CN222109854U - Ingredient containers, containers for beverage systems, and flow control components - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ingredient container, a container for a beverage system, and a flow control assembly. An ingredient container for use with a beverage dispenser is provided. The container may include a container body defining a hollow interior and a cover. The cover may have an end wall, the end wall having a first collar and a second collar protruding therefrom, and a first recess and a second recess surrounding the first collar and the second collar and formed in the surface of the end wall. The first collar has an inlet valve therein, and the second collar has an outlet valve therein, and the first collar and the second collar are spaced apart from each other.

Description

Ingredient container, container for use in a beverage system and flow control assembly

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/989,640 entitled "carbonation System ingredient container (CARBONATION SYSTEM INGREDIENT CONTAINER)", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/989,636 entitled "ingredient container with sealing valve (INGREDIENT CONTAINERS WITH SEALING VALVE)", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/989,642 entitled "dosing accuracy (DOSING ACCURACY)", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/989,610 entitled "ingredient container (INGREDIENT CONTAINER)", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2022:11:17 entitled "and" ingredient container with retaining feature (INGREDIENT CONTAINER WITH RETENTION FEATURES) ", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/989,648 entitled" ingredient container valve control (INGREDIENT CONTAINER VALVE CONTROL) ", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/989,657 entitled" and "ingredient container valve control (INGREDIENT CONTAINER VALVE CONTROL)", each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

An ingredient container for use with a beverage dispensing apparatus is provided.

Background

Conventional beverage dispensing devices are used to carbonate and/or flavor water. Some devices may mix the carbonated water and flavoring together in a machine and then dispense the resulting mixture into a receptacle. This approach can lead to contamination over time unless the device is thoroughly cleaned. Other devices rely on comminuting, puncturing and/or generally destroying the flavor container in order to access the flavor compounds inside. These methods of damaging the condiment container can create splatter and mess that can result in similar contamination if not thoroughly cleaned.

While other devices rely on carbonated water within a dedicated container that will be attached to the device and from which the resulting beverage is provided. The container may be pre-filled with water and/or flavouring and then the container may be secured to the device and pressurized within the container and used to provide the resulting beverage. However, these devices may generate excessive plastic waste because specially adapted bottles must be produced to interface with the device.

Thus, there remains a need for better beverage dispensing devices to improve mess generation and waste generation.

Disclosure of utility model

An ingredient container for use with a beverage dispensing system is provided. Related devices and techniques are also provided.

In one embodiment, a container is provided and may include a container body defining a hollow interior, and a closure having an end wall with a first collar protruding therefrom and a second collar protruding therefrom. The first collar may have an inlet valve therein and the second collar may have an outlet valve therein. The first collar and the second collar may be spaced apart from each other. The end wall may also have first and second recesses surrounding the first and second collars. The first recess and the second recess may be formed in a surface of the end wall.

The container may be varied in a number of ways and may include any of the following features, alone or in combination. For example, the first collar and the second collar and the first recess and the second recess may together define a number 8 feature. The container may further include first and second shoulder portions positioned on opposite sides of the end wall and projecting outwardly from the outwardly facing surface of the end wall. For example, each of the first and second recesses may have first and second curved sidewalls extending partially around the first and second collars, respectively. In some aspects, each of the first recess and the second recess may have a third curved sidewall positioned opposite the first curved sidewall and the second curved sidewall. For example, the first recess and the second recess may be positioned on opposite sides of the first collar and the second collar. For example, the closure may have a minor axis and a major axis, and wherein the closure is substantially symmetrical about the minor axis. In some aspects, the first collar and the second collar may be aligned along a minor axis.

In another embodiment, a container is provided and includes a container body defining a hollow interior, and a closure coupled to the container body to close the hollow interior. The cover may include at least one recess having a number 8 shaped protrusion and having a first opening and a second opening therein. The first opening may include an inlet valve and the second opening may include an outlet valve, and the number 8-shaped protrusion may be at least partially defined by a first recess and a second recess formed in a surface of the closure.

