Patents by Inventor William Lewis Epperson

William Lewis Epperson 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).

  • Publication number: 20020073479
    Abstract: A protective hood molded to the contours of the interior of an aircrew helmet. The brow pad and a support panel are located within the protective hood. The custom fitting system, that adjusts the position of the support panel relative to the helmet, is located outside the hood. The custom fitting system is pivotally connected to the support panel, with the protective hood sealed around the pivotal connection. The brow pad and support panel lift the hood off the wearer's head, providing a gap to circulate ventilating air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: William Lewis Epperson, Francis J. Kuna, Robert Henry Nattress
  • Patent number: 6401259
    Abstract: A protective hood molded to the contours of the interior of an aircrew helmet. The brow pad and a support panel are located within the protective hood. The custom fitting system, that adjusts the position of the support panel relative to the helmet, is located outside the hood. The custom fitting system is pivotally connected to the support panel, with the protective hood sealed around the pivotal connection. The brow pad and support panel lift the hood off the wearer's head, providing a gap to circulate ventilating air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William Lewis Epperson, Francis J. Kuna, Robert Henry Nattress
  • Patent number: 6279172
    Abstract: A fitting assembly for a helmet having an interiorly located forehead dome and side sections. A crown pad provided with adjusting straps engages retention clips on the side sections to set the vertical position of the helmet. A nape panel provided with adjusting straps engages additional retention clips on the side sections to set the fore and aft position of the helmet. A pouch is fitted into the gap created between the dome and the forehead. A liquid foam is introduced into the pouch which expands and solidifies thereby creating a mold of the wearer's forehead. The pouch, nape panel and chip strap or breathing mask serve to lock the helmet in position on the wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William Lewis Epperson, Francis J. Kuna, Robert Henry Nattress