Patent Publication Number: US-11375763-B2

Title: Helmet with impact tracking

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/604,557, filed Jan. 23, 2015, which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/991,463, filed May 10, 2014 and provisional application Ser. No. 61/940,407, filed Feb. 15, 2014. The entire contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This application relates to a helmet and more particularly to a helmet having built in capabilities to track impact history and/or built in capabilities to test for brain injury. The helmet can also have varying shock absorption capabilities. 
     Background of Related Art 
     Head injuries in sports are becoming more prevalent. Part of the reason for such increase in incidence of injuries is that helmets provide a false sense of security and are therefore used offensively in contact sports such as football. When two helmets crash together, full force transmission occurs, leading to concussions and more severe head injuries. 
     Additionally, current helmets are heavy, which adds to the discomfort. Such heaviness further adds to the false sense of security, creating a mistaken correlation between helmet weight and protection. 
     It would be advantageous to provide helmets with impact tracking capabilities which could further prevent injury. This would enable the storage of data relating to head impact for evaluation to assess the wearer&#39;s condition. 
     Additionally, current helmets are built with some shock absorption features, but such shock absorption does not vary depending on the force of impact. There exists a need for improved helmets to reduce head injuries. It would also be advantageous to provide such injury reducing capabilities without increasing the weight and/or stiffness of the helmet. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages of the prior art. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a helmet for tracking impact is provided comprising at least one sensor, a processor in communication with the sensor and a storage file in communication with the processor. The at least one sensor measures a force applied to the helmet and sends a signal to the processor indicative of the measured force, the processor receiving the signal indicative of the measured force and compares the measured force to a predetermined value, wherein if the measured force exceeds the predetermined value data is sent to the storage file to record the measured force. 
     In some embodiments, if the measured force does not exceed the predetermined value, it is considered a non-event and data is not sent from the processor to the storage file. 
     In some embodiments, the data sent to the storage file includes one or more of a type of injury, a location of injury and a time of injury. The measured force can be a rotational force applied to a head of a wearer of the helmet and/or an impact force applied to the head of the wearer and the data can include a force value of the measured force. In some embodiments, the storage file updates a register to include the data in the register. In some embodiments, the register is repeatedly updated as additional data is received in response to subsequent measured forces detected which exceed a predetermined value, the data being retrievable for evaluation. 
     The helmet, in some embodiments, includes a plurality of shock absorbers including at least one first shock absorber having a first shock absorption characteristic and at least one second shock absorber having a second shock absorption characteristic, the second shock absorption characteristic being different than the first shock absorption characteristic wherein the first shock absorption characteristic provides a lower activation threshold than the second shock absorption characteristic such that activation of the first and second sets of shock absorbers is dependent on the force impact to the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention a helmet for tracking impact is provided comprising at least one sensor, a processor in communication with the sensor, a storage file in communication with the processor, and an alarm system in communication with the processor. The at least one sensor measures a force applied to the helmet and sends a first signal to the processor indicative of the measured force. The processor receives the first signal indicative of the measured force and compares the measured force to a predetermined value, wherein if the measured force exceeds the predetermined value a second signal is sent to the alarm system to activate an alarm. 
     In some embodiments, if the impact force does not exceed the predetermined value data is sent to the storage file containing details of the force applied to the helmet. 
     In some embodiments, the data sent to the storage file includes one or more of a type of injury, a location of injury, and a time of injury. The measured force can be a rotational force and/or an impact force applied to a head of a wearer of the helmet and the data can include a force value of the measured force. In some embodiments, the storage file updates a register and the data is stored in the register. In some embodiments, the register is repeatedly updated as additional data is received in response to subsequent measured forces detected which exceed a predetermined value, the data being retrievable for evaluation. 
     In some embodiments, the measured force is initially compared by the processor to a threshold value less than the predetermined value, and if the measured force is less than the threshold value it is computed as a non-event and no data is sent to the storage file by the processor. 
     In some embodiments, if the alarm is activated, data is sent to the storage file indicative of one or more of a type of injury, a location of injury, and a time of injury. 
     The helmet can include an algorithm in the processor which computes cumulative values indicative of impact history and the cumulative values are compared to threshold values, and if the cumulative values exceed the threshold values, a third signal is sent to the alarm to trigger the alarm. 
     In some embodiments, the helmet includes an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of shock absorbers, the shock absorbers being positioned internal of the outer shell and including at least one first shock absorber having a first shock absorption characteristic and at least one second shock absorber having a second shock absorption characteristic, wherein the second shock absorption characteristic is different than the first shock absorption characteristic and the first shock absorption characteristic provides a lower activation threshold than the second shock absorption characteristic such that activation of the first and second sets of shock absorbers is dependent on the force impact to the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a helmet for tracking impact is provided comprising an alarm system, at least one sensor, a processor in communication with the sensor, a storage file in communication with the processor, and an injury tracking system in communication with the processor. The at least one sensor measures a force applied to the helmet and sends a first signal to the processor indicative of the measured force. The processor receives the first signal indicative of the measured force and compares the measured force to a predetermined value, wherein if the measured force exceeds the predetermined value a second signal is sent to the injury tracking system to activate the injury tracking system. 