The container may be varied in a number of ways and may include any of the following features, alone or in combination. For example, the substantially number 8 shaped protrusion may comprise a first collar and a second collar defining a first opening and a second opening and being spaced apart from each other by a distance, in which the inlet valve and the outlet valve are arranged. For example, the first recess and the second recess surrounding the number 8 shaped protrusion may each include a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a third sidewall. The first and second sidewalls may be substantially convex and the third sidewall may be substantially concave. For example, the container body may have a substantially oval cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis. The inlet and outlet may be aligned along a minor axis. The closure may be configured to be coupled to the container body via a snap fit.

In one embodiment, a container for use in a beverage system is provided. The container includes a container body defining an interior hollow chamber and a closure covering an opening in the container body. The container body may have an opening to the hollow interior chamber. The cover may have an inlet port, an outlet port, and a collar positioned around the inlet port. The inlet port may have an inlet valve disposed therein and may be movable between a closed configuration preventing fluid passage therethrough and an open configuration allowing fluid passage therethrough. The outlet port may have an outlet valve disposed therein and may be movable between a closed configuration preventing fluid passage therethrough and an open configuration allowing fluid passage therethrough. The collar may be positioned around the inlet port and may have an inner surface, at least a portion of which is configured to circumferentially sealingly engage a seal having an outer diameter in the range of about 7mm to 8 mm.

The container may be varied in a number of ways and may include any of the following features, alone or in combination. For example, the body may include an end face having an inlet port and an outlet port therein, and a skirt extending around the interface portion and defining a sidewall of the body. In some aspects, the skirt may have a substantially triangular shape. In other aspects, the collar may protrude outwardly from the end face. For example, the collar may be substantially cylindrical. For example, the inlet valve and the outlet valve may each include a cross-shaped slit configured to enable fluid flow therethrough. For example, the closure may include a closure pivotally coupled to the closure and movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure member may be configured to close the inlet valve and the outlet valve in a closed position. In some aspects, the closure may include at least one closure retention feature on an outer surface thereof, and the at least one closure retention feature may be configured to be coupled to the closure to retain the closure in the open position.

In another embodiment, a container for use in a beverage system is provided. The container may include a container body defining an interior hollow chamber and a closure coupled to an opening in the container body. The closure may have an inlet valve sealed to retain the fluid additive within the interior hollow chamber and configured to open to allow gas injection into the interior hollow chamber, and an outlet valve sealed to retain the fluid additive within the interior hollow chamber and configured to open to allow fluid additive within the container body to flow through the outlet valve when a pressure within the interior hollow chamber exceeds a threshold pressure. The inlet valve may have a generally cylindrical shape and the outlet valve may have a generally cylindrical shape. The diameter of the outlet valve may be in the range of about 7mm to 13 mm.

The container may be varied in a number of ways and may include any of the following features, alone or in combination. For example, the closure may include a closure pivotally coupled to the closure and movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure member may be configured to close the inlet valve and the outlet valve in a closed position. For example, the container body may have a substantially oval cross-section including a major axis about a first width and a minor axis about a second width. In some aspects, the inlet port and the outlet port may be aligned with a minor axis of the container body. In other aspects, the closure may include at least one orientation element configured to orient the closure relative to the container body. For example, the inlet valve and the outlet valve may each include a cross-shaped slit configured to enable fluid flow therethrough.

In one embodiment, a flow control assembly is provided. The flow control assembly may include a closure having a flow control system with an inlet port having an inlet valve and an outlet port having an outlet valve. The flow control system may achieve a Dosing Accuracy (DA) of about 100 or less according to the following formula:

Po is the pressure at which the outlet valve is open (mmH ₂ O), pc is the pressure at which the outlet valve is closed (mmH ₂ O), vd is the diameter (mm) of the outlet valve, and Ls is the length (mm) of the outlet valve opening.

The flow control assembly may be varied in a number of ways and may include any of the following features, alone or in combination. For example, the flow control system may implement a DA of between about 40 and 70. For example, the flow control system may implement a DA of about 55. For example, the pressure (Po) at which the inlet valve is opened may be greater than about 100mmH ₂ O. For example, the pressure (Po) at which the inlet valve is opened may be greater than about 400mmH ₂ O. For example, the diameter (Vd) of the outlet valve may be between about 5mm and 15mm, and in some embodiments may be about 9.5mm. For example, the length (Ls) of the outlet valve opening may be between about 1mm and 5mm, and in some embodiments may be about 3.7mm.

