Adjustable additive delivery system and method

Abstract

The present application relates to adjustable additive delivery systems and methods. An additive delivery system may incorporate a cartridge system comprising a container cap and a reservoir assembly for storing an additive. The container cap includes a mixing nozzle for mixing the additive with a base fluid as the base fluid flows from a base fluid container through the cartridge. A one-way valve prevents backflow of base fluid and / or a mixed base fluid / additive from an area downstream of the mixing nozzle, thereby maintaining a pure base fluid supply.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application date of the original application is March 6, 2017, the application number is 201780013261.9, and the name of the invention is “Adjustable additive delivery system and method”.

[0002] Priority claim and citation of related applications

[0003] Priority is claimed under all applicable laws, treaties, conventions, and regulations to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 303,376, filed on March 4, 2016, entitled “CARTRIDGE RESERVOIR SYSTEMS,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 363,177, filed on July 15, 2016, entitled “ADJUSTABLE ADDITIVE CARTRIDGE SYSTEMS,” and U.S. Application No. 15 / 358,087, filed on November 21, 2016, entitled “ADJUSTABLE ADDITIVE CARTRIDGE SYSTEMS.” The subject matter described in all applications is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If an element or subject matter of the present application or a part of the description, claims, or drawings in the above-mentioned applications is not otherwise included in this application, then the element, subject matter, or part is incorporated by reference into this application for purposes of any and all applicable rules, procedures, or laws. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to dispensing and delivery systems for beverages and other products. The present disclosure also relates to dispensing and delivery systems in which additives, such as flavorings, concentrates, or supplements, can be provided in replaceable cartridges and mixed with a base fluid, such as water, as the base fluid is dispensed and / or consumed from a container, and in which a unidirectional flow of the base fluid is provided to prevent the additives from mixing with the base fluid supply, which can therefore be used with different additive delivery systems. The present disclosure also relates to dispensing and delivery systems and additive delivery systems that provide user adjustment of the amount of additive mixed with the base fluid. The present disclosure also relates to reservoir assemblies for storing additives and for use in such additive delivery systems, as well as methods of making and using such systems. Background Art

[0005] The prior art includes various devices for providing additives to a base fluid. Such devices include pre-mixing systems, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 7,306,117, in which a predetermined amount of additive is dispensed into a base fluid within a container and mixed with it prior to consumption. Prior art systems also include devices in which the additive is provided to the base fluid as the additive is dispensed from the container. Such delivery systems are exemplified by the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Patent No. 8,230,777, which describes a dispensing system in which a base fluid flows through a replenishment area containing a solid supplement; and U.S. Patent No. 8,413,844, which describes a water dispenser (water pitcher) having a filter and an additive chamber in which the additive is dispensed as the water is poured from the dispenser. There is a need in the art for systems and methods that improve upon these prior art solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an additive delivery system can be combined with a cartridge system comprising a container cap and an additive reservoir assembly for storing additives. The container cap can be fixed to a base fluid container. When the base fluid flows from the base fluid container through the cartridge, a mixing nozzle is coupled to the container cap for mixing the additive with the base fluid. A one-way valve prevents the base fluid and / or mixed base fluid / additive from flowing back from the mixing nozzle downstream region, thereby maintaining the base fluid supply in a pure state. These features allow different cartridge assemblies containing different corresponding additives to be used with a given base fluid supply. In addition, this feature allows a given additive to be used with a given base fluid supply without using or consuming the entire base fluid supply in a mixed state. The remaining base fluid supply can remain unmixed and be used for other applications, such as for use with other flavorings or supplements. The additive delivery system can use additives and base fluids more efficiently.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an additive delivery system may incorporate a cartridge system and provide an adjustable flow of additive and adjustable mixing of the additive with the base fluid as the base fluid flows through the additive delivery system. A user may move an adjustment actuator to cause corresponding adjustment of a valve component incorporated into the additive delivery system. The valve component may include a metering component having a tapered portion that mates with a mixing nozzle having a correspondingly shaped seat to provide precise control of the flow of the additive. Movement of the user's adjustment actuator causes the metering component to move in a precise manner to increase or decrease the flow of the additive that occurs when the base fluid is dispensed through the cartridge. Markings may be included to indicate to the user the degree of additive flow and mixing. This feature allows the user to achieve a desired and repeatable mixing ratio of the additive to the base fluid.

