Dispensing cap, insertable cartridge, dispensing container, dispensing system, and methods of making and using

Abstract

In some embodiments, devices and methods are provided herein for a dispensing container having a dispensing cap and a cartridge. In one aspect, the dispensing container includes a bottle having a first fluid, a dispensing cap having a receptacle, and a cartridge insertable into the receptacle of the dispensing cap and having a cavity therein containing a second fluid. Methods for manufacturing the dispensing container, cap, and cartridge are also provided, as are methods for dispensing two different fluids using the dispensing cap and container.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 399591, filed August 19, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 399599, filed August 19, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 399605, filed August 19, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 433896, filed December 20, 2022. The entire contents of each of the foregoing provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to container packaging for fluids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a container having a dispensing cap. [Background technology]

[0003] A wide variety of fluid packaged products are available on the market, offering consumers numerous choices. Such products may include, for example, foods—e.g., beverages, sauces, and condiments; personal care products—e.g., body wash, lotions, and hair care products; and home care products—e.g., cleaners. The large number of products is particularly diverse when products within a particular category are available in many different formulations or recipes. However, products are often packaged singly in a single, full-size container. Thus, if a consumer wishes to try or use more than one product at a time, the consumer must typically purchase multiple full-size products or additives to mix with other products. The need to store all the individual containers, as well as the cost, can be a burden to the consumer.

[0004] Such problems are typically exacerbated for packaged foods. Consumers want to try many different foods and often want to use several different products in one meal, but typically face the challenge of limited storage space (e.g., on refrigerator shelves). Additionally, many packaged foods are stored in homes occupied by several different individuals, each with different food preferences.

[0005] To alleviate these problems, in some cases different substances may be packaged within a single packaged product, which is often implemented by packaging the different substances within different containers that are secured and / or stored together.

[0006] In yet another approach, different substances are provided in different compartments or chambers of a single container. In one approach, each compartment of the container has its own closure, allowing the user to open and close each compartment as needed. However, this approach can be cumbersome for the user and may not be optimal when it is desired to simultaneously dispense multiple substances at once. This may be particularly true for fluidic substances, as the fluids are simultaneously dispensed in multiple independent streams rather than in a single stream of multiple products, which can be difficult to manage.

[0007] According to another approach, there may be a single mixing closure that mixes multiple fluids from different compartments of the container either within the closure or as the fluids exit the closure, but this approach may not be ideal if it is not desirable for the fluids to mix. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices, systems, and methods relating to a dispensing container having a dispensing cap, a dispensing cap having a cartridge, and a cartridge for a dispensing cap. This description includes the following drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of a dispensing cap with a cartridge therein, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective top view of the cap and cartridge of FIG. 1 with the cartridge removed from the cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the dispense bottle with the cap and cartridge of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom cross-sectional view of a dispensing cap according to some embodiments shown attached to a bottle. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom cross-sectional view of the underside of the dispensing cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective horizontal cross-sectional view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for the dispense cap of FIG. 2 along line 7-7, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 5 along line 8-8 in a first, non-actuated piston position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the dispense cap of FIG. 5 along line 8-8 in a second, fully extended piston position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 10] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 1 in a fully extended piston position in use without a cartridge inserted and dispensing only fluid from the bottle. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a dispensed fluid according to some embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing cap having a cartridge therein. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 12 with a cartridge therein. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 12 with a cartridge therein. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 12 with a cartridge therein. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the cartridge of the dispensing cap of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of the dispensing cap of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of the dispensing cap of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the cartridge of the dispensing cap of FIG. [Figure 20A] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG. 16. [Figure 20B] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG. [Figure 20C] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG. 16. [Figure 20D] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG. 16. [Figure 21A] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a cartridge piston member of the cartridge of FIG. 16. [Figure 21B] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge piston member of the cartridge of FIG. 16. [Figure 22A] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG. 16. [Figure 22B] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG. 16. [Figure 22C] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG. 16. [Figure 22D] 17 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 22E] 17 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG. [Figure 25] 17 is a central cross-sectional view of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the cap base of FIG. 23. [Figure 27A] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the base piston member of the cap base of FIG. 23. [Figure 27B] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the base piston member of the cap base of FIG. 23. [Figure 27C] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the base piston member of the cap base of FIG. 23. [Figure 28A]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of the cap base of FIG. 23. [Figure 28B] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another portion of the cap base of FIG. 13. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dispense bottle having an alternative dispense cap with an alternative cartridge therein. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a portion of a central cross-sectional view of the dispensing bottle of FIG. 29. [Figure 31] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 29. [Figure 32] FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 29. [Figure 33] FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 29. [Figure 34A] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG. 29. [Figure 34B] FIG. 30 is a central cross-sectional view of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG. 29. [Figure 35A] 30 shows a top perspective view of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG. 29 without the base piston member. [Figure 35B] 30 shows a bottom perspective view of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG. 29 without the base piston member. [Figure 36A] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 36B] FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 36C] FIG. 30 is a central cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 37A] FIG. 30 is a left side perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 37B] FIG. 30 is a right side perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 37C] FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 37D] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the valve body of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 38A] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 38B] FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge body of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 39A] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of a cartridge piston member of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 39B] FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge piston member of the cartridge of FIG. 29. [Figure 40A] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a portion of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG. 29. [Figure 40B] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an additional portion of the cap base of the dispensing cap of FIG. 29. [Figure 41A] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a dispensed fluid according to some embodiments. [Figure 41B] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a dispensed fluid according to some embodiments.

[0009] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative positions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments may be omitted to facilitate a narrower view of these various embodiments of the present invention. Certain operations and / or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of appearance when such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The terms and phrases used herein have the ordinary technical meanings as ascribed to such terms and phrases by those skilled in the art as set forth above, unless a different specific meaning is otherwise stated herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Additionally, the following description of illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present disclosure is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire specification. Any reference to direction or orientation in the description of the embodiments disclosed herein is intended for convenience of description only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terminology derivatives such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "upper," "lower," "upper," "lower," "upper," "upper," "lower," and "lower" (e.g., "horizontal," "lower," "upper") should be interpreted to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless expressly so indicated. "Mounted," "attached," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar terms refer to a relationship in which structures are fixed or attached to one another, both directly or indirectly through intervening structures, and through movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the present disclosure are illustrated by reference to particular embodiments, and therefore the present invention should not be expressly limited to such embodiments, which represent some of the possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in any combination of features.

[0011] Described herein are devices, systems, and methods of manufacture and use for dispensing containers having dispensing caps with cartridges. The dispensing containers and caps are useful for dispensing more than a single fluid. In one exemplary approach, the dispensing cap can simultaneously dispense two different fluids, e.g., two different condiments, from the dispensing container. When two fluids are present, one fluid may be contained within a main container body of the dispensing container, such as a bottle, and the other fluid may be contained within the dispensing cap, particularly the cartridge of the cap.

[0012] Some embodiments include a dispensing cap or closure for a dispensing container. The dispensing cap can include a cap base configured to attach to the neck of a receptacle, such as a bottle, a dispensing channel through which fluid from the receptacle can be dispensed, and a receptacle having a cartridge disposed therein. In some configurations, a base piston member is disposed within the base and is movable between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, this movement occurs when a primary fluid disposed within the container is forced into the cap, causing at least a portion of the fluid to mechanically interact with the base piston member and move the base piston member toward the second position. In one exemplary embodiment, the base piston member is also configured to drive a cartridge piston member disposed within the cartridge as it moves toward the second position. Movement of the cartridge piston member can thereby expel a secondary fluid disposed within the cartridge from the cartridge. By one approach, the cartridge is configured to be removably attachable to and detachable from the cap base, for example, via corresponding threads on the cartridge and receptacle. The dispensing cap may further include a flip-top lid.

[0013] Also described herein is a cartridge for a dispensing cap. In some configurations, the cartridge includes a container, receptacle, or cartridge body, a valve member, and the cartridge piston member described above. According to some approaches, the valve member is coupled to an outer surface of the body on the dispensing side of the cartridge. The body, the valve member, and the cartridge piston member are configured to form a container defining a cavity for fluid disposed within the cartridge. In some approaches, the container is removably attachable to the dispensing cap. In exemplary embodiments, the valve member has a tube segment extending into the container. In such configurations, the tube segment can include at least one outlet opening in its wall. Furthermore, the tube segment can be movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position. For example, the first position of the tube segment can be a position in which the at least one opening is covered by the inner wall of the body, preventing fluid within the container from flowing into the tube segment through the at least one outlet opening. Furthermore, the second position can be a position in which fluid within the container can flow into the tube segment through the at least one outlet opening. In some embodiments, attaching the cartridge to the base of the dispensing cap engages an end of the tubing segment with an end of the dispensing channel in the cap base, moving the tubing segment to open at least one outlet opening.

[0014] In one approach, the cartridge includes a body removably attachable to the dispensing cap. In such a configuration, the body typically defines at least a portion of a cavity having a first fluid disposed therein, and the body's internal cylindrical wall defines at least a portion of the body's central opening. Attached to the exterior surface of the body, in one approach, is a valve member having a tubing segment extending into the body's central opening. In use, the tubing segment typically has a first end that receives a second fluid flowing into the tubing segment from the dispensing cap and a second end through which the first and second fluids are dispensed. The tubing segment also typically includes at least one outlet opening in the wall of the tubing segment through which the first fluid can be dispensed from the cavity and joined to the second fluid.

[0015] In some cartridge embodiments, the cartridge piston member is generally disposed within the body cavity about the central opening of the body. In this manner, the cartridge piston is generally movable between a first position and a second position to urge the first fluid toward at least one outlet opening. In an exemplary configuration, the valve member is elastically deflectable such that the tubing portion is movable along the axis of the central opening to open and close the at least one outlet opening. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve member is formed from polypropylene.

[0016] In one configuration, the cartridge disposed within the receptacle in the cap base includes a sidewall having a lower portion received within the receptacle and an upper portion protruding from the receptacle, the upper portion including one or more gripping surfaces. In some embodiments, the cartridge disposed within the receptacle in the cap base includes external threads for threading into the receptacle, and one or more protrusions on the external threads engage one or more recesses on the internal threads of the receptacle to provide an audible and / or tactile indication to a user when the cartridge is correctly positioned within the receptacle.

[0017] Further described herein are dispensing containers or bottles that include a dispensing cap. In one approach, a dispensing cap that includes a cartridge as described above is threaded onto the bottle neck of a bottle, with a primary fluid disposed within the bottle and a secondary fluid disposed within the cartridge.

[0018] According to an exemplary approach, the dispensing container includes a bottle containing a primary fluid, a dispensing cap removably attached to the neck of the bottle, and a cartridge insertable into a receptacle in the dispensing cap and containing a secondary fluid within a cavity of the cartridge. In some configurations, the dispensing cap includes a dispensing channel through which fluid is dispensed from the dispensing container, the channel defining at least a portion of a fluid path. Additionally, the cartridge can include at least one outlet opening that allows the secondary fluid to exit the cavity, the at least one outlet opening being positioned to direct the fluid into the fluid flow path.

[0019] In some embodiments, the primary fluid stream and at least one secondary fluid stream are joined together within the fluid flow path when the primary fluid and secondary fluid are dispensed. In one approach, the streams are joined together and dispensed without substantial mixing of the primary and secondary fluids. In an exemplary embodiment, the primary and secondary fluids are different sauces or condiments with viscosities and flow resistances typical of such products. In some configurations, the primary and secondary fluids have similar fluid properties, such as viscosity, texture, density, compressibility, surface tension, etc., while in other configurations, the primary and secondary fluids have different fluid properties.

[0020] The dispense bottle can also include a movable base piston member disposed within the dispense cap. In some configurations, the base piston member is configured to engage a movable cartridge piston member of the cartridge to urge the secondary fluid toward at least one outlet opening of the cartridge. The base piston member can be movable between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the dispense cap includes one or more stops that prevent the base piston member from moving beyond the second position. In one approach, the bottle has resiliently flexible walls, and applying manual pressure to the bottle forces at least a portion of the primary fluid against the base piston member of the dispense cap, moving the base piston member, which in turn moves the cartridge piston member. The movement of the cartridge piston member thereby forces the secondary fluid out of at least one outlet opening of the cartridge. In such a configuration, applying manual pressure to the bottle also advances the primary fluid along the dispense channel of the dispense cap, dispensing the primary fluid.

[0021] In another approach, a method for dispensing a primary fluid and one or more secondary fluids together from a dispensing container uses a dispensing container as described herein. In some exemplary approaches, the dispensing container includes a dispensing cap as disclosed herein that is removably attached to the container, for example, to the neck of a flexible bottle. The method includes applying pressure to the flexible bottle effective to force an amount of the primary fluid disposed in the bottle out of the flexible bottle and into the dispensing cap. A user can manually apply pressure to the bottle, for example, by squeezing the bottle.

[0022] In one configuration, a first portion of the primary fluid flows into the dispense channel, and a second portion of the primary fluid applies pressure to the base piston member, moving the base piston member from a first position toward a second position. In use, movement of the base piston member can move the cartridge piston member within the cartridge, for example, toward the dispense side of the cap. This movement causes a secondary fluid disposed within the cartridge to exit through at least one outlet opening within the cartridge, joining the primary fluid from the dispense channel within a flow path within which the primary and secondary fluids can be dispensed together from the cap. In an exemplary configuration, the fluids are joined together within the tube portion of the cartridge valve member, and are dispensed without substantial mixing of the primary and secondary fluids, resulting in the fluids being distinctly visible in the dispensed stream.

[0023] In embodiments, the method can include inserting the cartridge into the cap such that the cartridge is not positioned within the cap. Accordingly, the method can also include inserting the cartridge into a receptacle of the dispense cap prior to use. For example, a user can thread the cartridge into the dispense cap. The method of inserting the cartridge into the receptacle of the dispense cap is not particularly limited, so long as the cartridge can be manually inserted and removed by a typical user without unreasonable effort, so long as the cartridge remains securely in place after insertion and during use. For example, the cartridge may alternatively be mated with the rest of the dispense cap, such as the receptacle, via, for example, an interference fit, a snap fit, a friction fit, and / or other mechanical connection, such as a detent or other biasing mechanism.

[0024] In some embodiments, a user typically orients the cartridge by aligning the cartridge's geometry with the corresponding geometry of the receptacle and inserting the cartridge into the cap's receptacle. For example, there may be markings, notches, or other visual indications on the cap and / or cartridge to indicate how the cartridge should be inserted or oriented. In some embodiments, the user may know that the cartridge is properly inserted via some type of indication, such as an audible click and / or manual or visual feedback. The indication may inform the user that the cartridge is in the correct position to dispense fluid. For example, the indication may correspond with one or more outlet openings of the cartridge being open and no longer blocked / sealed, allowing fluid disposed within the cartridge cavity to exit the outlet openings.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cartridge includes external threads for threading into the receptacle, and one or more protrusions or recesses on the external threads engage one or more protrusions or recesses on the internal threads of the receptacle to provide an audible and / or tactile indication to the user when the cartridge is correctly positioned within the receptacle. The method may include threading the cartridge through the receptacle until the user receives an indication.

[0026] The method may also include threading a base of the dispensing cap over the neck of the bottle. In some embodiments, the neck receives an entry portion of the base, thereby allowing the primary fluid to flow through an inlet of the dispensing channel and through one or more cap base openings spaced about the inlet to move the base piston member. In some approaches, the dispensing channel defines at least a portion of the fluid flow path, and at least one internal opening of the cartridge is positioned to direct the secondary fluid into the fluid flow path.

[0027] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the secondary fluid has a viscosity of about 7000 to about 25,000 centipoise or about 7000 to about 20,000 centipoise.

[0028] In one approach, inserting the cartridge into the receptacle of the dispense cap (e.g., by threading or thread-to-thread fit) causes the tubing portion of the valve member of the cartridge to engage the end of the dispense channel in the dispense cap base, thereby moving the tubing portion to open at least one outlet opening of the cartridge. As described above, the valve member, including the tubing portion, may be formed of an elastically deflectable or otherwise flexible material effective to enable movement. In an exemplary configuration, inserting the cartridge into the receptacle of the dispense cap pushes the flexible tubing portion toward the dispense side of the cap, and the user can see the outer surface of the valve member being pushed or bent outward from the top of the cap. This can further indicate to the user that the cartridge is properly seated to dispense fluid.

[0029] In some embodiments, the tube portion of the cartridge is aligned with the central opening of the cartridge, at least one inner opening is formed in the wall of the tube portion, a first end of the tube portion receives the primary fluid from the dispensing channel, and the tube portion has a second end including outlets through which the primary fluid and secondary fluid are dispensed.

[0030] The method may also include a step in which a user removes and / or replaces the cartridge from the dispensing cap. In some embodiments, a user may insert a different cartridge into the cap, for example, when a first cartridge is substantially consumed or out of fluid, or if the user desires to use a cartridge with a different fluid flavor and / or mouthfeel. In one configuration, a user can remove the cartridge and dispense only the fluid disposed in the bottle through the dispensing cap. In such a configuration, fluid from the bottle is dispensed from the cap through a dispensing channel in the cap base.

[0031] The method can further include multiple users using the bottle multiple times to dispense the fluid contained in the bottle as needed. For example, if the dispensing container is a condiment container containing one condiment in the bottle (e.g., a primary fluid) and another condiment in a cartridge in the dispensing cap (e.g., a secondary fluid), a user can dispense multiple servings of both condiments during a meal. In some embodiments, a user can also replace different cartridges having different fluids in the dispensing cap when a first cartridge is emptied, or replace the cartridge in the cap with a new cartridge.

[0032] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a dispensing container or bottle includes forming a flexible bottle, disposing a primary fluid therein, and forming a dispensing cap. Advantageously, it is contemplated that the dispensing caps disclosed herein can be easily adapted to containers or bottles that have already been designed and manufactured. For example, a bottle designed and manufactured to package ketchup may be equipped with a conventional dispensing cap and sold as a package containing a single product (e.g., ketchup). However, that same bottle may instead be provided and / or used in conjunction with a manufactured dispensing cap described herein, resulting in a packaged bottle dispensing multiple products (e.g., ketchup and chipotle sauce).

[0033] In one approach, forming the dispensing cap includes forming a base having a dispensing channel and a receptacle, the base configured to attach to the bottle neck. In some configurations, forming the dispensing cap further includes forming a base piston member and coupling the base piston member to the base. In this manner, the piston member is movable between a first position and a second position such that fluid disposed within the bottle is forced toward the dispensing channel, at least a portion of the fluid mechanically interacting with the base piston member and moving the base piston member toward the second position. The dispensing cap can also be formed to include a hinged flip-top lid.

[0034] A further step may include forming a cartridge to be disposed within the receptacle of the base. In one embodiment, the cartridge is formed with a base piston member configured to drive a cartridge piston member of the cartridge when the base piston member moves from a first position toward a second position. In one approach, forming the cartridge includes forming three components: a cartridge body, a valve member, and a cartridge piston member. This process may include, for example, disposing a valve member on a dispense side of the cartridge body and disposing a cartridge piston member on a side of the cartridge body opposite the dispense side, the three components forming a container for containing a fluid. A further step may include disposing a fluid within the cartridge. In one exemplary configuration, the fluid disposed within the cartridge is a different fluid than the fluid in the bottle. In one configuration, the manufacturing process includes disposing a filled cartridge within a receptacle of a dispense cap and, in some embodiments, passing the dispense cap with the filled cartridge over the filled bottle.

[0035] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a cartridge for a dispensing cap includes providing a fluid, forming a cartridge container with a central opening and a cavity for receiving the fluid, forming a cartridge piston member dimensioned to slide along the cartridge container cavity and push the fluid out of the cavity, and forming a valve member having a tube portion dimensioned to extend into the central opening. By some approaches, the tube portion includes at least one outlet opening in its wall. In addition, the manufacturing method also typically includes assembling the cartridge by placing the cartridge piston member within the cartridge container cavity, filling the cavity with fluid, and coupling the valve member to the container. In this way, the tube portion is typically aligned with the central opening of the container. Alternatively, the valve member may be first coupled to the container, the cavity filled with fluid, and the cartridge piston member then placed within the cartridge container cavity.

[0036] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a dispense cap includes forming a dispense cap base, the dispense cap base including a dispense channel and configured to attach to the neck of a bottle. In some aspects, the base has a receptacle sized to receive a cartridge. The manufacturing method can also include forming a base piston member and disposing the base piston member within the dispense cap base, the base piston member configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. In use, movement of the base piston member can cause at least a portion of fluid disposed within the bottle to mechanically interact with the base piston member and move the base piston member toward the second position as the fluid is forced toward the dispense channel to dispense the fluid. In some configurations, the method includes disposing a cartridge within a container of the dispense cap base as disclosed herein. In exemplary embodiments, the manufacturing process does not include inserting the cartridge into the cap base; rather, the cartridge remains outside the cap base where it is inserted by a user.

