Patent ID: 12185784

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1schematically illustrates sports headwear in the form of a rugby head guard10, also referred to as a scrum cap, in accordance with an example of the disclosure. Scrum caps are commonly worn by rugby players to protect their ears, in particular to protect their ears when contesting a scrum. Typically, the head guard is formed from soft, thin material such as foam. The head guard10has a main body12for receiving the head of a player or user, and straps14attached to the main body12that may be secured together when the user is wearing the head guard10to secure the head guard10to the user. In particular, the straps14may be secured together under or around the user's chin or jaw.

The head guard10includes a pocket16at a rear side18of the head guard10. The pocket16is in the form of an elongate slot that has a pocket opening20at a lower side22of the head guard10and which faces in a generally downwards direction (when worn by a standing user). The pocket16is integral with the main body12of the head guard10, and the pocket16is attached to, or formed with, the main body12during manufacture of the head guard10. For instance, the pocket16may be sewn onto the main body12during manufacture of the head guard10. The pocket16is arranged to receive therein an impact detection arrangement (not shown), as is discussed in detail below.

FIG.2schematically illustrates an example of an impact detection arrangement30that may be inserted into the pocket16of the head guard10(shown inFIG.1). In particular, the arrangement30is for detecting impacts received by a user that is wearing the head guard10when playing rugby. Specifically, the arrangement30is for detecting high impacts received by the user, e.g. when the user is tackled by an opponent, and for alerting other people in the vicinity when a received impact is greater than a threshold level.

The arrangement30includes a sensor section32and a lighting section34adjacent to the sensor section32. The sensor section32may also be referred to as the first section32, and the lighting section34may also be referred to as the second section34. The sensor section32includes a printable circuit board36, or microchip or substrate, having a sensor38in the form of an accelerometer and gyroscope. The circuit board36also has a battery source in the form of a coin battery40, also referred to as a button cell. The battery40is connected to, and provides electrical power to, the sensor38. The circuit board36also has a wireless radio transmitter42. The lighting section34includes a visual indicator in the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)44. In particular, the lighting section34includes a row of five, mutually adjacent LEDs44. Each of the LEDs44is located on a respective circuit board46. The battery40is also connected to the LEDs44to provide electrical power to the LEDs44.

The arrangement30includes a casing or housing50for housing the circuit boards36,46. With continued reference toFIG.2, and additional reference toFIGS.3(a)-3(h)—which show various views of the housing50—the housing50includes a sensor housing part52, also referred to as a first housing part52, defining the first section32and a light housing part54, also referred to as a second housing part54, defining the second section34, where the sensor and light housing parts52,54are connected together.

The housing50is formed from a material that protects the components it houses therein, i.e. the circuit boards36,46, but is also flexible. In the described example, the housing50is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane.

With continued reference toFIG.2andFIGS.3(a)-3(h), and additional reference toFIGS.4(a)-4(i)—which show various views of the sensor housing part52—the sensor housing part52has an upper part56and a lower part58. Each of the upper and lower parts56,58is of generally rectangular shape and are brought together to form a generally cuboidal first section32. Each of the upper and lower parts56,58has a respective base cover56a,58aand side walls56b,58bextending around the perimeter of the base covers56a,58a. The side walls56b,58beach are discontinuous along one side of the respective base covers56a,58ato form a gap or space56c,58cin the walls56b,58b. When the upper and lower parts56,58are brought together to form the sensor housing part52the gaps56c,58care aligned to form an aperture. The upper and lower parts56,58have respective connectors56d,58dfor joining or connecting the upper and lower parts56,58together. In particular, the upper part56has a male connector56dat each side thereof, which is to be inserted into a respective female connector58dof the lower part58so as to connect the upper and lower parts together56,58.

Purely by way of example, various dimensions of the sensor housing part52may be as follows. The sensor housing part52may be generally square having sides of approximately 30 mm. The depth of each of the upper and lower parts56,58may be approximately 5 mm. The male connectors56dmay be approximately 3 mm in length and approximately 1 mm wide. It will be understood that any appropriate dimensions may be used.

