Adjustable additive delivery system and dispensing closure valve therefor

Abstract

To provide a mixed cartridge delivery system that mixes an additive with a base liquid and utilizes a dispensing closure valve to achieve an improved flow of the mixed liquid from the cartridge.SOLUTION: The additive delivery system of the present invention has the following features. The closure base may include a tethered lid. A flexible valve, such as a slit valve, is supported on a valve support end of the closure base and fastened thereon by a valve fastener that interlocks with the closure base. The system may include a one-way valve for the base liquid and a mixing section defined within the cartridge. The dispensing closure valve provides improved flow characteristics in combination with the base valve. The dispensing closure valve also prevents leakage and accidental draining from the cartridge system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claims and references to related applications Priority is claimed under all applicable statutes, treaties, conventions, and regulations to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 723,447, filed August 27, 2018, entitled "Dispensing Cap Closure with Drip-Preventing Features," and U.S. Application No. 16 / 235,913, filed December 28, 2018, entitled "Adjustable Additive Delivery Systems and Dispensing Closure Valves for the Same." 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 description, claims, or drawings of the aforementioned applications, is not otherwise included in this application, that element, subject matter, or portion is incorporated herein by reference for purposes of any applicable rule, procedure, or law. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to dispensing and delivery systems for beverages and other products, and more particularly to dispensing and delivery systems in which additives, such as flavors, concentrates, or supplements, may be provided in interchangeable modular cartridges, which may include features for mixing the additive with a base liquid, such as water, as the base liquid flows through the cartridge and is ingested by a user. 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 liquid. The present disclosure further relates to dispensing closures and dispensing closure valves, mixing cartridges and additive reservoirs, and delivery systems and devices that may include such dispensing closure valves.

[0003] Recent advances in the art include adjustable mixing cartridge-based delivery systems and adjustable mixing cartridges, such as those described in the related applications referenced above. Such systems mix additives with the base liquid as it flows through the mixing cartridge, thereby adding flavor to the base liquid as the user draws the mixture through the cartridge. Such systems include a one-way valve to prevent backflow of the base liquid through the cartridge, thus maintaining the supply of base liquid in an unmixed state. The cartridge may define a mixing zone or section upstream of the one-way valve, which may be a defined volume within the cartridge where the additive is added to and mixed with the base liquid. Such systems may employ a push-pull cap closure to allow the user to selectively dispense the mixture from the dispenser or close the dispenser by snapping the push-pull cap into a closed position. Such closures can be cumbersome for some users, as opening typically requires a two-handed operation, holding the container with one hand and pulling the closure open with the other. Furthermore, such closures do not facilitate rapid termination of flow when the contents are dispensed, leaving the possibility of the contents spilling after the user takes a sip, which is undesirable. Furthermore, such closures may not be ideal for dispensing because all users tend to experience some degree of flow restriction, and may be undesirable if a higher flow rate and volume of dispensed liquid is desired by the user. Furthermore, pushing the cap closed may slightly compress the mixed liquid held in the mixing zone or mixing section within the cartridge, thereby causing a small amount of the mixed liquid to spill and / or be forced out of the cap, which may be undesirable. Furthermore, if the cartridge and container are inverted and the cap is open during dispensing of such a system, the mixed liquid may spill from the cartridge even if the user has not ingested the contents.

[0004] There is a need in the art for improvements in such additive delivery systems that address the aforementioned and other challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an additive delivery system may include a dispensing closure valve for providing improved control of residual mixture in a mixing zone or mixing section of the delivery system, and may provide improved flow and dispensing characteristics. The dispensing closure valve may include a closure base having a valve retainer interlock for securing a valve retainer thereto. The valve component may include a slit valve configuration and may be held in place on the closure base with the valve retainer. The closure base may include a lid coupled thereto for sealingly engaging the valve retainer and sealing the closure. The dispensing closure valve may provide improved flow and dispensing characteristics when the mixture is dispensed from the cartridge. The dispensing closure valve may prevent discharge of residual mixture within the mixing section of the cartridge and contain the residual mixture when the cartridge is not being used by a user.

[0006] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the dispensing closure valve may interact with the base flow valve to provide improved flow and control characteristics. Applicant has discovered that the combination of a one-way base flow valve and a dispensing closure valve, with a mixing section defined therebetween, produces desirable flow characteristics. More specifically, the configuration typically exhibits a constant proportionality between aspiration pressure and flow rate within the aspiration pressure range that may be applied by a user.

