to matedly couple with the hub base20and secure the conductive body25to the hub15. The lip55and the hub base20may be coupled through an adhesive, crimping, welding, soldering, sealant material, rivet, screw, nail, shrink fitting, interference fit, threaded coupling, or male and female taper fitting.

The shape of the conductive body25is configured to be circumferentially and equidistantly surround the conductive member35. In one embodiment, the conductive body25may be cylindrical in shape and centered on the central axis30. The conductive body25may have a body circumference60. In another embodiment, the conductive body25may be spherical in shape and centered on the central axis30.

The conductive body25may include one or more apertures70to negate a detection of motion in the impact switch10in a specific direction. In other words, the impact switch10will not transition to a closed circuit state when the conductive member35reacts to an impact and moves to contact the conductive body25in a specific direction. The one or more apertures70may provide an open space so that the conductive member35does not make an electrical connection with the conductive body25. The one or more apertures70allow the impact switch10to be customized for specific applications.

In one embodiment, the conductive body25may include a cap50. The cap50may be used to prevent the intrusion of dust and other contaminants between the conductive member35and the conductive body25. The cap50may also be color coded to indicate the force threshold the impact switch10is configured to determine. The cap50may be conductive or non-conductive. For example, in one embodiment, the conductive member35may be configured to contact the cap50. In this embodiment, the cap50is made from conductive material and the cap50is electrically coupled to the conductive body25. In another embodiment, the conductive member35may not be configured to contact the cap50. In this embodiment, the cap50may not be made from conductive material and the cap50may be coupled to the conductive body25may not be required to be an electrical coupling. The cap50may be coupled to the conductive body25through an adhesive, crimping, welding, soldering, sealant material, rivet, screw, nail, shrink fitting, an interference fit, threaded coupling, or male and female taper fitting.

In another embodiment, the cap50is conductive and covers the distal end of conductive body25, where the proximal end of the conductive body25is coupled to the hub15. The distal end may include a slanted edge. This slanted edge allows for the impact switch10to indicate more than one force threshold. For example, upon impact, the conductive member35will transition to a closed-circuit state upon contacting the conductive body25on one side where the impact force was induced. The resiliency of the conductive member35may be under damped. Therefore, upon returning towards the central axis30, the conductive member35may also electrically contact the slanted edge of cap50in an opposite direction and thus transition to a closed-circuit state again and indicate a second, lesser force threshold.

In yet another embodiment instead of the slanted edge, the conductive body25may include one or more flat inner wall sections. The flat inner wall sections may allow for the impact switch10to indicate more than one force threshold. The conductive member35will transition to a close-circuit state upon contacting the conductive body25on one side where a force was induced to the impact switch10. The resiliency of the conductive member35may be under damped. Therefore, upon returning towards the central axis30, the conductive member35may also electrically contact the flat inner wall of conductive body25in an opposite direction and thus transition to a closed-circuit state again and indicate a second, lesser force threshold.

The first wire40and the second wire45may be used to electrically couple the impact switch10to detection circuitry used to determine the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column injury from an impact. The first wire40may be electrically coupled to the conductive member35through the hub15. The second wire45may be electrically coupled to the conductive body25through the hub15. In one embodiment, the conductive body25may be removably coupled to the hub base20. In this embodiment, the second wire45may be disposed on an outer surface of the hub base20to electrically couple with the conductive body25when the conductive body25is coupled to the hub base20as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B.

There are several ways to configure the impact switch10to determine the desired force threshold. The body circumference60of the conductive body25may be increased or decreased to change the point of contact between the conductive body25and the conductive member35. A center point of the body circumference60lies along the central axis30. The shape of the conductive body25may be changed to change the point of contact between the conductive body25and the conductive member35. The orientation and/or angle of the impact switch10to the force applied to the impact switch10could be changed to increase or lessen the force and momentum imparted to the conductive member35. The conductive member35may be made of differing materials to change the amount of flex in the shaft200ofFIGS. 2A through 2Ior the conductive member35structure could be changed to change the amount of resiliency or flex in the shaft200. The conductive body25may include the slanted edge, the flat wall sections, or a combination of slanted edges and flat wall sections as described above. The properties of the conductive member35are described below.

FIGS. 2A through 2Iillustrate the many embodiments of the conductive member35and the structural changes that may be made to influence the resiliency or flex of the shaft200of the conductive member35. For example, the conductive member35may include an upper shaft end215, a lower shaft end205, a first shaft end225, a second shaft end220, and a neck portion210. The shaft200may be coupled to the hub base20by the second shaft end220. The coupling of the second shaft end220to the hub base20may serve as an anchor or foundation for the conductive member35. The first shaft end225may not be coupled to any object. Therefore, any force imparted on the impact switch10ofFIGS. 1A and 1Bwould move the hub15, hub base20, the conductive body25, and the lower shaft end205. However, inertia would serve to keep the upper shaft end215stationary initially. The structural characteristics and composition of the conductive member35would determine when the force threshold is exceeded, or the amount of force needed, for the conductive member35to contact the conductive body25.

The properties of the shaft200of the conductive member35may be made from any electrically conductive materials including but not limited to copper, steel, metal alloys, conductive carbons such as graphene, stanene, or conductive composites. The conductive member35may also vary in the thickness, length, or geometric shape to include circular, square, triangular, hexagonal, and the like. Alternatives to changing the length, thickness, or geometric shape of the shaft200may include increasing a hub base height65as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1Bbetween the first shaft end225and the second shaft end220. The different hub base height65may allow for the same conductive body25to be used on several impact switches, each impact switch having a different force threshold depending on the hub base height65.

FIGS. 2A through 2Cillustrate a substantially circular shaped conductive member35.FIGS. 2F through 2Hillustrate a substantially square shaped conductive member35.FIGS. 2E, 2I, and 2Jillustrate structural characteristics made to the upper shaft end215of the conductive member35to determine the force threshold. Referring now the neck portion210ofFIGS. 2A through 2CandFIGS. 2F through 2H, the neck portion may change the structural characteristic of the conductive member35.FIGS. 2A and 2Fillustrate the neck portion210near the second shaft end220. These embodiments may be used for low gravity (G) force thresholds where the mass of the shaft200above the neck portion210towards the first shaft end225and the composition of the shaft200may serve to set the force threshold of the impact switch10ofFIGS. 1A and 1B. Example force thresholds may be from about 0.1 Gs (gravitational force) to about 10 Gs. In one embodiment, about 8 Gs may be indicative of head and/or vertebral column injury from an impact.FIGS. 2B and 2Fillustrate the neck portion210equidistance between the first shaft end225and the second shaft end220.FIGS. 2C and 2Gillustrate the neck portion210towards the first shaft end225and may be used for high force threshold.

The shape of the neck portion210may also be changed to influence the force threshold of the impact switch10ofFIGS. 1A and 1B. As illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2E, a sharp transition from the upper shaft end215and the lower shaft end205to the neck portion210. The sharp transition may provide for a sharp change in the force threshold of the conductive member35from a conductive member35without a neck portion210and made from the same composition.FIGS. 2B and 2Fillustrate a slight taper in the transition from the upper shaft end215and the lower shaft end205to the neck portion210. The slight taper in the transition may serve to increase the robustness of the conductive member (i.e., the sharp transition ofFIGS. 2A and 2Emay fatigue over time and use) and serve to provide a more accurate force threshold determination of the impact switch10.FIGS. 2C and 2Gillustrate a gradual taper of the transition between the upper shaft end215and the lower shaft end205to the neck portion210. The gradual taper of the transition may provide for a minimal change in the force threshold of the conductive member35from a conductive member35without a neck portion210and made from the same composition.

The combination of the position of the neck portion210between the first shaft end225and the second shaft end220and the transition of the upper shaft end215and the lower shaft end205to the neck portion210changes the force threshold of the impact switch10.

FIG. 2Dillustrates a conductive tube230slideably coupled to the shaft200of the conductive member35. An overlap distance235is defined as the distance between the first shaft end225and the lower tube end245. The conductive tube230is electrically coupled to the conductive member35. The conductive tube230is coaxially aligned with the conductive member35along the central axis30. The overlap distance235may be changed to determine the force threshold of the impact switch10.

