Patents by Inventor Cory M. Hitchcock

Cory M. Hitchcock 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: 11370562
    Abstract: Examples include an apparatus for providing a point of attachment to a structural component, the apparatus including: a first grommet comprising: a head; and a shaft that extends from a first side of the head, where the shaft comprises a first attachment component opposite the head; a gasket bonded to a second side of the head that is opposite the first side, where the gasket, the head, and the shaft are aligned and a hole is formed through the gasket, the head, and the shaft; and a second grommet comprising a second attachment component that is configured to engage the first attachment component of the first grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Cory M. Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 11072411
    Abstract: Devices and methods to control moisture at a support member in a vehicle. The devices are configured to be attached to the support member and include a moisture absorbing portion and an evaporative portion. Methods of assembling the support member in the vehicle include prefabricating the device and preassembling the device onto the support member prior to the support member being installed in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Cory M. Hitchcock, Michael D. Maultsby, Douglas A. Lods
  • Publication number: 20210107686
    Abstract: Examples include an apparatus for providing a point of attachment to a structural component, the apparatus including: a first grommet comprising: a head; and a shaft that extends from a first side of the head, where the shaft comprises a first attachment component opposite the head; a gasket bonded to a second side of the head that is opposite the first side, where the gasket, the head, and the shaft are aligned and a hole is formed through the gasket, the head, and the shaft; and a second grommet comprising a second attachment component that is configured to engage the first attachment component of the first grommet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventor: Cory M. Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 10737756
    Abstract: A moisture control apparatus for use with a structure within an aircraft, the structure including an upper surface, the moisture control apparatus comprising: a moisture absorbing layer including a moisture absorbing material, the layer including a leading edge, a trailing edge, side edges, an upper surface, and, a lower surface; and, a reverse-bevel defined along the leading edge of the layer, wherein the reverse-bevel and the upper surface of the structure define a gutter configured to retain moisture flowing along the upper surface of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Cory M. Hitchcock, Trevor Milton Laib, Ernest Leland Gibson, IV
  • Patent number: 10737755
    Abstract: A moisture control apparatus for use with a structure within an aircraft fuselage, the structure including an upper surface, the apparatus comprising: a moisture absorbing layer including a moisture absorbing material, the layer including a leading edge, a trailing edge, side edges, an upper surface, and, a lower surface; and, a wicking layer disposed in fluid communication with the lower surface of the moisture absorbing layer, the wicking layer including a wicking layer leading edge, a wicking layer trailing edge and a wicking layer upper surface configured for capillary action of moisture from the wicking layer trailing edge towards the wicking layer leading edge, wherein the wicking layer leading edge is offset from the leading edge of the moisture absorbing layer such that an offset portion of the wicking layer is exposed to air to facilitate evaporation of the moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Cory M. Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 10486832
    Abstract: A method of protecting a monument during manufacturing of a vehicle. The method includes attaching a plurality of brackets to the monument prior to installation in the vehicle, each of the plurality of brackets having corresponding fasteners facing outwardly relative to the monument. The method also includes connecting a blanket to the corresponding fasteners. The method also includes installing the monument in the vehicle, disconnecting the blanket, and removing the plurality of brackets from the monument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ryan Nelson Marcelo Abelon, Cory M. Hitchcock, Toai Dac Tran, Thomas Ralph Smith, Jr., Jon Burton Shaw
  • Patent number: 10414480
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing aircraft sidewall. One embodiment comprises a hanger for supporting sections of sidewall for an aircraft. The hanger includes an elongated vertical member that attaches to a frame of the aircraft, and sets of keyholes that are each arranged in a vertical pattern along the member and that are each configured to support a corresponding section of sidewall of the aircraft. Each keyhole includes a receptacle dimensioned to receive a fitting from a section of sidewall, and a slot dimensioned to slidably accept the fitting via the receptacle to secure the fitting in place. The slot size of keyholes in each set varies from one end of the vertical pattern to another end of the vertical pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Cory M. Hitchcock, Thomas S. Perkins, Erik Ivar Wiman, Gregory A. Tubbs
  • Publication number: 20190106191
    Abstract: Devices and methods to control moisture at a support member in a vehicle. The devices are configured to be attached to the support member and include a moisture absorbing portion and an evaporative portion. Methods of assembling the support member in the vehicle include prefabricating the device and preassembling the device onto the support member prior to the support member being installed in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Cory M. Hitchcock, Michael D. Maultsby, Douglas A. Lods
  • Publication number: 20190071162
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing aircraft sidewall. One embodiment comprises a hanger for supporting sections of sidewall for an aircraft. The hanger includes an elongated vertical member that attaches to a frame of the aircraft, and sets of keyholes that are each arranged in a vertical pattern along the member and that are each configured to support a corresponding section of sidewall of the aircraft. Each keyhole includes a receptacle dimensioned to receive a fitting from a section of sidewall, and a slot dimensioned to slidably accept the fitting via the receptacle to secure the fitting in place. The slot size of keyholes in each set varies from one end of the vertical pattern to another end of the vertical pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Cory M. Hitchcock, Thomas S. Perkins, Erik Ivar Wiman, Gregory A. Tubbs
  • Patent number: 10137975
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing aircraft sidewall. One embodiment comprises a hanger for supporting sections of sidewall for an aircraft. The hanger includes an elongated vertical member that attaches to a frame of the aircraft, and sets of keyholes that are each arranged in a vertical pattern along the member and that are each configured to support a corresponding section of sidewall of the aircraft. Each keyhole includes a receptacle dimensioned to receive a fitting from a section of sidewall, and a slot dimensioned to slidably accept the fitting via the receptacle to secure the fitting in place. The slot size of keyholes in each set varies from one end of the vertical pattern to another end of the vertical pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Cory M. Hitchcock, Thomas S. Perkins, Erik Ivar Wiman, Gregory A. Tubbs
