EP4573023A1 - Bouchon de distribution, cartouche insérable, récipient de distribution, système de distribution et procédés de fabrication et d'utilisation - Google Patents

Bouchon de distribution, cartouche insérable, récipient de distribution, système de distribution et procédés de fabrication et d'utilisation

Info

Publication number
EP4573023A1
EP4573023A1 EP23855483.6A EP23855483A EP4573023A1 EP 4573023 A1 EP4573023 A1 EP 4573023A1 EP 23855483 A EP23855483 A EP 23855483A EP 4573023 A1 EP4573023 A1 EP 4573023A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
dispensing
base
fluid
cap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23855483.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Balint HILTSER
William John Maskell
Dave Eugene SALMON
Mark Watson
Nicholas Andrew Hansen
Charlotte Catherine Erik DEVRIES
Amy Adriana Wilhelmina Beekmans
Daniel GÓMEZ AVÍN
Inês Ribau PEREIRA
Leo Victor SCHELFHOUT
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HJ Heinz Co Brands LLC
Original Assignee
HJ Heinz Co Brands LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by HJ Heinz Co Brands LLC filed Critical HJ Heinz Co Brands LLC
Publication of EP4573023A1 publication Critical patent/EP4573023A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
    • B65D51/2857—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by displacing or removing an element enclosing it
    • B65D51/2892—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by displacing or removing an element enclosing it the element, e.g. a valve, opening an aperture of the auxiliary container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B65D47/0857—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures made separately from the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
    • B65D47/0876—Hinges without elastic bias
    • B65D47/088—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
    • B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture

Definitions

  • this disclosure relates to containers with dispensing caps.
  • Background [0003] A wide variety of fluid packaged products are available on the market that offer an array of choices to the consumer. Such products may include, for instance, food products such as drinks, sauces, and condiments, personal care products such as body washes, lotions, and hair care products, and home care products such as cleaners. The number of products may be especially vast when products within a certain category are available in many different formulations or recipes. Products, however, are often packaged alone in a single, full- sized container. Thus, if consumers would like to try or use more than one product at a time, consumers typically have to purchase multiple full-sized products or add-ins to mix with other products.
  • each compartment of the container has a dedicated closure, and the user can open and close each compartment as desired.
  • This approach may be cumbersome to the user, and may not be optimal if it is desired to co-dispense several substances at once. This would be particularly true for fluid substances, as the fluids would be co-dispensed in separate streams instead of in a single stream of the products, which could be difficult to manage.
  • FIG.1 is a perspective top view of a dispensing cap with a cartridge therein in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG.2 is a perspective top view of the cap and cartridge of FIG.1 with the cartridge removed from the cap in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG.3 is a perspective top view of a dispensing bottle with the cap and cartridge of FIG.1 in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG.4 is a perspective bottom cross sectional view of a dispensing cap in accordance with some embodiments, shown attached to a bottle.
  • FIG.5 is a perspective bottom cross sectional view of an underside of a dispensing cap in accordance with some embodiments. Docket No.1410-158233-US
  • FIG.6 is a perspective horizontal cross sectional view of the dispensing cap of FIG.5 taken along line 6-6 in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG.7 is a cross sectional view of a cartridge for the dispensing cap of FIG.2 taken along line 7-7 in accordance with several embodiments.
  • FIG.8 is a cross sectional view of the dispensing cap of FIG.5 taken along line 8-8 in a first unactuated piston position in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG.9 is a cross sectional view of the dispensing cap of FIG.5 taken along line 8-8 in a second fully extended piston position in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG.10 is a cross sectional view of the dispensing cap of FIG.1 in use without a cartridge inserted therein, in a fully extended piston position dispensing only fluid from the bottle.
  • FIG.11 is an illustration of the dispensed fluids in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG.12 is a perspective top view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing cap with a cartridge therein.
  • FIG.13 is a side view of the dispensing cap of FIG.12 with a cartridge therein.
  • FIG.14 is a bottom perspective view of the dispensing cap of FIG.12 with a cartridge therein.
  • FIG.15 is an exploded view of the dispensing cap of FIG.12 with a cartridge therein.
  • FIG.16 is a top perspective view of the cartridge of the dispensing cap of FIG.12.
  • FIG.17 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of the dispensing cap of FIG.12.
  • FIG.18 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of the dispensing cap of FIG.12. Docket No.1410-158233-US [0027]
  • FIG.19 is an exploded view of the cartridge of the dispensing cap of FIG. 12.
  • FIG.20A is a side perspective view of a valve body of the cartridge of FIG.16.
  • FIG.20B is a bottom perspective view of a valve body of the cartridge of FIG.16.
  • FIG.20C is a side perspective view of a valve body of the cartridge of FIG.16.
  • FIG.20D is a top perspective view of a valve body of the cartridge of FIG. 16.
  • FIG.21A is a top perspective view of a cartridge piston element of the cartridge of FIG.16.
  • FIG.21B is a bottom perspective view of a cartridge piston element of the cartridge of FIG.16.
  • FIG.22A is a perspective view of a cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG. 16.
  • FIG.22B is a perspective view of a cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG. 16.
  • FIG.22C is a top perspective view of a cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG.16.
  • FIG.22D is a bottom perspective view of a cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG.16.
  • FIG.22E is a bottom perspective view of a cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG.16.
  • FIG.23 is a top perspective view of a cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG.16. Docket No.1410-158233-US [0040]
  • FIG.24 is a bottom perspective view of a cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG.16.
  • FIG.25 is a centrally taken cross-section view of a cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG.16.
  • FIG.26 is an exploded view of the cap base of FIG.23.
  • FIG.27A is a perspective view of a base piston element of the cap base of FIG.23.
  • FIG.27B is a perspective view of a base piston element of the cap base of FIG.23.
  • FIG.27C is a perspective view of a base piston element of the cap base of FIG.23.
  • FIG.28A is a perspective view of a portion of the cap base of FIG.23.
  • FIG.28B is a perspective view of an additional portion of the cap base of FIG.13.
  • FIG.29 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing bottle having an alternative dispensing cap with an alternative cartridge therein.
  • FIG.30 is a portion of a centrally taken cross-section view of the dispensing bottle of FIG.29.
  • FIG.31 is a top perspective view of the dispensing cap of FIG.29.
  • FIG.32 is a bottom perspective view of the dispensing cap of FIG.29.
  • FIG.33 is an exploded view of the dispensing cap of FIG.29.
  • FIG.34A is a top perspective view of a cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG.29.
  • FIG.34B is a centrally taken cross-section of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG.29. Docket No.1410-158233-US [0055]
  • FIG.35A is a top perspective view of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG.29 shown without a base piston element.
  • FIG.35B is a bottom perspective view of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG.29 shown without a base piston element.
  • FIG.36A is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.36B is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.36C is a centrally taken cross-section view of the cartridge of FIG. 29.
  • FIG.37A is a left side perspective view of a valve body of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.37B is a right side perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.37C is a bottom perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.37D is a top perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.38A is a top perspective view of a cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.38B is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.39A is a top perspective view of a cartridge piston element of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.39B is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge piston element of the cartridge of FIG.29.
  • FIG.40A is a perspective view of a portion of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG.29. Docket No.1410-158233-US [0069]
  • FIG.40B is a perspective view of an additional portion of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG.29.
  • FIG.41A is an illustration of the dispensed fluids in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG.41B is an illustration of the dispensed fluids in accordance with some embodiments.
  • Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may be omitted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such.
  • the dispensing container and cap are useful to dispense more than a single fluid.
  • the dispensing cap may dispense up to two different fluids, such as, for example, two different condiments, from the dispensing container at the same time.
  • one fluid may be contained in a main container body of the dispensing container, such as within a bottle, and another fluid may be contained in the dispensing cap, and particularly in the cartridge of the cap.
  • Some embodiments include a dispensing cap or closure for a dispensing container.
  • the dispensing cap may include a cap base configured to be attached to a neck of a container, such as a bottle, a dispensing channel which fluid from the container may enter to be dispensed, and a receptacle having a cartridge disposed therein.
  • a base piston element is disposed in the base, and is movable between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments this movement occurs when a primary fluid disposed in the container is forced into the cap, which causes at least a portion of the fluid to engage the base piston element, moving the base piston element towards the second position.
  • the base piston element as the base piston element is moved toward the second position, it is also configured to a drive a cartridge piston element disposed in the cartridge.
  • the cartridge piston element may thereby cause a secondary fluid disposed in the cartridge to egress from the cartridge.
  • the cartridge is configured to be removably attachable to the cap base, for example via corresponding threads on the cartridge and receptacle.
  • the dispensing cap may further include a flip-top lid. Docket No.1410-158233-US [0076] Further described herein is a cartridge for a dispensing cap.
  • the cartridge includes a container, vessel, or cartridge body, a valve element, and the above-mentioned cartridge piston element.
  • the valve element is coupled to an outer surface of the body on a dispensing side of the cartridge.
  • the body, valve element, and cartridge piston element are configured to form a container defining a cavity for a fluid disposed in the cartridge.
  • the container is removably attachable to a dispensing cap.
  • the valve element has a tube portion extending within the container.
  • the tube portion may include at least one outlet opening in a wall thereof.
  • the tube portion may be movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position.
  • the first position of the tube portion may be where the at least one opening is covered by an inner wall of the body to inhibit a fluid in the container from flowing into the tube portion via the at least one outlet opening.
  • the second position may be where the fluid in the container is able to flow through the at least one outlet opening and into the tube portion.
  • attaching the cartridge to the base of the dispensing cap brings an end of the tube portion into engagement with an end of the dispensing channel of the cap base, moving the tube portion to open the at least one outlet opening.
  • the cartridge includes a body removably attachable to a dispensing cap.
  • the body typically defines at least a portion of a cavity with a first fluid disposed therein, and an internal cylindrical wall of the body defines at least a portion of a central opening of the body.
  • the cartridge disposed in the receptacle of the cap base includes external threads for being threaded into the receptacle, and one or more projections on the external threads engage one or more recesses on internal threading of the receptacle to provide a user an auditory and/or tactile indication when the cartridge is positioned correctly in the receptacle.
  • a dispensing container or bottle which includes a dispensing cap.
  • a dispensing cap including a cartridge, such as described above, is threaded onto the bottle neck of a bottle, wherein a primary fluid is disposed in the bottle and a secondary fluid is disposed in the cartridge.
  • the dispensing bottle may also include a movable base piston element disposed in the dispensing cap.
  • the base piston element is configured to engage a movable cartridge piston element of the cartridge to force the secondary fluid toward the at least one outlet opening of the cartridge.
  • the base piston element may be movable between a first position and a second position.
  • the dispensing cap includes one or more stops that inhibit the base piston element from moving beyond the second position.
  • the bottle has elastically flexible walls, and applying manual pressure to the bottle forces at least a portion of the primary fluid against the base piston element of the dispensing cap to move the base piston element, which, in turn, moves the cartridge piston element.
  • a method of dispensing a primary fluid and one or more secondary fluids together from a dispensing container uses the dispensing container described herein.
  • the dispensing container in some illustrative approaches, includes a dispensing cap as disclosed herein that is removably attached to the container, for example, to the neck of a flexible bottle.
  • the method includes a step of applying pressure to the flexible bottle effective for an amount of a primary fluid disposed in the bottle to egress from the flexible bottle into the dispensing cap.
  • a user may, for example, manually apply pressure to the bottle by squeezing the bottle.
  • a first portion of the primary fluid flows into the dispensing channel, and a second portion of the primary fluid exerts pressure on the base piston element, moving the base piston element from a first position toward a second position.
  • the movement of the base piston element may then cause a cartridge piston element in the Docket No.1410-158233-US cartridge to move, for example towards a dispensing side of the cap.
  • the method may include inserting the cartridge into the cap such that a cartridge is not already disposed therein. Accordingly, the method also may include inserting the cartridge into a receptacle of the dispensing cap prior to use. For example, a user may screw the cartridge into the dispensing cap.
  • a user may know the cartridge was properly inserted via some kind of indication, such as a clicking sound and/or manual or visual feedback.
  • the indication may let a user know that the cartridge is in a correct position for dispensing fluid.
  • the indication may coincide with the one or more outlet openings in the cartridge being open and no longer blocked/sealed, so that the fluid disposed in the cavity of the cartridge may exit the outlet openings.
  • the cartridge includes external threads for being threaded into the receptacle, wherein one or more projections or recesses on the external threads Docket No.1410-158233-US engage one or more projections or recesses on internal threading of the receptacle to provide a user an auditory and/or tactile indication when the cartridge is positioned correctly in the receptacle.
  • the method may include threading the cartridge into the receptacle until the user receives the indication. [0089]
  • the method may also include threading the base of the dispensing cap onto the neck of the bottle.
  • the step of inserting the cartridge into the receptacle of the dispensing cap brings the tube portion of the valve element of the cartridge into engagement with an end of the dispensing channel of the dispensing cap base, thereby moving the tube portion to open the at least one outlet opening of the cartridge.
  • the valve element, including the tube portion may be formed of an elastically deflectable or otherwise flexible material effective to allow the movement to occur.