FIGS. 2H and 2Iillustrate a disk240coupled to the first shaft end225of the shaft200. The disk240may include the dimensions of a length L and a height H that may be used to determine the force threshold of the impact switch10. The disk240may be the part of the conductive member35that makes contact with the conductive body25. The tighter the tolerance between the disk240and the conductive body25(i.e., the larger the length L is) the lower the G rating of the force threshold is. The length L may never be greater than the body circumference C inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The height H may be increased to increase the mass of the disk240. Increase mass will increase the inertia of the disk and increase the force threshold of the impact switch10. The shaft200is resilient and reacts to an impact. The disk240does not function to be resilient and provides for a consistent and repeatable transition to the closed-circuit state when the force threshold is reached. The disk240may be a separate piece that is attached to the shaft200or the shaft200and the disk240may be made from the same block of material.

It should be understood that multiple combinations may be used to configure the conductive member35and determine the force threshold of the impact switch10. In one embodiment, more than one neck portion210may be used in the shaft200. In another embodiment, more than one neck portion210may be used where each neck portion210has a different transition between the shaft200and the neck portion210. In yet another embodiment, the disk240embodiments ofFIGS. 2H and 2Iand the conductive tube embodiment230ofFIG. 2Dmay include the neck portion210in the shaft200.

FIG. 3illustrates a double impact switch300where the impact switch10and a second impact switch305is coaxially aligned with each other along the central axis30. The second impact switch305and impact switch10may share a double hub315. The double hub315may include the hub base20and a second hub base320. The double hub315may include all the properties of the hub15described above to include that it made from non-conductive materials and may serve as a conduit for the first wire40, the second wire45, a third wire340, and a fourth wire345. Referring to the second switch305, the fourth wire345may be disposed through the double hub315and may be configured to electrically couple with a second conductive body325. The third wire340may also be disposed through the double hub315and may be electrically coupled to a second conductive member335. The second conductive member335may be coupled to the second hub base320, be coaxially aligned with the conductive member35, and may have a different structure characteristic and composition so that the second conductive member335of the second switch305has a different force threshold, or second force threshold, from the force threshold, or first force threshold, of the impact switch10. In another embodiment, the first force threshold may be about equal to the second force threshold. In all embodiments, the discussion above concerning the conductive member35applies to the second conductive member335.

The second conductive body325may have a second cap350. The second cap350may be used to prevent the intrusion of dust and other contaminants between the second conductive member335and the second conductive body325. The second cap350may also be color coded to indicate the force threshold the second switch305is configured to determine. The second cap350may be conductive or non-conductive. For example, in one embodiment, the second conductive member335may be configured to contact the second cap350. In this embodiment, the second cap350is made from conductive material and the second cap350is electrically coupled to the second conductive body325. In another embodiment, the second conductive member335may not be configured to contact the second cap350. In this embodiment, the second cap350may not be made from conductive material and the second cap350may be coupled to the second conductive body325may not be required to be an electrical coupling. The second cap350may be coupled to the second conductive body325through an adhesive, crimping, welding, soldering, sealant material, rivet, screw, nail, shrink fitting, an interference fit, threaded coupling, or male and female taper fitting.

In another embodiment, the second cap350is conductive and covers the distal end of second conductive body325, where the proximal end of the second conductive body325is coupled to the double hub315. The distal end may include a slanted edge. This slanted edge allows for the double impact switch300to indicate more than one force threshold. For example, upon impact, the second conductive member335will transition to a closed-circuit state upon contacting the second conductive body325on one side where the impact force was induced. The resiliency of the second conductive member335may be under damped. Therefore, upon returning towards the second switch axis, the second conductive member335may also electrically contact the slanted edge of second cap350in an opposite direction and thus transition to a closed-circuit state again and indicate a second, lesser force threshold from the impact switch10.

In yet another embodiment instead of the slanted edge, the second conductive body325may include one or more flat inner wall sections. The flat inner wall sections may allow for the double impact switch300to indicate more than one force threshold. The second conductive member335will transition to a close-circuit state upon contacting the second conductive body325on one side where a force was induced to the double impact switch300. The resiliency of the second conductive member335may be under damped. Therefore, upon returning towards the second switch axis, the second conductive member335may also electrically contact the flat inner wall of second conductive body325in an opposite direction and thus transition to a closed-circuit state again and indicate a second, lesser force threshold from the second impact switch305.

The double impact switch300may be used to provide another determination if a force threshold of was exceeded in a certain direction, as with the embodiment where the first threshold of the impact switch10is about equal to the second force threshold of the second switch305. In another embodiment, the first threshold of the impact switch10may be greater than the second force threshold of the second switch305and may be used to determine the magnitude of the force applied to the double impact switch300. In other words, if the second force threshold was exceeded but not the first force threshold, it may be determined that the force applied to the double impact switch300was between the G rating of the impact switch10and the G rating of the second switch305. In another example, if the first threshold was exceeded, the second threshold was also exceeded. This may serve to provide a redundant indication that the first force threshold indication is correct. This may aid in a stepped indication of the force applied to the double impact switch300to determine the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column injury. The double impact switch300is shown inFIG. 3in an over-under configuration. In other embodiments, the impact switch10may be in a side-by-side configuration such as illustrated inFIG. 4with the impact switch10and the third switch400. In another embodiment, the second switch305may not be coaxially aligned with the impact switch10. The double hub315may support the second switch305in any orientation to indicate the second force threshold in a second direction. For example, the second impact switch305may have a second switch axis (not shown but coaxially aligned with the second conductive member335, the second switch axis may be orthogonal to the central axis30. In yet another embodiment the second axis may be at an angle to the central axis30.

FIG. 4illustrates a triple impact switch405. The impact switch10and the second switch305are coaxially aligned as explained above. A third switch400is co-located with the impact switch10and the second switch305on a triple hub415. The third switch400is oriented in the same direction as the impact switch10. In other words, the conductive member35and the third conductive member435are oriented in the same direction as well as the conductive body25and third conductive body425such that the central axis30is substantially parallel to a third axis410. This allows for a force exerted on the triple impact switch405to affect the impact switch10, second switch305, and the third switch400identically, although each switch may have different force thresholds due to the conductive member35, second conductive member335, and the third conductive member435having different structure characteristics, composition, or differing body circumferences (example body circumference60ofFIGS. 1A and 1B.) of their respective conductive bodies (i.e., conductive body25, second conductive body325, third conductive body425). As explained above, in the embodiment for with differing force thresholds for each switch (impact switch10, second switch305, and the third switch400), each force threshold may allow for a more accurate determination of the magnitude of the force measured in Gs exerted on the triple impact switch405.

The impact switch10, the second switch305and third switch400may share the triple hub415. The triple hub415may include the hub base20, the second hub base320, and a third hub base (not shown). The triple hub415may include all the properties of the hub15described above to include that it is non-conductive and may serve as a conduit for the first wire40, the second wire45, the third wire340, the fourth wire345, a fifth wire440, and a sixth wire445to pass through it. Referring to the third switch400, the fifth wire440may be disposed through the triple hub415and may be configured to electrically couple with the third conductive body425. The fifth wire440may also be disposed through the triple hub415and may be electrically coupled to the third conductive member435. The third conductive member435may be coupled to the third hub base (not shown but identical in function to the hub base20ofFIGS. 1A and 1Band structured to matedly couple with the third conductive body425) and may be coaxially aligned with the third conductive member435. The third conductive member435may also have a different structure characteristic and composition so that the third conductive member435of the third switch400has a different force threshold, or third force threshold, from the force threshold, or first force threshold, of the impact switch10and from the force threshold, or second force threshold, of the second switch305. In another embodiment, the third force threshold may be about equal to the first force threshold and the second force threshold. In all embodiments, the discussion above concerning the conductive member35applies to the third conductive member435.

