Adjustable additive supply system and method

Abstract

To provide a distribution and supply system for a beverage and other products.SOLUTION: A cartridge system 100 including a reservoir assembly can be incorporated. A container cap 20 includes a mixing nozzle for mixing an additive and a base fluid when the base fluid flows from a base fluid container through a cartridge. In order to keep a base fluid supply nom-mixed, a unidirectional valve prevents reverse-flowing of the base fluid and / or the mixed base fluid / additive from a region downstream of the mixing nozzle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Priority is claimed under all applicable laws, treaties, conventions and regulations from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 303,376, filed March 4, 2016, entitled "Cartridge Reservoir System," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 363,177, filed July 15, 2016, entitled "Tunable Additive Cartridge System," and pending U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 358,087, filed November 21, 2016, entitled "Tunable Additive Cartridge System." The subject matter described in all applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. If any element or subject matter of this application, or any portion of the specification, claims or drawings of said application is not otherwise included in this application, that element, subject matter or portion is incorporated by reference in whole or in part into this application by provision of any applicable rule, procedure or law.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to dispensing and delivery systems for beverages and other products. The present disclosure further relates to dispensing and delivery systems in which additives, such as flavors, concentrates or supplements, may be placed in interchangeable cartridges and mixed with a base fluid, such as water, when the base fluid is dispensed and / or consumed from a container, and a unidirectional flow of the base fluid is provided to prevent the additives from mixing with the base fluid supply, and thus may be used with different additive delivery systems. The present disclosure further 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 further relates to reservoir assemblies for storing additives and for use in such additive delivery systems, and methods for making and using such systems. [Background technology]

[0003] The prior art includes various devices for providing additives to a base liquid. Such devices include premix systems, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,117, in which a predetermined amount of additive is dispensed into a base liquid in a container and mixed with the base liquid before consumption. Prior art systems also include devices in which additives are provided to a base fluid as it is dispensed from a container. Such delivery systems are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 8,230,777, which describes a dispensing system in which a base liquid flows through a supplement area containing a solid supplement, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,844, which describes a water dispenser (pitcher) having a filter and an additive chamber in which additives are provided as water is poured from the dispenser. There is a need in the art for systems and methods that improve upon the implementation of these prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, an additive supply system can incorporate a cartridge system including a container cap and an additive reservoir assembly that provides storage for the additive. The container cap can be secured to a base fluid container. A mixing nozzle is cooperatively associated with the container cap to mix the additive with the base fluid as it flows from the base fluid container through the cartridge. A one-way valve prevents the base fluid and / or the mixed base fluid / additive from flowing back from the area downstream of the mixing nozzle so that the base fluid supply remains unmixed. These features allow different cartridge assemblies containing various respective additives to be used with a given supply of base fluid. Furthermore, this feature allows a given additive to be used with a given supply of base fluid without requiring that the entire supply of base fluid be used or consumed in a mixed state. The remaining supply of base fluid remains unmixed and may be used for other applications, such as other flavors or supplements. The additive supply system allows for more efficient use of both the additive and the base fluid.

[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, the additive delivery system can incorporate a cartridge system to provide an adjustable flow of additive and an adjustable mix of additive and base fluid as the base fluid flows through the additive delivery system. The adjustment actuator may be moved by a user to effect a corresponding adjustment of a valve component incorporated in the additive delivery system. The valve component can include a metering component, which can have a conical portion that cooperates with a mixing nozzle having a correspondingly shaped seat to precisely control the additive flow. Movement of the adjustment actuator by the user results in precise movement of the metering component to increase or decrease the additive flow that occurs as the base fluid dispenses through the cartridge. Indications can be included to indicate to the user the relative degree of additive flow and mixing. This feature allows the user to achieve a desired repeatable mix ratio of additive and base fluid.

[0006] According to another aspect, the additive supply system can utilize a cartridge system that provides improved flow geometries that promote mixing of the additive and base fluid as they flow from the cartridge. Such flow geometries can include a central flow component for the additive and a peripheral or radially displaced flow component for the base fluid. They can also include one or more convergence zones within the additive flow path. Such flow geometries may be used in conjunction with one or more stirring or turbulence generating elements incorporated into the dispensing spout downstream of the mixing region in the cartridge assembly to further enhance mixing of the additive and base fluid prior to use or consumption. Such flow geometries and stirring or turbulence generating elements result in thorough mixing of the additive and base fluid.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a reservoir assembly for use with an additive delivery system and cartridge can include a flexible reservoir, such as a pouch, bag, sack, or other flexible reservoir structure. This reservoir assembly structure provides improved flow and mixing characteristics by reducing or eliminating the vacuum within the reservoir when the additive is delivered. A protective cage or rigid-walled protective housing may surround the reservoir to protect it during sale / shipment. In the case of a protective cage or other external element having an opening or hole, such a flexible reservoir structure may allow external pressure to be applied to the additive reservoir, such as the pressure created when a user squeezes or otherwise applies pressure to a container, i.e., a water bottle in which the cartridge is housed. This interaction between the flexible cartridge reservoir structure and the internal conditions can facilitate a more uniform or consistent distribution of the additive from the cartridge and promote more uniform mixing with the base fluid.