  • the flexible tube portion upon inserting the cartridge into the receptacle of the dispensing cap, the flexible tube portion is pushed in the direction of the dispensing side of the cap, and a user may see the outer surface of the valve element being pushed or flexed outwards from the top of the cap. This could be a further indication to the user that the cartridge is correctly seated for dispensing the fluid.
  • the tube portion of the cartridge is aligned with a central opening of the cartridge, and the at least one inner opening is formed in a wall of the tube portion, a first end of the tube portion receiving the primary fluid from the dispensing Docket No.1410-158233-US channel, and the tube portion having a second end containing the outlet through which the primary and secondary fluids are dispensed.
  • the method also may include a user removing and/or replacing the cartridge from the dispensing cap. In some embodiments, the user may insert a different cartridge into the cap, for example if the first cartridge is substantially spent or has run out of fluid, or if the user desired to use a cartridge with a different fluid flavor and/or mouthfeel.
  • the user may remove the cartridge and dispense only the fluid disposed in the bottle via the dispensing cap.
  • the fluid from the bottle is dispensed from the cap through the dispensing channel in the cap base.
  • the method may further include multiple users using the bottle multiple times to dispense the fluids contained therein as needed.
  • the dispensing container is a condiment container which contains one condiment (e.g., a primary fluid) in the bottle, and another condiment (e.g., a secondary fluid) in the cartridge of the dispensing cap, the users may dispense multiple servings of both condiments during meals.
  • a method of manufacturing a dispensing container or bottle includes the steps of forming a flexible bottle and disposing a primary fluid therein, and forming a dispensing cap.
  • the dispensing caps disclosed herein can easily interface with containers or bottles that have already been designed and manufactured.
  • a bottle designed and manufactured for packaging ketchup may be provided with a conventional dispensing cap and sold as a package containing a single product (e.g., ketchup).
  • forming a dispensing cap includes forming a base having a dispensing channel and a receptacle, the base being configured to be attached to a bottle neck. Forming a dispensing cap, in some configurations, further includes forming a base piston element and coupling it to the base.
  • a further step may include forming a cartridge to be disposed in the receptacle of the base.
  • the cartridge is formed with a base piston element configured to drive a cartridge piston element of the cartridge as the base piston element is moved from the first position toward the second position.
  • the step of forming the cartridge includes forming three components: a cartridge body, a valve element, and a cartridge piston element.
  • the step may include, for example, disposing the valve element on a dispensing side of the cartridge body and the cartridge piston element on the side of the cartridge body opposite the dispensing side, the three components forming a container for containing a fluid.
  • a further step may include disposing a fluid in the cartridge.
  • the fluid disposed in the cartridge is a different fluid than the fluid in the bottle.
  • a manufacturing step includes disposing the filled cartridge in the receptacle of the dispensing cap, and, in some embodiments, threading the dispensing cap with the filled cartridge onto the filled bottle.
  • a method of manufacturing a cartridge for a dispensing cap includes providing a fluid, forming a cartridge container comprising a central opening and a cavity for containing the fluid, forming a cartridge piston element dimensioned to slide along the cavity of the cartridge container and force the fluid out of the cavity, and forming a valve element having a tube portion dimensioned to extend within the central opening.
  • the tube portion includes at least one outlet opening in a wall thereof.
  • the method of manufacturing also typically includes assembling a cartridge by disposing the cartridge piston element in the cavity of the cartridge container, filling the cavity with a fluid, and coupling the valve element to the container. In this manner, the tube portion is typically aligned with the central opening of the container.
  • a method of manufacturing a dispensing cap includes forming a dispensing cap base, wherein the dispensing cap base includes a dispensing channel and is configured to be attached to a neck of a bottle.
  • the base has a receptacle dimensioned to receive the cartridge.
  • the method of manufacturing also may include forming a base piston element and disposing the base piston element in the dispensing cap base, where the base piston element is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position.
  • the base piston element may move in a manner such that as a fluid disposed in the bottle is forced toward the dispensing channel to dispense the fluid at least a portion of the fluid engages the base piston element and moves the base piston element toward the second position.
  • the method includes disposing a cartridge, as disclosed herein, in the receptacle of the dispensing cap base.
  • the manufacturing process does not include inserting the cartridge into the cap base; rather, the cartridge remains outside of the cap base to be inserted by the user.
  • the tube portion is formed so as to be movable relative to the container between a first “closed” position wherein the at least one opening is covered by an inner wall of the container to inhibit the cartridge fluid from flowing into the tube portion via the at least one outlet opening and a second “open” position where the cartridge fluid is able to flow through the at least one outlet opening and into the tube portion.
  • the step of disposing the cartridge in the receptacle also typically induces a movement of the tube portion into the second open position.
  • a variety of materials may be utilized for the elements described herein.
  • the valve element, including the tube portion is formed from a material that is suitably flexible for the above-described movement to occur.
  • the valve element is formed from polypropylene.
  • the cartridge includes a cartridge body, a valve element, and a cartridge piston element. Indeed, in one exemplary approach, these three elements are combined to form the cartridge container.
  • the cartridge body is formed as an outer cartridge cylindrical wall dimensioned to fit within the cap base, with a hollow interior forming the cavity.
  • the valve element is Docket No.1410-158233-US coupled to an outer surface of a dispensing side of the cartridge body. A dispensing end of the tube portion of the valve element typically forms a dispensing outlet of the cartridge, through which, in use, the cartridge and bottle fluids are together dispensed from the cap.
  • the valve element also may be formed to include a disc portion extending from and about the tube portion at the dispensing outlet.
  • the disc portion of the valve element is coupled to a dispensing side of the cartridge body (such as by gluing, engaging corresponding geometry, and/or welding), and partially seals the cartridge on the dispensing side of the cartridge.
  • the above-noted inner wall of the container is formed as an inner cartridge cylindrical wall of the cartridge body, which is coupled to the dispensing side of the cartridge body.
  • the inner cartridge cylindrical wall defines at least a portion of the central opening of the cartridge container.
  • the base piston element is configured to drive the cartridge piston element disposed in the cartridge as the base piston element is moved from the first position toward the second position.
  • the base may be formed to include one or more stops configured to inhibit the base piston element from moving beyond the second position.
  • the cartridge piston element is formed with engagement members such as upstanding ribs for engaging the base piston element during the movement.
  • a manufacturing method may further include adding tamper-evident features or packaging to the cartridge and/or the dispensing container.
  • One or more cartridges may be sealed in a flow pack.
  • the cartridges may have a tamper-evident sealing liner on the dispensing side of the cartridge and the side opposite the dispensing side.
  • a tamper-evident seal may also be disposed on the mouth of the flexible bottle. Such seals would typically need to be removed by the user prior to use.
  • the base of the dispensing cap may be formed to include a guide channel along which at least a portion of the base piston element moves.
  • the base may be formed so that at least a portion of the dispensing channel extends within the guide channel and may include at least one base opening through which fluid from the bottle is able to flow between the dispensing channel and the guide channel to engage the base piston element, forcing it to move.
  • Some methods of manufacturing may also include a step of adding seals within the cap base and/or the cartridge to prevent leakage of fluid into unintended areas.
  • the base piston element may be formed to include an inner sealing element and an outer sealing element, such as inner and outer bore seals, the inner seal element configured to engage an outer surface of the dispensing channel and the outer seal element configured to engage the guide channel.
  • the base piston element is ring-shaped and the outer and inner seals may be continuous flange-like protrusions extending at an angle from the outer and inner edges of a bottle-facing side of the base piston element, respectively.
  • protrusions may be formed integrally with the base piston element and formed to be effective in creating a close seal between the base piston element and the guide channel and the base piston element and the dispensing channel in use, for example, as the base piston element is forced to move via the fluid entering from the bottle.
  • the cartridge piston element may be similarly formed to include one or more outer and inner sealing elements to prevent fluid from leaking out or into the cavity of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge piston element may be formed to include one or more outer sealing elements configured to contact an outer side wall of the cartridge to seal the cartridge fluid within the cavity.
  • the cartridge piston element is ring-shaped and disposed about the inner cartridge cylindrical wall of the cartridge and is formed to include one or more inner sealing elements configured to contact the inner cartridge cylindrical wall to seal the first fluid within the cavity.
  • the outer and inner seals may be formed as continuous flange-like protrusions extending at an angle from the outer and inner edges of one or both of a fluid-facing side and a non-fluid-facing side of the cartridge piston Docket No.1410-158233-US element, respectively.
  • Such protrusions may be formed integrally with the cartridge piston element, and formed to be effective in creating, in use, a close seal between the cartridge piston element and the outer side wall of the cartridge and the cartridge piston element and the inner cartridge cylindrical wall of the cartridge, for example, as the base piston element drives the cartridge piston element.
  • the above-mentioned sealing elements formed as protrusions in the above-described manner reduces friction of the pistons during movement, compared to an alternative embodiment in which the outer and inner walls of the ring-shaped pistons function as sealing surfaces in direct contact with the walls of the cartridge body, guide channel, or dispensing channel.
  • the various seals and sealing may be formed from a variety of materials.
  • the pistons and integral seal elements are ideally formed from materials that have good sealing capability, which may have an attribute of flexibility, elasticity, softness, and/or compressibility. Suitable examples include, e.g., silicon, rubber, low-density polyethylene, and/or high-density polyethylene.
  • the material is low-density polyethylene and/or high-density polyethylene.
  • the material is polypropylene.
  • Inclusion of sealing elements not only serves the above-mentioned functions, but also presents a clean appearance of the dispensing cap to the user. For example, when the cartridge is removed from the cap base, the outer surfaces of the cartridge and cap base are free from any leaked fluid or fluid residue.
  • the methods of manufacturing may also include a step of forming a flip- top lid hingedly attached to the base.
  • the dispensing cap base and flip-top lid are formed in a single, integral one-piece structure, while the base piston element is formed as a separate piece.
  • the base piston element and cap base may be assembled at the mold or at a separate station.
  • a system for dispensing fluids from a container is contemplated.
  • the system may include one or more flexible bottles, one or more dispensing caps, and one or more cartridges for the dispensing caps described herein.
  • the dispensing channel 155 is axially aligned with a central opening of the cartridge 105 such that the dispensing channel 155 is received within the central opening when the cartridge is screwed into the base. While the dispensing channel and the central opening may be centrally disposed, in other configurations, the dispensing channel and central opening are offset from a central position of the dispensing cap.
  • the dispensing channel 155 is further axially aligned with a dispensing outlet 122 on a dispensing side of the cartridge.
  • the hinged flip-top lid 180 typically includes on its underside a projection 185 that plugs the dispensing outlet 122 to prevent fluid from flowing or leaking out of the cap when the lid 180 is in a closed position.
  • the dispensing channel and central opening may be centrally disposed; accordingly, the projection 185 also may also be centrally disposed.
  • the dispensing cap 100 is threaded onto the neck 304 of the squeezable bottle via internal threads 178 of the dispensing cap base, which engage external threads 379 on the neck of the bottle.
  • FIG.3 shows the dispensing bottle 300 in an upright position
  • the bottle 300 is configured to be stored inverted while resting on its dispensing cap 100, when the flip-top lid 180 is closed.
  • a user may pivot the flip-top lid 180 from a closed configuration of the cap, for example, as shown in FIG.4, to the open configuration shown in FIG.3.
  • a user or consumer may apply upward force to the lid 180 pulling it away from the cap base 150.
  • the flip-top lid 180 then pivots about a hinge to sit stably in the open configuration.
  • a projection 385 of the flip-top lid 380 is moved from obstructing or blocking a dispensing outlet 122 of the dispensing cap to a position away therefrom, such that the dispensing outlet 122 is unobstructed.
  • the dispensing cap 100 for the dispensing bottle 300 includes a dispensing cap base 150 which receives a cartridge 105.
  • the cartridge 105 is received in the receptacle 152, which may be a depression or cavity in the base 150 that is exposed when the flip-top lid 180 is positioned in the open configuration.
  • the cartridge 105 is Docket No.1410-158233-US manually insertable and removable into the cap base 150 by the user, such as by screwing the cartridge into the base.
  • the dispensing cap and cartridge, usable with a dispensing bottle 300, will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS.4-10.
  • FIG.4 illustrates a dispensing cap 100 in accordance with some embodiments.
  • the dispensing cap is shown attached to a neck 304 of a bottle 302, and a cartridge 105 is shown inserted into a dispensing cap base 150.
  • the dispensing cap base 150 has an outer cylindrical housing 172 with a hollow interior formed by an outer housing cylindrical wall 173, and an inner cylindrical housing 174 disposed in the interior of the outer cylindrical housing along a central axis of the outer cylindrical housing, the inner cylindrical housing 174 formed by an inner housing cylindrical wall 175 running substantially parallel to the outer housing cylindrical wall 173.
  • the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 is connected to the outer housing cylindrical wall 173 by an annular wall 176, which may extend perpendicular to the inner and outer housing cylindrical walls.
  • the annular wall 176 forms a partial floor or bottom to a cartridge-receiving receptacle 152 of the cap base, and has a stepped configuration, for example, an outer step adjacent the outer housing cylindrical wall 173, and an inner step adjacent the inner housing cylindrical wall 175.
  • the inner step forms a portion of an annular slot 168 of the cap base for receiving a neck 304 of a bottle.
