U.S. patent application number 14/195699 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-04 for impact awareness device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ricardo Lewis de la Fuente. Invention is credited to Ricardo Lewis de la Fuente.
Application Number | 20140247129 14/195699 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51420692 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140247129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
de la Fuente; Ricardo
Lewis |
September 4, 2014 |
IMPACT AWARENESS DEVICE
Abstract
An impact awareness device (IAD) may include an impact switch
configured to transition from an open-circuit state to a
close-circuit state when a force is exerted on the IAD in a first
direction and exceeds a force threshold. The IAD may further
include a headliner configured to couple with a protective
headgear. The headliner may include a flexible band comprising one
or more substrates configured to conform to a headband of the
protective headgear, and an electronic circuit coupled to the
flexible band and electrically coupled to the switch and wherein
when the force threshold is exceeded the electronic circuit
transmits an indication signal to provide an indication of the
likelihood of a head and a vertebral column injuries when the
indicator signal is received.
Inventors: |
de la Fuente; Ricardo Lewis;
(Miami, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
de la Fuente; Ricardo Lewis |
Miami |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51420692 |
Appl. No.: |
14/195699 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61934499 |
Jan 31, 2014 |
|
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|
61772791 |
Mar 5, 2013 |
|
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61771453 |
Mar 1, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/573.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/121 20130101;
A61B 5/6803 20130101; A61B 5/4064 20130101; A42B 3/046 20130101;
A61B 5/11 20130101; A63B 71/10 20130101; A42B 3/044 20130101; A61B
5/7282 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/573.1 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04 |
Claims
1. An impact awareness device (IAD) to reduce the likelihood of
head and vertebral column injuries, the IAD comprising: an impact
switch configured to transition from an open-circuit state to a
close-circuit state when a force is exerted on the IAD in a first
direction and exceeds a force threshold, the impact switch
comprising: a hub comprising: a hub base coupled to the hub and
having a central axis centered in the hub base, and a conductive
body with a body axis coupled to the hub base, the body axis lies
along the central axis; a conductive member coupled to the hub base
along the central axis; a first wire electrically coupled to the
conductive member; a second wire electrically coupled to the
conductive body; a headliner configured to couple with a protective
headgear, comprising: a flexible band comprising one or more
substrates configured to conform to a headband of the protective
headgear, and an electronic circuit coupled to the flexible band
and electrically coupled to the switch and wherein when the force
threshold is exceeded the electronic circuit transmits an
indication signal; and an indicator circuit coupled to the
protective headgear and electrically coupled to the electronic
circuit, the indicator circuit is configured to provide an
indication of the likelihood of a head and a vertebral column
injuries when the indicator signal is received.
2. The IAD of claim 1, wherein the conductive member further
comprises: a shaft with a first shaft end and a second shaft end
coupled to the hub base; and a neck portion with a fixed length and
at a shaft location along the shaft between the first shaft end and
the second shaft end, the shaft location or the fixed length is
configured to determine the force threshold.
3. The IAD of claim 1, wherein the conductive member further
comprises: a shaft with a first shaft end and a second shaft end
coupled to the hub base; and a conductive tube slideably coupled to
the shaft, an overlap distance of the conductive tube over the
shaft is configured to determine the force threshold.
4. The IAD of claim 1, wherein the indicator circuit further
comprises a computer-readable medium configured to store a
recording of the indicator signal and a wired connection port
configured to allow the computer-readable medium to be access and
the recording to be read.
5. The IAD of claim 1, further comprising: a second switch with a
second force threshold coupled to the headliner and configured to
determine when a second force is exerted on the IAD in a second
direction; a third switch with a third force threshold coupled to
the headliner and configured to determine when a third force is
exerted on the IAD in a third direction; a fourth switch with a
fourth force threshold coupled to the headliner and configured to
determine when a fourth force is exerted on the IAD in a fourth
direction; and a fifth switch with a fifth force threshold coupled
to the headliner and configured to determine when a fifth force is
exerted on the IAD.
6. The IAD of claim 5, wherein the first direction, the second
direction, and the third direction are a same direction; and the
indicator circuit further comprises a first light emitting diode
(LED), a second LED, and a third LED, the indicator circuit is
configured to illuminate and indicate a magnitude of the force
along the same direction by illuminating the first LED if the force
threshold is exceeded, illuminating the second LED if the second
force threshold is exceeded, and illuminating the third LED if the
third force threshold is exceeded.
7. The IAD of claim 1, wherein the headliner further comprises: a
first rib with a first rib end and a second rib end define a first
rib axis, the first rib end is coupled to the headliner with a
first connector and the second rib end is coupled to the headliner
with a second connector, the first connector is opposite the second
connector on the headliner; and a second rib with a third rib end
and a fourth rib end define a second rib axis, the third rib end is
coupled to the headliner with a third connector and the fourth rib
end is coupled to the headliner with a fourth connector, the third
connector is opposite the fourth connector on the headliner and
wherein the first rib axis is perpendicular to the second rib axis
and the first connector, the second connector, the third connector,
and the fourth connector are configured to removably couple the
headliner to the protective headgear.
8. The IAD of claim 7, further comprising one or more ultrasonic
devices coupled to the first rib and the second rib and configured
to detect a movement of a brain of a user relative to a skull of
the user when a trigger signal is received from the electronic
circuit, wherein the electronic circuit will transmit the indicator
signal indicative of the reading when the reading indicates that a
motion threshold is exceeded.
9. The IAD of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit is configured
to transmit a trigger signal when the force threshold is exceeded,
the IAD further comprising a headgear immobilization device
electrically coupled to the electronic circuit and comprising: a
mounting base coupled to the protective headgear; a mounting
bracket that removably couples to the mounting base and comprises a
quick release lever, wherein when the mounting bracket is inserted
into the mounting base, the mounting bracket and the mounting base
are coupled together and when the quick release lever is actuated,
the mounting bracket and the mounting base are decoupled apart; and
one or more linear locks, each linear lock comprising: a lock
housing with a first lock end and a second lock end, a mount with a
first mount end and a second mount end, the first mount end is
coupled to the first lock end and the second mount end is coupled
to the mounting bracket, a rod with a first rod end and a second
rod end, a plurality of substantially parallel grooves are disposed
along the rod between the first rod end and the second rod end, the
first rod end travels through a housing aperture at the second lock
end, and the second rod end is coupled to a torso mount, and an
interrupter mechanism is disposed within a platform, the platform
is disposed within the lock housing and slideably couples with the
rod, the interrupter mechanism is configured to restrict the travel
of the rod by engaging an individual groove of the plurality of
substantially parallel grooves when the trigger signal is received
thereby restricting the movement of the protective headgear in
relation to the torso mount.
10. The IAD of claim 9, wherein the interrupter mechanism will
disengage from the individual groove of the plurality of
substantially parallel grooves when the electronic circuit ceases
to send the trigger signal.
11. The IAD of claim 9, wherein the IAD further comprising a
binding immobilizer coupled to the torso mount and electrically
coupled to the electronic circuit, comprising: a belt comprising a
plurality of substantially parallel grooves; a belt mount coupled
to the belt at a distal end; a buckle coupled to the belt at a
proximal end; and a roller buckle slideably coupled to the belt
between the proximal end and the distal end and configured to
matedly couple with the buckle around the torso mount and wherein
the interrupter mechanism is disposed within a recess in the belt
mount and configured to removably engage a groove of the plurality
of substantially parallel grooves when the trigger signal is
received.
12. The IAD of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit is
configured to transmit a trigger signal when the force threshold is
exceeded, the IAD further comprising a flexible magnetorheological
(MR) fluid assembly configured to transition from a fluid state to
a rigid state when a magnetic field is present, the flexible MR
fluid assembly comprises: a protective tube; a flexible tube
disposed within the protective tube; a MR fluid disposed within the
flexible tube; and a magnetic wire electrically coupled to the
electronic circuit and configured to create the magnetic field to
transition the MR fluid from the fluid state to the rigid state
when the trigger signal is received.
13. The IAD of claim 12, wherein the MR fluid will transition from
the rigid state to the fluid state when the electronic circuit
ceases to send the trigger signal thereby allowing a free range of
movement between the protective headgear and a torso mount.
14. The IAD of claim 12, wherein the flexible MR fluid assembly
further comprises: one or more inner longitudinal tubes disposed
within the flexible tube and enclosing the MR fluid; and a
ferromagnetic core disposed within the flexible tube along a tube
axis.
15. The IAD of claim 14, wherein the IAD further comprises an
interlaced mat comprising one or more flexible MR fluid assemblies
woven together, the interlaced mat has a first mat end and a second
mat end, the first mat end is removably coupled to the protective
headgear and the second mat end is removably coupled to a torso
mount.
16. The IAD of claim 12, wherein the flexible MR fluid assembly
further comprises: one or more magnetic plugs comprising the
flexible tube with a first tube end and a second tube end and the
magnetic wire wrapped around the flexible tube; and one or more
capture tubes with a first capture end and a second capture end
wherein the first capture end is configured to matedly couple with
the second tube end, the second capture end is configured to
matedly couple with the first tube end, and the MR fluid is
disposed within the one or more capture tubes, wherein the one or
more magnetic plugs and the one or more capture tubes are coupled
together.
17. The IAD of claim 16, wherein the IAD further comprises a
stacked mat comprising: a first sheet; a second sheet positioned on
top of the first sheet, wherein one or more flexible MR fluid
assemblies are disposed between the first sheet and the second
sheet substantially parallel to each other to create the stacked
mat; a first stacked mat end coupled to the protective headgear;
and a second stacked mat end coupled to a torso mount, wherein when
the trigger signal is received, each flexible MR fluid assembly
becomes rigid thereby the stack mat becomes rigid and restricts the
movement of the protective headgear in relation to the torso
mount.
18. A method of immobilizing a protective headgear in relation to a
torso mount, the method comprising: detecting an impact with impact
awareness device (IAD), the IAD comprises: an impact switch
configured to transition from an open-circuit state to a
close-circuit state when the impact is exerted on the impact switch
in a first direction and exceeds a force threshold, the impact
switch comprising: a hub comprising: a hub base coupled to the hub
and having a central axis centered in the hub base, and a
conductive body with a body axis coupled to the hub base, the body
axis lies along the central axis; a conductive member coupled to
the hub base along the central axis; a first wire electrically
coupled to the conductive member; a second wire electrically
coupled to the conductive body; a headliner configured to couple
with the protective headgear, comprising: a flexible band
comprising one or more substrates configured to conform to a
headband of the protective headgear, and an electronic circuit
coupled to the flexible band and electrically coupled to the switch
and wherein when the force threshold is exceeded the electronic
circuit transmits an indication signal and a trigger signal; an
indicator circuit coupled to the protective headgear and
electrically coupled to the electronic circuit, the indicator
circuit is configured to provide an indication of the likelihood of
a head and a vertebral column injuries when the indicator signal is
received; determining if the force threshold has been exceeded;
indicating that the force threshold has been exceeded with the
indicator circuit; transmitting the trigger signal to an interlaced
mat, comprising: a flexible magnetorheological (MR) fluid assembly
configured to transition from a fluid state to a rigid state when a
magnetic field is present, the flexible MR fluid assembly
comprises: a protective tube, a flexible tube disposed within the
protective tube, a MR fluid disposed within the flexible tube, a
magnetic wire electrically coupled to the electronic circuit and
configured to create the magnetic field to transition the MR fluid
from the fluid state to the rigid state when the trigger signal is
received, one or more inner longitudinal tubes disposed within the
flexible tube and enclosing the MR fluid, and a ferromagnetic core
disposed within the flexible tube along a tube axis, and one or
more flexible MR fluid assemblies woven together, the interlaced
mat has a first mat end and a second mat end, the first mat end is
removably coupled to the protective headgear and the second mat end
is removably coupled to the torso mount; and transitioning the one
or more flexible MR fluid assemblies to the rigid state.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: ceasing to transmit
the trigger signal; and transitioning the MR fluid from the rigid
state to the fluid state thereby allowing a free range of movement
between the protective headgear and the torso mount.
