Patents by Inventor John A. Gelardi

John A. Gelardi 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: 11021293
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, the container including an outer shell comprising a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and two ends, at least one end being open; an inner tray, slidably received within the outer shell, comprising at least one storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and comprising at least one depressible detent, the detent comprising a raised surface that abuts the outer shell; wherein, in a closed configuration, the detent holds the inner tray within the outer shell, and wherein the at least one detent may be depressed by pressure to allow the inner tray to slide relative to the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: R.J.R. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Ryan A. Bailey, John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9790013
    Abstract: A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventors: Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas, Derek King, John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9637292
    Abstract: A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventors: Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas, Derek King, John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9505538
    Abstract: A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas, Derek King, John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9321568
    Abstract: A container for dispensing a product is provided, the container including an outer casing body having a cavity; a dispensing tray adapted for sliding movement within the cavity of the outer casing body between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, the dispensing tray having an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, a dispensing window, and a stop for engaging the outer casing body to prevent removal of the dispensing tray from the cavity; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the dispensing tray in the cavity, the locking mechanism including protrusions projecting from the outer casing body into the cavity and positioned adjacent to a moveable flap formed in the outer casing body, and recesses carried by the dispensing tray and positioned to engage the protrusions when the dispensing tray is in the closed and locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John A. Gelardi, Caleb S. Loftin
  • Publication number: 20160101891
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, the container including an outer shell comprising a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and two ends, at least one end being open; an inner tray, slidably received within the outer shell, comprising at least one storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and comprising at least one depressible detent, the detent comprising a raised surface that abuts the outer shell; wherein, in a closed configuration, the detent holds the inner tray within the outer shell, and wherein the at least one detent may be depressed by pressure to allow the inner tray to slide relative to the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: RYAN A. BAILEY, JOHN A. GELARDI
  • Patent number: 9248935
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, the container including an outer shell comprising a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and two ends, at least one end being open; an inner tray, slidably received within the outer shell, comprising at least one storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and comprising at least one depressible detent, the detent comprising a raised surface that abuts the outer shell; wherein, in a closed configuration, the detent holds the inner tray within the outer shell, and wherein the at least one detent may be depressed by pressure to allow the inner tray to slide relative to the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Ryan A. Bailey, John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9174785
    Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container defining an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the container including a weakened severance line extending from the opening to define an access panel, and a dispenser including a frame and a catch element, the frame having a support deck and defining a recess sized to receive the access panel, the catch element being positioned to engage the opening in the container, separate the access panel from the container along the weakened severance line, and guide the separated access panel into the recess when the container is moved along the support deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventors: John Gelardi, Bradford J. Walling, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas
  • Patent number: 9174780
    Abstract: Disclosed is a single-piece container adapted to receive and secure an insert card. The container is a generally rectangular, relatively flat structure having an interior chamber defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, one open end, and one closed end. The container is formed from a blow molding process and adapted to receive an insert card. The container further comprises locking elements that work in cooperation with the insert card to secure the insert card within the interior chamber such that it can not be removed without manipulation of the locking elements. The material comprising the container can be a clear plastic such that optical scan codes present on an insert card contained within the container can be read through the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Gelardi, Elisabeth Gelardi, Ryan A. Bailey, Sara Falcon
  • Patent number: 9102456
    Abstract: A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Laurel Thomas, Aaron L. Bates, John Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9096361
    Abstract: A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Laurel Thomas, Aaron L. Bates, John Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9090390
    Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container having a plurality of walls that define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, and a dispenser including a frame configured to support the container and a catch element connected to the frame, the catch element being positioned to engage the opening when the container is loaded onto the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Bradford J. Walling, John Gelardi, Aaron L. Bates
  • Patent number: 9010570
    Abstract: A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided. The container includes an outer casing body for receiving a dispensing tray. The dispensing tray has an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and includes a cover plate defining at least one dispensing aperture through which a stored unit of product is accessible when the outer casing body is in a dispensing position. The container includes a locking mechanism that releasably locks the outer casing body in the closed and locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John A. Gelardi, Ryan A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8939281
    Abstract: A package includes an outer container and an inner receptacle. The outer container forming a cavity for the inner receptacle having an open or openable end through which the inner receptacle can be inserted. The package includes a two-part locking mechanism for locking the inner receptacle within the cavity of the outer container. The outer container includes a first part of the two-part locking mechanism and the inner receptacle includes a second part of the two-part locking mechanism. The outer container includes at least one demarcated pressing zone, wherein the at least one demarcated pressing zone is configured and/or stylised and/or shaped and/or arranged to encourage a user to apply a force directed inwardly of the outer container toward the cavity for deactivating the locking mechanism to thereby release the inner receptacle for its withdrawal at least partially from the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Yoko Matsuba, Steve P. Jones, John A. Gelardi, Marty Jones, Rodney D. Dixon
  • Publication number: 20140339121
    Abstract: A lockable receptacle (20) comprising a main portion (24) having at least one receiving cavity (22) for holding an article and comprising a locking flap (40) hinged to the main portion, the locking flap comprising at least one locking tab (44) being outwardly projectable relative to the main portion upon folding the locking flap about an interrupted hinge connection between the locking flap and main portion. Such lockable receptacle designed to interact with a outer sleeve such that the to cause the at least one locking tab is aligned to interact with a locking engagement on the outer shell in such a manner that a user may press upon an unlocking area on the outer shell and flex the locking tab out of locking engagement with an outer shell to thereby unlock the receptacle from the outer shell to facilitate its withdrawal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Gelardi, Marty Jones
  • Publication number: 20140102942
    Abstract: A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Laurel Thomas, Aaron L. Bates, John Gelardi
  • Publication number: 20140103056
    Abstract: A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Laurel Thomas, Aaron L. Bates, John Gelardi
  • Patent number: 8668114
    Abstract: An improved dispensing system for dispensing products provided initially in a package that includes an activatable opening structure is disclosed. The dispensing system comprises a frame being configured to support the package of products and an opening tool associated with the frame. The opening tool engages with the activatable opening structure on the package to create an opening when the package is moved longitudinally along the frame of the dispensing system, thus allowing the products to be at least partially dispensed out of the package into the product display area of the frame through the opening formed on the rear panel or on an angular of the rear and side panels of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: John Gelardi, Laurel Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140061067
    Abstract: A packaging system includes an outer shell and a sliding member. The sliding member is disposed in the interior chamber of the outer shell such that the sliding member is movable between a locked position where one end of the sliding member is near the closed end of the outer shell and a withdrawn position where the one end of the sliding member is near the open end of the outer shell. The sliding member has a locking edge which abuts a locking portion of the outer shell when the sliding member is at the locked position such that the sliding member is prevented from moving toward the withdrawn position. The outer shell has an area that is deflected inward of the interior chamber upon application of pressure thereto such that the locking edge of the sliding member clears the locking portion of the outer shell. The area is not defined by any visible boundaries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: John A. GELARDI
  • Patent number: 8628003
    Abstract: A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Laurel Thomas, Aaron L. Bates, John Gelardi