TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of sensors for the measurement of impact. In particular, it relates to the signaling of a threshold impact on an individual due to impact sustained in sports-related activity or similar situations.

BACKGROUND

Sports injuries due to impact have a detrimental effect on overall participation rates (at all levels), as well as short- and long-term effects on participants of all ages. This applies to many sports, including, but not limited to, hockey, football, baseball, skiing, cycling, lacrosse and snowboarding.

There are many factors that contribute to the severity of an impact in sport. For example, the amount of acceleration, angle of acceleration, rotational acceleration, mass of the object that withstands impact, duration of impact, protection equipment of the individual, whether the protection equipment is worn properly and/or in good working order; and whether the player susceptible to concussions at a low impact levels.

There is no single solution to this issue. Improvements in the rules of play, quality of refereeing, equipment, training, physical ability, attentiveness, practice regimens, and medical treatment all contribute to the reduction of head injury and concussion prevalence. Additionally, awareness of the presence and severity of an injury will enable players, coaches, trainers, and family members to identify concussion risks and treat the injury appropriately in order to reduce reoccurrence thereof, and/or reoccurrence with greater severity.

For example, concussions in sport can occur from 30G in low impact cases to 200G in high impact cases ("G" represents the acceleration of gravity, and "30G" represents an acceleration which is 30 times that of gravity). Each person is susceptible to a concussion at a particular impact level. Concussions can be caused by both direct hits to the head and indirect hits to the head. In fact, many high impacts are caused when the player is hit at the shoulder and the head whips away before changing direction and coming into contact with another player or a solid object, such as a board, ice, snow or turf. This whip flash effect generates tremendous impact velocities and in a lot of cases causes severe concussions.

The first step towards treating impact-related injuries (such as, but not limited to concussions) is to be aware that a potentially-damaging impact event has taken place.

Most sports are, by nature, physical enough to cause potential injury. Even with modern impact protection and rule changes, impact-related injuries continue to occur. Awareness of the occurrence of an impact, and the parameters thereof, will aid in better-identifying the effect of that impact, thereby increasing the likelihood of proper diagnosis. This further enables the athlete to obtain proper treatment should an impact-related injury occur.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20120124720 (Evans et al.) discloses an impact sensing device that includes one or more accelerometers (for attachment to a helmet). Each accelerometer provides impact information through the use of an integrated circuit that determines the magnitude and direction of the impact. The impact sensing device is activated once the magnitude of the impact exceeds a selected threshold value.

U.S. Patent No. 7,386,401 (Curtis et al.) discloses a system that determines impact on a helmet. The system includes at least one accelerometer and a processor. U.S. Patent No 5,978,972 (Stewart et al.) discloses a system that measures data of translational and angular acceleration of an individual's head while s/he is engaged in sports.

U.S. Patent No. 5,621,922 (Gus) discloses a device for detecting linearly and rotationally directed impacts above a threshold magnitude. The device is primarily attached within sports helmets. SUMMARY

The device in its general form will first be described, and then its implementation in terms of embodiments will be detailed hereafter. These embodiments are intended to demonstrate the principle of the device, and the manner of its implementation. The device in its broadest and more specific forms will then be further described, and defined, in each of the individual claims which conclude this specification.

An aspect of the present device for measuring impact while participating in a sport comprises a) a housing; and b) one or more sensors within the housing, wherein the device is attached to an item of sports equipment, and each sensor comprises a high-G force sensor comprising a liquid, the high-G force sensor calibrated to activate when impact upon the device is above a minimum acceleration threshold for the sport.

Another aspect of the system comprises: a) a housing; and b) one or more sensors within the housing, wherein: i) the device is attached to an item of sports equipment; ii) each sensor comprises a high-G force sensor comprising a liquid, the high-G force sensor calibrated to activate when impact upon the device is above a minimum acceleration threshold for the sport; iii) each sensor is set at a 45-degree angle from a vertical axis in a vertical plane of the item of equipment; and iv) activation of the device is signaled by a change of color or opacity of the sensor.

Yet another aspect of the system comprises: a device for measuring impact while participating in a sport, the device comprising: a) a housing; and b) one or more sensors within the housing, wherein: i) the device is attached to an item of sports equipment; ii) each sensor comprises a high-G force sensor tube calibrated to activate when impact upon the device is above a minimum acceleration threshold for the sport; iii) each sensor is set at a 45-degree angle from a vertical axis in a vertical plane of the item of equipment and iii) activation of the device is signaled by a change of color or opacity of the sensor.