The third conductive body425may have a third cap450. The third cap450may be used to prevent the intrusion of dust and other contaminants between the third conductive member435and the third conductive body425. The third cap450may also be color coded to indicate the force threshold the second switch305is configured to determine. The third cap450may be conductive or non-conductive. For example, in one embodiment, the third conductive member435may be configured to contact the third cap450. In this embodiment, the third cap450is made from conductive material and the third cap450is electrically coupled to the third conductive body425. In another embodiment, the third conductive member435may not be configured to contact the third cap450. In this embodiment, the third cap450may not be made from conductive material and the third cap450may be coupled to the third conductive body425may not be required to be an electrical coupling. The third cap450may be coupled to the third conductive body425through an adhesive, crimping, welding, soldering, sealant material, rivet, screw, nail, shrink fitting, an interference fit, threades coupling, or male and female taper fitting.

In another embodiment, the third cap450is conductive and covers the distal end of third conductive body425, where the proximal end of the third conductive body425is coupled to the triple hub415. The distal end may include a slanted edge. This slanted edge allows for the triple impact switch405to indicate more than one force threshold. For example, upon impact, the third conductive member435will transition to a closed-circuit state upon contacting the third conductive body425on one side where the impact force was induced. The resiliency of the third conductive member435may be under damped. Therefore, upon returning towards the third axis410, the third conductive member435may also electrically contact the slanted edge of third cap450in an opposite direction and thus transition to a closed-circuit state again and indicate a second, lesser force threshold from the third switch400.

In yet another embodiment instead of the slanted edge, the second conductive body325may include one or more flat inner wall sections. The flat inner wall sections may allow for the double impact switch300to indicate more than one force threshold. The second conductive member335will transition to a close-circuit state upon contacting the second conductive body325on one side where a force was induced to the double impact switch300. The resiliency of the second conductive member335may be under damped. Therefore, upon returning towards the second switch axis, the second conductive member335may also electrically contact the flat inner wall of second conductive body325in an opposite direction and thus transition to a closed-circuit state again and indicate a second, lesser force threshold.

The size of the impact switch10, second switch305, and the third switch400may be from about 0.5 mm×0.5 mm to about 20 mm×20 mm. In one embodiment, the size of the impact switch10, second switch305, and the third switch400may be from about 4.0 mm×4.0 mm. The size of the switch may allow for coupling of the switch closer to a head of a user to determine the force exerted on the head more accurately. The minimal size may also allow for more switches to be positioned around the head without discomfort or irritation. In one embodiment, impact switches with lower force thresholds may be positioned on a user to detect motion to force sensitive areas of the body which may lead to a head and/or vertebral column injury or other trauma. Further, impact switches with larger force thresholds may be positioned on a user to detect motion to stronger areas of the body in which a larger force is needed to lead to a head and/or vertebral column injury or create trauma to the body of the user.

In another embodiment, the triple impact switch405may not be oriented in the same direction as the impact switch10. The triple hub415may support the third switch400in any orientation to indicate the third force threshold in a third direction. For example, the third axis410may be orthogonal to the central axis30. In yet another embodiment the third axis410may be at an angle to the central axis30.

The impact switch10, the double impact switch300, the triple impact switch405are non-limiting examples of the difference configurations the impact switch may take. The impact switch may include as many as five conductive members and conductive bodies, each with their own force threshold. For example, an impact awareness device (IAD) (FIG. 6Abelow) may include the impact switch configured to determined when a force is exerted on the IAD in a first direction; a second switch with a second force threshold coupled to the headliner and configured to determine when a second force is exerted on the IAD in a second direction; a third switch with a third force threshold coupled to the headliner and configured to determine when a force is exerted on the IAD in a third direction; a fourth switch with a fourth force threshold coupled to the headliner and configured to determine when a force is exerted on the IAD in a fourth direction; and a fifth switch with a fifth force threshold coupled to the headliner and configured to determine when a fifth force is exerted on the IAD. For example, the first direction, the second direction, and third direction may all be a same direction and the indicator circuit may include a first three light emitting diode (LED), a second LED, and a third LED. The indicator circuit may illuminate and indicate the magnitude of the impact force along the same direction by illuminating the first LED if the force threshold is exceeded, illuminating the second LED if the second force threshold is exceeded, and illuminating the third LED if the third force threshold is exceeded.

In another embodiment, there may be a daisy chain of impact switches defining a closed shape. The daisy chain would allow the impact direction to be defined in a 360 degree plane. Multiple daisy chains may be coupled at specific angles to each other to get a three dimensional magnitude and vector of an impact.

Sealant may be used to cover the impact switch10, the double impact switch300, the triple impact switch405, and any other embodiments of the impact switch to create a watertight, dustproof seal around the impact switch. The one or more wires (first wire40, second wire45, etc) may penetrate the sealant to electrically couple the impact switch to other electronics.

Referring generally toFIGS. 5 through 7, with specific numerical reference toFIG. 6A, the IAD may be used to removably couple with a protective headgear700ofFIG. 7A. The IAD may be configured to sense the magnitude (G-force) of an impact, direction of the impact, and determine the likelihood of a concussion or trauma to a user. The IAD is configured to sense the impact in three-dimensions, X, Y, and Z. The X dimension is indicated by the first rib axis625, the Y dimension by the second rib axis645, and the Z dimension by the third rib axis627.

Referring toFIG. 5, a headliner500is shown. The headliner500may include a flexible band510, an electronic circuit520, one or more conductors535, one or more bridge conductors525, and a power supply550. The flexible band510may include one or more substrates515, one or more expansion joints540, one or more joint control devices530, and one or more band apertures545. The flexible band510may be configured to conform to either a head of a user or alternatively to a headband which may be removably coupled with a protective headgear700ofFIG. 7A. The one or more substrates515may be made from a flexible plastic, cloth, elastic fabric, silicone, or the like. The one or more substrates515are arranged to end-to-end (565) and along with the one or more expansion joints540, create a closed-shape. The one or more substrates515provide a mounting surface for other components of the headliner500. For example, the electronic circuit520, the one or more conductors535, the one or more bridge conductors525, and the power supply550are coupled to the one or more substrates515of the flexible band510.

The flexible band510also includes one or more expansion joints540and one or more joint control devices530. The one or more expansion joints540may allow for the adjustment of the flexible band510to conform to either a user's head or a headband of the protective headgear. The one or more expansion joints540may either be an open space between the one or more substrates515or the one or more expansion joints540may be an elastic material coupled between the one or more substrates515. If the one or more expansion joints540are an elastic material, the one or more joint control devices530may not be needed. In one embodiment, the one or more joint control devices530is configured to maintain a maximum fixed distance between the ends of the one or more substrates515. For example, and as shown inFIG. 5, the one or more joint control devices530may be a tether. The tether may be a string, tube, wire, strip of material, or other non-elastic material coupled between the ends565of the one or more substrates515and configured to maintain the maximum fixed distance. In this embodiment, the maximum fixed distance is determined by the one or more bridge conductors525. The tether may be needed where the one or more substrates515is made from a cloth or elastic material and the one or more conductors535and/or the one or more bridge conductors525may be damaged by excessive stretching of the one or more expansion joints540.

In another embodiment, the one or more joint control devices530is configured to impart a biasing force between the one or more substrates515and is coupled between the one or more substrates515. The biasing force may be imparted to draw, or pull the ends565of the one or more substrates515together. This may allow the510to have a friction fit with a user's head. The one or more joint control devices530may be a clip spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, a torsion spring, a flat spring, or a wire-formed spring, all made from spring steel or the like. The biasing force may be needed where the one or more substrates515is made from a rigid material such as plastic or the like. In yet another embodiment, the one or more joint control devices530may be a manually adjustable device. The manually adjustable device may include a hook and loop fastener, a belt and buckle, a strap and buckle adjustable clips, a snapback device, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the one or more expansion joints540may not be needed and the one or more substrates515are a single substrate in a closed-shape configuration. In yet another embodiment, the one or more substrates515may be made from an elastic material and the one or more expansion joints540may be sewn with a series of overlapping folds that expand and contract to conform to a user's head.

It yet another embodiment, the one or more joint control devices may include a clip spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, a torsion spring, a flat spring, or a wire-formed spring as described above in combination with the tether. This embodiment may allow for flexing of the one or more expansion joints540and the tether will maintain the maximum fixed distance as described above.

