Elastomeric valve

Abstract

A method for the production of a valve is provided comprising molding a valve body with a first mold, preloading the valve body with a second mold, molding a sealing portion in an open position onto the valve body, and releasing the preloaded valve body. The sealing portion enters a closed position when the preloaded valve body is released. When the valve is in use, the sealing portion opens when under a fluid pressure, and closes when the pressure is released.

1 . A method for the production of a valve comprising:
 molding a valve body with a first mold;   preloading the valve body with a second mold;   molding a sealing portion in an open position onto the valve body; and   releasing the preloaded valve body wherein the sealing portion enters a closed position when the preloaded valve body is released, the sealing portion opens when under a fluid pressure; and closes when the pressure is released.   
     
     
         2 . The method as in the  claim 1  further comprising configuring lips of the sealing portion when the sealing portion is in an open position. 
     
     
         3 . the method of  claim 2  wherein configuring the lips of the sealing portion comprises molding the sealing lips to have a larger sealing surface than a wall surface of the valve body. 
     
     
         4 . The method as in  claim 2  wherein configuring the lips of the sealing portion comprises molding the sealing lips to have at least one groove and at least one protrusion wherein the groove and the protrusion interlock when the sealing portion enters the closed position. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein configuring the lips of the sealing portion comprises molding the sealing lips with support ribs in the sealing area. 
     
     
         6 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein the sealing portion opens on the sides of the sealing portion when under fluid pressure. 
     
     
         7 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein the sealing portion opens in the center of the ceiling portion when under fluid pressure. 
     
     
         8 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein the sealing portion is made of a flexible elastomer. 
     
     
         9 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein the flexible elastomer is one of rubber or silicone based. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the valve body comprises a substantially rigid skeleton. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the substantially rigid skeleton is one of a plastic or metal. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method for the production of a valve comprising:
 molding a first part of a valve with a first material; and   molding a second part of the valve with a second material wherein the first material and the second material are dissimilar materials such that the first and second materials do not bind to each other and wherein the first part in the second part are mechanically bound together at at least one point.   
     
     
         21 . The method as in  claim 20  wherein the first material is a substantially rigid material and the second material is a substantially flexible material. 
     
     
         22 . A method for the production of a valve comprising:
 providing a preloaded substantially rigid housing; and   overmolding the preloaded substantially rigid housing with a substantially flexible material wherein the substantially rigid housing is released from its preloaded state after the substantially flexible material is overmolded thereon, the substantially flexible material forming a valve that enters a closed position when overmolded onto the substantially rigid housing.   
     
     
         23 . The method as in  claim 22  wherein the substantially rigid housing is spring-loaded.