     In some embodiments, if the measured force does not exceed the predetermined value, it is considered a non-event and the injury tracking system is not activated. 
     In some embodiments, the impact tracking system includes a transmitter to transmit commands to a wearer of the helmet and responses of the wearer are inputted to and evaluated by a processor. The commands can be visual instructions to be followed by the wearer and/or audio instructions to be followed by the wearer. The impact tracking system can include a data display to display the commands to the wearer. The display can be provided on a face cover of the helmet. 
     In some embodiments, if input of the wearer does not fall within a preset set of parameters, a signal is sent by a processor to the alarm system to trigger an alarm and if input of the wearer to the processor satisfies the set of parameters, a signal is not sent to the alarm system and the injury tracking system is reset for later activation if necessary. 
     The helmet preferably includes a power supply mounted therein. 
     In some embodiments, the measured force is initially compared by the processor to a threshold value less than the predetermined value, and if the measured force is less than the threshold value it is computed as a non-event and no data is sent to the storage file by the processor. In some embodiments, if the measured force does not exceed the predetermined value, data is sent to the storage file containing details of the force applied to the helmet. The data sent to the storage file can include one or more of a type of injury, a location of injury, and a time of injury. The measured force can be a rotational force and/or an impact force applied to a head of a wearer of the helmet and the data can include a force value of the measured force. 
     In some embodiments, the storage file updates a register and the data is stored in the register. In some embodiments, the register is repeatedly updated as additional data is received in response to subsequent measured forces detected which exceed a predetermined value, the data being retrievable for evaluation. 
     An algorithm can be provided in the processor which computes cumulative values indicative of impact history and the cumulative values are compared to threshold values, and if the cumulative values exceed the threshold values, a third signal is sent to the alarm to trigger the alarm. 
     In some embodiments, the helmet includes an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of shock absorbers, the shock absorbers being positioned internal of the outer shell and including at least one first shock absorber having a first shock absorption characteristic and at least one second shock absorber having a second shock absorption characteristic, wherein the second shock absorption characteristic is different than the first shock absorption characteristic and the first shock absorption characteristic provides a lower activation threshold than the second shock absorption characteristic such that activation of the first and second sets of shock absorbers is dependent on the force impact to the helmet. 
     The helmets described above can in some embodiments include varying shock absorption. In some embodiments, the shock absorbers are composed of a compressible foam material. In some embodiments, the shock absorbers comprise air cells forming an air pocket. The air cells can include a relief valve to allow force deceleration and pressure release when a pressure threshold is exceeded. In some embodiments, the shock absorbers of a first set have a first height and the shock absorbers of the second set have a second height, the first height being greater than the second height. 
     The foregoing helmets can have an outer shell that spins or rotates with respect to the helmet body to release energy to a side. The outer shell can have a low friction outer surface to deflect impact to the helmet. 
     The foregoing helmets can include a third set of shock absorbers having a gradient of stress absorption different than the gradient of the first set of shock absorbers and the gradient of the second set of shock absorbers thereby providing successive loading based on severity of force impact to the helmet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a helmet of the prior art having a hard outer shell and soft inner padding; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of a first embodiment of the inner (inside) liner of the helmet of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is an enlarged front view of the helmet of the first embodiment of the present invention with portions removed to show the inner liner of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the helmet of  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the helmet of the present invention having a rotatable outer body, the helmet shown prior to impact; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view illustrating rotation of the outer body of  FIG. 4A  upon impact at a front region of the helmet; 
         FIG. 4C  is a side view illustrating rotation of the outer body of  FIG. 4A  upon impact at a rear region of the helmet; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the inner liner of the helmet of the present invention having equally sized shock absorbers; 
         FIG. 5B  is a front view of another alternate embodiment of the inner liner of the helmet of the present invention having shock absorbers of varying heights; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the inner liner of  FIG. 5B  showing the effect upon a small impact force on the helmet; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the inner liner of  FIG. 5B  showing the effect upon a medium impact force on the helmet; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the inner liner of  FIG. 5B  showing the effect upon a large impact force on the helmet; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the helmet of the present invention having an inner liner insertable into a helmet; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a motorcycle helmet having an inner liner of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of a bicycle helmet having an inner liner of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10C  is a perspective view of a baseball helmet having an inner liner of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing a first embodiment of an impact tracking helmet of the present invention wherein rotational movement and direct impact to the helmet/head is measured and stored within the helmet to provide a history of impact; 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of an impact tracking helmet of the present invention wherein rotational movement and direct impact to the helmet/head is measured and if such measured value exceeds a predetermined value, or cumulative predetermined value, an alarm is triggered; 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart showing a third embodiment of an impact tracking helmet of the present invention wherein an injury tracking system to assess brain injury is triggered/activated if rotational movement or direct impact exceeds a predetermined value; 
         FIG. 14A, 14B  is a flow chart showing a fourth embodiment of an impact tracking helmet of the present invention wherein an injury tracking system is triggered/activated if the rotational movement or direct impact, either upon initial measurement or upon cumulative calculation, exceeds a predetermined value; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic block diagram showing the system of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic block diagram showing the system of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic block diagram showing the system of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 17A  is a schematic block diagram showing the impact tracking system of  FIGS. 13 and 17 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is perspective view of an embodiment of the helmet having a tracking system and display screen. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a football helmet of the prior art. The helmet  10  has a hard outer shell  12  and soft padding inside the shell  12 . The helmet  10  is relatively heavy and relies on the soft padding inside to cushion the head in an attempt to reduce brain injuries. However, the weight of the helmet makes the helmet cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear. The heavy weight can also adversely affect athletic performance. 