With continued reference toFIG.2andFIGS.3(a)-3(h), and additional reference toFIGS.5(a)-5(i)—which show various views of the light housing part54—the light housing part54is elongate and, in use, extends from a lower part to an upper part of a user's head at the rear of the user's head. In particular, the light housing part54is curved or shaped to conform to a curvature of the user's head, specifically the rear side of the head. The light housing part54may extend in a straight or linear manner from a lower end54aand then curve to conform to the curvature of the user's head towards an upper end54bof the light housing part54. In the described example, the light housing part54is curved from approximately half way along the light housing part54to its upper end54b, although any appropriate variant is envisaged.

Along the length of the light housing part54, a rear part54cand side parts54dof the light housing part54are formed from the flexible material, e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane, mentioned above. A front part54eopposite the rear part54cis formed from a transparent material. When the LEDs44are positioned in the light housing part54they are arranged to face outwardly towards the front part54eof the light housing part54, and the transparent material of the front part54eallows light from the LEDs44to be visible outside of the light housing part54. The transparent material may be thermoplastic polyurethane.

The light housing part54includes a locking mechanism54fat its lower end54ain the form of resilient clips54f. The clips54fare arranged to be received into the aperture formed by the gaps56c,58cin the sensor housing part52. In particular, the clips54fengage with the sensor housing part52to secure or lock the light housing part54to the sensor housing part52. The resiliency of the clips means that the light housing part54can conveniently be engaged and disengaged from the sensor housing part52as desired.

Purely by way of example, various dimensions of the light housing part54may be as follows. The light housing part54may be approximately 100 mm in length, approximately 15 mm in width, and approximately 5 mm in depth. The side parts54dmay be approximately 1.5 mm in width. Each of the clips54emay be approximately 5 mm in width. It will be understood that any appropriate dimensions may be used.

FIG.6schematically illustrates sports headwear in the form of a rugby head guard70in accordance with another example of the disclosure. Similarly to the previous example, the head guard70includes a main body72and straps74. The main body72is again formed from soft, thin material such as foam. Also similarly to the previous example, the head guard70includes a pocket76; however, unlike in the previous example, the pocket76is of generally circular shape. The pocket76is integral with the main body72of the head guard70, and the pocket76is formed with the main body72during manufacture of the head guard70. As seen inFIG.6, the main body72of the head guard70has a design formed by spaced apart, shaped padded parts78. In the described example, the padded parts78are generally octagonal in shape; however, any appropriate shape, or mix of shapes may be used, e.g. triangles, rectangles, square, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, nonagons, decagons, etc. In the described example, the pocket76is of substantially the same size as one of the shaped padded parts78and is located where one (or more) of the padded parts78would otherwise be.

FIG.7schematically illustrates an exploded view of an impact detection arrangement80in accordance with another example of the disclosure, where the arrangement80may be inserted or received into the pocket76of the head guard70(shown inFIG.6). The arrangement80is generally circular and the pocket76is sized to receive the arrangement80. That is, the arrangement80may be embedded within the head guard70. Note that in different examples the arrangement80and pocket76may be of any suitable shape.

As for the arrangement30of the previous example, the arrangement80is for detecting impacts received by a user that is wearing the head guard70when playing sport, in particular rugby. Specifically, the arrangement80is for detecting high impacts received by the user, and for alerting other people in the vicinity when a received impact is greater than a threshold level.

With continued reference toFIG.7, and additional reference toFIGS.8(a)-8(h)—which show exploded views of the arrangement80—the arrangement80includes a printable (sensor) circuit board82, or microchip or substrate, having a sensor84in the form of an accelerometer and gyroscope. The circuit board82also has a battery source in the form of a coin battery86. The circuit board82also has a wireless radio transmitter88. The arrangement80also includes another (lighting) substrate or circuit board92having a visual indicator in the form of a plurality of LEDs94. In the described example, the LEDs94are arranged to form a pattern in the form of a number of spokes emanating from a centre to an edge of the substrate92; however, any suitable pattern of LEDs may be created.