[0037] In some embodiments, the tubing segment can be configured to be movable relative to the container between a first "closed" position and a second "open" position. In the first "closed" position, at least one opening is covered by the interior wall of the container, preventing cartridge fluid from entering the tubing segment through the at least one outlet opening. In the second "open" position, cartridge fluid can enter the tubing segment through the at least one outlet opening. In addition, placing the cartridge into the container typically also induces movement of the tubing segment to the second open position.

[0038] A variety of materials can be utilized for the components described herein. In one approach, the valve component, including the tubing portion, is formed from a material that is suitably flexible to allow the above-described movements to occur. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve component is formed from polypropylene.

[0039] In some configurations, the cartridge includes a cartridge body, a valve member, and a cartridge piston member. Indeed, in one exemplary approach, these three members are combined to form a cartridge container. In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge body is formed as an outer cartridge cylindrical wall sized to fit within the cap base, with a hollow interior forming a cavity. In some embodiments, the valve member is bonded to the outer surface of the dispense side of the cartridge body. The dispense end of the tube portion of the valve member typically forms the dispense outlet of the cartridge, and in use, the cartridge and bottle fluid are dispensed together from the cap. In addition to the tube portion, the valve member may also be formed to include a disc portion extending from and around the tube portion at the dispense outlet. In some embodiments, the disc portion of the valve member is bonded (e.g., by adhesive, engagement with a corresponding geometric shape, and / or welding) to the dispense side of the cartridge body, partially sealing the cartridge at the dispense side of the cartridge. By one approach, the aforementioned inner wall of the container is formed as an inner cartridge cylindrical wall of the cartridge body that is bonded to the dispense side of the cartridge body. In some configurations, the inner cartridge cylindrical wall defines at least a portion of a central opening of the cartridge receptacle.

[0040] In some embodiments, the base piston member is configured to drive a cartridge piston member disposed within the cartridge as the base piston member moves from the first position toward the second position. The base may be formed to include one or more stops configured to prevent the base piston member from moving beyond the second position. In an exemplary configuration, the cartridge piston member is formed with an engagement member, such as an upstanding rib, for engaging the base piston member during movement.

[0041] In one approach, the manufacturing process of placing the cartridge into the receptacle involves engaging a first end of the tubing segment with an end of the dispensing channel and moving the tubing segment to open at least one outlet opening. However, it will be understood that the manufacturing process may not include placing the cartridge into a container, as a user would typically insert a cartridge prior to use.

[0042] The manufacturing method may further include adding tamper-evident features or packaging to the cartridges and / or dispensing containers. For example, one or more cartridges may be sealed within a flow pack. In some embodiments, the cartridge may have tamper-evident sealing liners on the dispensing side and on the opposite side of the dispensing side of the cartridge. A tamper-evident seal may also be placed on the mouth of the flexible bottle. Such seals typically need to be removed by the user before use.

[0043] In any embodiment of the above manufacturing method, the base of the dispensing cap may be formed to include a guide channel along which at least a portion of the base piston member moves. The base may be formed such that at least a portion of the dispensing channel extends into the guide channel, and may include at least one base opening through which fluid from the bottle can flow between the dispensing channel and the guide channel to engage and move the base piston member.

[0044] Some manufacturing methods may also include adding seals within the cap base and / or cartridge to prevent fluid leakage into unintended areas. For example, the base piston member may be formed to include inner and outer sealing members, inner and outer bore seals, with the inner sealing member configured to engage the outer surface of the dispensing channel and the outer sealing member configured to engage the guide channel. In one configuration, the base piston member is ring-shaped, and the outer and inner sealing members may be continuous flange-like protrusions extending at an angle from the outer edge and inner end of the bottle-facing side of the base piston member, respectively. Such protrusions may be integrally formed with the base piston member and configured to be effective in creating a hermetic seal between the base piston member and the guide channel during use, for example, when the base piston member is moved through fluid entering from the bottle. The seals function to prevent fluid entering from the bottle from flowing between the piston member and the guide channel and between the piston member and the dispensing channel.

[0045] The cartridge piston member may similarly be formed to include one or more outer and inner sealing members to prevent fluid from leaking out of or entering the cartridge cavity. For example, the cartridge piston member may be formed to include one or more outer sealing members configured to contact the outer wall of the cartridge to seal the cartridge fluid within the cavity. In one configuration, the cartridge piston member is ring-shaped and is formed to include one or more inner sealing members disposed around the inner cylindrical wall of the cartridge and configured to contact the inner cylindrical wall to seal the first fluid within the cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer and inner seals may be formed as continuous flange-like protrusions extending at an angle from the outer and inner edges of one or both of the fluid-facing and non-fluid-facing sides of the cartridge piston member, respectively. Such a protrusion may be formed integrally with the cartridge piston member and formed so as to be effective in use to create a hermetic seal between the cartridge piston member and an outer wall of the cartridge, for example, when the base piston member drives the cartridge piston member and is effective to create a hermetic seal between the cartridge piston member and an inner cartridge cylindrical wall of the cartridge.

[0046] The above-described sealing member, formed as a protrusion as described above, reduces friction of the piston during movement compared to alternative embodiments in which the outer and inner walls of the ring-shaped piston act as sealing surfaces that directly contact the walls of the cartridge body, guide channel, or dispensing channel.

[0047] The various seals and joints can be formed from a variety of materials. The piston and integral sealing member are ideally formed from a material with good sealing capabilities, which may have properties of flexibility, resilience, flexibility, and / or compressibility. Suitable examples include, for example, silicone, rubber, low-density polyethylene, and / or high-density polyethylene. In an exemplary embodiment, the material is low-density polyethylene and / or high-density polyethylene. In yet another embodiment, the material is polypropylene.

[0048] The inclusion of a sealing member not only serves the functions described above, but also presents a clean appearance to the user of the dispensing cap, e.g., when the cartridge is removed from the cap base, the exterior surfaces of the cartridge and cap base are free of leaked fluid or fluid residue.

[0049] The manufacturing method may also include forming a flip-top lid attached to the base by a hinge. In some embodiments, the flip-top lid has an internal protrusion movable between an open position and a closed position, the protrusion blocking fluid flow from the cartridge when in the closed position and allowing fluid flow when in the open position. According to one approach, the internal protrusion may be formed to include a first sealing surface configured to block fluid flow from the dispense channel of the base and a second sealing surface configured to block fluid flow from the cartridge. For example, the internal protrusion may have a geometry corresponding to a different opening, such as a wide portion sized to fit closely with the dispense outlet of the valve member so that fluid from the cartridge does not leak out of the cartridge when the lid is closed. In one embodiment, the wide portion can block the outlet opening in the tube portion of the valve member so that fluid in the cartridge cannot exit into the tube portion. The internal protrusion may further have a narrow portion at its terminal end sized to sealingly contact the outlet of the dispense channel of the cap base.

[0050] The containers, dispense caps, and cartridges described herein may be formed, filled, and sealed in high-speed, mass-production, or other types of operations. In one approach, the flexible container or bottle is formed by blow molding, injection molding, or other suitable method. Typically, the dispense cap and cartridge components are formed by injection molding, although other methods are contemplated. In some configurations, the dispense cap base and flip-top lid are formed into a single, one-piece, integral structure, while the base piston member is formed as a separate piece. The base piston member and cap base can be molded or assembled at a separate station.

[0051] A further approach contemplates a system for dispensing fluids from a container. The system may include one or more flexible bottles, one or more dispense caps, and one or more cartridges for the dispense caps described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a flexible bottle containing a primary fluid, a dispense cap base that can be coupled to the flexible bottle, the dispense cap base having a receptacle or cavity for receiving a cartridge, and a cartridge containing a secondary fluid that can be removably inserted into the receptacle of the dispense cap. The system allows a user to dispense the primary fluid and the secondary fluid together from the dispense cap when the dispense cap is coupled to the bottle and the cartridge is inserted into the cap base. It may also allow a user to dispense only the primary fluid. By one approach, the system includes several different cartridges that can be interchanged within the receptacle of the dispense cap. In some embodiments, the system includes dispense caps and / or cartridges with different configurations to enable proper dispensing of fluids with different fluid properties, such as viscosity, texture, density, compressibility, surface tension, etc.

[0052] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a dispensing cap 100 including a hinged flip-top lid 180 and a cartridge 105 disposed inside the cap, with the flip-top lid 180 in an open configuration. The cartridge is configured to contain a fluid, such as a thixotropic fluid, gel, or other fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid is a sauce or condiment.

[0053] FIG. 1 shows cartridge 105 inserted into dispense cap base 150, and FIG. 2 shows cartridge 105 outside cap base 150 in the inserted position. As shown, cartridge 105 and cap base 150 include corresponding threads 130, 152 so that the cartridge can be threaded into and out of a fixed position within cap base 150 by a user. Advantageously, this modularity of the dispense cap allows a user to remove and insert different cartridges into the dispense cap, such as when the cartridge is empty or when one or more users desire to use a different cartridge with a different fluid. As mentioned above, alternative embodiments can include other methods of removably inserting / securing the cartridge into the cap base in addition to threading or threading. For example, the cartridge can mate with the cap base via other mechanical connections, such as an interference fit, a snap fit, a friction fit, and / or a detent or other biasing mechanism that can click the cartridge into place.

[0054] In one configuration, cap base 150 is integrally formed to include a tubular dispense channel 155 extending from the fluid-receiving side of cap base 150, as shown in FIG. 2. Dispense channel 155 typically forms an inlet opening 162 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrating bottom perspective views) on the fluid-receiving side of cap base 150 for receiving a primary fluid from a bottle. Generally, dispense channel 155 is axially aligned with a central opening of cartridge 105 such that dispense channel 155 is received within the central opening when the cartridge is threaded onto the base. The dispense channel and central opening may be centrally located, although in other configurations, the dispense channel and central opening are offset from a central position of the dispense cap. Dispense channel 155 is further axially aligned with dispense outlet 122 on the dispense side of the cartridge. In use, when the bottle is squeezed, as primary fluid from the attached bottle flows through the dispensing channel 155 of the dispensing cap 100, the fluid from the bottle flows towards the dispensing outlet 122 where it is dispensed along with the secondary fluid from the cartridge.

[0055] 2, hinged flip-top lid 180 typically includes a plug protrusion 185 on the underside of dispense outlet 122 to prevent fluid from flowing or leaking from the cap when lid 180 is in the closed position. As alluded to above, the dispense channel and central opening may be centrally located, and therefore protrusion 185 may also be centrally located.

[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a dispense bottle 300 including a squeezable bottle 302 with a dispense cap 100 attached. The squeezable bottle 302 includes a container body portion 303 for containing a fluid 306, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, or another fluid, and an open neck portion 304 to which the dispense cap can be attached. Squeezable bottles are typically formed from a flexible material so that a user can apply manual pressure to the bottle to force the fluid 306 out of the bottle. As shown in FIG. 4, the dispense cap 100 threads onto the neck 304 of the squeezable bottle via internal threads 178 on the dispense cap base, which engage external threads 379 on the neck of the bottle. While FIG. 3 illustrates the dispense bottle 300 in an upright position, in some embodiments, the bottle 300 is configured to be stored inverted while placed on the dispense cap 100 when the flip-top lid 180 is closed.

[0057] To open the bottle 300 and allow fluid to be dispensed therefrom, a user can pivot the flip-top lid 180 from a cap closed configuration, such as that shown in Figure 4, to the open configuration shown in Figure 3. To do so, the user or consumer can apply an upward force to the lid 180, pulling the lid away from the cap base 150. The flip-top lid 180 then pivots about the hinge to rest stably in the open configuration.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, when flip-top lid 180 is in the open configuration, protrusion 385 of flip-top lid 380 is moved away from or obstructing dispensing outlet 122 of the dispensing cap so that dispensing outlet 122 is not obstructed.

[0059] Dispense cap 100 for dispense bottle 300 includes dispense cap base 150 that receives cartridge 105. By one approach, cartridge 105 is received in receptacle 152, which may be a recess or cavity in base 150 that is exposed when flip-top lid 180 is positioned in an open configuration. As described above, cartridge 105 is manually insertable into and removable from cap base 150 by a user, such as by threading the cartridge onto the base. Dispense caps and cartridges usable with dispense bottle 300 are described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 4-10 .

[0060] 4 illustrates a dispense cap 100 according to some embodiments. The dispense cap is shown attached to the neck 304 of a bottle 302, and the cartridge 105 is shown inserted into the dispense cap base 150. The dispense cap base 150 has an outer cylindrical housing 172 having a hollow interior formed by an outer housing cylindrical wall 173, and an inner cylindrical housing 174 disposed within the outer cylindrical housing along a central axis of the outer cylindrical housing, the inner cylindrical housing 174 being formed by an inner housing cylindrical wall 175 extending substantially parallel to the outer housing cylindrical wall 173. In one exemplary configuration, the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 is connected to the outer housing cylindrical wall 173 by an annular wall 176, which can extend perpendicular to the inner and outer housing cylindrical walls. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular wall 176 forms a partial floor or bottom for the cartridge-receiving receptacle 152 in the cap base and has a stepped configuration, such as an outer step adjacent the outer housing cylindrical wall 173 and an inner step adjacent the inner housing cylindrical wall 175. The inner step forms part of the annular slot 168 in the cap base for receiving the neck 304 of the bottle. The slot 168 is formed by the inner step, a longitudinal portion of the inner housing cylindrical wall 175, and an annular wall 181 that extends perpendicularly from the inner step and around the inner housing cylindrical wall 175. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot includes internal threads 178 disposed on the inner, facing surface of the annular wall 181 for receiving external threads 379 of a bottle so that the bottle can be securely attached to the cap.

[0061] By inserting and securing bottle neck 304 into slot 168, the container body of the attached bottle is placed in fluid communication with the interior of inner cylindrical housing 174 of dispense cap base 150. Specifically, inner cylindrical housing 174 is sized to fit snugly within the neck of the bottle, and the outer surface of inner housing cylindrical wall 175 fits snugly against the inner surface of the neck, preventing fluid from the bottle from flowing between inner housing cylindrical wall 175 and neck 304. Thus, fluid disposed within the bottle is directed into inner cylindrical housing 174 of the dispense cap during dispensing.

[0062] Fluid flow between the bottle and inner cylindrical housing 174 is partially impeded by a set of retaining or reinforcing ribs or sidewalls 186 ( FIG. 4 ) covering inner cylindrical housing. In one approach, ribs or sidewalls 186 extend inward at the terminus of inner housing cylindrical wall 175, generally perpendicular thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, sidewall 186 includes a central opening that forms dispense channel inlet 162, allowing fluid to flow directly from the bottle into tubular dispense channel 155, which extends along the central axis of the inner cylindrical housing and generally through a substantial longitudinal portion of dispense cap 100. In one approach, tubular dispense channel 155 is integral with sidewalls 186 or ribs. In some embodiments, outer housing cylindrical wall 173, inner housing cylindrical wall 175, annular wall 176, threaded annular wall 181, and dispense channel 155 are all integrally formed, as is, in some embodiments, flip-top lid 180. Such components may be formed from food-grade plastics or polymers such as polypropylene (PP) and / or high density polyethylene (HDPE). In some configurations, different components may be formed from different materials.

[0063] In use, primary fluid from the bottle that flows into dispense channel 155 is dispensed from the cap at opening 122. In some configurations, for example, when a filled cartridge is placed in the base, the primary fluid is dispensed along with the secondary fluid from the cartridge. Thus, dispense channel 155 is configured to dispense a fixed amount of primary fluid from the bottle. In some configurations, dispense channel 155 can have a flow restrictor 157 at one or both ends of dispense channel 155 to restrict the flow of primary fluid from dispense channel 155 into the tubing portion of the cartridge (described in more detail below). Restricting the flow of primary fluid from the bottle ensures that there is sufficient space at the outlet for the secondary fluid from the cartridge to merge with the flow of primary fluid and maintain good flow as the fluid is dispensed. In the illustrated embodiment, flow restrictor 157 is located at the outlet end of dispense channel 155. Such a flow restrictor can include an opening, such as a circular opening, having a diameter of about 0.5 to about 3.0 mm. In the exemplary embodiment, the diameter is about 2.0 mm. In one embodiment, the diameter is about 1.8 mm. Note that larger diameters, such as greater than 1.8 mm, can advantageously reduce the force required to dispense the fluid. For thicker fluids, in particular, wider diameters, i.e., larger contact areas, may be required so that less force is required to dispense the fluid, such as diameters typically greater than 3.0 mm.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4 , sidewall 186 further includes cap base openings 167 disposed about dispense channel inlet 162. As shown in FIG. 5 , there may be, for example, four cap base openings 167. During use, when the bottle is squeezed by a user, fluid from the bottle is forced toward dispense channel 155, ultimately to be dispensed from dispense cap 100, as described above. Additionally, a portion of the fluid from the bottle takes a different fluid path through cap base opening 167 and engages a portion of base piston member 165 disposed within inner cylindrical housing 174. The force of the fluid on base piston member 165 movably slides base piston member 165 between a first, inoperative position, where an end of base piston member 165 is disposed adjacent sidewall 186 covering inner cylindrical housing 174 (as shown in FIG. 8 ), and a second position (as shown in FIG. 9 ). During movement, base piston member 165 slides away from sidewall 186 toward the dispense outlet.

[0065] In the inactivated position, base piston member 165 includes a first cylindrical portion 182 disposed within inner cylindrical housing 174 and a second flange portion 183 disposed mostly outward relative to inner cylindrical housing 174. First cylindrical portion 182 of base piston member 165 includes a piston cylindrical wall 184 having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of inner housing cylindrical wall 175 of cap base 150. Thus, as base piston member 165 moves, inner housing cylindrical wall 175 of the cap base functions, in part, as part of guide channel 160 for base piston member 165. The upper end of piston cylindrical wall 184 of base piston member 165 further includes a piston floor or sidewall 187 extending continuously inward therefrom and generally perpendicular thereto. Piston floor 187 is ring-shaped with a central opening, and base piston member first cylindrical portion 182 can be disposed around dispensing channel 155 extending therethrough. In one configuration, the piston floor 187 covers the top of the base piston member 165 and acts as a surface against which the primary fluid from the bottle can press to move the base piston member 165 .

[0066] Specifically, during use, a portion of the primary fluid from the bottle presses against piston floor 187 of base piston member 165, thereby pushing base piston member 165 in a direction along the central longitudinal axis of the dispensing cap and away from side wall 186 of cap base 150. Typically, ring-shaped first cylindrical portion 182 of base piston member sealably slides along guide channel 160 and dispensing channel 155, preventing leakage of primary fluid between base piston member 165 and guide channel 160, and between base piston member 165 and dispensing channel 155. This can be achieved, in part, by forming a tight seal between piston cylindrical wall 184 of the piston and inner housing cylindrical wall 175 of cap base 150, and between a central opening in piston floor 187 of base piston member 165 and dispensing channel 155. In addition to the fit of the components, the geometry of the components, the material forming the components, and / or the type of fluid in the dispense bottle and cap may also be relevant to ensuring no or minimal leakage between the components, and to that end, the material, geometry, and / or size of the components may be tailored depending on the packaging and material being dispensed.

[0067] However, to reduce friction as the piston moves, one or more sealing members, such as inner and outer bore seals, can instead extend from first cylindrical portion 182. For example, inner sealing member 170 can be configured to engage the outer surface of dispense channel 155, and outer sealing member 171 can be configured to engage inner housing cylindrical wall 175. As shown in FIG. 4 , outer seal 170 and inner seal 171 can be continuous flange-like protrusions. In one exemplary approach, outer seal and inner seal extend at an oblique angle from the outer edge and inner end, respectively, of piston floor 187 of base piston member 165. In some configurations, the sealing members extending from first cylindrical portion 182 of base piston member 165 engage adjacent surfaces of inner housing cylindrical wall 175 and dispense channel 155, both reducing friction during movement of piston 165 while providing a seal sufficient to prevent leakage in unintended areas.

[0068] A variety of materials can be utilized for the base piston member 165 and the sealing members 170, 171. In one exemplary embodiment, the base piston member and the sealing members are integrally formed from a material with good sealing capabilities, which may have, for example, flexible, resilient, pliable, and / or compressible attributes. Suitable examples include low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene. In one embodiment, the material is polypropylene.