     Additionally, the padding inside the helmet does not provide adequate protection to the head, especially since the heavy helmet provides the wearer with a false sense of protection. This false sense of protection oftentimes lead to more head injuries since the helmet is used offensively as the wearer uses the helmet as a direct force against an opponent, and the wearer will incur direct impacts on the helmet. 
     Moreover, the amount of padding that can be provided in the helmet of the prior art is limited by the size of the helmet since if thicker padding is utilized it will take up more internal space, leading to even larger and more cumbersome helmet. Additionally, if such additional padding/cushioning is added, it would need to be sufficient to handle all impacts, regardless of the force. Therefore, the helmet would need to be designed with thicker cushioning throughout, even if not necessary to handle small impact forces. Also, if the helmet is designed solely to accommodate maximum impact, it will be stiffer and “bumpier” on the user&#39;s head. 
     Helmets with varying Shock Absorption 
     The present invention advantageously in some aspects provides a lightweight helmet without sacrificing effectiveness in injury prevention. This is achieved through the varying shock absorbers (shock absorbing members) lining the helmet. Additionally, the helmet is designed in certain embodiments so that upon certain impact forces, the outer shell spins with respect to the helmet body, thus further dispersing the force of the impact. 
     Turning now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify similar or like components throughout the several views,  FIGS. 2A-3  illustrate a first embodiment of the helmet of the present invention. The helmet is designated generally by reference number  20  and has a conventional face guard  22 . Inside the outer shell  24  of the helmet  20  is an inner liner  30  which forms the shock absorbing feature of the present invention. Inner liner  30  has an upper surface  32  which is attached to the inner surface of the outer shell  24  and a lower surface  34  from which the shock absorbers  40  extend. 
     Shock absorbers in the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A-3  are composed of a compressible foam material with sufficient flexibility and rigidity to receive and disperse a force applied thereto. The shock absorbers  40  are of varying height and of varying compressibility thereby providing different shock absorbing characteristics with different activation thresholds. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A-3 , there are three sized shock absorbers with shock absorbers  40   a  of the smallest height h 1  having a first shock absorption characteristic, shock absorbers  40   c  of the largest height h 3  having a second shock absorption characteristic and shock absorbers  40   b  of an intermediate height h 2  having a third shock absorption characteristic. Height h 2  is greater than height h 1  and less than height h 3 . The shock absorbers  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c  are collectively referred to as shock absorbers  40 . For clarity, only some of the shock absorbers  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c  are labeled throughout the drawings. It can be appreciated that shock absorbers of more than three differing heights can be provided. It is also contemplated that shock absorbers of only two different heights can be provided. In any event, the liner will have at least one, and preferably a first set of shock absorbers, having a first shock absorption characteristic, and at least another shock absorber, and preferably a second set of shock absorbers, having a second shock absorption characteristic different than the first shock absorption characteristic. Also, the shock absorbers  40  can be arranged in a pattern or grouping different than that the alternating pattern shown in  FIGS. 2A-3 . As noted above, shock absorbers  40  can be formed of a compressible foam material which compresses upon sufficient impact. However, other cushioning materials are also contemplated. 
     In the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 5B , the shock absorbers  50  of inner liner  48  include shock absorbers  50   a  of the smallest height g 1 , shock absorbers  50   c  of the largest height g 3  and shock absorbers  50   b  of an intermediate height g 2  which is greater than height g 1  and less than height g 3 . The shock absorbers  50   a ,  50   b  and  50   c  are collectively referred to as shock absorbers  50 . For clarity only some of the shock absorbers  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  are labeled in  FIG. 5B . In this embodiment, the shock absorbers comprise air cells rather than a foam material as in  FIG. 2A , and the air cells can include a relief valve. In all other respects the shock absorbing feature of  FIG. 5A  is identical to that of  FIG. 2A  and is used in a similar helmet as that shown in  FIG. 2B . As can be appreciated, as explained above with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , although three sets of varying shock absorbers arranged in an alternating pattern are shown, a different number of sets of varying shock absorbers and/or a different pattern is contemplated. 