[0008] According to another aspect, a kind of additive delivery system can utilize a cartridge system, and the cartridge system provides an improved flow geometry, and when the additive and base fluid flow out from the cartridge, the flow geometry enhances the mixing of the additive and the base fluid. Such flow geometry can comprise a central flow component for the additive and a flow component for the surrounding or radial displacement of the base fluid. The flow geometry can also comprise one or more convergence zones in the additive flow path. Such flow geometry can also be used in combination with one or more stirring or turbulence generating elements to further enhance the mixing of the additive and the base fluid before use or consumption, and the elements are incorporated into the distribution spout downstream of the mixing zone in the cartridge assembly. Such flow geometry and stirring or turbulence generating elements provide sufficient mixing of the additive and the base fluid.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a reservoir assembly for use with an additive delivery system and a cartridge can include a flexible reservoir, such as a pouch, bag, capsule, or other flexible reservoir structure. This reservoir assembly structure provides improved flow and mixing characteristics by reducing or eliminating vacuum in the reservoir when dispensing the additive. A protective cage or solid-wall protective housing can seal the reservoir to protect the additive during sales / transport. In the presence of a protective cage or other external element with an orifice or hole, such a flexible reservoir structure can also permit external pressure to be applied to the additive reservoir, such as pressure generated when a user squeezes or otherwise applies pressure to the container, i.e., a water bottle, in which the cartridge is housed. This interaction between the flexible cartridge reservoir structure and internal conditions can promote more uniform or consistent dispensing of the additive from the cartridge and more uniform mixing with the base fluid.

[0010] According to another aspect, a cartridge assembly is packaged and distributed as a unit comprising a reservoir assembly and an adjustable mixing cap, such that the cartridge assembly can be installed on a user's own base fluid bottle, such as a separately purchased water bottle. A frangible protective outer security film, such as shrink wrap or a foil pouch, can seal the entire cartridge assembly package for quality and safety control.

[0011] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although other embodiments, methods and materials similar to those described herein can be used to practice the present invention, suitable and example embodiments, methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict, the present specification including definitions shall prevail. In addition, materials, methods and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Details of one or more example embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other accompanying advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. It should be understood that the description and examples are intended as illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the appended claims.

[0013] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example dispensing and delivery system including an additive delivery system according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded upper perspective view of an example cartridge assembly for an additive delivery system according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded lower perspective view of an example cartridge assembly.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded cross-sectional view of an example barrel assembly.

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example additive regulating actuator according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top view of an example additive flow regulation actuator.

[0019] Figure 7 is Figure 6 Cross-sectional view taken in plane AA.

[0020] Figure 8 is Figure 6 Cross-sectional view taken in plane BB of .

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 Bottom view of an example additive flow regulation actuator.

[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an example additive flow metering insert according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Top view of an example additive flow metering insert.

[0024] Figure 12 is Figure 11 Cross-sectional view taken in plane AA.

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 Bottom view of an example additive flow metering insert.

[0026] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an example mixing nozzle according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Top view of the mixing nozzle.

[0028] Figure 16 is Figure 15 Cross-sectional view taken in plane AA.

[0029] Figure 17 is a perspective view of an example cartridge cover base according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A top view of the base of an example barrel cover.

[0031] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Section view in plane AA.

[0032] Figure 20 yes Figure 17 Bottom view of the base of the example barrel cover.

[0033] Figure 21 is a perspective view of an example flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A top view of a flexible pouch reservoir and a pouch reservoir spout.

[0035] Figure 23 yes Figure 21Side view of a flexible pouch reservoir and a pouch reservoir spout.