[0007] According to a further aspect, a dispensing closure valve is provided in a cartridge environment that includes a flow control structure within the cartridge spout. More specifically, the cartridge spout may include a button-shaped protrusion supported by radial spokes and radial channels. A valve membrane of the dispensing closure valve interacts with this structure to achieve desired flow characteristics.

[0008] According to a further aspect, the dispensing closure can facilitate both one-handed operation to open the lid. A tether strap can connect the lid to the closure base and can be configured to assume a curved configuration when the lid is attached to the closure base. Applying a lateral force to the tether strap creates an upward force on the lid, allowing a user to remove the lid by pressing the tether strap with a thumb or finger.

[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 practice 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, will control. Furthermore, the materials, methods, and examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Details of one or more exemplary implementations of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief explanation 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 like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. It is understood that the descriptions 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. The following figures, unless otherwise indicated, are all examples of devices, systems, and methods according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an additive delivery system environment and dispensing closure according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an additive delivery system environment and dispensing closure according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the closure base of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve fastener of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the distributor valve of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure assembled on a mixing cartridge with the closure cap removed. [Figure 10] Schematic of the components of the cartridge-based additive delivery system, including the dispensing valve. [Figure 11] 1 is a graph illustrating flow rate versus aspiration pressure for a cartridge-based additive delivery system and its valve components. [Figure 12] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing closure assembled onto a mixing cartridge with the closure cap in a closed position. [Figure 13] 10 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing closure system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary dispensing closure and components of a mixing cartridge environment suitable for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. The dispensing closure is designated by reference numeral 600, and the environment is generally designated by reference numeral 100. Exemplary components of environment 100 are described in the related applications identified above and will be briefly described herein as necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a mixture dispensing closure generally referenced as 600 can be provided in a mixing cartridge environment to achieve improvements as described in the Summary section above and further detailed herein.

[0012] The exemplary mixing cartridge or additive delivery system environment 100 may include several components for facilitating adjustable mixing of an additive (flavoring) with a base liquid (water) as the base liquid flows through the cartridge. The components may be assembled in a generally stacked arrangement using snap-fit or threaded connections to facilitate rapid assembly. The components may include a cartridge cap with an additive flow adjustment actuator 200 attached thereto and cooperating with it to limit rotational movement relative to a cartridge cap base 250. The additive flow adjustment actuator 200 may include a body 202 and an actuator dispensing spout 206 extending upward from the body 202 and defining an internal flow path for the mixed liquid dispensed from the cartridge. At the end of the spout 206, several radial flow paths 208 may be defined between several radial spokes supporting a button-shaped central protrusion 209 (see also FIGS. 13 and 14 ). A spout cap fastening protrusion 211 may extend near the periphery of the upper region of the spout 206. This general spout configuration can be adapted to receive a push-pull cap for selectively sealing or opening the spout.

[0013] The additive reservoir assembly may be disposed beneath the cap base 250 and may include a reservoir spout 400 having a flexible pouch (not shown) secured thereto (i.e., by a welded seam to a fitting 402 for containing the additive supply). A reservoir housing 500 surrounds the reservoir spout and pouch and may be secured to the reservoir spout. The reservoir protective housing 500, which may be a cage or a solid-walled (shown) cover, may snap fit onto one or more flanges 404 on the pouch reservoir spout 400. The reservoir housing 500 and reservoir pouch may be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow a user to see and identify the nature of the additive supply.

[0014] The mixing nozzle 350 may extend from the top of the cap base 250. The mixing nozzle 350 may include a threaded mixing nozzle stem 360 including integral threads 362 on its exterior surface. The mixing nozzle 350 defines at least a portion of an additive flow path by an internal mixing nozzle additive flow path 363 extending through the mixing nozzle stem 360. The bottom of the mixing nozzle 350 may receive the reservoir spout 400, thus providing for the flow of additive from the reservoir through the central passage 363. A plurality of radially arranged base ports 358 may be defined within the mixing nozzle 350 to allow for the flow of base liquid and at least partially define the base flow path through the mixing nozzle 350. An annular one-way base flow valve 320 may be secured to the mixing nozzle 350 in a position that provides one-way flow of base liquid through the base ports 358 and prevents backflow therethrough (see FIG. 9 ). As will be appreciated, the mixing nozzle 350 defines a portion of a base liquid flow path and a portion of an additive liquid flow path therein. More specifically, the additive liquid flow path is defined in part by a centrally or axially located passage 363 within the mixing nozzle, while the base liquid flow path includes a plurality of base liquid ports 358 disposed outwardly from the central location that at least partially surrounds the additive liquid flow path. This flow geometry provides advantageous mixing and flow characteristics, as further described in the above-referenced related application.