20. An impact immobilization device to reduce the likelihood of
head and a vertebral column injuries, the immobilization device
comprising: an impact awareness device (IAD) comprising: an impact
switch configured to transition from an open-circuit state to a
close-circuit state when a force is exerted on the IAD in a first
direction and exceeds a force threshold, the impact switch
comprising: a hub comprising: a hub base coupled to the hub and
having a central axis centered in the hub base, and a conductive
body with a body axis coupled to the hub base, the body axis lies
along the central axis; a conductive member coupled to the hub base
along the central axis; a first wire electrically coupled to the
conductive member; a second wire electrically coupled to the
conductive body; a headliner configured to couple with a protective
headgear, comprising: a flexible band comprising one or more
substrates configured to conform to a headband of the protective
headgear, and an electronic circuit coupled to the flexible band
and electrically coupled to the switch and wherein when the force
threshold is exceeded the electronic circuit transmits an
indication signal and a trigger signal; and an indicator circuit
coupled to the protective headgear and electrically coupled to the
electronic circuit, the indicator circuit is configured to provide
an indication of the likelihood of a head and a vertebral column
injuries when the indicator signal is received; a headgear
immobilization device electrically coupled to the electronic
circuit and comprising: a mounting base coupled to the protective
headgear; a mounting bracket that removably couples to the mounting
base and comprises a quick release lever, wherein when the mounting
bracket is inserted into the mounting base, the mounting bracket
and the mounting base are coupled together and when the quick
release lever is actuated, the mounting bracket and the mounting
base are decoupled apart; and one or more linear locks, each linear
lock comprising: a lock housing with a first lock end and a second
lock end, a mount with a first mount end and a second mount end,
the first mount end is coupled to the first lock end and the second
mount end is coupled to the mounting bracket, a rod with a first
rod end and a second rod end, a plurality of substantially parallel
grooves are disposed along the rod between the first rod end and
the second rod end, the first rod end travels through a housing
aperture at the second lock end, and the second rod end is coupled
to a torso mount, and an interrupter mechanism is disposed within a
platform, the platform is disposed within the lock housing and
slideably couples with the rod, the interrupter mechanism is
configured to restrict the travel of the rod by engaging an
individual groove of the plurality of substantially parallel
grooves when the trigger signal is received thereby restricting the
movement of the protective headgear in relation to the torso mount;
and a binding immobilizer coupled to the torso mount and
electrically coupled to the electronic circuit, comprising: a belt
comprising a plurality of substantially parallel grooves, belt
mount coupled to the belt at a distal end, buckle coupled to the
belt at a proximal end, and a roller buckle slideably coupled to
the belt between the proximal end and the distal end and configured
to matedly couple with the buckle around the torso mount and
wherein the interrupter mechanism is disposed within a recess in
the belt mount and configured to removably engage a groove of the
plurality of substantially parallel grooves when the trigger signal
is received.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application hereby claims the benefit of
Provisional U.S. Application No. 61/771,453 filed Mar. 1, 2013,
entitled "Impact Awareness Device," claims the benefit of
Provisional U.S. Application No. 61/772,791 filed Mar. 5, 2013,
entitled "Impact Awareness Device," and claims the benefit of
Provisional U.S. Application No. 61/934,499 filed Jan. 31, 2014,
entitled "Impact Awareness Device."
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present specification generally relates to an impact
awareness device for indicating the likelihood of a head and/or
vertebral column injuries after an impact event and, more
specifically, for determining the likelihood of a head and/or
vertebral column injury from an impact event, immobilizing the head
and/or diverting impact forces away from the head and/or vertebral
column during the duration of the impact event.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Protecting the head and vertebral column from the impact
forces which may cause injury is a critical objective. Determining
the risk and the likelihood that a person has suffered a head
and/or vertebral column injury as the result of an impact is often
fraught with difficulties ranging from confusion, due to a lack of
available information after an impact event, to the need to resume
competition despite apparent trauma. Such injuries include bone or
cartilage damage to the skull or vertebral column and/or brain
injuries such as M.T.B.I. (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) to brain
concussions and contusions.
[0004] Accordingly, a need exists for an alternative user worn
device for protecting the head and/or vertebral column and
determining the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column injury
has occurred in real time as well as after an impact event for the
benefit of both the user and outside observers.
SUMMARY
[0005] An impact awareness device (IAD) may include an impact
switch configured to transition from an open-circuit state to a
close-circuit state when a force is exerted on the IAD in a first
direction and exceeds a force threshold. The impact switch may
include a hub including a hub base coupled to the hub and having a
central axis centered in the hub base, and a conductive body with a
body axis coupled to the hub base, the body axis lies along the
central axis. A conductive member may be coupled to the hub base
along the central axis. A first wire may be electrically coupled to
the conductive member. A second wire may be electrically coupled to
the conductive body, The IAD may further include a headliner
configured to couple with a protective headgear. The headliner may
include a flexible band comprising one or more substrates
configured to conform to a headband of the protective headgear, and
an electronic circuit coupled to the flexible band and electrically
coupled to the switch and wherein when the force threshold is
exceeded the electronic circuit transmits an indication signal and
a trigger signal. The IAD may further include an indicator circuit
coupled to the protective headgear and electrically coupled to the
electronic circuit, the indicator circuit is configured to provide
an indication of the likelihood of a head and a vertebral column
injuries when the indicator signal is received.
[0006] In another embodiment, a method of immobilizing a protective
headgear in relation to a torso mount may include detecting an
impact with impact awareness device (IAD), determining if the force
threshold has been exceeded, indicating that the force threshold
has been exceeded with the indicator circuit, and transmitting the
trigger signal to an interlaced mat. The interlaced may include a
flexible magnetorheological (MR) fluid assembly configured to
transition from a fluid state to a rigid state when a magnetic
field is present. The flexible MR fluid assembly may include a
protective tube, a flexible tube disposed within the protective
tube, a MR fluid disposed within the flexible tube, a magnetic wire
electrically coupled to the electronic circuit and configured to
create the magnetic field to transition the MR fluid from the fluid
state to the rigid state when the trigger signal is received, one
or more inner longitudinal tubes disposed within the flexible tube
and enclosing the MR fluid, and a ferromagnetic core disposed
within the flexible tube along a tube axis. The one or more
flexible MR fluid assemblies may be woven together. The interlaced
mat may have a first mat end and a second mat end, the first mat
end is removably coupled to the protective headgear and the second
mat end is removably coupled to the torso mount. The method may
further include transitioning the one or more flexible MR fluid
assemblies to the rigid state.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, an impact immobilization device
to reduce the likelihood of head and a vertebral column injuries,
the immobilization device may include an impact awareness device
(IAD). The IAD may include an impact switch configured to
transition from an open-circuit state to a close-circuit state when
a force is exerted on the IAD in a first direction and exceeds a
force threshold. The impact switch may include a hub including a
hub base coupled to the hub and having a central axis centered in
the hub base, and a conductive body with a body axis coupled to the
hub base, the body axis lies along the central axis. A conductive
member may be coupled to the hub base along the central axis. A
first wire may be electrically coupled to the conductive member. A
second wire may be electrically coupled to the conductive body, The
IAD may further include a headliner configured to couple with a
protective headgear. The headliner may include a flexible band
comprising one or more substrates configured to conform to a
headband of the protective headgear, and an electronic circuit
coupled to the flexible band and electrically coupled to the switch
and wherein when the force threshold is exceeded the electronic
circuit transmits an indication signal and a trigger signal. The
IAD may further include an indicator circuit coupled to the
protective headgear and electrically coupled to the electronic
circuit, the indicator circuit is configured to provide an
indication of the likelihood of a head and a vertebral column
injuries when the indicator signal is received.
[0008] The impact immobilization device may also include a headgear
immobilization device electrically coupled to the electronic
circuit. The headgear immobilization device may include a mounting
base coupled to the protective headgear; a mounting bracket that
removably couples to the mounting base and comprises a quick
release lever, wherein when the mounting bracket is inserted into
the mounting base, the mounting bracket and the mounting base are
coupled together and when the quick release lever is actuated, the
mounting bracket and the mounting base are decoupled apart; and one
or more linear locks. Each linear lock may include a lock housing
with a first lock end and a second lock end, a mount with a first
mount end and a second mount end, the first mount end is coupled to
the first lock end and the second mount end is coupled to the
mounting bracket, a rod with a first rod end and a second rod end,
a plurality of substantially parallel grooves are disposed along
the rod between the first rod end and the second rod end, the first
rod end travels through a housing aperture at the second lock end,
and the second rod end is coupled to a torso mount, and an
interrupter mechanism is disposed within a platform, the platform
is disposed within the lock housing and slideably couples with the
rod, the interrupter mechanism is configured to restrict the travel
of the rod by engaging an individual groove of the plurality of
substantially parallel grooves when the trigger signal is received
thereby restricting the movement of the protective headgear in
relation to the torso mount.
[0009] The impact immobilization device may also include a binding
immobilizer coupled to the torso mount and electrically coupled to
the electronic circuit. The binding immobilizer may include a belt
comprising a plurality of substantially parallel grooves, a belt
mount coupled to the belt at a distal end, a buckle coupled to the
belt at a proximal end, and a roller buckle slideably coupled to
the belt between the proximal end and the distal end and configured
to matedly couple with the buckle around the torso mount and
wherein the interrupter mechanism is disposed within a recess in
the belt mount and configured to removably engage a groove of the
plurality of substantially parallel grooves when the trigger signal
is received.
[0010] These and additional features provided by the embodiments
described herein will be more fully understood in view of the
following detailed description, in conjunction with the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject
matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of
the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in
conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is
indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an impact switch according to one or more
embodiments shown and described herein;
[0013] FIGS. 2A through 2I depict several embodiments of a
conductive member according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a double axis impact switch according to one
or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a triple axis impact switch according to one
or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a headliner according to one or more
embodiments shown and described herein;
[0017] FIG. 6A depicts a headliner with one or more resilient ribs
according to one or more embodiments shown and described
herein;
[0018] FIG. 6B depicts a connector of the headliner according to
one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0019] FIG. 7A depicts an impact awareness device according to one
or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0020] FIG. 7B, depicts an indicator according to one or more
embodiments shown and described herein;
[0021] FIG. 7C depicts a protective headgear with the IAD and
indicator circuit according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0022] FIG. 8A depicts a front view of a headgear immobilization
device according to one or more embodiments shown and described
herein;
[0023] FIG. 8B depicts a right side view of the headgear
immobilization device according to one or more embodiments shown
and described herein;
[0024] FIG. 9A depicts a mounting brace according to one or more
embodiments shown and described herein;
[0025] FIG. 9B depicts a mounting bracket according to one or more
embodiments shown and described herein;
[0026] FIGS. 10A through 10D depict a front cross-sectional view of
a linear lock according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0027] FIG. 10E depicts a right side cross-sectional view of the
linear lock according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0028] FIG. 11A depicts a top view of a binding immobilizer
according to one or more embodiments shown and described
herein;
[0029] FIG. 11B depicts a cross-sectional view of the binding
immobilizer according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0030] FIG. 11C depicts a cross-sectional view of an interrupter
mechanism according to one or more embodiments shown and described
herein;
[0031] FIG. 12A depicts a cross-sectional view of the interrupter
mechanism in a free position according to one or more embodiments
shown and described herein;
[0032] FIG. 12B depicts a cross-sectional view of the interrupter
mechanism in an stopped position according to one or more
embodiments shown and described herein;
[0033] FIG. 12C depicts a top view of the interrupter mechanism
according to one or more embodiments shown and described
herein;
[0034] FIG. 13 depicts an exploded view of a flexible electromagnet
assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described
herein;
[0035] FIG. 14A depicts a perspective view of a flexible stacked
electromagnet assembly according to one or more embodiments shown
and described herein;
[0036] FIG. 14B depicts an exploded view of the flexible stacked
electromagnet assembly according to one or more embodiments shown
and described herein;
[0037] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of an interlaced mat
according to one or more embodiments shown and described
herein;
[0038] FIG. 16A depicts a front view of the interlaced mat headgear
immobilization device according to one or more embodiments shown
and described herein;
[0039] FIG. 16B depicts a right side view of the interlaced mat
headgear immobilization device according to one or more embodiments
shown and described herein;
[0040] FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of a stacked mat
according to one or more embodiments shown and described
herein;
[0041] FIG. 18A depicts a front view of a vertically aligned
magnetic headgear immobilization device according to one or more
embodiments shown and described herein;
[0042] FIG. 18B depicts a right side view of the vertically aligned
magnetic headgear immobilization device according to one or more
embodiments shown and described herein;
[0043] FIG. 19 depicts a front view of an indicator housing;
[0044] FIG. 20 depicts a rear view of the indicator housing;
[0045] FIG. 21 depicts a right side view of the indicator
housing;
[0046] FIG. 22 depicts a left side view of the indicator
housing;
[0047] FIG. 23 depicts a top view of the indicator housing;
[0048] FIG. 24 depicts a bottom view of the indicator housing;
[0049] FIG. 25 depicts a rear, right, perspective view of the
indicator housing; and
[0050] FIG. 26 depicts a front, left, perspective view of the
indicator housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] The following text sets forth a broad description of
numerous different embodiments of the present disclosure. The
description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not
describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible
embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible, and it will be
understood that any feature, characteristic, component,
composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described
herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole
or part, with any other feature, characteristic, component,
composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described
herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,
using either current technology or technology developed after the
filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope
of the claims. All publications and patents cited herein are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0052] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 4 with specific
numerical reference to FIG. 1, multiple embodiments of an impact
switch 10 are shown. The impact switch 10 is an open circuit device
(i.e. it will not conduct current (non-conductive) between a first
wire 40 and a second wire 45 in a rest state). The impact switch 10
is configured to transition to a close circuit device (i.e. conduct
current (conductive) between the first wire 40 and the second wire
45) when a force threshold is exceeded. In other words, when the
impact switch 10 is exposed to a force that exceeds the force
threshold the impact switch 10 is configured to detect or designed
to detect, the impact switch 10 will indicate that the force
threshold has been exceed by changing from an open circuit device
(non-conductive) to a close circuit device (conductive).