[0069] As described above, the guide channel 160 is at least partially defined by the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 of the cap base 150. However, the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 can be described as terminating in a portion of the guide channel post 161 extending longitudinally from the lower end of the inner housing cylindrical wall 175 opposite the side wall 186. In the illustrated embodiment (e.g., shown in FIG. 6 ), there are four such posts 161, although other numbers, such as two, three, or more, are possible. The posts 161 are configured to allow the base piston member 165 to slide along the posts during piston movement. In an exemplary configuration, each post terminates in a stop 177 for the base piston member 165 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4 and 8 ). As shown in FIG. 4 , the stop 177 is a small ledge extending inward from the guide channel post 161. In this manner, the stop 177 limits the base piston member 165 from moving beyond its final position.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the base piston member 165 is configured to be limited by the stops 177 after at least a portion of the base piston member first cylindrical portion 182 has moved beyond the stops, as shown in Figure 9. To this end, the piston cylindrical wall 184 of the base piston member first cylindrical portion 182 includes longitudinal notches 163 (see, e.g., Figure 4) corresponding to each of the guide channel posts 161 such that, in operation, the tops of the notches 163 in the piston cylindrical wall 184 engage or "snap" into the ledge-like shape of the stops 177 as the base piston member first cylindrical portion 182 moves through the guide channel 160.

[0071] As described above, the base piston member 165 includes a second flange portion 183 in addition to the first cylindrical portion 182. As shown in FIG. 4 , in the space between each of the guide channel posts 161, a corresponding sidewall 164 extends outward from the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 182. In one exemplary approach, the sidewall 164 extends outward generally perpendicular to the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 182. Prior to the guide channel, the sidewall 164 is integrally joined to a continuous, annular second flange portion 183 that extends around the guide channel posts 161. As the base piston member 165 is moved, the second flange portion 183 of the base piston member advances downward to engage and drive the cartridge piston member 145 of the cartridge 105, the downward impact being limited only by the engagement of the first cylindrical portion 182 with the stop 177, as described above.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4 , dispensing cap 100, in use, has cartridge 105 received within receptacle 152 of cap base 150. By some configurations, receptacle 152 is defined, at least in part, by outer housing cylindrical wall 173 and annular wall 176 of the cap base. In the illustrated embodiment, cartridge 105 includes external threads 130, and receptacle 152 includes internal threads 153 for mating the cartridge with the receptacle. As noted above, the cartridge is advantageously manually insertable and removable by the user.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, cartridge 105 includes a body 110, a valve member 138 coupled to body 110 at the dispense side of the cartridge (i.e., the side of the cartridge located adjacent dispense outlet 122), and a cartridge piston member 145 located on the side of the cartridge opposite the dispense side. Body 110, valve member 138, and cartridge piston member 145 define an internal cavity 115 or reservoir for containing fluid 120 located within the cartridge.

[0074] Specifically, cartridge body 110 is formed in part by an outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 sized to fit within dispense cap base 150, with a hollow interior forming a portion of cavity 115. Outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 forms a side wall to the cartridge, but body 110 also includes a top portion 112 extending from the upper edge of outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 that forms a partial cover to the "top" (dispense side) of the cartridge.

[0075] The body 110 also includes an inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 that is centrally located within the cartridge, extends longitudinally therethrough, and is generally parallel to the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111. The inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 is sized so that the dispense channel 155 of the dispense cap base 150 can fit snugly within the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127, as shown in FIG. 4 . On the dispense side of the cartridge, several radial spoke-like connecting members 113 branch off from the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 and connect the inner cartridge cylindrical wall to the top 112 of the cartridge body (shown most clearly in FIG. 7 ). For example, there may be two, three, four, or more such members. The illustrated embodiment includes, for example, two sets of opposing connecting members 113 extending from the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 to the top 112 of the body 110, although only two of the four connecting members 113 are shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 7 . In this manner, fluid within the cartridge can easily flow around the spokes or connecting members 113.

[0076] The inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127, the connecting member 113, the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111, and the upper portion 112 may be integrally formed as the cartridge body 110 and may be formed from a food-grade plastic or polymer material, such as polypropylene. Using polypropylene for the cartridge body 110, or portions thereof, may allow the cartridge body to be configured to be less opaque or substantially transparent, allowing a user to see how much fluid remains in the cartridge. In such an embodiment, at least a portion of the cap base 150 (such as the outer housing cylindrical wall 173) may also be less opaque or substantially transparent, allowing a user to see through the cap base to see how much fluid remains in the cartridge during dispensing. In another embodiment, the cartridge body lacks transparency and is formed from high-density polyethylene. The use of high-density polyethylene may contribute to the hermetic sealing of the cartridge.

[0077] As described above, top portion 112 of cartridge body 110 only partially covers the top portion of cartridge 105. In one exemplary embodiment, top portion 112 includes a circular opening at its center that is interrupted only by radial connecting member 113. By some approaches, valve member 138 is positioned on top of cartridge 105 to cover the circular opening. Specifically, valve member 138 may include a disc portion 139 that is coupled to top portion 112 of body 110 and substantially covers the circular opening. Open dispensing outlet 122 is typically formed, at least in part, by an opening in the center of disc portion 139 of the valve member. Furthermore, valve member 138 may be coupled to top portion 112 of body 110 in any suitable manner, for example, by corresponding geometry, adhesive bonding, and / or welding. In other embodiments, a portion of valve member 138 may be mated with the remainder of the dispense cap via, for example, an interference fit, a snap fit, a friction fit, and / or other mechanical connection, such as a detent or other biasing mechanism.

[0078] 4 shows a further tube portion 140 of valve member 138 extending inwardly into the cartridge from disc portion 139 at dispense outlet 122. In such a configuration, tube portion 140 typically has a first end configured to receive fluid from the bottle that flows into tube portion 140 from dispense channel 155 in cap base 150, and a second end through which the first and second fluids are dispensed. In another aspect, the second end can alternatively be described as forming dispense outlet 122 of the cartridge.

[0079] In one configuration, disc portion 139 may be angled or bent downward toward the cartridge such that dispensing outlet 122 and tubing portion 140 are positioned at least partially lower than the outer edge or outer portion of the disc portion. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, disc portion 139 has a funnel-like configuration with dispensing outlet 122 and tubing portion 140 at its center. In still other embodiments, other configurations of disc portion 139 may be incorporated therein.

[0080] In some approaches, a tube portion 140 of the valve member 138 extends at least partially within an interior formed by the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge body 110. In some embodiments, the tube portion 140 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 to achieve a close fit, such as an interference fit. The tube portion 140 and the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 together form a central through-opening 125 that extends through the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge. On the dispense side of the cartridge, the central through-opening 125 terminates in the dispense outlet 122. On the side opposite the dispense side, the central through-opening 125 is configured to receive a dispense channel 155 of the cap base 150 through the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127.

[0081] As mentioned above, the tube portion 140 of the valve member 138 typically includes at least one outlet opening 135 in its tubular wall. In use, the outlet opening 135 is configured to allow fluid 120 from the cartridge cavity 115 to flow therethrough to the outlet or tube portion 140 of the valve member. In one exemplary embodiment, there are two opposing outlet openings 135 in the tubular wall of the tube portion 140. In other embodiments, there may be one outlet opening, three outlet openings, four outlet openings, or more outlet openings. In some embodiments, the openings of the outlet 135 can be selected or arranged in a particular configuration to create a particular pattern in the combined flow.

[0082] Varying the number and size of the openings can have a significant effect on the appearance or aesthetics of the combined fluid stream as it is dispensed. For example, two outlet openings 135 in the wall of the tubing section can achieve a desirable aesthetic in that the cartridge fluid is dispensed as two stripes arranged on the bottle or primary fluid, as shown in FIG. 11. In embodiments with two outlet openings, the openings can each have a width and length or diameter of, for example, 0.5 to 3.5 mm. The outlet openings 135 can be approximately circular or square, or can have a rectangular shape. For example, the outlet openings can have a width of 2.0 mm and a length of 2.0 mm, or a width of 0.5 mm and a length of 3.0 mm. Other geometric shapes of the openings are also contemplated.

[0083] In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can have multiple configurations, such as a storage configuration and a use configuration. For example, Figures 7 and 8 show a cartridge configured with a mechanism for converting the cartridge from a "closed" configuration (exit opening 135 of tubing portion 140 is blocked, preventing cartridge fluid 120 from exiting cartridge cavity 115) to an "open" configuration (exit opening 135 is unblocked, allowing cartridge fluid 120 to exit cavity 115) after insertion into dispense cap base 150. Specifically, valve member 138 of cartridge 105 is movable relative to cartridge body 110 in some exemplary configurations. More specifically, valve member 139 can be movable between a first position in which outlet opening 135 is covered by inner wall 127 of body 110, preventing fluid in cavity 115 from flowing into tubing portion 140 via outlet opening 135, and a second position in which fluid in cavity 115 can flow into tubing portion 140 via outlet opening 135.

[0084] With respect to the "closed" configuration of cartridge 105, FIG. 7 shows cartridge 105 not inserted into dispense cap base 150. Advantageously, when the cartridge is not inserted into dispense cap base 150, outlet opening 135 of cartridge tubing portion 140 is blocked by the inner wall of cartridge 105. This prevents cartridge fluid from leaking from cartridge 105 when cartridge 105 is not inserted into cap base 150. Specifically, in the closed configuration, outlet opening 135 is covered by inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of cartridge 105. The "closed" configuration may be particularly useful for shipping and storage of cartridge 105, and may be particularly relevant to approaches where cartridge 105 is shipped and stored separately from the remainder of dispense cap 100.

[0085] When cartridge 105 is then inserted into dispense cap base 150, as shown in FIG. 8 , cartridge 105 can then be reconfigured to a ready position, which may include an open or nearly open configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, cartridge 105 is in the open configuration and coupled to cap base 150, with the end of tubing portion 140 forcibly engaged with the front end of dispense channel 155 of cap base 150. Contact with dispense channel 155 drives tubing portion 140 of valve member 138 upward along the axis of central opening 125, moving outlet openings 135 in the wall of tubing portion 140 upward, clear of inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 so that they are no longer blocked by wall 127. This is possible because valve member 138, including both disk portion 139 and tubing portion 140, are typically made from a material that can move, flex, and / or bend in the manner described above. For example, the valve member may be formed from polypropylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), among other materials.

[0086] As mentioned above, the movement, flexing, and / or bending of the valve member 138 upon insertion of the cartridge 105 into the cap base 150 may be visible to a user because the dispensing outlet 122 formed by the end of the disc portion 139 and tube portion 140 of the valve member is also driven upward. For example, the disc portion 139 may be angled or bent downward in a funnel-shaped configuration in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 7, while in the open position, the disc portion 139 is pushed upward so that it is not substantially funnel-shaped and is approximately flush with the dispensing outlet 122, as shown in FIG. 8. The visible movement of the valve member may indicate to a user that the cartridge 105 has been properly inserted for use.

[0087] It should be understood that in the open configuration of some embodiments, cartridge fluids having certain thicker viscosities or slower flow rates, e.g., certain condiments, will not readily flow through or leak from the outlet opening 135 until manual pressure is applied to the flexible bottle, actuating the cartridge piston member 145 to force the cartridge fluid 120 out of the cartridge cavity 115.

[0088] Advantageously, the flexibility of valve member 138 allows outlet opening 135 to be reclosable after cartridge 105 is removed from dispense cap base 150. That is, cartridge 105 returns to a closed configuration after cartridge 105 is removed. Valve body 138 may be shaped, for example, to be biased toward the closed position. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , in the closed configuration, disc portion 139 may be shaped to be angled or bent downward, holding tubing portion 140 in a position blocked by inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127. Then, when cartridge 105 is inserted into the dispense cap base, tubing portion 140 and disc portion 139 are forced upward out of contact with dispense channel 155. After the cartridge 105 is separated from the cap base 150 and the dispensing channel 155 is no longer deflecting or exerting force on the tube portion 140 and the disk portion 139 in the open configuration, the tube portion 140 and the disk portion 139 are released from their biased position and the disk portion 139 "memorizes" and returns to its stable angled position, forcing the tube portion 140 back downward into the cartridge 105 and the outlet opening 135 back to its original position where it is again covered by the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge body 110.

[0089] In general, the cartridge closure configuration allows the cartridge to be manufactured, shipped, sold, handled, and stored separately from the dispense cap base without leakage of fluid from the cavity 115 of the cartridge 105 into the tubing portion 140 of the cartridge 105. Leakage of cartridge fluid into the tubing portion 140 of the cartridge 105 can prevent the proper flow of cartridge fluid and bottle fluid from the dispense cap after the cartridge 105 is inserted into the cap base 150.

[0090] Furthermore, the resealability of a cartridge after use limits the cartridge fluid's exposure to external contamination, maintains the flavor and freshness of its contents, and prevents accidental leakage of the cartridge contents (e.g., the sauce itself or the separated serum of the sauce). This is particularly useful when the cartridge is stored and handled by the user separately from the dispensing cap after use. Reclosability may also eliminate the need to provide a complete cover or plug for the cartridge's dispensing outlet. For example, after a user removes the tamper-evident seal from the cartridge and uses the cartridge in the dispensing cap, the user may wish to remove the cartridge from the cap and store it separately from the cap (e.g., if the user possesses multiple cartridges for the cap). The "closed" configuration of the cartridge when not inserted into the dispensing cap allows the cartridge to remain fresh and be stored separately from the cap base. In other words, instead of being discarded, the cartridge can be stored and reused after its first use without requiring a lid for the cartridge.

[0091] In some configurations, as described above, the valve member 138 may be formed from polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In addition to allowing for the required flexing, forming the valve member from polypropylene may allow the valve member to be substantially transparent (or have lower hiding power), allowing a user to see the fluid within the cartridge. In other configurations, the valve member 138, or at least a portion thereof, is configured to be substantially non-transparent (or have higher opacity). This may prevent a user from seeing fluid residue that may form on portions of the valve member 138.

[0092] As mentioned above, the cartridge piston member 145 is typically located on the non-dispense side of the cartridge 105. For example, the cartridge piston member 145 may be located on the non-dispense side formed by the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 of the cartridge body 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the cartridge piston member 145 may be described as including a cylindrical wall sized and configured to fit within and sealably slide along the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111. The cartridge piston member 145 may also include a ring-shaped portion extending laterally from the cylindrical wall to cover or seal the cartridge cavity 115 on the non-dispense side of the cartridge.

[0093] In one approach, the cartridge piston member 145 has a central bore sized such that the cartridge piston member 145 can be sealingly disposed about the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge body 110. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the ring-shaped portion of the cartridge piston member 145 has a stepped configuration corresponding to a member of the cap base 150. For example, the annular inner step 142 of the cartridge piston member 145 may be angled to provide clearance for the stop 177 of the dispense cap base 150. In one approach, the annular outer step 143 of the cartridge piston member 145 is aligned with the second flange portion 183 of the base piston member 165. In use, when the base piston member is impacted downward toward the cartridge 105, the second flange portion 183 may contact an engagement member 146 located on the outer surface of the annular outer stepped portion 143. As shown in FIG. 6, which shows a horizontal cross-section of dispensing cap 100, these engagement members 146 can take the form of upstanding extensions or ribs extending outward from the outer surface of cartridge piston member 145. For example, as shown, there may be eight ribs equally spaced apart from one another around the annular outer step 143 of the cartridge piston member. The number of ribs or engagement members may be any suitable amount, and in alternative embodiments, no engagement members may be present. For example, second flange portion 183 of the base piston member may directly contact the outer surface of cartridge piston member 145.

[0094] Corresponding or similar diameters of the ring-shaped portion of cartridge piston member 145 and the ring-shaped second flange portion 183 of base piston member 165 can help provide an evenly distributed transmission of force from base piston member 165 to cartridge piston member 145 during movement of piston members 145, 165. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, second flange portion 183 and the ring-shaped portion of cartridge piston member 145 extend at the same (or approximately the same) radius from the center of dispense cap 100. Equally spaced engagement members 146 can also distribute force, as described above. Such a configuration reduces the amount of force that needs to be provided by the user to dispense fluid.

[0095] Similar to the base piston member 165, the cartridge piston member 145 may be formed to include one or more outer and inner sealing members to prevent fluid from escaping or entering the cartridge cavity. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the cartridge piston member 145 may be formed to include one or more outer annular sealing members 147. In one approach, the sealing members 147 may be configured to contact the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 of the cartridge 105 to seal the cartridge fluid within the cavity 115. Additionally, the cartridge piston member 145 may also include one or more inner annular sealing members 149 configured to contact the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 to seal the cartridge fluid within the cavity 115. In the illustrated configuration, the two outer seals 147 are formed as continuous flange-like protrusions extending from the cylindrical wall of the cartridge piston member 145 and meeting the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 of the cartridge at an angle. The outer seals 147 are present on both the fluid-facing and non-fluid-facing sides of the cartridge piston member 145. The illustrated configuration also includes one inner sealing member 149 configured as a continuous flange-like protrusion extending from an annular portion of the cartridge piston member adjacent the central bore. By one approach, the inner sealing member 149 sealingly engages the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge body 110. Such a protrusion is typically formed integrally with the cartridge piston member 145 and is configured so as to be effective to create a seal between the cartridge piston member 145 and the cartridge outer wall 111 and between the cartridge piston member 145 and the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 127 of the cartridge 105 in use, for example, when the base piston member 165 actuates the cartridge piston member 145.

[0096] As previously mentioned, the sealing member 147, 149 formed as a protrusion as described above, reduces friction of the cartridge piston member 145 during movement of the piston 145 compared to alternative embodiments in which the outer and inner walls of the cartridge piston member 145 function as heat sealing surfaces in direct contact with the walls of the cartridge body 110.

[0097] According to some approaches, the cartridge piston member 145 and integral sealing members 147, 149 are formed from a food-grade plastic or polymer material with good sealing capabilities, which may have flexible, resilient, and / or compressible attributes. Suitable examples include low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene. In one approach, the material is polypropylene.

[0098] Figure 8 shows the pistons 145, 165 of the dispensing cap in a first, "unactuated," stable, or stationary position, and Figure 9 shows the pistons 145, 165 in a second, "fully extended" or biased position. Together, the figures show how the base piston member 165 and the cartridge piston member 145 move together between the first and second positions to dispense two fluids together from the cap 100.

[0099] 8 , the first cylindrical portion 182 of the base piston member 165 is positioned against or near the side wall 186 of the inner cylindrical housing 174 of the cap base 150, and the second flange portion 183 of the base piston member 165 is positioned against or near the annular wall 176 of the cap base. The second flange portion 183 may also contact the engagement member 146 of the cartridge piston member 145, or may be positioned near the engagement member 146 without contacting it. In the inactivated position, the lower end of the cylindrical wall of the cartridge piston member 145 is aligned with or near the lower end of the outer cartridge cylindrical wall 111 of the cartridge body. In other words, the cartridge piston member 145 is typically positioned at the furthest possible point within the cartridge body 110 from the dispensing side of the cartridge 105.

[0100] When a user squeezes the flexible bottle attached to the dispensing cap of FIG. 8, the primary fluid 306 from the bottle and the secondary fluid 120 from the cartridge 105 are dispensed together from the cap 100 via the following mechanism: First, a portion of the primary fluid 306 from the bottle passes through the base opening 167 (shown in FIG. 4) in the side wall 186 of the inner cylindrical housing 174. The force of the fluid 306 on the piston floor 187 of the base piston member 165 drives the entire base piston member 165 toward the cartridge 105. Because at least a portion of the base piston member 165 is configured to always contact the guide channel 160, the base piston member 165 remains on a central axis within the cap 100 as it moves. As the base piston member 165 moves, the second flange portion 183 of the base piston member 165 is moved into strong engagement with the engagement member 146 of the cartridge piston member 145, thereby moving the cartridge piston member 145 toward the dispensing side within the body of the cartridge 105. The movement of the pistons 145, 165 is limited in part by the amount of fluid disposed within the cartridge 105. For example, if the cartridge is full of fluid, the cartridge piston member 145 traverses only a short distance within the cartridge to dispense the fluid 120 because the cartridge piston member 145 quickly contacts and encounters resistance from the fluid. The force from the cartridge piston member exerts pressure on the fluid, which is released as the fluid is forced out of the cavity 115 through the outlet opening 135 of the tube portion 140 of the valve member 138. As the fluid is forced out of the cavity 115, the level of the fluid 120 within the cavity 115 recedes, allowing the cartridge piston member 145 to move further into the cartridge to continue pushing the fluid. When the cartridge is emptied, the cartridge piston member traverses a substantial distance within the cartridge to contact and apply pressure to the retracting fluid, so that the fluid may be forced out of cavity 115 .

[0101] During dispensing, to the extent that the user applies continuous pressure to the bottle, piston movement is typically correspondingly continuous. That is, as the user continues to squeeze the bottle and cartridge fluid 120 is expelled from cavity 115 and dispensed, the fluid level within the cartridge recedes, causing cartridge piston member 145 to move further into the cartridge and maintain pressure on the receding fluid. This results in smooth, continuous dispensing of fluid from the cartridge as the bottle is squeezed. Furthermore, when the user stops squeezing the bottle, the pressure applied to pistons 145, 165 and the fluid immediately ceases, resulting in an abrupt halt to dispensing. That is, pistons 145, 165 return to their initial, inactive positions.

