Patents by Inventor Paul R. Barous

Paul R. Barous 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: 9489681
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for distributing coupons by a retailer. The coupons distributed in the invention are “third-party” coupons, that is, coupons for goods or services that are unrelated to those of the retailer and offered by a third-party retailer. For example, if the coupons are being distributed by a supermarket, then the coupons may be for tools at a home-improvement store or for tax services by an accountant. The distribution methods of the invention increases the revenue of a retailer. More specifically, a consumer is presented a coupon when the value of the transaction exceeds a threshold. In a number of embodiments, the threshold is the average sale per transaction of the retailer. Accordingly, consumers will be motivated to increase spending so that coupons can be earned. The methods and apparatus of the invention are equally applicable to both “brick and mortar” and “click and mortar” retailing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Paul R. Barous
  • Publication number: 20040044573
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for distributing coupons by a retailer. The coupons distributed in the invention are “third-party” coupons, that is, coupons for goods or services that are unrelated to those of the retailer and offered by a third-party retailer. For example, if the coupons are being distributed by a supermarket, then the coupons may be for tools at a home-improvement store or for tax services by an accountant. The distribution methods of the invention increases the revenue of a retailer. More specifically, a consumer is presented a coupon when the value of the transaction exceeds a threshold. In a number of embodiments, the threshold is the average sale per transaction of the retailer. Accordingly, consumers will be motivated to increase spending so that coupons can be earned. The methods and apparatus of the invention are equally applicable to both “brick and mortar” and “click and mortar” retailing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Paul R. Barous
  • Patent number: 6073797
    Abstract: A sanitary lid includes a top portion and a side portion. The top portion has an aperture formed therethrough, and the side portion extends downwardly from the top portion. A rim-engaging annulus is formed between the top portion and the side portion. The rim-engaging annulus is configured to be releasably engagable with a rim of a can. A seal member is disposed on an inner side of the top portion at or near the aperture and projects downwardly therefrom. The sanitary lid is configured so that when the rim-engaging annulus is engaged with the rim of the can, the aperture is substantially aligned with an orifice of the can, and the seal member forms a seal with the orifice. Accordingly, the beverage in the can is able to flow through the orifice, across the seal member, and through the aperture without contacting the top of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Paul R. Barous
  • Patent number: 5906027
    Abstract: A handle with interchangeable and releasably attachable implements, such as a razor-blade shaving head or a toothbrush head. The handle has a body portion and a head portion. The head portion has retaining structure formed thereon. Each implement has engaging structure formed thereon. The engaging structure of the implement releasably attaches to the retaining structure of the head portion of the handle. The retaining structure may include a pair of recesses oppositely disposed in the head portion. Each of the recesses may have a slot formed in a respective side of the head portion. The engaging structure may include a pair of projections disposed in a spaced relationship on the implement. Each of the projections may including a resilient tab projecting outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999