[0053] The force that the impact switch 10 responds to may be an
impact event (i.e. an event that exerts a force to the impact
switch 10 for some duration of time) or it may be a sudden motion
event (i.e. an impulse force). The impact switch 10 may be oriented
in a specific direction to increase its sensitivity to the force
along a specific axis. The impact switch 10 may have many
configurations but generally, the impact switch is configured to
detect lateral movements, 360 degrees around a central axis 30.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of the impact
switch 10 is shown. The impact switch 10 includes a hub 15, a hub
base 20, a conductive body 25, a conductive member 35, the first
wire 40, and the second wire 45. The hub 15 provides the mounting
structure for the impact switch 10. The hub 15 may be circular in
shape, square, or a combination thereof. The hub 15 may include
mounting brackets (not shown) or other hardware to secure the hub
15 to a surface or structure. The hub base 20 is substantially
centered upon a central axis 30 and is shaped to matedly couple
with the conductive body 25. The hub base 20 may be coupled to the
hub 15. In another embodiment, the hub 15 and the hub base 20 may
be constructed as one piece. In all embodiments, the hub 15 and the
hub base 20 are made from non-conductive materials and may be made
from glass, epoxy, ceramic, plastic, coated metal, coated glass,
epoxy, ceramic or plastic or other dielectric materials.
[0055] The conductive member 35 may be resilient, may be positioned
along the central axis 30, and coupled to the hub base 20. The
conductive member 35 is configured to lie along the central axis
while the impact switch 10 is in a rest state. The rest state is
when zero or about zero forces are exerted on the impact switch 10.
The conductive member 35 may take on a number of shapes as sizes as
shown below in FIGS. 2A through 2I that may determine the force
threshold for the impact switch 10.
[0056] The conductive body 25 is coupled to the hub base 20. The
conductive body 25 may include a body axis 31. The body axis 31
defines the center of the conductive body 25. The body axis 31 may
also define the area within the conductive body 25 where the
conductive member 35 occupies while in the open-circuit state. In
one embodiment, the conductive body 25 is coupled to the hub base
20. In another embodiment, a lip 55 may be coupled to the
conductive body 25 and may be configured to matedly couple with the
hub base 20 and secure the conductive body 25 to the hub 15. The
lip 55 and the hub base 20 may be coupled through an adhesive,
crimping, welding, soldering, sealant material, rivet, screw, nail,
shrink fitting, interference fit, threaded coupling, or male and
female taper fitting.
[0057] The shape of the conductive body 25 is configured to be
circumferentially and equidistantly surround the conductive member
35. In one embodiment, the conductive body 25 may be cylindrical in
shape and centered on the central axis 30. The conductive body 25
may have a body circumference 60. In another embodiment, the
conductive body 25 may be spherical in shape and centered on the
central axis 30.
[0058] The conductive body 25 may include one or more apertures 70
to negate a detection of motion in the impact switch 10 in a
specific direction. In other words, the impact switch 10 will not
transition to a closed circuit state when the conductive member 35
reacts to an impact and moves to contact the conductive body 25 in
a specific direction. The one or more apertures 70 may provide an
open space so that the conductive member 35 does not make an
electrical connection with the conductive body 25. The one or more
apertures 70 allow the impact switch 10 to be customized for
specific applications.
[0059] In one embodiment, the conductive body 25 may include a cap
50. The cap 50 may be used to prevent the intrusion of dust and
other contaminants between the conductive member 35 and the
conductive body 25. The cap 50 may also be color coded to indicate
the force threshold the impact switch 10 is configured to
determine. The cap 50 may be conductive or non-conductive. For
example, in one embodiment, the conductive member 35 may be
configured to contact the cap 50. In this embodiment, the cap 50 is
made from conductive material and the cap 50 is electrically
coupled to the conductive body 25. In another embodiment, the
conductive member 35 may not be configured to contact the cap 50.
In this embodiment, the cap 50 may not be made from conductive
material and the cap 50 may be coupled to the conductive body 25
may not be required to be an electrical coupling. The cap 50 may be
coupled to the conductive body 25 through an adhesive, crimping,
welding, soldering, sealant material, rivet, screw, nail, shrink
fitting, an interference fit, threaded coupling, or male and female
taper fitting.
[0060] In another embodiment, the cap 50 is conductive and covers
the distal end of conductive body 25, where the proximal end of the
conductive body 25 is coupled to the hub 15. The distal end may
include a slanted edge. This slanted edge allows for the impact
switch 10 to indicate more than one force threshold. For example,
upon impact, the conductive member 35 will transition to a
closed-circuit state upon contacting the conductive body 25 on one
side where the impact force was induced. The resiliency of the
conductive member 35 may be under damped. Therefore, upon returning
towards the central axis 30, the conductive member 35 may also
electrically contact the slanted edge of cap 50 in an opposite
direction and thus transition to a closed-circuit state again and
indicate a second, lesser force threshold.
[0061] In yet another embodiment instead of the slanted edge, the
conductive body 25 may include one or more flat inner wall
sections. The flat inner wall sections may allow for the impact
switch 10 to indicate more than one force threshold. The conductive
member 35 will transition to a close-circuit state upon contacting
the conductive body 25 on one side where a force was induced to the
impact switch 10. The resiliency of the conductive member 35 may be
under damped. Therefore, upon returning towards the central axis
30, the conductive member 35 may also electrically contact the flat
inner wall of conductive body 25 in an opposite direction and thus
transition to a closed-circuit state again and indicate a second,
lesser force threshold.
[0062] The first wire 40 and the second wire 45 may be used to
electrically couple the impact switch 10 to detection circuitry
used to determine the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column
injury from an impact. The first wire 40 may be electrically
coupled to the conductive member 35 through the hub 15. The second
wire 45 may be electrically coupled to the conductive body 25
through the hub 15. In one embodiment, the conductive body 25 may
be removably coupled to the hub base 20. In this embodiment, the
second wire 45 may be disposed on an outer surface of the hub base
20 to electrically couple with the conductive body 25 when the
conductive body 25 is coupled to the hub base 20 as shown in FIG.
1.
[0063] There are several ways to configure the impact switch 10 to
determine the desired force threshold. The body circumference 60 of
the conductive body 25 may be increased or decreased to change the
point of contact between the conductive body 25 and the conductive
member 35. A center point of the body circumference 60 lies along
the central axis 30. The shape of the conductive body 25 may be
changed to change the point of contact between the conductive body
25 and the conductive member 35. The orientation and/or angle of
the impact switch 10 to the force applied to the impact switch 10
could be changed to increase or lessen the force and momentum
imparted to the conductive member 35. The conductive member 35 may
be made of differing materials to change the amount of flex in the
shaft 200 of FIGS. 2A through 2I or the conductive member 35
structure could be changed to change the amount of resiliency or
flex in the shaft 200. The conductive body 25 may include the
slanted edge, the flat wall sections, or a combination of slanted
edges and flat wall sections as described above. The properties of
the conductive member 35 are described below.
[0064] FIGS. 2A through 2I illustrate the many embodiments of the
conductive member 35 and the structural changes that may be made to
influence the resiliency or flex of the shaft 200 of the conductive
member 35. For example, the conductive member 35 may include an
upper shaft end 215, a lower shaft end 205, a first shaft end 225,
a second shaft end 220, and a neck portion 210. The shaft 200 may
be coupled to the hub base 20 by the second shaft end 220. The
coupling of the second shaft end 220 to the hub base 20 may serve
as an anchor or foundation for the conductive member 35. The first
shaft end 225 may not be coupled to any object. Therefore, any
force imparted on the impact switch 10 of FIG. 1 would move the hub
15, hub base 20, the conductive body 25, and the lower shaft end
205. However, inertia would serve to keep the upper shaft end 215
stationary initially. The structural characteristics and
composition of the conductive member 35 would determine when the
force threshold is exceeded, or the amount of force needed, for the
conductive member 35 to contact the conductive body 25.
[0065] The properties of the shaft 200 of the conductive member 35
may be made from any electrically conductive materials including
but not limited to copper, steel, metal alloys, conductive carbons
such as graphene, stanene, or conductive composites. The conductive
member 35 may also vary in the thickness, length, or geometric
shape to include circular, square, triangular, hexagonal, and the
like. Alternatives to changing the length, thickness, or geometric
shape of the shaft 200 may include increasing a hub base height 65
as shown in FIG. 1 between the first shaft end 225 and the second
shaft end 220. The different hub base height 65 may allow for the
same conductive body 25 to be used on several impact switches, each
impact switch having a different force threshold depending on the
hub base height 65.
[0066] FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate a substantially circular
shaped conductive member 35. FIGS. 2F through 2H illustrate a
substantially square shaped conductive member 35. FIGS. 2E, 2I, and
2J illustrate structural characteristics made to the upper shaft
end 215 of the conductive member 35 to determine the force
threshold. Referring now the neck portion 210 of FIGS. 2A through
2C and FIGS. 2F through 2H, the neck portion may change the
structural characteristic of the conductive member 35. FIGS. 2A and
2F illustrate the neck portion 210 near the second shaft end 220.
These embodiments may be used for low gravity (G) force thresholds
where the mass of the shaft 200 above the neck portion 210 towards
the first shaft end 225 and the composition of the shaft 200 may
serve to set the force threshold of the impact switch 10 of FIG. 1.
Example force thresholds may be from about 0.1 Gs (gravitational
force) to about 10 Gs. In one embodiment, about 8 Gs may be
indicative of head and/or vertebral column injury from an impact.
FIGS. 2B and 2F illustrate the neck portion 210 equidistance
between the first shaft end 225 and the second shaft end 220. FIGS.
2C and 2G illustrate the neck portion 210 towards the first shaft
end 225 and may be used for high force threshold.
[0067] The shape of the neck portion 210 may also be changed to
influence the force threshold of the impact switch 10 of FIG. 1. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2E, a sharp transition from the upper
shaft end 215 and the lower shaft end 205 to the neck portion 210.
The sharp transition may provide for a sharp change in the force
threshold of the conductive member 35 from a conductive member 35
without a neck portion 210 and made from the same composition.
FIGS. 2B and 2F illustrate a slight taper in the transition from
the upper shaft end 215 and the lower shaft end 205 to the neck
portion 210. The slight taper in the transition may serve to
increase the robustness of the conductive member (i.e. the sharp
transition of FIGS. 2A and 2E may fatigue over time and use) and
serve to provide a more accurate force threshold determination of
the impact switch 10. FIGS. 2C and 2G illustrate a gradual taper of
the transition between the upper shaft end 215 and the lower shaft
end 205 to the neck portion 210. The gradual taper of the
transition may provide for a minimal change in the force threshold
of the conductive member 35 from a conductive member 35 without a
neck portion 210 and made from the same composition.
[0068] The combination of the position of the neck portion 210
between the first shaft end 225 and the second shaft end 220 and
the transition of the upper shaft end 215 and the lower shaft end
205 to the neck portion 210 changes the force threshold of the
impact switch 10.
[0069] FIG. 2D illustrates a conductive tube 230 slideably coupled
to the shaft 200 of the conductive member 35. An overlap distance
235 is defined as the distance between the first shaft end 225 and
the lower tube end 245. The conductive tube 230 is electrically
coupled to the conductive member 35. The conductive tube 230 is
coaxially aligned with the conductive member 35 along the central
axis 30. The overlap distance 235 may be changed to determine the
force threshold of the impact switch 10.
[0070] FIGS. 2H and 2I illustrate a disk 240 coupled to the first
shaft end 225 of the shaft 200. The disk 240 may include the
dimensions of a length L and a height H that may be used to
determine the force threshold of the impact switch 10. The disk 240
may be the part of the conductive member 35 that makes contact with
the conductive body 25. The tighter the tolerance between the disk
240 and the conductive body 25 (i.e. the larger the length L is)
the lower the G rating of the force threshold is. The length L may
never be greater than the body circumference C in FIG. 1. The
height H may be increased to increase the mass of the disk 240.
Increase mass will increase the inertia of the disk and increase
the force threshold of the impact switch 10. The shaft 200 is
resilient and reacts to an impact. The disk 240 does not function
to be resilient and provides for a consistent and repeatable
transition to the closed-circuit state when the force threshold is
reached. The disk 240 may be a separate piece that is attached to
the shaft 200 or the shaft 200 and the disk 240 may be made from
the same block of material.
[0071] It should be understood that multiple combinations may be
used to configure the conductive member 35 and determine the force
threshold of the impact switch 10. In one embodiment, more than one
neck portion 210 may be used in the shaft 200. In another
embodiment, more than one neck portion 210 may be used where each
neck portion 210 has a different transition between the shaft 200
and the neck portion 210. In yet another embodiment, the disk 240
embodiments of FIGS. 2H and 2I and the conductive tube embodiment
230 of FIG. 2D may include the neck portion 210 in the shaft
200.