In other embodiments, the closure may include a sidewall defining a cavity configured to receive the neck of the container. The closure may include an end wall having an inlet port and an outlet port formed therein. In some aspects, the inlet port and the outlet port may each comprise a cylindrical collar having the inlet valve and the outlet valve disposed therein, respectively. For example, the flow control assembly may include a container body defining an interior hollow chamber. The container body may have an opening to the interior hollow chamber, and the closure may be configured to be coupled to the opening of the container body to seal the fluid within the interior hollow chamber. In some aspects, the inlet valve may be configured to allow gas injection into the interior hollow chamber, and the outlet valve may be configured to open to allow fluid to flow out of the interior hollow chamber when a pressure within the interior hollow chamber exceeds a pressure (Po) at which the outlet valve is open.

In another embodiment, an ingredient container for use in a beverage carbonation system is provided. The ingredient container may include a container body defining an interior hollow chamber and an opening to the interior hollow chamber, and a closure coupled to the opening. The container body may have a cross-section with a major axis defining a width greater than a minor axis defining a depth. The closure may have an inlet that may be sealed to retain the fluid within the container and may be configured to open to allow air to be injected into the interior hollow chamber. The closure may also have an outlet that may be sealed to retain fluid within the container and may be configured to, when open, allow fluid within the container to flow out through the outlet valve. The inlet and outlet may be aligned along a first axis extending parallel to a minor axis of the container body.

The container may be varied in a number of ways and may include any of the following features, alone or in combination. For example, the first axis may extend substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the container body. For example, the cover may have an irregular shape. For example, the cover may have a substantially triangular outer perimeter. For example, the closure may have a major axis and a minor axis, and the first axis may extend along the minor axis of the closure. For example, the cross-section of the container body may be oval.

In another embodiment, a dispensing container is provided. The ingredient container may include a container body defining an interior hollow chamber and having an opening to the interior hollow chamber, and a closure positioned over the opening in the container body. The cap may have an irregular shape with a major axis and a minor axis, and the cap may include an inlet port and an outlet port positioned along the minor axis.

The ingredient container may be varied in a number of ways and may include any of the following features, alone or in combination. For example, the inlet port and the outlet port may be positioned along an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the closure. For example, the cover may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. For example, the cover may have an outer perimeter with a first side, a second side, and a third side, and the first side may be longer than the second side and the third side. In some aspects, the inlet valve and the outlet valve may be positioned along an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first side. For example, the cover may have a bottom wall with an inlet port and an outlet port therein, and a side wall extending around an outer periphery of the bottom wall. The side walls may have a height that varies around the outer perimeter. For example, the container body may have a cross-section with a major axis defining a width greater than a minor axis defining a depth, and the closure major axis may be aligned with the container body major axis.

In another embodiment, a dispensing container is provided. The ingredient container may include a container body having a hollow interior and an opening to the hollow interior, and a closure positioned over the opening in the container body and including an inlet port and an outlet port. The cross-section of the cover may extend substantially perpendicular to the central axis of each of the inlet port and the outlet port, and may have a shape that is substantially circular arc triangle.

The ingredient container may be varied in a number of ways and may include any of the following features, alone or in combination. For example, the closure may have an outer sidewall defining a cross-sectional shape, and may have a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. In some aspects, the length of the first wall may be greater than the length of each of the second wall and the third wall. In other aspects, the first wall may be substantially planar and the second and third walls may be convex. For example, the closure may have a bottom wall with an inlet port and an outlet port therein, and an outer sidewall surrounding the bottom wall. The outer sidewall may have first and second shoulders projecting upwardly from the bottom wall. In some aspects, the cover may include a bottom wall having an inlet port and an outlet port formed therein, and the bottom wall may include a circular cavity formed therein at a central portion thereof. In some variations, the inlet port and the outlet port may be positioned within a circular cavity.