Disclosed herein is a device for measuring impact in a sport. The device comprises housing, and one or more sensors within the housing. Each sensor is calibrated to activate when the impact exceeds a pre-set threshold of acceleration. For example, if there are two sensors, then each sensor will have its own threshold activation acceleration level, depending on the sport. Each sensor can be activated

mechanically, electro-mechanically, electronically, or any combination thereof. The device may be attached to a solid surface of an item of sporting equipment, in which case, a measure of the impact upon the sporting equipment is provided upon activation of the device. The device can be mounted outside or inside an item of sports equipment. The present device can be attached to the internal or external surface of an item of sports equipment. The device is mounted on a solid surface. The present device can also be mounted in a recess within the liner of an item of sports equipment, either post-manufacture, or during the manufacturing process. The device is mounted to measure parameters of an impact force, where the impact force can be directed along any three mutually-perpendicular axes.

The device can be set to a medium- and high-impact range for a given sport, based on an average impact testing range for the sport (based on impact data for the sport).

The impact threshold of a sensor is based on the type of sports for which the device is used. That is, each sensor is tuned to an impact level for a given sport based on collision and impact data collected for that sport. Sports include, but are not limited to: hockey, baseball, soccer, football, snow sports, lacrosse, car racing, equestrian- related sports and cycling.

The present device can aid in the prevention, awareness and treatment of sports impacts that lead to impact-related injury. This includes head-to-head, head-to-body and body-to-body impacts.

The present device, once attached to an item of sports equipment, can be used to indicate that the item should be inspected or replaced, based on the fact the equipment has taken an impact within a certain acceleration and duration range. The device does not gauge the usefulness of the sports equipment; it merely indicates that the equipment has taken an impact and should be inspected.

The present device can indicate the occurrence of an impact, and provide a measure of the minimum acceleration of that impact. This provides a means to properly assess the recipient of the impact, followed by appropriate treatment

The present device can be electronic, electromechanical or mechanical in nature. For example, a device, which is mechanical in nature may comprise a liquid (with a given viscosity), which moves from one location to another location (within the device) when a pre-set impact threshold is reached. This activation of the device can be signaled by a color change within a viewing area. As an example of an electromechanical device, the liquid moves at a certain predetermined impact and triggers an electrical response caused by the liquid closing an electrical circuit. Activation of the device (by the impact) can be signaled with an LED, or similar, display. A power source can be used to operate the electronic portion of the device. As an example, a battery, can serve as the power source.

Activation of the device is determined by the mass of the object to which the device is attached. For example, more force is required to activate a device mounted onto a football shoulder pad or a hockey helmet, than the device on its own.

The device may take any form or shape, whether the device is within or on the outside of the sporting equipment.

The housing of the device may be molded from, but not limited to, a plastic resin (for example, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). The foregoing summarizes the principal features of the device and some of its optional aspects. The device may be further understood by the description of the specific tests which follow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Example arrangements are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1 and la illustrate sensor Impact Activation Damage Curves (ADC), while Figs, lb and lc illustrate the ADC of Fig. lb along with actual impact curves.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the present device. FIG. 3 is a top view of a back plate used in Fig. 2.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the back plate shown in Fig. 2.

FIG.5 is a rear planar view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the back plate shown in Fig. 3, fitted with two high-G force sensors in various states of activation.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an example of a back plate fitted with one high-G force sensor in various states of activation.

FIGS. 1 1 A and 1 IB illustrate a side view of an example of a high-G force sensor in an inactivated and activated state, respectively. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a side view and a top view, respectively, of another example of a high-G force sensor in an inactivated state.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a side view and a top view, respectively, of another example of a high-G force sensor in an activated state.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the embodiment shown in Fig 2, installed on the exterior liner of a hockey helmet, in which the device is inactivated. FIG. 15 is a front view of the embodiment shown in Fig 2, installed on the exterior liner of a hockey helmet, in which the device is activated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example arrangements of an impact sensor are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Wherever ranges of values are referenced within this specification, sub-ranges therein are intended to be included unless otherwise indicated. Where characteristics are attributed to one or another variant, unless otherwise indicated, such characteristics are intended to apply to all other variants where such characteristics are appropriate or compatible with such other variants.

The following is given by way of illustration only and is not to be considered limitative. Many apparent variations are possible without departing from the scope of the device, as defined by the claims.

Impact Activation Damage Curves (ADC)

Figs. 1 and la each illustrate acceleration versus duration curve. The acceleration axis is measure in units of gravity (i.e. "G", one unit being equal to 32.2ft/s ² , or 9.8m/s ² . The duration scale (or "t") is measured in units of milliseconds ("ms"). The duration represents the time it takes from the first moment of contact to the time when contacts ceases. Note that while each curve begins at the same minimal acceleration, the two curves differ in the maximum G value (G _max ), and overall duration.