The one or more substrates515may include one or more band apertures545. The one or more band apertures545may be used to secure the headliner500to a surface or structure such as, for example, a headband of a protective headgear. The one or more substrates515may also have one or more impact switches (the impact switch10ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, double impact switch300ofFIG. 3, triple impact switch405ofFIG. 4, and/or other variants of the impact switch10as described above) mounted to it. As shown inFIG. 5, 10 six double impact switches300are secured to the one or more substrates515. Further, two impact switches10are secured to the one or more substrates515. The location and orientation of the impact switches10and the double impact switches300are described in greater detail below.

The headliner500may also include the electronic circuit520. The electronic circuit520is electrically coupled to the impact switches located on the headliner500. The electronic circuit520makes the determination of the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column injury or trauma when one or more of the impact switches transition from an open-circuit state to a closed circuit state. If the determination is made, an indicator signal and/or a trigger signal may be transmitted by the electronic circuit520. The indicator signal and the trigger signal are described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit520may not transmit both signals. For example, the electronic circuit520may send the trigger signal and not the indicator signal.

In one embodiment, the electronic circuit520may include a controller, a computer readable medium, and software executed by a processor. In another embodiment, the electronic circuit520may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is designed and programmed to execute a program. In both embodiments, the electronic circuit520may include input/output ports and an electrical connector555. The electrical connector555may be electrically coupled to the electronic circuit520, may be used to electrically couple external components to the electronic circuit520or to signally couple an external personal computer or other computing device to download impact recordings or to upload updated software.

The power supply550may provide power for the electronic circuit520and the one or more impact switches (the impact switch10ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, double impact switch300ofFIG. 3, triple impact switch405ofFIG. 4, and/or other variants of the impact switch10as described above). The power supply may be one or more battery cells or one or more capacitors. The one or more conductors535electrically connect the electronic circuit520, the one or more impact switches, and the power supply550together. The one or more bridge conductors525are configured to span the one or more expansion joints540and are electrically coupled to the one or more conductors535. The one or more bridge conductors525and the one or more conductors535may be a ribbon cable, one or more insulated wires, an optical fiber, or other electrically conductive materials.

The electronic circuit520and the power supply550are not limited to be positioned in the headliner500. The electronic circuit520and the power supply550may be positioned anywhere to include the torso mount830(FIG. 8), in a headgear housing external to the protective headgear700(FIG. 7), a substrate sewn within a jersey of a user, a substrate adhered to an internal lining of the protective headgear700, or a belt housing secured to a belt of the user.

Referring now toFIG. 6A, the headliner500is shown with one or more resilient ribs600. The one or more resilient ribs600include a first rib610with a first rib end615and a second rib end620and defining a first rib axis625. The first rib end615is coupled to the headliner500with a first connector660and the second rib end620is coupled to the headliner500with a second connector665. The first connector660is opposite the second connector665on the headliner500. A second rib630with a third rib end635and a fourth rib end640define a second rib axis645, the third rib end635is coupled to the headliner500with a third connector670and the fourth rib end640is coupled to the headliner500with a fourth connector675, the third connector670is opposite the fourth connector675on the headliner500. The first rib axis625is perpendicular to the second rib axis645. The first connector660, the second connector665, the third connector670, and the fourth connector675are configured to removably couple the headliner500to the protective headgear700ofFIG. 7A.

Referring toFIG. 6B, the second connector665is shown coupled to the first rib610at the first rib end615. The second connector665has a first side690and a second side685, the first side690is hingedly coupled to the second side685. One or more fastening devices695may be used to secure the first side690to the second side685. In one embodiment, the one or more fastening devices695are configured to penetrate and secure a fabric edge697of a fabric liner605and the one or more snaps are configured to matedly couple with the one or more band apertures545of the one or more substrates515of the headliner500. In another embodiment, the one or more fastening devices695may be a hook fastener and the fabric edge697may be a loop fastener and the one or more snaps are configured to matedly couple with the one or more band apertures545of the one or more substrates515of the headliner500. The fabric liner605may be coupled to the first rib610and the second rib630and provide for a barrier between a user's head and first rib610, the second rib630, and headliner500.

The first connector660, the second connector665, the third connector670, and the fourth connector675may include one or more protective enclosures680for protecting the components of the headliner500. For example, the protective enclosure680ofFIG. 6Bwould cover or encapsulate the impact switch10of the headliner500when the headliner500is inserted into the second connector665and the first side690is coupled to the second side685to secure the headliner500. Not shown is a protective enclosure680on the second side685to cover or encapsulate the impact switch10when the first side690and the second side685are coupled together. It should be understood the discussion of the second connector665is representative of the first connector660, the third connector670, and the fourth connector675as well.

Referring back toFIG. 6A, impact switches10and the double impact switches300are oriented in such a manner so that in combination, they will react to sudden motion events occurring in X, Y, and Z coordinates/directions. As described above, each impact switch transitions to a closed-circuit state when the impact is applied to the impact switch as substantially orthogonally, and in a 360 degree arc around the central axis30. Multiple switches, in combination, allow for the X, Y, and Z reactions to impacts, whether they are sudden motion events or occur of a period of time. For example, the four impact switches10are configured to detect the rotational movement of the IAD around the third rib axis627. The six double impact switches300are configured to detect the rotational movement of the IAD around the first rib axis625and the second rib axis645.

One or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay be used to measure and/or detect the movement of the brain of a user relative to the skull during athletic events or occupational hazards. The one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700din conjunction with the electronic circuit520may also measure and/or detect the movement or other subcutaneous tissues and/or organs relative to other tissues and/or organs in their proximity. The electronic circuit520may provide an indication through the indication signal if the movement of the brain relative to the skull reaches and/or exceeds a motion threshold. The one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700din conjunction with the electronic circuit520may use ultrasound technology which may be associated with sonography and/or Doppler shift monitors. The one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700din conjunction with the electronic circuit520may take real-time readings for momentary or temporary display or store the readings as data for later review on a computer readable medium. When activated by a trigger signal, described in greater detail below, a reading will be received by the electronic circuit520to indicate whether there was any tissue movement and/or how much tissue movement and the indication signal indicative of the reading will be transmitted.

In one embodiment, ultrasonic device1700cand1700dmay be position at about the temple of the user's head. The trigger signal from the electronic circuit520may ultrasonic device1700cand receive an ultrasonic signal from1700d. The ultrasonic signal may be indicative of the shift of tissue within the skull. The electronic circuit520may use a look up table to compare to the ultrasonic signal to determine that amount of shift of the tissue or brain that occurred as a result of the impact. In another embodiment, the electronic circuit520may measure an amount of dopler shift between an ultrasonic wave transmitted by the ultrasonic device1700cand the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic device1700d.

One or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay be coupled to the resilient ribs (first rib610and the second rib630) and configured to detect a shift in the user's brain. The one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay work in pairs, one as a transmitter and one as a receiver. For example,1700amay transmit an ultrasonic frequency through the user's head and1700bmay receive that signal. The one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay be electrically coupled to the electronic circuit520through the one or more conductors535and one or more bridge conductors525. The positioning of the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay be such that an shift in the brain of the user is easily detected, such as for example, located at the temples of a user. In another embodiment, the position of the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay be where shown inFIG. 6A. In yet another embodiment, the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay need to be in contact with the user's scalp or skin. If the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dare in contact with the user's scalp or skin, a thin layer of silicone or other material which allows comfortable yet effective contact where necessary on the user may be used to also insulate and/or cushion the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dfrom the user's scalp or skin. In another embodiment, the one or more ultrasonic devices1700may be coupled to the protective headgear700ofFIG. 7A.

The one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay operate in a continuous mode where the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dare constantly transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. In another embodiment, the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay operate in a burst mode where the trigger signal from the electronic circuit520as described above would cause the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dto transmit and receive the ultrasonic signal for a fixed duration of time. The fix duration of time may be about 1 second. In another embodiment, the fix duration of time may be about 5 seconds or more.

The one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dmay be electrically coupled to the electronic circuit520. The software in the electronic circuit520may dictate which situations burst mode versus continuous mode is used. For example, when the power supply550starts to run low on energy, the electronic circuit520may switch from the continuous mode to the burst mode. In one embodiment, the electronic circuit520is located in the headliner500. In another embodiment, the electronic circuit520and power supply550may be located in a torso mount on the user. One or more wires may electrically couple the electronic circuit520and the power supply550to the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700d.