[0008] According to another aspect, the cartridge assembly is packaged and dispensed as a unit including the reservoir assembly and adjustable mixing cap so that the cartridge assembly can be attached to a user's own bottle of bottle-based fluid, such as a separately purchased water bottle. A frangible protective outer safety membrane, such as a shrink wrap or foil pouch, can seal the entire cartridge assembly package for quality and safety control.

[0009] 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 described invention belongs. Although other implementations, methods, and materials similar to those described herein can be used to implement the present invention, suitable and exemplary implementations, methods, and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, shall govern. Furthermore, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The above and other attendant advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: It is understood that the description and embodiments are intended as illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary distribution and delivery system including an additive delivery system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of an exemplary cartridge assembly for an additive delivery system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 3 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the exemplary cartridge assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded cutaway view of the cartridge assembly of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary additive adjustment actuator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the exemplary additive flow adjustment actuator of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the exemplary additive flow adjustment actuator of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary additive flow metering insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of the exemplary additive flow metering insert of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA plane of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the exemplary additive flow metering insert of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary mixing nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a top view of the mixing nozzle of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA plane of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge cap base according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a top view of the exemplary cartridge cap base of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA plane of FIG. [Figure 20] 20 is a bottom view of the exemplary cartridge cap base of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 22 is a top view of the flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout of FIG. 21. FIG. [Diagram 23] 23 is a side view of the flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout of FIG. 21. FIG. [Figure 24]Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary assembled additive delivery system cartridge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 25 is an exemplary dilution / concentration transition curve that can be achieved with an exemplary cartridge system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one example of a beverage dispensing system utilizing an exemplary additive delivery system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The bottle 10 may include a bottle lid 20 that seals an interior space of the bottle 10. Threads integrally molded on the bottle 10 cooperate with internal threads molded in the bottle lid 20 to provide a sealed fixation between the two components. A handle 24 may be molded into the lid 20, and an umbrella-type check valve or vent (not shown in FIG. 1) may be provided in the lid 20 in a known manner to reduce or eliminate a vacuum inside the bottle and prevent base fluid from escaping through the vent as the base fluid is dispensed therefrom. The lid 20 includes a cartridge receptacle 22 having a threaded fastener formed on its exterior surface for receiving an additive delivery system (also referred to herein as a cartridge), such as an exemplary additive delivery system, generally referenced by reference numeral 100 in FIG. 1.

[0013] 2-4, which are exploded views of an exemplary cartridge assembly providing an additive delivery system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system can include several components assembled in an overall stacked configuration using snap-fit ​​or threaded connections that facilitate rapid assembly, as described in more detail below. The components can include a cartridge cap with an additive flow adjustment actuator 200 cooperatively mounted for limited rotational movement relative to a cartridge cap base 250. The additive flow adjustment actuator can include a dispensing spout and a push-pull closure 230 mounted thereon to selectively permit and prevent the outflow of mixed fluid from the cartridge. Disposed between the additive flow adjustment actuator 200 and the cartridge cap base 250 is an additive flow metering component 300 that cooperates with a mixing nozzle 350. An annular unidirectional base fluid flow seal element 320 provides unidirectional flow of base fluid through the cartridge, preventing backflow, as described below. A reservoir assembly including the pouch reservoir pout 400, the reservoir (see Figures 21 and 23) and a protective outer housing 500 can be secured to the mixing nozzle 350 and, as described below, to the cap base 250. The pouch may be a flexible pouch that contains the additive supply and is secured in sealing engagement to the pouch reservoir pout 400. The reservoir assembly can be secured within the cartridge cap base 250 using a snap fit or other fastening elements, such as threaded fasteners or friction fastening, and can also mate to the mixing nozzle 350 in a manner to be described. The reservoir protective housing 500 can be a cage or a solid-walled (as shown) cover that can snap onto a flange of the pouch reservoir pout 400 to protect the additive contained within the inner flexible reservoir pouch. The reservoir housing 500 and the reservoir pouch may be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow the user to see and identify the nature of the additive supply. Details regarding each of the above-mentioned exemplary components and their cooperation are described below.