[0102] FIG. 9 shows the base piston member 165 and cartridge piston member 145 in a fully extended position. The fully extended position, in which the cartridge piston member 145 is driven toward the dispense side of the cartridge, occurs only when a very small amount of cartridge fluid remains in the cartridge. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the fully extended position of the cartridge piston member 145 also depends on a stop 177 on the cap base 150. When the base piston member 165 engages the stop 177, the base piston member 165 and cartridge piston member 145 are consequently restricted from further movement toward the dispense side of the cap. This prevents the cartridge piston member 145 from applying excessive pressure to the cartridge superstructure (such as the upper portion 112 of the cartridge body 110 or the valve member 138).

[0103] FIG. 9 also illustrates the overall movement of fluids 120, 306 during dispensing via the arrows. As cartridge fluid 120 is forced out of cartridge cavity 115 through outlet opening 135 of tubing portion 140 of valve member 138, the flow of cartridge fluid 120 exiting outlet opening 135 joins with the flow of fluid 306 from the bottle entering outlet chute or tubing portion 140 through dispensing channel 155. When a user squeezes the bottle, not only does the fluid from bottle 306 push and compress base piston member 165, but, as described above, a portion of the fluid from bottle 306 also travels through dispensing channel 155 and is ultimately dispensed from the cap. In the exemplary embodiment, the flow of cartridge fluid joins with the flow of fluid from the bottle in tubing portion 140, creating a single flow of fluid dispensed from cap 100. The fluids do not substantially mix when they are joined together; that is, each of the fluids maintains its integrity and is separately visible in the flow. For example, the fluids 120, 306 can be glued together. In this manner, the fluids are dispensed together from the tubing portion 140 through the dispense outlet 122 of the cartridge 105.

[0104] The fluids do not mix, allowing the cartridge fluid 120 stream to maintain its integrity from the bottle fluid, creating an aesthetic effect that typically appears as stripes disposed on the bottle fluid 306, as shown in FIG. 11 . This aesthetic effect in the dispensed product can be particularly noticeable when the cartridge fluid and the bottle fluid are different colors. For example, the bottle fluid can be mayonnaise and the cartridge fluid can be chipotle sauce. The aesthetic effect can also be influenced by the rheological properties of the two different fluids. For example, the two fluids can have a particular viscosity or texture relative to one another such that both fluids are visible or distinct in the dispensed stream.

[0105] For the cartridge fluid and bottle fluid to adhere to each other in the manner described above, it is contemplated that the fluids have a particular viscosity or flow resistance that allows the fluids to remain substantially separate from each other and not mix when dispensed together as a single fluid stream. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid may have a viscosity ranging from about 5,000 centipoise to about 70,000 centipoise. In some embodiments, the fluid may have a viscosity ranging from about 9,000 centipoise to about 50,000 centipoise. By one approach, the fluid may have a viscosity ranging from about 12,000 centipoise to about 45,000 centipoise. Alternatively, the fluid may have a viscosity ranging from about 9,000 centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise, from about 10,0000 to about 20,000 centipoise, from about 13,000 to about 15,000 centipoise, or from about 12,000 to about 19,000 centipoise. Viscosity measurements described herein can be measured, for example, with a Brookfield viscometer (e.g., RV DV-II) using spindle 6 at 12 rpm and 20-22°C for 30 seconds.

[0106] Fluids with viscosities in the above ranges serve other purposes as well. If the fluid's viscosity is too low, the cartridge fluid may leak out of the outlet opening 135, or the bottle fluid may leak out of the bottle without the user squeezing the bottle. The fluid must be sufficiently viscous to remain contained when not being dispensed. Additionally, the cartridge fluid should be sufficiently viscous to provide sufficient resistance to movement of the cartridge piston member so that the cartridge fluid is not forced to flow out of the cavity too quickly.

[0107] On the other hand, fluids with higher viscosities may exhibit excessive flow resistance, which may be undesirable because the user may need to apply more force to the bottle in order for the piston to move and dispense the fluid. Additionally, larger openings and channels throughout the cap may be required to facilitate the flow of fluids with higher viscosities.

[0108] In one approach, both the primary fluid in the bottle and the secondary fluid in the cartridge can have similar viscosities. By another exemplary approach, the secondary fluid has a lower viscosity and flow resistance compared to the primary fluid to compensate for the fact that fluid in the cartridge may require more force to be expelled from the cartridge. In some embodiments of the dispense cap, the secondary fluid can have a viscosity in the range of about 7,000 centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise, and / or the primary fluid can have a viscosity in the range of about 10,000 to about 70,000 centipoise. By some approaches, the secondary fluid can have a viscosity in the range of about 8,000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise, about 10,000 centipoise to about 17,000 centipoise, or about 12,000 centipoise to about 16,000 centipoise, and / or the primary fluid can have a viscosity in the range of about 12,000 centipoise to about 45,000 centipoise, about 15,000 centipoise to about 30,000 centipoise, or about 17,000 centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise. In one configuration, the secondary fluid has a viscosity in the range of about 12,500 centipoise to about 15,500 centipoise, and the primary fluid has a viscosity in the range of 17,000 centipoise to about 19,000 centipoise.

[0109] In an exemplary configuration, the dispensing container can be configured such that integrated dispensing of the bottle and cartridge fluid can occur for a certain amount of dispensing before one or both of the fluids flow out. To accomplish this, for example, the cartridge can be a specific size relative to the size of the bottle, and / or the amount of fluid in the cartridge can be proportional to the amount of condiment in the bottle. In some configurations, the bottle is sized to have a larger volume than the cartridge and contains more fluid than the cartridge. Therefore, one approach is advantageous to configure the dispense cap to dispense a smaller amount of cartridge fluid relative to the bottle fluid so that a single cartridge can be used for at least a percentage of the bottle's lifespan. This can be done, for example, by modifying the size and ratio of the outlet opening 135 in the cartridge. Other openings in the cap may also be modified. For example, the dispense end of the dispense channel 155 can have a flow restrictor 157 at the dispense end of the dispense channel 155. In this way, the bottle fluid and the cartridge fluid can be dispensed together in a specific ratio.

[0110] In one embodiment, the dispensing cap and bottle may be configured so that approximately only one cartridge is required per bottle, i.e., when dispensing, the cartridge and bottle are emptied approximately simultaneously. In another embodiment, only approximately two cartridges are required per bottle, i.e., when dispensing, a single cartridge may be emptied when only about half of the bottle is emptied, so the user must then remove the cartridge and insert a second cartridge for use with the second half of the bottle. In different embodiments, three or more cartridges may be required. However, it is contemplated that three or fewer cartridges, and in exemplary embodiments, a maximum of two cartridges, are required per bottle. Such an approach reduces waste and is more convenient for users. However, it should be noted that the amount of cartridge fluid used per bottle may vary, to some extent, based on the squeezing force applied to the bottle by the user. Furthermore, bottle sizes may vary, which may require a different approximate number of cartridges per bottle. For example, some larger sized bottles require four or more cartridges per bottle.

[0111] According to one approach, the secondary cartridge fluid is dispensed in an amount that is approximately 8-12% by volume of the primary bottle fluid dispensed. According to another approach, the secondary cartridge fluid is dispensed in an amount that is up to approximately 50% by volume of the primary bottle fluid dispensed. In some embodiments, the secondary fluid and the primary fluid are dispensed in a ratio of approximately 0.5:10 to approximately 5:10. In an exemplary configuration, the ratio is 1:9, and in another approach, it is 1:10. In yet another approach, the ratio is approximately 2:8 or even 1:1. Varying the size of the cartridge outlet opening 135 relative to the flow regulator 157 of the dispense channel 155 of the cap base 150 can be effective in achieving the correct ratio. For example, by one approach, two outlet openings 135 each measuring approximately 2.0 mm by approximately 2.0 mm and a dispense channel flow regulator measuring approximately 1.8-2.0 mm are effective in allowing the secondary cartridge fluid to be dispensed in an amount of approximately 8-12% by volume of the primary bottled fluid dispensed. Such dimensions may be particularly advantageous when the secondary cartridge fluid has a viscosity in the range of approximately 12,500 to approximately 15,500 centipoise and the primary bottled fluid has a viscosity in the range of 17,000 to approximately 19,000 centipoise. In general, it is contemplated that the diameter of the flow regulator 157 should be sufficiently small relative to the diameter of the cartridge tubing portion 140 or dispense outlet 122 to allow the bottled fluid and cartridge fluid streams to be properly joined and dispensed together in a continuous manner. For example, if the flow regulator 157 is too large (e.g., a width of more than about 4.0 mm for a tubing section 140 having a diameter of about 5.0 mm or a dispensing outlet 122), the cartridge fluid may be substantially prevented or prevented from joining with the bottle fluid within the tubing section 140.

[0112] In further embodiments, the bottle can have a volume of about 250 mL to about 1000 mL for containing the primary fluid disposed therein. In some configurations, the cartridge can have a volume of about 10 mL to about 50 mL, or about 15 mL to about 35 mL for containing the secondary fluid disposed therein. Cartridges and bottles having volumes outside these ranges can also be configured.

[0113] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, a user can also exchange cartridges containing different fluids in the same dispensing cap for the same bottle. Advantageously, a user can use multiple fluid combinations. For example, a user may be provided with a bottle filled with a first condiment, such as ketchup, a dispensing cap, and two, three, or more cartridges filled with different condiments. If desired, a user can exchange cartridges in the dispensing cap to enjoy different flavor combinations, such as ketchup and chipotle sauce, or ketchup and sweet chili sauce. In one embodiment, different condiments in different cartridges have similar fluid properties, such as similar viscosity, texture, density, and / or compressibility, and similarly configured cartridges can be manufactured for each condiment. To the extent that the fluid properties of different condiments in different cartridges vary, the cartridge configurations for such condiments may need to be adjusted and customized so that the different cartridge condiments are dispensed in a desired manner. For example, the dimensions of the outlet opening 135 and / or the size of the tubing section 140 and dispensing outlet 122 may have to be adjusted.

[0114] By one approach, different cartridges 105 containing fluids with different fluid properties must be used with differently configured dispense cap bases 150 so that optimal dispensing can occur. For example, modifying cap base 150 depending on the viscosity or texture of the fluid can include changing the size of flow restrictor 157 in dispense channel 155 or the diameter of dispense channel 155, or modifying the dimensions of base piston member 165. For example, in one embodiment, the diameter of dispense channel 155 can be about 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm, and in one approach, about 5.0 mm. For bottled fluids with higher viscosities (e.g., mayonnaise), the diameter of dispense channel 155 can be larger.

[0115] In yet another approach, a user can choose to remove the cartridge entirely and dispense only the primary fluid from the bottle. Thus, in some embodiments, dispense cap base 150 is advantageously configured to allow fluid to be dispensed without cartridge 105 inserted therein. This is useful for giving the user the option of dispensing only the fluid disposed within the bottle. FIG. 10 illustrates how dispense cap base 150 attached to the neck of a bottle can be used without a cartridge inserted therein. When the bottle is squeezed, fluid from the bottle is forced into dispense channel 155 and dispensed directly from dispense cap 100. Notably, in this configuration, some of the bottle fluid still moves base piston member 165, but of course, the movement of base piston member 165 is ineffective without the cartridge.

[0116] When not in use, the dispense cap may be covered by a flip-top lid 180, as shown in FIG. 4, to maintain freshness or prevent product contamination or leakage. As described above, the flip-top lid has an internal protrusion 185 that is movable between an open position and a closed position, with the protrusion 185 blocking fluid flow out of the cap when in the open position and allowing fluid flow when in the closed position. FIG. 4 shows the flip-top lid in the closed position, with the internal protrusion 185 inserted into the dispense outlet 122 of the cartridge and extending into the tubing portion 140 of the valve member 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal protrusion 185 includes a first heat-sealed surface configured to block fluid flow out of the dispense channel 155 of the cap base 150 and a second heat-sealed surface configured to block fluid flow out of the cartridge. Interior projection 185 has a wide portion sized to provide a sealing fit with dispense outlet 122 so that fluid from the cartridge does not leak out of the cartridge when the lid is closed. In one embodiment, the wide portion can block outlet opening 135 of tubing portion 140 of valve member 138, such that fluid 120 disposed within cartridge cavity 115 cannot exit into tubing portion 140. As shown, interior projection also has a narrower portion at its terminal end sized to sealingly contact the outlet of dispense channel 155. Lid 180 and interior projection 185 are configured to sealingly contact the outlet of dispense channel 155 even when a cartridge is not inserted into cap base 150.

[0117] [Example 1] In one non-limiting example, the dispense cap, cartridge, and dispense bottle are formed according to the approximate measurements shown in Table 1. [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2]

[0118] In use, the dispensing bottle described above can dispense a consistent single stream of two fluids from the bottle when the user squeezes the bottle. The fluids can then be joined together in a substantially unmixed state, similar to the dispensed stream shown in FIG.

[0119] FIGS. 12-28B illustrate an alternative embodiment of dispense cap 400 and portions thereof. Dispense cap 400 has a configuration and dispensing mechanism similar to the previously described dispense cap embodiments. Accordingly, it should be noted that components of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-28B that are substantially the same as or correspond to components of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-11 are numbered to reflect this correspondence, with the only difference in the numbering being the first digit of the reference numeral. For example, reference numerals 135 and 635 correspond to cartridge outlet openings in different embodiments, and reference numerals 127 and 627 correspond to inner cartridge cylindrical walls in different embodiments. Accordingly, the description of components described above also serves to describe any corresponding components in FIGS. 12-28B, with any differences noted and emphasized below.

[0120] Similar to the previously described embodiments, dispense cap 400 includes cartridge 605 received within dispense cap base 550. Dispense cap base 550 includes hinged lid 580 that, in a closed position, fully encloses cartridge 605 within cap base 550 and blocks fluid from being dispensed from dispense outlet 622 of cartridge 605. In the open position of hinged lid 580, the top of cartridge 605 is uncovered, exposing dispense outlet 622 and allowing fluid to be dispensed from dispense cap 400, as shown in FIG.

[0121] 12 , in one exemplary embodiment, when the hinged lid 580 is in the open position and the cartridge 605 is fully seated within the base, the upper portion 621 of the cartridge 605 is also exposed. That is, when the cartridge 605 is inserted into the cap base 550, a portion of the cartridge 605 protrudes from the cap base 550. The exposed protrusion 621 of the cartridge 605 allows a user to grip the cartridge when inserting the cartridge 605 into the cap base 550 or when removing the cartridge 605 from the cap base 550.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge 605 also includes a grip 607 to facilitate a user's grip on the cartridge when inserting or removing the cartridge 605. As shown, the grip 607 may take the form of ribs or other texture formations on the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge 605. Some gripping surfaces or portions of the grip 607 may be spaced apart along the exposed portion of the cartridge 605. For example, there may be two, three, four, five, or more portions of the grip 607.

[0123] Cap base 550 may also include a continuous gripping portion 508 disposed externally on a sidewall of cap base 550. As shown in FIG. 12 , continuous gripping portion 508 is disposed on an end of cap base 550 configured to thread onto the neck of a bottle. Continuous gripping portion 508 makes it easy for a user to grip and rotate dispense cap 400 or cap base 550 when dispense cap 400 or cap base 550 is threaded onto or off the neck of a bottle. Grip portion 508 may also assist in holding or gripping cap base 550 when cartridge 605 is moved relative to it.

[0124] As shown, the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge 605 can also include various closures to facilitate the user's use of the dispense cap 605 by indicating its intended use. The indicia can include, for example, instructions to the user. For example, the instructions can show how to insert or remove the cartridge 605 from the cap base 550. For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 show a downward-pointing arrow 614 to indicate to the user the direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the cap base 550. There may be two or more such arrows 614 spaced around the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge so that the user can view the instructions from multiple angles. As shown, the dispense cap base 550 can also have a corresponding upward-pointing arrow 509 that indicates the orientation of the cap base 550 when inserting the cartridge 605.

[0125] The illustrated embodiment also includes indicia 616 to indicate to a user the direction to rotate the cartridge 605 to thread the cartridge 605 into the cap base 550. For example, one or more arrows 616 may be spaced along the exposed portion 621 of the cartridge 605 to indicate the direction of rotation. By another approach, one or more arrows may indicate a first direction for threading the cartridge 605 into the cap base 550, and one or more different arrows may indicate a second, opposite direction for unthreading the cartridge 605 from the cap base 550.

[0126] It should be noted that the above-mentioned markers are non-limiting and many different forms of markers for instructing a user are contemplated. For example, there may simply be a verbal instruction, or there may be a verbal instruction accompanied by a non-verbal indication (such as an arrow), or there may simply be a non-verbal indication.

[0127] When inserting the cartridge 605 into the cap base 550, the user may also receive an indication that the cartridge 605 is properly inserted. For example, the user may experience a tactile or auditory indication when the cartridge 605 is fully threaded and / or properly aligned into the cap base 550. For example, there may be a detent mechanism. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 22A-2B , the cartridge body 610 of the cartridge 605 includes one or more ridges or protrusions 618 on the threads 630 disposed on the exterior of the cartridge body 610. When the cartridge 605 is threaded into the cap base 650, the protrusions 618 may strike corresponding depressions or recesses 519 a, 519 b on the threads 552 disposed on the interior of the cap base 550 (as shown in FIGS. 28A-28B ), which generates an audible (such as a click) and / or tactile indication that the cartridge is in place. In other configurations, the location of the ridges or protrusions may be reversed (along with the recesses on the cartridge) so that they are located on the base instead of the cartridge. In one approach, there are two protrusions 618 on the cartridge and four recesses 519a, 519b on the threaded portion 552 of the cap base 550.

[0128] 15 , dispense cap 400 includes cap base 550 having a main cap substrate or outer cylindrical housing 572 and a base piston member 565 disposed therein. Cartridge 605 generally includes a main cartridge body 610, a cartridge piston member 645, and a valve member 638. When dispense cap 400 is assembled with cartridge 605 received within housing 572 of cap base 550, all of components 572, 565, 610, 645, and 638 are generally centrally aligned along central longitudinal axis 30.

[0129] 16-19 show the cartridge 605 itself, separated from the cap base 550 of the dispensing cap 400. The cartridge 605 is similar to the cartridge 105 described above, having a main cartridge body 610 formed in part by a cylindrical wall, a valve member 638 that substantially covers the upper side of the cartridge 605, and a cartridge piston member 645 that substantially covers the lower side of the cartridge 605. As shown in FIGS. 20A-D, 21A-21B, and 22A-22E, the valve member 638, cartridge piston member 645, and main cartridge body 610 are substantially similar to the valve member 138, cartridge piston member 145, and main cartridge body 110 of the cartridge 105, and function similarly during use.

[0130] 23-26 show views of cap base 550 of dispense cap 400, which is similar to cap base 150 of dispense cap 100. As shown in FIG. 24, base opening 567 of inner cylindrical housing 574 of cap base 550 has a different configuration compared to base opening 167 of cap base 150. Specifically, there are four groups of two ribs or spokes 566 connecting the top of dispense channel 555 to inner cylindrical housing 574, with base openings 567 located between each group of ribs 566 and between each group of ribs 566. The larger volume of base openings 567 in cap base 550 allows fluid from the bottle to flow into inner cylindrical housing 574 of cap base 550 and move base piston member 565, while the multiple groups of ribs 566 strengthen the connection between dispense channel 555 and inner cylindrical housing 574.

[0131] Cap base 550, like cap base 150, includes a dispense channel 555 that allows fluid from the bottle to flow through a portion of dispense cap 400 as the bottle is squeezed and ultimately dispensed. Cap base 550, like cap base 150, also includes a base piston member 565 that, during use of dispense cap 400, advantageously transfers the force of bottle fluid being squeezed from the bottle to drive cartridge piston member 645 of cartridge 605 to dispense cartridge fluid from cartridge 605 without the bottle fluid having to contact cartridge piston member 645. In this way, the exposed outer surface of cartridge piston member 645 remains clean during use of dispense cap 400, and there is substantially no dirt or residue from the bottle fluid that a user needs to remove at the interface between cap base 550 and cartridge 605 when cartridge 605 is removed from cap base 550 after use.

