Valve assembly

A valve assembly for controlling a flow of fluid, said valve assembly comprising:

• a valve chamber having a proximal end and a distal end;
• a valve collar having a proximal end and a distal end, said valve collar distal end engaged with said valve chamber proximal end, said valve collar comprising at least one generally U-shaped cut-out defining a portion capable of radial flexure, said portion comprising a radial ridge;
• a rotatable valve control member having a proximal end and a distal end, said rotatable valve control member including an ergonomically arranged outer surface, said ergonomically arranged outer surface comprising a gently curved outer contour from a smaller diameter proximal end to a larger diameter distal end, and further comprising one or more external members disposed along said contour for facilitating grasping and control of said rotatable valve control member, said rotatable valve control member distal end being engaged with said valve collar proximal end in a manner such that said valve control member is at least partially rotatable relative to said valve collar, said rotatable valve control member including at least one inner member sized and shaped for engagement with said valve collar ridge in a manner such that said ridge flexes during rotation of said valve control member relative to said valve collar;
• said valve chamber, valve collar and rotatable valve control member aligned in said valve assembly to define an elongated passageway therethrough;
• and
• a flexible valve member having a proximal end and a distal end, said flexible valve member distal end being secured to said valve collar, and said valve member proximal end being secured to said rotatable valve control member;
• said flexible valve member being disposed along said passageway and having a longitudinal opening therethrough;
• wherein upon rotation of said rotatable valve control member in a first direction relative to said valve collar, said at least one inner member of said rotatable valve control member engages a respective valve collar ridge in a manner such that said valve collar portion flexes in a radial direction and a tactile sensation is produced thereby, and such that said valve member longitudinal opening constricts from an open position to a position wherein said opening is at least partially closed.