Patents by Inventor Roger J. Laflamme

Roger J. Laflamme 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: 8061566
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes a storage container and dome pump mechanism attached thereto for metered dispensing. A one-way valve is employed to pull liquid from the storage container into the dome for metering. An exit passageway serves as an output valve. Each time the dome pump housing is depressed, a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the container. To prevent accidental dispensing, the one-way valve in the dome pump remains normally open and unsealed to allow backflow of liquid back into the storage container pouch when pressure is placed on the dome. The user squeezes the dome and base plate together to seal the one-way valve to urge liquid out through the exit port for actual dispensing. The dome pump is integrally formed with a top portion of the exit pathway. Optionally, the base plate and bottom portion of the exit pathway are also integrally formed to facilitate manufacture and reduce costs of the pump while improving performance thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert J. Mileti
  • Patent number: 7997454
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes a storage container and dome pump mechanism attached thereto for metered dispensing. A one-way valve is employed to pull liquid from the storage container into the dome for metering. An exit passageway serves as an output valve. Each time the dome pump housing is depressed, a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the container. To prevent accidental dispensing, the one-way valve in the dome pump remains normally open and unsealed to allow backflow of liquid back into the storage container pouch when pressure is placed on the dome. The user squeezes the dome and base plate together to seal the one-way valve to urge liquid out through the exit port for actual dispensing. Also, interior pouch force creates backflow through the exit port back into the containment chamber to further prevent leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert J. Mileti
  • Publication number: 20100147892
    Abstract: A method of dispensing a fluid comprises providing a container made from flexible material and having an outer surface, a first opening and an interior fluid storage region therein. The method further comprises providing a volume of fluid within interior fluid storage region and providing a flexible metering housing, having a metering chamber therein with a predetermined volume, disposed in fluid communication with interior fluid storage region. The method further comprises providing an intake valve disposed between container and flexible metering housing permitting unidirectional fluid flow from interior fluid storage region into metering chamber. The method further comprises providing an exit port in fluid communication with container with an output valve disposed between exit port and metering chamber, depressing and releasing flexible metering housing, and filling the metering chamber with a volume of fluid by vacuum force in an amount by the volume of the metering chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert W. Pekar
  • Publication number: 20090263176
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid dispensing device includes a housing having a wall defining an interior compartment, the wall having an opening passing therethrough, and an exit port located therein or thereon, and a replaceable cartridge dispenser assembly disposed within the interior compartment. The replaceable cartridge dispenser assembly includes a fluid reservoir containing a fluid and a metered dispensing pump integrally formed with the fluid reservoir, the metered dispensing pump in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and with the exit port of the housing and including a button, actuation of which causes metered dispensing of the fluid within the fluid reservoir to the exit port. The button is accessible through the opening in the wall of the housing, and the cartridge assembly, including the fluid reservoir and the metered dispensing pump, is replaceable as a unit such that the housing is reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Mileti, Roger J. Laflamme
  • Publication number: 20090183371
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus includes a main body, a shaving head attached to the main body and an integrated mechanism for dispensing the shaving treatment disposed within the main body. The integrated mechanism includes a pouch defining a reservoir containing the shaving treatment, at least a portion of the pouch being flexible such that the reservoir decreases in size as the shaving treatment is withdrawn therefrom, a flexible button at least partially defining a metering chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir, an output one-way valve in fluid communication with the metering chamber and permitting unidirectional flow of the shaving treatment from the metering chamber when the flexible button is pressed by the user and an intake one-way valve disposed between the metering chamber and the reservoir and permitting unidirectional flow of shaving treatment from the reservoir into the metering chamber when the flexible button is released by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Mileti, Roger J. Laflamme
  • Publication number: 20080264972
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes a storage container and dome pump mechanism attached thereto for metered dispensing. A one-way valve is employed to pull liquid from the storage container into the dome for metering. An exit passageway serves as an output valve. Each time the dome pump housing is depressed, a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the container. To prevent accidental dispensing, the one-way valve in the dome pump remains normally open and unsealed to allow backflow of liquid back into the storage container pouch when pressure is placed on the dome. The user squeezes the dome and base plate together to seal the one-way valve to urge liquid out through the exit port for actual dispensing. Also, interior pouch force creates blackflow through the exit port back into the containment chamber to further prevent leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert J. Mileti
