Patents by Inventor Timothy K. Stringer

Timothy K. Stringer 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: 6609630
    Abstract: A leak-proof closure (10) for dispensing liquid beverages from a container. The closure (10) contains a outlet passage (14) which is open at both ends. Within outlet passage (14) there is a membrane (13) which denies communication between the interior of the container and the flow opening (15). When external suction is applied to the end of outlet passage (14), membrane (13) sealingly disengages from circumferential seal member (12). This allows the contained beverage to egress through the flow opening (15). When the external suction is removed, membrane (13) automatically sealingly engages with circumferential seal member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Freeman, Timothy K. Stringer
  • Publication number: 20020033398
    Abstract: A leak-proof closure (10) for dispensing liquid from a container (12). The closure (10) contains a recessed channel (11) which forms an outlet passage (13) when the closure (10) is attached to the container (12). When the container (12) is overturned, the liquid will begin to flow into the outlet passage (13) at the fluid entrance (15). The displacement of the liquid from the container (12) will create a partial vacuum in the container (12). This partial vacuum will prevent the liquid from reaching the fluid exit (14), thus it will not leak. When the fluid exit (14) is inserted into the user's mouth and suction is applied, the liquid in the container (12) will flow into the fluid entrance (15), through the outlet passage (13), out of the fluid exit (14), and into the user's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Mark A. Freeman, Timothy K. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5186347
    Abstract: A spill-proof closure for containers used in dispensing liquid beverages. The closure has a spout containing a thin membrane at or near the upper end. The thin membrane includes a through slit which remains closed except when external suction is applied during normal drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventors: Mark A. Freeman, Timothy K. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5050758
    Abstract: A spill-proof closure for containers used in dispensing liquid beverages. The closure contains an opening for delivery of a contained beverage. The closure also includes a sealing member and a deflectable member. Together these parts form a flow control valve which is normally closed, but opens when external lip pressure is applied during normal drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventors: Mark A. Freeman, Timothy K. Stringer