[0132] 27A-27C show views of a portion of base piston member 565. Similar to base piston member 165, base piston member 565 includes a first cylindrical portion 582 and a second flange portion 583. In use, fluid expressed from the bottle engages lateral piston floor 587 of first cylindrical portion 582, moving base piston member 565 from a first position toward a second position within dispensing cap 400. Second flange portion 583 engages and moves cartridge piston member 645, forcing cartridge fluid out of cartridge 605. When the bottle is squeezed, the distance and speed that base piston member 565 moves is limited by the amount of fluid remaining in cartridge 605. For example, if cartridge 605 is nearly empty, when the bottle is squeezed, the pressure of the bottle fluid on piston bed 587 will cause base piston member 565 to traverse a substantial distance within dispense cap 400, driving cartridge piston member 645 to push out any remaining cartridge fluid. Base piston member 565 is also limited in its movement by stop 577 along back guide channel 561 on cap base 550 (as shown in FIGS. 23 and 25 ). Similar to base piston member 165 of dispense cap 100, base piston member 565 includes a longitudinal notch 563 corresponding to back guide channel 561 such that, in use, as first cylindrical portion 582 of base piston member 565 moves through dispense cap 400, notch 563 allows the tip of first cylindrical portion 582 of base piston member 565 to pass over stop 577 until the top of notch 563 is stopped by a ledge or other feature of stop 577. As shown in FIGS. 27B and 27C, the top of notch 563 of dispensing cap 400 can include a protrusion 589 that “hooks” or abuts stop 577.

[0133] 29-40B illustrate further embodiments of a dispensing container 1000, a dispensing cap 700, and portions thereof. The dispensing container 1000 and the dispensing cap 700 have configurations and dispensing mechanisms similar to the previously described dispensing container and dispensing cap embodiments. Accordingly, it should be noted that components of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 29-40B that are substantially the same as or correspond to components of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-28B are numbered to reflect this correspondence, with the only difference in the numbering being the first digit of the reference numeral. For example, reference numerals 135 and 935 correspond to cartridge outlet openings in different embodiments, and reference numerals 127 and 927 correspond to inner cartridge cylindrical walls in different embodiments. Accordingly, the description of the components described above also serves to describe any corresponding components in FIGS. 29-40B, with any differences noted and emphasized below.

[0134] 29-33 , dispense bottle 1000 includes dispense cap 700 and a flexible bottle 1002 that can be squeezed to dispense fluid therefrom. Bottle 1002 contains a primary fluid, while dispense cap 700 having a cartridge, capsule, or pod 905 containing a secondary fluid may be threaded onto neck 1004 of bottle 1002, such that the primary and secondary fluids are dispensed together from dispense bottle 1000 through dispense outlet 922 of dispense cap 700 in the manner described above. In some embodiments, a conventional dispense cap (not shown), which dispenses only the primary fluid from bottle 1002, can be removed from flexible bottle 1002 and replaced with dispense cap 700.

[0135] Dispense bottle 1000, including flexible bottle 1002 and dispensing cap 700, may have a combined shape that allows dispense bottle 1000 to stand upside down while resting on cap 700 when closed via hinged flip-top lid 880. Hinged flip-top lid 880, in some embodiments, can have a buckling member 880a extending downward from the outer edge of lid 880, which has a protrusion 880b that mates with or snaps into a recess or notch 880c on a corresponding side of cap base 850 for secure closure. A user can engage buckle member 880a to open and close lid 880. The opening force to open lid 880 can be, for example, approximately 7-15 N. In one approach, buckle member 880a includes a tab of material with a protrusion 880b that includes an inwardly extending lip or flange. The protrusion 880b is configured to engage a geometric shape on the base to provide a secure closure for the closure cap. The corresponding geometric shape can include a recess or notch 880c, but can also include a corresponding geometric shape such as an offset lip or flange extending outward from the base.

[0136] In exemplary embodiments, the first and second fluids may be thixotropic fluids. In some embodiments, the fluid may be an edible product, such as a sauce, condiment, dressing, or beverage. In certain embodiments, the fluid may be an emulsion, gel, paste, or puree. However, it is contemplated that the first and second fluids may include non-food products. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid is a health, body, hair, or cosmetic product, such as a shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, body wash, serum, or the like. In some embodiments, the first and second fluids may be characterized by specific rheological properties, as described in more detail below. For example, the fluid may have a specific viscosity, hardness, stringiness, yield stress, adhesive strength, specific heat, thermal conductivity, or the like, and may have Newtonian or non-Newtonian properties.

[0137] Dispense cap 700 is constructed and functions similarly to caps 100, 400 described above. As shown in FIGS. 30-33 , dispense cap 700 includes a cap base 850 having a main body or outer cylindrical housing 872 and a base piston member 865 disposed therein. Cartridge 905 generally includes a main cartridge body 910, a cartridge piston member 945, and a valve body 938. When dispense cap 700 is assembled with cartridge 905 seated within outer housing 872 of cap base 850, all of components 872, 865, 910, 945, and 938 are generally aligned about central longitudinal axis Y.

[0138] 30 and 34A-35B, in some embodiments, dispense cap base 850 includes internal threads 878 that correspond to external threads 1079 on neck 1004 of bottle 1002 to couple dispense cap base 850 to bottle 1002. Dispense cap base 850 is also configured to receive cartridge 905. By one approach, cartridge 905 is received within receptacle 852 (see, e.g., FIG. 34A ) of dispense cap base 850, which may be a recess or cavity within base 850 that is exposed when flip-top lid 880 is positioned in an open configuration. Cartridge 905 is manually insertable and removable within cap base 850 by a user, such as by threading cartridge 905 onto base 850. For example, cartridge 905 may include external threads 930 that engage with internal threads 852a of cap base 850.

[0139] Similar to caps 100, 400, the outer housing 872 of cap base 850 has a generally hollow interior and an inner cylindrical housing 874 centrally disposed within the interior of outer housing 872. In one exemplary configuration, inner housing 874 is generally hollow and connected to outer housing 872 by an annular floor 876 (see FIG. 30 ), which may extend perpendicular to inner and outer housings 874, 872. In the illustrated embodiment, annular floor 876 forms a partial floor or bottom for cartridge-receiving vessel 852 of the cap base and has a stepped configuration, e.g., an outer step 876 a adjacent outer cylindrical housing 872 and an inner step 876 b adjacent inner housing 874. Inner step 876 b forms part of an annular slot 868 in cap base 850 for receiving neck 1004 of bottle 1002. Slot 868 is formed by inner step 876b, a longitudinal portion of inner cylindrical housing 874, and an annular wall 881 that extends perpendicularly from inner step 876b around inner cylindrical housing 874. In the illustrated embodiment, slot 868 includes internal threads 878 disposed on an inner facing surface of annular wall 881 for engaging corresponding external threads 1079 on bottle 1002 so that bottle 1002 can be securely attached to cap 700.

[0140] At least a portion of inner housing 874 is received by neck 1004 of bottle 1002 when cap base 850 is threaded onto neck 1004, placing the interior of bottle 1002 in fluid communication with entry portion 891 of cap base 850, which is disposed adjacent an upper end of inner housing 874. Base piston member 865 is disposed radially inward of inner housing 874. Inner housing 874 functions, in part, as a guide channel 860 for movement of base piston member 865. A tubular dispensing channel 855 of cap base 850 is disposed radially inward of base piston member 865 along central axis Y of dispensing cap 700. Specifically, dispensing channel 855 extends through a central opening of base piston member 865, which has an annular configuration. Dispense channel 855 extends longitudinally from entry portion 891 of cap base 850, through a substantial portion of cap base 850, toward the dispense side of cap base 850. Specifically, dispense channel 855 defines an inlet opening 862 at entry portion 891 of cap base 850 for receiving primary fluid from bottle 1002, and an outlet opening 857 at distal end portion 855a of dispense channel 855. Distal end portion 855a of dispense channel 855, including outlet opening 857, is positioned to engage cartridge 905. In particular, in the illustrated approach, end 855a of dispense channel 855 is received within inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 of cartridge 905. In use, outlet opening 857 communicates primary fluid within dispense chamber or tubular portion 940 of cartridge 905. In dispense chamber 940 , the primary fluid is combined with the secondary fluid from cartridge 905 and dispensed from dispense cap 700 through dispense outlet 922 .

[0141] 30 and 35A-B, primary fluid from bottle 1002 flows toward inlet portion 891 of cap base 850 when pressure is applied to bottle 1002 to dispense the fluid. As described above, inlet portion 891 includes inlet 862 to dispense channel 855. Inlet portion 891 further includes a set of support or connecting spokes 866a that partially cover inner housing 874. Spokes 866a support and connect dispense channel 855 to inner housing 874. Specifically, in some embodiments, spokes 866a are integrally formed with dispense channel 855 and inner housing 874, and the spokes extend radially outward from inlet opening 862 of dispense channel 855. In one approach, there are four spokes 866a evenly spaced around dispense channel inlet opening 862, connecting dispense channel 855 to inner cylindrical housing 874. In other approaches, there may be a different number of spokes, for example, 3, 5, 6, or 8. The number and configuration of spokes 866a should be selected so that the structure can withstand repeated pressures from the primary fluid during use. Additionally, spokes 866a are selected to protect the cap from breakage (e.g., when the cap is dropped).

[0142] The inlet portion 891 further includes cap base openings 867 disposed between the spokes 866a that, in use, allow the passage of primary fluid into the inner housing 874 when pressure is applied to the bottle 1002. In an exemplary approach, there are four equally sized openings 867 defined between each of the four spokes 866a, although other numbers of openings are possible. The number and size of the cap base openings 867 may be selected to allow a sufficient amount of primary fluid to pass into the inner cylindrical housing 874 when the bottle 1002 is squeezed to pressurize and move the base piston member 865, at least in part, to enable the base piston member 865 to engage and move with the cartridge piston member 945.

[0143] By one approach, the top annular edge 874a of the inner cylindrical housing 874 may be bounded by recesses or grooves 867a located adjacent the cap base openings 867 and between the spokes 886a. For example, there may be four grooves 867a adjacent the four cap base openings 867 and between the four spokes 866a. The grooves 867a may be formed in part by one or more bevels or chamfers of the top edge 874a of the inner housing 874, which may strengthen and reinforce the entry portion 891 to prevent it from breaking.

[0144] In some embodiments, outer housing 872, inner housing 874, annular floor 876, annular wall 881, and dispensing channel 855 are all integrally formed, and in some embodiments, flip-top lid 880 is also integrally formed. Such components can be formed from a food-grade plastic or polymer, such as polypropylene (PP) and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In an exemplary embodiment, the material is polypropylene. In some configurations, different components can be formed from different materials.

[0145] In use, when bottle 1002 is squeezed, primary fluid from the bottle passes through entry portion 891 simultaneously via two different paths. In the first path, a portion of the primary fluid flows into dispense channel 855 and is ultimately dispensed from dispense cap 700. In the second path, a portion of the primary fluid flows through cap base opening 867 and engages base piston member 865 within inner housing 874.

[0146] In a first pathway, a portion of the primary fluid flows into dispense channel 855 through inlet opening 862 in inlet portion 891 of cap base 860 and exits through outlet opening 857 positioned at distal end 855a of dispense channel 855. As explained above, in some approaches, outlet opening 857 then communicates the fluid with dispense chamber or tubular portion 940 of cartridge 905. In dispense chamber 940, the first fluid joins with a second fluid from cartridge 905 and is dispensed from dispense cap 700 through dispense outlet 922. In some approaches, dispense channel 855 is configured such that a certain amount of the primary fluid is dispensed relative to, for example, the secondary fluid. Additionally, dispense channel 855 can be configured such that the primary fluid has a desired flow (e.g., amount and rate) from dispense channel 855 in response to a squeezing force. For example, excessive squeezing force should not be required to move fluid through dispense channel 855 and into tubular portion 940 of cartridge 905. Additionally, restricting the flow of primary fluid from dispense channel 855 ensures that there is sufficient space in tubular portion 940 for secondary fluid from the cartridge to merge with the primary fluid flow and maintain the desired joint flow and / or pattern as the fluid is dispensed. In some configurations, achieving the appropriate balance between these factors depends on both the configuration of dispense channel 855 and the rheological properties of the fluid. In some exemplary embodiments, the size and shape of outlet opening 857 of dispense channel 855 are selected. For example, in certain embodiments, outlet opening 857 is circular and can have a diameter of about 0.5 to about 3.0 mm, depending on the fluid properties, for example. In some approaches, the diameter is about 1.8 mm to about 3.0 mm, or about 2.4 mm to 2.8 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter is about 2.6 mm. It should be noted that larger diameters, such as diameters greater than 1.8 mm, can advantageously reduce the force required to dispense the primary fluid. In particular, for thicker fluids, larger diameters or larger access may be required, such that less force is required to dispense the primary fluid, typically diameters greater than 3.0 mm (e.g., 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm).

[0147] Outlet opening 857 can have a smaller diameter than the remainder of dispense channel 855. For example, dispense channel 855 can have an inner diameter of about 4 mm to about 6 mm in exemplary embodiments, and in some embodiments, about 4.4 mm to about 5 mm. The inner diameter of the dispense channel can have a uniform or tapered diameter. For example, in some approaches, the inner diameter can be tapered and wider in the portion of channel 855 closer to the bottle. In certain non-limiting approaches, dispense channel 855 can have a length of about 30 mm to about 40 mm. The dispense channel has a length dimensioned to extend from entry portion 891 of cartridge 905 to tubing portion 940.

[0148] In the second path, a portion of the primary fluid passes through the cap base opening 867 toward the base piston member 865 held within the inner housing 874. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 30 and 34A-35B , the pressurized fluid exerts a force on the lateral piston floor 887 of the base piston member 865, urging the base piston member 865 along the guide channel 860 and away from the inlet portion 891 of the cap base 850 toward the cartridge 905. In this manner, the cap base 850, like the cap bases 150 and 550, advantageously utilizes the base piston member 865 to transmit the force of the primary fluid being pushed out of the bottle 1002 to drive the cartridge piston member 945 of the cartridge 905 to dispense cartridge fluid from the cartridge 905, without having to contact the cartridge piston member 945. Thus, the outer surface of cartridge piston member 945 remains clean during use of dispense cap 700, and when cartridge 905 is removed from cap base 850 after use, there is substantially no dirt or residue from the bottle fluid that the user needs to remove at the interface between cap base 850 and cartridge 905. Additionally, the primary fluid that moves base piston member 865 by passing into inner housing 874 does not pass into other parts of cap base 850 (keeping the remainder of cap base 850 free of residue) and, in some manner, splashes back into bottle 1002.

[0149] Base piston member 865 is substantially similar to base piston members 165 and 565 described above. For example, base piston member 865 includes a first cylindrical portion 882 and a second annular flange portion 883 extending mostly radially outward from the end of first cylindrical portion 882. During use, primary fluid expressed from the bottle engages a lateral piston floor 887 of first cylindrical portion 882, moving base piston member 865 from a first position toward a second position within dispense cap 700. Second flange portion 883 engages and moves cartridge piston member 945, causing secondary fluid disposed within cartridge 905 to pass from cartridge 905. It should be noted that the base piston member 865 should be configured so that there is not excessive resistance between the base piston member 865 and the guide channel 860 so that there is an easy initiation of movement of the base piston member 865 when the bottle 1002 is squeezed and the base piston member 865 is engaged by the pressurized primary fluid.

[0150] When bottle 1002 is squeezed, the distance and speed that base piston member 865 travels is limited, as previously described, by the amount of fluid remaining in cartridge 905. For example, if cartridge 905 is nearly empty, when the bottle is squeezed, the pressure of the bottle fluid on piston bed 887 causes base piston member 865 to traverse a substantial distance along central axis Y of dispense cap 700, driving cartridge piston member 845 to expel any remaining secondary fluid within cartridge 905. Base piston member 865 is also limited in its travel by stop or piston retaining clip 877 along guide channel rear 861 on cap base 850. Similar to base piston member 165 of dispense cap 100, base piston member 865 includes a longitudinal notch 863 corresponding to rear of guide channel 861 such that, in use, as first cylindrical portion 882 of base piston member 565 moves through dispense cap 700, notch 863 allows a leading portion of first cylindrical portion 882 of base piston member 565 to pass over stop 877, with the top of notch 863 being stopped by a corresponding geometric shape, such as a ledge, of stop 877. Because stop 877 limits the movement of base piston member 865 beyond its final position, the movement of cartridge piston member 945 is also limited thereby. In some approaches, this can be advantageous so that cartridge piston member 945 does not contact other parts of cartridge 905 (e.g., valve member 938) and induce wear.

[0151] Similar to base piston members 165 and 565, base piston member 865 is configured to sealably slide along guide channel 860 and dispensing channel 155 to prevent leakage of primary fluid from the bottle between base piston member 865 and guide channel 860, and between base piston member 865 and dispensing channel 855.

[0152] This can be achieved, in part, by creating a tight fit between first cylindrical portion 882 of base piston member 865 and guide channel 860, and between piston floor 887 (having an annular shape) and dispensing channel 855. In addition to the fit of the members, the geometry of the members, the material forming the members, and / or the type of fluid in the dispense bottle and cap may also be relevant to ensuring no or minimal leakage between the members. To that end, the material, geometry, and / or size of the members may be tailored depending on the packaging and material being dispensed.

[0153] According to one approach, one or more sealing members, such as inner and outer bore seals, may extend from first cylindrical portion 882 of base piston member 865. For example, inner sealing member 870 may be configured to engage the outer surface of dispense channel 855, and outer sealing member 871 may be configured to engage guide channel 860. In one configuration, outer seal 870 and inner seal 871 may be continuous flange-like protrusions. In one exemplary approach, outer seal 870 and inner seal 871 extend at an oblique angle from the outer edge and inner end of piston floor 887 of base piston member 865, respectively. In some configurations, only sealing members 870, 871 extending from first cylindrical portion 882 of base piston member 865 engage adjacent surfaces of guide channel 860 and dispense channel 855, both of which reduce friction during movement of base piston member 865 while providing sufficient sealing to prevent leakage in unintended areas.

[0154] A variety of materials can be utilized for the base piston member 865, including the sealing members 870, 871. In one exemplary embodiment, these members are integrally formed from a material with good sealing capabilities, which may have, for example, flexible, resilient, pliable, and / or compressible attributes. Suitable examples include low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, or polypropylene. In one embodiment, the material is low-density polyethylene. In one approach, the material of the base piston member 865 is low-density polyethylene, and the remainder of the cap base 850 is polypropylene. In another approach, the base piston member 865 and the remainder of the cap base 850 are the same material (e.g., in embodiments where reusability of the entire cap is desired). For example, the entire cap base 850, including the base piston member 865, may be polypropylene. In some configurations, the base piston member 865 is not removable from the cap base 850 during typical use of the product, but is always retained within the guide channel 860.

[0155] 36A-36C show the cartridge 905 itself, separated from the cap base 850 of the dispense cap 700. The cartridge 905 is configured and functions similarly to the cartridges 105 and 605 described above, having a main cartridge body 910 formed in part by a cylindrical wall, a valve body or valve member 938 substantially covering an upper side of the cartridge 905, and a cartridge piston member 945 substantially covering an underside of the cartridge 905 opposite the valve member 938. The body 910, valve member 938, and cartridge piston member 145 define an internal cavity 915 or reservoir for containing a fluid disposed within the cartridge. Because the cartridge 905 includes similar configurations and functions as the cartridges 105, 605, the descriptions of the cartridges 105, 605 are incorporated herein by reference below, which highlights the differences between the cartridge 905 and the earlier cartridges 105, 605.

[0156] 36C and 37A-37D, cartridge body 910 includes a top 912 that partially covers the dispense side of cartridge 905. Valve member 938 partially seats on or above top 912 of cartridge body 910, providing additional coverage for the dispense side of the cartridge. Valve member 938 may be positioned on or above top 912 of body 910 in any suitable manner, for example, by corresponding geometry, adhesive, and / or welding. In other embodiments, a portion of valve member 938 may be mated with cartridge 905 via other mechanical connections, such as, for example, an interference fit, a snap fit, a friction fit, and / or a detent or other biasing mechanism.

[0157] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member 938 is coupled to the top 912 of the body 910 and includes an annular disk portion 939 that covers the entire dispense side of the cartridge 905 except for the open dispense outlet 922. The dispense outlet 922 is typically formed at least in part by an opening in the center of the disk portion 939 of the valve member 938. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member 938 includes an annular, angled, upright rim portion 939a that extends continuously around the disk portion 939. The angled rim portion 939a may be coupled to the top portion 912 of the cartridge body 910 by a corresponding annular angled surface 912a that abuts the periphery of the top portion 912. In some embodiments, the angled surface 912a slopes radially inward and downward toward the cavity 915 and, in some approaches, terminates in an annular step 912b of the top 912 that may also support the angled rim portion 939a. In the illustrated embodiment, the angled rim portion 939a may be coupled to the angled surface 912a of the cartridge body 910 in any suitable manner, for example, by adhesive or welding.