[0014] Referring to Figures 5-9, these figures show an exemplary additive flow adjustment actuator 200. The component can include a body portion 202 with an actuation tab 204 that allows a user to rotate the actuator 200. A spout portion 206 extends upwardly from the body portion 202 and provides for the flow of the mixed fluid from the cartridge. The spout portion 206 can include an integral retaining ring 208 formed on its top for retaining a push-pull cap (Figures 2-4) thereon. A circular projection 210 is disposed on the top of the spout 206 and is supported by three spoke elements 212. The projection 210 functions to provide a seal with the push-pull cap 230 (Figures 2-4) and to provide agitation or turbulence as the mixed fluid exits the cartridge. A number of axially extending guide rails 216 are defined within the spout portion 206 to define guide channels therebetween for cooperating with and guiding complementary shaped elements of the additive flow metering component 300, as will be described (see FIGS. 2-4). A window or opening 218 is defined in the body portion to allow a user to view an adjustment setting indicative of the relative position of the actuator 200 and associated additive flow level. Indications 220 may be provided as molded elements on the actuator 200 to indicate the direction of additive (flavorant) or base fluid (water) increase. The body portion 202 may be provided with a pair of recesses 222 to facilitate molding of the actuator 200. Retention tabs 224, outer annular wall 226 and inner annular wall 228 provide mating and rotational engagement and support for the actuator 202 with a cartridge cap base 250, as will be described below.

[0015] 10-13, these figures show details of an exemplary additive flow metering component 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The metering component may be provided as a generally cylindrical element having a cylindrical body portion 302 and a conical metering projection or element 318 (FIG. 12). An annular additive flow passage 312 is defined on the additive flow metering component 300. A number of projections 306 and 310 are defined on the exterior surface of the body portion 302 to define a guide channel 308. These elements cooperate with rails and channels defined in the actuator 200, as described above with reference to FIGS. 5-9, to allow the component 300 to move axially (up / down) in guided coordination with the actuator 200, but also to rotate the component 300 with the actuator 200. A generally annular additive flow passage 312 is defined between the body portion 302 and the conical metering element 318 to allow additive flow through the component. The metering element 318 defines a metering surface 314 (FIG. 12) that cooperates with a surface on the mixing nozzle 350 (FIGS. 2-4) to provide precise flow control of additive through the cartridge. The metering component 300 includes internal threads 316 that cooperate with threads on the mixing nozzle 350 to move the metering surface 314 axially relative to a corresponding surface on the mixing nozzle 350 as the component 300 rotates relative to the mixing nozzle 350. A shoulder 319 (FIG. 12) is defined in an upper region of the conical element 318 to provide a food-safe seal when the conical element is in a closed, sealed position within the mixing nozzle 350. The shoulder may deform to facilitate a tight seal. A positive lock projection 321 (FIG. 13) extends radially inwardly on the bottom of the component 300. This protrusion cooperates with the anti-rotation channel (368 in FIG. 14) to securely hold component 300 within mixing nozzle 350 during assembly and packaging operations, provides a positive indication that component 300 is consistently (rotated) into a predetermined position on the mixing nozzle, and provides a standard food-safe grade seal for mixing nozzle 350 with shoulder 319 and conical surface 314.

[0016] 14-16 also show details of an exemplary mixing nozzle 350 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The mixing nozzle 350 can include a generally cylindrical body portion 352 having a flat area 353 that facilitates proper orientation and alignment within a complementary shaped recess in the cap base 250 during assembly. Extending upwardly from the body portion 352 is a generally circular, raised snap-fit ​​protrusion 354 that includes rounded ends to enable a sealing and snap-fit ​​engagement with a mating portion of the cartridge cap base 250 (FIGS. 2-4 and 24). A plurality of (in this case four) base fluid ports 358 are defined within the mixing nozzle 350 to enable the flow of base fluid 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 seal retaining ring 364 is formed on the lower portion of the mixing nozzle spout 360 to secure in place the inner end of the annular unidirectional base fluid flow seal 320 (FIGS. 2-4 and 24). As best shown in FIG. 16, the additive flow passage 363 is defined in part by an upper conical inner surface 365 that is formed complementarily with a conical protrusion of the additive flow metering component 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 exemplary mixing nozzle 350 may include a lower conical surface 367 that defines a first converging additive flow zone and a central cylindrical or slightly expanding inner surface 369 that defines a second flow zone that extends to the upper conical surface 365 that partially defines the metering zone. Applicants have found that the characteristics of this flow geometry provide advantageous flow and mixing of the additive and base fluid. As mentioned above, anti-rotation channel 368 is defined by protrusions 366 and 368 (FIG. 14) on the bottom of stem 360, which provides a positive locking interaction with metering component 300 when the stem is threaded onto the metering nozzle in an initial assembly operation, providing a food safe grade seal.A number of reservoir spout retaining arms 374 having snap-fit ​​projections 372 formed at one end thereof are formed at the bottom of the mixing nozzle to secure the top end of the reservoir spout within the cartridge assembly (see FIG. 24). A lower annular wall 378 provides a channel 380 for receiving the end of the reservoir spout for further sealing engagement. As will be appreciated, the exemplary mixing nozzle 350 defines a base fluid flow path, indicated by arrow B in FIGS. 16 and 26, and defines an additive flow path, indicated by arrow A in FIGS. 16 and 26. It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16 shows the port 358 in dotted (hidden) lines. More specifically, the additive flow path is defined by a centrally or axially located passageway, and the base fluid flow path includes passageways disposed outwardly from a central location that at least partially surround the additive fluid flow path. This flow geometry provides advantageous mixing and flow characteristics.