Figs. 1 and la are related in that they both indicate the same level of impact, as measured by the overall change in velocity, Δν, as measured by the area under each curve: Δν = jG(t) dt

That is, the area under either curves, or the "integrated acceleration-duration" value, is approximately the same. In terms of the impact, this means an impact with a lower maximum acceleration and higher duration (as in Fig. la) is equal to an impact with a higher maximum acceleration and shorter duration (as in Fig. 1).

It should be noted that each curve begins at the same G ₀ value. However, the maximum G value (G _m ) is higher in Fig. lb than in Fig. la

The device of the present disclosure uses this feature by "tuning" each sensor to minimum threshold acceleration, provided that the impact is above the G _m value for that sensor.

Therefore, a sensor (of the device) must satisfy the following condition for activation: (a) the impact must be equal to or above a minimum acceleration threshold set at G _m .

For example, suppose a device has a sensor with a G _m value set to 100G. If impact is less than this acceleration, then the device will not activate, no matter the length of the duration of the impact.

Fig. lb illustrates a case where the impact will not activate the device because the acceleration does not exceed the G _m value.

Fig. 1 c illustrates a case where the impact will activate the device, since the G _m value is exceeded.

Each sensor is tuned to a specific G versus time curve for that sport. For example, most hockey impacts occur in and around the 12ms time duration. Therefore, a medium-impact hockey sensor of the device can be set for a minimum threshold of 116G over 12ms. A high-impact hockey sensor can be set for a minimum threshold of 134G over 12ms. In another example, impact data for football indicates that most impacts occur over a range of about 10ms. Therefore, a medium-impact football sensor can have a minimum threshold of 128G over 10ms, while a high-impact football sensor can have a minimum threshold of 149G over 10ms. Examples in Figs. 2-8

In examples shown in Figs. 2-8, the device (5) includes dual (2) impact sensors (40, 45).

Furthermore, in the example shown in Figs. 2-7, the device (5) is in the form of a disk, although other forms are viable.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an assembled device (5) which uses the movement of a liquid in a high-G force sensor (not shown) to indicate impact above a certain threshold value. The top surface of the housing (10) has a cutaway portion to show the top surface of a back plate (15). The back plate (15) has two cut-out windows (20, 25). The back plate (15) is positioned at a 45-degree angle relative to a vertical axis of the device (5). A peel-away tab (30), attached to the rear of the housing (10) is shown in this embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the back plate (15) shown in Fig. 2. It includes two cut-out windows (20, 25), through which activation of the device can be viewed. Fig. 4 illustrates an end view of the back plate (15) shown in Fig. 3. Two high-G force sensors (not shown) are fitted into the back plate cavity (27), and visible through the windows (20, 25).The back plate can be made from extruded plastic, or similar material.

The device (5) can be mounted onto an item of sports equipment using an adhesive, as shown in Fig. 5. The back of the device (5) includes a tab (30) to peel away a detachable covering (35), which when removed, exposes an adhesive surface (not shown) on the back of the device (5). It is understood that the tab (30) is optional. Furthermore, in addition to use of an adhesive, there are other means to mount the device, known to an ordinary worker skilled in the art. Examples include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, or elongate fasteners, such as screws or nails.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the back plate shown in Fig. 3, fitted with two high-G force sensors in various states of activation. Two high-G force sensors (40, 45) are present in the back plate (15). Liquid in each of the sensors is visible through each window. One sensor (40) is tuned to an impact threshold value, while the second sensor (45) is tuned to an impact threshold value higher than that of the first sensor. The activation thresholds are based on impact data collected for the sport for which the device is used. It is understood that that activation thresholds will differ depending on the type of sports.

As depicted in FIG. 6, when the acceleration of the impact is less than the threshold value for either sensor (40, 45), both sensors (40, 45) are inactivated, and the window for each sensor remains clear. In Fig. 7, the acceleration of the impact is such that only the first sensor (40) is activated (as indicated by the shaded window), while the second sensor (45) tuned to a higher minimal impact threshold, remains inactivated. Finally, FIG. 8 illustrates a state where the impact is beyond the threshold of both sensors (40,45), and both are thus activated (as indicated by the shaded windows).