  • the slot 168 is formed by the inner step, a lengthwise portion of the inner housing cylindrical wall 175, and an annular wall 181 which extends perpendicular from the inner step and around the inner housing cylindrical wall 175.
  • the fluid disposed in the bottle is directed into the inner cylindrical housing 174 of the dispensing cap during dispensing.
  • the flow of fluid between the bottle and the inner cylindrical housing 174 is partially obstructed by a set of retaining or strengthening ribs or a lateral wall 186 (FIG.4) covering the inner cylindrical housing.
  • the ribs or lateral wall 186 extends inwardly at a terminal end of the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 and generally perpendicular thereto.
  • the lateral wall 186 in the illustrated embodiment, includes a central opening, forming a dispensing channel inlet 162, for permitting fluid to flow directly from the bottle into a tubular dispensing channel 155 that extends along a central axis of the inner cylindrical housing, and, generally, through a substantial lengthwise portion of the dispensing cap 100.
  • the tubular dispensing channel 155 is integral with the lateral wall 186 or ribs.
  • the outer housing cylindrical wall 173, inner housing cylindrical wall 175, annular wall 176, annular wall 181 with threads, and dispensing channel 155 are all integrally formed, as well as, in some embodiments, the flip-top lid 180.
  • Such components may be formed from a food-grade plastic or polymer such as polypropylene (PP) and/or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In some configurations, different components may be formed of different materials.
  • PP polypropylene
  • HDPE high-density polyethylene
  • different components may be formed of different materials.
  • a primary fluid from the bottle that flows into the dispensing channel 155 is dispensed from the cap at the opening 122.
  • the primary fluid will be dispensed along with a secondary fluid from the cartridge.
  • the dispensing channel 155 thus, is configured so that a certain amount of primary fluid from the bottle is dispensed.
  • the dispensing channel 155 may have a flow restrictor 157 at one or both ends of the dispensing channel 155 to limit the flow of the primary fluid out of the dispensing channel 155 into a tube portion of the cartridge (described in more detail below). Limiting the flow of the primary fluid from the bottle ensures that there is sufficient room at the exit for the secondary fluid from the cartridge to join the stream of primary fluid and maintain good flow as the fluids are dispensed.
  • the flow restrictor 157 is located at an outlet end of the dispensing channel 155.
  • Such a flow restrictor may include an opening, such as a circular opening, having a diameter of about 0.5 to about 3.0 mm.
  • the Docket No.1410-158233-US diameter is about 2.0 mm. In one embodiment, the diameter is about 1.8 mm. It is noted that a larger diameter, such as greater than 1.8 mm, can advantageously lessen the force required to dispense the fluid. For thicker fluids, particularly, typically a wider diameter or larger access may be necessary so that less force is required to dispense the fluid, such as a diameter beyond 3.0 mm.
  • the lateral wall 186 further includes cap base openings 167 disposed about the dispensing channel inlet 162. As shown in FIG.5, there may, for example, be four cap base openings 167.
  • the base piston element 165 In movement, the base piston element 165 slides away from the lateral wall 186 toward the dispensing outlet. [0128]
  • the base piston element 165 includes a first cylindrical portion 182 which, in the unactuated position, is disposed within the interior of the inner cylindrical housing 174, and a second flange portion 183 which is in large part disposed outwardly with respect to the inner cylindrical housing 174.
  • the first cylindrical portion 182 of the base piston element 165 includes a piston cylindrical wall 184 with a slightly smaller diameter than the diameter of the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 of the cap base 150.
  • the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 of the cap base functions, in part, as a portion of a guide channel 160 for the base piston element 165.
  • An upper end of the piston cylindrical wall 184 of the base piston element 165 additionally includes a piston floor or lateral wall 187 continuously extending inwardly therefrom and generally perpendicular thereto.
  • the piston floor 187 is ring-shaped, with an opening in the center so that the first cylindrical portion 182 of the base piston element can be disposed about the dispensing channel 155 extending therethrough.
  • the piston floor 187 both covers the top of the base piston Docket No.1410-158233-US element 165 and serves as a surface that a primary fluid from the bottle can press against to move the base piston element 165.
  • a portion of the primary fluid from the bottle is forced against the piston floor 187 of the base piston element 165, which causes the base piston element 165 to be pushed in a direction away from the lateral wall 186 of the cap base 150 along a central lengthwise axis of the dispensing cap.
  • the ring-shaped first cylindrical portion 182 of the base piston element sealably slides along the guide channel 160 and the dispensing channel 155, to prevent leakage of the primary fluid between the base piston element 165 and the guide channel 160 and between the base piston element 165 and the dispensing channel 155.
  • one or more sealing elements such as inner and outer bore seals may instead extend from the first cylindrical portion 182.
  • the sealing elements 170, 171 extending from the first cylindrical portion 182 of the base piston element 165 engage the adjacent surfaces of the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 and dispensing channel 155, which both reduces friction during movement of the piston 165 yet provides sufficient sealing to prevent leakage in unintended areas.
  • Docket No.1410-158233-US A variety of materials may be utilized for the base piston element 165 and the seal elements 170, 171.
  • the base piston element and the seal elements are integrally formed from materials that have good sealing capability, which may, for example, have an attribute of flexibility, elasticity, softness, and/or compressibility. Suitable examples include low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene.
  • the material is polypropylene.
  • the guide channel 160 is at least partially defined by the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 of the cap base 150.
  • the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 can be described as terminating in several guide channel posts 161 which extend lengthwise from a bottom edge of the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 opposite the lateral wall 186.
  • there are four such posts 161 though other amounts of posts, such as two, three, or more are possible.
  • the posts 161 are configured such that the base piston element 165 can slide along the posts during movement of the piston.
  • corresponding lateral walls 164 extend outward from the bottom edge of the first cylindrical portion 182.
  • the lateral walls 164 extend outward and generally perpendicular to the bottom edge of the first cylindrical portion 182.
  • the lateral walls 164 are integrally joined into a continuous annular second flange portion 183 that extends about the guide channel posts 161.
  • the cartridge 105 includes a main body 110, a valve element 138 coupled to the body 110 on a dispensing side of the cartridge (i.e., the side of the cartridge disposed adjacent the dispensing outlet 122), and a cartridge piston element 145 disposed on a side of the cartridge opposite the dispensing side.
  • the body 110, valve element 138, and cartridge piston element 145 define an interior cavity 115 or container for containing a fluid 120 disposed in the cartridge.
  • the main body 110 of the cartridge is formed in part by an outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 dimensioned to fit within the dispensing cap base 150, having a hollow interior forming a portion of the cavity 115.
  • the body 110 While the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 forms a side wall to the cartridge, the body 110 also includes a top portion 112 extending from the top edge of the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 forming a partial cover to the “top” (dispensing side) of the cartridge.
  • the main body 110 also includes an inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 centered in the interior of the cartridge and extending lengthwise therethrough, and generally Docket No.1410-158233-US parallel to the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111.
  • the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 is sized so that the dispensing channel 155 of the dispensing cap base 150 can fit snugly within the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127, as illustrated in FIG.4.
  • FIG.7 At the dispensing side of the cartridge, several radial spoke-like connecting members 113 branch out from the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127, connecting the inner cartridge cylindrical wall to the top portion 112 of the cartridge body (illustrated most clearly in FIG.7).
  • the illustrated embodiments include two sets of opposing connecting members 113 extending from the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 to the top portion 112 of the body 110, though only two of the four connecting members 113 are shown in the cross sectional views of FIGS.4 and 7. In this manner, fluid within the cartridge can easily flow around the spokes or connecting members 113.
  • the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127, connecting members 113, outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111, and top portion 112 may be formed integrally as the main body 110 of the cartridge, and may be formed from a food-grade plastic or polymer material such as polypropylene.
  • polypropylene for the cartridge body 110 or a portion thereof can permit the cartridge body to be configured to have a lower opacity or to be substantially transparent. This can allow a user to see how much fluid remains in the cartridge.
  • at least a portion of the cap base 150 (such as the outer housing cylindrical wall 173) may also have a lower opacity or be substantially transparent, so that the user can see through the cap base to see how much fluid remains in the cartridge while dispensing.
  • the cartridge body lacks transparency and is formed from high-density polyethylene. Use of high-density polyethylene can contribute to the sealing of the cartridge.
  • the top portion 112 of the cartridge body 110 only partially covers the top of the cartridge 105.
  • the top portion 112 includes a circular opening in its center which is interrupted only by the radial connecting members 113.
  • a valve element 138 is disposed on the top of the cartridge 105 to cover the circular opening.
  • the valve element 138 may be coupled to the top portion 112 of the body 110 and include a disc portion 139 which substantially covers the circular opening.
  • the disc portion 139 may be angled or flexed downwardly towards the cartridge, such that the dispensing outlet 122 and tube portion 140 are disposed at least partially lower than an outer edge or outer portion of the disc portion. As illustrated in FIGS.4 and 7, the disc portion 139 has a funneled configuration with the dispensing outlet 122 and tube portion 140 at its center. In yet other embodiments, other configurations of the disc portion 139 may be incorporated therein. [0143] In some approaches, the tube portion 140 of the valve element 138 extends, at least partly, within an interior formed by the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge body 110.
  • the outlet opening 135 is configured to permit fluid 120 from the cavity 115 of the cartridge to flow therethrough into the exit or tube portion 140 of the valve element.
  • the outlet 135 openings may be selected or disposed in a particular arrangement to create a particular pattern in the combined stream. [0145] Varying the number and size of the openings has a salient effect on the appearance or aesthetic of the combined stream of fluids when they are dispensed.
  • valve element 139 may be movable between a first position where the outlet openings 135 are covered by an inner wall 127 of the body 110 to inhibit a fluid in the cavity 115 from flowing into the tube portion 140 via the outlet openings 135 and a second position in which the fluid in the cavity 115 is able to flow through the outlet openings 135 and into the tube portion 140.
  • Docket No.1410-158233-US [0147] With respect to the “closed” configuration of the cartridge 105, FIG.7 illustrates a cartridge 105 that is not inserted into a dispensing cap base 150.
  • the disc portion 139 may be molded to be angled or flexed downward, holding the tube portion 140 in a position blocked by inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127.
  • the tube portion 140 and disc portion 139 are forced upwards from contact with the dispensing channel 155.
  • the tube portion 140 and disc portion 139 are released from the biased position, with the disc portion 139 “remembering” and returning to its stable, angled position and forcing the tube portion 140 back downward into the cartridge 105 to its original position in which the outlet openings 135 are once again covered by the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge body 110.
  • the closed configuration of the cartridges permits that the cartridges can be manufactured, shipped, sold, handled, and stored separately from the dispensing cap base without leaking fluid from the cavity 115 of the cartridge 105 into the tube portion 140 of the cartridge 105.
  • the reclosability of the cartridge after use limits exposure of the cartridge fluid to external contamination, preserving the taste and freshness of the contents thereof, and prevents any accidental leaking of the cartridge contents (for example, of the sauce itself, or a separated serum of the sauce). This is particularly helpful if the cartridge is stored and handled by the user apart from the dispensing cap after use.
  • the reclosability also may preclude the need to provide a full cover or plug for the dispensing outlet of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 is typically disposed on the non-dispensing side of the cartridge 105.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 may be disposed on the non-dispensing side formed by the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 of the cartridge body 110.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 may be described as including a cylindrical wall dimensioned and configured to fit within and slide sealably along the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 also may include a ring-shaped portion extending laterally from the cylindrical wall so as to cover or seal the cartridge cavity 115 at the non-dispensing side of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 has a central hole dimensioned so that the cartridge piston element 145 can be disposed sealingly about the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge body 110.
  • the ring- shaped portion of the cartridge piston element 145 has a stepped configuration to correspond to elements of the cap base 150.
  • an annular inner step portion 142 of the cartridge piston element 145 may be angled to provide allowance for the stops 177 of the dispensing cap base 150.
  • An annular outer step portion 143 of the cartridge piston element 145 in one approach, is aligned with the second flange portion 183 of the base piston element 165.
  • engagement members 146 may take the form of upstanding extensions or ribs extending outwards from the outer surface of the cartridge piston element 145.
  • the number of ribs or engagement members may be any suitable amount, and in an alternative embodiment there may be no engagement members.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 also may include one or more inner annular sealing elements 149 configured to contact the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 to seal the cartridge fluid within the cavity 115.
  • two outer seals 147 are formed as continuous flange-like protrusions extending from the cylindrical wall of the cartridge piston element 145 and contacting the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 of the cartridge at an angle.
  • the outer seals 147 are present at both a fluid-facing side and a non fluid-facing side of the cartridge piston element 145.
  • the illustrated configuration also includes one inner sealing element 149 configured as a continuous flange-like protrusion extending from the ring-shaped portion of the cartridge piston element adjacent the central hole.
  • the inner sealing element 149 sealingly engages the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge body 110.
  • Such protrusions would typically be formed integrally with the cartridge piston element 145, and formed to be effective in creating, in use, a close seal between the cartridge piston element 145 and the outer wall 111 of the cartridge and the cartridge piston element 145 and the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge 105, for example, as the base piston element 165 drives the cartridge piston element 145.