[0036] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of an additive delivery system cartridge assembly assembled according to an example of one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example beverage dispensing system utilizing an example additive delivery system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The bottle 10 may include a cap 20 for sealing the interior of the bottle 10. Threads integrally molded into the bottle 10 mate with internal threads molded into the cap 20 to provide a sealed fastening between the two components. A handle 24 may be molded into the cap 20, and an umbrella-shaped check valve or vent ( Figure 1 A vent (not shown) may be provided in the cap 20 in a known manner to reduce or eliminate the vacuum within the bottle and prevent the base fluid from leaking out of the vent when the base fluid is dispensed from the vent. The cap 20 includes a cartridge receiving port 22 having a threaded fastener formed on an outer surface thereof for receiving an additive delivery system, such as an example additive delivery system, also referred to herein as a cartridge, in Figure 1 It is usually marked as 100.

[0038] In addition, reference Figure 2-4 , which is an exploded view of an example cartridge assembly providing an additive delivery system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the system can include a plurality of components assembled in a generally stacked arrangement using snap fits or threaded connections that facilitate rapid assembly, as will be described in more detail below. The components can include a cartridge cover including an additive flow regulating actuator 200 that cooperates with and is mounted to allow limited rotational movement relative to a cartridge cover base 250. The additive flow regulating actuator can include a dispensing spout and a push-pull closure 230 mounted thereon for selectively permitting and preventing the flow of a mixed fluid from the cartridge. Disposed between the additive flow regulating actuator 200 and the cartridge cover base 250 is an additive flow metering component 300 that cooperates with a mixing nozzle 350. An annular one-way base fluid flow sealing element 320 provides one-way flow of the base fluid through the cartridge, thereby preventing backflow, as will be described. The cartridge cover includes a pouch reservoir spout 400, a reservoir (see Figure 21 and 23) and the reservoir assembly of protective shell 500 can be fixed to mixing nozzle 350, thereby being fixed to lid base 250, as will be explained. Pouch can be the flexible pouch that holds the supply of additive, and is fastened to pouch reservoir spout 400 in the mode of sealing engagement. Reservoir assembly can be fixed in cartridge lid base 250 using snap fittings or other fastening elements (such as threaded fasteners or friction fasteners), and also be fitted to mixing nozzle 350 in the mode that will be explained. Reservoir protective shell 500 (can be cage or solid wall (illustrated) lid) can snap fit to the flange of pouch reservoir spout 400, to protect the internal flexible storage bag that holds additive. Reservoir shell 500 and storage bag can be made of transparent or translucent material, to allow the user to view and identify the nature of the additive supply. The details about each above-mentioned example assembly and their collaborative relationship will be described now.

[0039] Now refer to Figure 5-9 , these figures show an example additive flow adjustment actuator 200. This component can include a main body portion 202 having an actuation tab 204 to enable a user to rotate the actuator 200. A spout portion 206 extends upward from the main body portion 202 and provides for the flow of mixed fluid from the cartridge. The spout portion 206 can also include an integral retaining ring 208 formed in its top portion for attaching a push-pull cap ( Figures 2 to 4 ) is held thereon. A circular protrusion 210 is placed on top of the spout 206 and supported by three spoke elements 212. The protrusion 210 is used to provide a push-pull cover 230 ( Figure 2-4 ) seal and provide agitation or turbulence when the mixed fluid exits the barrel. A plurality of axially extending guide rails 216 are defined within the interior of the nozzle portion 206 and define guide channels therebetween, which are connected to the additive flow metering component 300 ( Figure 2-4 ) on the body portion to cooperate with and guide the elements of complementary shape, as will be explained. A window or orifice 218 is defined in the body portion to enable the user to view the adjustment settings indicating the relative position of the actuator 200 and the relevant additive flow level. Markings 220 can be provided on the actuator 200 as molded elements to indicate the direction of the additive (flavoring) or base fluid (water) to be increased. A pair of grooves 222 can be provided in the body portion 202 for the ease of molding the actuator 200. As will be explained, the tabs 224 and the outer annular wall 226 and the inner annular wall 228 are maintained to provide the coordination and rotational engagement and support of the actuator 202 with the cartridge cover base 250.