The electronic circuit520may detect the shift of the brain using the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dand indicate Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (M.T.B.I.) a concussion or other trauma to the brain through an indicator circuit725fromFIG. 7Adescribed below, through progressive incidence detection, or visually on a small screen (not shown) indicating a number which represents the amount of shift which has occurred or other visual or audible indicator including graphic images of the brain in motion. The number would be indicative of the amount of motion which may suggest M.T.B.I. has occurred. The electronic circuit520may also use a wireless device to transmit the ultrasonically gathered information to a receiver. The electronic circuit520may also transmit a series of successive indicating information and/or images detected by the one or more ultrasonic devices1700a,1700b,1700c, and1700dof the brain and to another display and or receiver so the brain can be monitored. The receiver may be a smartphone, PC or base unit. The electronic circuit520may also record the images to a computer readable medium to provide information pertaining to the number of impacts, which impact switch indicated a force threshold was reached, and other brain shift information. A wired connection port may be configured to allow the computer-readable medium to be access and the recording to be read. The wired connection port may be coupled to the indicator circuit725. In another embodiment, the electrical connector555ofFIG. 5may serve as the wired connection port.

Referring now toFIG. 7A, an IAD705is shown. The IAD705may include the headliner500, one or more resilient ribs600, and the indicator circuit725. In another embodiment, the IAD may include only the headliner500. InFIG. 7A, the headliner500is shown surround a head750of a user with the first rib610, the second rib630spanning over the top of the head750. The orientation of the headliner500is shown with the second connector665on the side of the head750. The protective headgear700is worn by the user and in this embodiment, the headliner500with one or more resilient ribs600is coupled to the protective headgear700by one or more attachment points710. The one or more attachment points710may be a piece of fabric, coupled to the one or more resilient ribs600and looped through the protective padding735of the protective headgear700to secure the headliner500to the protective headgear700. In another embodiment, the one or more attachment points710may be a hard plastic and secured to the protective headgear by fastening devices. Fastening devices include, but are not limited to, screws, buttons, snap buttons, bolts, rivets, nails, adhesives, Velcro (hook and loop fastener, weld, epoxy, or any similar device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. In yet another embodiment, the one or more attachment points710may be fastening devices that couple the headliner500to the protective headgear700.

Referring toFIGS. 7A, 7B, 7Cthe indicator circuit725may be coupled to the protective headgear700and be electrically coupled to the electronic circuit520. The electronic circuit520is electrically coupled to the indicator circuit725through a communication cable720. The communication cable720electrically couples with the electronic circuit520through the electrical connector555. The communication cable720may allow the indicator signal to be as simple as a pulse to illuminate a Light Emitting diode (LED) or complex phase and/or frequency modulated signals to carry image data from the one or more ultrasonic devices1700. The indicator circuit725may be configured to provide an indication of the likelihood of an impact related injury when the indicator signal is received from the electronic circuit520. The indication may be an audible, a visible, a tactile, or a pallesthesia indication. Pallesthesia is defined as the ability to sense a vibration. Examples of visible indication may include a data readout display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an electroluminescent light, one or more Light Emitting diodes (LEDs) (single and/or multi-colored and/or phosphor-based LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), quantum dot LEDs, Nixie tubes, light strips, fluorescent light, incandescent light bulbs or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the indicator circuit725may be a wireless device configured to wirelessly transmit the indicator signal to a receiver. Wireless protocols such as IEEE 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n may be used to signally communicate the indication signal or other protocols which may become available. As used throughout, the indication signal may be as simple as a pulse to tell the indicator circuit725to provide visual or auditory indications. The indication signal may be a signal that includes information pertaining to brain shift, number and magnitude of impacts, and cumulative information of impacts while the IAD705is powered. In another embodiment, the wireless device may be configured to both send and receive wireless signals to and from other IADs705and/or to a central base unit. This embodiment may allow for a remote user to also be informed and/or alerted of another user's sudden motion event and/or information. The alerting information may include sudden motion event indicating codes, such as but not limited to pulses of light images or vibrations, and/or digital and/or numeric representations for a given sudden motion event. Such information may also be secured via digital encryption.

Referring toFIG. 7B, the indicator circuit725is shown. The indicator circuit725may include one more display mount apertures729to secure the indicator circuit725to a surface or structure. The indicator circuit725may include a display face727. The display face727may include the one or more LEDs728as shown inFIG. 7B. In another embodiment, indicator circuit725may include the audible device such as a piezo buzzer, speaker with associated circuitry to project an audible instruction or warning, or a mechanical clacker. The display face727may couple with a dust cover of the audible device. In yet another embodiment, the indicator circuit725may include a display and the display face727may include a screen of the display. The display may scroll messages across it, display error codes, impact codes, graphical illustrates of the impact, or flash to alert an operator of the potential for the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column injury or trauma.

Referring now toFIG. 7C, a front view of the protective headgear700with the IAD705and indicator circuit725. The indicator circuit725may be mounted on the protective headgear700or an applicable object such as shoulder pads or chest piece. The indicator circuit725may be mounted where it is protected from impacts. In another embodiment, the indicator circuit725may be housed within a protective housing724ofFIG. 7B. As shown inFIGS. 7A and 7C, the indicator circuit725may be mounted slightly lower than an outer surface730of a faceguard740of the protective headgear700so the indicator circuit725is protected from impacts with other helmets or objects. The indicator circuit725may be coupled to the protective headgear700by fastening devices.

The IAD705may include an on-off switch. The on-off switch may be manually operated and located on the protective headgear700. The on-off switch may be a simple toggle switch that allows a user to turn on and turn off the IAD705. In another embodiment, the IAD705may include a power switch765located within the protective headgear700and configured to turn on the IAD705when a user places their head within the protective headgear700. The IAD705may turn off when the user removes the protective headgear700from their head. In another embodiment, the power switch765may be located within a torso mount830ofFIG. 8and turn-on the IAD705when the user wears the torso mount830. The IAD705may turn-off when the user removes the torso mount830. In yet another embodiment, the IAD705may be remotely activated or deactivated by a third user. In all embodiments, the power switch may be a toggle switch, a pressure switch, a proximity switch, a lever switch, a rocker switch, or the like.

Referring generally toFIGS. 8 through 17, with specific numerical reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B, the IAD705may include structures for the immobilization of and/or protection from impact forces to the user's head during a potentially injurious impact event while wearing the protective headgear700. The immobilization device has two states; an active state and an inactive state. In the inactive state, the user's head will be normally in a state of free articulation and the structures connecting the protective headgear700headgear to a torso mount830will allow for passive articulation of the user's head without restriction. In the active state, the protective headgear700may become immobilized and temporarily unified with the structure of the torso mount830, thereby providing a protective impact force absorbing barrier between the object causing the impact and the user's head. The user's head may be immobilized via the structures connecting the protective headgear700to the torso mount830. When the structures are activated, the protective headgear700is frozen in the head's current position at about the moment of impact. The structures will not move the head/spine into alignment. The active state may be initiated via a detected event such as, for example, an impact and a trigger signal is sent to the structures from the electronic circuit520as described above. The duration of the active state is depended on the duration of the detected event. For example, the head may be immobilized (activated) for the duration of a motor vehicle accident and immediately mobilized (deactivated) upon the cessation of the accident.

The structures may be activated by electric switches, such as but not limited to the impact switch described above, accelerometers, and inertial switches, located about or upon the user which are triggered by impacts and/or sudden accelerations or decelerations or other detected events upon the user or the headgear.

Referring now toFIGS. 8A and 8B, a headgear immobilization device800is shown. The headgear immobilization device800includes a mounting base810, a mounting bracket815, one or more linear locks825, and a quick release lever820. The one or more linear locks825couple the protective headgear700to the torso mount830. The torso mount830may be a shoulder pad, shoulder harness, chest pad, back pad, and or other wearable apparatus which will allow for appropriate mounting. A binding immobilizer1001may be coupled to the torso mount830and be configured to help restrain the body of the user during an impact and while receiving the trigger signal from the electronic circuit520ofFIG. 5. The binding immobilizer1001is discussed in greater detail below.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bshow the mounting base810and the mounting bracket815. The mounting base810may be coupled to the protective headgear700through fastening devices805, the fastening devices are described above. The mounting base810includes one or more mount slots850and one or more slots835. The mounting bracket815includes one or more pegs840and one or more mount plates865which may include one or more mount teeth855. The pegs840are coupled to the mounting bracket815on the backside870. The one or more mount plates865are coupled to the mounting bracket815on the frontside875. Individual ones of the one or more linear locks825are coupled to the upper universal joint845which is coupled to individual one or more mount plates865. One or more torso plates860may be used to couple the one or more linear locks825to the torso mount830ofFIG. 8A. The torso plate860may include a lower universal joint880coupled between each linear lock825and each torso plate860.