  • the above-mentioned sealing elements 147.149 formed as protrusions in the above-described manner reduces friction of the cartridge piston element 145 during movement of the piston 145, compared to an alternative embodiment in which the outer and inner walls of the cartridge piston element 145 function as sealing surfaces in direct contact with the walls of the cartridge body 110.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 and the integral seal elements 147, 149 are formed from food-grade plastic or polymer materials that have good sealing capability, which may have an attribute of flexibility, elasticity softness, and/or compressibility. Suitable examples include low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene. By one approach, the material is polypropylene.
  • the first cylindrical portion 182 of the base piston element 165 is disposed against or close to the lateral wall 186 of the inner cylindrical housing 174 of the cap base 150, while the second flange portion 183 of the base piston element 165 is disposed against or close to the annular wall 176 of the cap base.
  • the second flange portion 183 may also be in contact with the engagement members 146 of the cartridge piston element 145, or disposed close to the engagement members 146 without contact.
  • a bottom edge of the cylindrical wall of the cartridge piston element 145 is aligned with or close to a bottom edge of the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 of the cartridge body.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 is typically disposed at a farthest possible point in the cartridge body 110 from the dispensing side of the cartridge 105.
  • a primary fluid 306 from the bottle and a secondary fluid 120 from the cartridge 105 are dispensed together from the cap 100 via the following mechanism.
  • a portion of the primary fluid 306 from the bottle passes through the base openings 167 (shown in FIG.4) in the lateral wall 186 of the inner cylindrical housing 174.
  • the force of the fluid 306 on the piston floor 187 of the base piston element 165 causes the entire base piston element 165 to be driven in the direction of the cartridge 105.
  • the base piston element 165 remains on a central axis in the cap 100 due to being configured such that at least a portion of the base piston element 165 is always in contact with the guide channel 160.
  • the second flange portion 183 of the base piston element 165 is moved into forceful engagement with the engaging members 146 of the cartridge piston element 145, thereby moving the cartridge piston element 145 within the body of the cartridge 105 in the direction of the dispensing side.
  • the movement of the pistons 145, 165 is limited, in part, by the amount of fluid that is disposed in the cartridge 105.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 traverses only a short distance in the cartridge to dispense the fluid 120, as the cartridge piston element 145 quickly contacts and meets resistance from the fluid.
  • the force from the cartridge piston element exerts pressure on the fluid, which is relieved as fluid is forced out the cavity 115 through the outlet openings 135 in the tube portion 140 of the valve element 138.
  • the cartridge piston element 145 can move further into the cartridge to continue to press the fluid.
  • the cartridge piston element traverses a substantial distance within the cartridge in order to contact and apply pressure to the receding fluid so that the fluid can be forced out of the cavity 115.
  • the movement of the pistons is typically correspondingly continuous. That is, as the user continues to squeeze the bottle, and cartridge fluid 120 is ejected from the cavity 115 to be dispensed, the level of the fluid in the cartridge recedes, which causes the cartridge piston element 145 to move further into the cartridge and maintain pressure on the receding fluid. This results in a smooth, continuous dispensing of the fluid from the cartridge as the bottle is squeezed.
  • a dispensing cap and bottle may be configured so that approximately only one cartridge is needed per bottle; that is, when dispensed, the cartridge and the bottle are emptied at about the same time. In another embodiment, approximately only two cartridges are needed per bottle; that is, when dispensed, a single cartridge may be emptied when only about half of the bottle is emptied, so the user must then remove the cartridge and insert a second cartridge to use with the second half of the bottle. In different embodiments, three or more cartridges may be required.
  • two outlet openings 135 each measuring about 2.0 mm by about 2.0 mm and a flow regulator of the dispensing channel measuring about 1.8 to 2.0 mm is effective to permit the secondary cartridge fluid to be dispensed in an amount of about 8 to 12% by volume of the primary bottle fluid that is dispensed.
  • Such dimensions may be particularly advantageous when the secondary cartridge fluid has a viscosity ranging from about 12,500 to about 15,500 centipoise and the primary bottle fluid has a viscosity ranging from 17,000 centipoise to about 19,000 centipoise.
  • the diameter of the flow regulator 157 must be small enough relative to the diameter of the tube portion 140 or the dispensing outlet 122 of the cartridge to permit the streams of the bottle fluid and cartridge fluid to be properly joined and dispensed together in a continuous manner.
  • the cartridge fluid may be substantially blocked or inhibited from joining the bottle fluid within the tube portion 140.
  • a bottle may have a capacity of about 250 mL to about 1000 mL for containing the primary fluid disposed in the bottle.
  • the user can interchange the cartridges in the dispensing cap to enjoy different flavor combinations, for example ketchup and a chipotle sauce, or ketchup and a sweet chili sauce.
  • the different condiments in different cartridges have similar fluid properties, such as similar viscosity, texture, density, and/or compressibility, so that similarly configured cartridges can be manufactured for each condiment.
  • the cartridge configurations for such condiments may need to be adjusted and customized so that different cartridge condiments dispense in the desired manner. For example, the dimensions of the outlet openings 135 and/or the size of the tube portion 140 and dispensing outlet 122 may have to be adjusted.
  • modifications to the cap bases 150 depending on the viscosities or textures of the fluids may include varying the size of the flow restrictor 157 of the dispensing channel 155 or the diameter of the dispensing channel 155 or varying the dimensions of the base piston element 165.
  • the diameter of the dispensing channel 155 may be about 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm, and by one approach, about 5.0 mm.
  • the diameter of the dispensing channel 155 may be larger.
  • the dispensing cap may be covered by the flip-top lid 180, as illustrated in FIG.4, to maintain freshness or prevent contamination or leakage of the product.
  • the flip-top lid has an interior projection 185 and is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the projection 185 blocks egress of fluid from the cap when in the open position, and permits egress of the fluid when in the closed position.
  • FIG.4 illustrates the flip-top lid in the closed position, with the interior projection 185 inserted into the dispensing outlet 122 of the cartridge and extending into the tube portion 140 of the valve element 138.
  • the interior projection 185 includes a first sealing surface configured to block egress of fluid from the dispensing channel 155 of the cap base 150, and a second sealing surface configured to block egress of fluid from the cartridge.
  • the interior projection 185 has a wide portion that is dimensioned to provide a sealing fit to the dispensing outlet 122 so that fluid from the cartridge cannot leak from the cartridge when the lid is closed.
  • the wide portion can block the outlet openings 135 in the tube portion 140 of the valve element 138, so that the fluid 120 disposed in the cartridge cavity 115 cannot egress into the tube portion 140.
  • the interior projection as illustrated, additionally has a narrower portion at its terminal end that is dimensioned to sealingly contact the outlet of the dispensing channel 155.
  • the lid 180 and interior projection 185 are configured to sealingly contact the outlet of the dispensing channel 155 even if the cartridge is not inserted into the cap base 150.
  • FIGS.12-28B elements of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.12-28B that are substantially the same as or correspond to elements of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.1-11, with any differences noted, are numbered to reflect that correspondence, with the only difference in numbering being the first digit of the reference numeral.
  • reference numerals 135 and 635 correspond to the cartridge outlet opening in different embodiments
  • reference numerals 127 and 627 correspond to the inner cartridge cylindrical wall in different embodiments.
  • the description of elements described in the foregoing also serves to describe any corresponding elements in FIGS.12-28B, with any differences being noted and highlighted below.
  • dispensing cap 400 includes a cartridge 605 that is received in a dispensing cap base 550.
  • the dispensing cap base 550 includes a hinged lid 580 that, in a closed position, causes the cartridge 605 to be entirely enclosed within the cap base 550 and blocks any fluid from being dispensed from a dispensing outlet 622 of the cartridge 605.
  • the top of the cartridge 605 is uncovered, exposing the dispensing outlet 622 and permitting dispensing of fluid from the dispensing cap 400.
  • an upper side portion 621 of the cartridge 605 is also exposed. That is, when the cartridge 605 is inserted into the cap base 550, a portion of the cartridge 605 protrudes out from the cap base 550.
  • the exposed, protruding portion 621 of the cartridge 605 allows a user to grip the cartridge when inserting the cartridge 605 into the cap base 550 or when removing the cartridge 605 from the cap base 550.
  • the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge 605 also includes gripping 607 to facilitate a user’s grip on the cartridge when inserting or removing the cartridge 605.
  • the gripping 607 may take the form of ribbing or other texture on the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge 605.
  • the cap base 550 may also include a continuous gripping portion 508 disposed outwardly on a side wall of the cap base 550.
  • the continuous gripping portion 508 is disposed at an end of the cap base 550 that is configured to be threaded onto a neck of a bottle.
  • the continuous gripping portion 508 facilitates a user’s gripping and turning of the dispensing cap 400 or cap base 550 when the dispensing cap 400 or cap base 550 is threaded onto or unthreaded from a neck of a bottle.
  • the gripping portion 508 also may assist with retaining or grasping of the cap base 550 when the cartridge 605 is moved relative thereto.
  • the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge 605 can also include various indicia to facilitate a user’s use of the dispensing cap 605 by indicating intended use thereof.
  • the indicia can include instructions to the user.
  • the instructions can indicate how to insert or remove the cartridge 605 from the cap base 550.
  • FIGS.12 and 13 illustrate a downwardly pointing arrow 614 to indicate to the user the direction the cartridge is to be inserted into the cap base 550. There may be more than one of such arrows 614 spaced around the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge so that the user can see the instructions from multiple angles.
  • the dispensing cap base 550 may also have a corresponding upwardly pointing arrow 509 which indicates the orientation of the cap base 550 when inserting the cartridge 605.
  • the illustrated embodiment also includes indicia 616 to indicate to the user a direction to rotate the cartridge 605 in order to thread the cartridge 605 into the cap base 550.
  • indicia 616 may be spaced along the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge 605 to indicate the direction of rotation.
  • one or more arrows may indicate a first direction for screwing the cartridge 605 into the cap base 550 and one or more Docket No.1410-158233-US different arrows may indicate a second, opposite, direction for unscrewing the cartridge 605 from the cap base 550.
  • indicia are non-limiting, and many different forms of indicia for instructing the user are contemplated.
  • the user may also experience an indication that the cartridge 605 has been properly inserted. For instance, the user may experience a tactile or auditory indication when the cartridge 605 has been threaded sufficiently into the cap base 550 and/or is properly aligned. For instance, there may be a detent mechanism.
  • the dispensing cap 400 includes a cap base 550 that has a main cap base body or outer cylindrical housing 572 and a base piston element 565 disposed therein.
  • the cartridge 605 generally includes a main cartridge body 610, a cartridge piston element 645, and a valve element 638.
  • ribs or spokes 566 connecting the top of the dispensing channel 555 to the inner cylindrical housing 574
  • base openings 567 are disposed between the ribs 566 in each grouping and between each grouping of ribs 566.
  • the larger quantity of base openings 567 in the cap base 550 permits fluid from a bottle to flow into the inner cylindrical housing 574 of the cap base 550 to move the base piston element 565, while the groupings of multiple ribs 566 strengthen the connection between the dispensing channel 555 and the inner cylindrical housing 574.
  • the cap base 550 like cap base 150, includes a dispensing channel 555 that permits fluid from a bottle to flow through a portion of the dispensing cap 400 when the bottle is squeezed to ultimately be dispensed.
  • the cap base 550 like cap base 150, also includes a base piston element 565 that, in use of the dispensing cap 400, advantageously transfers the force of the bottle fluid being squeezed from the bottle to drive the cartridge piston element 645 of the cartridge 605 to dispense a cartridge fluid from the cartridge 605, without the bottle fluid ever needing to contact the cartridge piston element 645.
  • FIGS.27A-27C illustrate several views of base piston element 565.
  • base piston element 565 includes a first cylindrical portion 582 and a Docket No.1410-158233-US second flange portion 583.
  • fluid squeezed from the bottle engages a lateral piston floor 587 of the first cylindrical portion 582 to move the base piston element 565 from a first position in the dispensing cap 400 toward a second position.
  • the second flange portion 583 engages and moves the cartridge piston element 645, which forces cartridge fluid out from the cartridge 605.
  • the distance and speed the base piston element 565 travels is limited by the amount of fluid remaining in the cartridge 605. For instance, if the cartridge 605 is nearly empty, when the bottle is squeezed, the pressure of the bottle fluid on the piston floor 587 causes the base piston element 565 to traverse a substantial distance within the dispensing cap 400 to drive the cartridge piston element 645 to force out the remaining cartridge fluid.
  • the base piston element 565 is also limited in its movement by stops 577 along guide channel posts 561 on the cap base 550 (as illustrated in FIGS.23 and 25). Like the base piston element 165 of dispensing cap 100, base piston element 565 includes lengthwise cut-outs 563 corresponding to the guide channel posts 561 such that, in use, when the first cylindrical portion 582 of the base piston element 565 moves through the dispensing cap 400, the cut-outs 563 allow a leading portion of the first cylindrical portion 582 of the base piston element 565 to pass beyond the stops 577 until the tops of the cut-outs 563 are stopped by the geometry, such as ledges, of the stops 577.