[0015] 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 to provide an adjustable mix of the additive and base liquid. A conical seat on the top of the mixing nozzle 350 cooperates with a conical surface of the metering component 300. User rotation of the actuator 200 relative to the cap base 250 rotates the metering component 300 relative to the mixing nozzle spout 360, and a screw 362 allows the user to adjust the space between the conical surface on the metering component 300 and the conical seat on the mixing nozzle 350, which in turn adjusts the flow of additive introduced into the base liquid as it flows through the cartridge. A number of axially extending guide rails 216 are defined within the spout portion 206, defining guide channels therebetween that cooperate with and guide complementary shaped guide elements 316 on the additive flow metering component 300, allowing the guide elements 316 to slide upwardly or downwardly relative to the actuator 200 as the actuator 200 rotates.

[0016] In operation, the additive flow adjustment actuator can be rotated relative to the cap base 250. Such rotation causes rotation of the metering component / insert 300 relative to the mixing nozzle 350, resulting in slight axial movement of the insert 300, i.e., upward or downward, due to the cooperating threads between the insert 300 and the nozzle 350. The 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. As the base liquid flows into the cartridge assembly, due to pressure changes within the base liquid container, i.e., squeezing the flexible bottle, and / or suction applied by the user during ingestion, and / or inversion or tilting, such movement results in a flow of additive so that the base liquid is mixed with the additive at the appropriate level determined by the rotational position of the additive flow adjustment actuator.

[0017] As will be appreciated, in the above circumstances, after initial use, residual mixture may exist in a mixing section or zone within the cartridge, which may be defined between the base flow seal 320 and the outlet passage of the spout 206. During operation, for example, after a user takes a sip of a beverage, this space may be occupied by residual mixed liquid. The base flow seal 320 prevents the mixed liquid from flowing back through the cartridge. Thus, residual liquid in the mixing section or zone may be prone to spillage upon the user's next dispense (sip). Furthermore, the use of a push-pull closure on the spout 206 may compress the residual liquid in the mixing section or zone, causing undesirable spillage or ejection.

[0018] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the above environment may include a dispensing closure valve that improves the operation of a mixing cartridge-based additive delivery system. An exemplary dispensing closure valve assembly 600 may include a closure base 630, a lid 650, a valve retainer 670, and a valve 690. Details of each of these components and their operation will now be described.

[0019] An exemplary closure base 630 and lid 650 are shown in Figures 3 and 4. The closure base 630 may include an annular spout-engaging skirt 632 having a tapered inner lower surface 634 to facilitate quick alignment / installation onto the spout post 206 (Figures 1 and 2), for example. A closure base spout 636 may extend upwardly from the skirt 632 to a valve retaining end 638. The closure base 630 may have a valve retaining interlock 640 for engaging and securing a valve retaining 670 (Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6) on the closure base 630. The interlock 640 may include an annular retaining groove or recess 642 formed in the upper portion of the closure skirt 632 and extending concentrically around the lower portion of the closure base spout 636. One or more annular interlocking recesses or grooves 644 may be included in the retainer groove or recess 642 to provide a friction or interference fit with a complementary element on the valve retainer to secure the valve retainer 670 (FIG. 1) to the closure base 630. The valve retainer end 638 of the closure base spout 636 may include both a land or sealing surface 639 and an annular shoulder 670 for engaging and / or supporting the valve 670 (FIGS. 1 and 2), as described further below. The land or sealing surface 639 may have a slightly angled orientation and extend upwardly and radially inward, thereby providing a well-defined circumferential edge or lip 637 for engaging the underside of the valve. This allows for tight control of the valve's sealing and performance characteristics. A spout post engaging bead or ridge 635 is formed on the inner surface of the closure base spout 636, allowing the closure base 630 to be secured to the spout post 206 by forming an interference fit with a corresponding ridge or bead 205 (FIGS. 2 and 9) on the spout post 206.

