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: 11084625Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
-
Publication number: 20200039691Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
-
Patent number: 10472129Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
-
Patent number: 9663276Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
-
Publication number: 20160185487Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
-
Patent number: 9278775Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers
-
Patent number: 9187223Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: WKI HOLDING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
-
Publication number: 20150246760Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
-
Publication number: 20140224821Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: WKI Holding Company, Inc.Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
-
Patent number: 8733550Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
-
Publication number: 20130234406Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
-
Publication number: 20130233753Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Travis S. Harvey, Steven M. Grider, Justin M. Smyers
-
Patent number: 8066147Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers, Roger S. Hsu
-
Patent number: 8056488Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
-
Patent number: 7918166Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
-
Publication number: 20100083881Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventors: William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
-
Patent number: 7661373Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
-
Patent number: 7644666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventor: Justin M. Smyers
-
Patent number: 7640867Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: Sean T. Ogburn, William P. Apps, Justin M. Smyers, Trenton M. Overholt
-
Patent number: 7549550Abstract: A collapsible container includes a plurality of collapsible walls, each pair of adjacent walls connected by a latch. Each latch can be selectively actuated from contact with the latch both from inside and the outside of the container, and further by inwardly directed forced to the outside of the wall first to collapse. Preferably, the latch includes a recess into which the adjacent wall is disposed when the latch is in the latched position. Preferably, the latch is unlatched by flexing the latch away from the adjacent wall by application of force on an inner release surface, inward of the recess or by actuation of an outer release surface, outward of the recess, or by the application of an inwardly directed forced to the walls that are first to collapse.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: Justin M. Smyers, William P. Apps