Patents by Inventor Justin M. Smyers

Justin M. Smyers 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: 11084625
    Abstract: A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
  • Publication number: 20200039691
    Abstract: A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
  • Patent number: 10472129
    Abstract: A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
  • Patent number: 9663276
    Abstract: Stackable lids for a container each include a top surface facing generally in a first direction and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and facing generally in a second direction. Pivotable wing portions extend from each side edge of the lid and each pivotable wing portion is joined to its respective side edge by a hinge. The wing portions are moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and an inner surface of each wing includes a tab member configured for detent engagement with a rim of the container. The lid also includes corner portions extending between the side edges. Each corner portion includes a skirt portion extending generally in the second direction. Each corner portion also defines a recessed shoulder configured to receive the skirt portion of another when the lids are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
  • Publication number: 20160185487
    Abstract: A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
  • Patent number: 9278775
    Abstract: A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
  • Patent number: 9187223
    Abstract: Stackable lids for a container each include a top surface facing generally in a first direction and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and facing generally in a second direction. Pivotable wing portions extend from each side edge of the lid and each pivotable wing portion is joined to its respective side edge by a hinge. The wing portions are moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and an inner surface of each wing includes a tab member configured for detent engagement with a rim of the container. The lid also includes corner portions extending between the side edges. Each corner portion includes a skirt portion extending generally in the second direction. Each corner portion also defines a recessed shoulder configured to receive the skirt portion of another when the lids are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
  • Publication number: 20150246760
    Abstract: Stackable lids for a container each include a top surface facing generally in a first direction and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and facing generally in a second direction. Pivotable wing portions extend from each side edge of the lid and each pivotable wing portion is joined to its respective side edge by a hinge. The wing portions are moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and an inner surface of each wing includes a tab member configured for detent engagement with a rim of the container. The lid also includes corner portions extending between the side edges. Each corner portion includes a skirt portion extending generally in the second direction. Each corner portion also defines a recessed shoulder configured to receive the skirt portion of another when the lids are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
  • Publication number: 20140224821
    Abstract: Stackable lids for a container each include a top surface facing generally in a first direction and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and facing generally in a second direction. Pivotable wing portions extend from each side edge of the lid and each pivotable wing portion is joined to its respective side edge by a hinge. The wing portions are moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and an inner surface of each wing includes a tab member configured for detent engagement with a rim of the container. The lid also includes corner portions extending between the side edges. Each corner portion includes a skirt portion extending generally in the second direction. Each corner portion also defines a recessed shoulder configured to receive the skirt portion of another when the lids are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
  • Patent number: 8733550
    Abstract: Stackable lids for a container each include a top surface facing generally in a first direction and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and facing generally in a second direction. Pivotable wing portions extend from each side edge of the lid and each pivotable wing portion is joined to its respective side edge by a hinge. The wing portions are moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and an inner surface of each wing includes a tab member configured for detent engagement with a rim of the container. The lid also includes corner portions extending between the side edges. Each corner portion includes a skirt portion extending generally in the second direction. Each corner portion also defines a recessed shoulder configured to receive the skirt portion of another when the lids are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
  • Publication number: 20130234406
    Abstract: Stackable lids for a container each include a top surface facing generally in a first direction and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and facing generally in a second direction. Pivotable wing portions extend from each side edge of the lid and each pivotable wing portion is joined to its respective side edge by a hinge. The wing portions are moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and an inner surface of each wing includes a tab member configured for detent engagement with a rim of the container. The lid also includes corner portions extending between the side edges. Each corner portion includes a skirt portion extending generally in the second direction. Each corner portion also defines a recessed shoulder configured to receive the skirt portion of another when the lids are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
  • Publication number: 20130233753
    Abstract: Stackable lids for a container each include a top surface facing generally in a first direction and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and facing generally in a second direction. Pivotable wing portions extend from each side edge of the lid and each pivotable wing portion is joined to its respective side edge by a hinge. The wing portions are moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and an inner surface of each wing includes a tab member configured for detent engagement with a rim of the container. The lid also includes corner portions extending between the side edges. Each corner portion includes a skirt portion extending generally in the second direction. Each corner portion also defines a recessed shoulder configured to receive the skirt portion of another when the lids are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
