Patents by Inventor Clifford Skillin

Clifford Skillin 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: 10668492
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a vented closure and a dispensing fitment. The closure includes an upper deck, a tubular hub extending downwardly from the upper deck, an annular outwardly threaded fitment neck extending upwardly from the upper deck, and a fitment seat surrounding the fitment neck. The fitment seat has a vent hole radially spaced from the hub. The dispensing fitment includes a fitment body, an arbor extending downwardly from the fitment body, an annular inwardly threaded sealing wall extending downwardly from the fitment body, and a dispensing neck extending upwardly from the fitment body. The arbor is movable between an open venting position and a closed position which blocks the vent hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Slatersville LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Brannon, Clifford Skillin
  • Patent number: 10406536
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a squeeze-type container produces a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment. The dispensing closure includes a closure body having an upper deck and a skirt depending from the upper deck. The skirt is configured and arranged to attach to a product container, such as a squeeze-type container. A flow conduit extends from an interior of the closure body and through the upper deck to provide a flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. The flow conduit has an entrance orifice and an exit orifice. The flow conduit has an inner wall extending between the entrance orifice and the exit orifice. The flow conduit and the closure body are integrally formed. The flow conduit includes a tip portion with an exit orifice defining a shape to provide a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Slatersville LLC
    Inventors: Sergey Romanov, Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Publication number: 20190105677
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a vented closure and a dispensing fitment. The closure includes an upper deck, a tubular hub extending downwardly from the upper deck, an annular outwardly threaded fitment neck extending upwardly from the upper deck, and a fitment seat surrounding the fitment neck. The fitment seat has a vent hole radially spaced from the hub. The dispensing fitment includes a fitment body, an arbor extending downwardly from the fitment body, an annular inwardly threaded sealing wall extending downwardly from the fitment body, and a dispensing neck extending upwardly from the fitment body. The arbor is movable between an open venting position and a closed position which blocks the vent hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Silgan Dispensing Systems Slatersville LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Brannon, Clifford Skillin
  • Patent number: 10201821
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a vented closure and a dispensing fitment. The closure includes an upper deck, a tubular hub extending downwardly from the upper deck, an annular outwardly threaded fitment neck extending upwardly from the upper deck, and a fitment seat surrounding the fitment neck. The fitment seat has a vent hole radially spaced from the hub. The dispensing fitment includes a fitment body, an arbor extending downwardly from the fitment body, an annular inwardly threaded sealing wall extending downwardly from the fitment body, and a dispensing neck extending upwardly from the fitment body. The arbor is movable between an open venting position and a closed position which blocks the vent hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: SILGAN DISPENSING SYSTEMS SLATERSVILLE LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Brannon, Clifford Skillin
  • Patent number: 9701451
    Abstract: A one-piece dispensing closure (10) for a pouch-like container (13) includes an integrally formed closure body (11), dispensing neck (30), hinged cap (20), a tamper-evident closure system (40) and a latch (62) for maintaining the cap (20) in an open position. The closure body (11) includes a “canoe”-shaped skirt portion (14) with opposing skirt walls (17,19) which are heat sealed to a film-like pouch (13) and a neck portion (30) having a dispensing orifice (34). The closure body (11) may further include reinforcing ribs (21) extending transversely between the skirt walls (17, 19) to provide support while the pouch is heat sealed to the skirt. A cap (20) is connected to the closure body (11) by a living hinge (26) to allow the user to selectively open and close the container. A tamper-evident tear strip (40) may be integrally formed with the neck portion (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SILGAN DISPENSING SYSTEMS SLATERSVILLE LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Patrick J Brannon
  • Patent number: 9523596
    Abstract: A single dose dispenser for dispensing product from a container is disclosed. The dispenser includes a body portion having skirt configured to couple to a container. A top is connected to the body portion that has a dispensing orifice formed therethough. A middle deck extends across an interior of the body portion forming a storage chamber between the top, inner surface of the body portion and the middle deck for temporarily holding product therein from the container. A cap is connected to the upper deck to selectively seal the dispensing orifice. A reservoir chamber depends from the middle deck for temporarily receiving product from the storage chamber. A flow conduit extends upwards from the middle deck up to the dispensing orifice and downwards into the reservoir chamber for dispensing product from the reservoir chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: WestRock Slatersville, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Publication number: 20160272379
    Abstract: A one-piece dispensing closure (10) for a pouch-like container (13) includes an integrally formed closure body (11), dispensing neck (30), hinged cap (20), a tamper-evident closure system (40) and a latch (62) for maintaining the cap (20) in an open position. The closure body (11) includes a “canoe”-shaped skirt portion (14) with opposing skirt walls (17,19) which are heat sealed to a film-like pouch (13) and a neck portion (30) having a dispensing orifice (34). The closure body (11) may further include reinforcing ribs (21) extending transversely between the skirt walls (17, 19) to provide support while the pouch is heat sealed to the skirt. A cap (20) is connected to the closure body (11) by a living hinge (26) to allow the user to selectively open and close the container. A tamper-evident tear strip (40) may be integrally formed with the neck portion (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: WESTROCK SLATERSVILLE, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Patrick J Brannon