[0020] The closure base 630 may include a lid 650 connected thereto via a tether strap 652. The tether strap may also function as a lid-opening assist feature, allowing for one-handed removal of the lid 650 from a closed position on the catch 670, as described. The closure base 630, lid 650, and tether strap may be integrally formed as a single piece from a suitable thermoplastic, such as polypropylene. The lid 650 may include an annular lid wall 654 extending from a lid end wall 655. A lid sealing ring 656 extends from the lid wall 654 and may provide sealing engagement with a valve and / or catch, as described. The lid 650 may have several lid interlocking projections 657 extending from the upper, inner lid wall 654. The interlocking projections 657 may engage one or more grooves or other complementary-shaped elements on the valve catch 670 to secure the lid 650 in place on the interlocking projections 657. The lid wall 654 may include an annular gripping protrusion 658 to allow a user to easily remove the lid 650 in a one-handed operation, i.e., by pushing up on the lid 650 with the user's thumb.

[0021] 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary valve retainer 670 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An annular valve retainer wall 672 extends upward to an inwardly protruding valve retainer ledge 674 with a valve sealing interface 676 defined on its underside for engaging the valve. The valve sealing interface 676 has an inner lip 677 and a tapered undercut portion 679 to ensure that the valve surface is adequately engaged by the inner lip 677. That is, when the retainer 670 is secured to the cap base 630, the inner lip 677 applies a concentrated, localized sealing force to the valve along a clearly defined perimeter that coincides with the diameter of the annular inner lip 677. As will be appreciated, the inner lip 677, interlocking with a lip or edge 637 on the valve land 639 ( FIG. 4 ) of the closure base spout 635, provides precise control of the amount and location of clamping force against the valve, which in turn allows for precise control of the valve's sealing and performance, i.e., flow characteristics. The outer annular surface of the valve retaining wall 672 may include an annular retaining projection 680 that cooperates with an interlock 640 (FIG. 4) on the closure cap 630. An annular lid retaining projection 682 also extends around the periphery of the valve retaining wall 672 and may cooperate with the lid interlock projection 657 (FIG. 4) to retain the lid 650 onto the valve retaining wall 670.

[0022] 7 and 8 illustrate an exemplary valve 690 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The valve 690 may include an annular valve skirt or wall 692 and a valve membrane 694 extending across the skirt 692. The valve 690 may include one or more valve passages 696 defined therein. In this case, the valve passages have a slit configuration with two generally orthogonal slits formed or cut in the membrane 694. Other slit configurations are also contemplated, including parallel slits or partial concentric or circumferential slits. Additionally, other passage forms other than slits are also contemplated, including circular or other shaped perforations. As will be appreciated, the thickness of the membrane 694, the configuration of the slits or passages 696, the membrane's material and associated elasticity, and other attributes may be selected to provide the valve with appropriate flow and pressure characteristics. Applicant has found that favorable flow characteristics can be achieved by using Shore 50A food-grade silicone for the valve membrane with a thickness of approximately 0.45 mm and a slit configuration of two orthogonal slits, each approximately 11 mm in length (diameter). Furthermore, a valve circumferential lip (637 in FIG. 4) and valve retainer inner lip (677 in FIG. 6) with a diameter of approximately 12 mm, combined with the above valve configuration, can provide favorable flow characteristics and liquid control in the mixing section. The valve skirt 692 can include a tapered lower surface 698 to facilitate rapid and / or automated assembly onto the cap 630. Opposing tapered surfaces 697 and 695 can extend at an angle of approximately 23 degrees from each other and can provide for complementary mating with corresponding surfaces on the cap land 639 (FIG. 4) and valve retainer 670.

[0023] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the dispensing closure 600 and components assembled in an additive delivery system environment. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the valve membrane can extend over the top of the spout post with the slit oriented in a specific manner relative to the spout structure. It will be appreciated that a residual mixture volume, mixing zone, or mixing section can be defined within the assembly between the base flow seal 320 and the mixture dispensing valve 690. Applicant has discovered that favorable flow and mixing characteristics, as well as flavor uniformity, can be achieved with the combination of the described dispensing closure valve and base valve positioned in the described configuration.

