Patents by Inventor Charles N. Whitaker

Charles N. Whitaker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5813649
    Abstract: A constant-load deformable bracket for protecting the occupants of vehicles and/or objects from injury or damage resulting from vertical acceleration or deceleration. The constant-load deformable bracket starts to deform when the magnitude of the vertical force on the bracket reaches a predetermined value. In vehicle applications, the deformable bracket is installed between a seat and its platform. The deformable bracket may also be used in a storage container to protect goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Simula, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie D. Peterson, Charles N. Whitaker, John A. DiPalma
  • Patent number: 4811921
    Abstract: A cyclic control stick of the type used in helicopters for reducing the safety hazards associated with such a mechanism in the event of a crewman being thrown violently into contact with the cyclic control stick resulting from a crash or the like. The cyclic control stick is configured to break away upon the exertion of an impact force which exceeds a predetermined value and/or is exerted for more than a momentary time duration. The cyclic control stick is also configured to be adjustable so as to locate the grip thereof as far away from the crewman as possible for safety reasons without comprising the comfort of the crewman or the use of the control stick, and a crushable pad is provided on the top of the grip for impact energy absorbing purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventors: Charles N. Whitaker, Richard E. Zimmermann