Patent ID: 6286725
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
A one-way valve for dispensing a flowable material from a volumetrically reducible container and for preventing external contaminants from entering said container, said one-way valve comprising:(a) a housing defining a flow path for the flowable material, and comprising an annular groove on the inside surface of said housing, said housing further comprising an inlet port connected to the volumetrically reducible container and an outlet port comprising an elastomeric material disposed for providing unidirectional flow of the flowable material outward along the flow path;(b) a plug comprising an annular ring and at least one through-hole through the plug for enabling the flow of said flowable material along the flow path; and said plug is provided inside said housing such that said annular ring fits into said annular groove and said plug moves between a closed position and an open position with respect to the flow path;(c) a means for applying a restoring force for returning said plug to said closed position such that said plug is moved from said closed position to said open position by applying sufficient internal pressure at said inlet port; and(d) wherein the means for applying a restoring force comprises deformation of an elastomeric tether disposed for holding the plug to open or to close the flow path.