  • FIGS.29-40B elements of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.29-40B that are substantially the same as or correspond to elements of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.1-28B, with any differences noted, are numbered to reflect that correspondence, with the only difference in numbering being the first digit of the reference numeral.
  • reference numerals 135 and 935 correspond to the cartridge outlet opening in different embodiments
  • reference numerals 127 and 927 correspond to the inner cartridge cylindrical wall in different embodiments.
  • the description of elements described in the foregoing also serves to describe any corresponding elements in FIGS.29-40B, with any differences being noted and highlighted below.
  • the dispensing bottle 1000 includes a dispensing cap 700 and a flexible bottle 1002 that can be squeezed to dispense fluid therefrom. While the bottle 1002 contains a primary fluid, the dispensing cap 700 having a cartridge, capsule, or pod 905 containing a secondary fluid may be threaded to a neck 1004 of the bottle 1002 so that the primary and secondary fluids are dispensed together from the dispensing bottle 1000 via a dispensing outlet 922 of the dispensing cap 700 in the manner described above.
  • a conventional dispensing cap (not shown) which dispenses only the primary fluid from the bottle 1002 may be removed from the flexible bottle 1002 and replaced with the dispensing cap 700.
  • the dispensing bottle 1000 including the flexible bottle 1002 and dispensing cap 700 may have a combined geometry that permits the dispensing bottle 1000 to stand inverted while resting on its cap 700 when the cap 700 is closed via a hinged flip-top lid 880.
  • the hinged flip-top lid 880 may have a buckle element 880a extending downward from an outer side edge of the lid 880 having a protrusion 880b that mates with or clicks into a recess or notch 880c on a corresponding side surface of the cap base 850 for secure closure.
  • a user may engage the buckle element 880a to open and close the lid 880.
  • the opening force to open the lid 880 may, for example, be about 7-15 N.
  • the buckle element 880a includes a tab of material with the protrusion 880b including an inwardly extending lip or flange.
  • the protrusion 880b is configured to engage geometry on the base to provide a secure closure for the closure cap.
  • the primary and secondary fluids may be thixotropic fluids.
  • the fluids may be an edible product such as, for example, a sauce, condiment, dressing, or beverage.
  • the fluids may be an emulsion, gel, paste, or puree.
  • the primary fluid and the secondary fluid may include non-food products.
  • the dispensing cap 700 includes a cap base 850 that has a main base body or outer cylindrical housing 872 and a base piston element 865 disposed therein.
  • the cartridge 905 generally includes a main cartridge body 910, a cartridge piston element 945, and a valve body 938.
  • all of the components 872, 865, 910, 945, and 938 are generally aligned about a central longitudinal axis Y.
  • the dispensing cap base 850 includes internal threading 878 corresponding to external threading 1079 on the neck 1004 of the bottle 1002 for coupling the dispensing cap base 850 to the bottle 1002.
  • the dispensing cap base 850 is also configured to receive the cartridge 905.
  • the cartridge 905 is received in a receptacle 852 (see, e.g., FIG. 34A) of the dispensing cap base 850, which may be a depression or cavity in the base 850 that is exposed when the flip-top lid 880 is positioned in an open configuration.
  • the cartridge 905 is manually insertable and removable into the cap base 850 by the user, such as by screwing the cartridge 905 into the base 850.
  • the cartridge 905 may include external threading 930 that engages internal threading 852a of the cap base 850.
  • the outer housing 872 of the cap base 850 has a generally hollow interior and an inner cylindrical housing 874 disposed centrally in the interior of the outer housing 872.
  • the inner housing 874 is generally hollow and connected to the outer housing 872 by an annular floor 876 (see FIG.30), which may extend perpendicular to the inner and outer housings 874, 872.
  • the annular floor 876 forms a partial floor or bottom to the cartridge-receiving receptacle 852 of the cap base, and has a stepped configuration, for example, an outer step 876a adjacent the outer cylindrical housing 872, and an inner step 876b adjacent the inner housing Docket No.1410-158233-US 874.
  • the inner step 876b forms a portion of an annular slot 868 of the cap base 850 for receiving the neck 1004 of the bottle 1002.
  • the slot 868 is formed by the inner step 876b, a lengthwise portion of the inner cylindrical housing 874, and an annular wall 881 which extends perpendicular from the inner step 876b and about the inner cylindrical housing 874.
  • the slot 868 includes the internal threading 878 disposed on an inward- facing surface of the annular wall 881 for engaging corresponding external threading 1079 of the bottle 1002 so that the bottle 1002 can be securely attached to the cap 700.
  • At least a portion of the inner housing 874 is received by the neck 1004 of the bottle 1002 when the cap base 850 is threaded onto the neck 1004, bringing the interior of the bottle 1002 into fluid communication with an ingress portion 891 of the cap base 850 disposed adjacent a top end of the inner housing 874.
  • the base piston element 865 is disposed radially inward of the inner housing 874.
  • the inner housing 874 serves in part as a guide channel 860 for movement of the base piston element 865.
  • a tubular dispensing channel 855 of the cap base 850 is disposed radially inward of the base piston element 865 along the central axis Y of the dispensing cap 700. Specifically, the dispensing channel 855 extends through a central opening of the base piston element 865, which has an annular configuration. The dispensing channel 855 extends from the ingress portion 891 of the cap base 850 and lengthwise through a substantial portion of the cap base 850 towards a dispensing side of the cap base 850.
  • the dispensing channel 855 defines an inlet opening 862 at the ingress portion 891 of the cap base 850 for receiving the primary fluid from the bottle 1002 and an outlet opening 857 at a distal end portion 855a of the dispensing channel 855.
  • the distal end portion 855a of the dispensing channel 855 containing the outlet opening 857 is positioned to engage the cartridge 905.
  • the end portion 855a of the dispensing channel 855 is received within an inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 of the cartridge 905.
  • the outlet opening 857 communicates the primary fluid into a dispensing chamber or tubular portion 940 of the cartridge 905.
  • the spokes 866a are formed integrally with the dispensing channel 855 and the inner housing 874, with the spokes extending radially outward from the inlet opening 862 of the dispensing channel 855.
  • there may be a different number of spokes for example three, five, six, or eight.
  • the number and configuration of the spokes 866a should be selected so that the structure can withstand repeated pressure from the primary fluid during use.
  • the spokes 866a are selected to protect the cap against breakage (e.g., when it is dropped).
  • the ingress portion 891 further includes cap base openings 867 disposed between the spokes 866a which, in use, permit passage of the primary fluid into the inner housing 874 when pressure is applied to the bottle 1002.
  • cap base openings 867 there are four equally sized openings 867 defined between each of the four spokes 866a, though other numbers of openings are possible.
  • the number and size of the cap base openings 867 may be selected, at least in part, so that a sufficient amount of the primary fluid passes into the inner cylindrical housing 874 to pressurize and move base piston element 865 when the bottle 1002 is squeezed so that the base piston element 865 can engage and move the cartridge piston element 945.
  • a top annular edge 874a of the inner cylindrical housing 874 may be punctuated by recesses or grooves 867a disposed adjacent to the cap base openings 867 and between the spokes 886a.
  • the grooves 867a may be formed in part by one or more bevels or chamfers of the top edge 874a of the inner housing 874 and may strengthen and reinforce the ingress portion 891 to prevent it from breaking.
  • the outer housing 872, inner housing 874, annular floor 876, annular wall 881, and dispensing channel 855 are all integrally formed, as well as, in some embodiments, the flip-top lid 880.
  • Such components may be formed from a food-grade plastic or polymer such as polypropylene (PP) and/or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
  • PP polypropylene
  • HDPE high-density polyethylene
  • the material is polypropylene.
  • different components may be formed of different materials.
  • a portion of the primary fluid flows into the dispensing channel 855 to ultimately be dispensed from the dispensing cap 700.
  • a portion of the primary fluid flows through the cap base openings 867 to engage the base piston element 865 within the inner housing 874.
  • a portion of the primary fluid flows into the dispensing channel 855 through the inlet opening 862 at the ingress portion 891 of the cap base 860 and out the outlet opening 857 positioned at a distal end 855a of the dispensing channel 855.
  • the outlet opening 857 then communicates the fluid into a dispensing chamber or tubular portion 940 of the cartridge 905.
  • the first fluid is joined with the second fluid from the cartridge 905 and dispensed from the dispensing cap 700 through the dispensing outlet 922.
  • the dispensing channel 855 is configured so that a certain amount of the primary fluid is dispensed, for example, relative to the secondary fluid.
  • the dispensing channel 855 may be configured so that the primary fluid has a desirable flow (e.g., amount and speed) from the dispensing channel 855 relative to the squeeze force. For instance, it should not require too much squeeze force to move the fluid through the dispensing channel 855 and into the tubular portion 940 of the cartridge 905.
  • the outlet opening 857 may have a smaller diameter than the rest of the dispensing channel 855.
  • the dispensing channel 855 in exemplary embodiments may have an inner diameter about 4 mm to about 6 mm, and in some embodiments about 4.4 mm to about 5 mm.
  • the inner diameter of the dispensing channel may have a uniform or tapered diameter.
  • the inner diameter may be tapered and wider at the portion of the channel 855 closer to the bottle.
  • the length of the dispensing channel 855 may be about 30 mm to about 40 mm.
  • the dispensing channel has a length sized to extend from the ingress portion 891 to the tube portion 940 of the cartridge 905.
  • a portion of the primary fluid passes through the cap base openings 867 towards the base piston element 865 retained within the inner housing 874.
  • the pressurized fluid exerts a force on a lateral piston floor 887 of the base piston element 865 to drive the base piston element 865 along the guide channel 860 away from the ingress portion 891 of the cap base 850 and towards the cartridge 905.
  • the base piston element 865 is substantially the same as the above- described base piston elements 165 and 565.
  • the base piston element 865 includes a first cylindrical portion 882 and a second annular flange portion 883 extending in large part radially outward from an end of the first cylindrical portion 882.
  • an inner seal element 870 may be configured to engage an outer surface of the dispensing channel 855 and an outer seal element 871 may be configured to engage the guide channel 860.
  • the outer and inner seals 870, 871 may be continuous flange- like protrusions.
  • the outer and inner seals 870, 871 extend at an oblique angle from the outer and inner edges of the piston floor 887 of the base piston element 865, respectively.
  • the material is low-density polyethylene.
  • the material of the base piston element 865 is low-density polyethylene while the rest of the cap base 850 is polypropylene.
  • the base piston element 865 and the rest of the cap base 850 is the same material (for example, in embodiments in which recyclability of the entire cap is desirable).
  • the entire cap base 850 including the base piston element 865 may be polypropylene.
  • the base piston element 865 is not removable from the cap base 850 during typical use of the product and is always retained within the guide channel 860.
  • FIGS.36A-36C illustrate the cartridge 905 on its own apart from a cap base 850 of a dispensing cap 700.
  • the cartridge body 910 includes a top portion 912 which partially covers a dispensing side of the cartridge 905.
  • the valve element 938 is in part seated on or over the top portion 912 of the cartridge body 910 and provides additional cover to the dispensing side of the cartridge.
  • the valve element 938 may be disposed on or over the top portion 912 of the body 910 in any suitable manner, for example by corresponding geometry, gluing, and/or welding.
  • portions of the valve element 938 may be mated with the cartridge 905 via other mechanical connections such as, e.g., an interference fit, a snap fit, friction fit, and/or a detent or other biasing mechanism.
  • the valve element 938 is coupled to the top portion 912 of the body 910 and includes an annular disc portion 939 which covers the entire dispensing side of the cartridge 905 with the exception of the open dispensing outlet 922.
  • the dispensing outlet 922 is typically formed, at least in part, by an opening at the center of the disc portion 939 of the valve element 938.
  • the valve element 938 includes an annular angled upstanding rim portion 939a extending continuously about the disc portion 939. The angled rim portion 939a may be coupled to the top portion 912 of the cartridge body 910 at a corresponding annular angled surface 912a adjacent a perimeter of the top portion 912.
  • the angled surface 912a is angled radially inwardly and downwardly towards the cavity 915 and, in some approaches, terminates in an annular step 912b of the top portion 912 that may also support the angled rim portion 939a.
  • the angled rim portion 939a may be coupled to the angled surface 912a of the cartridge body 910 in any suitable manner, for example by gluing or welding.
  • valve element 938 includes a further tube portion or dispensing chamber 940 extending inwardly into the cartridge 905 from the disc portion 939 at the dispensing outlet 922.
  • the tube portion 940 has a first end configured to receive the primary fluid from the bottle flowing into the tube portion 940 from the dispensing channel 855 of the cap base 850 and a second end that defines the dispensing outlet 922 through which the first and second fluids are dispensed.
  • the dispensing outlet 922 may be formed by a portion of the tube portion 940 that upwardly protrudes relative to an adjacent portion of the disc portion 939.
  • the tube portion 940, including the dispensing outlet 922 may have a uniform internal diameter. In some embodiments, the dispensing outlet 922 may have a slightly expanded diameter or access than the remainder of the tube portion 940.
  • the tube portion 940 may have a length of about 5 mm to about 12 mm. In some embodiments, for example, the length may be about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or about 7 mm to about 9 mm.
  • the inner diameter of the tube portion 940 in illustrative embodiments, may be about 4 mm to about 7 mm. In some embodiments, for example, the diameter may be about 4.5 mm to about 5.5 mm.