[0040] In addition, reference Figure 10-13 , these figures show details of an example additive flow metering component 300 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The metering component can be provided as a generally cylindrical member having a cylindrical body portion 302 and a tapered metering protrusion or member 318 ( Figure 12 ). An annular additive flow channel 312 is defined on the additive flow metering member 300. A plurality of protrusions 306 and 310 are defined on the outer surface of the body portion 302 and define the guide channel 308. These elements cooperate with the tracks and channels defined in the actuator 200, as described above with reference to Figure 5-9 ), thereby permitting the component 300 to move axially (upward / downward) in a guided, mating relationship with the actuator 200, but also allowing the component 300 to rotate with the actuator 200. A generally annular additive flow passage 312 is defined between the main body portion 302 and a conical metering element 318 to permit additive flow through the component. The metering element 318 defines a metering surface 314 ( Figure 12 ), which is combined with the mixing nozzle 350 ( Figure 2-4 ) to provide precise flow control of the additive flowing through the cartridge. The metering component 300 includes internal threads 316 that mate with threads on the mixing nozzle 350 to provide axial movement of the metering surface 314 relative to the mating surface on the mixing nozzle 350 when the component 300 is rotated relative to the mixing nozzle 350. The shoulder 319 ( Figure 12 ) is defined in the upper region of the conical element 318 to provide a food-safe seal when the conical element is in a closed and sealed position within the mixing nozzle 350. The shoulder may be deformed to promote a tight seal. The positive locking projection 321 ( Figure 13 ) extends radially inwardly on the lower portion of component 300. This protrusion is aligned with the brake channel ( Figure 14 368) to provide a positive interlock of the component 300 within the mixing nozzle 350 during assembly and packaging operations and to positively indicate that the component 300 has been installed (rotated into) a consistent and predetermined position on the mixing nozzle, wherein the component 300 then provides a standard food safe grade seal with the mixing nozzle 350 by means of the shoulder 319 and the tapered surface 314.

[0041] Figure 14-16 Detail of an example mixing nozzle 350 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The mixing nozzle 350 can include a generally cylindrical body portion 352 having a flat area 353 to facilitate proper orientation and alignment within a complementary shaped recess in the cap base 250 during assembly. Extending upward from the body portion 352 is a generally circular raised snap-fit ​​protrusion 354 including a rounded edge for permitting engagement with the cartridge cap base 250 ( Figure 2-4 and Figure 24) are provided for sealing and snap-fit ​​engagement of the mating portions of the mixing nozzle orifice 360. A plurality (in this case four) of base fluid ports 358 are defined in the mixing nozzle 350 to permit base fluid flow and at least partially define a base fluid flow path through the mixing nozzle 350 and the cartridge 100. A mixing nozzle stem 360 extends upwardly from the snap-fit ​​protrusion 354 and includes integral threads 362 on its outer surface. The mixing nozzle stem 360 defines at least a portion of the additive flow path through an internal mixing nozzle additive flow passage 363. A sealing retaining ring 364 is formed on a lower portion of the mixing nozzle orifice 360 ​​for securing the annular one-way base fluid flow seal 320 ( Figure 2-4 and Figure 24 ) is fixed in place. Figure 16 As best seen in FIG, the additive flow passage 363 is defined in part by an upper conical inner surface 365 which is complementarily shaped to the conical protrusions on the additive flow metering member 300 to define an adjustable metering zone through which the additive flows. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the flow geometry of the example mixing nozzle 350 may include: a lower conical surface 367 which defines a first converging additive flow zone; an intermediate cylindrical or slightly flared inner surface 369 which defines a second flow zone extending to the upper conical surface 365 which partially defines the metering zone. Applicants have discovered that the characteristics of this flow geometry provide for favorable flow and mixing of the additive with the base fluid. As described above, the brake passage 368 is formed by the protrusions 366 and 368 ( Figure 14 ) is defined to provide a positive locking interaction with the metering member 300 when the metering member 300 is screwed onto the metering nozzle during the initial assembly operation to provide a food-safe seal. A plurality of reservoir spout retaining arms 374 having snap-fit ​​protrusions 372 formed on their ends may be formed on the lower portion of the mixing nozzle to secure the upper end of the reservoir spout within the cartridge assembly (see Figure 24 ). The lower annular wall 378 provides a passage 380 for receiving one end of the reservoir spout for additional sealing engagement. As will be appreciated, the example mixing nozzle 350 is defined by Figure 16 and 24 The basic fluid flow path indicated by arrows "B" and Figure 16 and 24 The arrows "A" in the figure indicate the additive flow path, recognizing that Figure 16 The cross-sectional view in FIG shows port 358 represented by dashed (hidden) lines. More specifically, the additive flow path is defined by a centrally or axially positioned channel, while the base fluid flow path includes channels disposed outwardly from the central location that at least partially surround the additive fluid flow path. This flow geometry provides advantageous mixing and flow characteristics.

