Diaphragm with modified insert

Abstract

The present invention provides a diaphragm member for use in certain valve assemblies. Such diaphragm member comprises a generally circular diaphragm having a first predetermined diameter and having a first surface and a second surface. Such generally circular diaphragm is formed from at least one layer of a preselected elastomeric material. Such generally circular diaphragm includes a nonflexing center portion, a generally annular flexure portion extending around an outer periphery of such nonflexing center portion and a non flexing outer portion extending around an outer periphery of such generally annular flexure portion, such non flexing outer portion is engageable with a body portion of such valve assembly. Such diaphragm member further includes a generally circular insert member, having a second predetermined diameter, disposed within the first surface of such nonflexing center portion of such generally circular diaphragm. Such generally circular insert member has a plurality of apertures formed through such generally circular insert member, such plurality of apertures provide a predetermined open area for receiving a predetermined rubber compound for bonding such generally circular insert member to such nonflexing center portion of such generally circular diaphragm.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.