  • Patent number: 8066147
    Abstract: A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior. A latch selectively prevents movement of the front wall to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers, Roger S. Hsu
  • Patent number: 8056488
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck spaced by a plurality of columns. The weight of the pallet is reduced without significant reduction in strength by providing only a single cross beam in each of the upper and lower reinforcement members and orienting them perpendicular to one another. The reinforcement members are minimized for weight reduction and for improved performance in heat tests. The peripheral rail of the upper reinforcement member is reduced such that it rests on only an inwardly open recess on an inner corner of each of the corner columns. This reduces the size and weight of the upper reinforcement member, while still providing support to the upper deck. Additionally, the peripheral rails of both the upper and lower decks are reduced in length such that either ledge does not directly support them while the pallet is stored on a rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
  • Patent number: 7918166
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck spaced by a plurality of columns. The weight of the pallet is reduced without significant reduction in strength by providing only a single cross beam in each of the upper and lower reinforcement members and orienting them perpendicular to one another. The reinforcement members are minimized for weight reduction and for improved performance in heat tests. The peripheral rail of the upper reinforcement member is reduced such that it rests on only an inwardly open recess on an inner corner of each of the corner columns. This reduces the size and weight of the upper reinforcement member, while still providing support to the upper deck. Additionally, the peripheral rails of both the upper and lower decks are reduced in length such that either ledge does not directly support them while the pallet is stored on a rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
  • Publication number: 20100083881
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck spaced by a plurality of columns. The weight of the pallet is reduced without significant reduction in strength by providing only a single cross beam in each of the upper and lower reinforcement members and orienting them perpendicular to one another. The reinforcement members are minimized for weight reduction and for improved performance in heat tests. The peripheral rail of the upper reinforcement member is reduced such that it rests on only an inwardly open recess on an inner corner of each of the corner columns. This reduces the size and weight of the upper reinforcement member, while still providing support to the upper deck. Additionally, the peripheral rails of both the upper and lower decks are reduced in length such that either ledge does not directly support them while the pallet is stored on a rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
  • Patent number: 7661373
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck spaced by a plurality of columns. The weight of the pallet is reduced without significant reduction in strength by providing only a single cross beam in each of the upper and lower reinforcement members and orienting them perpendicular to one another. The reinforcement members are minimized for weight reduction and for improved performance in heat tests. The peripheral rail of the upper reinforcement member is reduced such that it rests on only an inwardly open recess on an inner corner of each of the corner columns. This reduces the size and weight of the upper reinforcement member, while still providing support to the upper deck. Additionally, the peripheral rails of both the upper and lower decks are reduced in length such that either ledge does not directly support them while the pallet is stored on a rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
  • Patent number: 7644666
    Abstract: A pallet includes parallel channels or corrugations in an upper surface of the deck. Perpendicular lower channels or corrugations are formed on a lower surface of the deck. The upper and lower channels or corrugations support one another and provide increased stiffness to the deck. The pallet is designed such that it can be rotomolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Justin M. Smyers
  • Patent number: 7640867
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck spaced by a plurality of columns. In one embodiment, the columns are snap-fit into the upper deck and the lower deck. The weight of the pallet is reduced without significant reduction in strength by providing only a single cross beam in each of the upper and lower reinforcement members and orienting them perpendicular to one another. The reinforcement members are minimized for weight reduction and for improved performance in heat tests. The peripheral rail of the upper reinforcement member is reduced such that it rests on only an inwardly open recess on an inner corner of each of the corner columns. This reduces the size and weight of the upper reinforcement member, while still providing support to the upper deck. Additionally, the peripheral rails of both the upper and lower decks are reduced in length such that either ledge does not directly support them while the pallet is stored on a rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Sean T. Ogburn, William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
  • Patent number: 7549554
    Abstract: A portable storage container that both stacks and nests with similar containers includes a plurality of walls extending upwardly from a floor. At least one bail member is moveable between a plurality of positions for supporting the similar containers at varying heights. The bail member includes at least one rib extending radially outward. A similar container stacked on the bail members of the container will interlock with the at least one rib, thereby preventing lateral movement of the upper container relative to the lower container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Jon P. Hassell, Justin M. Smyers, William P. Apps