[0024] As will be appreciated, the actuator spout 206 and its particular flow characteristics, including the radial spokes and intervening radial channels, as well as the button-shaped protrusions thereon, may provide desirable flow characteristics when combined with the dispensing closure valve 600. More specifically, the radial channels may direct each stream of mixed liquid to a specific localized region of the valve membrane, impinging in the same manner on each "sector" defined by the slits. Furthermore, the button-shaped protrusions prevent flow in the central region of the valve membrane, i.e., where the slits intersect, making the membrane less resistant to flow. This interaction may thereby provide a more consistent and predictable flow of liquid dispensed through the closure dispensing valve.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an additive delivery system and components contemplated by the present disclosure. The additive delivery system is generally designated by the reference numeral 1000. As depicted in FIG. 10, multiple base fluid flow paths 10.1 and 10.3 (in this case, two are illustrated in FIG. 10) may be defined by multiple flow paths, such as passage 358 ( FIG. 1 ) in mixing nozzle 350, which may be in a radial pattern around a central additive flow path 1363. A base fluid flow valve 1320 that provides only one-way flow and prevents backflow of base fluid, such as seal 320 in FIG. 1, may be associated with each of the base fluid flow paths. Thus, base fluid flow paths 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4 are defined from base fluid supply 10, through base fluid passage 1352 in base 1250, through base fluid flow valve 1320, and to mixing section 1240. Additive flow paths 20.1 and 20.3 are defined from additive supply 20, through additive flow path 1363 in base 1250, through additive adjustment valve 1300, to mixing section 1340. Mixed liquid flow path 30 is defined through the mixing section to closure dispensing valve 1600. As will be appreciated, while the additive adjustment valve and additive flow path elements are shown disposed within the spout or base, their locations may be changed and / or substituted with or for other components in the system within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, the locations and relative orientations of the base liquid and additive flow paths may be changed without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a graphical representation of pressure (suction) and flow characteristics of an additive delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 also shows, as curve 1110, the pressure and flow characteristics of a dispense closure valve alone (i.e., not combined with the environment described herein) for a system provided with only a one-way base valve. Curve 1120 represents the pressure and flow characteristics of a dispense closure valve described herein alone (i.e., not combined with the environment described herein). As will be appreciated, the interaction of the dispense closure valve and base flow valve in the described environment can provide improved mixture flow characteristics. More specifically, curve 1100 shows a substantially constant proportional (linear) relationship between flow rates from about 0.07 psi to about 0.3 psi and from 0.0 to about 10.5 ml / sec. In contrast, the flow and pressure characteristics of the dispense closure valve alone and the base valve alone show a variation in flow rate ratio within the same ranges. It will therefore be appreciated that the interaction of the dispensing closure valve and the mixing cartridge environment, including the base liquid flow valve, according to aspects of the present disclosure and as described herein, will produce unexpected results in terms of the flow and pressure characteristics achieved.

[0027] With further reference to FIG. 11 , it will be appreciated that the flow rate of the dispense closure valve is preferably selected to be higher than the flow rate of the base valve at most pressures. The dispense closure valve should be configured to have less of an effect on flow than the base flow valve. It will also be appreciated that the base valve may provide a higher threshold pressure for any flow of base liquid to occur and is configured to prevent flow at anticipated pressures on the base valve that may be consistent with a fully inverted base container, thereby preventing flow of base liquid when the water bottle is inverted but no suction pressure is applied to the dispense closure valve. This isolates the mixing section from the static pressure of an inverted supply of base liquid within the container. This environment allows the dispense closure valve to be configured with a lower threshold pressure to prevent flow from the mixing section of the cartridge when inverted but no suction is applied to the dispense closure valve, i.e., when inverted but not drawn on by the user.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tether strap can function as an assist feature for one-handed lid removal. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a dispensing closure lid in a closed or attached position on the valve catch. For example, a force applied by a user's thumb in the direction of arrow "F" can create an upward (lifting) force "U" on the lid at the lid / tether strap interface. The tether strap can be attached at a lower position on the closure base and can abut the top surface of the actuator 200, such that the lower portion of the tether strap is restrained against downward bulging or movement. Thus, application of force "F" deforms the tether strap into the shape shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 12, and the upward force "U" on the associated side of the lid (the right side of FIG. 12) is sufficient to overcome the lid's interlock on the valve catch, thereby allowing the lid to be flipped open.

