Conical check valve

Abstract

The check valve includes an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve, a lower housing defining an outlet of the check valve, and a cavity sandwiched between the upper and lower housings and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet. The check valve further includes a valve member attached to the cavity and selectively allowing fluid flow in a first direction and preventing backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction. The valve member includes a valve body and a valve stem extending axially through a central axis of the valve body. The valve member may further include a plurality of feet disposed around the outer periphery of the valve body and extending longitudinally from the outer periphery of the valve body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to check valves, and more particularly to conical check valves having a geometry that can filter particulates and minimize backflow leakage through the check valve. [Background technology]

[0002] Patients are typically infused with IV solutions that are initially provided in an IV container (bottle or bag) and infused into the patient's vein through an IV line. An infusion port is typically provided along the IV line and configured to function so that a syringe can add the infusion to the IV solution. A check valve is also typically included in the IV line to allow fluid flow only in the direction of the patient. This ensures that the infusion flows downstream toward the patient and not upstream toward the IV container. Traditional check valves are generally flat and use a disc-shaped valve member that does not have an inherent filter in its geometry. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to check valves, and more particularly to valve members of check valves having geometries that can filter particulates and minimize backflow as fluid flows through the valve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a check valve includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a cavity sandwiched between and defined by the upper and lower housings, and a valve member attached to the cavity to selectively allow fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction. The upper housing defines an inlet of the check valve, and the lower housing defines an outlet of the check valve. The cavity fluidly connects the inlet and the outlet. The valve member includes a valve body and a valve stem extending axially through a central axis of the valve body.

[0005] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a check valve includes an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve, a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and having an outlet of the check valve, and a cavity sandwiched between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet. The check valve further includes a flexible valve member attached to the cavity and selectively permitting fluid flow in a first direction and preventing backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a check valve comprising: an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve and including a core member; a lower housing defining an outlet of the check valve, the lower housing having a cavity sandwiched between and defined by the upper and lower housings to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet; and a flexible valve member mounted within the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the check valve further comprises a plurality of filtration grooves on the outer periphery of the core of the upper housing. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of filtration grooves defines a recessed flow portion, and fluid entering the cavity flows from the upper housing to the lower housing through the recessed flow portion. In some embodiments, a flexible valve member is stretched around the core member of the upper housing to isolate the filtration grooves. In some embodiments, the flexible valve member is made of silicone. In some embodiments, a sealing surface is defined at a distal end of the core member of the upper housing, and in a closed state, the flexible valve member is configured to contact the sealing surface and restrict fluid flow therethrough.

[0008] In some embodiments, when upstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface to fluidly communicate between the inlet and the cavity, and when downstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect toward the sealing surface to prevent fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity and restrict backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a check valve comprising: an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve and including a core member; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and including an outlet of the check valve, wherein a cavity is formed between and defined by the upper and lower housings to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet; a flexible valve member mounted within the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the upper housing has a plurality of filtration grooves arranged around an outer periphery of the core member of the upper housing; and a sealing surface defined at a distal end of the core member of the upper housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface under high flow conditions, allowing the check valve to flush. In some embodiments, when downstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect toward the sealing surface, preventing fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity and restricting backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method of providing a check valve, the method including the steps of: providing an upper housing defining an inlet for the check valve and including a core member; providing a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and including an outlet for the check valve; providing a cavity sandwiched between and defined by the upper and lower housings to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet; and providing a flexible valve member mounted within the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction, the upper housing having a plurality of filtration grooves arranged around an outer periphery of the core member of the upper housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface under high flow conditions, allowing the check valve to flush. In some embodiments, when downstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect toward the sealing surface, preventing fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity and restricting backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

[0013] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the upper housing has a core having a plurality of filtering grooves extending longitudinally from the periphery of the upper housing core.

[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject technology. It is to be understood that other aspects may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

[0015] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments and should not be viewed as exclusive examples. The disclosed subject matter is capable of numerous modifications, variations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a check valve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the check valve of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 1 in a closed state, where the check valve restricts reverse fluid flow, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 1 in a closed state illustrating fluid flow through the check valve, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 1 in a closed state illustrating fluid flow through the check valve, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, dimensions may be provided for certain aspects. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

[0018] It should be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosed according to specific, but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure may be implemented in different ways and variations and may be implemented according to a desired application or implementation.

[0019] This description relates generally to check valves and more particularly, but not exclusively, to conical check valves that can filter particulates and minimize backflow leakage through the check valve.