In another embodiment, a dispensing container is provided. The ingredient container may comprise a container body having an opening to a hollow interior, and a closure covering the opening. The closure may include a base having an inlet port and an outlet port formed therein, and a sidewall extending around the base and defining an outer periphery of the closure body. The sidewall may include first and second shoulders extending upwardly from the base on opposite sides of the inlet and outlet ports. The first shoulder may have a first inner surface and the second shoulder may have a second inner surface. The first and second inner surfaces may each have detents therein configured to receive corresponding protrusions in a cradle assembly of the beverage carbonation system.

The closure may be varied in a number of ways. For example, the pawl may include an opening formed through the first inner surface and the second inner surface. In some aspects, the opening may be substantially rectangular. For example, the closure may include a cap coupled to the closure body. The cover is movable between an open position spaced a distance from the inlet and outlet and a closed position in which the cover covers the inlet and outlet. For example, the side walls may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. For example, the first inner surface and the second inner surface may be substantially planar. For example, the first shoulder may have a first outer surface opposite the first inner surface and the second shoulder may have a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface. The first outer surface and the second outer surface may be convex. For example, the base may include a circular recess formed therein and may have locations of inlet and outlet ports in the circular recess.

In another embodiment, a carbonation system is provided. The carbonation system may include a housing having at least one movable bracket having a cavity therein and a container having a hollow body and a closure coupled to the hollow body. The cavity may include at least one spring-biased tab. The closure may include a base having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a sidewall extending around the base and having a first shoulder and a second shoulder, and at least one detent formed on an inwardly facing surface of at least one of the first shoulder and the second shoulder. The at least one detent may be configured to receive the at least one protrusion in the bracket when the container is disposed within the cavity in the bracket.

The carbonation system may vary in a number of ways. For example, the at least one tab and the at least one detent may be configured to produce an audible sound when the container is inserted into the cavity in the bracket. For example, the at least one protrusion may include first and second protrusions positioned within the cavity, and the at least one detent may include first and second detents formed on inwardly facing surfaces of the first and second shoulders, respectively. For example, the inwardly facing surfaces of the first and second shoulders may extend substantially perpendicular to the base. For example, the side walls may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

In another embodiment, a carbonation system is provided. The carbonation system may include a housing having at least one movable bracket having a cavity therein and a container having a hollow body and a closure coupled to the hollow body. The cavity may include a first spring-biased tab and a second spring-biased tab. The closure may include an inlet port and an outlet port, and the closure may have first and second detents formed therein configured to receive the first and second protrusions in the carrier when the container is disposed within the cavity in the carrier. The first and second protrusions and the first and second detents may be configured to produce an audible snap when the container is inserted into the cavity in the carrier.

The carbonation system may vary in a number of ways. For example, the closure may include a base having an inlet port and an outlet port therein, and the sidewall may extend around the base and may include a first shoulder and a second shoulder. The first pawl and the second pawl may be formed in the first shoulder and the second shoulder, respectively. In some aspects, the first and second shoulders may have first and second inwardly facing surfaces in which the first and second pawls are formed, and the first and second inwardly facing surfaces may extend substantially perpendicular to the base. For example, the cover may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

In another embodiment, a container is provided. The container may include a container body having an opening extending into the hollow interior, and a closure extending across the opening. The closure may have an inlet port having an inlet valve configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that fluid may be delivered through the inlet valve to pressurize the hollow interior of the container body and an outlet port having an outlet valve. The outlet valve may have a burst pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration to dispense fluid from the hollow interior, and a closed pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. The burst pressure may be greater than the closure pressure

The container may be varied in a number of ways. For example, the difference between the burst pressure and the closure pressure may be in the range of about 300mmH ₂ O to 400mmH ₂ O. For example, the difference between the burst pressure and the closure pressure may be about 340mmH ₂ O. For example, the burst pressure may be greater than about 600mmH ₂ O or less than about 400mmH ₂ O. For example, the inlet valve and the outlet valve may each include a cross-shaped slit configured to enable fluid flow therethrough.

