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).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air cargo container formed from a plurality of fiber-reinforced (e.g., carbon fiber) composite panels. The use of fiber reinforcement provides for an increased strength-to-weight ratio as compared to existing air cargo containers. Furthermore, the present invention also includes air cargo containers having convex side panels, which decreases the chance of damage to the container or to its contents in the event of an impact. The air cargo container is collapsible, with panels able to be stacked for more efficient storage.

Abstract: A container for transporting satellite equipment and other equipment into low-orbit and deep space includes vacuum rigidizing structures covering the interior of each side wall and base of the container. The vacuum rigidizing structures contain microbeads and is connected to a pump mechanism able to transfer air into or out of the vacuum rigidizing structures. Before the equipment is added to the container, air is released from the vacuum rigidizing structures. After the equipment is added, the vacuum rigidizing structures are able to be inflated enough such that the microbeads compactly conform around the equipment, preventing movement while applying minimal pressure to the equipment. The container is capped with a lid lined with aerospace-grade foam.

Abstract: A valve assembly controls the flow of air into and out of a vacuum retention system, which includes microbeads. The valve assembly is sealed and operable to tightly connect to a vacuum pump assembly. The vacuum pump assembly is able to apply negative pressure to evacuate air from the vacuum retention system through the valve assembly. The vacuum pump assembly includes a tube sealed by click connected overmolds on each end, where the overmolds include pores allowing air to push out of the system.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for an object is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.

Abstract: A protective container is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a bag including one or more retaining elements, wherein the retaining elements include a plurality of microbeads and at least one vacuum port. A vacuum pump is able to withdraw air from within the retaining elements to compress the microbeads around an object within the container, creating a conforming and protective fit around the object.

Abstract: A protective container for a surfboard is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a bag including one or more retaining elements, wherein the retaining elements include a plurality of microbeads and at least one vacuum port. A vacuum pump is able to withdraw air from within the retaining elements to compress the microbeads around the surfboard within the container, creating a conforming and protective fit around the board.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air cargo container formed from a plurality of fiber-reinforced (e.g., carbon fiber) composite panels. The use of fiber reinforcement provides for an increased strength-to-weight ratio as compared to existing air cargo containers. Furthermore, the present invention also includes air cargo containers having convex side panels, which decreases the chance of damage to the container or to its contents in the event of an impact. The air cargo container is collapsible, with panels able to be stacked for more efficient storage.

Abstract: A container for transporting satellite equipment and other equipment into low-orbit and deep space includes vacuum rigidizing structures covering the interior of each side wall and base of the container. The vacuum rigidizing structures contain microbeads and is connected to a pump mechanism able to transfer air into or out of the vacuum rigidizing structures. Before the equipment is added to the container, air is released from the vacuum rigidizing structures. After the equipment is added, the vacuum rigidizing structures are able to be inflated enough such that the microbeads compactly conform around the equipment, preventing movement while applying minimal pressure to the equipment. The container is capped with a lid lined with aerospace-grade foam.

Abstract: A protective container for a surfboard is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a bag including one or more retaining elements, wherein the retaining elements include a plurality of microbeads and at least one vacuum port. A vacuum pump is able to withdraw air from within the retaining elements to compress the microbeads around the surfboard within the container, creating a conforming and protective fit around the board.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for an object is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.

Abstract: A shipping box includes side panels lined with zipper mechanisms operable to interlock to seal the box and any objects within the box. The side panels are filled with microbeads or other small packaging material and at least one of the side panels includes a valve. The valve, when actuated, allows for withdrawal of air from the side panels using a vacuum pump, causing the microbeads to compactify around the contents of the shipping box.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for medical supplies is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case. The retaining element includes a flexible bag with an outer antimicrobial layer for safe and sanitary transport of the medical supplies.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for a firearm is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.

Abstract: The present invention includes a golf bag cover with interior surfaces lined with a flexible container filled with air and microbeads. The flexible container includes a plurality of openings each configured to receive a golf club. The flexible container includes at least one valve to evacuate air from within the flexible container to compactify the microbeads around the golf clubs, thereby securing them. In one embodiment, a snake-like retainer is threaded between golf clubs within the golf bag cover and air is evacuated from the snake-like retainer so as to compactify microbeads within the snake-like retainer around the golf clubs in order to secure them.

Abstract: A protective container for a surfboard is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a bag including one or more retaining elements, wherein the retaining elements include a plurality of microbeads and at least one vacuum port. A vacuum pump is able to withdraw air from within the retaining elements to compress the microbeads around the surfboard within the container, creating a conforming and protective fit around the board.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for medical supplies is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case. The retaining element includes a flexible bag with an outer antimicrobial layer for safe and sanitary transport of the medical supplies.

Abstract: The present invention includes a golf bag cover with interior surfaces lined with a flexible container filled with air and microbeads. The flexible container includes a plurality of openings each configured to receive a golf club. The flexible container includes at least one valve to evacuate air from within the flexible container to compactify the microbeads around the golf clubs, thereby securing them. In one embodiment, a snake-like retainer is threaded between golf clubs within the golf bag cover and air is evacuated from the snake-like retainer so as to compactify microbeads within the snake-like retainer around the golf clubs in order to secure them.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for a firearm is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for a firearm is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.