[0158] Similar to valve members 138 and 638 described above, valve member 938 includes an additional tubing segment or dispense chamber 940 extending inwardly into cartridge 905 from disk portion 939 at dispense outlet 922. In such a configuration, tubing segment 940 has a first end configured to receive a primary fluid from the bottle that flows into tubing segment 940 from dispense channel 855 in cap base 850, and a second end defining dispense outlet 922 through which the first and second fluids are dispensed. Dispense outlet 922 may be formed by a portion of tubing segment 940 that projects upward relative to an adjacent portion of disk portion 939. Tube segment 940, including dispense outlet 922, may have a uniform inner diameter. In some embodiments, dispense outlet 922 may have a slightly enlarged diameter or access than the remainder of tubing segment 940.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment, tubing segment 940 including dispensing outlet 922 can have a length of about 5 mm to about 12 mm. In some embodiments, for example, the length can be about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or about 7 mm to about 9 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter of tubing segment 940 can be about 4 mm to about 7 mm. In some embodiments, for example, the diameter can be about 4.5 mm to about 5.5 mm.

[0160] In one configuration, the central portion of disc portion 939 may be angled or bent downward toward the interior of cartridge body 910, such that dispensing outlet 922 and tubing portion 940 are positioned lower than the outer edge or outer portion of disc portion 939. Thus, similar to valve members 138 and 638, disc portion 939 of valve member 938 has a funnel- or conical-like configuration with dispensing outlet 922 and tubing portion 940 at its center. Disc portion 939 differs from disc portions 139, 639 described above in the shape of its funnel. Disc portions 139 and 639 have a substantially angular or linear funnel cross-section, while the funnel of disc portion 939 is substantially curved in an S-shape (as shown in FIG. 36C ).

[0161] Similar to valve members 138 and 638, in some approaches, a tube portion 940 of valve member 938 extends at least partially within the interior of cartridge body 910. Tube portion 940 may specifically be configured to extend within a centrally disposed inner cylindrical wall 927 of cartridge body 910. In some examples, tube portion 940 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 to achieve a tight fit, such as an interference fit. Tube portion 940 and inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 together form a central opening extending through the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge. On the dispense side of the cartridge, the central opening terminates in dispense outlet 922. On the opposite side from the dispense side, the central opening is configured to receive dispense channel 855 of cap base 850 via inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927.

[0162] Similar to valve members 138 and 638, tubing portion 940 of valve member 938 typically includes at least one outlet opening 935 in its tubular wall. In use, outlet opening 935 is configured to allow secondary fluid from within cavity 915 of cartridge 905 to flow therethrough into the dispense chamber or tubing portion 940 of valve member 938. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four outlet openings 935 evenly spaced around the tubular wall of tubing portion 140. Specifically, there are two opposing pairs of outlet openings 935. In the illustrated approach, each opening 935 has a circular shape and a diameter of about 2 mm to about 4 mm, about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, or about 3 mm to about 3.3 mm. For example, the diameter may be about 3.1 mm. For certain fluids, such as certain sauces or emulsions, the combination of four circular outlet openings 935 having diameters within these ranges and a dispensing channel outlet 857 having a diameter of about 1.5 mm to about 3.0 mm, or about 2.4 mm to about 2.8 mm, provides optimal function of dispense cap 700. Such a configuration may provide, for example, a desired dispensing of secondary fluid, a desired ratio of primary and secondary fluids (discussed further below), a desired pattern of dispensed fluids, a reduced squeezing or dispensing force required to dispense the fluid, and / or prevention of unintended leakage of secondary fluid into tubing portion 940 when no pressure is applied. Specifically, for example, openings 935 may be configured to have a cross-sectional area sufficient to increase the flow of secondary fluid from cavity 915 and thereby reduce the resistance of the secondary fluid to cartridge piston member 945, thereby requiring less squeezing force to dispense the product. In certain embodiments, there can be appropriate amounts of both primary and secondary fluid dispensed with a squeeze force of 100 N or less, a squeeze force of 90 N or less, a squeeze force of 85 N or less, a squeeze force of 80 N or less, or a squeeze force of 75 N or less. In an exemplary configuration, outlet opening 935 can have a diameter of approximately 3.1 mm and dispense channel outlet 857 can have a diameter of approximately 2.6 mm.

[0163] In some configurations, the exit openings 935 can have a total combined area. For example, in an embodiment, the total area is about 6 mm 2 ~approx. 40mm 2 In another exemplary approach, the total combined area may be about 8 mm 2 ~Approx. 35mm 2 , approximately 8 mm 2 ~Approx. 35mm 2 , or about 12 mm 2 ~Approx. 32mm 2 may be.

[0164] In some approaches, each exit opening 935 may have a specific area. For example, in some techniques, the area may be approximately 3 mm 2 Approximately 15 mm from 2 In some embodiments, the area may be between about 4 mm 2 ~approximately 10 mm 2 or about 6 mm to about 8 mm. In embodiments, there may be different quantities, shapes, and sizes of outlet openings 935 depending on the viscosity, yield stress, or other rheological properties of the fluid. For example, some embodiments may have one outlet opening, some embodiments may have two outlet openings, some embodiments may have three outlet openings, some embodiments may have four outlet openings, and some embodiments may have more than four outlet openings. Exemplary shapes of outlet openings include circle, square, rectangle, oval, etc. In certain embodiments, the multiple outlet openings may have different shapes or patterns of different shapes (e.g., rectangular, oval, rectangular, oval). In some embodiments, the outlet openings 935 may be selected or arranged in a particular configuration to create a particular pattern in the combined flow. For example, the configuration described above may approximate a vortex pattern when the fluid is dispensed, as shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B. Although the illustrated embodiment includes outlet openings 935 aligned along the same horizontal plane relative to the central longitudinal axis Y, other configurations may include outlet openings 935 offset from one another and at different locations along the length of the tube portion 940.

[0165] As with the previous embodiment, the fluid properties and the configuration of dispense cap 700 prevent substantial mixing of the fluids during dispensing, in the sense that the integrity and appearance of the two different sources are maintained and are clearly visible in the resulting dispense pattern. As noted above, this can provide a desirable aesthetic effect, particularly so long as the two fluids are different colors. The aesthetic effect can be influenced by the rheological properties of the two different fluids. For example, the two fluids can have a particular viscosity or texture relative to one another such that both fluids are visible or distinct in the dispensed stream.

[0166] As noted above, cartridge 905 functions within dispense cap 700 in the same manner as described above with respect to cartridges 105 and 605. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, cartridge 905 can have multiple configurations, such as storage and use configurations. For example, FIGS. 36A-36C show the cartridge in a "closed" configuration (the outlet opening 935 of tubing portion 940 is blocked, preventing secondary fluid from exiting cavity 915 of cartridge 905). This occurs when cartridge 905 is not inserted into cap base 850. However, FIG. 30 shows cartridge 905 in an "open" configuration after insertion into cap base 850. In this configuration, outlet opening 935 is not blocked, allowing cartridge fluid to exit cavity 915 when pistons 865, 945 are pressurized. Specifically, valve member 938 of cartridge 905 is movable relative to cartridge body 910 in some exemplary configurations. More specifically, the valve member 938 may be movable between a first position in which the outlet opening 935 is covered by the inner cylindrical wall 927 of the cartridge body 910, preventing the secondary fluid in the cavity 915 from flowing into the tube portion 940 through the outlet opening 935, and a second position in which the outlet opening 935 is no longer blocked by the inner cylindrical wall 927, allowing the secondary fluid in the cavity 915 to flow into the tube portion 940 through the outlet opening 935.

[0167] With respect to the "closed" configuration of cartridge 905, FIG. 36C shows cartridge 905 not inserted into dispense cap base 850. Advantageously, when the cartridge is not inserted into dispense cap base 850, outlet opening 935 of tubing portion 940 of cartridge 905 is blocked by the inner wall of cartridge 905. This prevents cartridge fluid from leaking from cartridge 905 when cartridge 905 is not inserted into cap base 850. Specifically, in the closed configuration, outlet opening 935 is covered by inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 of cartridge 905. The "closed" configuration may be particularly useful for shipping and storage of cartridge 905, and may be particularly relevant to approaches where cartridge 905 is shipped and stored separately from the remainder of dispense cap 700.

[0168] 30 , cartridge 905 may then be reconfigured to a ready position, which may include an open or nearly open configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, cartridge 905 is in the open configuration and coupled to cap base 850, with the end of tubing portion 940 forcibly engaged with front end 855a of dispense channel 855 of cap base 850. Contact with dispense channel 855 drives tubing portion 940 of valve member 938 upward along the central axis of cartridge 905, moving outlet opening 935 of tubing portion 940 upward, clear of inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 so that it is no longer blocked by wall 927. This is possible because valve member 938, including both disk portion 939 and tubing portion 940, is typically made from a material that can move, flex, and / or bend in the manner described above. For example, the valve member 938 may be formed from polypropylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), among other materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve member 938 is formed from polypropylene. In one approach, both the valve member 938 and the main cartridge body 910 are formed from polypropylene. Polypropylene can provide sufficient elasticity or flexibility to prevent cracking during use. In addition to allowing the required flexing, forming the valve member 938 and / or the main cartridge body 910 from polypropylene can make these members substantially transparent or translucent (or allow them to have lower obscuring power), allowing a user to see the fluid within the cartridge. In other configurations, these members, or at least portions thereof, are configured to be substantially non-transparent (or have higher opacity). This prevents a user from seeing any fluid residue that may form on portions of the valve member 938.

[0169] As mentioned above, the movement, flexing, and / or bending of the valve member 938 upon insertion of the cartridge 905 into the cap base 850 is visible to the user because the dispensing outlet 922 formed by the disk portion 939 and the end of the tube portion 940 of the valve member is also driven upward. For example, as shown in FIG. 36C , the disk portion 939 is bent downward in a funnel-shaped configuration in the closed position, whereas in the open position, the disk portion 939 may be pushed upward so that it is not substantially funnel-shaped, with the dispensing outlet 922 approximately flush with the outer periphery of the disk portion 939, as shown in FIG. 30 . The visible movement of the valve member 939 can indicate to the user that the cartridge 905 has been properly inserted for use.

[0170] It should be understood that in the open configuration of some embodiments, a secondary fluid in the cartridge 905 having a particular thicker viscosity, slower flow rate, higher yield stress, or other rheological properties, e.g., a particular flavoring, does not readily flow through or leak from the outlet opening 935 until manual pressure is applied to the flexible bottle 1002, actuating the cartridge piston member 945 to force the cartridge fluid out of the cartridge cavity 915.

[0171] Advantageously, the flexibility of valve member 938 allows outlet opening 935 to be reclosable after cartridge 905 is removed from dispense cap base 850. That is, cartridge 905 returns to a closed configuration after cartridge 905 is removed. Valve body 938 may be shaped, for example, to be biased toward the closed position. For example, as shown in FIG. 36C , in the closed configuration, disk portion 939 may be shaped to be angled or bent downward, holding tube portion 940 in a position blocked by inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927. Then, when cartridge 905 is inserted into dispense cap base 850, tube portion 940 and disk portion 939 are forced upward out of contact with dispense channel 855. When the cartridge 905 is removed from the cap base 850 and the dispensing channel 955 no longer deflects the tube portion 940 and the disk portion 939 or applies an upward force in the open configuration, the tube portion 940 and the disk portion 939 are released from their biased position and the disk portion 939 "memorizes" and returns to its stable angled position, pushing the tube portion 940 back down into the cartridge 905 and back to its original position where the outlet opening 935 is again covered by the inner cartridge cylindrical wall 927 of the cartridge body 910.

[0172] As described above for cartridges 105 and 605, the closed configuration of cartridge 905 allows the cartridge to be manufactured, shipped, sold, handled, and stored separately from the dispensing cap base without leakage of fluid from cavity 915 of cartridge 905 into tubing portion 940 of cartridge 905.

[0173] Furthermore, the resealability of the cartridge 905 after use limits the cartridge fluid's exposure to external contamination, maintains the flavor and freshness of its contents, and prevents accidental leakage of the cartridge contents (e.g., the sauce itself or separated serum from the sauce). This is particularly useful when the cartridge is stored and handled by the user separately from the dispensing cap after use. Reclosability may also eliminate the need to provide a complete cover or plug for the cartridge's dispensing outlet. For example, after a user removes the tamper-evident seal from the cartridge and uses the cartridge in the dispensing cap, the user may wish to remove the cartridge from the cap and store the cartridge separately from the cap (e.g., if the user possesses multiple cartridges for the cap). The "closed" configuration of the cartridge when not inserted into the dispensing cap allows the cartridge to remain fresh and be stored separately from the cap base. In other words, instead of being discarded, the cartridge can be stored and reused after its first use without requiring a lid for the cartridge.

[0174] The cartridge piston member 945 shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B is typically located on the non-dispensing side of the cartridge 905. The cartridge piston member 945 is substantially the same as and functions similarly to the cartridge piston members 145, 645 described above. Accordingly, the above descriptions of cartridge piston members 145 and 645 are incorporated herein by reference for the cartridge piston member 945. However, it should be noted that, by one approach, the cartridge piston member 945, including the integral sealing members 947, 949, is formed from low-density polyethylene. In one configuration, the cartridge piston member 945 is formed from low-density polyethylene, and the other members of the cartridge 905 (the valve member 938 and the main cartridge body 910) are formed from polypropylene. In another embodiment, the cartridge piston member 945, valve member 938, and main cartridge body 910 are all formed from polypropylene, which may be useful for enabling recyclability of the entire cartridge after use. Other food grade plastic or polymer materials may be used for the cartridge piston member 945, for example, those that have good sealing capabilities but are also able to slide along the cartridge body 910.

[0175] In some approaches, the cartridge piston member 945 may not be removable or may be difficult for a consumer to remove, so that the consumer cannot open or close the cartridge 905 during typical use of the product. In other embodiments, the cartridge piston member 945 may be removable from the cartridge body 910 by the consumer and then reattached. In this approach, the cartridge 905 may be cleaned and / or refilled by the consumer.

[0176] Dispense cap 700 functions in the same manner as described above with respect to dispense caps 100 and 400 and is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Specifically, Figures 8 and 9 show how the base piston member and cartridge piston member cooperatively move between a first, inactivated position and a second position to dispense a primary fluid from the bottle and a secondary fluid from the cartridge from the dispense cap together without substantially mixing the fluids (i.e., each of the fluids maintains its integrity and is separately visible in the stream).

[0177] 31 , similar to dispense cap 400, dispense cap 700 can be configured such that an upper portion 921 of cartridge 905 is exposed when cartridge 905 is fully seated within cap base 850 when hinged lid 880 is in the open position. That is, when cartridge 905 is inserted into cap base 850, upper portion 921 of cartridge 905 protrudes from cap base 850. Exposed upper portion 921 of cartridge 905 allows a user to grip cartridge 905 when inserting cartridge 905 into or removing cartridge 905 from cap base 850.

[0178] The cartridge 905 and cap base 850 of dispense cap 700 may also include gripping portions with ribs or texture as described above with respect to dispense cap 400. For example, although not shown, cartridge 905 may have one or more gripping surfaces similar to gripping surfaces 607 spaced along exposed upper portion 921 of cartridge 905 to facilitate a user's grip on the cartridge when inserting or removing cartridge 605. Cap base 850 may also include a continuous gripping portion 808 disposed outwardly on a sidewall of cap base 850, e.g., adjacent an end of cap base 850 configured to be threaded onto the neck of a bottle. Continuous gripping portion 808 facilitates a user's grip and rotation of dispense cap 700 or cap base 850 when threading dispense cap 700 or cap base 850 onto or off the neck of a bottle. The gripping portion 808 may also assist in holding or gripping the cap base 850 as the cartridge 905 is moved relative thereto.

[0179] As shown, dispense cap 700 can include various closures as described above with respect to dispense cap 400 and can facilitate a user's use of dispense cap 605 by providing instructions, such as closures showing how to insert or remove cartridge 905 from cap base 850. For example, as described above, arrows 916, 914, and / or 809 may be present on cartridge 905 (e.g., exposed upper portion 921) and / or cap base 850 to indicate the insertion orientation or rotation direction for threading cartridge 905 into cap base 850. Such closures are non-limiting, and many different forms of closures for instructing a user are contemplated. For example, there may be simply verbal instructions, or there may be verbal instructions accompanied by non-verbal indications (such as arrows), or there may be simply non-verbal indications.

[0180] Similar to dispense cap 400, dispense cap 700 can be configured to provide an indication to the user that cartridge 905 has been properly inserted into cap base 850. For example, the user may experience a tactile or auditory indication when cartridge 905 is fully threaded and / or properly aligned into cap base 850. In this case, cartridge body 910 of cartridge 905 includes one or more ridges or protrusions 918 on external threads 930, as shown in FIG. 36A. When cartridge 905 is threaded into cap base 850, protrusions 918 engage or butt corresponding depressions or recesses 819a, 819b on threads 852a disposed internally of cap base 850 (as shown in FIGS. 40A-40B), which generates an audible (such as a click) and / or tactile indication that cartridge 905 is properly seated. In other configurations, the location of the ridges or protrusions 918 may be reversed so that they are located on the base 850 instead of the cartridge 905, with corresponding recesses on the cartridge 905. In one approach, there are two protrusions 918 on the cartridge 905 and two recesses 819a, 819b on the threads 852 in the cap base 850.

[0181] By some approaches, the dispense cap 700 is configured to prevent leakage during use and storage of the product. For example, as described above, the cartridge 905 has a closed configuration in which the outlet opening 935 is covered by the inner cylindrical wall 927 of the cartridge 905 when not inserted into the cap base 850 to prevent fluid leakage from the cartridge cavity 915. Furthermore, this closed configuration may be an airtight configuration in some approaches. As long as the cartridge 905 is inserted into the cap base 860 and the cartridge 905 is in the open configuration (as described above), the central protrusion 885 of the hinged flip-top lid 880 can block the dispense outlet 922 and prevent fluid from leaking from the cartridge 905 when the flip-top lid 880 is closed. This may also be an airtight configuration in certain approaches. Dispense cap 700 may also be configured so that there is adequate springback of the fluid product within bottle 1002 and cartridge cavity 915 after dispensing to minimize product contamination at various orifices / nozzles of dispense cap 700 (e.g., dispense outlet 922, cartridge outlet opening 935, dispense channel outlet 857, etc.) or at the portion of dispense cap base 850 that interfaces with cartridge 905.

[0182] In certain embodiments, the secondary fluid within the cartridge is also configured to have rheological properties that prevent leakage or outflow of the secondary fluid from outlet opening 935 into tube portion 940 when cartridge 905 is in the open configuration (i.e., inserted into cap base 850) unless dispensing cap 700 is actuated by squeezing bottle 1002. For example, as described further below, the secondary fluid within cartridge 905 can have a certain viscosity, yield stress, or texture. Additionally, if the fluid is particularly an emulsion, the emulsion can be suitably stable to prevent syneresis and outflow of the more fluid portions of the fluid (e.g., separated oil components). Furthermore, the combination of the rheological properties of the fluid and the size and shape of outlet opening 935 can also contribute to the lack of leakage of the secondary fluid through outlet opening 935 in the open configuration.

[0183] Additionally, the illustrated configuration of the cap base 850 and cartridge 950 prevents leakage at the threaded area at the interface between the bottle 1002 , the cap base 850 , and the cartridge 950 .

[0184] In some approaches, as described above, the primary and secondary fluids are dispensed from dispense cap 700 without substantial mixing of the fluids, such that each fluid is visible in a dispense pattern. However, the amount of mixing of the fluids, or the pattern formed, may depend in part on the squeezing force applied to bottle 1002. For example, a greater squeezing force may result in more turbulence and mixing of the fluids as they are dispensed, which may change the relative proportions, pattern, or appearance of the primary and secondary fluids as they are dispensed.

[0185] As discussed above, the rheological properties of the fluids disposed within the bottle and cartridge affect the proper functioning of the dispense cap 700. Depending on the particular rheological properties, such as viscosity, thickness, yield stress, texture, emulsion stability, stringiness, hardness, etc., the fluid may be more or less resistant to flow and require more or less squeezing force to achieve a desired result. In some approaches, the fluid is formulated with rheological properties to achieve a particular result, e.g., yield stress, which determines the acceptable squeezing force of the fluid during dispensing, the acceptable ratio and pattern of fluid when dispensed, and prevention of unintended leakage of the fluid.

[0186] For example, in some embodiments, the primary fluid and secondary fluid can have a particular viscosity. In the illustrated embodiment, the viscosity of the fluid may range from about 7,000 centipoise to about 30,000 centipoise. In other embodiments, the viscosity of the fluid may range from about 5,000 centipoise to about 70,000 centipoise, about 6,000 centipoise to about 50,000 centipoise, or about 6,000 centipoise to about 45,000 centipoise. Viscosity measurements described herein can be measured, for example, using a Brookfield viscometer (e.g., RV DV-II) with a spindle 6 at 12 rpm and 20-22°C for 30 seconds.