The arrangement80also includes a casing or housing, generally referred to using reference numeral100, for housing the circuit boards82,92. The housing100includes a base housing part102, a ring housing part104, and a housing cover part106. As in the previously-described example, the housing100is formed from a flexible material, in particular thermoplastic polyurethane. The base housing part102has a base102aand a rim102b. The sensor circuit board82is received into the base housing part102so that it is adjacent to the base102aand surrounded by the rim102b. The lighting circuit board92may then be received into the base housing part102so that it is adjacent to, in particular atop, the sensor circuit board82and also surrounded by the rim102b. The ring housing part104may then be placed on the base housing part102to encase or encapsulate the sensor and lighting substrates82,92. In particular, a rim104aof the ring housing part104overlies the base housing part rim102b. Note that the ring housing part104has an opening104bat its top. The housing cover part106is transparent and is sized to be received into, and secured relative to, the opening104bof the ring housing part104. When the housing100is assembled, the LEDs94are visible through the transparent housing cover part106.

Purely by way of example, the diameter of the base housing part102may be approximately 25 mm, the diameter of the sensor and lighting substrates or circuit boards82,92may be approximately 21 mm, and the diameter of the transparent housing cover part106may be approximately 20 mm. It will be understood that any appropriate dimensions may be used.

FIG.9shows a perspective view of an impact detection arrangement800similar to the impact detection arrangement80. The arrangement800includes a housing802—also referred to as a casing or shell—including an upper part802a, a lower part802band a transparent screen or portion802c. The arrangement800also includes a single printed circuit board804—also referred to as a substrate—and a battery806in the form of a coin cell.

An interior of the lower part802bof the housing800has a raised portion808. As indicated inFIG.9, the battery806is positioned between the lower part802bof the housing802and a rear side of the substrate804. When the arrangement800is assembled the raised portion abuts the battery806and presses it into the substrate804to secure it in place. The electrical components other than the battery804are arranged on the upper side of the substrate, i.e. the side opposite to the battery806, and will be discussed in greater detail below. It is seen that a depth of the housing802is less than a length and of a breadth of the housing802, and that the housing is generally planar. This allows the arrangement to fit neatly and unobtrusively into a rugby head guard, which is formed of relatively thin, soft material.

FIG.10shows the upper and lower parts802a,802bof the housing802in greater detail. The lower part802bhas an indent or female part810around the inside thereof for receiving a male counterpart or ridge812on the outside of the upper part802ain the form of a seal clip ring that flares to attach the upper and lower parts802a,802btogether. This allows the upper and lower parts802a,802bto be secured together using a snap fit which advantageously obviates the need for additional attaching parts. The inside of the upper casing802aincludes a number of clips814disposed therein to receive and fasten the substrate804securely in place in the housing800. A top side of the upper part802ais open and defines an aperture816to allow the transparent cover802cto be positioned therein. A rim818of the lower part802bmay be slightly narrower than a rim820of the upper part820. This can balance the competing considerations of ensuring the arrangement800is sufficiently compact to not interfere with the user, while ensuring that the arrangement800is sufficiently resilient and strong to withstand external impacts. Purely by way of example, the rim818may be 2 mm, the rim820may be 2.5 mm, and the clips814may be 1 mm.

FIG.11(a)shows a front side804aof the printed circuit board804. In particular, a number of components that are part of the electrical circuit are arranged on the front side804a. Specifically, the visual indicator in the form of an LED822(with high luminosity) which illuminates when the detected impact exceeds the threshold is on the front side802a. Also, the sensor in the form of an accelerometer824—measuring up to 100 G—is on the front side804a. In the described example, the front side804aalso has an on/off LED826which illuminates when the arrangement800is switched on ready for use. Furthermore,FIG.11aalso indicates two holes828for a battery holder mounting, a six pin adapter830for uploading firmware, an outline of where a processor module832of the electrical circuit is to be positioned, and a gap834in the circuit board for an aerial to be positioned. The front side804aof the printed circuit board804is arranged adjacent to the transparent screen802cof the housing802so that the light produced by the LED may be viewed through the screen when activated.

FIG.11(b)shows a rear side804bof the printed circuit board804. In particular, the opposite sides of the two holes828for a battery holder mounting and the gap834for the aerial to be positioned are shown. A negative contact836for the coin cell battery806is arranged on the rear side804b, as is a surface mount and two-pin mounted holder838for the battery806. There is also a narrow space840around the outer perimeter of the rear side804bfor the substrate804to clip onto the casing802.

