Patents by Inventor Joel M. Cormier
Joel M. Cormier 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).
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Patent number: 10788091Abstract: A force-attenuating system that is interposed between an exterior surface and an interior surface, either or both of which may be subjected to percussive forces. The system has a ceiling that is positioned proximate the exterior surface and one or more inverted hat-shaped force-attenuating units with sidewalls extending inwardly convergingly away from the ceiling. Some of the units have a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. Optionally the force-attenuating units may be configured as clover-leaf structures with a central region and hemi-pear-shaped lobes extending therefrom. Within the lobes is a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. The force-attenuating system may be deployed in an automotive or non-automotive environment.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: OAKWOOD ENERGY MANAGEMENT, INC.Inventors: Richard F. Audi, Donald S. Smith, Nicholas John Podges, Joel M. Cormier, Dane Robert Winbigler
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Patent number: 10752137Abstract: A seat impact energy absorbing system having an energy absorbing module that limits forces transmitted through the seat to its occupant. Such forces may emanate from, for example, a land mine detonation. The module has frustoconical structures joined by hollow interconnecting ribs that create support pillars there between. At least some of the support pillars have tops.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: VICONIC DEFENSE INC.Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi, Donald S. Smith, Ryan J. Brooks
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Patent number: 10537149Abstract: An energy absorbing liner system that offers a multi-stage reaction to impact and is positioned inside a member that receives an impact. The energy absorbing liner system has one or more interconnected energy absorbing modules that rebound after one or more impacts. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with multiple levels of reaction to impact. For example, a first stage has one or more membranes. A second stage has energy absorbing units with bendable walls. The membranes extend between the walls of adjacent energy absorbing units. The membranes alone or in combination with the side walls of the units at least partially cushion the blow in multiple stages of reaction by progressively absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: VICONIC SPORTING LLCInventors: Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi, Donald S. Smith, Dane R. Winbigler
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Patent number: 10369739Abstract: A surface underlayment system and its method of manufacture that is sandwiched between an impact-receiving upper surface and a lower foundation. The energy absorbing system has subassemblies of interconnected modules that cooperate to absorb and distribute impact forces applied thereto. Each module has one or more frustoconical support structures. At least some of the frustoconical support structures have bases that underlie the upper impact-receiving surface such as a golf putting green, a football field, marine decking, and senior living flooring.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: VICONIC SPORTING LLCInventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi, Dane R. Winbigler
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Publication number: 20190193608Abstract: A seat impact energy absorbing system having an energy absorbing module that limits forces transmitted through the seat to its occupant. Such forces may emanate from, for example, a land mine detonation. The module has frustoconical structures joined by hollow interconnecting ribs that create support pillars there between. At least some of the support pillars have tops.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Joel M. CORMIER, Richard F. AUDI, Donald S. SMITH, Ryan J. BROOKS
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Patent number: 10220736Abstract: A seat impact energy absorbing system having an energy absorbing module that manages forces emanating from, for example, a land mine detonation. The module has frustoconical structures joined by hollow interconnecting ribs that create support pillars there between. At least some of the support pillars have tops that underlie an occupant-supporting surface. To receive forces associated with detonation, an impact-receiving surface underlies the energy absorbing module.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: VICONIC DEFENSE INC.Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi, Donald S. Smith, Ryan J. Brooks
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Publication number: 20190063538Abstract: A force-attenuating system that is interposed between an exterior surface and an interior surface, either or both of which may be subjected to percussive forces. The system has a ceiling that is positioned proximate the exterior surface and one or more inverted hat-shaped force-attenuating units with sidewalls extending inwardly convergingly away from the ceiling. Some of the units have a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. Optionally the force-attenuating units may be configured as clover-leaf structures with a central region and hemi-pear-shaped lobes extending therefrom. Within the lobes is a floor that is positioned proximate the interior surface. The force-attenuating system may be deployed in an automotive or non-automotive environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: OAKWOOD ENERGY MANAGEMENT, INC.Inventors: Richard F. AUDI, Donald S. SMITH, Nicholas John PODGES, Joel M. CORMIER, Dane Robert WINBIGLER
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Publication number: 20180111518Abstract: A seat impact energy absorbing system having an energy absorbing module that manages forces emanating from, for example, a land mine detonation. The module has frustoconical structures joined by hollow interconnecting ribs that create support pillars there between. At least some of the support pillars have tops that underlie an occupant-supporting surface. To receive forces associated with detonation, an impact-receiving surface underlies the energy absorbing module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Joel M. CORMIER, Richard F. AUDI, Donald S. SMITH, Ryan J. BROOKS
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Patent number: 9739053Abstract: A multi-tiered recoiling energy absorbing system has an upper impact surface that is exposed to percussive impact. At least one energy absorbing layer is positioned below or inside the upper impact surface. The energy absorbing layer includes one or more energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules are provided with one or more energy absorbing units that extend from an upper platform. Several of the energy absorbing units are provided with a flexible wall that extends from the upper platform. A lateral reinforcement member secures the energy absorbing units to prevent them from splaying. The energy absorbing units at least partially absorb energy generated by an impacting object due to the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly and recoiling nondestructively after single or multiple impacts to its un-deflected configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: VICONIC DEFENSE INC.Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi