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate what occurs upon impact of varying forces on the helmet. Although  FIGS. 6-8  illustrate the inner liner  48  of  FIG. 5B , the inner liner  30  of  FIG. 2A  would function and react in the same manner as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . The shock absorbers  50  (like shock absorbers  40 ) of varying heights have different gradients of stress absorption and therefore different thresholds for activation and provide successive loading dependent on severity of force impact. Consequently, if a relatively small impact force is applied to the helmet as shown in  FIG. 6 , only a few of the shock absorbers would be activated, i.e., shock absorbers  50   c  which have the most flexibility and lowest activation threshold. If a greater impact is applied to the helmet as in  FIG. 7 , both the larger shock absorbers  50   c  and the intermediate shock absorbers  50   b  would be affected and activated. If an even larger impact is applied as in  FIG. 8 , smaller shock absorbers  50   a  would also be impacted as shock absorbers  50   a  have the smallest height, least flexibility and highest activation threshold. That is, all sized absorbers  50  would be activated to absorb and disperse the force. In this manner, only those shock absorbers necessary to absorb the shock would be activated, allowing for a series of smaller shock absorbers, taking up less room in the helmet and also reducing the weight of the helmet than would otherwise be necessary. Note shock absorbers  40  would be activated in the same manner as shock absorbers  50 , i.e., dependent on impact force. 
     It should be appreciated that in  FIGS. 6-8 , multiple or all of the shock absorbers  50  are shown impacted, however depending on the impact, only certain shock absorbers  50   a ,  50   b , and  50   c  would be affected. For example, in certain instances, only the shock absorbers in the region of impact would be affected/activated. On sufficient impact, it is also possible that all shock absorbers of the liner  48  would be affected/activated. This is also applicable to liner  30  and shock absorbers  40  as well as the other shock absorbers disclosed herein, e.g., shock absorbers  60  and  70  described below. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , the shock absorbers  60  of inner liner  61  are of the same height but varying shock absorption is achieved by providing different materials. The embodiment of  FIG. 5A  can have the same advantages of reduced bulk as in the previously described embodiments achieved by varying the lightness of the material. It also has the advantage of varying shock absorption, wherein only a fraction of the shock absorbing elements are activated upon application of a relatively low force, i.e., the shock absorbers with the greatest flexibility/compressibility, and more shock absorbers are activated with application of a higher force i.e., including the shock absorbers having less flexibility/compressibility. Such varying shock absorption can be achieved using a pattern similar to that of the embodiments of  FIGS. 2A and 5B , e.g., three sets of shock absorbers of different shock absorption characteristics arranged in an alternating pattern with a first set of first flexibility/compressibility, a second set of a different, e.g., less flexibility/compressibility and a third set of a still different, e.g., even less flexibility/compressibility. It should be appreciated that as in the aforedescribed embodiments, a different number of sets of varying shock absorbers and/or different patterns of the varying shock absorbers are also contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the shock absorbers of the various embodiments described herein can contain material such as foam. Alternatively the shock absorbers can contain a fluid with a relief valve for releasing pressure when the pressure is greater than a pressure threshold to reduce the effects of impact to the head. The relief valves allow for force deceleration and would have different thresholds for release to provide shock absorbers of varying shock absorption characteristics. In other embodiments, some of the shock absorbers can contain compressible surfaces such as foam and other shock absorbers can contain fluid with a relief valve. 
     Thus, the shock absorbers in accordance with the present disclosure can have different configurations, different heights and/or different materials to accommodate different forces, thus providing differential protection. They can be arranged in an alternating arrangement or grouped together in a different pattern. They can be arranged in two or more sets of varying shock absorption characteristics and can be evenly or unevenly distributed. The number of shock absorbers for each set can be the same or alternately a different number in each set. 
     The inner liner with the aforedescribed shock absorbing features can be provided as a non-removable component attached to the helmet e.g., helmet  20 . Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the inner liner  71  with shock absorbers  70  can be a separate component insertable into a conventional helmet  80  and attached thereto by various methods such as adhesive or clips or other methods. The liner  71  shown in  FIG. 9  has the shock absorbers of  FIG. 2A  but other liners with other shock absorbers described herein e.g., shock absorbers  50  or  60  could also be provided as attachable and/or removable inner liners. 
     The outer shell of the helmet of the present invention in some embodiments can be rotatable with respect to the helmet body. This helps to deflect the force to minimize direct hit impact. This is shown for example in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , represented by the directional arrow showing for example a front impact causing rotation of the outer body  84  with respect to the inner liner  86  and  FIG. 4C  illustrating rotation of the outer body  84  upon a rear impact force. The outer shells of the helmets of the other embodiments disclosed herein (with associated shock absorbers) can likewise in some embodiments be rotatably mounted to the helmet body so they can rotate as in  FIGS. 4B and 4C . 
     In some embodiments, any of the aforedescribed helmets can have a low friction outer surface, and even an enhanced slippery outer surface, by providing a low friction coating or low friction outer layer to aid in a glancing or deflecting rather than a direct hit. That is, the lower friction outer surface deflects the force to the helmet. 
     Helmets for other sports and uses are also contemplated.  FIGS. 10A-10C  show examples of different helmets which can contain any of the inner liners and shock absorbers of the present invention described herein, either permanently attached or as an attachable (mountable) insert as in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 10A  illustrates a motorcycle helmet  100 ,  FIG. 10B  illustrates a bicycle helmet  110  and  FIG. 10C  illustrates a baseball batter&#39;s helmet  130 . Other helmets are also contemplated including for example helmets for lacrosse, field hockey, etc. 