As described, the arrangement800is designed so that the components of the electrical circuit are stacked on the top and bottom of a single printed circuit board to provide compactness and reduce the size of the arrangement800. In particular, the arrangement800is constructed to be as small and compact as possible but provide enough power to usefully utilise the device and also protect the device from impacts in the choice of casing materials used, for instance. Regulations governing professional rugby stipulate that devices are to minimise discomfort to the wearer, and the described design of present device achieves this.

FIG.12shows rugby apparatus including a rugby head guard700that is similar to the rugby head guard70inFIG.6. The apparatus includes a pocket insert702for receiving the impact detection arrangement80ofFIG.7or the impact detection arrangement800ofFIG.9. The head guard700has a hole through its entire thickness at its rear side. In the described example, the hole is located slightly away from a centre line of the guard700at its rear side.

The pocket702includes a protective surrounding portion704and a flange portion706extending from the surrounding portion704. In this example, the pocket702is a foam cut-out structure. The surrounding portion704is sized to receive the impact detection arrangement80,800to hold it securely in place. The pocket702is formed from a material that is less stiff—i.e. softer—than the housing of the impact detection arrangement80,800in order to protect both: the arrangement80,800from damage upon an impact being received; and, the user from the arrangement80,800upon an impact being received. Note that the rugby head guard700is also formed from a relatively soft (or not hard) material, in particular less stiff than the housing of the impact detection arrangement80,800. In this example, the head guard700and the pocket702are formed from the same material, namely a foam material, to provide structural stability and to be compliant with regulations governing professional rugby. A depth of the surrounding portion704may be greater than a depth of the housing802of the impact detection arrangement to provide protection from impacts. The arrangement800is arranged in the pocket so that the transparent portion802cof the housing802faces outwards away from the user's head so that the visual indicator may be viewed.

The pocket702is received into the hole of the guard700such that the flange portion706is at an inner side of the guard700and the surrounding portion704extends through the hole. The flange portion704is sewn to the guard700to secure the pocket702to the guard700. Cutting out a small panel or hole allows the pocket702to slide into the hole created. The pocket702minimises any alteration to a direct impact that would occur anywhere else on the head while wearing the arrangement80,80.

The apparatus also includes an outer cover element708for covering the hole to the outside of the guard700. In the described example, the element708is in the form of a breathable and stretchable fabric material, e.g. Spandex. The material708must be such that the visual indicator of the image detection arrangement80,800can be viewed clearly through the material708from a sufficient distance, e.g. tens of metres. The element708is attached to the pocket702by sewing its edges to the flange portion706. The outer cover element708provides an added layer of protection to the arrangement80800from dirt and/or dust.

The apparatus further includes a removable inner cover element710for covering the hole at the inner side of the guard700. In the described example, the element710is material approximately the diameter of the flange portion706of the pocket702, and includes hook and loop means, e.g. Velcro®, for attaching and removing all or part of the element710to the flange portion706. When the removable inner cover element710is attached it creates a tight seal and the impact detection arrangement80,800is secured in the head guard700. The inner cover element710can then be removed to allow access to the arrangement80,800via the inner side of the head guard700. This restricts access to the head guard700to when the guard700is not in use, i.e. when it is not being worn. Note that the outer and inner cover parts708,710may also be referred to as being part of the pocket702. The entire pocket (including cover elements) may be constructed as a single, entire insert for ease of manufacture.

The apparatus may further include a magnetic device or element (not shown) to switch the arrangement80,800on/off and/or to reset the arrangement80,800. In particular, the electrical circuit of the arrangement80,800includes an electrical switch for switching the impact detection arrangement80,800between an operable state—i.e. on—and an inoperable state—i.e. off. The magnetic device operates the electrical switch by coming into close proximity with the electrical switch. Specifically, the electrical switch is arranged to change between the operable and inoperable states in response to the magnetic device being brought to within a threshold distance of the electrical switch. Hence, when the arrangement80,800is in the head guard700the magnet can be tapped on the outside of the pocket to switch the arrangement80,800on or off. By not having a switch than can be operated by a user's finger, for instance, the user cannot deactivate the arrangement80,800during play, inadvertently or otherwise.