In another embodiment, a container is provided. The container may include a container body having an opening extending into the hollow interior, and a closure extending across the opening. The closure may have an inlet port having an inlet valve configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that fluid may be delivered through the inlet valve to pressurize the hollow interior of the container body and an outlet port having an outlet valve. The outlet valve may have a closed configuration to prevent fluid flow from the hollow interior and may be moved to an open configuration to dispense fluid from the hollow interior in response to an increase in pressure within the hollow interior between about 300 and 380mmH ₂ O.

The container may be varied in a number of ways. For example, the pressure increase may be about 340mmH ₂ O. For example, the outlet valve may have a burst pressure greater than about 600mmH ₂ O. The outlet valve may have a closing pressure of less than about 400mmH ₂ O. In some embodiments, the inlet valve and the outlet valve may each include a cross-shaped slit configured to enable fluid flow therethrough.

In another embodiment, a container is provided. The container may include a container body defining a hollow interior and a closure. The closure may have an inlet port having an inlet valve seated therein and movable between a closed configuration preventing fluid passage therethrough and an open configuration allowing fluid passage therethrough. The closure may also have an outlet port having an outlet valve seated therein and movable between a closed configuration preventing fluid passage therethrough and an open configuration allowing fluid passage therethrough. The outlet valve may have a configuration to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid in the range of 1.6mL to 2.0mL in response to pumping a dose of gas into the container for a period of 140 ms.

The container may be varied in a number of ways. For example, the predetermined amount of fluid may be 1.8mL. For example, the inlet valve and the outlet valve may each include a cross-shaped slit configured to enable fluid flow therethrough. For example, the outlet valve may have a burst pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration to dispense fluid from the hollow interior and may have a closed pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. The burst pressure may be greater than the closure pressure. For example, the predetermined amount of fluid is proportional to the difference between the burst pressure and the closure pressure.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Drawings

These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a beverage dispensing system;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the beverage dispensing system of FIG. 1 with various housing components removed;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a housing portion and bracket assembly for use with a beverage dispensing system;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 3 with a housing portion removed;

FIG. 5A is a top view of a bracket for use with the bracket assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the bracket of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the bracket of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ingredient container according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the ingredient container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of the ingredient container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the ingredient container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the container body of the ingredient container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10B is a top view of the container body of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the lid of the ingredient container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11B is a top view of the cap of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an outlet valve of the ingredient container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the outlet valve of FIG. 12A during dispensing;

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the outlet valve of FIG. 12A during dispensing;

FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the outlet valve of FIG. 12A during dispensing;

FIG. 12E is a cross-sectional view of the outlet valve of FIG. 12A during dispensing;

FIG. 12F is a cross-sectional view of the outlet valve of FIG. 12A during dispensing;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the cap of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective rear view of the lid of FIG. 11A with the lid cover in a closed position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective bottom view of the cover of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 3 with the ingredient container of FIG. 7 loaded therein;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the carriage assembly and ingredient container of FIG. 17 with the housing removed;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 5A with the ingredient container of FIG. 7 loaded therein;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier and ingredient container of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the container and ingredient container of FIG. 19, and

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a bracket assembly showing the relative positions of an ingredient container outlet and a fluid outlet with respect to various sized drinking vessels, according to some embodiments.

It should be noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Certain illustrative embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting illustrative embodiments and that the scope of the present utility model is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one illustrative embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present utility model.

Moreover, in this disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus, in particular embodiments, each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully described. In addition, if linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that may be used in connection with such systems, devices, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that for any geometry, the equivalent of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined.

In general, an ingredient container for use with a beverage dispenser and a cradle for receiving the ingredient container are provided. In one embodiment, an ingredient container is provided that may contain an additive for a beverage dispensing process. The ingredient container may have a hollow container body with an opening and a lid coupled to the container body. The lid may include a lid base configured to be coupled to the container body over the opening, and the lid base may have an inlet and an outlet therein. In certain embodiments, the cap may further comprise a cap cover configured to selectively close the inlet and the outlet, thereby sealing the hollow interior of the container body. The inlet and outlet may each have a seal disposed therein that is configured to open in the presence of a pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the ingredient container in an attempt to eliminate the pressure differential. The ingredient receptacle may be shaped and designed to correspond to a cradle located on the beverage dispensing apparatus. The carrier may have complementary features that receive and retain the ingredient container, and when retained, the ingredient container may be used by the beverage dispensing apparatus for producing a customized beverage.