     Helmets with Impact Tracking 
       FIGS. 11-14  illustrate flow charts of various embodiments of helmets of the present invention having impact tracking capabilities and  FIGS. 15-17  are schematic block diagrams of the systems of  FIGS. 11-14 . The helmets of these embodiments can be used in combination with the helmets of varying shock absorption features of  FIGS. 1-10  described above or alternatively can be used with helmets without the varying shock absorption features described above. In either case, the helmets as disclosed in  FIGS. 11-18  track and store impact history of the wearer to thereby prevent further injury to the wearer. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates by way of example a helmet containing a sensor for measuring impact and an injury tracking system discussed in detail below.  FIG. 18  also illustrates three sets of shock absorbers corresponding to the shock absorbers of  FIG. 5B  to provide varying shock absorbing characteristics as described above. The other aforedescribed shock absorbers can also be utilized. However, in alternate embodiments, such shock absorbers of  FIGS. 1-10  would not be utilized and conventional shock absorption would be utilized in the helmets of  FIGS. 11-18 . Note the various types of helmets of  FIGS. 10A-10C , with or without the aforedescribed shock absorbers, as well as helmets for other uses, can also contain the sensors, storage file and impact tracking of the present invention. 
     Turning to a first embodiment of the impact tracking helmet of the present invention, the system provided in the helmet is illustrated in the schematic block diagram of  FIG. 15  and in the flow chart of  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, the helmet wearer&#39;s history is tracked and stored within the helmet. That is, information relating to helmet impact can be tied to the player&#39;s career and tag coded to the individual. As shown in the flow chart, when a force is applied to the helmet, which can be in the form of an external impact, e.g., a direct blow to the head, or in the form of a rotational force, e.g., a jerking motion to the head, a sensor(s) within the helmet detects and measures such force. One or more sensors can be provided and located in various locations in or on the helmet. 
     If head rotation is detected by the sensor  112  ( FIG. 15 ), the sensor  112  sends a signal to the processor  100  indicative of the measured rotational force. The processor  100  receives the signal indicative of the measured rotational force R 2  where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value R 1 . If the rotational force value R 2  does not exceed such predetermined value R 1 , then it is determined (computed) a “non-event” and no data is transferred by the processor  100  to the storage file  114 . This ensures that minor movements of the head which have no actual or cumulative effect on the wearer are not added to the storage file (memory) and skew future comparative analysis. 
     If, however, the measured force value R 2  exceeds the predetermined value R 1 , then it constitutes an injury incident and the data is sent to the storage file  114  to record one or more, and preferably all, of the following data: a) the type of injury; 2) the exact location of the injury; 3) the date and time of injury; and 4) the force value. After this information is recorded, the storage file is updated to add this information, i.e., type, location, date/time of injury and force, to the existing register so a cumulative record can be maintained, thereby tracking the wearer&#39;s history. For example, by recording the location of the injury (or impact), it can be determined if the user has received repeated injury (or impact) to the same region of the head which alone might not be serious but from a cumulative standpoint can be significant and troublesome. Similarly, if the injury has occurred in a shortened period of time, this presents a greater risk to the wearer than if over a more extended period of time. Also, the total value over multiple impact forces could translate to a significant risk. Thus, the storage file updates a register to include the data in the register. The register is repeatedly updated as additional data is received in response to subsequent measured forces exceeding the predetermined value. The register enables that at any given time, the player&#39;s injury history can be retrieved from memory, and reviewed and evaluated and necessary steps can be taken to prevent further injury. 
     With continued reference to the system and method of  FIGS. 11 and 15 , if an external force (impact) F 2  is detected by the sensor  110 , the sensor  110  sends a signal to the processor  100  indicative of the measured impact force F 2 . The processor  100  receives the signal indicative of the measured force F 2  where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold force value F 1 . If the force F 2  does not exceed such predetermined value F 1 , then it is determined (computed) a “non-event” and no data is transferred to the storage file  114 . This ensures that minor impact to the head which have no actual or cumulative effect on the wearer are not added to memory and skew future comparative analysis. 
     If, however, the measured force value F 2  exceeds the predetermined value F 1 , then it constitutes an injury incident and the data is transferred to the storage file to record one or more, and preferably all, of the following data: a) the type of injury; 2) the exact location of the injury; 3) the date and time of injury; and 4) the force value. After this information is recorded, the storage file  114  is updated to add this information, i.e., type, location, date/time of injury and force, to the existing register so a cumulative record can be maintained. Such recordation and storage has the advantages identified above with evaluation of rotational force R 2 . In this manner, at any given time, the player&#39;s injury history can be retrieved from memory, reviewed and evaluated and necessary steps can be taken to prevent further injury. 
     An alternate embodiment of the helmet and impact tracking system contained therein is depicted in the flow chart of  FIG. 12  and schematic block diagram of  FIG. 16 . The system and method includes an alarm system  124  provided in the helmet so that the wearer and others are alerted to the danger or potential danger of brain injury. In addition, cumulative calculations are performed to compute cumulative effect of impact and injury. The alarm of this system can be triggered by a single impact incident or triggered by a cumulative calculation of one or more measured incidents/impacts. 