The mounting bracket815matedly couples with the mounting base810. The mounting bracket815unifies the one or more linear lock825for ease in coupling with the mounting base810. The mounting bracket815may also include a biasing mechanism827to bias the mounting bracket815away from the protective headgear700when the mounting bracket815and the mounting base810are not coupled together. The one or more pegs840aid in aligning the mounting bracket815with the one or more slots835on the mounting base810. The quick release lever820is actuated to release the mounting bracket815from the mounting base810. The combination of the mounting base810and the mounting bracket815may allow a user to put their protective headgear700on, tilt their head back, and feel for the one or more pegs840slip into the one or more slots835and lock the quick release lever820on one or both sides of the mounting bracket815. In another embodiment, the quick release lever820may also include a snap, clasps, spring clip, and the like.

In another embodiment, the mounting base810may coupled to a lower rim885of the protective headgear700and the one or more torso plates860may coupled a vertical surface890(FIG. 8B) of the torso mount830. In this embodiment, the one or more mount teeth855may not be needed. This configuration allows for the one or more linear locks825to lie substantially along the vertical surface890and may reduce the restriction of articulation of the user's head. This configuration may also allow for minimal to no contact between each linear lock of the one or more linear locks825to through the full articulated range of the headgear immobilization device800.

The one or more upper universal joints845and the one or more lower universal joints880allow a user to move their head in the state of free articulation. The one or more upper universal joints845may include a first joint end891and a second joint end892and one or more lower universal joints with a third joint end893and a fourth joint end894, the one or more upper universal joints845and the one or more lower universal joints880are configured to allow a free range of movement between the protective headgear700and the torso mount830. The first joint end891is coupled to the second mount end925, the second joint end892is coupled to the mounting bracket815, the third joint end893is coupled to the second rod end945, and the fourth joint end894is coupled to the torso mount830. The one or more upper universal joints845and the one or more lower universal joints880may be a ball joint, a hinge and socket joint, a pivot joint, a saddle joint, a hinge joint, a cradle joint, a conyloid joint, or combinations thereof.

Referring toFIGS. 10A through 10E, multiple embodiments of the one or more linear locks825are shown.FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate a square embodiment of the linear lock825andFIGS. 10C and 10Dillustrate a round embodiment of the linear lock825. The round embodiment includes one or more guides975and one or more guide grooves980to keep a rod slide960in alignment. The rod slide960is explained further below.

Referring toFIG. 10E, each linear lock of the one or more linear locks825includes a lock housing900with a first lock end910and a second lock end905. A mount915includes a first mount end920and a second mount end925. The first mount end920may be coupled to the first lock end910and second mount end925may be coupled to the mounting bracket815. A rod935includes a first rod end940and a second rod end945. A plurality of substantially parallel grooves955are disposed along the rod935between the first rod end940and the second rod end945. The first rod end940travels through a housing aperture950at the second lock end905, and the second rod end945is coupled to a torso mount830as shown inFIG. 8A. An interrupter mechanism1000may be disposed within a platform965. The platform965may be disposed within the lock housing900and slideably couples with the rod935. The interrupter mechanism1000is configured to restrict the travel of the rod935by engaging an individual groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955when the trigger signal is received from the electronic circuit520ofFIG. 5, thereby restricting the movement of the protective headgear700in relation to the torso mount830.

A stop930may be coupled to the mount915and be used to restrict a total travel of the rod935. A peg (not shown) may be coupled to the rod935and prevent the rod935from sliding out of the lock housing900. The peg may slideably engage a slot aperture (not shown) on the mount915. In another embodiment, the peg may slideably engage a slot aperture in the lock housing900. The peg may include a push button release to quickly remove the peg and allow the rod935to be removed from the lock housing900. If, for example, the quick release lever820should be damaged due to an impact, the push button release may still allow for the protective headgear700to be separated from the torso mount830. The peg may be a small rod, a screw, a bolt, or other protrusion from the rod925that is configured to slideably coupled with the slot aperture. In another embodiment, the peg may be coupled to the lock housing900and the slot aperture may be coupled to the rod935.

In the above embodiment, the rod935includes the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955. In another embodiment, the rod935may be coupled to the rod slide960. The rod slide960slideably couples with the platform965and includes the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955. The rod slide960may aid in the alignment of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955and the interrupter mechanism1000.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, illustrate a binding immobilizer1001. The binding immobilizer1001is a device for the immobilizing of binding materials including but not limited to chords, straps, ropes and belts. The binding immobilizer1001may normally be unrestricted to allow a belt1020to extend or retract. When the binding immobilizer1001receives the trigger signal from the electronic circuit520ofFIG. 5, the binding immobilizer1001may instantly brake to limit or stop any extension or retraction of the belt1020via the interrupter mechanism1000which may be an electromagnetically actuated latching mechanism. In one embodiment, the binding immobilizer1001may be used to help secure the torso mount830with the user at the moment of impact, allowing free movement of the user's body until it is activated, thereby stopping the further extension of the user's body and/or the torso mount830from the body. In another embodiment, the binding immobilizer1001may also be used the control the excessive motion of the user's head when attached to the protective headgear700and torso mount830by itself or in combination with (immobilizers,FIGS. 8A through 10EandFIGS. 12A through 18B) herein described as well as in contact sports, as part of climbing equipment, safety equipment for workers on high rises, construction workers, window washers, wind generator workers and as seatbelts for drivers and occupants of vehicles.

Referring toFIG. 11A, the binding immobilizer1001may include the belt1020, a roller buckle1005coupled to the belt1020between a proximal end and a distal end, a buckle1010coupled to the belt1020at the proximal end, and a belt mount1025coupled to the belt1020at the distal end. The belt1020may not be elastic. The buckle1010and the roller buckle1005each have a first mount aperture1007. The buckle1010and the roller buckle1005may be configured to matedly couple and secure the belt1020around or through the torso mount830. In another embodiment, the first mount aperture1007may be used to secure the buckle1010to a first surface, structure, or device and the second mount aperture1008may be used to secure the roller buckle1005to a second surface, structure, or device.

FIG. 11B, illustrates a cross-sectional view of the binding immobilizer1001. The stationary belt1026may be elastic. The belt1020may include a plurality of substantially parallel grooves955. The roller buckle1005may include a roller1015that allows the belt1020to change a belt length1033.

Referring toFIGS. 11B and 11C, the interrupter mechanism1000is disposed within a recess1070. The interrupter mechanism1000may include one or more pawls1040and an actuator1060. The actuator1060may be a solenoid, a electromagnet/magnet pair, or a spring under compression with a retaining device configured to release the spring when triggered. The actuator is configured to provide an upward force in the direction of B to move the one or more pawls1040in the direction of A. The one or more pawls1040are configured to removably engage a groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955and rotate about a pivot point1045. The one or more pawls1040are configured to engage the groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955regardless of the direction of travel of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955. For example, in one embodiment with a single pawl1040, the interrupter mechanism1000may engage the groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955in only one direction. For example, in the embodiment shown, the one or more pawls1040may engage the groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955is both linear directions and engage the same groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955. In the stopped position, the pawls are seated within a groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955. In the stopped position, the belt1020is restricted in its movement. In a free position, the pawls are seated in the recess1070and the belt1020is not restricted in its movement. The function of the interrupter mechanism is discussed in greater detail below.

In one embodiment, the belt mount1025may include a backer block1030. The backer block1030may provide a surface for the one or more pawls1040to engage the belt1020in the stopped position and prevent the belt1020from slipping over the one or more pawls1040. In another embodiment, the backer block1030is not needed and the belt mount1025may be configured to provide the surface for the one or more pawls1040to engage the belt1020in the stopped position and prevent the belt1020from slipping over the one or more pawls1040.