  • Publication number: 20080264973
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes a storage container and dome pump mechanism attached thereto for metered dispensing. A one-way valve is employed to pull liquid from the storage container into the dome for metering. An exit passageway serves as an output valve. Each time the dome pump housing is depressed, a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the container. To prevent accidental dispensing, the one-way valve in the dome pump remains normally open and unsealed to allow backflow of liquid back into the storage container pouch when pressure is placed on the dome. The user squeezes the dome and base plate together to seal the one-way valve to urge liquid out through the exit port for actual dispensing. The dome pump is integrally formed with a top portion of the exit pathway. Optionally, the base plate and bottom portion of the exit pathway are also integrally formed to facilitate manufacture and reduce costs of the pump while improving performance thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert J. Mileti
  • Publication number: 20080237262
    Abstract: A hanging liquid dispenser is provided that includes a pump and valving for delivering the fluid material when the dispenser is operated by the user in a controlled fashion. The hanging dispenser includes a main body that serves as a fluid reservoir and has an eyelet formed therein which is suitable for use in hanging the dispenser from a suitable support. In addition to including the ability to hang, the dispenser preferably includes a pump for metered dosing of the fluid within the dispenser wherein operation of the pump delivers a controlled volume of the fluid as desired by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert J. Mileti
  • Publication number: 20080223875
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser is provided that includes a multiple chamber fluid storage region, each having a dispensing pump of its own such that the dispenser can dispense the fluids from within the multiple fluid storage regions. Further, the multiple fluid storage regions may each contain the same or different liquids. The dispensing pumps include a metering housing, which when depressed, generate a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing. When the metering housing is depressed a second time a substantially equal volume of each of the fluids is dispensed from the container, while upon release, the metering housings are refilled by drawing fluids from their respective fluid storage regions. The fluids are mixed in the exit port as they are dispensed from the metering pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert J. Mileti
  • Patent number: 7419322
    Abstract: The fluid dispensing device (10) includes a container (20) with an interior fluid storage region (22) therein. A flexible metering housing (26) is disposed in fluid communication with the fluid storage region (22) a first one-way valve (30) disposed between the container (20) and the flexible metering housing (26). One way flow from the interior fluid storage region (22) of the container (20) fills the predetermined volume of the metering chamber (32) with fluid by vacuum action when a button (36) is depressed and then released. A second valve (40) is in fluid communication with the metering housing (26) and permits one-way fluid flow from the metering chamber (32) to the exterior outer region of the container (20) when the metering housing (26) is depressed again. Each time the metering housing (26) is depressed a substantially equal volume of fluid (24) is dispensed from the container (20). An additional foam layer (12) on the outside of container (20) facilitates dispersion and delivery of the fluid (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Poly-D LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. Laflamme, Robert W. Pekar
  • Publication number: 20080205970
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush is provided that includes a main body that contains a bladder therein that serves to contain a volume of toothpaste. A metered dosing pump is included that controls the flow of toothpaste from the fluid storage region and through a conduit that exits adjacent the bristles of the toothbrush head. Each operation of the metered dosing pump dispenses a measured and controlled amount of toothpaste into the bristles of the toothbrush. In addition to providing a flow of toothpaste, the rear side of the toothbrush may also include an additional “flavor burst” pack module to deliver an additional flavoring or another material, such as fluoride, to the flow of toothpaste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Jim F. Warner
  • Publication number: 20080205965
    Abstract: A cleaning device is provided that includes an integral fluid dispenser therein that serves to dispense a fluid into the scrubbing pad of the device to improve the cleaning effectiveness of the device. The device includes a main body with a cleaning pad attached to one side thereof, an internal motorized assembly for rotating the cleaning pad upon depressing a button provided on a side of the main body and a fluid storage region that contains a cleaning fluid. A metered dosing pump is used to dispense a measured amount of fluid from the fluid storage region to cleaning pad upon actuation by the user. Further, the dispensing action and the rotation of the pad may be controlled by the same button or by separate buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Jim F. Warner
  • Publication number: 20080205972
    Abstract: A surface scrubbing device includes a pad base member that has at least one exit port with a connection structure provided on the pad base member. A surface engaging member is attached to the pad member. A storage chamber is provided within the scrubbing pad member with fluid stored therein. The storage chamber being positioned within the pad base member. A user manipulatable valve is provided in communication with the storage chamber so that depression of the button urges fluid the storage chamber through the exit port and to the surface engaging member. A wand is removably connected to the pad member via the connection means to extend the reach of the scrubbing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Jim F. Warner