[0029] 13-15 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a dispensing closure valve according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the valve 1690 may be configured as a flat membrane without an annular shoulder or skirt. The closure base 1630 may include an annular recess 1670 on the valve mounting end 1638 for receiving the slit valve 1690 therein. As shown in FIG. 15 in particular, the slit valve 1690 may be secured in a position adjacent to or against the surface of the protrusion 209 from the spout 206 to achieve desired flow characteristics and prevent inadvertent leakage or spillage.

[0030] The above components can be made using injection molding or other known techniques using thermoplastics such as food-grade polypropylene or similar materials. The present disclosure also contemplates other materials, such as stainless steel or other food-grade or non-food-grade materials.

[0031] Implementation of other variations and modifications of the present invention in its various aspects 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. Accordingly, it is contemplated that any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents are covered by the present invention. For example, while the metering function of the additive delivery system has been described using conical metering components or elements, other structures such as flow control elements utilizing gates or ball valves, or other components that provide adjustment of the metering area and flow path based on movement of a user actuator, could be used. Furthermore, while snap fits have been described for the components, it will be recognized that other fastening structures or techniques could be used, such as threaded or screwed joints, friction joints, or adhesive or welding techniques.

Claims

1. 1. An additive delivery system comprising: a base cap for attaching the cartridge to the container; a spout cooperatively associated with said base cap; a base fluid flow path; a base liquid flow valve disposed in the base liquid flow path; an additive flow path; an additive adjusting valve disposed in the additive flow path; the base liquid flow path and the additive flow path communicating with a mixing section; a dispensing closure valve in communication with the mixing section.

2. 2. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing closure valve comprises a closure base for engaging the spout, a closure valve disposed on the closure base, and a valve retainer secured to the closure base and retaining the closure valve to the closure base.

3. 3. The additive delivery system of claim 2, wherein the dispensing closure valve is a slit valve.

4. 3. The additive delivery system of claim 2, wherein the dispensing closure valve includes an annular valve skirt and the closure base includes a closure base spout having a shoulder defined thereon for receiving the annular valve skirt.

5. The additive delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the spout includes a number of radial channels defined therein.

6. The additive delivery system of claim 6 , wherein the valve includes a valve membrane disposed adjacent the radial flow passage of the spout.

7. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing closure valve includes a lid and a tether strap secured to the lid.

8. 8. The additive delivery system of claim 7, wherein the tether strap is adapted to provide an upward force on the lid when a lateral force is applied to the tether strap.

9. 9. The additive delivery system of claim 8, wherein the tether strap is attached to a lower end of the closure base, the tether strap being restrained against downward movement by an actuator on the cap base.

10. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the base flow valve is a one-way valve.

11. 10. The additive delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a mixing nozzle having at least one additive passageway forming a portion of the additive flow path and at least one base liquid passageway forming a portion of the base liquid flow path.

12. 12. The additive delivery system of claim 11, wherein the additive passage is centrally located in the mixing nozzle.

13. 12. The additive delivery system of claim 11, wherein the at least one base liquid passage is disposed radially outward from a central axis of the mixing nozzle.

14. 12. The additive delivery system of claim 11, wherein the mixing nozzle includes a sealing member that functions as the base liquid flow valve, the sealing member preventing backflow through at least one base liquid passageway.

15. 1. A closure for controlling the flow of liquid from a container, comprising: a closure base having an annular base wall and a valve retaining receiving recess defined therein; an annular closure spout extending from the annular base wall to a valve support end; a valve supported on the valve support end, the valve comprising a flexible membrane with at least one passageway defined therein, the valve configured to prevent flow therethrough below a threshold pressure.

16. 16. The closure of claim 15, further comprising a closure cap secured to the closure base by a tether strap, wherein the closure cap, closure base, and tether strap are integrally formed as a single piece, and the tether strap is adapted to exert a removal force on the closure cap when a force is applied to the tether strap when the closure cap is attached to the valve fastener.

17. 16. The closure of claim 15, wherein the cap further comprises an interior wall for engaging a surface of the catch and for engaging the valve when the cap is attached to the valve catch.

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