Helmet stabilization system

Abstract

A helmet stabilization system comprises a flexible strap connectable at a first end to a helmet and a spooling mechanism comprising a spool connectable to a second end of the flexible strap, the spooling mechanism being securable to a user wearing the helmet, wherein the spooling mechanism allows the flexible strap to be selectively extended and retracted on the spool.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A helmet stabilization system comprising:
 a flexible strap connectable at a first end to a helmet, and   a spooling mechanism comprising a spool connectable to a second end of the flexible strap, the spooling mechanism being securable to a user wearing the helmet,   wherein the spooling mechanism allows the flexible strap to be selectively extended and retracted on the spool.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 1 , wherein the spooling mechanism is configured to reduce movement of the helmet away from the spooling mechanism under a predetermined condition. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 2 , wherein the predetermined condition is a rate of extension of the flexible strap from the spool. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 2 , wherein the predetermined condition is detected force experienced by the user. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 2 , wherein the spooling mechanism allows movement of the helmet away from the spooling mechanism when the predetermined condition is not occurring. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 1 , wherein the spooling mechanism automatically urges the flexible strap to be retracted onto the spool. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible strap comprises nylon or polyester webbing. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 1 , wherein the spooling mechanism comprises a braking mechanism that automatically prevents extension of the flexible strap from the spool under a predetermined condition. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 8 , wherein the predetermined condition is a rate of extension of the flexible strap from the spool. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 8 , wherein the predetermined condition is detected force experienced by the user. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 1  comprises a plurality of flexible straps and spooling mechanisms. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible strap is connectable to the left side of the helmet and further comprising a flexible strap connectable to the right side of the helmet and a flexible strap connectable to the rear of the helmet. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 1 , wherein the spooling mechanism is connectable to shoulder pads that may be worn by the user. 
     
     
         14 . A helmet stabilization system comprising:
 a helmet,   shoulder pads,   a flexible strap connectable at a first end to the helmet, and   a spooling mechanism comprising a spool connectable to a second end of the flexible strap, the spooling mechanism being connectable to the shoulder pads,   wherein the spooling mechanism allows the flexible strap to be selectively extended and retracted on the spool.   
     
     
         15 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 14 , wherein the spooling mechanism is configured to reduce movement of the helmet away from the spooling mechanism under a predetermined condition. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 14 , wherein the predetermined condition is a rate of extension of the flexible strap from the spool. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 14 , wherein the predetermined condition is detected force experienced by the user. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 14 , wherein the flexible strap is connectable to the left side of the helmet and further comprising a flexible strap connectable to the right side of the helmet and a flexible strap connectable to the rear of the helmet. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet stabilization system according to  claim 14 , wherein the flexible strap is permanently attached to the helmet. 
     
     
         20 . A method for stabilizing the movement of a helmet on a user, the method comprising:
 attaching a first end of a flexible strap to the helmet and a second end of the flexible strap to a spooling mechanism,   allowing extension of the flexible strap from the spooling mechanism under certain conditions, and   preventing extension of the flexible strap from the spooling mechanism under other conditions.