[0020] In some embodiments, the check valve is used in an IV administration set having structure for coupling with an IV bag and / or drip chamber. The structure for the IV bag can be formed as an arm, hook, clamp, or another mechanism configured to suspend the IV bag.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the check valve may be a three-piece assembly including an upper check valve housing (where the inlet is located), a lower check valve housing (where the outlet is located), and a flexible valve member. The upper housing may include a plurality of filtration grooves on the outer periphery of the upper housing core. In some embodiments, the flexible valve is made of any rubbery or resilient material (e.g., silicone). As shown, the flexible valve may be stretched over the upper housing core to isolate the filtration grooves. The lower housing is then secured to the upper housing with the flexible valve sandwiched between the upper and lower housings. The three-piece check valve assembly does not need to be radially aligned during assembly. For example, the upper housing, lower housing, and flexible valve may be positioned in any radial orientation to achieve the desired results.

[0022] The lower housing may be bonded, attached, or otherwise joined to the inner surface ledge of the upper housing by any suitable method, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, insert molding, adhesive, or other attachment methods. The check valve can be flushed with a high flow rate, forcing the flexible valve outward from the filtering groove and allowing fluid to flow around the entire periphery of the core of the upper housing.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a check valve 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, portions of the check valve 100 (lower housing 101 and flexible valve 102) are shown in cross section to illustrate some of the features of the filtration channel 103 and the flexible valve 102. Figure 1 shows the check valve 100 in a closed state, including an upper housing 104, a lower housing 101, and a flexible valve member 102 attached between the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 101.

[0024] 1 does not require radial orientation during manufacturing and assembly. In other words, the upper housing 104, flexible valve member 102, and lower housing 101 can be assembled with the filtering grooves in any radial position. The above-described configuration of the check valve assembly 100 provides manufacturing and assembly advantages.

[0025] The plurality of filtering grooves 103 can be configured to restrict and minimize the passage of undesirable matter in the fluid flowing through the check valve 100. If not filtered, the undesirable matter could damage or wear the check valve. The above configuration also prevents undesirable particulate matter from potentially becoming lodged between the bottom of the core of the inlet 107 and the sealing surface 106, thereby preventing the flexible valve member 102 from fully closing and sealing against reverse flow (backflow).

[0026] In operation, when downstream pressure (i.e., pressure exerted by fluid flowing from outlet 108 to inlet 107) is applied to flexible valve member 102, flexible valve member 102 may deflect toward sealing surface 106 of upper housing 110, obstructing fluid communication between inlet 107 and cavity 109, thereby restricting backflow of fluid from outlet 108 to inlet 107. Preventing backflow of fluid is advantageous in that it restricts, for example, undesirable particulate matter contained in a medication dispensed from the secondary passageway from flowing back through check valve 100, thereby preventing a patient from receiving an appropriate medication dosage concentration or interfering with timely delivery of the medication.

[0027] As shown, in operation, fluid enters the check valve 100 through the inlet 107 and passes through the filter groove 103, where it is filtered to trap undesirable particulate matter and can flow into the cavity 109. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cavity 111 defined by two half-cylindrical pieces on top of the core of the upper housing 110, immediately adjacent the inlet 107, can help direct the flow of fluid toward the filter groove 103 as it enters the inlet 107. Any coarse particles or other undesirable particulate matter larger than the filter groove 103 can be trapped in the filter groove 103 and prevented from flowing downstream to the sealing ring. Upstream pressure on the flexible valve member 102 (i.e., pressure exerted by fluid flowing from the inlet 107 to the outlet 108) deflects or bends the flexible valve member 102 outward, distorting it away from the sealing surface 106. Thus, the flexible valve member 102 changes from a closed state to an open state in which the inlet 107, cavity 109, and outlet 108 are in fluid communication. In the open state, a gap is created between the sealing surface 106 and the flexible valve member 102 through which the filtered fluid can flow. The filtered fluid can then flow through the gap and exit the check valve 100 via the outlet 108 in the lower housing 101.

[0028] In contrast, in conventional check valve configurations that do not include an integrated filter, during low-flow conditions, the pressure exerted on the check valve as a result of the fluid flow may not be sufficient to fully open the check valve (e.g., distort the flexible valve member 102) to allow coarse particles (or other undesirable particulate matter) to pass through the gap. In such conditions, the coarse particles remain in the gap and the valve does not fully close. This undesirably causes the check valve to "weep," allowing fluid to flow through the valve in the opposite direction, thereby rendering the check valve ineffective.