[0017] 17-20 also show details of an exemplary cartridge cap base 250 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The base cap 250 includes a generally cylindrical, female-threaded base portion 254 and a generally annular raised indicator portion 252 having a contoured upper surface with indicia 258 for indicating additive mix level to a user. The position of the indicia 258 is such that the selected indicia appears in a window in the additive flow adjustment actuator. The indicator portion 252 fits within a channel formed in the underside of the additive flow adjustment actuator 200 (see FIG. 24). The cap base includes an annular seat 272 for the outer edge of the base flow one-way valve 320 and an annular snap-fit ​​raised portion 274 (see FIG. 24) for holding the mixing nozzle 300. The cap base includes an annular recess with a flat area (FIG. 20) to ensure that the mixing nozzle is installed in the correct orientation relative to the cap base. Several ribs extend radially inward to support the annular wall.

[0018] 21-23 show details of a flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The spout 400 can include a stem portion 402 that defines an internal additive flow passage. A first flange 404 is provided with a slot for receiving the reservoir retaining arm 374 of the mixing nozzle 300. A snap-fit ​​ridge or ring (FIG. 24) is formed on the bottom of the stem 402 to cooperate with an internal ridge on the bottom of the mixing nozzle. Second and third flanges 406 and 408 extend from the stem 402 for use with an automated filling device. A series of flanges on the spout are also used in a cartridge assembly operation, where the housing 500 snaps onto a first flange during a first assembly operation, and then moves upward to snap onto the next higher flange in a second assembly operation. The flanges can also provide an additional sealing interface with a corresponding ridge defined inside the housing, where the reservoir is filled with an automated device. The bottom flange 410 provides a snap fit within the housing or cage 50. The pouch reservoir is shown flat and unfilled in Figures 21-23. As will be appreciated, when filled with additive, the pouch will assume a cylindrical shape and can fit within the housing 500. The pouch can be secured to a fixed adapter portion 412 of the reservoir spout 400 by heat welding or other fastening techniques to seal the pouch walls to the pouch reservoir spout 400.

[0019] FIG. 24 shows a cutaway view of an assembled additive delivery system according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In this view, the additive metering valve is shown in a closed position. In general, assembly may involve first inserting and snapping the metering valve 350 into place on the cartridge cap base 250. In the next step, the one-way sealing valve 320 is placed onto the mixing nozzle 350, fitting onto the retaining ridge and seating into the outer annulus of the cap base. Next, the additive flow metering insert 300 is threaded onto corresponding threads on the mixing nozzle 350 and positioned in the proper rotational orientation. The additive adjustment actuator 200 is then inserted onto the cartridge cap base in proper alignment with the additive flow metering insert. The additive adjustment actuator 200 is inserted into the cap base with the retaining tabs 224 (FIGS. 7-9) and can be rotated relative to the cap base to allow selection of the additive level and the relative position of the metering component 300. The push-pull cap 230 can then be placed onto the cartridge assembly. The pouch reservoir pout and pouch reservoir are then snapped onto the bottom of the mixing nozzle.