     More specifically, a sensor(s)  112  detects and measures head rotation and/or external force applied to the helmet as in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 . The measured rotational force R 4  is sent via a first signal to the processor  120 . The processor  120  receives the signal indicative of the measured rotational force R 4  where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value R 3 . (Note that R 4  can be the same as R 2  of  FIG. 11  or alternatively another value). The threshold value R 3  can be the same or different than R 1  of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 . If the measured rotational force R 4  exceeds the threshold value R 3 , a second signal is sent by the processor  120  to the alarm system  124  to trigger the alarm. The alarm can be of various forms such as audible, e.g. a beeping sound, or visual, e.g., a light or LED can be illuminated in the helmet. Similarly, if the sensor  110  detects an external impact force F 4  to the helmet, the sensor  110  measures the force and sends a first signal to the processor  120  indicative of the measured external force F 4  where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value F 3 . Note that F 4  can be the same as F 2  of  FIG. 11  or alternatively another value. The threshold value F 3  can be the same or different than threshold value F 1  of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 . If the measured force F 4  exceeds the threshold value F 3 , a second signal is sent to the alarm system  124  to trigger the alarm. 
     If the measured rotational force R 4  or measured external force F 4  does not exceed the predetermined values R 3  or F 3 , respectively, then the data is transferred to the storage file  122  to enable cumulative calculations. The data storage file  122  in the helmet is updated to record one or more, and preferably all, of the following data (parameters): 1) the type of injury; 2) the location of the injury; 3) the date and time of injury; and 4) the force value, and then a cumulative total of each of these parameters is calculated and stored in the file. Once the cumulative value of each of these incidents/parameters is generated, which is representative of the wearer&#39;s personal history of injury incidents, it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value correlating to a safe cumulative value. The processor  120  includes an algorithm to perform these computations and compare them to either individual cumulative values for each parameter or compute a value based on a combination of one or more of the parameters. For example, if the cumulative value of any one of these parameters, e.g., frequency of impact/injury, exceeds a threshold cumulative value of such frequency, then a signal is sent to trigger the alarm. On the other hand, if none of the cumulative values exceed the threshold value, then the alarm is not triggered, but the storage file remains updated with the new data so the values can be recalculated upon receipt of new data in response to subsequent impact to access if an alarm situation is warranted. Note that even if none of the cumulative values exceeds the specific threshold value for that parameter, in some embodiments, the combination of two or more might together compute as an “event” and trigger the alarm. Thus, the processor can evaluate the combination of the parameters (data) in accordance with the algorithm to evaluate whether the combination of two or more of the cumulative values will trigger an “event” thereby activating the alarm system  124 . 
     Also note that the system of  FIG. 12  can be configured in alternate embodiments that if the head rotation R 4  or impact force F 4  exceeds the values R 3  and F 4 , and the alarm system  114  is triggered, these values are transmitted to the storage file  122  and considered in the cumulative calculations generated. This ensures that the forces which trigger the alarm remain part of the impact history. Thus, in this embodiment, the flow chart of  FIG. 12  would include an arrow that in addition to sending a signal to trigger an alarm (in response to the first decision box), would also show data being sent to the storage file to update the record. 
     Note that in certain embodiments of the system of  FIG. 12 , the predetermined value R 3  and F 3  are different, i.e., greater, than the first predetermined values R 1  and F 1  of  FIG. 11 . That is, in such embodiments, a comparative analysis is first made by the processor  120  to determine if this first (lower) predetermined value R 1 , F 1  is exceeded. If it is exceeded, than a comparison is made to R 3  and F 3  and the foregoing steps of  FIG. 12  apply. However, in such embodiments if the force R 4  or F 4  does not exceed this lower value R 1 , F 1 , it is considered a non-event as in the system steps of  FIG. 11 , and no data is transferred, thereby ensuring that minor impacts on the helmet which have no adverse bodily effect are not transmitted to the storage file register and are omitted from any injury calculation or evaluation. Note these identical steps to that of  FIG. 11  regarding the first predetermined values are omitted from the flow chart of  FIG. 12  for clarity. If the force R 4  or F 4 , on the other hand, does exceed the first predetermined value R 1  or F 1 , it constitutes an “event” and is then compared to the predetermined value R 3 , F 3  in accordance with the first decision box of  FIG. 12 . 
     The alternate embodiments of  FIGS. 13 and 14  provide an injury tracking system where the helmet wearer&#39;s injury can be assessed right on site. That is, the helmet contains software to assess brain injury patterns by various methods such as an eye tracking system to assess the focusing/concentration ability of the wearer, a motion tracking system to determine if the user can follow a set of verbal commands to move parts of his body, a hearing testing system to determine the wearer&#39;s response to commands, a verbal testing system to determine the wearer&#39;s verbal response to questions and/or commands, as well as other forms of testing the wearer, including a smell test emitter of a stimulant gas or liquid. As can be appreciated, such systems can utilize for example, visual, verbal, olfactory and/or auditory testing. If the user fails the injury assessment test by not performing the commands within acceptable preset standards/parameters, then an alarm is triggered to alert the wearer and others that sufficient brain injury, e.g., a concussion, has occurred. Consequently, the helmet itself can function as “on site physician.” Note the injury testing in the embodiment of  FIG. 14  differs from that of  FIG. 13  in that it is also tied into the accumulation of incidents of injury, severity and frequency, as explained in detail below. 