[0029] In some embodiments, the upper housing 104, flexible valve member 102, and lower housing 101 are not limited to any particular shape or size. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the sizes of the upper housing 104, flexible valve member 102, and lower housing 101 may be limited based on the desired distortion / bending characteristics of the upper housing 104, flexible valve member 102, and lower housing 101 when subjected to either upstream or downstream forces. For example, the upper housing 104, flexible valve member 102, and lower housing 101 may be sized and shaped to distort or bend under fluid pressure to allow fluid to flow forward into the cavity 109 (from the inlet 107 to the outlet 108) and restrict fluid flow in the opposite direction.

[0030] 2 is an exploded view of the three-piece check valve assembly 100. The flexible valve 102 may extend and be stretched around the core of the upper housing 110 to close off the filtration channel 103. The flange of the flexible valve member 102 may then be bonded to a ledge on the inner surface 105 of the upper housing 110 by any suitable method, including but not limited to ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, insert molding, adhesive bonding, or other attachment methods to create an airtight seal.

[0031] 3A-3B are cross-sectional views of check valve 100, particularly showing filtration channel 103. Flexible valve 102 extends around the core of upper housing 110 to completely close off filtration channel 103. As shown in FIG. 3B, in a low-flow state, fluid can flow through filtration channel 103 when flexible valve 102 is stretched around the core of upper housing 110. In some embodiments, fluid can only flow through filtration channel 103 in a low-flow state.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5A-5B are cross-sectional views of a three-piece check valve assembly. The arrows in Figures 5A-5B show the path of fluid flow starting at the inlet 107, through the filtering groove 103, around the sealing face 106, and through the outlet 108. Figure 5A shows how the flexible valve 102 responds in a high-flow (flushing) condition, while Figure 5B shows how the flexible valve 102 responds in a low-flow condition. In a high-flow condition, the flexible valve 102 expands, allowing fluid to bypass the filtering groove 103, thereby flushing the check valve and washing away all debris.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the flexible valve member 102 may be formed from a flexible, resilient material that is fluid impermeable. For example, the flexible valve member 102 may be made from a silicone material. However, in other embodiments, the flexible valve member 102 may be formed from any non-stick, resilient material, such as a biocompatible natural or synthetic rubber or plastic.

[0034] The upper housing 104 may include an inlet 107 of the check valve 100 at a first end, and the lower housing 101 may include an outlet 108 of the check valve 100. The check valve may define an internal flow cavity 109 extending axially between and in fluid communication with the inlet 107 and the outlet 108. As will be appreciated, the check valve 100 may allow fluid to flow from the inlet 107 to the outlet 108 (as indicated by arrows and arrow A in FIGS. 5A-5B ) and minimize or restrict fluid flow from the outlet 108 to the inlet 107 (as indicated by arrow B). As shown, the upper housing 104, the flexible valve member 102, and the lower housing 101 may define the cavity 109 for fluidly connecting the inlet 107 and the outlet 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible valve member 102 is stretched around the core of the upper housing 110 and is capable of selectively permitting fluid flow in a first direction (indicated by arrow A) and preventing backflow (reverse flow) of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction (indicated by arrow B).

[0035] Various examples of aspects of the present disclosure are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and not as limitations on the subject technology. Figures and reference numerals are identified below by way of example only for illustrative purposes, and the clauses are not limited by these identifications.

[0036] Clause 1 1. A check valve comprising: an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve and including a core member; a lower housing defining an outlet of the check valve, the lower housing having a cavity sandwiched between and defined by the upper and lower housings to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet; and a flexible valve member mounted within the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0037] Clause 2 10. The check valve of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of filtering grooves on the outer periphery of the core of the upper housing.

[0038] Clause 3 3. The check valve of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of filtration grooves defines a recessed flow portion, and fluid entering the cavity flows from the upper housing to the lower housing through the recessed flow portion.

[0039] Clause 4 4. The check valve of clause 3, wherein the flexible valve member is stretched around the core member of the upper housing to isolate the filtration groove.

[0040] Clause 5 10. The check valve of claim 1, wherein the flexible valve member is made of silicone.

[0041] Clause 6 A check valve as described in clause 1, wherein a sealing surface is defined at the distal end of the core member of the upper housing, and in a closed state, the flexible valve member is configured to contact the sealing surface to restrict fluid flow through the sealing surface.

[0042] Clause 7 7. The check valve of claim 6, wherein when upstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface to fluidly connect the inlet and the cavity, and when downstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect toward the sealing surface to prevent the fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity and restrict backflow of the fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

[0043] Article 8 1. A check valve comprising: an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve and including a core member; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and including an outlet of the check valve, wherein a cavity is formed between and defined by the upper and lower housings to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet; a flexible valve member mounted within the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction, the upper housing having a plurality of filtration grooves arranged around an outer periphery of the core member of the upper housing; and a sealing surface defined at a distal end of the core member of the upper housing.

