Spray dispensing container and valve therefor

In a squeeze bottle dispenser for use in the administration of nasal sprays having means for preventing inspiration of air through the exit opening of said dispenser during the recovery portion of a use cycle in order to thereby prevent contamination of the dispenser contents, the improvement for attachment to, and use with, a said squeeze bottle which comprises in combination:

• a closure cap defined generally by a top wall and a side skirt for removable attachment to the neck of said squeeze bottle, said cap having (1) one or more air inlet holes and a central hole in said top wall and (2) means for retaining within said central hole;
• a one piece, resilient spray nozzle unit comprising an exit nozzle portion and a flexible flanged portion and a flexible flanged portion;
• and a dip tube for conveying the contents of said bottle to said spray nozzle unit, said retaining means comprising an annular rim around the inside of said side skirt of said closure cap and spaced from said top wall thereof, said spray nozzle unit being adapted to function as a two-way valve whereby, during the dispensing portion of a use cycle, said air inlet hole or holes are sealed by said flexible flange while said nozzle is open, and whereby, during the recovery portion of a use cycle, said air inlet hole or holes are opened and said nozzle is closed.