The method of dispensing the additive stored in the ingredient container may vary. In some embodiments, the ingredient container is pressurized with a gas, such as air, to cause the outlet to open and dispense the stored additive. When the ingredient container is properly seated and held by the cradle, a gas line fluidly coupled to the pump may receive the inlet of the ingredient container to seal around the inlet in preparation for introducing gas into the ingredient container during the dispensing procedure. The pump may pump gas through the gas line, through the inlet seal, and into the hollow interior of the ingredient container. The resulting increase in internal pressure may cause the outlet seal to open and dispense an amount of additive proportional to the amount of gas introduced through the inlet.

Fig. 1-2 illustrate a beverage dispensing system 10 according to one embodiment. The beverage dispensing system 10 may be used to manufacture and dispense custom beverages for users based on desired characteristics of the beverage. The illustrated beverage dispensing system 10 generally includes a housing 12 having a fluid reservoir 14 and a carbonation assembly 16. The cradle assembly 18 may be included on and/or coupled to the beverage dispensing system 10 and may receive one or more ingredient containers 20 for making a beverage. The ingredient container 20 may include one or more additives (e.g., flavoring agents, vitamins, food coloring, etc.) included in the finished beverage as desired.

During the beverage dispensing process, the user may actuate inputs located at the user interface 22 to select particular characteristics of the desired beverage, such as volume, carbonation level, particular additives, and additive amounts. If the user selects an input to indicate that the beverage is carbonated, water may be fed from fluid reservoir 14 into carbonator assembly 16 and carbon dioxide may be fed from tank 24 into carbonator assembly 16 to produce carbonated water. If the user selects the input to indicate that one or more additives should be added to the beverage, the beverage dispensing system 10 may dispense the additives from one or more ingredient containers 20 coupled to the system. The beverage may be dispensed into a container, such as a drinking glass 26.

Fig. 3-6 illustrate one embodiment of a cradle assembly 100 that may be coupled to and/or retained within a beverage dispensing device, such as the beverage dispensing system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the carriage assembly 100 is housed within a carriage housing 100A. The cradle assembly 100 may include one or more cradles 101 that may each house and hold one or more ingredient containers (not shown) for use in a beverage dispensing process. Although the carriage assembly 100 is shown with two independently movable carriages 120, a different number of carriages 120 is also contemplated herein. For example, the carriage assembly may be in the form of a single movable carriage having a plurality of cavities, wherein each cavity is configured to receive an ingredient container. The ingredient container and its retention within the cradle assembly 100 will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 4 shows the bracket assembly 100 separated from the bracket housing 100A. The illustrated bracket assembly 100 generally includes a left bracket 120L and a right bracket 120R (collectively brackets 120) coupled to a bracket base 110. The tray base 110 may have various forms, which may depend on the form of the tray housing 100A that accommodates the tray base 110. As shown, the bracket housing 100A and the bracket base 110 have a substantially cylindrical form. The tray base 110 may include cutouts and/or slots for receiving and receiving various components including, for example, the tray 120 and the fluid outlet 114. The bracket 120 may be coupled to the bracket base 110 in a variety of ways, for example, the bracket 120 may be pivotally hinged to the bracket base 110 such that the bracket may pivot downward to facilitate loading of one or more ingredient containers. The left bracket 120L is shown in an upward position in fig. 3 and 4, while the right bracket 120R pivots downward to a downward position. The carrier 120 may be coupled to the carrier assembly 100 in other ways, such as via a sliding connection, a fixed connection, etc., or they may be coupled directly to the beverage dispensing device. The illustrated bracket base 110 also includes a lift aid 116, which may be coupled to a rear region of the bracket 120. The lift assist 116 may include a biasing feature, such as a spring, to bias each of the coupled brackets into an upward position. The micro-switches 112 (also referred to as left micro-switch 112L and right micro-switch 112R) may be positioned above each bracket 110, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Fig. 5A, 5B and 6 depict a single bracket 120 in more detail. Features described as applied to one bracket may be applied to all brackets. As shown, the bracket 120 has a generally rectangular bracket body 122 with a circular front face 124 that may be shaped to conform to the general contour of the bracket housing 110A. The handle 128 may extend from the front face 124 to provide a gripping surface to enable easy pivoting of the carrier 120, for example, when an ingredient container is placed into or removed from the carrier assembly 120. While the handle 128 is shown in the form of a raised lip or flange, the handle 128 may take a variety of forms and may include other shaped protrusions as well as recesses within the carrier body 122 itself. As described above, the bracket 120 may also include a pivot axis 126 located near the rear of the bracket body 122 to allow the bracket 120 to pivot relative to the bracket body 122.