[0042] Figure 17-20 Details of an example cartridge cover base 250 according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. The base cover 250 includes a generally cylindrical internally threaded base portion 254 and a generally annular raised indicator portion 252 having a contoured upper surface with markings 258 for indicating the additive mixing level to the user. The markings 258 are positioned so that the selected marking appears within a window in the additive flow regulating actuator. The indicator portion 252 fits within a channel formed in the underside of the additive flow regulating actuator 200 (see 24). The cover base includes an annular seat 272 for the outer edge of the base flow check valve 320 and an annular snap-fit ​​ridge 274 for retaining the mixing nozzle 300 (see Figure 24 The cover base includes an annular groove with a flat area ( Figure 20 ) is used to ensure that the mixing nozzle is installed in the correct orientation relative to the cover base. A number of ribs extend radially inwardly to support the annular wall.

[0043] Figure 21-23 Detail of a flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The spout 400 may include a stem portion 402 defining an internal additive flow passage. The first flange 404 may be provided with a groove for receiving the reservoir retaining arm 374 of the mixing nozzle 300. A snap-fit ​​ridge or ring ( Figure 24 ) are formed on the lower portion of the stem 402 and mate with an internal ridge on the lower portion of the mixing nozzle. Second and third flanges 406 and 408 extend from the stem 402 for use with automated filling equipment. The series of flanges on the spout can also be used in cartridge assembly operations, where the housing 500 snap fits onto the first of the flanges during a first assembly operation and then moves upward to snap fit onto the next higher flange in a second assembly operation. The flanges can also provide an additional sealing interface with corresponding ridges defined on the interior of the housing with which the reservoir is filled with automated equipment. The bottom flange 410 provides a snap fit within the housing or cage 50. The pouch reservoir is located within Figure 21-23 As will be appreciated, when filled with additive, the pouch can assume a cylindrical shape and fit within the housing 500. The pouch can be fastened to the fastening adapter portion 412 of the reservoir spout 400 by heat welding or other fastening techniques to seal the pouch wall to the pouch reservoir spout 400.

[0044] Figure 24A cross-sectional view of an assembled additive delivery system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. In this figure, the additive metering valve is shown in a closed position. Typically, assembly can include first inserting and snap-fitting the metering valve 350 into place on the cartridge lid base 250. In the next step, the one-way sealing valve 320 is placed on the mixing nozzle 350 and assembled on the retaining ridge and seated on the outer ring of the lid base. Next, the additive flow metering insert 300 is screwed onto the mating threads on the mixing nozzle 350 and positioned in the appropriate rotational orientation. The additive adjustment actuator 200 is then inserted into the cartridge lid base, properly aligned with the additive flow metering insert. The additive adjustment actuator 200 is secured by retaining tabs 224 ( Figure 7-9 ) is held on the cap base and can be rotated relative to the cap base to enable selection of the additive level and relative position of the metering member 300. The push-pull cap 230 can then be placed on the cartridge assembly. The pouch reservoir spout and pouch reservoir snap fit into the mixing nozzle lower portion.

