Helmet with vacuum retention system

Abstract

A helmet includes one or more vacuum retention systems lining and affixed to an interior of the helmet. The vacuum retention systems are containers including a plurality of microbeads and a valve allowing air to be added into or subtracted from the containers, compactifying the microbeads around the head of a pilot. The vacuum retention systems are connected to inflatable bladders in a suit of the pilot, thereby allowing air evacuated from the vacuum retention systems to be used to inflate the bladders. The vacuum retention systems are able to be connected to one or more sensors of a plane and the rigidity of the vacuum retention systems is able to be automatically adjusted based on sensor readings (e.g., G-force measurements).

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A helmet for dynamic cushioning, the helmet comprising:
 an outer shell and an inner lining, the inner lining comprising a plurality of cushions;   wherein the plurality of cushions is arranged such that a first of the plurality of cushions covers a right hemisphere of the helmet, and a second of the plurality of cushions covers a left hemisphere of the helmet;   wherein the plurality of cushions each comprise fill material and at least one valve;   wherein the fill material comprises a plurality of microbeads;   wherein the fill material is operable to shift within the plurality of cushions;   wherein the at least one valve is operable to connect to at least one air pump; and   wherein the at least one air pump is operable to add or evacuate air from the plurality of cushions.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of microbeads is comprised of rubber, polystyrene, expanded polypropylene (EPP), and/or polyurethane. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the fill material comprises a gel and/or a fluid. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet comprises at least one attachment point or attachment layer to affix the plurality of cushions to the interior surface of the helmet. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cushions comprises a cutout for an ear. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve is operable to connect to at least one inflatable bladder of a suit via at least one connecting tube, wherein the at least one valve is operable to evacuate air from the plurality of cushions into the at least one inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet is operable to communicate with one or more sensors of an airplane. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of cushions is operable to inflate or deflate based on measured data from the one or more sensors. 
     
     
         9 . A vacuum retention system for dynamic cushioning, the system comprising:
 at least one container constructed of at least one layer of malleable material;   fill material within the container;   at least one valve; and   at least one sensor in communication with the system;   wherein the fill material comprises a plurality of microbeads;   wherein the fill material is operable to shift within the container;   wherein the at least one valve is operable to connect to at least one air pump;   wherein the at least one air pump is operable to add or evacuate air from the container based on measured data from the at least one sensor; and   wherein the container is operable to attach to an interior surface of a helmet via a mechanical attachment mechanism.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the mechanical attachment mechanism comprises hook-and-loop tape, pins, bolts, screws, or latches. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of microbeads is comprised of rubber, polystyrene, expanded polypropylene (EPP), and/or polyurethane. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the fill material comprises a gel and/or a fluid. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one valve is operable to connect to at least one inflatable bladder of a suit via at least one connecting tube, wherein the at least one valve is operable to evacuate air from the container into the at least one inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one sensor is part of an airplane. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the malleable material is comprised of cotton, polyester, polyurethane, and/or cellophane. 
     
     
         16 . A helmet for dynamic cushioning, the helmet comprising:
 an outer shell and an inner lining, the inner lining comprising a plurality of cushions;   wherein the plurality of cushions are affixed to the helmet via hook-and-loop tape;   wherein the plurality of cushions comprise fill material and at least one valve;   wherein the fill material comprises a plurality of microbeads;   wherein the fill material is operable to shift within the plurality of cushions;   wherein the at least one valve is operable to connect to at least one inflatable bladder; and   wherein the at least one air pump is operable to add or evacuate air from the plurality of cushions into the at least one inflatable bladder based on measured data from at least one sensor.   
     
     
         17 . The helmet of  claim 16 , wherein the fill material comprises a gel and/or a fluid. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one sensor is a part of an airplane. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of microbeads is comprised of rubber, polystyrene, expanded polypropylene (EPP), and/or polyurethane. 
     
     
         20 . The helmet of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of cushions comprise cutouts for ears.