[0044] Article 9 9. The check valve of clause 8, wherein the flexible valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface under high flow conditions to allow the check valve to flush.

[0045] Article 10 9. The check valve of claim 8, wherein when downstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect toward the sealing surface to prevent fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity and restrict backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

[0046] Article 11 1. A method for providing a check valve, the method comprising: providing an upper housing defining an inlet for the check valve and including a core member; providing a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and including an outlet for the check valve; providing a cavity sandwiched between and defined by the upper and lower housings to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet; and providing a flexible valve member mounted within the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction, the upper housing having a plurality of filtration grooves arranged around an outer periphery of the core member of the upper housing.

[0047] Article 12 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the flexible valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface under high flow conditions to flush the check valve.

[0048] Article 13 12. The method of claim 11, wherein when downstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect toward the sealing surface to obstruct fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity and restrict backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

[0049] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0050] Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather "one or more." The term "several" refers to "one or more" unless specifically stated otherwise. Pronouns pertaining to the masculine gender (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter genders (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and sub-headings, if any, are used for convenience only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0051] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0052] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" preceding a list of items, with the word "or" separating any of those items, modifies the list as a whole rather than modifying each item in the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require the selection of at least one item, but rather can mean including at least one of any of the items, and / or any combination of at least one of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" can refer to A only, B only, or C only, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0053] The use of phrases such as "aspects" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of one aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of one embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more examples. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more examples, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of one configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0054] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, estimates, locations, scales, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including the following claims, are approximate and not precise, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0055] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or actions in any disclosed process or method is an illustration of a sample approach. Based on implementation preferences or scenarios, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, actions, or processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps, actions, or processes may occur simultaneously. In some implementation preferences or scenarios, certain actions may or may not be performed. Some or all of the steps, actions, or processes may be performed automatically, without user intervention. The accompanying method claims present various steps, actions, or process elements in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0056] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or that become known in the future to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent the terms "include," "have," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be as inclusive as the term "comprise" when interpreted as such when used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0057] The title, background art, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as a limiting description. They are presented with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the Detailed Description, exemplary examples are described, and it will be appreciated that various features are grouped together in various embodiments to simplify the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0058] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are intended to accord the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, including all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended, and should not be construed, to cover subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. A check valve, an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve and including a core member; a lower housing defining an outlet of the check valve, a cavity sandwiched between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet; a flexible valve member mounted within the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction; A check valve comprising:

2. The check valve of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of filtering grooves on the outer periphery of the core of the upper housing.

3. The check valve of claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of filtering grooves defines a recessed flow portion, and fluid entering the cavity flows from the upper housing to the lower housing through the recessed flow portion.

4. 4. The check valve of claim 3, wherein the flexible valve member is stretched around the core member of the upper housing to isolate the filtration groove.

5. 10. The check valve of claim 1, wherein the flexible valve member is made of silicone.

6. a sealing surface defined at a distal end of the core member of the upper housing; The check valve of claim 1 , wherein in a closed state, the flexible valve member is configured to contact the sealing surface to restrict fluid flow therethrough.

7. when upstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface to establish fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity; 7. The check valve of claim 6, wherein when downstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect toward the sealing surface to prevent fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity and restrict backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

8. A check valve, an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve and including a core member; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and including an outlet of the check valve, wherein a cavity is formed between and defined by the upper and lower housings to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet; a flexible valve member mounted within the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction, the upper housing having a plurality of filtration grooves disposed about an outer periphery of the core member of the upper housing; a sealing surface defined on a distal end of the core member of the upper housing; and A check valve comprising:

9. 9. The check valve of claim 8, wherein the flexible valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface under high flow conditions to allow the check valve to flush.

10. 9. The check valve of claim 8, wherein when downstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect toward the sealing surface to prevent fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity and restrict backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

11. 1. A method of providing a check valve, comprising: providing an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve and including a core member; providing a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and including an outlet for the check valve; providing a cavity sandwiched between and defined by the upper and lower housings to fluidly connect the inlet and the outlet; providing a flexible valve member mounted within the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction, the upper housing having a plurality of filtration grooves disposed about an outer periphery of the core member of the upper housing; A method comprising:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the flexible valve member is configured to deflect away from the sealing surface under high flow conditions to allow the check valve to flush.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein when downstream pressure is applied to the flexible valve member, the flexible valve member is configured to deflect toward the sealing surface to obstruct fluid communication between the inlet and the cavity and restrict backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

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