  • a central portion of the disc portion 939 may be angled or flexed downwardly towards the interior of the cartridge body 910, such that the dispensing outlet 922 and tube portion 940 are disposed lower than an outer edge or outer portion of the disc portion 939.
  • the disc portion 939 of valve element 938 has a funneled or conical configuration with the dispensing outlet 922 and tube portion 940 at its center.
  • the disc portion 939 differs from the above-described disc portions 139 and 639 in the shape of the funnel.
  • the tube portion 940 of valve element 938 extends, at least partly, within an interior of the cartridge body 910.
  • the tube portion 940 specifically may be configured to extend within a centrally disposed inner cylindrical wall 927 of the cartridge body 910.
  • the tube portion 940 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 to achieve a close fit, such as an interference fit.
  • the tube portion 940 and inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 together form a central opening running through a central lengthwise axis of the cartridge.
  • the central opening terminates at the dispensing outlet 922.
  • the central opening via the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927, is configured to receive the dispensing channel 855 of the cap base 850.
  • the tube portion 940 of the valve element 938 typically includes at least one outlet opening 935 in the tubular wall thereof.
  • the outlet openings 935 are configured to permit the secondary fluid from within the cavity 915 of the cartridge 905 to flow therethrough into the dispensing chamber or tube portion 940 of the valve element 938.
  • each opening 935 has a circular shape and has a diameter of between about 2mm to about 4mm, about 2.5mm to about 3.5mm, or between about 3mm to about 3.3mm. For instance, the diameter may be about 3.1mm.
  • the combination of four circular outlet openings 935 having a diameter in these ranges and the dispensing channel outlet 857 having a diameter between Docket No.1410-158233-US about 1.5mm to about 3.0mm, or about 2.4mm to about 2.8mm results in optimal functioning of the dispensing cap 700.
  • Such a configuration may lead to a desirable dosing of the secondary fluid, a desirable proportioning of the primary and secondary fluids (described further below), a desirable pattern in the dispensed fluids, a lessened squeeze force or dosing force required to dispense the fluids, and/or prevention of unintended leaking of secondary fluid into the tube portion 940 when pressure is not applied.
  • the openings 935 may be configured with a sufficient cross-sectional area to increase the flow of the secondary fluid from the cavity 915 and thereby reduce resistance of the secondary fluid against the cartridge piston element 945 so that less squeeze force is required to dispense the product.
  • the outlet openings 935 may have a diameter of about 3.1 mm and the dispensing channel outlet 857 may have a diameter of about 2.6 mm.
  • the outlet openings 935 may have a total combined area. For instance, in embodiments, the total combined area may be about 6 mm 2 to about 40 mm 2 .
  • each outlet opening 935 may have a certain area.
  • the area may be between about 3 mm 2 to about 15 mm 2 .
  • the area may be between about 4 mm 2 to about 10 mm 2 or about 6 mm 2 to about 8 mm 2 .
  • the above-described configuration may approximate to a swirl-like pattern when the fluids are dispensed, as illustrated in FIGS.41A and 41B. While the illustrated embodiment includes the outlet openings 935 aligned along the same horizontal plane relative to the central longitudinal axis Y, other configurations may include the outlet openings 935 offset from one another and at different positions along the length of the tube portion 940.
  • the properties of the fluids and the configuration of the dispensing cap 700 prevents substantial mixing of the fluid during dispensing in the sense that the integrity and appearance of two different sauces is maintained and clearly visible in the resulting dispensed pattern. As noted above, this may provide a desirable aesthetic effect, particularly to the extent the two fluids are different colors.
  • the aesthetic effect may be influenced by the rheologicial properties of the two different fluids.
  • the two fluids may have a certain viscosity or texture relative to one another so that both fluids are visible or distinct in the dispensed stream.
  • the cartridge 905 functions in the dispensing cap 700 in the same manner as described above with respect to cartridge 105 and 605.
  • the cartridge 905 may have multiple configurations such as a storage and a use configuration.
  • FIGS.36A-36C illustrate a cartridge in a “closed” configuration (in which the outlet openings 935 of the tube portion 940 are blocked and the secondary fluid cannot egress from the cavity 915 of the cartridge 905).
  • FIG.30 illustrates the cartridge 905 in an “open” configuration after being inserted into the cap base 850.
  • the outlet openings 935 are not blocked and cartridge fluid can egress from the cavity 915 when the pistons 865, 945 are pressurized.
  • the valve element 938 of the cartridge 905 in some illustrative configurations, is movable relative to the cartridge body 910.
  • the cartridge 905 When the cartridge 905 is then inserted into the dispensing cap base 850, as shown in FIG.30, the cartridge 905 may then be reconfigured into a ready position, which might include an open or nearly open configuration.
  • the cartridge 905 is in the open configuration and coupled to the cap base 850, an end of the tube portion 940 is brought into forceful engagement with a leading end 855a of the dispensing channel 855 of the cap base 850.
  • both the valve element 938 and the main cartridge body 910 are formed from polypropylene, which may provide sufficient resilience or flexibility to prevent cracking during use.
  • forming the valve element 938 and/or the main cartridge body 910 from polypropylene may permit these elements to be substantially transparent or translucent (or to have a lower Docket No.1410-158233-US opacity), allowing the user to see the fluid in the cartridge.
  • these elements, or at least a portion thereof are configured to not be substantially transparent (or to have a higher opacity). This may inhibit a user from seeing residue of fluid that may form on portions of the valve element 938.
  • the movement, deflection, and/or flexing of the valve element 938 upon insertion of the cartridge 905 into the cap base 850 may be visible to the user, as the disc portion 939 of the valve element and the dispensing outlet 922 formed by an end of the tube portion 940 are also driven upwards.
  • the disc portion 939 is flexed downwards in a funneled configuration in the closed position, as shown in FIG.36C, in the open position the disc portion 939 may be pushed upwards so it is substantially less funneled, with the dispensing outlet 922 nearly level with an outer periphery of the disc portion 939, as shown in FIG.30.
  • the visible movement of the valve element 939 may be an indication to the user that the cartridge 905 has been properly inserted for use.
  • secondary fluids in the cartridge 905 having certain thicker viscosities, slower flow rates, higher yield stress, or other rheological properties, for example, certain condiments, will not readily flow through or leak out of the outlet openings 935 until manual pressure is applied to the flexible bottle 1002 and the cartridge piston element 945 is driven to force the cartridge fluid out of the cartridge cavity 915.
  • the flexibility of the valve element 938 permits that the outlet openings 935 are recloseable after the cartridge 905 is removed from the dispensing cap base 850.
  • the valve element 938 may, for example, be molded to be biased toward the closed position.
  • the disc portion 939 in the closed configuration the disc portion 939 may be molded to be angled or flexed downward, holding the tube portion 940 in a position blocked by inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927.
  • the tube portion 940 and disc portion 939 are released from the biased position, with the disc portion 939 “remembering” and returning to its stable, angled position and forcing the tube portion 940 back downward into the cartridge 905 to its original position in which the outlet openings 935 are once again covered by the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 of the cartridge body 910.
  • the closed configuration of the cartridges 905 permits that the cartridges can be manufactured, shipped, sold, handled, and stored separately from the dispensing cap base without leaking fluid from the cavity 915 of the cartridge 905 into the tube portion 940 of the cartridge 905.
  • the reclosability of the cartridge 905 after use limits exposure of the cartridge fluid to external contamination, preserving the taste and freshness of the contents thereof, and prevents any accidental leaking of the cartridge contents (for example, of the sauce itself, or a separated serum of the sauce). This is particularly helpful if the cartridge is stored and handled by the user apart from the dispensing cap after use.
  • the reclosability also may preclude the need to provide a full cover or plug for the dispensing outlet of the cartridge. For example, after a user removes a tamper-evident seal from the cartridge, and uses the cartridge in the dispensing cap, a user may then wish to remove the cartridge from the cap and store the cartridge separately from the cap (for instance, if the user possesses multiple cartridges for the cap).
  • the “closed” configuration of the cartridge when the cartridge is not inserted into the dispensing cap permits the cartridge to be kept fresh and stored separately from the cap base. In other words, the cartridge can be stored and re-used after an initial use, instead of being disposed of, and without requiring a lid for the cartridge.
  • cartridge piston element 945 shown in FIGS.39A and 39B, is typically disposed on the non-dispensing side of the cartridge 905.
  • the cartridge piston element 945 is substantially the same as the cartridge piston elements 145, 645 described above, and functions in the same manner.
  • cartridge piston elements 145 and 645 are incorporated by reference herein for cartridge piston element 945.
  • cartridge piston element 945, including integral seal elements 947, 949, are formed from low-density polyethylene.
  • the cartridge piston element Docket No.1410-158233-US 945 is formed from low-density polyethylene and the other elements of the cartridge 905 (the valve element 938 and the main cartridge body 910) are formed from polypropylene.
  • the cartridge piston element 945, the valve element 938, and the main cartridge body 910 are all formed from polypropylene, which may be useful for allowing recyclability of the entire cartridge after use.
  • Other food-grade plastic or polymer materials may be used for the cartridge piston element 945, for example those that have good sealing capability yet are also able to slide along the main cartridge body 910.
  • the cartridge piston element 945 may not be removable or may be difficult to remove by a consumer during typical use of the product such that the consumer cannot open or close the cartridge 905.
  • the cartridge piston element 945 may be removable from the main cartridge body 910 by the consumer and subsequently recoupled. In this approach, a cartridge 905 may be cleaned and/or refilled by the consumer.
  • the dispensing cap 700 functions in the same way described above with respect to dispensing caps 100 and 400 and illustrated in FIGS.8 and 9.
  • FIGS.8 and 9 illustrate how the base piston element and cartridge piston element jointly move between a first unactuated position and a second position to jointly dispense the primary fluid from the bottle and the secondary fluid from the cartridge from the dispensing cap without substantial mixing of the fluids, (that is, each of the fluids maintains its integrity and is separately visible in the stream).
  • dispensing cap 700 may be configured such that an upper side portion 921 of the cartridge 905 is exposed when the cartridge 905 is fully seated into the cap base 850 when the hinged lid 880 is in the open position.
  • the cartridge 905 and the cap base 850 of dispensing cap 700 may also including gripping portions comprising ribbing or texture as described above with respect to Docket No.1410-158233-US dispensing cap 400.
  • the cartridge 905 may have one or more gripping surfaces similar to gripping surfaces 607 spaced along the exposed upper side portion 921 of the cartridge 905 to facilitate a user’s grip on the cartridge when inserting or removing the cartridge 605.
  • the cap base 850 may also include a continuous gripping portion 808 disposed outwardly on a side wall of the cap base 850, for instance adjacent the end of the cap base 850 configured to be threaded onto a neck of a bottle.
  • the continuous gripping portion 808 facilitates a user’s gripping and turning of the dispensing cap 700 or cap base 850 when the dispensing cap 700 or cap base 850 is threaded onto or unthreaded from a neck of a bottle.
  • the gripping portion 808 also may assist with retaining or grasping of the cap base 850 when the cartridge 905 is moved relative thereto.
  • the dispensing cap 700 may include the various indicia described above with respect to dispensing cap 400 to facilitate a user’s use of the dispensing cap 605 by indicating instructions for use, such as indicia that indicate how to insert or remove the cartridge 905 from the cap base 850.
  • arrows 916, 914, and/or 809 may be present on the cartridge 905 (for example the exposed top side portion 921) and/or on the cap base 850, as described above to indicate an orientation for insertion or direction of rotation for threading the cartridge 905 into the cap base 850.
  • the location of the bumps or Docket No.1410-158233-US protrusions 918 may be reversed such that they are disposed on the base 850 instead of the cartridge 905, with corresponding indentations on the cartridge 905.
  • the dispensing cap 700 is configured to prevent leakage during use and storage of the product.
  • the dispensing cap 700 may also be configured so that there is suitable spring back of the fluid products into the bottle 1002 and cartridge cavity 915 after dispensing to minimize product contamination at the various orifices/nozzles of the dispensing cap 700 (e.g., the dispensing outlet 922, the cartridge outlet openings 935, the dispensing channel outlet 857, etc.) or in portions of the dispensing cap base 850 that interface with the cartridge 905.
  • the various orifices/nozzles of the dispensing cap 700 e.g., the dispensing outlet 922, the cartridge outlet openings 935, the dispensing channel outlet 857, etc.
  • the combination of the rheological characteristics of the fluid with the size and shape of the outlet openings 935 may also contribute to a lack of leakage of the secondary fluid through the outlet openings 935 in the open configuration.
  • Docket No.1410-158233-US Further, the illustrated configuration of the cap base 850 and the cartridge 950 prevents leakage in the threading areas at the interfaces between the bottle 1002, the cap base 850, and the cartridge 950.
  • the primary fluid and the secondary fluid are dispensed from the dispensing cap 700 without substantial mixing of the fluids such that each fluid is visible in the dispensed pattern.