The upper portion of the tray body 122 may include a tray face 130, as best shown in fig. 5A and 5B. In the exemplary embodiment, cradle surface 130 is shaped to receive and retain a complementary ingredient container for use during a beverage dispensing process. The cradle surface 130 may include various notches, protrusions, flat areas, and rounded areas to fully receive any shape or size of ingredient container and ensure that the ingredient container is properly seated and coupled to the system. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket face 130 is in the form of a generally triangular recess having rounded corners, e.g., a rounded triangle. One side may include a rectangular cutout 131 extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the cutout 131 may be formed on the long side of the triangle and may be located closest to the middle portion of the bracket assembly 100. The central region 132 of the cradle surface 130 may include a raised platform having various features thereon. As shown, the central region 132 is convex such that the peripheral channel 133 is defined within the cradle surface 130. The central region 132 may include a carrier inlet 134 and a carrier outlet 136 that may be configured to align with and couple to the inlet and outlet of the ingredient container, respectively. The illustrated bracket inlet 134 and bracket outlet 136 have a substantially circular form defining central openings 134A, 136A. The central openings 134A, 136A may pass entirely through the bracket 120. The inlet receptacle 134 and the outlet receptacle 136 may be made of a variety of materials. For example, one or both of the inlet receptacle 134 and the outlet receptacle 136 may be made of plastic, resin, rubber, metal, or a composite thereof. In certain embodiments, for example, one or more of the inlet receptacle 134 and the outlet receptacle 136 may be made of rubber or a rubber-like material such that an airtight seal is created between the cradle face and the seated ingredient container, as discussed further below.

The space around the bracket inlet 134 and the bracket outlet 136 may be recessed into the central region 132, thereby defining the overall form of both the bracket inlet 134 and the bracket outlet 136. In the illustrated embodiment, this space, also referred to as a central recess 137, is in the form of a substantially "number 8" shape, with inlet and outlet receptacles 134, 136 positioned within each opening of the "number 8". The central region 132 may also include one or more flanking projections 138 disposed proximate the central recess 137. The side tabs 138 may be determined by the shape of other features present in the bracket face 130, or they may be of a separate design. In the illustrated embodiment, the side tabs 138 are shaped to extend into complementary recesses on the ingredient container to help retain the ingredient container. As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the bracket face 130 includes a pair of similar flanking projections 138 in the form of "batwings" following the "number 8" contour of the central recess 137. In particular, the illustrated side tab 138 has an outer sidewall that is convexly curved along its length, and two inner sidewalls that are each convexly curved to follow the contours of the inlet and outlet receptacles 134, 136. The side walls of the side projections 138 may taper in a direction away from the bracket face 130, as shown, such that the size of the tip portion is generally smaller than the size of the base portion of each projection 138. In other embodiments, the protrusions 138 may not be flared at all.

