HELMET WITH VACUUM RETENTION SYSTEM

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from the following U.S. patent application. This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/692,959, filed Sep. 10, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to protective helmets, and more specifically to protective helmets including an interior layer operable to conform to a user's head.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is generally known in the prior art to provide cushioned helmets for use in riding bikes, playing sports, working dangerous jobs, and/or other purposes.

Prior art patent documents include the following:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,412 for Protective helmet by inventors Huber et al., filed Mar. 21, 1995 and issued Jun. 22, 1999, discloses a protective helmet, in particular for motorcyclists or the like, with an outer casing formed in particular as an outer shell and a lining which is accommodated in the outer casing and lines the latter at least in areas. At least in partial regions, the lining comprises a cushion which can be evacuated of air, is divided into individual segments and is filled with resilient packing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,320 for Protective helmet with self-contained air pump by inventor Halstead, filed Dec. 24, 1990 and issued Jan. 28, 1992, discloses a protective helmet having an outer shell and an inner liner. The liner includes a plurality of air compartments interconnected by a number of air channels. A self-contained, tactile actuatable air pump is mounted to the helmet so as to be carried thereby even when the helmet is in use.

US Patent Pub. No. 2003/0135914 for Hockey helmet comprising an inflatable bladder by inventors Racine et al., filed Dec. 20, 2002 and published Jul. 24, 2003, discloses a hockey helmet for receiving a head of a wearer, the head having a crown region, left and right temple regions, left and right side regions and an occipital region. The hockey helmet comprises a front portion facing the crown region and the left and right temple regions of the head and a rear portion facing the left and right side regions and the occipital region of the head. The hockey helmet also comprises an inflatable bladder mounted on the rear portion and adjacent to the occipital region of the head. The inflatable bladder is capable of applying pressure on the occipital region of the head for urging the front portion of the hockey helmet towards the crown region of the head when the helmet is placed on the head.

US Patent Pub. No. 2020/0275721 for Sports helmet with integrated liner air pump by inventors VanHoutin et al., filed Feb. 28, 2019 and published Sep. 3, 2020, discloses a sports helmet (for example a football helmet, lacrosse helmet, hockey helmet, or baseball helmet), having an inflatable liner which includes an integrated, finger-operable air pump. The liner further includes an integrated, finger-operable deflation valve that is separate from the air pump. The pump and deflation valve are operable by respective features which protrude through holes in the helmet shell, which enables the wearer of the helmet to conveniently operate the liner by inflating or deflating it as desired, without any external assistance or accessories.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,232 for Helmet with an air cushion buffer by inventor Park, filed Nov. 25, 1997 and issued Apr. 6, 1999, discloses a helmet with a rigid shell including: an air buffer made of soft foam having a plurality of hollow cells, which is attached to the rigid shell; an air ear guard having a hollow chamber; and a pump having an exhaust port for inflating and deflating the air buffer and the air ear guard to adjust the size of the helmet to a user's head.

US Patent Pub. No. 2014/0020158 for Multilayer impact attenuating insert for headgear by inventors Parsons et al., filed Mar. 12, 2012 and published Jan. 23, 2014, discloses impact attenuating liner for headgear and headgear employing the liner, the liner positionable inside the headgear and comprising a cellular layer having an array of individual impact attenuating cells, each individual impact attenuating cells including an impact attenuating medium. The impact attenuating cells can comprise a gas, liquid, visco-elastic gel, foam, fiber or combinations thereof as well other impact attenuating medium. In another aspect, the impact attenuating liner has at least two layers, a cellular layer of and an impact attenuating layer under the cellular. The liner can include a cover.

The liner can be removable from the headgear.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,805,838 for Football helmet assembly by inventor Lewis, filed Mar. 21, 2022 and issued Nov. 7, 2023, discloses a football helmet assembly including a football helmet that is wearable on a user's head. An air bladder is positioned inside of the football helmet and the air bladder is inflatable with air to cushion the user's head against impact energy. An air pump is integrated into the football helmet to inflate the air bladder when the air pump is manipulated. A plurality of biasing units is each coupled between the football helmet and the air bladder to bias the air bladder away from the football helmet. A visor is movably integrated into the football helmet. The visor is positionable in stored position or a deployed position to cover the user's eyes. Furthermore, the visor is tinted to reduce intensity of light passing through the visor.