     Turning first to the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , as in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , one or more sensors detects and measures head rotation and/or external force applied to the helmet. The measured rotational force is sent by the sensor  134  ( FIG. 17 ) to a processor  130 . The processor  130  receives the signal from the sensor  134  indicative of the measured rotational force R 6  where it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value R 5 . If the measured rotational force R 6  does not exceed a threshold value R 5 , then it is considered a “non-event” and the injury tracking system  138  is not initiated. Similarly, if the measured external force F 6  received from force sensor  132  by processor  130  does not exceed a threshold value F 5 , then it is considered a “non-event” and the injury tracking system  138  is not initiated. Note the values R 6  and F 6  can be the same as R 4  and F 4  of the embodiment of  FIG. 12  or alternatively other values. Additionally, the threshold values R 5  and F 5  can be the same or different than values R 3  and F 3  of  FIG. 12 . 
     On the other hand, if the measured rotational force R 6  or the measured external force F 6  exceeds the predetermined or threshold value R 5 , F 5 , respectively, a signal is sent to the injury tracking system  138  to initiate (activate) the system. The injury tracking system  138  is show schematically in the block diagram of  FIG. 17A . The system  138  includes a processor  150  and a transmitter  152  to transmit commands to the wearer. The wearer responds (input  156 ) to the commands and the responses are inputted to the processor  150  for assessment. A data display  154  could also be provided which provides visual commands or prompts (instructions) to the wearer whose responses are inputted to the processor  150 . 
     More specifically, when the injury tracking system  138  is initiated (activated), the command or prompt is given to the wearer (user) such as a visual command for the user to move his hand or foot, or the user is instructed to focus his vision on various screens, such as display screen  154 . If the wearer can follow the commands and satisfy the testing parameters, no alarm is triggered and the injury tracking system  138  is reset for later initiation if necessary. However, if the user cannot follow the commands within the acceptable parameters, a signal is sent to the alarm system  140  to trigger the alarm or other indicator. The alarm can be of various forms such as audible or visual, e.g., a beeping sound can be heard or a light or LED can be illuminated in the helmet. 
     A storage file  136  could also be provided to record the type of injury, location of injury, date/time of injury and force value in the same manner as the system of  FIG. 11 . 
     In the alternate system of  FIG. 14A, 14B  (contained on two sheets of drawings- FIGS. 14A-14B  due to the length of the flow chart), the injury tracking system is initiated either by a) initial measured force impact (as in the system of  FIG. 13 ) or b) by cumulative calculations of specified parameters. That is, viewed in one way, the system of  FIG. 14A, 14B  differs from that of  FIG. 13  in that it also calculates cumulative history as in the system of  FIG. 12 , and uses these calculations to activate the injury tracking system, if necessary, not just relying on the initial measurements as in the system of  FIG. 13 . Viewed in another way, this embodiment of  FIG. 14A, 14B  differs from that of  FIG. 12  in that the cumulative calculations alone are not sufficient to trigger the alarm, but instead, a test of the wearer&#39;s motor skills, focus, hearing, etc. is utilized to detect the severity of the injury, and only if the wearer&#39;s responses to the testing are determined deficient, is the alarm triggered. This provides on site assessment of injuries and can avoid premature initiation of an alarm since the trigger is not based solely on cumulative history but on a measurement of the wearer&#39;s functional abilities which are representative of the severity of the injury. 