The magnet may be used to either switch the arrangement80,800on/off or reset the arrangement, depending on how long the magnet is held in close proximity with to the arrangement. The electrical switch may be arranged to change between the operable and inoperable states in response to the magnetic device being maintained within the threshold distance for less than a threshold time, e.g. one second. The impact detection arrangement80,800may be arranged to reset after the detected acceleration change exceeds the threshold acceleration change in response to the magnetic device being maintained within the threshold distance for greater than the threshold time. By reset, it may mean completely switching off the arrangement80,800, or simply turning off the visual indicator that has been activated.

FIGS.13(a) and13(b)show front and rear views, respectively, of another example of sports headwear900or head gear with which the impact detection arrangement80,800may be used. In particular, the sports headwear900is in the form of a head band or strap that extends around the user's head. The headwear900may be formed from a stretchable material—e.g. the same as the outer cover element mentioned above—so that it grips the user's head when worn. Such headwear may be used in a sport such as association football, in which a player repeatedly heading the ball, or clashing heads with another player, can pose a risk of injury or concussion. In this case, a layer of padding902is located at an inner, rear side of the headwear900, extending around less than half the circumference of the headwear900. This is of similar design to the rugby head guard cut-out above. A hole904is formed in the rear side of the headgear900(through the headgear900and padding902)—so that the ball is less likely to come into contact with the arrangement80,800, for instance—and the pocket of the arrangement80,800, including the cover parts, is inserted and received into the hole904. The pocket is attached to the headgear900in a similar manner to the rugby head guard800above.FIG.14summarises the steps of a method110performed by each of the arrangements30,80,800in the above-described examples in order to detect and report a high impact experienced by a user when the arrangements30,80,800are operational when a user is partaking in a sporting activity. In particular, prior to use the impact detection arrangement30,80,800is coupled to the head guard10,70,700by means of the pocket16,76,702and the user dons the head guard10,70,700in particular by the user's head being received into the main body12,72of the head guard10,70,700. The provision of the impact detection arrangement30,80,800for coupling to sports headwear, i.e. the head guard10,70,700to be worn by a user may be regarded as step112of the method110.

With the head guard10,70,700secured to the user's head, the arrangement30,80,800is thereby also secured relative to the user's head. The sensor38,84is therefore operable to detect changes in movement of the user's head. Specifically, the sensor38,84is arranged to detect a change in acceleration of the user's head, also referred to as a g-force experienced by the user's head. That is, the accelerometer38,84measures the directional change of the user's head and, in particular, the rate of this change. This detection or measurement of acceleration change may be regarded as step114in the method110.

In the case of a shock, e.g. a collision, the g-force can be relatively large for a relatively short period. During sporting activity, such a shock can occur when a player is tackled or otherwise collides or impacts with another player. Note that a relatively large g-force may be experienced by a player's head even if the impact causing the large acceleration change is not received directly on the head. Along with a high impact to the head itself, a tackle where the direct impact is to the neck or other part of the body may also cause a large acceleration change to the head. When a player's head experiences a large acceleration change caused by a high impact, the player is at risk of concussion and needs to be checked by medical personnel before being allowed to continue playing, in particular to guard against second impact syndrome. It is therefore imperative that high g-forces experienced by the player's head are detected and communicated.

In order to achieve this, at step116the visual indicator in the form of LEDs44,94are arranged to activate, i.e. to light up, when the acceleration change or g-force detected by the sensor38,84rises above a threshold value. This provides a visual indication or warning to other people in the vicinity of the player, e.g. other players, referees, coaching staff, that the player has received a high impact and should be checked for signs of concussion before being permitted to continue playing. Specifically, the sensor38,84is connected to, and calibrated by, a microprocessor of the circuit board36,82that recognises when the received or detected impact exceeds the threshold change value. Upon exceeding the threshold, a switch of the circuit board36,82is arranged to open to cause the visual indicator to activate, i.e. to cause the LEDs44,94to illuminate.

In the described example, the LEDs44,94remain on upon detection of the above-threshold g-force until the arrangement30,80,800has been reset, e.g. until the player has been checked. In different examples, the LEDs may remain on for a predetermined amount of time upon detection of the above-threshold g-force.

