Patent ID: 8002749

Claim:
A valve assembly for controlling a flow of fluid, said valve assembly comprising: a valve collar having a proximal end and a distal end, said valve collar structured such that at least a portion of said proximal end is capable of flexure in a radially inward direction, said valve collar portion capable of flexure comprising at least one generally U-shaped cut-out; a rotatable valve control member having a proximal end and a distal end, said rotatable valve control member including an ergonomically arranged outer surface, said rotatable valve control member distal end being engaged with said valve collar proximal end in a manner such that said valve control member is at least partially rotatable relative to said valve collar, said rotatable valve control member including a mechanism for engagement with said valve collar portion upon rotation of said rotatable valve control member, said rotatable valve control member and said valve collar aligned to define an elongated passageway; and a flexible valve member having a proximal end and a distal end, said valve member distal end being secured to said valve collar, and said valve member proximal end being secured to said rotatable valve control member; said flexible valve member being disposed along said passageway and having a longitudinal opening therethrough; wherein upon rotation of said rotatable valve control member in a first direction relative to said valve collar, said mechanism of said rotatable valve control member engages said valve collar portion in a manner such that said valve collar portion flexes in said radially inward direction and a tactile sensation is produced thereby, and such that said flexible valve member longitudinal opening constricts from an open position to a position wherein said opening is at least partially closed.