[0072] FIG. 3 illustrates a double impact switch 300 where the
impact switch 10 and a second impact switch 305 is coaxially
aligned with each other along the central axis 30. The second
impact switch 305 and impact switch 10 may share a double hub 315.
The double hub 315 may include the hub base 20 and a second hub
base 320. The double hub 315 may include all the properties of the
hub 15 described above to include that it made from non-conductive
materials and may serve as a conduit for the first wire 40, the
second wire 45, a third wire 340, and a fourth wire 345. Referring
to the second switch 305, the fourth wire 345 may be disposed
through the double hub 315 and may be configured to electrically
couple with a second conductive body 325. The third wire 340 may
also be disposed through the double hub 315 and may be electrically
coupled to a second conductive member 335. The second conductive
member 335 may be coupled to the second hub base 320, be coaxially
aligned with the conductive member 35, and may have a different
structure characteristic and composition so that the second
conductive member 335 of the second switch 305 has a different
force threshold, or second force threshold, from the force
threshold, or first force threshold, of the impact switch 10. In
another embodiment, the first force threshold may be about equal to
the second force threshold. In all embodiments, the discussion
above concerning the conductive member 35 applies to the second
conductive member 335.
[0073] The second conductive body 325 may have a second cap 350.
The second cap 350 may be used to prevent the intrusion of dust and
other contaminants between the second conductive member 335 and the
second conductive body 325. The second cap 350 may also be color
coded to indicate the force threshold the second switch 305 is
configured to determine. The second cap 350 may be conductive or
non-conductive. For example, in one embodiment, the second
conductive member 335 may be configured to contact the second cap
350. In this embodiment, the second cap 350 is made from conductive
material and the second cap 350 is electrically coupled to the
second conductive body 325. In another embodiment, the second
conductive member 335 may not be configured to contact the second
cap 350. In this embodiment, the second cap 350 may not be made
from conductive material and the second cap 350 may be coupled to
the second conductive body 325 may not be required to be an
electrical coupling. The second cap 350 may be coupled to the
second conductive body 325 through an adhesive, crimping, welding,
soldering, sealant material, rivet, screw, nail, shrink fitting, an
interference fit, threaded coupling, or male and female taper
fitting.
[0074] In another embodiment, the second cap 350 is conductive and
covers the distal end of second conductive body 325, where the
proximal end of the second conductive body 325 is coupled to the
double hub 315. The distal end may include a slanted edge. This
slanted edge allows for the double impact switch 300 to indicate
more than one force threshold. For example, upon impact, the second
conductive member 335 will transition to a closed-circuit state
upon contacting the second conductive body 325 on one side where
the impact force was induced. The resiliency of the second
conductive member 335 may be under damped. Therefore, upon
returning towards the second switch axis, the second conductive
member 335 may also electrically contact the slanted edge of second
cap 350 in an opposite direction and thus transition to a
closed-circuit state again and indicate a second, lesser force
threshold from the impact switch 10.
[0075] In yet another embodiment instead of the slanted edge, the
second conductive body 325 may include one or more flat inner wall
sections. The flat inner wall sections may allow for the double
impact switch 300 to indicate more than one force threshold. The
second conductive member 335 will transition to a close-circuit
state upon contacting the second conductive body 325 on one side
where a force was induced to the double impact switch 300. The
resiliency of the second conductive member 335 may be under damped.
Therefore, upon returning towards the second switch axis, the
second conductive member 335 may also electrically contact the flat
inner wall of second conductive body 325 in an opposite direction
and thus transition to a closed-circuit state again and indicate a
second, lesser force threshold from the second impact switch
305.
[0076] The double impact switch 300 may be used to provide another
determination if a force threshold of was exceeded in a certain
direction, as with the embodiment where the first threshold of the
impact switch 10 is about equal to the second force threshold of
the second switch 305. In another embodiment, the first threshold
of the impact switch 10 may be greater than the second force
threshold of the second switch 305 and may be used to determine the
magnitude of the force applied to the double impact switch 300. In
other words, if the second force threshold was exceeded but not the
first force threshold, it may be determined that the force applied
to the double impact switch 300 was between the G rating of the
impact switch 10 and the G rating of the second switch 305. In
another example, if the first threshold was exceeded, the second
threshold was also exceeded. This may serve to provide a redundant
indication that the first force threshold indication is correct.
This may aid in a stepped indication of the force applied to the
double impact switch 300 to determine the likelihood of a head
and/or vertebral column injury. The double impact switch 300 is
shown in FIG. 3 in an over-under configuration. In other
embodiments, the impact switch 10 may be in a side-by-side
configuration such as illustrated in FIG. 4 with the impact switch
10 and the third switch 400. In another embodiment, the second
switch 305 may not be coaxially aligned with the impact switch 10.
The double hub 315 may support the second switch 305 in any
orientation to indicate the second force threshold in a second
direction. For example, the second impact switch 305 may have a
second switch axis (not shown but coaxially aligned with the second
conductive member 335, the second switch axis may be orthogonal to
the central axis 30. In yet another embodiment the second axis may
be at an angle to the central axis 30.
[0077] FIG. 4 illustrates a triple impact switch 405. The impact
switch 10 and the second switch 305 are coaxially aligned as
explained above. A third switch 400 is co-located with the impact
switch 10 and the second switch 305 on a triple hub 415. The third
switch 400 is oriented in the same direction as the impact switch
10. In other words, the conductive member 35 and the third
conductive member 435 are oriented in the same direction as well as
the conductive body 25 and third conductive body 425 such that the
central axis 30 is substantially parallel to a third axis 410. This
allows for a force exerted on the triple impact switch 405 to
affect the impact switch 10, second switch 305, and the third
switch 400 identically, although each switch may have different
force thresholds due to the conductive member 35, second conductive
member 335, and the third conductive member 435 having different
structure characteristics, composition, or differing body
circumferences (example body circumference 60 of FIG. 1.) of their
respective conductive bodies (i.e. conductive body 25, second
conductive body 325, third conductive body 425). As explained
above, in the embodiment for with differing force thresholds for
each switch (impact switch 10, second switch 305, and the third
switch 400), each force threshold may allow for a more accurate
determination of the magnitude of the force measured in Gs exerted
on the triple impact switch 405.
[0078] The impact switch 10, the second switch 305 and third switch
400 may share the triple hub 415. The triple hub 415 may include
the hub base 20, the second hub base 320, and a third hub base (not
shown). The triple hub 415 may include all the properties of the
hub 15 described above to include that it is non-conductive and may
serve as a conduit for the first wire 40, the second wire 45, the
third wire 340, the fourth wire 345, a fifth wire 440, and a sixth
wire 445 to pass through it. Referring to the third switch 400, the
fifth wire 440 may be disposed through the triple hub 415 and may
be configured to electrically couple with the third conductive body
425. The fifth wire 440 may also be disposed through the triple hub
415 and may be electrically coupled to the third conductive member
435. The third conductive member 435 may be coupled to the third
hub base (not shown but identical in function to the hub base 20 of
FIG. 1 and structured to matedly couple with the third conductive
body 425) and may be coaxially aligned with the third conductive
member 435. The third conductive member 435 may also have a
different structure characteristic and composition so that the
third conductive member 435 of the third switch 400 has a different
force threshold, or third force threshold, from the force
threshold, or first force threshold, of the impact switch 10 and
from the force threshold, or second force threshold, of the second
switch 305. In another embodiment, the third force threshold may be
about equal to the first force threshold and the second force
threshold. In all embodiments, the discussion above concerning the
conductive member 35 applies to the third conductive member
435.
[0079] The third conductive body 425 may have a third cap 450. The
third cap 450 may be used to prevent the intrusion of dust and
other contaminants between the third conductive member 435 and the
third conductive body 425. The third cap 450 may also be color
coded to indicate the force threshold the second switch 305 is
configured to determine. The third cap 450 may be conductive or
non-conductive. For example, in one embodiment, the third
conductive member 435 may be configured to contact the third cap
450. In this embodiment, the third cap 450 is made from conductive
material and the third cap 450 is electrically coupled to the third
conductive body 425. In another embodiment, the third conductive
member 435 may not be configured to contact the third cap 450. In
this embodiment, the third cap 450 may not be made from conductive
material and the third cap 450 may be coupled to the third
conductive body 425 may not be required to be an electrical
coupling. The third cap 450 may be coupled to the third conductive
body 425 through an adhesive, crimping, welding, soldering, sealant
material, rivet, screw, nail, shrink fitting, an interference fit,
threades coupling, or male and female taper fitting.
[0080] In another embodiment, the third cap 450 is conductive and
covers the distal end of third conductive body 425, where the
proximal end of the third conductive body 425 is coupled to the
triple hub 415. The distal end may include a slanted edge. This
slanted edge allows for the triple impact switch 405 to indicate
more than one force threshold. For example, upon impact, the third
conductive member 435 will transition to a closed-circuit state
upon contacting the third conductive body 425 on one side where the
impact force was induced. The resiliency of the third conductive
member 435 may be under damped. Therefore, upon returning towards
the third axis 410, the third conductive member 435 may also
electrically contact the slanted edge of third cap 450 in an
opposite direction and thus transition to a closed-circuit state
again and indicate a second, lesser force threshold from the third
switch 400.
[0081] In yet another embodiment instead of the slanted edge, the
second conductive body 325 may include one or more flat inner wall
sections. The flat inner wall sections may allow for the double
impact switch 300 to indicate more than one force threshold. The
second conductive member 335 will transition to a close-circuit
state upon contacting the second conductive body 325 on one side
where a force was induced to the double impact switch 300. The
resiliency of the second conductive member 335 may be under damped.
Therefore, upon returning towards the second switch axis, the
second conductive member 335 may also electrically contact the flat
inner wall of second conductive body 325 in an opposite direction
and thus transition to a closed-circuit state again and indicate a
second, lesser force threshold.
[0082] The size of the impact switch 10, second switch 305, and the
third switch 400 may be from about 0.5 mm.times.0.5 mm to about 20
mm.times.20 mm. In one embodiment, the size of the impact switch
10, second switch 305, and the third switch 400 may be from about
4.0 mm.times.4.0 mm. The size of the switch may allow for coupling
of the switch closer to a head of a user to determine the force
exerted on the head more accurately. The minimal size may also
allow for more switches to be positioned around the head without
discomfort or irritation. In one embodiment, impact switches with
lower force thresholds may be positioned on a user to detect motion
to force sensitive areas of the body which may lead to a head
and/or vertebral column injury or other trauma. Further, impact
switches with larger force thresholds may be positioned on a user
to detect motion to stronger areas of the body in which a larger
force is needed to lead to a head and/or vertebral column injury or
create trauma to the body of the user.
[0083] In another embodiment, the triple impact switch 405 may not
be oriented in the same direction as the impact switch 10. The
triple hub 415 may support the third switch 400 in any orientation
to indicate the third force threshold in a third direction. For
example, the third axis 410 may be orthogonal to the central axis
30. In yet another embodiment the third axis 410 may be at an angle
to the central axis 30.
[0084] The impact switch 10, the double impact switch 300, the
triple impact switch 405 are non-limiting examples of the
difference configurations the impact switch may take. The impact
switch may include as many as five conductive members and
conductive bodies, each with their own force threshold. For
example, an impact awareness device (IAD) (FIG. 6A below) may
include the impact switch configured to determined when a force is
exerted on the IAD in a first direction; a second switch with a
second force threshold coupled to the headliner and configured to
determine when a second force is exerted on the IAD in a second
direction; a third switch with a third force threshold coupled to
the headliner and configured to determine when a force is exerted
on the IAD in a third direction; a fourth switch with a fourth
force threshold coupled to the headliner and configured to
determine when a force is exerted on the IAD in a fourth direction;
and a fifth switch with a fifth force threshold coupled to the
headliner and configured to determine when a fifth force is exerted
on the IAD. For example, the first direction, the second direction,
and third direction may all be a same direction and the indicator
circuit may include a first three light emitting diode (LED), a
second LED, and a third LED. The indicator circuit may illuminate
and indicate the magnitude of the impact force along the same
direction by illuminating the first LED if the force threshold is
exceeded, illuminating the second LED if the second force threshold
is exceeded, and illuminating the third LED if the third force
threshold is exceeded.
[0085] In another embodiment, there may be a daisy chain of impact
switches defining a closed shape. The daisy chain would allow the
impact direction to be defined in a 360 degree plane. Multiple
daisy chains may be coupled at specific angles to each other to get
a three dimensional magnitude and vector of an impact.
[0086] Sealant may be used to cover the impact switch 10, the
double impact switch 300, the triple impact switch 405, and any
other embodiments of the impact switch to create a watertight,
dustproof seal around the impact switch. The one or more wires
(first wire 40, second wire 45, etc) may penetrate the sealant to
electrically couple the impact switch to other electronics.
