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).

Claims

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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a front transparent view of a vacuum retention system in a helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a side transparent view of a vacuum retention system in a helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a user wearing a helmet with a vacuum retention system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention is generally directed to protective helmets, and more specifically to protective helmets conforming more precisely to a user's head than prior art helmets.

[0034] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a helmet for dynamic cushioning, the helmet including an outer shell and an inner lining, the inner lining including 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 include fill material and at least one valve, wherein the fill material includes 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, wherein the at least one air pump is operable to add or evacuate air from the plurality of cushions, wherein the plurality of microbeads is made of rubber, polystyrene, expanded polypropylene (EPP), and/or polyurethane, wherein the fill material includes a gel and/or a fluid, wherein the helmet includes at least one attachment point or attachment layer to affix the plurality of cushions to the interior surface of the helmet, wherein the plurality of cushions includes a cutout for an ear, 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, wherein the helmet is operable to communicate with one or more sensors of an airplane, wherein the plurality of cushions is operable to inflate or deflate based on measured data from the one or more sensors.

[0035] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a vacuum retention system, the system including 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 includes 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, wherein the container is operable to attach to an interior surface of a helmet via a mechanical attachment mechanism, wherein the mechanical attachment mechanism includes hook-and-loop tape, pins, bolts, screws, or latches, wherein the plurality of microbeads is made of rubber, polystyrene, expanded polypropylene (EPP), and/or polyurethane, wherein the fill material includes a gel and/or a fluid, 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, wherein the at least one sensor is part of an airplane, wherein the malleable material is made of cotton, polyester, polyurethane, and/or cellophane.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a helmet for dynamic cushioning, the helmet including an outer shell and an inner lining, the inner lining including a plurality of cushions, wherein the plurality of cushions are affixed to the helmet via hook-and-loop tape, wherein the plurality of cushions include fill material and at least one valve, wherein the fill material includes 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, 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, wherein the fill material includes a gel and/or fluid, wherein the at least one sensor is a part of an airplane, wherein the plurality of microbeads is made of rubber, polystyrene, expanded polypropylene (EPP), and/or polyurethane, wherein the plurality of cushions include cutouts for ears.

[0037] Fighter jet pilots require specialized equipment to prevent injury to the pilots during flight, to prevent the pilots blacking out, and to allow the pilots to communicate with ground intelligence and other pilots even the presence of very loud noise. Among the equipment required by the pilots is a helmet and a G-force suit. The G-force suit includes features not present in all flight suits including inflatable bladders in the legs and/or mid-section, which are used to press firmly on the abdomen and legs of the pilot, restricting a rush of blood from the pilot's brain upon experience high G-forces. This pressure is applied by inflating the inflatable bladders with air, thereby applying pressure to the pilot's body and restricting blood flow in these areas of the pilot's body.

[0038] Pilot helmets are required for fighter pilots to prevent damage to the head from G-forces or from sudden changes in direction or impacts, to provide oxygen to the pilot during flight, to provide shades to protect the pilot's eyes, and to provide a communication system for communicating with other pilots or ground communications. One issue is ensuring the helmet conforms tightly with the particularities of the head of the user to limit vibration and force applied between the head and the helmet itself. This is a particular problem for high G-force environments such as fighter jets, especially considering that the directionality of the force often changes in an instant, changing the force distribution applied to the head of the pilot. Thus, technology providing a helmet with more precise conformation with the head of a pilot is needed.

[0039] Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations are for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a front transparent view of a vacuum retention system in a helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention. A helmet 100 including a plurality of vacuum retention systems 102, 104 is shown. The vacuum retention systems 102, 104 are containers formed from polymer materials and filled with microbeads or other fill material, with one or more valves operable to connect to vacuum pumps or other air pumps to withdraw air from or add air to the vacuum retention systems 102, 104. By using a vacuum pump to evacuate air from the systems, the microbeads become compactified around the object in contact with the vacuum retention systems 102, 104, which is the head of the pilot when the helmet shown in FIG. 1 is in use. This provides for the interior of the helmet 100 to conform to the shape of the head of the pilot. In one embodiment, the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 are split such that a first vacuum retention system 102 covers a right side of the head of the pilot while the second vacuum retention system 104 covers a left side of the head of the pilot. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that different positioning of the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 are also contemplated herein. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present invention also considers systems including greater than two vacuum retention systems (e.g., three, four, five, ten, twenty, etc.). In one embodiment, the interior of the helmet 100 is only lined with a single vacuum retention system with the single vacuum retention system covering the same areas or substantially the same areas as those covered according to FIG. 1.

[0041] One advantage of the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 with regard to the use in fighter jet helmets 100 specifically is that, with large changes in G-force, the media within the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 are able to shifted to different areas, ensuring that the head receives more support in areas where more pressure is being applied, thereby allowing for relatively constant coverage of the head even where forces are frequently changing. This provides stability for the head and better supports cognitive function for the pilot at high G-forces.

