DEVICE WITH CO-MOLDED CLOSURE, ONE-WAY VALVE AND VARIABLE-VOLUME STORAGE CHAMBER, AND RELATED METHOD

摘要

A device includes a first part having a co-molded first support, valve cover and elastic actuator, and a second part having an injection molded second support, valve seat, and variable-volume storage chamber pre-form. The pre-form is blow molded into a flexible pouch defining the variable-volume storage chamber. The one-way valve includes a semi-annular, curvilinear, relatively rigid valve seat defining axially-extending, opposing first marginal portions, and an axially-extending first mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions. A flexible valve member is superimposed on the valve seat and defines axially-extending, opposing second marginal portions fixedly secured on or adjacent to respective first marginal portions of the valve seat, and an axially-extending second mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions and superimposed onto the first mid-portion of the valve seat. The flexible valve cover and valve seat form a normally closed axially and angularly extending valve seam therebetween.

主权项

1. A one way valve comprising:
a semi-annular, relatively rigid valve seat defining axially-extending, opposing first marginal portions, and an axially-extending first mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions; and a flexible valve member superimposed on the valve seat and defining axially-extending, opposing second marginal portions fixedly secured on or adjacent to respective first marginal portions of the valve seat, and an axially-extending second mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions and superimposed on the first mid-portion of the valve seat and forming a normally closed axially and angularly extending valve seam therebetween, wherein the valve seam defines an inlet at approximately one end thereof and an outlet axially spaced relative to the inlet at approximately another end thereof, the valve cover and valve seat define a first degree of interference therebetween at the inlet and a second degree of interference therebetween at the outlet that is less than the first degree of interference, and the valve cover is movable in response to fluid at the inlet exceeding a valve opening pressure between (i) a normally closed position with the first and second mid-portions in contact with each other and defining the normally closed seam, and (ii) a second position with at least a portion of the valve cover spaced away from the valve seat to allow the fluid to pass through the seam from the inlet through the outlet.