US Patent Pub. No. 2024/0197021 for Portable smart air helmet by inventors Kim et al., filed Apr. 27, 2022 and published Jun. 20, 2024, discloses a portable smart air helmet including a head protection member including tubes configured to be expanded and provide an elastic force when air is injected into the tubes, and configured to be contracted and foldable when the injected air is discharged, an electric air pump configured to inject air into the head protection member or discharge the air injected into the head protection member, an accident notification device installed on the head protection member and the pouch and configured to automatically transfer information on an impact when the impact is applied to the head protection member and the pouch, and a pouch configured to enable a user to carry the electric air pump and the head protection member from which air is discharged.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,234,475 for Helmet to reduce traumatic brain injuries by inventor Podboy, filed Nov. 29, 2018 and issued Feb. 1, 2022, discloses a protective helmet including a plurality of fluid filled bladders, impact sensors, valves, and pumps wherein the helmet absorbs energy from an impact to protect a person wearing the helmet from traumatic brain injury. The bladders expel fluid in response to a triggering event such as energy from an impact detected as a pressure spike event and/or detected as an acceleration event. A selected bladder may expel fluid to other bladders, to a reservoir, to the environment outside of the protective helmet, or combinations thereof. In embodiments where the bladders need additional fluid after an impact, one or more pumps may refill selected deflated bladders. When a bladder is underinflated, an indicator light may emit light on an outer surface of the protective helmet to warn that the bladder is not yet ready to be placed in operation to absorb another impact.

US Patent Pub. No. 2007/0226881 for Flexible Protective Helmet by inventors Reinhard et al., filed Jun. 27, 2005 and published Oct. 4, 2007, discloses a protective helmet having an inner hood including a spacer knitted fabric of a monofilament yarn. The hood is covered by a pneumatic central layer which can be pressurized by means of compressed air and can be inflated by means of an air pump which can be, for example, removed and provided with valves. An outer layer consists of an inner textile layer which lies over the pneumatic central layer, and plates which are fixed to the textile layer, for example by adhesion. The plates include, for example, of plastic, composite materials, or natural materials. The plates can be arranged in such a way that joints are created therein between, the outer layer thus being provided with a certain elasticity in order to cater for different head shapes and sizes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,279 for Cushioned helmet by inventor Ross, filed Nov. 25, 1991 and issued Jan. 26, 1993, discloses a cushioned helmet including an outer shell formed of a generally rigid body construction defining a full-face construction to include a facial opening directed therethrough. The shell includes a cushion outer liner coextensive with an interior surface of the shell, with an inner lining spaced therefrom to define a pneumatic chamber therebetween coextensively directed throughout the interior surface of the shell. A pump bladder is arranged to permit selective pneumatic filling of the pneumatic chamber, with a pressure relief valve arranged to permit selective release of pressurized air relative to the pneumatic chamber and the helmet construction. A modification of the invention includes “U” shaped cushion inserts arranged for positioning within the shell in contiguous communication with the inner lining to provide for enhanced protection and accommodate various sized configurations of individuals wearing the helmet.

US Patent Pub. No. 2023/0011592 for Inflatable bladder for headgear with climate control by inventors Ivory et al., filed Jul. 5, 2022 and published Jan. 12, 2023, discloses an inflatable bladder and comfort control device for mounting within headgear. The inflatable bladder and comfort control device have at least one inflatable bladder adapted to be positioned against a user's head. An air supply source is operatively connected to the inflatable bladder to inflate the bladder and provide air to the user. A directional valve is operatively mounted within the air supply source to separate the air supply source into flow paths to inflate the at least one inflatable bladder, and to create air flow adjacent the user. A directional valve controls the air flow to the bladder and the user's face. Comfort openings are in fluid communication with the air flow path to supply air to adjacent a user's head.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,425,952 for Helmet with cheek pads and method for the use thereof by inventors Handfield et al., filed Oct. 14, 2019 and issued Aug. 30, 2022, discloses a helmet having a cheek pad. The helmet for use with the cheek air pad includes an outer shell having an inside surface, an inner liner surrounding the head of the user and operatively mounted to the helmet outer shell, a chin bar disposed below the face visor, the chin bar having an inside surface facing toward the person when wearing the helmet and a breath guard. The inner liner generally has an inner face and a transparent face visor is attached to the helmet outer shell. The cheek pad is preferably embodied as a deformable element extending upwardly and/or inwardly from the helmet inner liner on the right and/or left inner side of the face visor or goggles. The deformable element is configured to be in contact with the face of the user and the inner edge of the breath guard and the inner liner.