[0087] Referring generally to FIGS. 5 through 7, with specific
numerical reference to FIG. 6A, the IAD may be used to removably
couple with a protective headgear 700 of FIG. 7A. The IAD may be
configured to sense the magnitude (G-force) of an impact, direction
of the impact, and determine the likelihood of a concussion or
trauma to a user. The IAD is configured to sense the impact in
three-dimensions, X, Y, and Z. The X dimension is indicated by the
first rib axis 625, the Y dimension by the second rib axis 645, and
the Z dimension by the third rib axis 627.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, a headliner 500 is shown. The headliner
500 may include a flexible band 510, an electronic circuit 520, one
or more conductors 535, one or more bridge conductors 525, and a
power supply 550. The flexible band 510 may include one or more
substrates 515, one or more expansion joints 540, one or more joint
control devices 530, and one or more band apertures 545. The
flexible band 510 may be configured to conform to either a head of
a user or alternatively to a headband which may be removably
coupled with a protective headgear 700 of FIG. 7A. The one or more
substrates 515 may be made from a flexible plastic, cloth, elastic
fabric, silicone, or the like. The one or more substrates 515 are
arranged to end-to-end (565) and along with the one or more
expansion joints 540, create a closed-shape. The one or more
substrates 515 provide a mounting surface for other components of
the headliner 500. For example, the electronic circuit 520, the one
or more conductors 535, the one or more bridge conductors 525, and
the power supply 550 are coupled to the one or more substrates 515
of the flexible band 510.
[0089] The flexible band 510 also includes one or more expansion
joints 540 and one or more joint control devices 530. The one or
more expansion joints 540 may allow for the adjustment of the
flexible band 510 to conform to either a user's head or a headband
of the protective headgear. The one or more expansion joints 540
may either be an open space between the one or more substrates 515
or the one or more expansion joints 540 may be an elastic material
coupled between the one or more substrates 515. If the one or more
expansion joints 540 are an elastic material, the one or more joint
control devices 530 may not be needed. In one embodiment, the one
or more joint control devices 530 is configured to maintain a
maximum fixed distance between the ends of the one or more
substrates 515. For example, and as shown in FIG. 5, the one or
more joint control devices 530 may be a tether. The tether may be a
string, tube, wire, strip of material, or other non-elastic
material coupled between the ends 565 of the one or more substrates
515 and configured to maintain the maximum fixed distance. In this
embodiment, the maximum fixed distance is determined by the one or
more bridge conductors 525. The tether may be needed where the one
or more substrates 515 is made from a cloth or elastic material and
the one or more conductors 535 and/or the one or more bridge
conductors 525 may be damaged by excessive stretching of the one or
more expansion joints 540.
[0090] In another embodiment, the one or more joint control devices
530 is configured to impart a biasing force between the one or more
substrates 515 and is coupled between the one or more substrates
515. The biasing force may be imparted to draw, or pull the ends
565 of the one or more substrates 515 together. This may allow the
510 to have a friction fit with a user's head. The one or more
joint control devices 530 may be a clip spring, a compression
spring, a tension spring, a torsion spring, a flat spring, or a
wire-formed spring, all made from spring steel or the like. The
biasing force may be needed where the one or more substrates 515 is
made from a rigid material such as plastic or the like. In yet
another embodiment, the one or more joint control devices 530 may
be a manually adjustable device. The manually adjustable device may
include a hook and loop fastener, a belt and buckle, a strap and
buckle adjustable clips, a snapback device, or the like. In yet
another embodiment, the one or more expansion joints 540 may not be
needed and the one or more substrates 515 are a single substrate in
a closed-shape configuration. In yet another embodiment, the one or
more substrates 515 may be made from an elastic material and the
one or more expansion joints 540 may be sewn with a series of
overlapping folds that expand and contract to conform to a user's
head.
[0091] It yet another embodiment, the one or more joint control
devices may include a clip spring, a compression spring, a tension
spring, a torsion spring, a flat spring, or a wire-formed spring as
described above in combination with the tether. This embodiment may
allow for flexing of the one or more expansion joints 540 and the
tether will maintain the maximum fixed distance as described
above.
[0092] The one or more substrates 515 may include one or more band
apertures 545. The one or more band apertures 545 may be used to
secure the headliner 500 to a surface or structure such as, for
example, a headband of a protective headgear. The one or more
substrates 515 may also have one or more impact switches (the
impact switch 10 of FIG. 1, double impact switch 300 of FIG. 3,
triple impact switch 405 of FIG. 4, and/or other variants of the
impact switch 10 as described above) mounted to it. As shown in
FIG. 5, 10 six double impact switches 300 are secured to the one or
more substrates 515. Further, two impact switches 10 are secured to
the one or more substrates 515. The location and orientation of the
impact switches 10 and the double impact switches 300 are described
in greater detail below.
[0093] The headliner 500 may also include the electronic circuit
520. The electronic circuit 520 is electrically coupled to the
impact switches located on the headliner 500. The electronic
circuit 520 makes the determination of the likelihood of a head
and/or vertebral column injury or trauma when one or more of the
impact switches transition from an open-circuit state to a closed
circuit state. If the determination is made, an indicator signal
and/or a trigger signal may be transmitted by the electronic
circuit 520. The indicator signal and the trigger signal are
described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the
electronic circuit 520 may not transmit both signals. For example,
the electronic circuit 520 may send the trigger signal and not the
indicator signal.
[0094] In one embodiment, the electronic circuit 520 may include a
controller, a computer readable medium, and software executed by a
processor. In another embodiment, the electronic circuit 520 may be
an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is designed
and programmed to execute a program. In both embodiments, the
electronic circuit 520 may include input/output ports and an
electrical connector 555. The electrical connector 555 may be
electrically coupled to the electronic circuit 520, may be used to
electrically couple external components to the electronic circuit
520 or to signally couple an external personal computer or other
computing device to download impact recordings or to upload updated
software.
[0095] The power supply 550 may provide power for the electronic
circuit 520 and the one or more impact switches (the impact switch
10 of FIG. 1, double impact switch 300 of FIG. 3, triple impact
switch 405 of FIG. 4, and/or other variants of the impact switch 10
as described above). The power supply may be one or more battery
cells or one or more capacitors. The one or more conductors 535
electrically connect the electronic circuit 520, the one or more
impact switches, and the power supply 550 together. The one or more
bridge conductors 525 are configured to span the one or more
expansion joints 540 and are electrically coupled to the one or
more conductors 535. The one or more bridge conductors 525 and the
one or more conductors 535 may be a ribbon cable, one or more
insulated wires, an optical fiber, or other electrically conductive
materials.
[0096] The electronic circuit 520 and the power supply 550 are not
limited to be positioned in the headliner 500. The electronic
circuit 520 and the power supply 550 may be positioned anywhere to
include the torso mount 830 (FIG. 8), in a headgear housing
external to the protective headgear 700 (FIG. 7), a substrate sewn
within a jersey of a user, a substrate adhered to an internal
lining of the protective headgear 700, or a belt housing secured to
a belt of the user.
[0097] Referring now to FIG. 6A, the headliner 500 is shown with
one or more resilient ribs 600. The one or more resilient ribs 600
include a first rib 610 with a first rib end 615 and a second rib
end 620 and defining a first rib axis 625. The first rib end 615 is
coupled to the headliner 500 with a first connector 660 and the
second rib end 620 is coupled to the headliner 500 with a second
connector 665. The first connector 660 is opposite the second
connector 665 on the headliner 500. A second rib 630 with a third
rib end 635 and a fourth rib end 640 define a second rib axis 645,
the third rib end 635 is coupled to the headliner 500 with a third
connector 670 and the fourth rib end 640 is coupled to the
headliner 500 with a fourth connector 675, the third connector 670
is opposite the fourth connector 675 on the headliner 500. The
first rib axis 625 is perpendicular to the second rib axis 645. The
first connector 660, the second connector 665, the third connector
670, and the fourth connector 675 are configured to removably
couple the headliner 500 to the protective headgear 700 of FIG.
7A.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 6B, the second connector 665 is shown
coupled to the first rib 610 at the first rib end 615. The second
connector 665 has a first side 690 and a second side 685, the first
side 690 is hingedly coupled to the second side 685. One or more
fastening devices 695 may be used to secure the first side 690 to
the second side 685. In one embodiment, the one or more fastening
devices 695 are configured to penetrate and secure a fabric edge
697 of a fabric liner 605 and the one or more snaps are configured
to matedly couple with the one or more band apertures 545 of the
one or more substrates 515 of the headliner 500. In another
embodiment, the one or more fastening devices 695 may be a hook
fastener and the fabric edge 697 may be a loop fastener and the one
or more snaps are configured to matedly couple with the one or more
band apertures 545 of the one or more substrates 515 of the
headliner 500. The fabric liner 605 may be coupled to the first rib
610 and the second rib 630 and provide for a barrier between a
user's head and first rib 610, the second rib 630, and headliner
500.
[0099] The first connector 660, the second connector 665, the third
connector 670, and the fourth connector 675 may include one or more
protective enclosures 680 for protecting the components of the
headliner 500. For example, the protective enclosure 680 of FIG. 6B
would cover or encapsulate the impact switch 10 of the headliner
500 when the headliner 500 is inserted into the second connector
665 and the first side 690 is coupled to the second side 685 to
secure the headliner 500. Not shown is a protective enclosure 680
on the second side 685 to cover or encapsulate the impact switch 10
when the first side 690 and the second side 685 are coupled
together. It should be understood the discussion of the second
connector 665 is representative of the first connector 660, the
third connector 670, and the fourth connector 675 as well.
[0100] Referring back to FIG. 6A, impact switches 10 and the double
impact switches 300 are oriented in such a manner so that in
combination, they will react to sudden motion events occurring in
X, Y, and Z coordinates/directions. As described above, each impact
switch transitions to a closed-circuit state when the impact is
applied to the impact switch as substantially orthogonally, and in
a 360 degree arc around the central axis 30. Multiple switches, in
combination, allow for the X, Y, and Z reactions to impacts,
whether they are sudden motion events or occur of a period of time.
For example, the four impact switches 10 are configured to detect
the rotational movement of the IAD around the third rib axis 627.
The six double impact switches 300 are configured to detect the
rotational movement of the IAD around the first rib axis 625 and
the second rib axis 645.
[0101] One or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and
1700d may be used to measure and/or detect the movement of the
brain of a user relative to the skull during athletic events or
occupational hazards. The one or more ultrasonic devices 1700a,
1700b, 1700c, and 1700d in conjunction with the electronic circuit
520 may also measure and/or detect the movement or other
subcutaneous tissues and/or organs relative to other tissues and/or
organs in their proximity. The electronic circuit 520 may provide
an indication through the indication signal if the movement of the
brain relative to the skull reaches and/or exceeds a motion
threshold. The one or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c,
and 1700d in conjunction with the electronic circuit 520 may use
ultrasound technology which may be associated with sonography
and/or Doppler shift monitors. The one or more ultrasonic devices
1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d in conjunction with the electronic
circuit 520 may take real-time readings for momentary or temporary
display or store the readings as data for later review on a
computer readable medium. When activated by a trigger signal,
described in greater detail below, a reading will be received by
the electronic circuit 520 to indicate whether there was any tissue
movement and/or how much tissue movement and the indication signal
indicative of the reading will be transmitted.
[0102] In one embodiment, ultrasonic device 1700c and 1700d may be
position at about the temple of the user's head. The trigger signal
from the electronic circuit 520 may ultrasonic device 1700c and
receive an ultrasonic signal from 1700d. The ultrasonic signal may
be indicative of the shift of tissue within the skull. The
electronic circuit 520 may use a look up table to compare to the
ultrasonic signal to determine that amount of shift of the tissue
or brain that occurred as a result of the impact. In another
embodiment, the electronic circuit 520 may measure an amount of
dopler shift between an ultrasonic wave transmitted by the
ultrasonic device 1700c and the ultrasonic signal from the
ultrasonic device 1700d.
[0103] One or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and
1700d may be coupled to the resilient ribs (first rib 610 and the
second rib 630) and configured to detect a shift in the user's
brain. The one or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and
1700d may work in pairs, one as a transmitter and one as a
receiver. For example, 1700a may transmit an ultrasonic frequency
through the user's head and 1700b may receive that signal. The one
or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d may be
electrically coupled to the electronic circuit 520 through the one
or more conductors 535 and one or more bridge conductors 525. The
positioning of the one or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b,
1700c, and 1700d may be such that an shift in the brain of the user
is easily detected, such as for example, located at the temples of
a user. In another embodiment, the position of the one or more
ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d may be where
shown in FIG. 6A. In yet another embodiment, the one or more
ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d may need to be in
contact with the user's scalp or skin. If the one or more
ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d are in contact
with the user's scalp or skin, a thin layer of silicone or other
material which allows comfortable yet effective contact where
necessary on the user may be used to also insulate and/or cushion
the one or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d
from the user's scalp or skin. In another embodiment, the one or
more ultrasonic devices 1700 may be coupled to the protective
headgear 700 of FIG. 7A.
[0104] The one or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and
1700d may operate in a continuous mode where the one or more
ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d are constantly
transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. In another
embodiment, the one or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c,
and 1700d may operate in a burst mode where the trigger signal from
the electronic circuit 520 as described above would cause the one
or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d to
transmit and receive the ultrasonic signal for a fixed duration of
time. The fix duration of time may be about 1 second. In another
embodiment, the fix duration of time may be about 5 seconds or
more.