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Patent number: 9670635Abstract: A modular precipitation or rain water retention system having one or more interconnected reservoir retention modules that cooperate to manage effluent from a precipitation event. At least some of the modules are configured to retain an initial amount of rainfall and then meter out the rain water. Each module has one or more frustoconical support structures joined by hollow interconnecting ribs that create a reservoir so that within each reservoir, wells are defined for rainwater retention. At least some of the frustoconical support structures have tops that may underlie a secondary system such as a green layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Viconic Sporting LLCInventors: Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi, Donald S. Smith
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Patent number: 9644699Abstract: An energy absorber includes a base sheet and a plurality of energy absorbing units with end walls and associated leaf spring or helicoid accessories extending from the base sheet. The accessories reduce buzzes, squeaks and rattles associated with an environment of use. In one embodiment, the leaf springs are defined by slits in a domed portion of the end walls. In another embodiment, the helicoid is formed by for example a milling step performed on an end wall. The side walls buckle or bend after absorbing energy. Methods related to the above are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Oakwood Energy Management, Inc.Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Michael A. Rossi, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi, Aton Mahdi
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Patent number: 9622534Abstract: An energy absorbing liner system and method of making it, preferably by thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules that non-destructively rebound after one or more impacts. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Viconic Sporting LLCInventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi
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Publication number: 20170101789Abstract: A surface underlayment system and its method of manufacture that is sandwiched between an impact-receiving upper surface and a lower foundation. The energy absorbing system has subassemblies of interconnected modules that cooperate to absorb and distribute impact forces applied thereto. Each module has one or more frustoconical support structures. At least some of the frustoconical support structures have bases that underlie the upper impact-receiving surface such as a golf putting green, a football field, marine decking, and senior living flooring.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi, Dane R. Winbigler
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Patent number: 9528280Abstract: A modular energy absorbing system sandwiched between an impact-receiving upper surface and a lower foundation. The energy absorbing system has one or more interconnected modules that cooperate to absorb and distribute impact forces applied thereto. Each module has one or more frustoconical support structures. At least some of the frustoconical support structures have bases that underlie the upper impact-receiving surface such as a football field or a basketball court.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Viconic Sporting LLCInventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi, Dane R. Winbigler
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Publication number: 20160353826Abstract: An energy absorbing liner system and method of making it, preferably by thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules that non-destructively rebound after one or more impacts. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi
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Patent number: 9462843Abstract: A liner system and method of thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: VICONIC DEFENSE INC.Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi
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Publication number: 20160255898Abstract: An energy absorbing liner system that offers a multi-stage reaction to impact and is positioned inside a member that receives an impact. The energy absorbing liner system has one or more interconnected energy absorbing modules that rebound after one or more impacts. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with multiple levels of reaction to impact. For example, a first stage has one or more membranes. A second stage has energy absorbing units with bendable walls. The membranes extend between the walls of adjacent energy absorbing units. The membranes alone or in combination with the side walls of the units at least partially cushion the blow in multiple stages of reaction by progressively absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2015Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi, Donald S. Smith, Dane R. Winbigler
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Patent number: 9420843Abstract: An energy absorbing liner system and method of making it, preferably by thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules that non-destructively rebound after one or more impacts. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: OAKWOOD ENERGY MANAGEMENT, INC.Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi
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Patent number: 9415708Abstract: An energy absorber 10 that has a spine 12 which has a relaxed configuration and a deployment configuration. In the deployment configuration, the spine 12 lies proximate to a substrate 14 to protect the substrate 14 from an impacting object 16. Preferably, the spine 12 is bendable to conform to the substrate 14. The spine includes a number (N) of energy absorbing modules 18, 20, 22, 24, . . ., where 1<=N<=1000. At least some of the modules have a number (L) of mutually supporting energy absorbing vertebral members 30, where 1<=L<=100. Each vertebral member 30 includes a number (U) of coalesced energy absorbing units 32, 34, were 2<=U<=10. At least some of the energy absorbing units 32, 34 have a base 36 that preferably but not necessarily is oriented toward the impacting object 16.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: OAKWOOD ENERGY MANAGEMENT, INC.Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi, Donald S. Smith
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Patent number: 9394702Abstract: A recoiling energy absorbing system is interpositioned between an outer shell that is exposed to percussive impact and a foundation. An energy absorbing layer with friction lugs is positioned inside the outer shell. The energy absorbing layer includes one or more energy absorbing modules with optional veins and drain holes. At least some of the modules are provided with one or more energy absorbing units that extend from an upper basal layer. At least some of the energy absorbing units are provided with a flexible wall that extends from the upper basal layer. The energy absorbing units at least partially absorb energy generated by an impacting object due to the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly and recoiling nondestructively after single or multiple impacts to its undeflected configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: VICONIC SPORTING LLCInventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi, Dane R. Winbigler