Patents by Inventor William H. Courtney

William H. Courtney 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: 6776678
    Abstract: An integrated or attached (built in or retrofitted) space occupying (fills space beneath the chin) cephalic restraint collar (holds the head in the axis of rotation) for improved personal flotation device (“PFD”) performance. The restraint assists with aligning and securing the head and neck in line with the axis of rotation. In this position the ballast of the head is divided evenly about the axis of rotation negating its ability to oppose effective rotation. The cephalo-cervical restraint improves the efficacy of all PFD designs elements targeting turning. By guiding the head into a cylindrical notch in the posterior cervical foam behind the victim's head the head is then aligned along the axis of rotation where the heads 14-17 pounds of ballast is symmetrically distributed about that axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: William H. Courtney
  • Publication number: 20020072287
    Abstract: An integrated or attached (built in or retrofitted) space occupying (fills space beneath the chin) cephalic restraint collar (holds the head in the axis of rotation) for improved personal flotation device (“PFD”) performance. The restraint assists with aligning and securing the head and neck in line with the axis of rotation. In this position the ballast of the head is divided evenly about the axis of rotation negating its ability to oppose effective rotation. The cephalo-cervical restraint improves the efficacy of all PFD designs elements targeting turning. By guiding the head into a cylindrical notch in the posterior cervical foam behind the victim's head the head is them aligned along the axis of rotation where the heads 14-17 pounds of ballast is symmetrically distributed about that axis. Therefore, whatever eccentric forces are applied in the generation of angular acceleration or torque, do not have to overcome the offsetting effects of the heads ballast acting as a mobile ballast element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: William H. Courtney