[0105] The one or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and
1700d may be electrically coupled to the electronic circuit 520.
The software in the electronic circuit 520 may dictate which
situations burst mode versus continuous mode is used. For example,
when the power supply 550 starts to run low on energy, the
electronic circuit 520 may switch from the continuous mode to the
burst mode. In one embodiment, the electronic circuit 520 is
located in the headliner 500. In another embodiment, the electronic
circuit 520 and power supply 550 may be located in a torso mount on
the user. One or more wires may electrically couple the electronic
circuit 520 and the power supply 550 to the one or more ultrasonic
devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d.
[0106] The electronic circuit 520 may detect the shift of the brain
using the one or more ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and
1700d and indicate Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (M.T.B.I.) a
concussion or other trauma to the brain through an indicator
circuit 725 from FIG. 7A described below, through progressive
incidence detection, or visually on a small screen (not shown)
indicating a number which represents the amount of shift which has
occurred or other visual or audible indicator including graphic
images of the brain in motion. The number would be indicative of
the amount of motion which may suggest M.T.B.I. has occurred. The
electronic circuit 520 may also use a wireless device to transmit
the ultrasonically gathered information to a receiver. The
electronic circuit 520 may also transmit a series of successive
indicating information and/or images detected by the one or more
ultrasonic devices 1700a, 1700b, 1700c, and 1700d of the brain and
to another display and or receiver so the brain can be monitored.
The receiver may be a smartphone, PC or base unit. The electronic
circuit 520 may also record the images to a computer readable
medium to provide information pertaining to the number of impacts,
which impact switch indicated a force threshold was reached, and
other brain shift information. A wired connection port may be
configured to allow the computer-readable medium to be access and
the recording to be read. The wired connection port may be coupled
to the indicator circuit 725. In another embodiment, the electrical
connector 555 of FIG. 5 may serve as the wired connection port.
[0107] Referring now to FIG. 7A, an IAD 705 is shown. The IAD 705
may include the headliner 500, one or more resilient ribs 600, and
the indicator circuit 725. In another embodiment, the IAD may
include only the headliner 500. In FIG. 7A, the headliner 500 is
shown surround a head 750 of a user with the first rib 610, the
second rib 630 spanning over the top of the head 750. The
orientation of the headliner 500 is shown with the second connector
665 on the side of the head 750. The protective headgear 700 is
worn by the user and in this embodiment, the headliner 500 with one
or more resilient ribs 600 is coupled to the protective headgear
700 by one or more attachment points 710. The one or more
attachment points 710 may be a piece of fabric, coupled to the one
or more resilient ribs 600 and looped through the protective
padding 735 of the protective headgear 700 to secure the headliner
500 to the protective headgear 700. In another embodiment, the one
or more attachment points 710 may be a hard plastic and secured to
the protective headgear by fastening devices. Fastening devices
include, but are not limited to, screws, buttons, snap buttons,
bolts, rivets, nails, adhesives, Velcro (hook and loop fastener,
weld, epoxy, or any similar device that mechanically joins or
affixes two or more objects together. In yet another embodiment,
the one or more attachment points 710 may be fastening devices that
couple the headliner 500 to the protective headgear 700.
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C the indicator circuit 725 may
be coupled to the protective headgear 700 and be electrically
coupled to the electronic circuit 520. The electronic circuit 520
is electrically coupled to the indicator circuit 725 through a
communication cable 720. The communication cable 720 electrically
couples with the electronic circuit 520 through the electrical
connector 555. The communication cable 720 may allow the indicator
signal to be as simple as a pulse to illuminate a Light Emitting
diode (LED) or complex phase and/or frequency modulated signals to
carry image data from the one or more ultrasonic devices 1700. The
indicator circuit 725 may be configured to provide an indication of
the likelihood of an impact related injury when the indicator
signal is received from the electronic circuit 520. The indication
may be an audible, a visible, a tactile, or a pallesthesia
indication. Pallesthesia is defined as the ability to sense a
vibration. Examples of visible indication may include a data
readout display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an
electroluminescent light, one or more Light Emitting diodes (LEDs)
(single and/or multi-colored and/or phosphor-based LEDs), organic
light emitting diodes (OLEDs), quantum dot LEDs, Nixie tubes, light
strips, fluorescent light, incandescent light bulbs or combinations
thereof.
[0109] In another embodiment, the indicator circuit 725 may be a
wireless device configured to wirelessly transmit the indicator
signal to a receiver. Wireless protocols such as IEEE 802.11,
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n may be used to signally
communicate the indication signal or other protocols which may
become available. As used throughout, the indication signal may be
as simple as a pulse to tell the indicator circuit 725 to provide
visual or auditory indications. The indication signal may be a
signal that includes information pertaining to brain shift, number
and magnitude of impacts, and cumulative information of impacts
while the IAD 705 is powered. In another embodiment, the wireless
device may be configured to both send and receive wireless signals
to and from other IADs 705 and/or to a central base unit. This
embodiment may allow for a remote user to also be informed and/or
alerted of another user's sudden motion event and/or information.
The alerting information may include sudden motion event indicating
codes, such as but not limited to pulses of light images or
vibrations, and/or digital and/or numeric representations for a
given sudden motion event. Such information may also be secured via
digital encryption.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 7B, the indicator circuit 725 is shown.
The indicator circuit 725 may include one more display mount
apertures 729 to secure the indicator circuit 725 to a surface or
structure. The indicator circuit 725 may include a display face
727. The display face 727 may include the one or more LEDs 728 as
shown in FIG. 7B. In another embodiment, indicator circuit 725 may
include the audible device such as a piezo buzzer, speaker with
associated circuitry to project an audible instruction or warning,
or a mechanical clacker. The display face 727 may couple with a
dust cover of the audible device. In yet another embodiment, the
indicator circuit 725 may include a display and the display face
727 may include a screen of the display. The display may scroll
messages across it, display error codes, impact codes, graphical
illustrates of the impact, or flash to alert an operator of the
potential for the likelihood of a head and/or vertebral column
injury or trauma.
[0111] Referring now to FIG. 7C, a front view of the protective
headgear 700 with the IAD 705 and indicator circuit 725. The
indicator circuit 725 may be mounted on the protective headgear 700
or an applicable object such as shoulder pads or chest piece. The
indicator circuit 725 may be mounted where it is protected from
impacts. In another embodiment, the indicator circuit 725 may be
housed within a protective housing 724 of FIG. 7B. As shown in
FIGS. 7A and 7C, the indicator circuit 725 may be mounted slightly
lower than an outer surface 730 of a faceguard 740 of the
protective headgear 700 so the indicator circuit 725 is protected
from impacts with other helmets or objects. The indicator circuit
725 may be coupled to the protective headgear 700 by fastening
devices.
[0112] The IAD 705 may include an on-off switch. The on-off switch
may be manually operated and located on the protective headgear
700. The on-off switch may be a simple toggle switch that allows a
user to turn on and turn off the IAD 705. In another embodiment,
the IAD 705 may include a power switch 765 located within the
protective headgear 700 and configured to turn on the IAD 705 when
a user places their head within the protective headgear 700. The
IAD 705 may turn off when the user removes the protective headgear
700 from their head. In another embodiment, the power switch 765
may be located within a torso mount 830 of FIG. 8 and turn-on the
IAD 705 when the user wears the torso mount 830. The IAD 705 may
turn-off when the user removes the torso mount 830. In yet another
embodiment, the IAD 705 may be remotely activated or deactivated by
a third user. In all embodiments, the power switch may be a toggle
switch, a pressure switch, a proximity switch, a lever switch, a
rocker switch, or the like.
[0113] Referring generally to FIGS. 8 through 17, with specific
numerical reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the IAD 705 may include
structures for the immobilization of and/or protection from impact
forces to the user's head during a potentially injurious impact
event while wearing the protective headgear 700. The immobilization
device has two states; an active state and an inactive state. In
the inactive state, the user's head will be normally in a state of
free articulation and the structures connecting the protective
headgear 700 headgear to a torso mount 830 will allow for passive
articulation of the user's head without restriction. In the active
state, the protective headgear 700 may become immobilized and
temporarily unified with the structure of the torso mount 830,
thereby providing a protective impact force absorbing barrier
between the object causing the impact and the user's head. The
user's head may be immobilized via the structures connecting the
protective headgear 700 to the torso mount 830. When the structures
are activated, the protective headgear 700 is frozen in the head's
current position at about the moment of impact. The structures will
not move the head/spine into alignment. The active state may be
initiated via a detected event such as, for example, an impact and
a trigger signal is sent to the structures from the electronic
circuit 520 as described above. The duration of the active state is
depended on the duration of the detected event. For example, the
head may be immobilized (activated) for the duration of a motor
vehicle accident and immediately mobilized (deactivated) upon the
cessation of the accident.
[0114] The structures may be activated by electric switches, such
as but not limited to the impact switch described above,
accelerometers, and inertial switches, located about or upon the
user which are triggered by impacts and/or sudden accelerations or
decelerations or other detected events upon the user or the
headgear.
[0115] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a headgear immobilization
device 800 is shown. The headgear immobilization device 800
includes a mounting base 810, a mounting bracket 815, one or more
linear locks 825, and a quick release lever 820. The one or more
linear locks 825 couple the protective headgear 700 to the torso
mount 830. The torso mount 830 may be a shoulder pad, shoulder
harness, chest pad, back pad, and or other wearable apparatus which
will allow for appropriate mounting. A binding immobilizer 1001 may
be coupled to the torso mount 830 and be configured to help
restrain the body of the user during an impact and while receiving
the trigger signal from the electronic circuit 520 of FIG. 5. The
binding immobilizer 1001 is discussed in greater detail below.
[0116] FIGS. 9A and 9B show the mounting base 810 and the mounting
bracket 815. The mounting base 810 may be coupled to the protective
headgear 700 through fastening devices 805, the fastening devices
are described above. The mounting base 810 includes one or more
mount slots 850 and one or more slots 835. The mounting bracket 815
includes one or more pegs 840 and one or more mount plates 865
which may include one or more mount teeth 855. The pegs 840 are
coupled to the mounting bracket 815 on the backside 870. The one or
more mount plates 865 are coupled to the mounting bracket 815 on
the frontside 875. Individual ones of the one or more linear locks
825 are coupled to the upper universal joint 845 which is coupled
to individual one or more mount plates 865. One or more torso
plates 860 may be used to couple the one or more linear locks 825
to the torso mount 830 of FIG. 8A. The torso plate 860 may include
a lower universal joint 880 coupled between each linear lock 825
and each torso plate 860.
[0117] The mounting bracket 815 matedly couples with the mounting
base 810. The mounting bracket 815 unifies the one or more linear
lock 825 for ease in coupling with the mounting base 810. The
mounting bracket 815 may also include a biasing mechanism 827 to
bias the mounting bracket 815 away from the protective headgear 700
when the mounting bracket 815 and the mounting base 810 are not
coupled together. The one or more pegs 840 aid in aligning the
mounting bracket 815 with the one or more slots 835 on the mounting
base 810. The quick release lever 820 is actuated to release the
mounting bracket 815 from the mounting base 810. The combination of
the mounting base 810 and the mounting bracket 815 may allow a user
to put their protective headgear 700 on, tilt their head back, and
feel for the one or more pegs 840 slip into the one or more slots
835 and lock the quick release lever 820 on one or both sides of
the mounting bracket 815. In another embodiment, the quick release
lever 820 may also include a snap, clasps, spring clip, and the
like.
[0118] In another embodiment, the mounting base 810 may coupled to
a lower rim 885 of the protective headgear 700 and the one or more
torso plates 860 may coupled a vertical surface 890 (FIG. 8B) of
the torso mount 830. In this embodiment, the one or more mount
teeth 855 may not be needed. This configuration allows for the one
or more linear locks 825 to lie substantially along the vertical
surface 890 and may reduce the restriction of articulation of the
user's head. This configuration may also allow for minimal to no
contact between each linear lock of the one or more linear locks
825 to through the full articulated range of the headgear
immobilization device 800.
[0119] The one or more upper universal joints 845 and the one or
more lower universal joints 880 allow a user to move their head in
the state of free articulation. The one or more upper universal
joints 845 may include a first joint end 891 and a second joint end
892 and one or more lower universal joints with a third joint end
893 and a fourth joint end 894, the one or more upper universal
joints 845 and the one or more lower universal joints 880 are
configured to allow a free range of movement between the protective
headgear 700 and the torso mount 830. The first joint end 891 is
coupled to the second mount end 925, the second joint end 892 is
coupled to the mounting bracket 815, the third joint end 893 is
coupled to the second rod end 945, and the fourth joint end 894 is
coupled to the torso mount 830. The one or more upper universal
joints 845 and the one or more lower universal joints 88 may be a
ball joint, a hinge and socket joint, a pivot joint, a saddle
joint, a hinge joint, a cradle joint, a conyloid joint, or
combinations thereof.