[0187] Fluid viscosity is important because too low a viscosity can result in the secondary fluid leaking out of the cartridge outlet opening 935 or the primary fluid leaking out of the bottle without the user squeezing the bottle. That is, the fluid must be viscous enough to remain contained when not being dispensed. Additionally, the secondary fluid within the cartridge should be viscous enough to provide sufficient resistance to movement of the cartridge piston member so that the cartridge piston member is not forced to flow out of the cavity too quickly.

[0188] On the other hand, fluids with higher viscosities may exhibit excessive flow resistance, which may be undesirable as it may require the user to apply more force to the bottle in order for the pistons 865, 945 to move and dispense the fluid. In some approaches, larger openings and channels throughout the dispense cap 700 may be required to facilitate the flow of fluids with higher viscosities.

[0189] In one approach, both the primary fluid in the bottle and the secondary fluid in the cartridge can have similar viscosities. By another exemplary approach, the secondary fluid has a lower viscosity compared to the primary fluid to compensate for the fact that the fluid in the cartridge may require more force to be expelled from the cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment of dispense cap 700, the secondary fluid can have a viscosity in the range of about 5,000 centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise or about 7,000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise, and / or the primary fluid can have a viscosity in the range of about 10,000 to about 70,000 centipoise. By some approaches, the secondary fluid can have a viscosity in the range of about 8,000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise, about 10,000 centipoise to about 17,000 centipoise, or about 12,000 centipoise to about 16,000 centipoise, and / or the primary fluid can have a viscosity in the range of about 12,000 centipoise to about 45,000 centipoise, about 15,000 centipoise to about 30,000 centipoise, about 15,000 centipoise to about 25,000 centipoise, about 15,000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise, or about 17,000 centipoise to about 19,000 centipoise.

[0190] Fluids can also be formulated to have specific yield stresses at different temperatures to ensure optimal dispensing at refrigerated or ambient temperatures. For example, in dispense cap 700, the primary fluid can have a yield stress at 25°C ranging from about 1500 Pa.s to about 2000 Pa.s, and a yield stress at 4°C ranging from about 1750 Pa.s to about 2250 Pa.s. In other embodiments, the primary fluid can have a yield stress at 25°C ranging from about 1500 Pa.s to about 2500 Pa.s. In certain embodiments, the secondary fluid can have a lower yield stress than the yield stress of the primary fluid to ensure proper flow of the secondary fluid through cartridge outlet opening 935 of cartridge 905. For example, the secondary fluid can have a yield stress at 25°C ranging from about 50 Pa.s to about 300 Pa.s, and a yield stress at 4°C ranging from about 40 Pa.s to about 350 Pa.s.

[0191] The yield stress measurements described herein are measured by determining the stress at which a viscosity peak is observed. Prior to the viscosity peak, the material undergoes elastic deformation, stretching the sample, and the viscosity peak represents the point at which the elastic structure collapses (or "yields") and the material begins to flow. The test is performed by considering the logarithmic shear stress curve from 0 to 100 Pa over 100 s. An Anton Paar rheometer (MCR 302e) was used to measure the rheology of the sample, with parallel plates as the geometry. In some approaches, fluids may be formulated to have other properties. For example, for dispensing cap 700, the hardness of the primary fluid may be about 25 kgf to about 45 kgf, the stringing length may be about 15 mm to about 25 mm, and / or the adhesive force may be about 25 g to about 45 g. The hardness of the secondary fluid may be about 10 kgf to about 40 kgf, the stringing length may be about 10 mm to about 35 mm, and / or the adhesive force may be about 5 g to about 25 g. In another embodiment, the hardness of the primary fluid may be about 50 kgf to about 90 kgf, the stringing length may be about 5 mm to about 20 mm, and / or the adhesive force may be about 35 g to about 65 g.

[0192] In some non-limiting approaches, both the primary fluid and the secondary fluid may be sauces or condiments. The primary fluid and the secondary fluid may be selected as complementary flavorings. In embodiments, the sauce may have a generally smooth or pureed consistency. The primary and secondary fluids may be, for example, a tomato-based sauce, a mustard-based sauce, an emulsion, or may have different bases. In some approaches, the fluid in the bottle and / or cartridge does not contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives. However, as noted above, the fluid is not limited to edible products and, in other exemplary embodiments, may be a health or beauty product (e.g., soap, lotion, serum, hair product, etc.).

[0193] In one non-limiting embodiment, the secondary fluid disposed within cartridge 905 is an emulsion, such as an oil-in-water emulsion. In some approaches, the secondary fluid is an edible emulsion. In certain embodiments, an emulsion suitable for use in the cartridge may include oil, water, an emulsifier, an acidic component, sugar, salt, and additional flavor components. Additional thickeners may also be included, or the emulsifier may perform both thickening and emulsifying functions.

[0194] As used herein, the term "oil" refers to an oil that is liquid at room temperature (22°C) and atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). Exemplary oils for dressings generally include vegetable oils. Suitable vegetable oils include, but are not limited to, rapeseed, corn, sesame, canola, olive, palm, sunflower seed, safflower, cottonseed, and soybean oil, and combinations thereof.

[0195] In one approach, the emulsion contains about 10% to about 40% oil by weight of the emulsion. In another approach, the emulsion may contain about 10% to about 30% oil, or about 20% to about 30% oil by weight of the emulsion. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the emulsion may contain about 40% to about 75% water. In some examples, increasing the amount of oil may increase the stability of the emulsion and thus prevent the oil from separating from the product. Oil separation can impair the taste, texture, and aesthetic effect of the product when dispensed with a sauce from a bottle, as well as lead to unintended leakage of the product from the cartridge outlet opening 935. However, increasing the amount of oil may result in an emulsion that is too thick and / or difficult to flow for proper dispensing. Therefore, in certain embodiments, emulsions for use in cartridge 905 are formulated to have a viscosity and / or yield stress low enough to not impede flow, but also to not lead to oil separation or unintended leakage of the emulsion.

[0196] In some approaches, emulsions contain one or more emulsifiers or emulsifiers. The emulsifier allows the oil phase to be blended with the water or aqueous phase components to form an oil-in-water emulsion. The amount of emulsifier contributes to the stability of the emulsion and the viscosity of the product. In certain non-vegan formulations, egg yolk can be used as an emulsifier. For example, heat-stable egg yolk can be used in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% or about 1% to about 3% by weight of the emulsion. In vegan emulsions, a certain amount of vegetable protein and / or vegetable fiber can be used instead for emulsifying effects. For example, in an emulsion containing both vegetable protein and vegetable fiber, the vegetable protein can be present in an amount of about 0.4% to about 1% by weight of the emulsion, and the vegetable fiber can be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% or about 1% to about 3% by weight of the emulsion. Other conventional emulsifiers known in the art, such as lecithin, whey protein, soy lecithin, agar, albumin, alginate, casein, glycerol monostearate, polysorbate, polyglycerol esters, sugar esters, sorbitan esters, modified starch, and combinations thereof, may also be used in different embodiments.

[0197] In an exemplary embodiment, only plant fiber is used as an emulsifier. Advantageously, the plant fiber can also function as a thickener, contributing to achieving a specific viscosity in the emulsion. The plant fiber may be fiber from fruits or vegetables, and in an exemplary embodiment, is citrus fiber. The plant fiber may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, or about 1% to about 3% by weight of the emulsion. According to one advantageous approach, the plant fiber is present in an amount of about 1.5% to about 3% by weight, about 2% to about 3% by weight, or about 2% to about 2.5% by weight of the emulsion. These amounts of plant fiber allow for sufficiently low viscosity and / or yield stress, preventing or mitigating any disruption of the emulsion, such as oil separation, while allowing for adequate flow and squeezing forces during dispensing.

[0198] In some embodiments, other thickening agents can be used, such as starches, cellulose derivatives, polysaccharides, gums, gum derivatives, polyols, and combinations thereof. By some approaches, the thickening agent can be included in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the emulsion.

[0199] One or more acidic components that can contribute to the microbial stability of the emulsion can also be included in the emulsion. The acidic component can include one or more edible acids (i.e., food-grade acids). The acidic component can include, for example, citric acid, sorbic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the acidic component can include vinegar and / or lemon juice concentrate. Exemplary vinegars include white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, malt vinegar, and rice vinegar. In addition to contributing to microbial stability, the acidic component can also impart a desirable flavor to the emulsion. In some embodiments, the acidic component is included in an amount of about 3% to about 9% by weight of the emulsion, and in some embodiments, about 4% to about 7.5% by weight of the emulsion.

[0200] In some embodiments, sugars or other sweeteners may be included in the emulsion to impart a level of sweetness to the product. In approaches that include sugar, for example, the sugar may be present in an amount of about 2% to 5% by weight of the emulsion.

[0201] The emulsion may further include a salt (eg, sodium chloride) in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 4% or from about 1% to about 2.5% by weight of the emulsion.

[0202] One or more additional flavoring ingredients may also be used in the emulsion to enhance and / or modify its flavor.Flavors may include a wide variety of herbs, spices, and natural or artificial flavors.Exemplary herbs and spices include chili pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, oregano, basil, radish, mustard, coriander, curry, cloves, rosemary, chervil, anise, cilantro, horseradish, fennel, allspice, nutmeg, paprika, thyme, tarragon, turmeric, zircon, sage, saffron, marjoram, and mint.Exemplary flavors may include natural onion flavor, natural ranch flavor, natural garlic flavor, lemon juice flavor, lime juice flavor, soy sauce, truffle flavor, malted barley extract, botanical flavor, fruit flavor, beta-carotene, etc. The amount of flavoring added to the emulsion can depend on the desired flavor intensity, hi some embodiments, the additional flavoring components can be present in a total amount ranging from about 1 percent to about 20 percent by weight of the emulsion, or in some embodiments, from about 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight.

[0203] In one approach, the secondary fluid for use in the cartridge may be an emulsion having the ingredients provided in Table 2.

[0204] [Table 2]

[0205] In another approach, the secondary fluid for use in the cartridge may be an emulsion formed from the base recipe provided in Table 3.

[0206] [Table 3]

[0207] Additional flavor ingredients may be added to the base recipe of Table 2. For example, in one non-limiting approach, the final emulsion includes the above base recipe ingredients in an amount of about 90% to about 99% by weight of the final emulsion, and additional flavor ingredients in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the final emulsion.

[0208] An exemplary egg yolk-based emulsion can be formed from the base recipe provided in Table 4.

[0209] [Table 4]

[0210] Additional flavor ingredients may be added to the base recipe. For example, in one non-limiting approach, the final emulsion comprises the above-described base recipe ingredients in an amount of about 90% to about 99% by weight of the final emulsion, and additional flavor ingredients in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the final emulsion.

[0211] [Example 2] Studies were conducted to determine the squeeze force required to force the emulsion out of the cartridge for different configurations of the cartridge outlet opening 935 (in the tube portion of the valve member) and for different base recipes. The configurations tested for the cartridge outlet opening are shown in Table 5. Each configuration had two openings.

[0212] [Table 5]

[0213] The different base recipes tested with each of the above cartridge configurations are shown in Table 6.

[0214] [Table 6]

[0215] Table 7 shows the squeeze force required to dispense different base recipes from different nozzle configurations of the cartridge.

[0216] [Table 7]

[0217] As shown in Table 7, different base recipes with different rheological properties resulted in significant differences in the squeeze force required.

[0218] Additionally, recipe 36c was observed to be very thick and result in high squeeze forces. Recipes 25c and 1b result in lower squeeze forces but are thinner. This can cause the emulsion to leak out of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed upside down and / or may be too liquid to combine with the primary fluid to form the desired pattern.

[0219] [Example 3] Emulsions having the ingredients listed in Table 8 were prepared and placed in cartridge 905. The emulsions had viscosities of about 7000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise.

[0220] [Table 8]

[0221] The cartridge 905 was installed in a dispensing cap base 850 connected to a bottle containing a condiment (viscosity approximately 17,000-18,000 centipoise). The cartridge 905 included four circular cartridge outlet openings 935, each having a diameter of approximately 3.1 mm. The dispensing cap base 850 included a dispensing channel outlet 857 having a diameter of approximately 2.6 mm. In use, the condiment and emulsion were dispensed together from the dispensing cap 900, with the two sauces clearly visible in the dispensed product. The condiment and emulsion were dispensed in the appropriate ratio using an acceptable squeezing force applied to the bottle.

[0222] [Example 4] Cartridges with outlet openings of different configurations (e.g., different sizes, shapes, and / or multiple openings) were paired with dispensing caps with dispensing channel outlet openings of different dimensions. Dispensing bottles were supplied with 500 mL of ketchup (viscosity approximately 17,000-18,000 centipoise). Cartridges were provided with 25 g of the emulsion provided in Example 3. Different combinations were tested to determine whether both bottle and cartridge sources were present in the dispensed product, the dosing force required to dispense the product, whether springback occurred, and the cleanliness of the cap after dispensing (e.g., at the surfaces of the cartridge and cap base). The results are shown in Table 9.

[0223] [Table 9-1] [Table 9-2] [Table 9-3]

[0224] In certain approaches, dispense bottle 1000 may be configured such that the combined dispensing of the primary and secondary fluids can occur for a specific amount of dispense before one or both of the fluids flows out. To accomplish this, for example, cartridge 905 may be a specific size relative to the size of flexible bottle 1002, and / or the amount of fluid in cartridge 905 may be proportional to the amount of condiment in bottle 1002.

[0225] In some configurations, bottle 1002 is sized to have a larger volume than cartridge 905 and contains more fluid than cartridge 905 does. Therefore, by one approach, it is advantageous to configure dispense cap 700 to dispense smaller amounts of secondary fluid relative to the primary fluid, so that a single cartridge can be used for at least a certain percentage of the bottle's life. This can be done, for example, by changing the size and ratio of outlet openings 935 in the cartridge or outlet 857 of dispense channel 855. In this way, the primary and secondary fluids can be dispensed together in a specific ratio.

[0226] In one embodiment, the dispense cap 700 and bottle 1002 may be configured so that only about two cartridges 905 are required per bottle 1002; that is, when dispensing, a single cartridge may be emptied when only about half of the bottle is emptied; thus, the user must then remove the cartridge and insert a second cartridge for use with the second half of the bottle. In different embodiments, only one cartridge may be required, or three or more cartridges may be required. However, it is contemplated that three or fewer cartridges, and in exemplary embodiments, a maximum of two cartridges, are required per bottle. Such an approach reduces waste and is more convenient for the user. However, it should be noted that the amount of cartridge fluid used per bottle may vary, to some extent, based on the squeezing force applied to the bottle by the user. Additionally, bottle sizes may vary, which may require a different approximate number of cartridges per bottle. For example, some larger sized bottles require four or more cartridges per bottle.

[0227] According to one approach, the secondary cartridge fluid is dispensed in an amount that is approximately 8-12% by volume of the primary bottle fluid dispensed. In another approach, the secondary fluid is dispensed in an amount that is up to approximately 50% by volume of the primary fluid dispensed. In some embodiments, the secondary and primary fluids are dispensed in a ratio of approximately 0.5:10 to approximately 5:10, or approximately 1:10 to approximately 1:8. In an exemplary configuration, the ratio is 1:9, and in another approach, it is 1:10. In yet another approach, the ratio is approximately 2:8 or even 1:1. In embodiments, these amounts are achieved with a squeeze force of 100 N or less, a squeeze force of 90 N or less, a squeeze force of 85 N or less, a squeeze force of 80 N or less, or a squeeze force of 75 N or less. Varying the size of the cartridge outlet opening 935 relative to the outlet opening 857 of the dispense channel 855 in the cap base 850 can be effective in achieving the correct ratio. For example, in the illustrated approach, four circular outlet openings 935 having diameters of about 3 mm to about 3.3 mm and dispense channel outlet opening 857 having a diameter of about 2.4 mm to 2.8 mm may allow the secondary fluid to be dispensed in an amount of about 8 to 12% by volume of the primary fluid dispensed for a particular fluid. Such dimensions may be particularly advantageous, for example, when the secondary cartridge fluid has a viscosity in the range of about 7000 to about 20,000 centipoise and the primary bottle fluid has a viscosity in the range of 15,000 to about 25,000 centipoise.

[0228] In further embodiments, the bottle can have a volume of about 250 mL to about 1000 mL for containing the primary fluid disposed therein. In some configurations, the cartridge can have a volume of about 10 mL to about 50 mL, or about 15 mL to about 35 mL, for containing the secondary fluid disposed therein. For example, in an exemplary configuration, the bottle contains about 500 mL of product and the cartridge contains about 25 mL of product. Cartridges and bottles with volumes outside these ranges can also be configured.

[0229] In embodiments, the dispense cap base is configured to be reusable by a user. For example, a single dispense cap base may be sufficiently durable and / or hygienic in use that it can be used with a large number of different cartridges and / or bottles over time. For example, a dispense cap base may be used to dispense approximately two or more full cartridges, three or more full cartridges, five or more cartridges, or ten or more cartridges. In some embodiments, the dispense cap base may be continually reusable to the extent that it is periodically cleaned. For example, a user can remove the dispense cap base from a bottle and wash the dispense cap base with water and / or soap.

[0230] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, a user can also exchange cartridges containing different fluids in the same dispensing cap for the same bottle. Advantageously, a user can use multiple fluid combinations. For example, a user may be provided with a bottle filled with a first condiment, such as ketchup, a dispensing cap, and two, three, or more cartridges filled with different condiments. As needed, a user can exchange cartridges in the dispensing cap to enjoy different flavor combinations, such as ketchup and garlic sauce. In one embodiment, different condiments in different cartridges have similar fluid properties, such as similar viscosity, texture, yield stress, density, and / or compressibility, or are formulated with similar ingredients (e.g., plant fibers), so that similarly configured cartridges can be manufactured for each condiment. To the extent that the fluid properties of different condiments in different cartridges may vary more widely, the cartridge configurations for such condiments may need to be adjusted and customized so that the different cartridge condiments are dispensed in a desired manner. For example, the dimensions of outlet opening 935 and / or the size of valve member tubing portion 940 may need to be adjusted. Additionally, the size of outlet opening 935, the size of valve member tubing portion 940, the diameter of dispense channel outlet 857, and / or the viscosity or other rheological properties of the cartridge fluid may depend on the rheological properties of the bottle fluid.

[0231] In yet another approach, a user may choose to remove cartridge 905 from cap base 850 entirely and dispense only the primary fluid from bottle 1002. Thus, in some embodiments, dispense cap base 850 is advantageously configured to allow fluid to be dispensed without cartridge 905 inserted therein. This functionality occurs in the same manner as described above with respect to dispense cap 100, with fluid from the bottle being dispensed directly from dispense channel 955, as shown in FIG. 10 .

[0232] A dispensing system for dispensing two fluids together without substantially mixing the fluids is contemplated. The system includes a bottle or container having a primary fluid, a dispense cap base including a hinged flip-top lid, and one or more cartridges, each having the same or different secondary fluids for use with the dispense cap base and bottle. The dispense cap base is connectable to the neck of the bottle, and each cartridge is insertable into the dispense cap base. The bottle, dispense cap base, and cartridge may be configured according to any of the above-described embodiments and, when connected to each other, may allow the primary and secondary fluids to be dispensed together from the dispense outlet 922 on the cartridge 905, as described above. The cartridge is removable from the cap base, allowing a different cartridge to be inserted therein if, for example, a user wishes to use a different product or if the first cartridge runs out of product. In some embodiments, the bottle includes its own cap that is removable so that the dispense cap base can be coupled to the bottle.

[0233] Dispense cap 700, including dispense cap base 850 and cartridge 905, can be manufactured in the manner described above with respect to dispense caps 100 and 400. In one approach, the method of manufacturing cartridge 905 specifically includes providing a fluid, forming a cartridge body including a central opening and a cavity for receiving the fluid, forming a cartridge piston member dimensioned to slide along the cartridge container cavity and push the fluid out of the cavity, and forming a valve member having a tube portion dimensioned to extend into the central opening. By some approaches, the tube portion includes at least one outlet opening in its wall so that fluid can exit the cavity into the tube portion during use, and in some approaches, includes four outlet openings. In addition, the manufacturing method also typically includes assembling the cartridge by coupling (e.g., via welding) the valve member to the open end of the cartridge body, filling the cavity of the cartridge body with fluid, and seating the cartridge piston member within the cartridge body at both ends of the cartridge body valve member to close and seal the cavity. In some approaches, a fill head is used to fill the cavity with fluid, and the cavity is filled to the extent that there is no air entrapment when the cartridge piston member is seated. The manufacturing method can further include adding a tamper-evident feature or packaging to the cartridge. For example, one or more cartridges may be sealed in a flow pack. In some embodiments, the cartridge may have a tamper-evident sealing liner on the dispensing side and / or opposite the dispensing side of the cartridge. In one approach, a top seal or sealing liner is applied to the cartridge after it is filled. The cartridges may be individually packaged, for example, each in a small box (e.g., a cardboard or paperboard box).