Alternatively, the sensors (40, 45) can be replaced with an electro-mechanical device that can activate separate LEDs for the medium- and high-impact range, respectively. In this case, the device can have a power source, with a display and/or communication means for connection to a data collection device.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an example of a back plate fitted with one high-G force sensor in various states of activation. In Figures 9 and 10, a single sensor (60) is employed in a back plate (61). The single sensor is tuned to a certain activation range, based on the particular sport for which the device is used. Fig. 9 illustrates a case where the sensor (60) is inactivated, while Fig. 10 illustrates an activated device in which the sensor (60) is activated (as shown by the shaded window).

FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB illustrate a side view of an example of a tube-shaped sensor (65) in an inactivated and activated state, respectively. In Fig. 11 A, liquid (66) in the inactivated sensor (65) remains in one portion (67) of the sensor (65), while a second portion (68) remains clear. In Fig. 1 IB, the liquid (66) spreads to second portion (68) when activated beyond a threshold value. As an example, such a sensor (66) can be fitted into the back plate shown in Figs. 3 and Figs. 6-10, although other variants are possible.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a side view and a top view, respectively, of another example of a high-G force sensor ( 100) in an inactivated state, while FIGS. 13 A and 13B illustrate a side view and a top view, respectively, the high-G force sensor (100) in an activated state. In the example of Figs. 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B, the sensor is of spherical shape. In Figs. 12A and 12B, a liquid (105) is in a first reservoir (1 10), while a second reservoir (1 15) remains empty, and thus clear. Once the device is activated, the liquid (105) moves into reservoir (1 15), as shown in Figs. 13A and 13B, where it can be viewed by an observer.

The high-G force sensor illustrated in Figs. 12-13 can be attached directly to a piece of sporting equipment, as described above. Or, the sensor can be placed in a back plate shaped to accommodate the sensor such that the second reservoir (115) is visible, while the first reservoir (1 10) remains hidden. A colour change in the second reservoir (115) indicates activation of the device.

Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate, respectively, an inactivated and activated device (175) mounted on a hockey helmet (182). The device can be placed in the rear or top position on the helmet, taking care to place the device on a solid/rigid area, so that the impact is not dissipated or absorbed by a flexible, non-rigid surface.

In these figures, two high-G force sensors are present in the back plate. Liquid in each of the sensors is visible through each window. One sensor is tuned to a medium- impact threshold value for hockey, while the second sensor is tuned to a high-impact threshold. The activation thresholds are based on impact data collected for hockey. It is understood that that activation thresholds will differ depending on the type of sports Note that the device (175) is mounted in such a manner that the two high-G force sensors are at 45-degrees with respect to a vertical axis in the vertical plane of the helmet. For example, one sensor can be set to a medium-impact threshold of 1 16G over 12ms, while the second can be set for a minimum threshold of 134G over 12ms. The liquid inside the sensor is calibrated to activate at pre-determined levels based on the specific sport.

As depicted in FIG. 15, when the acceleration of the impact is greater than the threshold value for each sensor, the device activates, indicating the person wearing the helmet has taken an impact in the medium or high range for hockey. Whereas each window (190, 195) is clear in Fig. 14 (in which the device is inactivated), one window (190) is dark, while about 75% of the other window (195) is dark in Fig. 15 (the activated state).

Alternatively, the sensors (190, 195) can be replaced with an electro-mechanical device that can activate separate LEDs for the medium- and high-impact range, respectively. In this case, the device can have a power source, with a display and/or communication means for connection to a data collection device.

It should be noted that activation of the device (175) in Fig. 15 could indicate a damaged or defective helmet. The helmet should be further checked according to the manufacturer's specifications and testing procedures.

Furthermore, the activation of the device (175) does not indicate that the user has suffered a concussion or brain injury. The device (175) is an impact-awareness device, and as such, can alert the user to get proper care and treatment.

It is understood that the device may assume any dimension or shape, so long as the device can be mounted unobtrusively onto an item of sports equipment.

In another embodiment (not shown), a single sensor is employed. The single sensor is tuned to a certain activation range, based on the particular sport for which the device is used. A device for measuring impact on an item of sports equipment is provided. The device comprises housing, and one or more sensors within the housing. Each sensor is calibrated to activate when the impact exceeds a pre-set threshold of acceleration. For example, if there are two sensors, then each sensor will have its own threshold activation, depending on the sport. Each sensor includes a high-G force sensor that comprises a liquid. The device may be attached to a solid surface of an item of sporting equipment, in which case, a measure of the impact upon the sporting equipment is provided upon activation of the device. The device can be mounted outside or inside an item of sports equipment.

CONCLUSION

Various example embodiments have been described herein for a device for measuring impact on an item of sports equipment. These embodiments are only exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand, however, that changes and modifications may be made to those examples without departing from the scope and the spirit of following claims.