[0120] Referring to FIGS. 10A through 10E, multiple embodiments of
the one or more linear locks 825 are shown. FIGS. 10A and 10B
illustrate a square embodiment of the linear lock 825 and FIGS. 10C
and 10D illustrate a round embodiment of the linear lock 825. The
round embodiment includes one or more guides 975 and one or more
guide grooves 980 to keep a rod slide 960 in alignment. The rod
slide 960 is explained further below.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 10E, each linear lock of the one or more
linear locks 825 includes a lock housing 900 with a first lock end
910 and a second lock end 905. A mount 915 includes a first mount
end 920 and a second mount end 925. The first mount end 920 may be
coupled to the first lock end 910 and second mount end 925 may be
coupled to the mounting bracket 815. A rod 935 includes a first rod
end 940 and a second rod end 945. A plurality of substantially
parallel grooves 955 are disposed along the rod 935 between the
first rod end 940 and the second rod end 945. The first rod end 940
travels through a housing aperture 950 at the second lock end 905,
and the second rod end 945 is coupled to a torso mount 830 as shown
in FIG. 8A. An interrupter mechanism 1000 may be disposed within a
platform 965. The platform 965 may be disposed within the lock
housing 900 and slideably couples with the rod 935. The interrupter
mechanism 1000 is configured to restrict the travel of the rod 935
by engaging an individual groove of the plurality of substantially
parallel grooves 955 when the trigger signal is received from the
electronic circuit 520 of FIG. 5, thereby restricting the movement
of the protective headgear 700 in relation to the torso mount
830.
[0122] A stop 930 may be coupled to the mount 915 and be used to
restrict a total travel of the rod 935. A peg (not shown) may be
coupled to the rod 935 and prevent the rod 935 from sliding out of
the lock housing 900. The peg may slideably engage a slot aperture
(not shown) on the mount 915. In another embodiment, the peg may
slideably engage a slot aperture in the lock housing 900. The peg
may include a push button release to quickly remove the peg and
allow the rod 935 to be removed from the lock housing 900. If, for
example, the quick release lever 820 should be damaged due to an
impact, the push button release may still allow for the protective
headgear 700 to be separated from the torso mount 830. The peg may
be a small rod, a screw, a bolt, or other protrusion from the rod
925 that is configured to slideably coupled with the slot aperture.
In another embodiment, the peg may be coupled to the lock housing
900 and the slot aperture may be coupled to the rod 935.
[0123] In the above embodiment, the rod 935 includes the plurality
of substantially parallel grooves 955. In another embodiment, the
rod 935 may be coupled to the rod slide 960. The rod slide 960
slideably couples with the platform 965 and includes the plurality
of substantially parallel grooves 955. The rod slide 960 may aid in
the alignment of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves
955 and the interrupter mechanism 1000.
[0124] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, illustrate a binding immobilizer
1001. The binding immobilizer 1001 is a device for the immobilizing
of binding materials including but not limited to chords, straps,
ropes and belts. The binding immobilizer 1001 may normally be
unrestricted to allow a belt 1020 to extend or retract. When the
binding immobilizer 1001 receives the trigger signal from the
electronic circuit 520 of FIG. 5, the binding immobilizer 1001 may
instantly brake to limit or stop any extension or retraction of the
belt 1020 via the interrupter mechanism 1000 which may be an
electromagnetically actuated latching mechanism. In one embodiment,
the binding immobilizer 1001 may be used to help secure the torso
mount 830 with the user at the moment of impact, allowing free
movement of the user's body until it is activated, thereby stopping
the further extension of the user's body and/or the torso mount 830
from the body. In another embodiment. the binding immobilizer 1001
may also be used the control the excessive motion of the user's
head when attached to the protective headgear 700 and torso mount
830 by itself or in combination with (immobilizers, FIGS. 8A
through 10E and FIGS. 12A through 18B) herein described as well as
in contact sports, as part of climbing equipment, safety equipment
for workers on high rises, construction workers, window washers,
wind generator workers and as seatbelts for drivers and occupants
of vehicles.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 11A, the binding immobilizer 1001 may
include the belt 1020, a roller buckle 1005 coupled to the belt
1020 between a proximal end and a distal end, a buckle 1010 coupled
to the belt 1020 at the proximal end, and a belt mount 1025 coupled
to the belt 1020 at the distal end. The belt 1020 may not be
elastic. The buckle 1010 and the roller buckle 1005 each have a
first mount aperture 1007. The buckle 1010 and the roller buckle
1005 may be configured to matedly couple and secure the belt 1020
around or through the torso mount 830. In another embodiment, the
first mount aperture 1007 may be used to secure the buckle 1010 to
a first surface, structure, or device and the second mount aperture
1008 may be used to secure the roller buckle 1005 to a second
surface, structure, or device.
[0126] FIG. 11B, illustrates a cross-sectional view of the binding
immobilizer 1001. The stationary belt 1026 may be elastic. The belt
1020 may include a plurality of substantially parallel grooves 955.
The roller buckle 1005 may include a roller 1015 that allows the
belt 1020 to change a belt length 1033.
[0127] Referring to FIGS. 11B and 11C, the interrupter mechanism
1000 is disposed within a recess 1070. The interrupter mechanism
1000 may include one or more pawls 1040 and an actuator 1060. The
actuator 1060 may be a solenoid, a electromagnet/magnet pair, or a
spring under compression with a retaining device configured to
release the spring when triggered. The actuator is configured to
provide an upward force in the direction of B to move the one or
more pawls 1040 in the direction of A. The one or more pawls 1040
are configured to removably engage a groove of the plurality of
substantially parallel grooves 955 and rotate about a pivot point
1045. The one or more pawls 1040 are configured to engage the
groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves 955
regardless of the direction of travel of the plurality of
substantially parallel grooves 955. For example, in one embodiment
with a single pawl 1040, the interrupter mechanism 1000 may engage
the groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves 955
in only one direction. For example, in the embodiment shown, the
one or more pawls 1040 may engage the groove of the plurality of
substantially parallel grooves 955 is both linear directions and
engage the same groove of the plurality of substantially parallel
grooves 955. In the stopped position, the pawls are seated within a
groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves 955. In
the stopped position, the belt 1020 is restricted in its movement.
In a free position, the pawls are seated in the recess 1070 and the
belt 1020 is not restricted in its movement. The function of the
interrupter mechanism is discussed in greater detail below.
[0128] In one embodiment, the belt mount 1025 may include a backer
block 1030. The backer block 1030 may provide a surface for the one
or more pawls 1040 to engage the belt 1020 in the stopped position
and prevent the belt 1020 from slipping over the one or more pawls
1040. In another embodiment, the backer block 1030 is not needed
and the belt mount 1025 may be configured to provide the surface
for the one or more pawls 1040 to engage the belt 1020 in the
stopped position and prevent the belt 1020 from slipping over the
one or more pawls 1040.
[0129] FIGS. 12A through 12 C illustrate the various embodiments of
the interrupter mechanism 1000. The interrupter mechanism 1000 may
further include the actuator 1060, the one or more pawls 1040, and
on or more upper stops 1095. The actuator 1060 is configured to
transition the one or more pawls 1040 from a stopped position to a
free position. The free position is illustrated in FIG. 12A and the
stopped position is illustrated in FIG. 12B. In one embodiment, the
actuator 1060 may include an electromagnet 1085, the magnet 1080, a
first trigger wire 1055 and a second trigger wire 1065. When the
trigger signal is received through the first trigger wire 1055 and
the second trigger wire 1065, the electromagnet 1085 may energize
and magnetically exert a biasing force on the magnet 1080 in the
direction of arrow B. The biasing force may be exerted through the
same polarity sides of the magnet 1080 and the energized
electromagnet 1085 are facing each other causing a repulsive force
between the magnet 1080 and the electromagnet 1085. The magnet 1080
may slideably coupled with the one or more pawls 1040 and
transition the one or more pawls 1040 from the free position to the
stopped position. When the trigger signal is removed, the
electromagnet may de-energize and the magnet 1080 may move opposite
the direction of arrow B and transition the one or more pawls from
the stopped position to the free position. The one or more pawls
1035 may include a biasing mechanism to induce a downward bias
(opposite arrow B) to aid in the disengagement of the one or more
pawls 1035 when the trigger signal is removed.
[0130] In yet another embodiment, the actuator 1060 may further
include a spring 1090, a pin 1075, a guide sleeve 1050, and one or
more pawl springs 1035. In this embodiment, the pin 1075 may be
coupled to the spring 1090 and the one or more pawl springs 1035.
The spring 1090 is further coupled to the magnet 1080 and may
provide an additional biasing force in the direction of arrow B and
aid the electromagnet 1085 biasing force, when energized, to
transition the one or more pawls 1040 from the free position to the
stopped position. The one or more pawl springs 1035 are coupled to
the pin 1075 and configured to slideably couple with the one or
more pawls 1040.
[0131] Referring now to FIG. 12C, the one or more pawls 1040 may
include a first pawl 1041 and a second pawl 1042. When the belt
1020 of FIG. 11B or the rod 935 of FIG. 10E is traveling across the
one or more pawls 1040 in the direction of arrow C, the second pawl
1042 will engage the groove of the plurality of substantially
parallel grooves 955. Alternatively, when the belt 1020 of FIG. 11B
or the rod 935 of FIG. 10E is traveling across the one or more
pawls 1040 in the direction of arrow D, the first pawl 1041 will
engage the groove of the plurality of substantially parallel
grooves 955. The one or more pawl springs 1035 allow the first pawl
1041 to act independently of the second pawl 1042. In other words,
if for example, the belt 1020 exerted a downward force on the first
pawl 1041, the second pawl 1042 may not drop and miss engaging the
groove of the plurality of substantially parallel grooves 955
because the pin 1075 was dropped due to the force exerted on it due
the first pawl 1041.
[0132] Referring back to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the actuator 1060 is
disposed within a recess 1070. The guide sleeve 1050 may be
disposed within the recess 1070 and the actuator 1060 may be
disposed within the guide sleeve 1050. The guide sleeve 1050 may
keep the components of the actuator 1060 in alignment and may also
prevent the magnet 1080 from tilting or flipping when the
electromagnet 1085 is energized.
[0133] In yet another embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 12A and
12B, instead of the electromagnet, when energized, biasing the
magnet 1080 in the direction of arrow B, the spring 1090 may
provide the biasing force to the magnet 1080. In this embodiment,
the interrupter mechanism 1000 may be in the stopped position when
the electromagnet is de-energized. The trigger signal may instruct
a controller to de-energize the electromagnet 1085. When the
electromagnet is energized, it may provide an attraction force that
overcomes the biasing force of the spring 1090 and transitions the
interrupter mechanism to the free position.
[0134] In yet another embodiment, the belt 1020 of FIG. 11B or the
rod 935 of FIG. 10E may not have the plurality of substantially
parallel grooves 955 disposed on them. The one or more pawls 1040
may engage the belt 1020 or the rod 935 through friction.
[0135] In yet another embodiment, the lock housing 900 of FIG. 10E
and the belt mount 1025 of FIG. 11C may include a protective lip to
prevent material or a user's skin from entering the lock housing
900 or the belt mount 1025 during free movement of the linear lock
825 or the binding immobilizer 1001. The protective lip may
slideably couple with the belt 1020. Furthermore, the lock housing
900 and the belt mount 1025 may be enclosed within a dust cover to
prevent any particulate build-up within the lock housing 900 and
the belt mount 1025.
[0136] Referring generally to FIGS. 13 through 18B with specific
numerical reference to FIG. 13, a flexible magnetorheological (MR)
fluid assembly (i.e. a flexible electromagnet assembly 1240 of FIG.
13 and a stacked flexible electromagnet assembly 1565 of FIG. 14A)
may be used to restrict the movement of the protective headgear 700
to the torso mount 830 of FIG. 16A. MR fluid 1225 is a type of
smart fluid in a carrier fluid, usually a type of oil. When the MR
fluid is subjected to a magnetic field, the fluid greatly increases
its apparent viscosity, to the point of becoming a viscoelastic
solid or a rigid member. The yield stress of the MR fluid 1225 when
in its active ("on") state can be controlled very accurately by
varying the magnetic field intensity. The MR fluid's ability to
transmit force can be controlled with an electromagnet. In other
words, the MR fluid 1225 may be configured to transition from a
fluid state to a rigid state when a magnetic field is present. The
MR fluid 1225 may be disposed with a protective tube 1210 and a
magnetic wire 1235 may be wrapped around a flexible tube 1205. The
magnetic wire 1235 may be electrically coupled to the electronic
circuit 520 of FIG. 5 and may create a magnetic field to transition
the MR fluid from a fluid to a rigid member when the trigger signal
is received.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 13, the flexible electromagnet assembly
1240 is shown. Each flexible electromagnet assembly 1240 includes a
protective tube 1210 with a flexible tube 1205 disposed within the
protective tube 1210, the flexible tube 1205 has a ferromagnetic
core 1215 along a tube axis 1220 of the flexible tube 1205 and a MR
fluid 1225 disposed within the flexible tube 1205 and surrounding
the ferromagnetic core 1215. A magnetic wire 1235 may be wrapped
around the flexible tube 1205 and electrically coupled to the
electronic circuit 520 of FIG. 5. The magnetic wire 1235 in
combination with ferromagnetic core 1215 may create a magnetic
field to transition the MR fluid from a fluid to a rigid member
when the trigger signal is received.