FIGS. 12A through 12Cillustrate the various embodiments of the interrupter mechanism1000. The interrupter mechanism1000may further include the actuator1060, the one or more pawls1040, and on or more upper stops1095. The actuator1060is configured to transition the one or more pawls1040from a stopped position to a free position. The free position is illustrated inFIG. 12Aand the stopped position is illustrated inFIG. 12B. In one embodiment, the actuator1060may include an electromagnet1085, the magnet1080, a first trigger wire1055and a second trigger wire1065. When the trigger signal is received through the first trigger wire1055and the second trigger wire1065, the electromagnet1085may energize and magnetically exert a biasing force on the magnet1080in the direction of arrow B. The biasing force may be exerted through the same polarity sides of the magnet1080and the energized electromagnet1085are facing each other causing a repulsive force between the magnet1080and the electromagnet1085. The magnet1080may slideably coupled with the one or more pawls1040and transition the one or more pawls1040from the free position to the stopped position. When the trigger signal is removed, the electromagnet may de-energize and the magnet1080may move opposite the direction of arrow B and transition the one or more pawls from the stopped position to the free position. The one or more pawls1035may include a biasing mechanism to induce a downward bias (opposite arrow B) to aid in the disengagement of the one or more pawls1035when the trigger signal is removed.

In yet another embodiment, the actuator1060may further include a spring1090, a pin1075, a guide sleeve1050, and one or more pawl springs1035. In this embodiment, the pin1075may be coupled to the spring1090and the one or more pawl springs1035. The spring1090is further coupled to the magnet1080and may provide an additional biasing force in the direction of arrow B and aid the electromagnet1085biasing force, when energized, to transition the one or more pawls1040from the free position to the stopped position. The one or more pawl springs1035are coupled to the pin1075and configured to slideably couple with the one or more pawls1040.

Referring now toFIG. 12C, the one or more pawls1040may include a first pawl1041and a second pawl1042. When the belt1020ofFIG. 11Bor the rod935ofFIG. 10Eis traveling across the one or more pawls1040in the direction of arrow C, the second pawl1042will engage the groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955. Alternatively, when the belt1020ofFIG. 11Bor the rod935ofFIG. 10Eis traveling across the one or more pawls1040in the direction of arrow D, the first pawl1041will engage the groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955. The one or more pawl springs1035allow the first pawl1041to act independently of the second pawl1042. In other words, if for example, the belt1020exerted a downward force on the first pawl1041, the second pawl1042may not drop and miss engaging the groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955because the pin1075was dropped due to the force exerted on it due the first pawl1041.

Referring back toFIGS. 12A and 12B, the actuator1060is disposed within a recess1070. The guide sleeve1050may be disposed within the recess1070and the actuator1060may be disposed within the guide sleeve1050. The guide sleeve1050may keep the components of the actuator1060in alignment and may also prevent the magnet1080from tilting or flipping when the electromagnet1085is energized.

In yet another embodiment, and referring toFIGS. 12A and 12B, instead of the electromagnet, when energized, biasing the magnet1080in the direction of arrow B, the spring1090may provide the biasing force to the magnet1080. In this embodiment, the interrupter mechanism1000may be in the stopped position when the electromagnet is de-energized. The trigger signal may instruct a controller to de-energize the electromagnet1085. When the electromagnet is energized, it may provide an attraction force that overcomes the biasing force of the spring1090and transitions the interrupter mechanism to the free position.

In yet another embodiment, the belt1020ofFIG. 11Bor the rod935ofFIG. 10Emay not have the plurality of substantially parallel grooves955disposed on them. The one or more pawls1040may engage the belt1020or the rod935through friction.

In yet another embodiment, the lock housing900ofFIG. 10Eand the belt mount1025ofFIG. 11Cmay include a protective lip to prevent material or a user's skin from entering the lock housing900or the belt mount1025during free movement of the linear lock825or the binding immobilizer1001. The protective lip may slideably couple with the belt1020. Furthermore, the lock housing900and the belt mount1025may be enclosed within a dust cover to prevent any particulate build-up within the lock housing900and the belt mount1025.

Referring generally toFIGS. 13 through 18Bwith specific numerical reference toFIG. 13, a flexible magnetorheological (MR) fluid assembly (i.e., a flexible electromagnet assembly1240ofFIG. 13and a stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565ofFIG. 14A) may be used to restrict the movement of the protective headgear700to the torso mount830ofFIG. 16A. MR fluid1225is a type of smart fluid in a carrier fluid, usually a type of oil. When the MR fluid is subjected to a magnetic field, the fluid greatly increases its apparent viscosity, to the point of becoming a viscoelastic solid or a rigid member. The yield stress of the MR fluid1225when in its active (“on”) state can be controlled very accurately by varying the magnetic field intensity. The MR fluid's ability to transmit force can be controlled with an electromagnet. In other words, the MR fluid1225may be configured to transition from a fluid state to a rigid state when a magnetic field is present. The MR fluid1225may be disposed with a protective tube1210and a magnetic wire1235may be wrapped around a flexible tube1205. The magnetic wire1235may be electrically coupled to the electronic circuit520ofFIG. 5and may create a magnetic field to transition the MR fluid from a fluid to a rigid member when the trigger signal is received.

Referring toFIG. 13, the flexible electromagnet assembly1240is shown. Each flexible electromagnet assembly1240includes a protective tube1210with a flexible tube1205disposed within the protective tube1210, the flexible tube1205has a ferromagnetic core1215along a tube axis1220of the flexible tube1205and a MR fluid1225disposed within the flexible tube1205and surrounding the ferromagnetic core1215. A magnetic wire1235may be wrapped around the flexible tube1205and electrically coupled to the electronic circuit520ofFIG. 5. The magnetic wire1235in combination with ferromagnetic core1215may create a magnetic field to transition the MR fluid from a fluid to a rigid member when the trigger signal is received.

The flexible electromagnet assembly1240may also include one or more longitudinal tubes1230disposed within the flexible tube1205and configured to enclose the MR fluid1225. The one or more longitudinal tubes1230may provide another lay of protection against puncture and loss of MR fluid1225and may also keep the MR fluid even distributed around the ferromagnetic core1215.

Referring toFIGS. 14A and 14B, the stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565is shown. The stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565may include one or more stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565, each stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565may include one or more magnetic plugs1515. The magnetic plugs include a flexible tube1520with a first tube end1525and a second tube end1530and a magnetic wire1235wrapped around the flexible tube1520. The magnetic wire1235has a first plug wire1570and a second plug wire1575. The one or more stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565may also include one or more capture tubes1535with a first capture end1545and a second capture end1550wherein the first capture end1545is configured to matedly couple with the second tube end1530and the second capture end1550is configured to matedly couple with the first tube end1525. The one or more stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565may also include the MR fluid1225disposed within the one or more capture tubes1535, wherein the one or more magnetic plugs1515and one or more capture tubes1535are coupled together to create each stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565. Each stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565may include a first cap1555and a second cap1560configured to keep particulates and other material out of the stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565. Each stack1556may also be enclosed in a flexible sealant.

Referring now toFIG. 15, an interlaced mat1251is shown. The interlaced mat1251may include one or more flexible electromagnet assemblies1240, one or more stacked flexible electromagnet assemblies1565, or a combination thereof woven together and coupled between two moveable objects, such as for example, the protective headgear700and the torso mount830and shown below inFIGS. 16A and 16B. When the trigger signal is received from the electronic circuit520ofFIG. 5, a current in the magnetic wire1235creates a magnetic field which aligns a plurality of particles in the MR fluid1225thereby making the interlaced mat1251rigid and restricting the movement of the protective headgear700in relation to the torso mount830. When the electronic circuit520ceases to send the trigger signal, the plurality of particles in the MR fluid1225will relax thereby allowing a free range of movement between the protective headgear700and the torso mount830. The combination of the one or more flexible electromagnet assemblies1240and one or more stacked flexible electromagnet assemblies1565is shown inFIG. 15. It should be understood that the interlaced mat1251may include only one or more flexible electromagnet assemblies1240or only one or more stacked flexible electromagnet assemblies1565.