[0234] In one approach, a method of manufacturing a dispense bottle includes disposing a primary fluid in the bottle and forming a dispense cap, the dispense cap including a base, a base piston member, and a cartridge. In some embodiments, the base is formed to include a dispense channel and configured to be attached to the bottle neck, the base further having a container. In one approach, the base piston member is coupled to the base and is movable between a first position and a second position such that fluid disposed in the bottle is forced toward the dispense channel, engaging at least a portion of the fluid with the base piston member and moving the base piston member toward the second position. In some configurations, the manufacturing process includes forming a cartridge to be disposed in a receptacle in the base, the cartridge including a cartridge piston member configured to be driven by the base piston member when the base piston member moves from the first position toward the second position. In some embodiments, the process includes disposing a secondary fluid in the cartridge. In one approach, the process also includes disposing the cartridge in the container of the dispense cap. A further step may also include passing a dispensing cap with a filled cartridge over the filled bottle.

[0235] In a particular approach, a method for manufacturing a dispensing cap may include providing a first fluid, forming a cartridge container for containing the first fluid, forming a cartridge piston member sized to slide along a cavity of the cartridge container and push the first fluid out of the cavity, and forming a valve member having a tube portion sized to extend into a central opening thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge container includes a central opening defined by an inner cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the method further includes assembling a cartridge by coupling the valve member to the container, filling the cavity with the first fluid, and placing the cartridge piston member in the cartridge container cavity, the tube portion extending into the central opening of the container. In some embodiments, the valve member may be welded to the container. The method may further include forming a dispense cap base, the dispense cap base including a dispensing channel and configured to be attached to the neck of a bottle, the base further having a receptacle sized to receive the cartridge. In certain embodiments, the additional steps include forming a base piston member and disposing the base piston member within the dispense cap base, the base piston member configured to be movable between a first position and a second position within the dispense cap base. The base piston member may be sized and positioned within the cap base to engage the cartridge piston member when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

[0236] In some embodiments, the method may include having the cartridge container, valve member, and dispense cap base formed from polypropylene, and the base piston member and cartridge piston member formed from polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, or a combination thereof. In one approach, the base piston member is formed to have an annular configuration and include a first cylindrical portion that slides along the guide channel and a second flange portion that extends radially outward from the cylindrical portion and is positioned to engage with the cartridge piston member when the cartridge is received in the cap base. The method may further include having a dispense channel extending through the guide channel, and in some examples, having the base piston member positioned around the dispense channel. By some approaches, the base is formed to include at least one base opening through which a second fluid can flow between the dispense channel and the guide channel to engage the base piston member.

[0237] In certain embodiments, a method of manufacturing a dispense cap may include configuring a tube segment to be elastically deflectable relative to a container between a first tube position and a second tube position. In the first tube position, at least one outlet opening is covered by an internal cylindrical wall of the container, thereby preventing a first fluid from entering the tube segment through the at least one outlet opening. In the second tube position, the first fluid is allowed to enter the tube segment through the at least one outlet opening, such that the tube segment is moved to the second tube position when the cartridge is received in a receptacle of the base. In some configurations, the method includes placing a cartridge in a receptacle of a dispense cap base; placing the cartridge in the receptacle to engage a first end of the tube segment with an end of a dispense channel and moving the tube segment to open the at least one outlet opening and allow the first fluid to exit the cavity; and, in some approaches, the first fluid (in the cartridge) has a viscosity of about 7,000 centipoise to about 20,000 centipoise.

[0238] In some configurations, the method may include forming the base piston member such that when the base piston member moves from the first position toward the second position, the base piston member drives a cartridge piston member disposed within the cartridge. The method may also include forming the base piston member to include an inner bore seal and an outer seal, the inner seal configured to engage an outer surface of the dispensing channel and the outer seal configured to engage the guide channel. In some configurations, the method further includes forming the base to include a stopper configured to prevent the base piston member from moving beyond the second position. The base may be formed to include a flip-top lid hinged to the base, the flip-top lid having an interior protrusion movable between a first position and a second position, the protrusion blocking fluid flow from the cartridge when in the first position and allowing fluid flow when in the second position.

[0239] In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing the dispensing cap also includes disposing a cartridge piston member around an inner cylindrical wall of the cartridge. By some approaches, the method can include forming one or more inner sealing members of the cartridge piston member configured to contact the inner cylindrical wall to seal the first fluid within the cavity. The method can also include forming one or more outer sealing members of the cartridge piston member configured to contact an outer wall of the container to seal the first fluid within the cavity.

[0240] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications, changes, and combinations can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications, changes, and combinations should be considered within the scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. Dispensing cap, It has a dispensing channel and is configured to be attached to the neck of the bottle, and has a base with a receptacle, A base piston member provided within the base and movable between a first position and a second position, The base comprises a cartridge provided within the receptacle, As the base piston member becomes movable between the first position and the second position, when the fluid provided in the bottle is directed towards the dispensing channel and dispensed, at least a portion of the fluid interacts with the base piston member and moves the base piston member toward the second position. The base piston member is configured to drive the cartridge piston member of the cartridge when it moves from the first position to the second position. Dispensing cap.

2. A dispensing cap according to claim 1, wherein the base has a guide channel along which at least a portion of the base piston member moves, and the dispensing channel extends within the guide channel.

3. A dispensing cap according to claim 1, The cartridge has a container and a valve member coupled to the outer surface of the container. The valve member has a tubular portion that extends inside the container, The aforementioned pipe portion has at least one discharge opening within the wall of the pipe portion, The tube portion is movable relative to the container between a first position in which the at least one discharge opening is covered by the inner wall of the container, thereby preventing the fluid in the container from flowing into the tube portion through the at least one discharge opening, and a second position in which the fluid in the container can flow through the at least one discharge opening and into the tube portion. Dispensing cap.

4. A dispensing cap according to claim 3, wherein the cartridge is attached to the base of the dispensing cap, thereby engaging the end of the tube portion with the end of the dispensing channel of the base, and the tube portion is moved to open the at least one discharge opening.

5. A dispensing cap according to claim 3, wherein the tubular portion has four discharge openings, the at least one of which is a dispensing cap.

6. A dispensing cap according to claim 3, wherein the fluid in the container of the cartridge has a viscosity of about 7,000 cmpoise to about 20,000 cmpoise.

7. A dispensing cap according to claim 3, wherein the dispensing channel is in fluid communication with the tubular portion via a discharge orifice of the dispensing channel when the cartridge is attached to the base.

8. A dispensing cap according to claim 7, The discharge orifice has a diameter of approximately 1.5 mm to approximately 3.0 mm, and The aforementioned pipe portion has four discharge openings, each having a diameter of approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 3.5 mm, Dispensing cap.

9. A dispensing cap according to claim 1, comprising a flip-top lid attached to the base by a hinge, wherein the flip-top lid includes an internal projection having a first sealing surface configured to prevent fluid from being discharged from the dispensing channel of the base, and a first sealing surface configured to prevent fluid from being discharged through the at least one discharge opening of the cartridge.

10. A dispensing cap according to claim 1, The cartridge provided within the receptacle of the base has a male thread that is screwed into the receptacle, One or more protrusions on the male thread engage with one or more recesses on the female thread of the receptacle, thereby providing the user with auditory and / or tactile indication when the cartridge is properly positioned within the receptacle. Dispensing cap.

11. A container comprising a dispensing cap according to claim 1, wherein a primary fluid is provided in the bottle and a secondary fluid is provided in the cartridge and is screwed to the neck of the bottle.

12. A dispensing cap base that is detachably attached to the neck of a bottle, comprising a main body and a base piston member, The aforementioned main body is A first end including a receptacle for receiving a cartridge, A second end portion including an inlet for receiving fluid from the bottle, A dispensing channel extending from the first end to the second end for dispensing fluid from the bottle, The dispensing channel has a guide channel provided around it, The base piston member is movable along the guide channel between a first position and a second position so as to engage with the cartridge when fluid from the bottle is received in the inlet. Base of the dispensing cap.

13. A dispensing cap base according to claim 12, wherein the inlet portion includes at least one cap base opening through which a fluid can pass as it flows between the dispensing channel and the guide channel, by engaging with the base piston member.

14. The dispensing cap base according to claim 12, The base piston member has an annular shape and includes an inner sealing portion and an outer sealing portion. The inner sealing portion engages with the outer surface of the dispensing channel, and The inner sealing portion engages with the guide channel. Base of the dispensing cap.

15. The dispensing cap base according to claim 12, The base piston member has an annular shape and is provided around the dispensing channel. The base piston member includes a cylindrical portion provided radially inward of the guide channel and a flange portion provided substantially radially outward of the guide channel at one end of the cylindrical portion, for engaging with a cartridge to be received in the receptacle. Base of the dispensing cap.

16. A dispensing bottle, A bottle containing a primary fluid, A dispensing cap that can be attached to the neck of the bottle and includes a receptacle and a channel that defines at least a portion of the fluid passage for fluid to pass through when fluid is dispensed from the bottle, A cartridge that can be inserted into the receptacle of the dispensing cap. Equipped with, The cartridge contains a secondary fluid in its cavity, and the cartridge has at least one opening through which the secondary fluid passes when dispensed from the cavity, and the at least one opening is arranged to guide the fluid into the fluid passage. Dispensing bottle.

17. A dispensing bottle according to claim 16, A dispensing bottle comprising a dispensing cap, which includes a base piston member configured to engage with the cartridge piston member of the cartridge to push the secondary fluid toward the at least one opening of the cartridge.

18. A dispensing bottle according to claim 17, A dispensing bottle in which the base piston member is movable between a first position and a second position, and the dispensing cap includes a stopper that prevents the base piston member from moving beyond the second position.

19. A dispensing bottle according to claim 17, A dispensing bottle, wherein by squeezing the bottle, at least a portion of the primary fluid is forced to resist the base piston member of the dispensing cap, thereby moving the base piston member and, consequently, moving the cartridge piston member.

20. A dispensing bottle according to claim 16, A dispensing bottle in which the flow of the primary fluid and the flow of the secondary fluid merge within the fluid channel when dispensed, such that each of the primary and secondary fluids can be clearly identified within the flow.

21. A dispensing bottle according to claim 16, The secondary fluid has a viscosity ranging from approximately 7,000 cps to approximately 20,000 cps, and is dispensed in a dispensing bottle.

22. A dispensing bottle according to claim 16, wherein the secondary fluid is dispensed from the bottle in an amount of about 8% to about 12% of the volume of the primary fluid to be dispensed.

23. A dispensing bottle according to claim 16, wherein the cartridge, which is insertable into the receptacle, has an external threaded portion for screwing into the receptacle, and one or more projections or recesses of the external threaded portion engage with one or more projections or recesses of the internal threaded portion of the receptacle to provide the user with auditory and / or tactile indication when the cartridge is properly positioned within the receptacle.

24. A dispensing bottle according to claim 16, The channel is a dispensing bottle that, when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle, is in fluid communication with the inner tubular portion of the cartridge via the discharge riffie of the channel.

25. A dispensing bottle according to claim 24, wherein the discharge riffle has a diameter of about 1.8 mm to about 3.0 mm.

26. A dispensing bottle according to claim 25, wherein the inner tube portion includes four of at least one discharge openings, each having a diameter of about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm.

27. A dispensing cap comprising a dispensing cap base that can be attached to the neck of a bottle and includes a receptacle and a dispensing channel through which a first fluid passes when dispensed from the bottle, and a cartridge that can be inserted into the receptacle of the dispensing cap base, The cartridge contains a second fluid in its cavity and has at least one discharge opening through which the second fluid passes when dispensed from the cavity into the inner tube of the cartridge. The dispensing channel and the at least one discharge opening are arranged to guide the first fluid and the second fluid, respectively, into the inner tube so that they are dispensed integrally from the dispensing cap. Dispensing cap.

28. A dispensing cap according to claim 27, A dispensing cap wherein the cavity of the cartridge is defined by a body having a first end and a second end, a movable valve member substantially covering the first end and including the inner tube, and a movable cartridge piston member positioned at the second end to push the second fluid out of the cavity into the inner tube.

29. A dispensing cap according to claim 28, wherein the inner tube has a first tube end and a second tube end, the first tube end defines a dispensing outlet through which both the first fluid and the second fluid pass when dispensed from the dispensing cap, and the second tube end is arranged to engage with the dispensing channel to move the movable valve member from a closed state to an open state of the at least one discharge opening.

30. A dispensing cap according to claim 27, The dispensing cap base includes a movable base piston member arranged to communicate fluidly with the bottle, and the movable base piston member is arranged to communicate fluidly with the bottle, so that when the bottle is squeezed, a first portion of the first fluid is blocked by the base piston member, while a second portion of the first fluid flows into the dispensing channel.

31. A cartridge for dispensing caps, the cartridge is A body that is detachably attached to a dispensing cap, including at least a portion of a cavity containing a first fluid and an inner cylindrical wall of the body defining at least a portion of the central opening of the body, A valve member attached to the outer surface of the main body, A cartridge piston member is disposed within the cavity of the main body and around the central opening, and is movable between a first position and a second position to push the first fluid toward at least one outlet. Equipped with, The tubular portion of the valve member extends inside the central opening of the main body, and the tubular portion has a first end that receives a second fluid flowing into the tubular portion from the dispensing cap, and a second end through which the first fluid and the second fluid pass when being dispensed, and the tubular portion includes at least one discharge opening provided in the wall of the tubular portion through which the first fluid passes when it becomes possible to dispense from the cavity so that it merges with the second fluid inside the tubular portion. The valve member is elastically flexible such that the tubular portion can move along the axis of the central opening to open and close the at least one discharge opening. The at least one outlet is closed when blocked by the cylindrical wall of the central opening, preventing the first fluid from flowing out of the cavity, and opens when the pipe moves so that the cylindrical wall does not block the at least one outlet, allowing the first fluid to flow out of the cavity. cartridge.

32. The cartridge according to claim 31, A cartridge in which the valve member and the main body are made of polypropylene, and the cartridge piston member is made of low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, or polypropylene.

33. The cartridge according to claim 31, A cartridge comprising an external thread that screws onto a receptacle of a dispensing cap, wherein the external thread includes one or more projections that engage with corresponding recesses on the internal thread of the receptacle to provide the user with auditory and / or tactile indication when the cartridge is properly positioned within the receptacle.

34. The cartridge according to claim 32, The dispensing cap has a dispensing channel, and when the cartridge is attached to the dispensing cap, the tube engages with the first end of the dispensing channel of the dispensing cap, and the tube moves to open the at least one outlet.

35. The cartridge according to claim 34, A dispensing cap wherein the portion of the dispensing channel including the first end is received within the inner cylindrical wall of the cartridge, and the dispensing channel has a second end positioned to receive the second fluid from the bottle.

36. A cartridge for a dispensing cap, comprising a container that defines a cavity containing a first fluid and is detachably attached to the dispensing cap, A valve member having a tubular portion that is bonded to the outer surface of the container and extends into the container. The pipe portion includes at least one outlet in its wall, and the pipe portion is movable relative to the container between a first position in which the at least one outlet is covered by the inner wall of the container, thereby preventing the first fluid from flowing into the pipe portion through the at least one outlet, and a second position in which the first fluid can flow through the at least one outlet and into the pipe portion. cartridge.

37. The cartridge according to claim 36, The first fluid is a cartridge having a viscosity of approximately 7,000 to approximately 20,000 centipoise.

38. The cartridge according to claim 36, The valve member is a cartridge that is biased to move toward the first position.

39. A cartridge according to claim 38, wherein a cartridge piston member is disposed within the cavity of the container and is movable between a first cartridge piston member position and a second cartridge piston member position to push the first fluid toward the at least one outlet.

40. A dispensing cap comprising the cartridge according to claim 38, having a dispensing channel, A dispensing cap in which, by attaching the cartridge to the dispensing cap, the tube portion engages with the end of the dispensing channel of the dispensing cap, moving the tube portion to the second position, thereby enabling the first fluid to flow through the at least one discharge opening into the tube portion and merge with the second fluid flowing into the tube portion from the dispensing channel of the dispensing cap.

41. A method for dispensing a first fluid and a second fluid together from a dispensing bottle, wherein the dispensing bottle includes a dispensing cap having a base with a dispensing channel and a base piston member, and a cartridge disposed within a receptacle of the base, the dispensing cap being detachably attached to the neck of a flexible bottle. The process involves applying pressure to the flexible bottle so that a predetermined amount of the first fluid contained within the bottle flows out of the flexible bottle into the dispensing cap, and a first portion of the first fluid flows into the dispensing channel. The process involves moving the base piston member from a first position to a second position by the pressure exerted by the second portion of the first fluid that has flowed into the dispensing cap, The process involves moving the cartridge piston member within the cartridge via the base piston member, thereby causing the second fluid within the cartridge to flow out through at least one inner opening within the cartridge and to merge with the first fluid from the dispensing channel within the tubular portion of the cartridge. The process of dispensing two fluids together from the outlet of the aforementioned pipe. A method of having.

42. The method according to claim 41, A method wherein the second fluid merges with the first fluid from the dispensing channel within the tubular portion of the cartridge and is dispensed from the dispensing bottle as a combined flow, and the first fluid and the second fluid are clearly visible in the flow.

43. A method according to claim 41, comprising the step of screwing the cartridge onto the receptacle of the dispensing cap.

44. The method according to claim 43, A method comprising: a cartridge having an external threaded portion that is screwed into the receptacle, wherein one or more projections or recesses on the external threaded portion engage with one or more projections or recesses on the internal threaded portion of the receptacle, thereby providing the user with auditory and / or tactile indication when the cartridge is correctly positioned within the receptacle.

45. The method according to claim 43, The step of screwing the cartridge onto the receptacle of the dispensing cap is a method comprising engaging the first end of the tubular portion of the cartridge with the end of the dispensing channel of the dispensing cap, thereby moving the tubular portion to open the at least one inner opening.

46. The method according to claim 41, A method wherein the tubular portion of the cartridge is aligned with the central opening of the cartridge, the at least one inner opening is formed in the wall of the tubular portion, the first end of the tubular portion receives the first fluid from the dispensing channel, and the tubular portion has an outlet at the second end through which the first and second fluids pass when they are dispensed.

47. The method according to claim 41, A method comprising the step of screwing the base of the dispensing cap onto the neck of the bottle, wherein the neck receives the cylindrical inlet portion of the base, thereby allowing the first fluid to flow through the inlet of the dispensing channel and one or more cap base openings spaced apart around the inlet, thereby moving the base piston member.

48. The method according to claim 41, The method wherein the dispensing channel defines at least a portion of a fluid flow path, and the at least one inner opening of the cartridge is arranged to guide the second fluid into the fluid flow path.

49. The method according to claim 41, The method wherein the cartridge has four of the at least one internal openings.

50. The method according to claim 41, The method wherein the second fluid has a viscosity of about 7,000 to about 20,000 centipoise.

51. A method for manufacturing dispensing caps, A step of supplying a first fluid; a step of forming a cartridge container having a central opening whose inner circumferential surface is defined by a cylindrical wall, and a cavity for containing the first fluid; A step of forming a cartridge piston member having dimensions that slide along the cavity of the cartridge container and push the first fluid out of the cavity, A step of forming a valve member having a tubular portion having dimensions extending into the central opening, and including at least one outlet opening within the wall of the tubular portion, A step of assembling a cartridge by connecting the valve member to the container, filling the cavity with the first fluid, and arranging the cartridge piston member in the cavity of the cartridge container, wherein the tubular portion extends into the central opening of the container; A step of forming a dispensing cap base, wherein the dispensing cap base includes a dispensing channel and is configured to be attachable to the neck of a bottle, and the base has a receptacle sized to receive the cartridge, The process of forming the base piston member, A step of arranging the base piston member within the dispensing cap base, wherein the base piston member is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position within the dispensing cap base. A method of having.

52. The method according to claim 51, The method wherein the dispensing cap base is formed to include a guide channel, and the base piston member extends into the guide channel and is sized to slide along the guide channel.

53. The method according to claim 52, The method wherein the base piston member has an annular shape and is formed to include a first cylindrical portion that slides along the guide channel and a second flange portion that extends radially in the outer circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion and is arranged to engage with the cartridge piston member when the cartridge is received by the cap base.

54. A method according to claim 53, wherein the dispensing channel extends through the guide channel, the base piston member is positioned around the dispensing channel, the base is formed to include at least one base opening, and a second fluid can engage with the base piston member by flowing through the at least one base opening between the dispensing channel and the guide channel.

55. The method according to claim 51, A method wherein the cartridge container, the valve member, and the dispensing cap base are formed from polypropylene, and the base piston member and cartridge piston member are formed from polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, or high-density polyethylene.

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