  • Publication number: 20160059255
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a vented closure and a dispensing fitment. The closure includes an upper deck, a tubular hub extending downwardly from the upper deck, an annular outwardly threaded fitment neck extending upwardly from the upper deck, and a fitment seat surrounding the fitment neck. The fitment seat has a vent hole radially spaced from the hub. The dispensing fitment includes a fitment body, an arbor extending downwardly from the fitment body, an annular inwardly threaded sealing wall extending downwardly from the fitment body, and a dispensing neck extending upwardly from the fitment body. The arbor is movable between an open venting position and a closed position which blocks the vent hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: MWV SLATERSVILLE, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Brannon, Clifford Skillin
  • Patent number: 9227769
    Abstract: A dispensing closure having a closure body and an insert member for dispensing a product from a container. The insert member includes a base and a sealing tube. The base is configured and arranged for seating within an open end of the product container. The sealing tube extends upwardly from the base. The sealing tube has a sealing tip portion at an upper end thereof. The sealing tube further includes one or more baffles spaced apart along the sealing tube. Each of the baffles positioned along a different horizontal axis to restrict direct flow of a product out of the dispensing closure. In operation, the closure body moves relative to the relative to the insert member between a closed position to prevent a baffled flow product to exit the exit orifice area and an open position to allow a baffled flow of product to exit the exit orifice area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: WESTROCK SLATERSVILLE, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Patent number: 9194732
    Abstract: A closure for dispensing a metered amount of dry product from a container includes a dispensing cap and a metering drum rotatably mounted on the dispensing cap. The dispensing cap has an upper deck with a dispensing aperture and a skirt engaging the neck of the container. The metering drum has an upper deck, a lower deck, and a metering chamber therebetween. The metering chamber has an entrance aperture in the lower deck and an exit aperture in the upper deck. The metering drum is rotatable relative to the dispensing cap between a filling position, where the metering chamber is aligned with the dispensing aperture and dry product fills the chamber, and a dispensing position where the metering chamber is not aligned with the dispensing aperture and dry product can be dispensed. The dispensing cap and the metering drum include formations to index a position of the metering drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: WestRock Slatersville, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Tarozzi, Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Publication number: 20150028063
    Abstract: A single dose dispenser for dispensing product from a container is disclosed. The dispenser includes a body portion having skirt configured to couple to a container. A top is connected to the body portion that has a dispensing orifice formed therethough. A middle deck extends across an interior of the body portion forming a storage chamber between the top, inner surface of the body portion and the middle deck for temporarily holding product therein from the container. A cap is connected to the upper deck to selectively seal the dispensing orifice. A reservoir chamber depends from the middle deck for temporarily receiving product from the storage chamber. A flow conduit extends upwards from the middle deck up to the dispensing orifice and downwards into the reservoir chamber for dispensing product from the reservoir chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: MWV SLATERSVILLE, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Publication number: 20140361050
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a squeeze-type container produces a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment. The dispensing closure includes a closure body having an upper deck and a skirt depending from the upper deck. The skirt is configured and arranged to attach to a product container, such as a squeeze-type container. A flow conduit extends from an interior of the closure body and through the upper deck to provide a flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. The flow conduit has an entrance orifice and an exit orifice. The flow conduit has an inner wall extending between the entrance orifice and the exit orifice. The flow conduit and the closure body are integrally formed. The flow conduit includes a tip portion with an exit orifice defining a shape to provide a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Sergey Romanov, Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Publication number: 20140339268
    Abstract: A closure for dispensing a metered amount of dry product from a container includes a dispensing cap and a metering drum rotatably mounted on the dispensing cap. The dispensing cap has an upper deck with a dispensing aperture and a skirt engaging the neck of the container. The metering drum has an upper deck, a lower deck, and a metering chamber therebetween. The metering chamber has an entrance aperture in the lower deck and an exit aperture in the upper deck. The metering drum is rotatable relative to the dispensing cap between a filling position, where the metering chamber is aligned with the dispensing aperture and dry product fills the chamber, and a dispensing position where the metering chamber is not aligned with the dispensing aperture and dry product can be dispensed. The dispensing cap and the metering drum include formations to index a position of the metering drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: MWV Slatersville, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Tarozzi, Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Patent number: 8814010
