(57) An externally mounted integral, self-sealing check valve dispensing closure for use
in a fluid product dispenser is described which is formed with a substantially tubular
open inlet end and a normally closed outlet end of a resilient plastic or elastomer
having a durometer in the range of between approximately 10 Shore A and 95 Shore A
(46 Shore D) and having a wall thickness in the range of from about .25 to 1.3 mm.
The outlet end of the dispensing closure converges toward its closed end along an
inflexed non-planar surface to a normally closed non-linear discharge slit. The distal
edge of the inflexed non-planar surface mates with at least one other, oppositely
disposed surface of the closure to form the discharge slit, with these mating surfaces
having substantially flat lands of contact along the slit. The inflexed non-planar
surface forms an acute angle at the slit with any line drawn through the slit parallel
to the central axis of the closure and is adapted to resiliently deflect outwardly
in response to the application of product pressure from within, thereby opening the
closure and permitting product flow therethrough. Upon release of product pressure
therewithin, the inverted non-planar surface returns to its inflexed closed condition
thereby sealing the closure.
|
|