  • the amount of mixing of the fluids, or the pattern that is formed may depend in part on the squeeze force applied to the bottle 1002. For instance, a larger squeeze force may result in more turbulence and mixing of the fluids as the fluids are being dispensed, and could change the relative proportion, pattern, or appearance of the primary fluid and secondary fluid as they are dispensed. [0252] As noted above, the rheological properties of the fluids disposed in the bottle and the cartridge affect the proper functioning of the dispensing cap 700.
  • both the primary fluid in the bottle and the secondary fluid in the cartridge can have a similar viscosity.
  • the secondary fluid has a lower viscosity compared to the primary fluid, to compensate for the fact that more force may be required for fluid in the cartridge to be ejected from the cartridge.
  • the secondary fluid may have a viscosity ranging from about 5,000 centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise or about 7,000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise, and/or the primary fluid can have a viscosity ranging from about 10,000 to about 70,000 centipoise.
  • the secondary fluid can have a viscosity ranging from about 8,000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise, from about 10,000 centipoise to about 17,000 centipoise, or from about 12,000 centipoise to about 16,000 centipoise
  • the primary fluid can have a viscosity ranging from about 12,000 centipoise to about 45,000 centipoise, from about 15,000 centipoise to about 30,000 centipoise, from about 15,000 centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise, from about 15,000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise, or from about 17,000 centipoise to about 19,000 centipoise.
  • the fluids may also be formulated to have certain yield stresses at different temperatures to ensure optimal dispensing at refrigerated temperatures or ambient temperatures.
  • the primary fluid may have a yield stress at 25°C ranging from about 1,500 Pa.s to about 2,000 Pa.s and a yield stress at 4°C ranging from about 1,750 Pa.s to about 2,250 Pa.s.
  • the primary fluid may have a yield stress at 25°C ranging from about 1,500 Pa.s to about 2,500 Pa.s.
  • the secondary fluid may have a lower yield stress than that of the primary fluid to ensure proper Docket No.1410-158233-US flow of the secondary fluid through the cartridge outlet openings 935 of the cartridge 905.
  • the fluids may be formulated to have other characteristics.
  • a hardness of the primary fluid may be about 25 kgf to about 45 kgf
  • a stringiness length may be about 15 mm to about 25 mm
  • an adhesive force may be about 25 g to about 45 g.
  • a hardness of the secondary fluid may be about 10 kgf to about 40 kgf
  • a stringiness length may be about 10 mm to about 35 mm
  • an adhesive force may be about 5 g to about 25 g.
  • both the primary fluid and secondary fluid may be sauces or condiments.
  • the primary fluid and secondary fluid may be selected as complementary flavors.
  • the sauces may have a generally smooth or puree consistency.
  • the primary and secondary fluids may, for example, be a tomato-based sauce, a mustard-based sauce, an emulsion, or may have a different base.
  • the fluids in the bottle and/or cartridge do not contain any artificial colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
  • the fluids are not limited to edible products and, in other illustrative embodiments, may be health or beauty products (e.g., soaps, lotions, serums, hair products, etc.).
  • the secondary fluid disposed in the cartridge 905 is an emulsion, for example an oil-in-water emulsion.
  • the Docket No.1410-158233-US secondary fluid is an edible emulsion.
  • an emulsion suitable for use in the cartridge may include oil, water, an emulsifier, an acidic component, sugar, salt, and additional flavoring components.
  • the emulsion may contain from about 10% to about 30% oil, or about 20% to about 30% oil by weight of the emulsion. In certain non- limiting embodiments, the emulsion may contain about 40% to about 75% water.
  • increasing the amount of oil may increase the stability of the emulsion and thus prevent the oil from separating out of the product. Separation of the oil could compromise the taste, texture, and aesthetic effect of the product when it is dispensed along with the sauce from the bottle, as well as result in unintended leakage of the product from the cartridge outlet openings 935.
  • increased amounts of oil can result in an emulsion that is too thick and or resistant to flow for proper dispensing.
  • an emulsion for use in the cartridge 905 is formulated to have a viscosity and/or yield stress that is low enough to not hinder flow but also does not result in oil separation or unintended leakage of the emulsion.
  • the emulsion in some approaches, includes one or more emulsifiers or emulsifying agents.
  • the emulsifiers allow the oil phase to be blended into the water or aqueous phase ingredients to form an oil-in-water emulsion.
  • the amount of emulsifier contributes to the stability of the emulsion and the viscosity of the product.
  • egg yolk may be used as the emulsifying agent.
  • a heat stable egg yolk may be used in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% or about 1% to about 3% by weight of the emulsion.
  • an amount of vegetable protein and/or vegetable fiber may instead be used for an emulsifying effect.
  • the vegetable protein in an emulsion with both vegetable protein and plant fiber, Docket No.1410-158233-US the vegetable protein may be present in an amount of about 0.4% to about 1% and the plant fiber may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% or about 1% to about 3% by weight of the emulsion.
  • emulsifiers known in the art may also be used in different embodiments, for example lecithin, whey protein, soy lecithin, agar, albumin, alginate, casein, glycerol monostearate, polysorbate, polyglycerol ester, sugar ester, sorbitan ester, modified starch, and combinations thereof.
  • only plant fiber is used as an emulsifying agent.
  • the plant fiber also serves as a thickening agent and can contribute to attaining a certain viscosity in the emulsion.
  • the plant fiber may be a fiber from a fruit or vegetable, and, in an illustrative embodiment, is citrus fiber.
  • the plant fiber may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% or about 1% to about 3% by weight of the emulsion.
  • the plant fiber is present in an amount of about 1.5% to about 3%, about 2% to about 3%, or about 2% to about 2.5% by weight of the emulsion.
  • These amounts of the plant fiber may prevent or mitigate any breaking of the emulsion, e.g., oil separation, while permitting a sufficiently low viscosity and/or yield stress to permit adequate flow and squeeze force during dispensing.
  • other thickening agents may be employed, such as starches, cellulose derivatives, polysaccharides, gums, gum derivatives, polyols, and combinations thereof.
  • the thickening agents may be included in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the emulsion.
  • the acidic component may include one or more edible acids (i.e., food grade acids).
  • the acidic component may include, for example, citric acid, sorbic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, and combinations thereof.
  • the acidic component may comprise vinegar and/or lemon juice concentrate.
  • Exemplary vinegars include white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, malt vinegar, and rice vinegar.
  • the acidic components may also impart a desirable flavor to the emulsions.
  • the acidic components are included in an amount of about 3% Docket No.1410-158233-US to about 9% by weight of the emulsion, in some embodiments, about 4% to about 7.5% by weight of the emulsion.
  • sugar or other sweeteners may be included in the emulsion to impart a level of sweetness to the product.
  • the sugar may be present in an amount of about 2% to 5% by weight of the emulsion.
  • the emulsions may further include salt (e.g., sodium chloride) in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 4% or about 1% to about 2.5% by weight of the emulsion.
  • salt e.g., sodium chloride
  • One or more additional flavoring components may also be employed in the emulsions to augment and/or alter the flavor thereof.
  • Flavors may include a wide variety of herbs, spices, and natural or artificial flavors.
  • Exemplary herbs and spices may include pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, parsley, oregano, basil, chives, mustard, coriander, curry, cloves, rosemary, chervil, anise, cilantro, horseradish, fennel, allspice, nutmeg, paprika, thyme, tarragon, turmeric, dill, sage, saffron, marjoram, mint, cayenne pepper, chipotle, cinnamon, ginger, wasabi, capsicum, or the like.
  • Exemplary flavors may include natural onion flavors, natural ranch flavor, natural garlic flavor, lemon juice flavor, lime juice flavor, soy sauce, truffle flavor, malt barley extract, vegetable flavors, fruit flavors, beta carotene, and the like.
  • the amount of flavor added to the emulsions may depend on the intensity of the flavor desired. In some aspects, the additional flavoring ingredients may be present in a combined amount ranging from about 1 percent to about 20 percent or in some aspects from about 1 percent to about 10 percent, by weight of the emulsion.
  • the secondary fluid for use in the cartridge may be an emulsion having the ingredients provided in Table 2. Docket No.1410-158233-US [0272] Table 2 Emulsion Ingredients (full recipe) % by weight Water 42–71 [0273] cartridge may be an emulsion formed from a base recipe provided in Table 3. [0274] Table 3 Emulsion Ingredients (base recipe) % by weight Water 51–71.6 [0275] e recipe in Table 2.
  • the final emulsion includes the above base recipe ingredients in an amount of about 90% to about 99% by weight of the final emulsion and additional flavoring ingredients in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the final emulsion.
  • An exemplary egg yolk-based emulsion may be formed from a base recipe provided in Table 4. Docket No.1410-158233-US [0277] Table 4 Emulsion Ingredients (base recipe) % by weight Water 44–68 [0278] e recipe.
  • the final emulsion includes the above base recipe ingredients in an amount of about 90% to about 99% by weight of the final emulsion and additional flavoring ingredients in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the final emulsion.
  • Example 2 A study was conducted to determine the squeeze force required to push an emulsion out of a cartridge relative to different configurations of the cartridge outlet openings 935 (in the tube portion of the valve element) and to different base recipes. The tested configurations for the cartridge outlet openings are provided in Table 5. There were two openings in each configuration. [0281] Table 5 Nozzle 1 3 x 2mm, rectangle [0282] of the above cartridge configurations are provided in Table 6.
  • Example 3 An emulsion with the ingredients listed in Table 8 was prepared and disposed in cartridge 905. The emulsion had a viscosity between about 7,000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise. Docket No.1410-158233-US [0290] Table 8 Recipe 32c (vegan) 20%-30% oil r [0291] The cartridg dispensing cap base 850 coupled to a bottle containing a condiment (viscosity about 17,000 to 18,000 centipoise).
  • the cartridge 905 included four circular cartridge outlet openings 935 each having a diameter of about 3.1mm.
  • the dispensing cap base 850 included a dispensing channel outlet 857 having a diameter of about 2.6mm.
  • the condiment and the emulsion were jointly dispensed from the dispensing cap 900 with the two sauces clearly visible in the dispensed product.
  • the condiment and the emulsion were dispensed in a suitable ratio with an acceptable squeeze force applied to the bottle.
  • Example 4 Cartridges having outlet openings with different configurations (e.g., differing size, shape, and/or number of openings) were paired with dispensing caps having dispensing channel outlet openings with differing dimensions.
  • the dispensing bottle was provided with 500 mL of ketchup (viscosity about 17,000 to 18,000 centipoise).
  • the cartridge was provided with 25g of the emulsion provided in Example 3.
  • the different combinations were tested to determine that both the bottle sauce and the cartridge sauce were present in the dispensed product, the dosing force required to dispense the product, whether spring back occurred, and the cleanliness of the cap after dispensing (e.g., at the interfacing surfaces of the cartridge and cap base). The results are provided in Table 9. [0294] Table 9 Test Cap Base Dispensing Cartridge Cartridge Cartridge Cartridge Number Dosing Mass Spring Comments Sample Channel Sample Opening Opening of Force (g) back Both fluids present.
  • a bottle 1002 is sized to have a larger volume than the cartridge 905 and will contain more fluid than the cartridge 905 contains.
  • the dispensing cap 700 it is advantageous to configure the dispensing cap 700 to dispense a smaller amount of secondary fluid relative to the primary fluid, so that a single cartridge can be used for at least a Docket No.1410-158233-US certain proportion of the bottle’s life. This may be done, for example, by varying the size and proportions of the outlet openings 935 in the cartridge or the outlet 857 of the dispensing channel 855. In this manner, the primary and secondary fluids can be dispensed together in a specific ratio.
  • a dispensing cap 700 and bottle 1002 may be configured so that approximately only two cartridges 905 are needed per bottle 1002; that is, when dispensed, a single cartridge may be emptied when only about half of the bottle is emptied, so the user must then remove the cartridge and insert a second cartridge to use with the second half of the bottle.
  • only one cartridge may be required, or three or more cartridges may be required. It is contemplated, however, that three or less cartridges, and in an illustrative embodiment, at most two cartridges, would be required per bottle. Such an approach would reduce waste as well as be more convenient to the user.
  • the amount of cartridge fluid used per bottle fluid may, to some extent, vary based on the squeeze force applied by the user to the bottle.
  • the size of bottles may vary, which may require a different approximate number of cartridges per bottle. For instance, for some larger sized bottles, four or more cartridges would be required per bottle.
  • the secondary cartridge fluid is dispensed in an amount of about 8 to 12% by volume of the primary bottle fluid that is dispensed.
  • the secondary fluid is dispensed in an amount of up to about 50% by volume of the primary fluid that is dispensed.
  • the secondary fluid and primary fluid are dispensed in a ratio of about 0.5:10 to about 5:10, or about 1:10 to about 1:8. In an illustrative configuration, the ratio is 1:9, and, in another approach, 1:10. In yet another approach, the ratio is about 2:8 or even 1:1. In embodiments, these amounts are achieved with a squeeze force of 100 N or less, a squeeze force of 90 N or less, a squeeze force of 85 N or less, a squeeze force of 80 or less, or a squeeze force of 75 N or less. Varying the size of the outlet openings 935 of the cartridge relative to the outlet opening 857 of the dispensing channel 855 of the cap base 850 can be effective to achieve the right ratio.