In the described example, the threshold change value is a predetermined threshold value. For instance, an appropriate threshold for an adult player may be approximately 60 G, where G is a measure of the g-force change, i.e. a measure of acceleration change relative to free fall. It will be understood that this particular value if for illustration only, and any appropriate threshold value may be used.

In some examples, the threshold may be user-adjustable to be suitable for a particular user. For example, the appropriate threshold value for a child player may be less than for an adult player. The threshold value may therefore by adjusted and set in dependence on the particular user. In addition to, or alternatively to, the threshold being varied based on the age of the user, the threshold may also be varied in dependence on the level of sporting activity at which the player is participating. In rugby for example, the threshold may be varied depending on whether the player or user is participating in professional rugby or amateur rugby. For instance, the threshold value may be lower for amateur level than for professional level.

The wireless radio transmitter42,88may be used to send impact data collected by the microchip36,82from the arrangement30,80to a mobile device, e.g. a mobile smartphone or tablet device. In particular, the impact data received by the mobile device may be recorded and monitored, for example via a specific application, so that a user of the mobile device can track and monitor the received impacts to make a determination as to whether medical attention is needed or to provide specific medical advice based on the received impact data. The signals may be sent in real time so that users of the mobile device on the side lines may be provided with live updates. Note that all of the detected impact data, and not necessarily just data above the threshold value, may be sent to the mobile device. The transmitted signals including the impact data may be in the form of, for example, Bluetooth® signals or radio-frequency identification (RFID) signals. For instance, the signals may be in the form of high-frequency sound waves as they may be clearer or have less disruption than other types of signals.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments and examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the accompanying claims.

In the above-described examples, the impact detection arrangement is coupled to a rugby head guard and used to detect impacts to a rugby player wearing the head guard when playing rugby. In different examples, however, the impact detection arrangement may be used to detect impacts received by a person taking part in a different sport. In particular, the impact detection arrangement may be coupled to sports headgear other than a rugby head guard. Examples of other sports in which the impact detection arrangement may be used include, but are not limited to, cycling and association football. The sports headgear to which the impact detection arrangement is coupled may be protective headgear, a helmet, used in these or other sports, or another form of sports headgear.

In the above-described examples, the impact detection arrangement has a single threshold g-force change value where a single impact above said threshold is considered to provide a concussion risk and therefore causes the visual indicator to be activated. However, when a player receives a number (greater than one) of impacts over a certain level (but less than the threshold) then the player may similarly be at risk of concussion. In different examples, therefore, there is a second threshold value less than the (first) threshold value, whereby the visual indicator is arranged to activate when the detected g-force change rises above the second threshold value a predetermined number of times greater than one.

In the above-described examples, one or more LEDs are used to provide visual indication of a high impact having occurred. In different examples, however, a different form of visual indicator may be used. For instance, different kinds of lights other than LEDs may be used. Also, the visual indicator need to not be an electronic visual indicator, e.g. light indicator, and could instead, for example, be in the form of a dye in a transparent container, where the dye is released (and can be seen) when the detected g-force is above the threshold.

In the above-described examples, the impact detection arrangement is coupled to the head guard by means of a pocket associated with the head guard, e.g. the pocket may be sewn onto the head guard, during manufacture or otherwise, or the pocket may be integrally formed with the head guard. In different examples, the impact detection arrangement may be coupled to the head guard without the need of a pocket to receive the head guard. In the case of rugby specifically, the impact detection arrangement may be attached or connected directly to the rugby head guard. In particular, the arrangement may be attached to an internal plate positioned at an inner side of the head guard. The plate may have connection points or features, such as sprockets, that extend or fit through eyelets holding lacing of the head guard, and may in turn connect to corresponding connection points on the arrangement, so as to secure the arrangement to the head guard, and therefore secure the arrangement relative to the user's head.

In the above-described examples, the visual indicator (in the form of LEDs) is either in an ‘off-state’, i.e. when the received impacts have not exceeded the threshold, or an ‘on-state’, i.e. when a received impact exceeds the threshold. In different examples, however, the visual indicator may activate (light up) in a gradual manner. For instance, the level of luminosity of the visual indicator may indicate the number of impacts over a certain threshold that the player has received, where a greater luminosity means a greater number of high impacts.