     More specifically, as in the previous embodiments, in the alternate system and method of  FIG. 14A, 14B , a sensor detects and measures head rotation and/or external force applied to the helmet. The measured rotational force is compared to a first predetermined or threshold value. If the measured rotational force sent to the processor from the sensor (such as rotation sensor  134  of  FIG. 17 ) does not exceed a threshold value, a signal is not sent from the processor to the injury tracking system (such as injury tracking system  138  of  FIG. 17 ) and the injury tracking system is not initiated to activate a test for the wearer as it is computed as a “non-event.” However, the data, e.g., type of injury, location of injury, date/time of injury, force value, etc., is sent to the storage file to update the register to record the data (parameters) in the same manner as in the system of  FIG. 12 . Similarly, the measured external force measured by a sensor (such as force sensor  132  of  FIG. 17 ) is compared by a processor to a predetermined or threshold value. If the measured force does not exceed a threshold value, a signal is not sent by the processor to the injury tracking system (such as injury tracking system  138 ) and the injury tracking system is not initiated to activate the test for the wearer as it is computed as a non-event. However, the data, e.g., type of injury, location of injury, date/time of injury, force value, etc., is sent to the storage file to update the register to record the data (parameters) in the same manner as in  FIG. 12 . Thus, if the measured rotational or impact force does not exceed the predetermined values, then the data is transferred to the storage file to perform cumulative calculations of the type of injury, location of injury, date/time of injury and the rotational or impact force value in the same manner as described above in conjunction with the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . Once a cumulative total of each of these parameters is calculated, a cumulative value of each of these parameters is generated, which is representative of the wearer&#39;s personal history of injury incidents, and it is compared to a predetermined or threshold value correlating to a safe cumulative value in accordance with an algorithm which evaluates the cumulative values for each parameter as well as a combination of cumulative values to determine if the combination presents a significant injury as described above in the system of  FIG. 12 . If the threshold value representative of the safe cumulative value, or combination value is exceeded, then a signal is sent to initiate the injury tracking system, and the system runs as in the embodiment of  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 17  described above, triggering an alarm or indicator if the wearer does not pass the test, i.e., does not satisfy the prompts or commands transmitted to the wearer, which is indicative of sufficient brain injury. If the cumulative values or combination values does not exceed the threshold value, then the injury tracking system is not triggered but the storage file remains updated with the new data for later addition to subsequent force impacts so the values can be recalculated to assess if activation of the tracking system is warranted at a later date. 
     In other words, in the system of  FIG. 14A, 14B , cumulative values are computed and compared to the threshold values in the same manner as  FIG. 12 , except that if the threshold is exceeded, instead of triggering an alarm as the next step as in  FIG. 12 , the injury tracking system  138  is activated to determine if an alarm needs to be triggered. The injury tracking system can be the same as described above with respect to  FIG. 13  and for brevity is not repeated herein. Note that the provision of an algorithm to calculate the cumulative values, and evaluate their significance either independently or as a combination can be the same as that described above with respect to  FIG. 12  and therefore for brevity is not repeated herein. 
     If, on the other hand, the measured rotational force from the sensor (e.g., sensor  132 ) exceeds a threshold or predetermined value (see first decision box of  FIG. 14A ), a signal is sent from the processor to the injury tracking system to activate the test for the wearer as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 13 . Similarly, if the measured force from the sensor (e.g., sensor  134 ) exceeds a threshold or predetermined value ( FIG. 14A ), a signal is sent from the processor to the injury tracking system to activate the test for the wearer. The tracking system tests the wearer&#39;s motion, force/concentration, hearing, etc. in the manner described above to determine if it conforms to acceptable parameters, and if not, an alarm is triggered or other indicator is activated to alert the wearer and others that sufficient injury has occurred. 
     If measured force exceeds the threshold value to trigger the injury tracking system, preferably data (e.g., type, location, and date of injury and force value) is sent to the storage file to record the history for later retrieval from memory and evaluation. 
     The foregoing helmets thus contain the wearer&#39;s information/history which is easily accessible from memory. The tracking system can advantageously replace the on field physician. The tracking system can be placed for example on Plexiglas face protector on the helmet or integrated into google type glasses on the front of the helmet.  FIG. 18  illustrates an example where the tracking system is placed on the face protector of the helmet. 
     The force sensors/transducers can be placed at various regions of the helmet so as to monitor impact at any portion of the helmet. 
     In addition to providing systems as outlined in the flow charts of  FIGS. 11-14B , the present invention can also include methods for tracking impact on a helmet comprising the steps set forth in the flow charts of  FIGS. 11-14B . 
     Note the processor can be implemented utilizing a microprocessor, micro-computer, central processing unit or any other device that manipulates analog and/or digital signals. The memory module, e.g., storage file, performs a storage function while the processor executes operational instructions. The systems disclosed herein can be wireless. 
     There are various ways to power the helmets disclosed herein such as pressure, battery, polar, solar kinetic energy, etc. 
     The foregoing helmets can also include one or more cameras so that the wearer&#39;s reaction can be viewed during activation of the injury tracking system. Cameras can be aligned with the wearer to view what the wearer is visualizing, aligned with the wearer&#39;s eyes and/or additional cameras viewing from behind the wearer or to either side of the wearer. 
     As noted above, the helmets with impact tracking and/or injury tracking systems of  FIGS. 11-18  can also optionally include structure to vary shock absorption and/or to diffuse and disperse the impact as in the helmets of  FIGS. 1-10 . For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of air cells with relief valves are positioned within the helmet as described above. The cells can be of different characteristics so their shock absorption function is initiated depending on the extent of impact. The shock absorbers can alternatively be composed of compressible foam with differing flexibility/compressibility as described above. The outer shell can also optionally include a low friction surface to reduce the force impact by diffusing the force of a direct hit to the helmet. The outer shell can also optionally spin with respect to the outer body. Thus, the helmets of  FIGS. 1-10  with varying shock absorption can optionally be provided with any of the systems of  FIGS. 11-18 . 
     Helmets for various sports and activities are contemplated, such as, without limitation, football, hockey, lacrosse, bicycle, motorcycle, etc. as shown for example in  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C . 
     While the above description contains many specifics, those specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure as defined by the claims appended hereto.