Container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances, and related method

摘要

A container (100) including a nozzle (102) and body (104) depending therefrom. The body (104) is preferably tubular and defines an interior which retains a product to be dispensed. A cap (106) engages the nozzle (102) to prevent inadvertent release of the product. In order to dispense the product, the cap (106) is removed and pressure is applied to the body (104) and the nozzle (102) allows release of the product. The nozzle releases the product without exposing the remaining product to the external atmosphere, thus the sterility of the interior of the body is maintained and the shelf life of the product is increased. The nozzle (102) includes an inner body (114), coupled to the tubular body, surrounded by a flexible outer cover (112). A seam (125) between the inner body (114) and flexible outer cover (112) forms a one-way release valve wherein a portion of the seam remains closed during dispensing the product.