Although the arrangements inFIGS.7and9are shown as being generally circular, in different examples an arrangement may generally have rounded edges without necessarily being circular, while still maintaining the required compactness and no sharp edges (which could cause injury or damage).

Further examples of the present disclosure are given in the following numbered statements.

1. Impact detection arrangement for coupling to a rugby head guard to be worn by a user, the arrangement comprising: a sensor configured to detect an indication of an acceleration change experienced by the user's head when the rugby head guard is being worn; and, a visual indicator configured to provide a visual indication when the detected acceleration change exceeds a threshold.

2. Impact detection arrangement according to statement 1, wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer.

3. Impact detection arrangement according to any previous statement, wherein the visual indicator comprises a light indicator.

4. Impact detection arrangement according to statement 3, wherein the light indicator comprises one or more LEDs.

5. Impact detection arrangement according to any previous statement, wherein the sensor is positioned on a first substrate and the visual indicator is positioned on a second substrate separate from the first substrate.

6. Impact detection arrangement according to any previous statement, wherein the visual indicator is arranged atop the sensor.

7. Impact detection arrangement according to any previous statement, wherein the threshold is user-adjustable.

8. Impact detection arrangement according to any previous statement, wherein the threshold is a first threshold greater than a second threshold, and wherein the visual indicator is configured to provide the visual indication when the detected acceleration change exceeds the second threshold a predetermined number of times greater than one.

9. Impact detection arrangement according to any previous statement, the arrangement comprising a housing arranged to house the sensor and the visual indicator.

10. Impact detection arrangement according to statement 9, wherein the housing is formed from a flexible material.

11. Impact detection arrangement according to statement 9 or statement 10, wherein at least part of the housing is formed from a transparent material.

12. Impact detection arrangement according to any of statements 9 to 11, wherein the housing is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane.

13. Impact detection arrangement according to any of statements 9 to 12, wherein the housing is generally elongate.

14. Impact detection arrangement according to any of statements 9 to 13, wherein the housing is shaped to conform to a curvature of the user's head.

15. Impact detection arrangement according to any of statements 9 to 14, wherein the housing comprises a first housing part arranged to house the sensor and a second housing part configured to house the visual indicator.

16. Impact detection arrangement according to statement 15, wherein the arrangement comprises a locking mechanism arranged to connect the first and second housing parts together.

17. Impact detection arrangement according to any of statements 9 to 12, wherein the housing is generally circular.

18. Impact detection arrangement according to any previous statement, wherein the sensor is configured to receive data indicative of the acceleration change experienced by the user's head, and wherein the arrangement comprises a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the received acceleration data off-board the arrangement, optionally wherein the acceleration data is transmitted to a mobile device.

19. Sports headwear, comprising: a main body arranged to receive a user's head; and, a pocket coupled to the main body and arranged to receive the impact detection arrangement of any previous claim, so as to couple the impact detection arrangement to the sports headwear.

20. Sports headwear according to statement 19, wherein the pocket is positioned at rear side of the sports headwear, optionally wherein the pocket is positioned at a central part of the main body of the head guard.

21. Sports headwear according to statement 19 or statement 20, wherein the pocket is in the form of a fabric sleeve.

22. Sports headwear according to any of statement 19 to 21, wherein the pocket is integrally formed with the main body.

23. Sports headwear according to any of statement 19 to 22, wherein the sports headwear is a rugby head guard.

24. Apparatus for sports impact detection, the apparatus comprising: the impact detection arrangement of any of statements 1 to 18; and, the sports headwear of any of statement 19 to 23, wherein the sports headwear is arranged to be worn on a user's head and the impact detection arrangement is arranged to be coupled to the sports headwear to detect acceleration change experienced by the user's head upon the user receiving an impact.

25. An impact detection method, comprising: providing an impact detection arrangement for coupling to sports headwear to be worn by a user, the arrangement having a sensor and a visual indicator; detecting, using the sensor, an indication of an acceleration change experienced by the user's head when the sports headwear is being worn; and, providing a visual indication using the visual indicator when the detected acceleration change exceeds a threshold.