FIGS. 16A and 16Billustrate a magnetic headgear immobilization device1200. The magnetic headgear immobilization device1200may be configured as the interlaced mat1251, shown inFIG. 15, where the interlaced mat1251has a first mat end1250and a second mat end1255. The first mat end1250is coupled to the protective headgear700and the second mat end1255is coupled to a torso mount830. When the trigger signal is received from the electronic circuit520ofFIG. 5, the magnetic headgear immobilization device1200restricts the movement of the protective headgear700in relation to the torso mount830. In another embodiment, the first mat end1250may be coupled to the protective headgear700and the second mat end1255may be slideably coupled to a torso mount830or vice versus. In other words, the magnetic headgear immobilization device1200may be removably coupled to both the protective headgear700and the torso mount830. The binding immobilizer1001may be coupled to the torso mount830and be configured to help restrain the body of the user during an impact and while receiving the trigger signal. The binding immobilizer1001is discussed in greater detail above.

Referring toFIG. 17, illustrates a stacked mat1501. The stacked mat1501may include a first sheet1580and a second sheet1585positioned on the first sheet1580, the one or more flexible electromagnet assemblies1240, one or more stacked flexible electromagnet assemblies1565, or a combination thereof, are disposed between the first sheet1580and the second sheet1585and are substantially parallel to each other to create the stacked mat1501. The first sheet1580and the second sheet1585may enclose the one or more flexible electromagnet assemblies1240, one or more stacked flexible electromagnet assemblies1565, or a combination thereof and provide a protective barrier. In another embodiment, the first sheet1580and the second sheet1585may be a single sheet folded over.

The stacked mat1501has a first stacked mat end1505and a second stacked mat end1510. Each flexible tube1520of the stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565are electrically coupled in series. In other words and referring toFIG. 14A, the first plug wire1570of the flexible tube1520is electrically the second plug wire1575of the adjacent flexible tube1520. The first stack wire1512and the second stack wire1511electrically couple the one or more magnetic wires1235of the one or more adjacent flexible tubes1520together and are electrically coupled to the electronic circuit520ofFIG. 5.

Referring toFIGS. 18A and 18B, illustrates a vertically aligned magnetic headgear immobilization device1500. The vertically aligned magnetic headgear immobilization device1500may include the stacked mat1501ofFIG. 17and include the first stacked mat end1505is coupled to the protective headgear700and the second stacked mat end1510is coupled to a torso mount830. When the trigger signal is received from the electronic circuit520ofFIG. 5, each stacked flexible electromagnet assembly1565becomes rigid and thereby the stacked mat1501becomes rigid and restricts the movement of the protective headgear700in relation to the torso mount830. When the electronic circuit520ceases to send the trigger signal, the plurality of particles in the MR fluid will relax thereby allowing a free range of movement between the protective headgear700and the torso mount830. The binding immobilizer1001may be coupled to the torso mount830and be configured to help restrain the body of the user during an impact while receiving the trigger signal. The binding immobilizer1001is discussed in greater detail above. In another embodiment, the first stacked mat end1505may be coupled to the protective headgear700and the second stacked mat end1510may be slideably coupled to a torso mount830or vice versus. In other words, the vertically aligned magnetic headgear immobilization device1500may be removably coupled to both the protective headgear700and the torso mount830.

FIGS. 19 through 26illustrate the ornamental views of an indicator for a protective headgear as shown and described.

When the IAD705is worn by a user, the headliner500will reside between the innermost surfaces of the protective headgear700and the outermost surface of a user's head. The headliner500also includes means for self-support and self-orientation through the one or more resilient ribs600when the headgear is worn by a user along with methods for adjusting its fit on a user's head. The headliner500may also be easily added to a variety of protective headgear700and allows for easy removal of the protective headgear700as well as the removal of the headliner500from the protective headgear700if necessary.

The impact switch10is configured to read the forces applied to the head of the user. The impact switch10is not limited to the headliner500(FIG. 5) and may be positioned on the protective headgear700(FIG. 7) or the torso mount830(FIG. 8), or one or more impact switches may be positioned in, on, or about both the protective headgear700or torso mount830. When an impact is detected by one or more impact switches at various locations, the headgear immobilization device800, the magnetic immobilizer headgear1200or the vertically aligned magnetic headgear immobilization device1500will lock the current position of the protective headgear700to the current position of the torso mount830and enable the impact force to be transferred through the protective headgear700to the torso mount830through either one or more linear locks825, the interlaced mat1251, or the stacked mat1501. This will minimize the force of the impact applied to the head of the user. The binding immobilizer1001ifFIGS. 8A and 8Bmay lock the torso mount830to the user and prevent any shifting or lifting of the torso mount830in response to the leverage applied to the protective headgear700during an impact.

In another embodiment, the impact switches and the immobilization devices may be used to protect the body of the user from an impact. For example, if a user receives an impact to the back, an impact switch10on the torso mount830may indicate the impact and the binding immobilizer and/or the headgear immobilization device800or magnetic immobilizer headgear (1200or1500) may lock to keep the torso mount830in place and protect the spine and/or neck. Alternatively, the magnetic immobilizer headgear1200or the vertically aligned magnetic headgear immobilization device1500may be positioned across the back of a user and when triggered, provide a stable surface to absorb the impact.

The headliner500is configured to fit the heads of humans as well as other animals. The headliner500may be of a fixed size or it may have means to adjust its fit as described above. The headliner500may be attached to, and become a part of the protective headgear700such as helmets and head protectors, whether hard or soft shelled. In another embodiment, the IAD705may be coupled to a headband for use in soccer, field hockey and the like.

Some applications all combined or as individual devices activated by the IAD switches of the IAD705may include, but are not limited to, American style football, hockey, baseball, Lacrosse, Olympic and professional boxing, motor vehicle racing, cycling, skateboarding, skydiving, water polo, rodeo horse and bull riding, horse jumping and racing, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, mountain climbing and pogo stick jumping. The IAD705may also be used for physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged/disabled person. The IAD705may also be used for military, rescue, police, pilots, factory, and construction worker applications.

It should be noted that different impact switches may apply to different purposes within the IAD System. The switches may be used to indicate forces which may cause head and/or vertebral column injury, they may be used to trigger/activate other devices for preventing injury, they may be used for collecting data, transmitting the data or activate devices intended for training users to avoid situations where injuries may occur to them or others, or combinations thereof.

The impact switch10, double impact switch300, the triple impact switch405, the daisy chain of impact switches, and combinations thereof may be used in other applications independent of the IAD705to gather information about the levels of sudden motion or impacts. For example, on shoes, luggage, sports equipment, robots, tools and machinery, rockets, explosives testing, prosthetic limbs, vehicles related to vehicle impacts and centrifugal forces, packaging to indicate impact damage during shipping, electronic or other devices to indicate impact damage information or attitude/orientation information, vibration levels of machinery, artillery shells and other ordnance, medical equipment for humans and animals, physical training equipment for humans and animals, drop testing machinery and equipment, as well as other uses where sudden motion information are collected or users wish to be alerted about sudden motion events.

It should be noted that although there are specific references to the electronic circuit520inFIG. 5and its location as mounted in the headliner500, the electronic circuit520may be mounted anywhere on the protective headgear700or torso mount830. Furthermore, the impact switch10, and other variants thereof, may be a motion sensitive device, a motion sensor, an electrical switch, an accelerometer switch, an inertial switch. It should also be noted that all spring material may be made from spring steel.

Certain terminology is used in the disclosure for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “upper”, and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words noted above as well as derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

The present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). The system controller may have at least one processor and the computer-readable medium. A computer-usable or the computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be written in a high-level programming language, such as C or C++, for development convenience. In addition, computer program code for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may also be written in other programming languages, such as, but not limited to, interpreted languages. Some modules or routines may be written in assembly language or even micro-code to enhance performance and/or memory usage. However, software embodiments of the present disclosure do not depend on implementation with a particular programming language. It will be further appreciated that the functionality of any or all of the program modules may also be implemented using discrete hardware components, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or a programmed digital signal processor or microcontroller.