초록 ▼

A valve and method are provided wherein the valve has a membrane which is molded and cured in a naturally cupped or concave shape, but wherein the membrane is elastically inverted or deflected inside-out so that the direction of concavity is reversed. The membrane is positioned concentrically within

A valve and method are provided wherein the valve has a membrane which is molded and cured in a naturally cupped or concave shape, but wherein the membrane is elastically inverted or deflected inside-out so that the direction of concavity is reversed. The membrane is positioned concentrically within a cylindrical or tubular dispensing spout so that the inverted membrane is cupped toward an exit direction of the spout. By inverting the membrane, a reliable radially-outward sealing bias is formed between a peripheral edge of the membrane against an interior of the tubular spout. When mounted on the bottom of a squeeze container, the valve is effective to dispense fluid from the container when squeezed, permit air to breathe back into the container after squeezing, and to sealably prevent leakage from the container.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for making a valve, the valve having a membrane with oppositely-directed faces and a stem extending from a center of one of the faces, the method comprising the steps of:integrally molding an elastomeric material to form the stem and membrane in a shape such that

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for making a valve, the valve having a membrane with oppositely-directed faces and a stem extending from a center of one of the faces, the method comprising the steps of:integrally molding an elastomeric material to form the stem and membrane in a shape such that the face of the membrane opposite the stem has a convex shape;curing the elastomeric material while the membrane is in the convex shape; andelastically inverting the cured membrane so that the face opposite the stem has a concave shape.