Patent attributes
A valve assembly includes a valve collar, a rotatable valve control member, and a flexible valve member disposed therebetween. The valve control member and the valve collar are aligned to define an elongated passageway, and the flexible valve member is disposed along the passageway. The valve collar is structured such that at least a portion thereof is capable of radial flexure upon engagement with a mechanism on the rotatable valve control member. One end of the valve member is secured to the valve collar, and the other end is secured to the rotatable valve control member. Upon rotation of the rotatable valve control member relative to the valve collar, the mechanism of the rotatable valve control member engages the valve collar portion in a manner such that the valve collar portion flexes in a radial direction and a tactile sensation is produced thereby, and the flexible valve member constricts from an open position to a position wherein the flexible valve member opening is at least partially closed to passage of fluid therethrough.