[0042] In one embodiment, the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 are filled with both microbeads and an additional gel, fluid, or gel-like fluid medium. This allows the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 to have a multimodal response with regard to sudden changes in force. The microbeads are able to remain fixed in place as the vacuum retention system's air has been depleted such that the microbeads relatively tightly conform to the head and therefore are incapable of moving or substantially moving. On the other hand, the gel-like fluid medium is able to more easily flow within the vacuum retention systems 102, 104, allowing the extra support to be provided upon and a result of the sudden change in force.

[0043] The microbead filling is, in one embodiment, contained within at least one layer, wherein the at least one layer is constructed from any malleable natural or synthetic material, either woven or non-woven, such as cotton, polyester, polyurethane, cellophane, or any other material that is suitable for containing microbead filling. The retaining element employs principles of vacuum splints, granular jamming,or similar negative pressure packaging mechanisms with granular particles. When in a normal pressure state, particles are loosely contained. The retaining element is constructed to receive and surround an object (e.g., a firearm, a sword, a surfboard, or a camera) when the object is placed on top of the retaining element. For example, in one use case, equipment is positioned on top of and pressed into the retaining element such that the contained microbeads rearrange to allow the equipment to sink into the retaining element and such that the microbeads and retaining element surround at least part of a side of the equipment. The retaining element includes at least one air valve for adjusting an amount of air contained in addition to the microbeads. As air is evacuated from the retaining element, the containing layers and microbeads condense, resulting in a much firmer structure. Advantageously, the retaining element allows for adjustability in an amount of air evacuated, such that resulting a strength of the retaining element and pressure on an object matches the level of security desired.

[0044] The microbeads are preferably any high or medium strength material, including rubber, polystyrene, expanded polypropylene (EPP), polyurethane, wood, metal, wherein the material is any that withstands compression through evacuation while providing stability to surrounded objects and dampening vibrations and providing shock absorption for the packaging. In an alternative embodiment, the microbeads are millet shells, coffee grounds, rice grains, buckwheat hulls or any other organic material. Notably, the microbeads are any shape, size or dimensions that effectively perform the retaining functions, such as spheres, ellipsoids, cubes, prisms, other polygons, or any non-uniform shape, such as that exhibited by shredded rubber or natural or synthetic fibers. In one embodiment, the microbeads are polystyrene beads, wherein the polystyrene beads are between 0.0197 inches (0.5 millimeters) and 0.394 inches (10 millimeters). In a preferred embodiment, the polystyrene beads are between 0.0197 inches (0.5 millimeters) and 0.197 inches (5 millimeters).

[0045] In one embodiment, an interior surface of the helmet 100 includes one or more attachment points, attachment layers, or other mechanical, physical, or chemical method of attachment for attaching the vacuum retention system 102, 104 within the helmet 100. For example, in one embodiment, the helmet 100 includes one side of hook-and-loop tape or layers, and the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 include corresponding second sides of hook-and-loop tape operable to attach to the one side on the inside of the helmet 100. In one embodiment, the vacuum retention system is attached to an inside of the helmet 100 via an adhesive. In another embodiment, the vacuum retention systems 100 are attached to the helmet 100 via hook-and-loop tape, pins, bolts, screws, latches, or other mechanical attachment mechanism. In another embodiment, the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 are welded, thermoformed, or otherwise physically attached. In one embodiment, the density of the microbeads is between about 24 g/L and about 75 g/L.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a side transparent view of a vacuum retention system in a helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 include a hole surrounding a user's ear, thus both providing decreased pressure on the ear and allowing for the pilot to communicate via the connected communication system of the helmet 100.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a user wearing a helmet with a vacuum retention system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 are connected to one or more inflatable bladders of the G-force suit of the pilot by one or more connecting tubes 110. These tubes 110 allow air to be evacuated from the vacuum retention systems 102, 104, via a valve, into the one or more inflatable bladders, thereby providing for synergy between the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 and the one or more inflatable bladders. Alternatively, air is able to be evacuated from the one or more inflatable bladders into the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 via the tubes 110.

[0048] In one embodiment, the helmet is connected, wirelessly or via wired connection, to one or more sensors of a plane in which the user is occupying or piloting. In one embodiment, the helmet is operable to automatically adjust the rigidity of the vacuum retention systems 102, 104 based on one or more sensor readings from the one or more sensors of the plane (e.g., G-force sensors). This provides the possibility of the helmet to operate as a proactive and reactive system, rather than merely a passive system as is present in the prior art.

[0049] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. The above-mentioned examples are provided to serve the purpose of clarifying the aspects of the invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that they do not serve to limit the scope of the invention. All modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the present invention.