Importance

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Abstract

A unitary resilient valve device that can be used in a system for delivering liquid from a container to a person'mouth. The valve is in the form of an elongated body member that forms a hollow structure having an open inlet end opposed to a closed outlet end. A fluid supply chamber is formed between the inlet and outlet ends, and the open end is connected to the end of a length of tubing in order to supply fluid flow to the supply chamber, while the closed end provides a closure member that normally precludes fluid flow therethrough. The body member can be deformed to move the valve into an opened configuration to enable fluid flow to occur therethrough. A slit is formed in the closure member. The slit extends through the end wall and communicates the supply chamber with ambient whenever the slit is defomed into the opened position. The slit is arranged laterally respective to the elongated hollow body and is biased into a closed position by the fluid pressure effected on the closure member together with the memory of the resilient body. A liquid supply is connected to the tubing and provides a fluid source for the supply chamber and when the valve body is deformed to open the slit, fluid flows from the supply chamber and away from the valve where the contents of the chamber are made available to be ingested by the person.

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First Claim