[0138] The flexible electromagnet assembly 1240 may also include
one or more longitudinal tubes 1230 disposed within the flexible
tube 1205 and configured to enclose the MR fluid 1225. The one or
more longitudinal tubes 1230 may provide another lay of protection
against puncture and loss of MR fluid 1225 and may also keep the MR
fluid even distributed around the ferromagnetic core 1215.
[0139] Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the stacked flexible
electromagnet assembly 1565 is shown. The stacked flexible
electromagnet assembly 1565 may include one or more stacked
flexible electromagnet assembly 1565, each stacked flexible
electromagnet assembly 1565 may include one or more magnetic plugs
1515. The magnetic plugs include a flexible tube 1520 with a first
tube end 1525 and a second tube end 1530 and a magnetic wire 1235
wrapped around the flexible tube 1520. The magnetic wire 1235 has a
first plug wire 1570 and a second plug wire 1575. The one or more
stacked flexible electromagnet assembly 1565 may also include one
or more capture tubes 1535 with a first capture end 1545 and a
second capture end 1550 wherein the first capture end 1545 is
configured to matedly couple with the second tube end 1530 and the
second capture end 1550 is configured to matedly couple with the
first tube end 1525. The one or more stacked flexible electromagnet
assembly 1565 may also include the MR fluid 1225 disposed within
the one or more capture tubes 1535, wherein the one or more
magnetic plugs 1515 and one or more capture tubes 1535 are coupled
together to create each stacked flexible electromagnet assembly
1565. Each stacked flexible electromagnet assembly 1565 may include
a first cap 1555 and a second cap 1560 configured to keep
particulates and other material out of the stacked flexible
electromagnet assembly 1565. Each stack 1556 may also be enclosed
in a flexible sealant.
[0140] Referring now to FIG. 15, an interlaced mat 1251 is shown.
The interlaced mat 1251 may include one or more flexible
electromagnet assemblies 1240, one or more stacked flexible
electromagnet assemblies 1565, or a combination thereof woven
together and coupled between two moveable objects, such as for
example, the protective headgear 700 and the torso mount 830 and
shown below in FIGS. 16A and 16B. When the trigger signal is
received from the electronic circuit 520 of FIG. 5, a current in
the magnetic wire 1235 creates a magnetic field which aligns a
plurality of particles in the MR fluid 1225 thereby making the
interlaced mat 1251 rigid and restricting the movement of the
protective headgear 700 in relation to the torso mount 830. When
the electronic circuit 520 ceases to send the trigger signal, the
plurality of particles in the MR fluid 1225 will relax thereby
allowing a free range of movement between the protective headgear
700 and the torso mount 830. The combination of the one or more
flexible electromagnet assemblies 1240 and one or more stacked
flexible electromagnet assemblies 1565 is shown in FIG. 15. It
should be understood that the interlaced mat 1251 may include only
one or more flexible electromagnet assemblies 1240 or only one or
more stacked flexible electromagnet assemblies 1565.
[0141] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a magnetic headgear
immobilization device 1200. The magnetic headgear immobilization
device 1200 may be configured as the interlaced mat 1251, shown in
FIG. 15, where the interlaced mat 1251 has a first mat end 1250 and
a second mat end 1255. The first mat end 1250 is coupled to the
protective headgear 700 and the second mat end 1255 is coupled to a
torso mount 830. When the trigger signal is received from the
electronic circuit 520 of FIG. 5, the magnetic headgear
immobilization device 1200 restricts the movement of the protective
headgear 700 in relation to the torso mount 830. In another
embodiment, the first mat end 1250 may be coupled to the protective
headgear 700 and the second mat end 1255 may be slideably coupled
to a torso mount 830 or vice versus. In other words, the magnetic
headgear immobilization device 1200 may be removably coupled to
both the protective headgear 700 and the torso mount 830. The
binding immobilizer 1001 may be coupled to the torso mount 830 and
be configured to help restrain the body of the user during an
impact and while receiving the trigger signal. The binding
immobilizer 1001 is discussed in greater detail above.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 17, illustrates a stacked mat 1501. The
stacked mat 1501 may include a first sheet 1580 and a second sheet
1585 positioned on the first sheet 1580, the one or more flexible
electromagnet assemblies 1240, one or more stacked flexible
electromagnet assemblies 1565, or a combination thereof, are
disposed between the first sheet 1580 and the second sheet 1585 and
are substantially parallel to each other to create the stacked mat
1501. The first sheet 1580 and the second sheet 1585 may enclose
the one or more flexible electromagnet assemblies 1240, one or more
stacked flexible electromagnet assemblies 1565, or a combination
thereof and provide a protective barrier. In another embodiment,
the first sheet 1580 and the second sheet 1585 may be a single
sheet folded over.
[0143] The stacked mat 1501 has a first stacked mat end 1505 and a
second stacked mat end 1510. Each flexible tube 1520 of the stacked
flexible electromagnet assembly 1565 are electrically coupled in
series. In other words and referring to FIG. 14A, the first plug
wire 1570 of the flexible tube 1520 is electrically the second plug
wire 1575 of the adjacent flexible tube 1520. The first stack wire
1512 and the second stack wire 1511 electrically couple the one or
more magnetic wires 1235 of the one or more adjacent flexible tubes
1520 together and are electrically coupled to the electronic
circuit 520 of FIG. 5.
[0144] Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, illustrates a vertically
aligned magnetic headgear immobilization device 1500. The
vertically aligned magnetic headgear immobilization device 1500 may
include the stacked mat 1501 of FIG. 17 and include the first
stacked mat end 1505 is coupled to the protective headgear 700 and
the second stacked mat end 1510 is coupled to a torso mount 830.
When the trigger signal is received from the electronic circuit 520
of FIG. 5, each stacked flexible electromagnet assembly 1565
becomes rigid and thereby the stacked mat 1501 becomes rigid and
restricts the movement of the protective headgear 700 in relation
to the torso mount 830. When the electronic circuit 520 ceases to
send the trigger signal, the plurality of particles in the MR fluid
will relax thereby allowing a free range of movement between the
protective headgear 700 and the torso mount 830. The binding
immobilizer 1001 may be coupled to the torso mount 830 and be
configured to help restrain the body of the user during an impact
while receiving the trigger signal. The binding immobilizer 1001 is
discussed in greater detail above. In another embodiment, the first
stacked mat end 1505 may be coupled to the protective headgear 700
and the second stacked mat end 1510 may be slideably coupled to a
torso mount 830 or vice versus. In other words, the vertically
aligned magnetic headgear immobilization device 1500 may be
removably coupled to both the protective headgear 700 and the torso
mount 830.
[0145] FIGS. 19 through 26 illustrate the ornamental views of an
indicator for a protective headgear as shown and described.
[0146] When the IAD 705 is worn by a user, the headliner 500 will
reside between the innermost surfaces of the protective headgear
700 and the outermost surface of a user's head. The headliner 500
also includes means for self support and self orientation through
the one or more resilient ribs 600 when the headgear is worn by a
user along with methods for adjusting its fit on a user's head. The
headliner 500 may also be easily added to a variety of protective
headgear 700 and allows for easy removal of the protective headgear
700 as well as the removal of the headliner 500 from the protective
headgear 700 if necessary.
[0147] The impact switch 10 is configured to read the forces
applied to the head of the user. The impact switch 10 is not
limited to the headliner 500 (FIG. 5) and may be positioned on the
protective headgear 700 (FIG. 7) or the torso mount 830 (FIG. 8),
or one or more impact switches may be positioned in, on, or about
both the protective headgear 700 or torso mount 830. When an impact
is detected by one or more impact switches at various locations,
the headgear immobilization device 800, the magnetic immobilizer
headgear 1200 or the vertically aligned magnetic headgear
immobilization device 1500 will lock the current position of the
protective headgear 700 to the current position of the torso mount
830 and enable the impact force to be transferred through the
protective headgear 700 to the torso mount 830 through either one
or more linear locks 825, the interlaced mat 1251, or the stacked
mat 1501. This will minimize the force of the impact applied to the
head of the user. The binding immobilizer 1001 if FIGS. 8A and 8B
may lock the torso mount 830 to the user and prevent any shifting
or lifting of the torso mount 830 in response to the leverage
applied to the protective headgear 700 during an impact.
[0148] In another embodiment, the impact switches and the
immobilization devices may be used to protect the body of the user
from an impact. For example, if a user receives an impact to the
back, an impact switch 10 on the torso mount 830 may indicate the
impact and the binding immobilizer and/or the headgear
immobilization device 800 or magnetic immobilizer headgear (1200 or
1500) may lock to keep the torso mount 830 in place and protect the
spine and/or neck. Alternatively, the magnetic immobilizer headgear
1200 or the vertically aligned magnetic headgear immobilization
device 1500 may be positioned across the back of a user and when
triggered, provide a stable surface to absorb the impact.
[0149] The headliner 500 is configured to fit the heads of humans
as well as other animals. The headliner 500 may be of a fixed size
or it may have means to adjust its fit as described above. The
headliner 500 may be attached to, and become a part of the
protective headgear 700 such as helmets and head protectors,
whether hard or soft shelled. In another embodiment, the IAD 705
may be coupled to a headband for use in soccer, field hockey and
the like.
[0150] Some applications all combined or as individual devices
activated by the IAD switches of the IAD 705 may include, but are
not limited to, American style football, hockey, baseball,
Lacrosse, Olympic and professional boxing, motor vehicle racing,
cycling, skateboarding, skydiving, water polo, rodeo horse and bull
riding, horse jumping and racing, skiing, snowboarding, surfing,
mountain climbing and pogo stick jumping. The IAD 705 may also be
used for physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged/disabled
person. The IAD 705 may also be used for military, rescue, police,
pilots, factory, and construction worker applications.
[0151] It should be noted that different impact switches may apply
to different purposes within the IAD System. The switches may be
used to indicate forces which may cause head and/or vertebral
column injury, they may be used to trigger/activate other devices
for preventing injury, they may be used for collecting data,
transmitting the data or activate devices intended for training
users to avoid situations where injuries may occur to them or
others, or combinations thereof.
[0152] The impact switch 10, double impact switch 300, the triple
impact switch 405, the daisy chain of impact switches, and
combinations thereof may be used in other applications independent
of the IAD 705 to gather information about the levels of sudden
motion or impacts. For example, on shoes, luggage, sports
equipment, robots, tools and machinery, rockets, explosives
testing, prosthetic limbs, vehicles related to vehicle impacts and
centrifugal forces, packaging to indicate impact damage during
shipping, electronic or other devices to indicate impact damage
information or attitude/orientation information, vibration levels
of machinery, artillery shells and other ordnance, medical
equipment for humans and animals, physical training equipment for
humans and animals, drop testing machinery and equipment, as well
as other uses where sudden motion information are collected or
users wish to be alerted about sudden motion events.
[0153] It should be noted that although there are specific
references to the electronic circuit 520 in FIG. 5 and its location
as mounted in the headliner 500, the electronic circuit 520 may be
mounted anywhere on the protective headgear 700 or torso mount 830.
Furthermore, the impact switch 10, and other variants thereof, may
be a motion sensitive device, a motion sensor, an electrical
switch, an accelerometer switch, an inertial switch. It should also
be noted that all spring material may be made from spring
steel.
[0154] It is noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" may
be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty
that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value,
measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized
herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative
representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting
in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at
issue.
[0155] Certain terminology is used in the disclosure for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "left", "right",
"front", "back", "upper", and "lower" designate directions in the
drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the
words noted above as well as derivatives thereof and words of
similar import.
[0156] The present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and/or in
software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.).
The system controller may have at least one processor and the
computer-readable medium. A computer-usable or the
computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store,
communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in
connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or
device.
[0157] The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for
example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,
electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,
device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a
non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include
the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a
portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a
read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory
(EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact
disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other applicable mediums. Note
that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be
paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed,
as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance,
optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled,
interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if
necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.
[0158] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the
present disclosure may be written in a high-level programming
language, such as C or C++, for development convenience. In
addition, computer program code for carrying out operations of the
present disclosure may also be written in other programming
languages, such as, but not limited to, interpreted languages. Some
modules or routines may be written in assembly language or even
micro-code to enhance performance and/or memory usage. However,
software embodiments of the present disclosure do not depend on
implementation with a particular programming language. It will be
further appreciated that the functionality of any or all of the
program modules may also be implemented using discrete hardware
components, one or more application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs), or a programmed digital signal processor or
microcontroller.
[0159] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be understood that various other
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although
various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described
herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is
therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes
and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
* * * * *