[0045] In operation, the additive flow adjustment actuator can be rotated relative to the cap base 250. This rotation also causes the metering insert 300 to rotate relative to the mixing nozzle 350, thereby causing slight axial movement of the insert 300, i.e., upward or downward, via the mating threads between the insert 300 and the nozzle 350. This axial movement of the metering insert 300 causes the additive to flow through a change in the metering area between the tapered portion of the insert 300 and the corresponding surface on the mixing nozzle 350. When the base fluid flows into the cartridge assembly, due to pressure changes within the base fluid container (e.g., from squeezing the flexible bottle and / or through suction applied by the user during consumption), and / or by tilting or tilting, this action causes the additive to flow and mix with the base fluid in the appropriate amount of additive determined by the rotational position of the additive flow adjustment actuator. The additive flow path is illustrated by arrow "A." It will be appreciated that because the metering element 300 is in the fully closed position in this figure, arrow "A" is adjacent to the metering portion where flow would occur in this figure. The basic fluid flow path is generally shown by arrow "B", it being recognized that flow will occur at the interface of the sealing element 320 and the annular seat 272 of the cover base 250, rather than at the exact location of arrow "B" near that area.

[0046] The present disclosure also contemplates rigid or semi-rigid reservoir structures that provide for the prevention of a vacuum as additive is dispensed therefrom.

[0047] The above components can be made using injection molding or other known techniques using thermoplastics, such as food grade polypropylene or similar materials. This disclosure also contemplates other materials, such as stainless steel or other food grade or non-food grade materials.

[0048] It should be understood that other variations and modified embodiments of various aspects of the present invention may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Therefore, it is intended that any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents be covered by the present invention. For example, while the metering function of the additive delivery system has been described using a tapered metering component or element, other structures may be used, such as flow control elements utilizing gate or ball valves or other components that provide adjustment of the metering area and flow passage based on user movement of an actuator. Additionally, while snap-fitting for the components has been described, it should be appreciated that other fastening structures or techniques may be used, such as threaded or screw fittings, friction fittings, or adhesives or welding techniques.

Claims

1. An additive delivery system for adding an additive to a base fluid, comprising: a lid base configured to be secured to a base fluid container containing the base fluid; an additive reservoir containing the additive; a mixing nozzle having an additive flow path for an additive flow and a plurality of base fluid ports for a base fluid flow; a metering component configured to control additive flow through the additive flow path of the mixing nozzle resulting from base fluid flow through the plurality of base fluid ports; and An adjustment actuator is provided to allow a user to control movement of the metering member relative to the mixing nozzle to achieve a desired mixing ratio of additive to base fluid. 2 . The additive delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the metering component and the mixing nozzle are positioned in a space defined by the adjustment actuator and the cap base. 3 . The additive delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment actuator has an outer circumference that is flush with an outer surface of the cap base.

4. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator has a dome shape. 5 . The additive delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the regulating actuator further comprises a dispensing spout, and wherein the metering member is positioned within the dispensing spout.

6. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the regulating actuator comprises a dispensing spout, and wherein the regulating actuator is configured to rotate about an axis that coincides with an axis of the dispensing spout.

7. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator is configured to rotate the metering member relative to the mixing nozzle.

8. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator is further configured to guide axial movement of the metering member relative to the adjustment actuator.

9. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the regulating actuator comprises at least one guide rail, and wherein the metering component comprises at least one guide channel arranged to receive the at least one guide rail.

10. The additive delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the cover base includes indicia thereon, and wherein the adjustment actuator includes an aperture arranged to enable a user to view the indicia on the cover base through the aperture to indicate a position of the adjustment actuator relative to the cover base.

11. The additive delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment actuator includes an annular wall arranged to support the adjustment actuator for rotation on the cover base.

12. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator includes at least one retaining tab arranged to secure the adjustment actuator to the cover base.

13. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator has a circular body portion that extends to an outer diameter of the cap base.

14. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator has an actuation tab to allow a user to move the adjustment actuator.

15. The additive delivery system of claim 14, wherein the actuation tab extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the cap base.

16. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator is a dial.

17. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator is snap-fit ​​onto the lid base.

18. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the regulating actuator comprises an integrally formed dispensing spout.

19. The additive delivery system of claim 18, wherein the metering member is positioned in the dispensing spout.

20. The additive delivery system of claim 18, wherein the metering member is configured to be guided in the dispensing spout.

21. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the cap base has an outer circumference, and wherein the adjustment actuator has an outer circumference that substantially coincides with the outer circumference of the cap base.

22. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the metering component and mixing nozzle are located between the cap base and the adjustment actuator.

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