  • Publication number: 20080203114
    Abstract: The fluid dispenser includes a storage pouch that defines a storage container with fluid residing therein. The storage container has an exit port. A docking support includes a seat for removably receiving the storage container. The docking support has an input port. The exit port of the storage container is in fluid communication with the input port of the docking support. A conduit is fluidly connected to the input port of the docking support whereby fluid is delivered from the storage container through the docking station and through the conduit and out through the nozzle. A nozzle is preferably attached to the free end of the conduit with a metering pump positioned thereat to control flow of fluid therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Jim F. Warner
  • Publication number: 20080203110
    Abstract: A dispensing device is provided that includes at least two separate reservoirs therein and a dispenser for mixing and delivering a substantially equal metered dose of fluid material from the reservoirs with each dispensing operation. In one example, the present invention relates to a dispenser for mixing and delivering hair colorant that allows the user to dispense a metered dose of the hair colorant components in a manner that measures and mixes those components with each dispensing operation. An optional applicator may be provided for even distribution of the dispensed hair colorant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Jim F. Warner
  • Publication number: 20080203115
    Abstract: The present invention is a fluid dispensing device that includes a flexible and compressible outer housing that defines a bladder-receiving region. An independently deformable bladder, that contains media to be dispensed therein, resides in the bladder-receiving region. Compression of the outer housing exoskeleton causes the inner bladder to collapse and urge liquid, contained therein, to exit through the nozzle dispensing. A pump, which is accessible from the outside of the housing by a user, may be installed in fluid communication with the bladder to assist in dispensing media from the bladder for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Jim F. Warner
  • Publication number: 20080193198
    Abstract: An atomizing fluid dispenser for delivering, via a spray nozzle, a substantially equal metered dose of fluid material for each dispensing operation is disclosed. The fluid dispensing device includes a container with an interior fluid storage region therein. A metering housing, when depressed, generates a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing. When the metering housing is depressed a second time a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the container, while upon release, the metering housing is refilled by drawing fluid from the fluid storage region. A spray nozzle or atomizer is attached to the exit port of the dispensing device so that the liquid is delivered in metered fashion in spray form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Christopher S. Nesbitt
  • Publication number: 20080190958
    Abstract: A fluid container is provided that includes at least two separate reservoirs therein and a metering pump device for delivering a substantially equal metered dose of fluid material from one of the reservoirs to the other reservoir with each dispensing operation. In one example, a beverage container is provided that allows the user to introduce a metered dose of ingredients or additives from a separate reservoir to the beverage contained therein prior to or while drinking. In another example, a cap is provided that can be affixed to a beverage container, wherein the cap contains ingredients or additives and a metered dispensing system. The container or cap allows the user to add or adjust the levels of flavorings, supplements, purifying agents, or other ingredients prior to or during drinking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Poly-D, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. Wyner, Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert J. Mileti
  • Publication number: 20080190961
    Abstract: The present invention is a fluid dispensing device that includes a reusable outer housing that defines a bladder-receiving region. An independently deformable bladder, that contains media to be dispensed therein, resides in the bladder-receiving region. A pump, which is accessible from the outside of the housing by a user, is installed in fluid communication with the bladder to dispense media from the bladder for use. When media is depleted from the bladder, the bladder and pump arrangement can be easily replaced with a full bladder and new pump for installation into the reusable outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. Wyner, Roger J. LaFlamme, Richard B. Fox, Robert J. Mileti
  • Publication number: 20080181714
    Abstract: The sponge construction (100) includes two layers (102, 104) connected together. A layer of cellulose material (102) and a layer of urethane material (104) are connected to each other. For example, the layer of cellulose material (102) is laminated, bonded or adhered using an adhesive to the urethane material (104). The urethane material (104) is preferably reticulated foam. In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible that the sponge construction (200) integrally includes a dispensing device (202). For example, the dispensing device (202) is preferably a liquid pump (204) that pumps liquid (206) from a storage chamber (210) to location that is suitable for use, such as proximal to the layer of cellulose material (214) and/or the layer of urethane material (216) so that one of the layers (214, 216) can assist in distributing and applying the liquid (206) to be dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Fox, James Gaudet, Roger J. LaFlamme