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a squeeze-type container produces a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment. The dispensing closure includes a closure body having an upper deck and a skirt depending from the upper deck. The skirt is configured and arranged to attach to a product container, such as a squeeze-type container. A flow conduit extends from an interior of the closure body and through the upper deck to provide a flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. The flow conduit has an entrance orifice and an exit orifice. The flow conduit has an inner wall extending between the entrance orifice and the exit orifice. The flow conduit and the closure body are integrally formed. The flow conduit includes a tip portion with an exit orifice defining a shape to provide a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: MWV Slatersville, LLC
    Inventors: Sergey Romanov, Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Publication number: 20140144949
    Abstract: A dispensing closure having a closure body and an insert member for dispensing a product from a container. The insert member includes a base and a sealing tube. The base is configured and arranged for seating within an open end of the product container. The sealing tube extends upwardly from the base. The sealing tube has a sealing tip portion at an upper end thereof. The sealing tube further includes one or more baffles spaced apart along the sealing tube. Each of the baffles positioned along a different horizontal axis to restrict direct flow of a product out of the dispensing closure. In operation, the closure body moves relative to the relative to the insert member between a closed position to prevent a baffled flow product to exit the exit orifice area and an open position to allow a baffled flow of product to exit the exit orifice area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: MWV SLATERSVILLE, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Patent number: 8651304
    Abstract: A dispensing closure (10) for dispensing a product from a container (12) includes a cup base (14) and a measuring cup (16). The cup base (14) has an inner skirt (15) configured and arranged to engage a neck (28) of the container (12) and the measuring cup (16). An outer skirt (18) of the cup base (14) has at least one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B) to engage the measuring cup (16). The outer skirt (18) has at least one or more latch hook areas (32A, 32B) configured to disengage the at least one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B). The measuring cup (16) has a stepped shoulder (42A) for engaging the at least one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B) of the cup base (14). In operation, a force is applied to the one or more latch hook areas (32A, 32B) to disengage the one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B) from the stepped shoulder (42A) which permits removal of the measuring cup (16) from the cup base (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MWV Slatersville, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Publication number: 20130161281
    Abstract: A dispensing closure (10) for dispensing a product from a container (12) includes a cup base (14) and a measuring cup (16). The cup base (14) has an inner skirt (15) configured and arranged to engage a neck (28) of the container (12) and the measuring cup (16). An outer skirt (18) of the cup base (14) has at least one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B) to engage the measuring cup (16). The outer skirt (18) has at least one or more latch hook areas (32A, 32B) configured to disengage the at least one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B). The measuring cup (16) has a stepped shoulder (42A) for engaging the at least one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B) of the cup base (14). In operation, a force is applied to the one or more latch hook areas (32A, 32B) to disengage the one or more latch hook members (30A, 30B) from the stepped shoulder (42A) which permits removal of the measuring cup (16) from the cup base (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: MWV SLATERSVILLE, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Publication number: 20120000944
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a squeeze-type container produces a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment. The dispensing closure includes a closure body having an upper deck and a skirt depending from the upper deck. The skirt is configured and arranged to attach to a product container, such as a squeeze-type container. A flow conduit extends from an interior of the closure body and through the upper deck to provide a flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. The flow conduit has an entrance orifice and an exit orifice. The flow conduit has an inner wall extending between the entrance orifice and the exit orifice. The flow conduit and the closure body are integrally formed. The flow conduit includes a tip portion with an exit orifice defining a shape to provide a fan-type spray in a low pressure environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Polytop Corporation
    Inventors: Sergey Romanov, Clifford Skillin, Patrick Brannon
  • Patent number: 8038041
    Abstract: A dispensing closure has a flow conduit that provides a sufficient flow restriction to prevent unwanted spurting of the product when the container is initially opened. The dispensing closure includes a closure body with an upper deck and a flow conduit extending through the upper deck. The flow conduit includes an entry orifice having an entrance axis and an exit orifice having an exit axis. The entrance axis is offset from the exit axis to provide a non-linear flow path from an interior of the closure to the exterior of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation, a Rhode Island corporation
    Inventors: Clifford Skillin, Sergey Romanov, Patrick J. Brannon
  • Patent number: 7637402
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for viscous fluids contains a closure body, a closure lid and a living hinge structure hingeably connecting the closure lid to the closure body. The closure body includes an upper deck, a skirt configured and arranged to mount to a product container, and a flow conduit extending through the upper deck to provide a flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. The flow conduit includes an entrance orifice and an exit orifice, and an inner wall extending between the entrance orifice and the exit orifice. To provide the desired flow effect, the inner wall includes at least one flow inhibitor structure, such as helically threaded flights extending at least partially inwardly from the inner wall into the flow path to define an unobstructed central flow path and a partially obstructed peripheral flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventors: Sergey Romanov, Clifford Skillin, Patrick J. Brannon