Patents by Inventor Shawn Claflin

Shawn Claflin 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: 20240034472
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin arrangement between at least one forward passenger seat and at least one aft passenger seat, includes a panel positioned adjacent to and rearwardly of the at least one forward seat. The panel has a contoured shape for receiving the back of the forward passenger seat in at least one of a reclined position and an upright position. The panel extends substantially from an underside of an overhead bin to a cabin floor. In embodiments, at least a portion of the panel is configured to deform or break during a crash event due to one or more of a head impact by a passenger in the aft passenger seat with the panel and/or inertial forces of the crash event acting on the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
  • Patent number: 11787544
    Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey M. McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
  • Publication number: 20210347485
    Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey M. McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
  • Patent number: 11066171
    Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
  • Patent number: 10843799
    Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having a convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include multiple panel portions that are coupled together and articulate relative to one another. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate the panel portions with respect to one another from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
  • Patent number: 10676194
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
  • Patent number: 10370106
    Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin according to a predetermined class arrangement and including a divider panel having a contour closely matching a contour of a forward-positioned seatback, and adapted for being positioned in closely spaced-apart relation to the seatback for providing additional space aft of the divider panel. At least one leg is provided for supporting the panel on an aircraft cabin deck. A viewing window is formed in the panel for providing the ability of a flight attendant to observe areas of the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly
  • Patent number: 10077111
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a retrofit storage bin door hinge includes an extension member than increases the storage volume of the bin by at least 5 percent or 10 percent, thereby permitting the storage of larger carry-on bags. Required access to the ceiling panels during maintenance operations is preserved by the hinges pivotable attachment to a pivot mount attached to the ceiling of a storage bin. In this manner, the hinge assembly and door may be readily translated downwardly to provide full access to the ceiling panels during a maintenance operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin
  • Publication number: 20180222589
    Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Robert PAPKE, Shawn Claflin, Jefferey McKee, Trevor Skelly, Mario Diliani
  • Publication number: 20170283058
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a retrofit storage bin door hinge includes an extension member than increases the storage volume of the bin by at least 5 percent or 10 percent, thereby permitting the storage of larger carry-on bags. Required access to the ceiling panels during maintenance operations is preserved by the hinges pivotable attachment to a pivot mount attached to the ceiling of a storage bin. In this manner, the hinge assembly and door may be readily translated downwardly to provide full access to the ceiling panels during a maintenance operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin
  • Publication number: 20170283065
    Abstract: An aircraft interior surface for partitioning, dividing, or establishing privacy within a cabin space includes a transparent material that provides for transmission of light within the aircraft cabin. A graphical design may be applied to the transparent material, the graphical design including indicia arranged in predetermined patterns based on a location or function of the transparent material. A light source located proximate to the transparent material may wash light across a surface of the transparent material such that the graphical design exhibits predetermined properties when illuminated by the light source. The transparent material may be selectively dimmable to increase opacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Papke, Shawn Claflin, Stephanie Lightbody, Jefferey McKee
  • Patent number: 8519824
    Abstract: A modular environment for a vehicle. The modular environment may include a configurable service space with a mounting system within the vehicle that has a number of modules configured to releaseably engage the mounting system. The module environment also may include a service space control system able to electronically communicate with and identify at least one of the modules. The modular environment may also include an arch framework that supports a number of fixed modules and a number of configurable modules. A further embodiment is shown of a method for using a service space control system that controls a modular environment for a vehicle having a configurable service, and including a mounting system configured to releaseably engage a number of modules in a service space. The service space control system electronically communicates with and can identify at least one of the modules and limit its use to only authorized users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Rankin, Nino Senoadi, Karen Cavalier Bradshaw, Erik Ivar Wiman, Robert J. Bengtsson, Buddy Lee Sharpe, Mark Edward Wentland, Shawn Claflin
  • Publication number: 20080078432
    Abstract: A compartment for a transportation device is provided. The compartment may include a one-piece basin, an inflatable wall member, and multi-directional support arms to attach the basin within the transportation device. The one-piece basin may fit through an opening in the transportation device. Methods of installation for installing the compartment within the transportation device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: JAMES SCHALLA, ROBERT BENGTSSON, RALPH BLADT, KWUN-WING CHEUNG, SHAWN CLAFLIN, RICHARD RANKIN, MIGUEL REMEDIOS, KEVIN ZIELKE, ROLAND von BALLMOOS
  • Patent number: 6929218
    Abstract: An aircraft is provided comprising a fuselage and a central monitoring system positioned within the fuselage. A plurality of seating elements is also positioned within said fuselage. Each of the plurality of seating elements includes a plurality of seat options integrated into the seating element and an electronics control system integrated into the seating element. The electronics control system includes a seat processor having logic adapted to monitor an operational status of each of the seat options and communicate the operational status to the central monitoring system via wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William C. Sanford, Shawn Claflin, Mark E. Wentland, Bradley J. Mitchell, Kevin S. Callahan, Trevor Laib, James A. Fullerton
  • Publication number: 20050116099
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for increasing useable space within a mobile platform compartment, such as an aircraft lavatory, which is adjacent a predetermined area, such as a passenger doorway area, of the mobile platform. The apparatus generally includes a turntable module rotatably coupled to supporting structure within the mobile platform. The turntable module can be rotated to a first angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the compartment but outside the predetermined area. The turntable module can also be rotated to a second angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the predetermined area but outside the compartment. The turntable module supports at least one item, such as a lavatory sink, which is accessible from within the compartment when the turntable module is in the second angular position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Hau Pho, Shawn Claflin, Robert Bengtsson, Joel Peterson, Stephen Pickard