  • Patent number: 10093407
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhanced water capture systems for aircraft interiors. One embodiment is a strip that is formed from a water-absorbent material for retaining moisture. The strip is adhered to an interior surface of an aircraft at a location proximate to an entry point for water into a cabin of the aircraft, and the strip comprises holes within the water-absorbent material that are staggered with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Cory M. Hitchcock
  • Publication number: 20180105252
    Abstract: A moisture control apparatus for use with a structure within an aircraft, the structure including an upper surface, the moisture control apparatus comprising: a moisture absorbing layer including a moisture absorbing material, the layer including a leading edge, a trailing edge, side edges, an upper surface, and, a lower surface; and, a reverse-bevel defined along the leading edge of the layer, wherein the reverse-bevel and the upper surface of the structure define a gutter configured to retain moisture flowing along the upper surface of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: CORY M. HITCHCOCK, Trevor Milton Laib, Ernest Leland Gibson, IV
  • Publication number: 20180105251
    Abstract: A moisture control apparatus for use with a structure within an aircraft fuselage, the structure including an upper surface, the apparatus comprising: a moisture absorbing layer including a moisture absorbing material, the layer including a leading edge, a trailing edge, side edges, an upper surface, and, a lower surface; and, a wicking layer disposed in fluid communication with the lower surface of the moisture absorbing layer, the wicking layer including a wicking layer leading edge, a wicking layer trailing edge and a wicking layer upper surface configured for capillary action of moisture from the wicking layer trailing edge towards the wicking layer leading edge, wherein the wicking layer leading edge is offset from the leading edge of the moisture absorbing layer such that an offset portion of the wicking layer is exposed to air to facilitate evaporation of the moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: CORY M. HITCHCOCK
  • Publication number: 20170291725
    Abstract: A method of protecting a monument during manufacturing of a vehicle. The method includes attaching a plurality of brackets to the monument prior to installation in the vehicle, each of the plurality of brackets having corresponding fasteners facing outwardly relative to the monument. The method also includes connecting a blanket to the corresponding fasteners. The method also includes installing the monument in the vehicle, disconnecting the blanket, and removing the plurality of brackets from the monument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Ryan Nelson Marcelo Abelon, Cory M. Hitchcock, Toai Dac Tran, Thomas Ralph Smith, JR., Jon Burton Shaw
  • Publication number: 20170291676
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing aircraft sidewall. One embodiment comprises a hanger for supporting sections of sidewall for an aircraft. The hanger includes an elongated vertical member that attaches to a frame of the aircraft, and sets of keyholes that are each arranged in a vertical pattern along the member and that are each configured to support a corresponding section of sidewall of the aircraft. Each keyhole includes a receptacle dimensioned to receive a fitting from a section of sidewall, and a slot dimensioned to slidably accept the fitting via the receptacle to secure the fitting in place. The slot size of keyholes in each set varies from one end of the vertical pattern to another end of the vertical pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Cory M. Hitchcock, Thomas S. Perkins, Erik Ivar Wiman, Gregory A. Tubbs
  • Publication number: 20170129582
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhanced water capture systems for aircraft interiors. One embodiment is a strip that is formed from a water-absorbent material for retaining moisture. The strip is adhered to an interior surface of an aircraft at a location proximate to an entry point for water into a cabin of the aircraft, and the strip comprises holes within the water-absorbent material that are staggered with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Cory M. Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 7993084
    Abstract: A fastener includes a fastener body having a screw opening, a plurality of resilient fastener fingers extending from the fastener body, a finger tooth extending from each of the plurality of fastener fingers and a fastener screw extending through the screw opening and between the plurality of fastener fingers. The fastener screw is adapted for push installation through the screw opening and between the plurality of fastener fingers and threaded removal from the screw opening and between the plurality of fastener fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Boeing Company
    Inventor: Cory M. Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 7798447
    Abstract: Non-protruding seat track apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a track includes an elongated support having a support surface and an engagement surface. The support surface is adapted to engage a lower surface of a floor panel, and the engagement surface is adapted to be coupled to a payload assembly. The engagement surface is at least one of flush with and recessed below the lower surface of the floor panel when the support surface is engaged with the lower surface. The engagement surface may have at least one of an engagement slot and an attachment aperture disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Walter Forrest Frantz, Martin R. Grether, Cory M. Hitchcock, Gina C. Pischke, Todd Evan Jones, Paul R. Fortado
  • Publication number: 20090236471
    Abstract: Non-protruding seat track apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a track includes an elongated support having a support surface and an engagement surface. The support surface is adapted to engage a lower surface of a floor panel, and the engagement surface is adapted to be coupled to a payload assembly. The engagement surface is at least one of flush with and recessed below the lower surface of the floor panel when the support surface is engaged with the lower surface. The engagement surface may have at least one of an engagement slot and an attachment aperture disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Walter Forrest Frantz, Martin R. Grether, Cory M. Hitchcock, Gina C. Pischke, Todd Evan Jones, Paul R. Fortado
  • Patent number: 7506855
    Abstract: Non-protruding seat track apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a track includes an elongated support having a support surface and an engagement surface. The support surface is adapted to engage a lower surface of a floor panel, and the engagement surface is adapted to be coupled to a payload assembly. The engagement surface is at least one of flush with and recessed below the lower surface of the floor panel when the support surface is engaged with the lower surface. The engagement surface may have at least one of an engagement slot and an attachment aperture disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Walter Forrest Frantz, Gina C. Pischke, Martin R. Grether, Todd Evan Jones, Cory M. Hitchcock, Paul R. Fortado