US Patent Pub. No. 2022/0361622 for Systems and methods for smart helmet by inventors Hartlieb et al., filed May 12, 2022 and published Nov. 17, 2022, discloses a helmet for a rider of an on-road or off-road vehicle protecting the rider's head. The helmet also may include various features for enhancing the riding experience. For example, the helmet may include electrical connections for power various features of the helmet. Additionally, the helmet may include earmuffs which reduce road or other noises during operation of the vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,004,973 for Automated helmet gas bladder maintenance system and method by inventors Weatherby et al., filed Dec. 6, 2017 and issued Jun. 26, 2018, discloses a system and method for easily and frequently checking the gas bladder pressure levels in a sports player's helmet and refilling them to maintain optimum head protection for the player. The system and method involve an electronic hand-held gas pump that wirelessly communicates with an adjacent wireless device that comprises a software application for controlling pump operation. The software application allows a user to build a player helmet profile that automatically displays current gas pressure in the gas bladder to which the pump is currently connected. The system and method establish a preferred gas pressure level for every bladder in the helmet when the helmet is being worn and when the helmet is not being worn. Spreadsheets for an entire team can be generated, not only depicting the preferred gas pressure levels but time/date data for periodic checks in order to maintain every bladder to its preferred gas pressure level.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,719,967 for Helmet by inventor Milsom, filed Jan. 19, 2009 and issued May 13, 2014, discloses a helmet, especially a cricket or other sports helmet, comprising an outer shell member and, disposed adjacent its inner surface, a layer comprising an inflatable element operatively connected with inflation mechanism. The layer comprising the inflatable element preferably comprises a plurality of individual cells or pockets defined by a fluid-impermeable plastics membrane material, the individual cells or pockets being mutually in communication for pressurization and pressure-release purposes and connected to the inflation mechanism. The cells or pockets may contain impact-absorption or cushioning materials which are preferably porous to allow absorption and desorption of the inflation fluid.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,429,766 for Helmet with embedded sound suppression ear cups by inventor Halfaker, filed Apr. 25, 2012 and issued Apr. 30, 2013, discloses a sound attenuating device for standard helmets worn by riders of recreational vehicles. The sound attenuating device includes low profile ear cups and compressible members mounted between the shell of the helmet and ear cups. The compressible members permit the ear cups to be moved away from the rider's face when doffing or donning the helmet and otherwise push the ear cups against the rider's face forming a tight seal between the rider's face and the ear cups around each ear. The means for attaching the compressible members to the helmet shell are non-penetrating so as to maintain the structural integrity and sound suppression characteristics of the shell.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,410 for Pneumatic adjustment means for earcups in helmets by inventor Westgate, filed Jul. 10, 1986 and issued Oct. 20, 1987, discloses a protective helmet assembly in which a manually operable pump carried by the helmet outer shell is accessible from outside the shell to inflate two inflatable bodies disposed between the shell and respective sound-attenuating earcup subassemblies suspended from the shell adjacent to the wearer's ears. An element accessible from outside the shell can be actuated to deflate the inflatable bodies when the helmet assembly is doffed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to protective helmets, and more specifically to protective helmets including an interior which conforms to a user's head.

It is an object of this invention to utilize a vacuum retention system to provide a helmet that is more fitted to each user's head and, ultimately, more protective than prior art helmets.

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, and wherein the at least one air pump is operable to add or evacuate air from the plurality of cushions.

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, and wherein the container is operable to attach to an interior surface of a helmet via a mechanical attachment mechanism.

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, 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.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings, as they support the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.