[0020] In operation, the additive flow adjustment actuator can rotate relative to the cap base 250. Such rotation also causes rotation of the metering insert 300 relative to the mixing nozzle 350, thereby allowing the insert 300 to move axially, i.e., upwards or downwards, due to the cooperating threads between the insert 300 and the nozzle 350. Axial movement of the metering insert 300 results in a change in the flow of additive through the metering area between the conical 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 in the base fluid container (i.e., pressure changes due to squeezing of the flexible bottle and / or pressure changes due to inhalation by the user during consumption) and / or due to inversion or tumbling, such movement will cause a flow of additive so that the base fluid mixes with the additive at the appropriate level, as determined by the rotational position of the additive flow adjustment actuator. The additive flow path is indicated by arrow A, however, it will be appreciated that since the metering element 300 is in a fully closed position in this view, arrow A is adjacent to where flow occurs in the metering section of this view. The base fluid flow path is indicated generally by arrow B, it being recognized that flow occurs at the interface between the sealing element 320 and the annular sheet 272 of the cap base 250, rather than at the exact location of arrow B near the interface.

[0021] FIG. 25 shows an example of the change in concentration variation with the amount of fluid dispensed achieved with a flexible reservoir as described herein. Curve 1 shows a somewhat inconsistent additive concentration as the fluid is depleted. Such inconsistent concentration is characteristic of a rigid reservoir. Curve 2 represents a relatively consistent change in concentration as the fluid is dispensed, as may be achieved with a flexible pouch reservoir according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure also contemplates rigid or semi-rigid reservoir structures that provide prevention of vacuum as the additive dispenses therefrom.

[0022] The above components can be manufactured using injection molding or other known techniques using a thermoplastic such as food grade polypropylene or similar materials. This disclosure also contemplates other materials such as stainless steel or other food or non-food grade materials.

[0023] Other modifications and variations of the various aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Thus, any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents within the spirit and scope of the concepts described herein are intended to be included in the present invention. For example, the metering function of the additive supply system has been described using a conical metering component or element, but other structures may be used, such as flow control elements using gate valves or ball valves, or other components that provide adjustment of the metering area and flow passages based on the user's movement of an actuator. In addition, while snap fits are described for the components, it will be recognized that other fastening structures or techniques, such as threaded joints, friction joints, or adhesive or welding techniques, may also be used.

Claims

1. 1. An additive delivery system comprising: a cap base for securing the additive delivery system to a base fluid container; a mixing nozzle cooperatively associated with said cap base and providing a base fluid flow passage and an additive flow passage; a backflow prevention structure disposed in the base fluid flow path; a metering structure disposed within the additive flow passage to allow a user to adjust the amount of additive mixed with the base fluid; and a reservoir assembly receiving structure for receiving a reservoir assembly containing the additive.

2. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 1 further comprising a reservoir assembly.

3. 2. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein said reservoir assembly receiving structure is on said mixing nozzle.

4. 2. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the mixing nozzle comprises a central passageway providing at least a portion of the additive flow path and at least one outer passageway providing at least a portion of the base fluid flow path.

5. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the metering structure includes a metering component having a conical surface that cooperates with a conical surface defined on the mixing nozzle.

6. 6. The additive delivery system of claim 5, wherein the metering component is adjusted by movement of an actuator cooperatively associated with the cap base.

7. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein said reservoir assembly receiving structure is a snap fit formed on said mixing nozzle.

8. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a reservoir assembly secured to said reservoir assembly receiving structure, said additive reservoir assembly including a reservoir spout and a reservoir secured to said reservoir spout for containing an additive.

9. 9. The additive delivery system of claim 8, wherein the additive reservoir assembly includes an outer housing at least partially enclosing the reservoir.

10. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 9, wherein the outer housing is snap-fit ​​onto the reservoir spout.

11. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein said mixing nozzle includes a first conical section for converging said additive stream.

12. 2. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein said mixing nozzle includes a central additive flow passage and at least two base fluid flow ports disposed radially outward from said additive flow passage.

13. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a one-way seal disposed within the base fluid flow passage.

14. 1. A method for mixing a base fluid with an additive, comprising the steps of: securing an additive delivery system to a base fluid container containing a stored supply of base fluid, such that the additive delivery system contains a supply of additive; Dispensing the base fluid from the container; and mixing the additive with the base fluid as a portion of the base fluid exits the container; The method, wherein the step of mixing the additive with the base fluid occurs without mixing the additive with the stored supply of base fluid in the container.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising mixing the additive from a flexible reservoir in communication with the additive flow path.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising preventing backflow of the base fluid with a one-way seal disposed in the base fluid flow path.

17. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising removing the additive delivery system from the container and replacing the additive delivery system with a second additive delivery system having a different additive.

18. The method of claim 15 further comprising protecting the flexible reservoir with an outer housing.

19. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting the additive stream mixed with the base fluid.

20. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting the additive flow mixed with the base fluid by adjusting a conical metering element.

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