  • four circular outlet openings 935 having a diameter of between about 3 mm to about 3.3 mm, and a dispensing channel outlet opening 857 having a diameter between about 2.4 mm to 2.8 mm may, for certain fluids, permit the secondary fluid to be dispensed in an amount of about 8 to Docket No.1410-158233-US 12% by volume of the primary fluid that is dispensed.
  • Such dimensions may be particularly advantageous, for example, when the secondary cartridge fluid has a viscosity ranging from about 7,000 to about 20,000 centipoise and the primary bottle fluid has a viscosity ranging from 15,000 centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise.
  • a bottle may have a capacity of about 250 mL to about 1000 mL for containing the primary fluid disposed in the bottle.
  • the cartridge may have a capacity of about 10 ml to about 50 ml, or about 15ml to about 35ml for containing the secondary fluid disposed in the cartridge.
  • the bottle includes about 500 mL of product and the cartridge includes about 25 mL of product. Cartridges and bottles having capacities outside of these ranges may also be configured.
  • the dispensing cap base is configured to be re-usable by the user.
  • a single dispensing cap base may be sufficiently durable and/or hygienic in use that it may be used with a number of different cartridges and/or bottles over time.
  • the dispensing cap base may be used to dispense approximately two or more full cartridges, three or more full cartridges, five or more cartridges, or ten or more cartridges.
  • the dispensing cap base may be continually re-usable to the extent it is periodically cleaned. For instance, the user may remove the dispensing cap base from a bottle and clean the dispensing cap base with water and/or soap. [0301]
  • a user may also interchange cartridges containing different fluids in the same dispensing cap and with the same bottle.
  • a user can then use multiple combinations of fluids.
  • a user may be provided with a bottle filled with a first condiment such as ketchup, a dispensing cap, and two, three, or more cartridges filled with different condiments.
  • a first condiment such as ketchup, a dispensing cap, and two, three, or more cartridges filled with different condiments.
  • the user can interchange the cartridges in the dispensing cap to enjoy different flavor combinations, for example ketchup and a garlic sauce.
  • the different condiments in different cartridges have similar fluid properties, such as similar viscosity, texture, yield stress, density, and/or compressibility, or formulated with similar ingredients (e.g., plant fiber) so that similarly configured cartridges can be manufactured for each condiment.
  • the cartridge configurations for such condiments may need to be adjusted and customized so that different cartridge condiments dispense in the desired manner.
  • the dimensions of the outlet openings 935 and/or the size of the tube portion 940 of the valve element may need to be adjusted.
  • the size of the outlet openings 935, the size of the tube portion 940 of the valve element, the diameter of the dispensing channel outlet 857, and/or the viscosity or other rheologicial properties of the cartridge fluid may depend on the rheological properties of the bottle fluid.
  • a user may choose to remove the cartridge 905 altogether from the cap base 850 and only dispense the primary fluid from the bottle 1002.
  • the dispensing cap base 850 is configured so that it can dispense fluid without a cartridge 905 inserted therein. This function occurs in the same manner described above with respect to dispensing cap 100 and as illustrated in FIG.10, with the fluid from the bottle being dispensed directly from the dispensing channel 955.
  • a dispensing system for dispensing two fluids together without substantial mixing of the fluids is contemplated.
  • the system includes a bottle or container having a primary fluid, a dispensing cap base including a hinged flip-top lid, and one or more cartridges each having the same or different secondary fluids for use with the dispensing cap base and the bottle.
  • the dispensing cap base is couplable to a neck of the bottle and each cartridge is insertable into the dispensing cap base.
  • the bottle, dispensing cap base, and cartridges may be configured according to any of the above-described embodiments, and, when coupled together, may permit the primary fluid and secondary fluid to be dispensed together from the dispensing outlet 922 on the cartridge 905 as described in the foregoing.
  • the cartridges are removable from the cap base such that a different cartridge may be inserted therein, for example, in case a user would like to use a different product or if the first cartridge runs out of product.
  • the bottle includes its own cap that is removable so that the dispensing cap base can be coupled to the bottle.
  • the dispensing cap 700, including the dispensing cap base 850 and the cartridge 905 may be manufactured in the manners described above with respect to dispensing Docket No.1410-158233-US caps 100 and 400.
  • a method of manufacturing the cartridge 905 specifically includes providing a fluid, forming a cartridge main body that includes a central opening and a cavity for containing the fluid, forming a cartridge piston element dimensioned to slide along the cavity of the cartridge container and force the fluid out of the cavity, and forming a valve element having a tube portion dimensioned to extend within the central opening.
  • the tube portion includes at least one outlet opening in a wall thereof so that the fluid can egress from the cavity into the tube portion during use, and in some approaches, four outlet openings.
  • the method of manufacturing also typically includes assembling a cartridge by coupling the valve element to an open end of the cartridge main body (for instance, via welding), filling the cavity of the cartridge main body with the fluid, and seating the cartridge piston element within the cartridge main body at an opposite end of the cartridge main body from the valve element to close and seal the cavity.
  • filler-heads are used to fill the cavity with the fluid, and the cavity is filled to an extent that there is no air entrapment once the cartridge piston element is seated.
  • the manufacturing method may further include adding tamper-evident features or packaging to the cartridge.
  • One or more cartridges, for example, may be sealed in a flow pack.
  • the cartridges may have a tamper-evident sealing liner on the dispensing side of the cartridge and/or the side opposite the dispensing side.
  • a top seal or sealing liner is applied to the cartridges after they are filled.
  • the cartridges may be individually packed, for example, each in a small box (e.g., a cardboard or paperboard box).
  • a method of manufacturing a dispensing bottle includes disposing a primary fluid in a bottle and forming a dispensing cap, the dispensing cap including a base, a base piston element, and a cartridge.
  • the base is formed to include a dispensing channel and configured to be attached to a bottle neck, the base further having a receptacle.
  • the base piston element is coupled to the base and movable between a first position and a second position such that as fluid disposed in the bottle is forced toward the dispensing channel to dispense the fluid at least a portion of the fluid engages the base piston element and moves the base piston element toward the second position.
  • the manufacturing process includes forming a cartridge to be disposed in the receptacle of the base, the cartridge including a cartridge piston element configured to be driven by the base piston Docket No.1410-158233-US element as the base piston element is moved from the first position toward the second position.
  • the process includes disposing a secondary fluid in the cartridge.
  • the process also includes disposing the cartridge in the receptacle of the dispensing cap.
  • a further step may also include threading the dispensing cap with the filled cartridge onto the filled bottle.
  • a method of manufacturing a dispensing cap may include providing a first fluid, forming a cartridge container for containing the first fluid, forming a cartridge piston element dimensions to slide along the cavity of the cartridge container and force the first fluid out of the cavity, and forming a valve element having a tube portion dimensioned to extend within the central opening, the tube portion including at least one outlet opening in a wall thereof.
  • the cartridge container includes a central opening defined by an inner cylindrical wall.
  • the method further includes, in some embodiments, assembling a cartridge by coupling the valve element to the container, filling the cavity with the first fluid, and disposing the cartridge piston element in the cavity of the cartridge container, the tube portion extending within the central opening of the container.
  • the valve element may be welded to the container.
  • the method may further include forming a dispensing cap base, the dispensing cap base including a dispensing channel and being configured to be attached to a neck of a bottle, the base further having a receptacle dimensioned to receive the cartridge.
  • An additional step includes forming a base piston element and disposing the base piston element in the dispensing cap base, the base piston element configured to be movable between a first position and a second position within the dispensing cap base.
  • the base piston element may be sized and positioned within the cap base to engage the cartridge piston element when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.
  • the method may include that the cartridge container, valve element, and dispensing cap base are formed from polypropylene and the base piston element and cartridge piston element are formed from polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, or combinations thereof.
  • the base piston element has an annular configuration and is formed to comprise a first cylindrical portion that slides along the guide channel and a second flange portion extending radially outward of Docket No.1410-158233-US the cylindrical portion and positioned to engage the cartridge piston element when the cartridge is received in the cap base.
  • the method may further include that the dispensing channel extends through the guide channel, and in some examples, the base piston element is disposed about the dispensing channel.
  • the base is formed to include at least one base opening through which the second fluid is able to flow between the dispensing channel and the guide channel to engage the base piston element.
  • the method of manufacturing the dispensing cap may include configuring the tube portion to be elastically deflectable relative to the container between a first tube portion where the at least one outlet opening is covered by the internal cylindrical wall of the container to inhibit the first fluid from flowing into the tube portion via the at least one outlet opening and a second tube position where the first fluid is able to flow through the at least one outlet opening and into the tube portion, such that when the cartridge is received in the receptacle of the base the tube portion is moved into the second tube position.
  • the method may include disposing the cartridge in the receptacle of the dispensing cap base, the step of disposing the cartridge in the receptacle bringing a first end of the tube portion into engagement with an end of the dispensing channel moving the tube portion to open the at least one outlet opening, permitting the first fluid to egress from the cavity
  • the first fluid in the cartridge
  • the method may include forming the base piston element such that the base piston element drives the cartridge piston element disposed in the cartridge as the base piston element is moved from the first position toward the second position.
  • the method may also include forming the base piston element to include an inner bore seal and an outer seal, the inner seal configured to engage an outer surface of the dispensing channel and the outer seal configured to engage the guide channel.
  • the method further includes forming the base to include a stop configured to inhibit the base piston element from moving beyond the second position.
  • the base may be formed to include a flip-top lid to be hingedly attached to the base, the flip-top lid having an interior projection that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the projection blocks egress of fluid Docket No.1410-158233-US from the cartridge when in the first position and permits egress of the fluid when in the second position.
  • the method of manufacturing a dispensing cap also includes disposing the cartridge piston element about the inner cylindrical wall of the cartridge.
  • the method may include forming one or more inner sealing elements of the cartridge piston element configured to contact the inner cylindrical wall to seal the first fluid within the cavity.
  • the method may also include forming one or more outer sealing elements of the cartridge piston element configured to contact an outer wall of the container to seal the first fluid within the cavity.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

Dans certains modes de réalisation, l'invention concerne des appareils et des procédés se rapportant à un récipient de distribution avec un capuchon de distribution et une cartouche. Selon un aspect, un récipient de distribution comprend une bouteille avec un fluide primaire, un capuchon de distribution avec un réceptacle ; ainsi qu'une cartouche pouvant être insérée dans le réceptacle de celui-ci et comprenant un fluide secondaire à l'intérieur d'une cavité de la cartouche, des procédés de fabrication du récipient de distribution, du capuchon et de la cartouche, ainsi que des procédés d'utilisation du capuchon de distribution et du récipient pour distribuer deux fluides différents.
EP23855483.6A 2022-08-19 2023-08-18 Bouchon de distribution, cartouche insérable, récipient de distribution, système de distribution et procédés de fabrication et d'utilisation Pending EP4573023A1 (fr)

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US202263399605P 2022-08-19 2022-08-19
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US202263433896P 2022-12-20 2022-12-20
PCT/US2023/030534 WO2024039821A1 (fr) 2022-08-19 2023-08-18 Bouchon de distribution, cartouche insérable, récipient de distribution, système de distribution et procédés de fabrication et d'utilisation

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EP23855480.2A Pending EP4573022A1 (fr) 2022-08-19 2023-08-18 Bouchon de distribution, cartouche insérable, récipient de distribution, système de distribution et procédés de fabrication et d'utilisation
EP23847855.6A Active EP4367037B1 (fr) 2022-08-19 2023-08-18 Bouchon de distribution et contenant de distribution
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EP23847855.6A Active EP4367037B1 (fr) 2022-08-19 2023-08-18 Bouchon de distribution et contenant de distribution
EP23855482.8A Pending EP4573019A1 (fr) 2022-08-19 2023-08-18 Bouchon de distribution, cartouche insérable, contenant de distribution, système de distribution et procédés de fabrication et d'utilisation

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DE3239784A1 (de) * 1982-10-27 1984-05-03 Wella Ag, 6100 Darmstadt Doppelbehaelter fuer zwei getrennt aufzubewahrende fluessigkeiten
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JP5009988B2 (ja) * 2006-07-26 2012-08-29 カーボナイト コーポレーション 多成分容器のためのインサート
JP5305337B2 (ja) * 2008-09-30 2013-10-02 株式会社吉野工業所 混合用容器
JP5193936B2 (ja) * 2009-04-30 2013-05-08 株式会社吉野工業所 混合容器
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KR200480149Y1 (ko) * 2014-10-15 2016-04-19 엄성현 이종물질 혼합용 용기뚜껑

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EP4367037A1 (fr) 2024-05-15
JP2025527611A (ja) 2025-08-22
MX2025002012A (es) 2025-05-02
WO2024039820A1 (fr) 2024-02-22
US20250178802A1 (en) 2025-06-05
KR20250053098A (ko) 2025-04-21
CA3265287A1 (fr) 2024-02-22
AU2023324813A1 (en) 2025-03-20
EP4367037B1 (fr) 2025-06-18
WO2024039818A1 (fr) 2024-02-22
EP4573022A1 (fr) 2025-06-25
WO2024039816A1 (fr) 2024-02-22
WO2024039821A1 (fr) 2024-02-22
CN119998205A (zh) 2025-05-13
EP4367037A4 (fr) 2024-11-20

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