The peripheral channel 133 may also include one or more features to help retain the ingredient container. As will be discussed in more detail below, each peripheral channel 133 may have a shape configured to complement the shape of the container such that two shoulders on the container, as well as other portions of the container, may be received therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral channel 133 includes two generally circular triangular regions and an elongated slot extending therebetween. The channel 133 is defined by the shape of the central region 132, which is generally square with rounded corners, and which combines with the shape of the generally triangular recess in the bracket face 130. The peripheral channel 133 may also include one or more retainers 139 that protrude outwardly from the side wall of the central region 132 into the peripheral channel 133. The retainer 139 may be spring biased outwardly such that during the retention process, the retainer 139 may be pushed inwardly by the container and then spring back outwardly to engage a corresponding recess in the ingredient container. The holding process will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 5B shows the relative height of the bracket 120 including the bracket inlet 134, the bracket outlet 136, and the side-engaging protrusions 138. As shown, the height of the tray outlet 136 is greater than the height of the tray inlet 134. It can be seen that retainer 139 is located within peripheral channel 133, which is disposed below raised central region 132. While the bracket face 130 is described and illustrated as having certain recessed areas and other raised areas, bracket faces having opposing features are also contemplated herein, i.e., all of the protrusions are recesses and all of the recesses are protrusions. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that only a portion of the features may be interchanged such that only one or a few of the protrusions are recesses and/or only one or a few of the recesses are raised cradle surfaces. Other shapes and configurations are also contemplated.

Fig. 6 depicts an underside of the bracket 120 according to some embodiments. The underside of the bracket 120 is positioned on opposite sides of the bracket inlet 134 and the bracket outlet 136 and includes central holes 134A, 136A that can pass through the bracket 120 as described above. In operation, the central bore 134A of the carrier outlet 136 may be coupled to the gas line 140. The gas line 140 may be coupled at an opposite end to an air pump (not shown) that may be used to introduce air or another gas into the seated ingredient container. The resulting increase in pressure may cause the seated ingredient container to dispense the stored additive through the central aperture 136A of the carrier outlet 136. In systems having more than one carrier, one or more pumps may be used to introduce gas into the seated ingredient containers. In some variations, each bracket may have its own pump fluidly coupled thereto via a gas line or similar arrangement. In other embodiments, gas line 140 may be coupled to a carbonation source that may be used to supply gas to the container for injection of the additive.

Fig. 7-16 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an ingredient container 200. Ingredient container 200 may generally include a lid 210 coupled to a container body 250 that may be configured to contain additives (e.g., flavors, supplements, vitamins, colors, etc.) to be used in making a beverage. The additives may be in the form of a fluid, solid, powder, gel, syrup or any other form. The ingredient container 200 may have a variety of sizes. For example, the total height of the ingredient container 200 may be between about 55mm and 60mm, and in some embodiments may be about 56.9mm. The ingredient container 200 may have a maximum width of between about 55mm and 65mm, and in some embodiments, the maximum width may be about 59.5mm. The depth of the cap 210 may be between about 38mm and 42mm, and in some embodiments may be about 39.6mm. The depth of the container body 250 may be between about 38mm and 42mm, and in some embodiments may be about 39.5mm. For example, the ingredient container 200 may have a volume of between about 50-90mL, and in some variations may have a volume of about 70 mL.

The ingredient container 200 may store the additive inside and receive a measured volume of gas (e.g., air, carbon dioxide, etc.) through the inlet 224 as part of the beverage making process, resulting in an increase in internal pressure. An increase in internal pressure within the container 200 may cause the outlet 226 to emit a customized amount of additive due to the elimination or reduction of a newly generated pressure differential across the outlet.

The illustrated container body 250 has a generally oblong form resembling a racetrack configuration, as can be seen in fig. 10A and 10B. Although the container body 250 is shown as having a specific form, the container body 250 may take various forms. Such an oblong form may include a small width W1 around the shorter dimension of the container body 250 and a large width W2 around the longer dimension of the container body 250. Similarly, the oblong form may have a minor axis A1 extending centrally along the small width W1, and the oblong form may have a major axis A2 extending centrally along the large width W2. As will be discussed in more detail below, the shape of the container body may help to allow multiple containers to be positioned closer to one another within the beverage system, allowing the outlet 226 to be positioned closer for dispensing the additive.

The container body 250 may include a base 252, a sidewall 254 extending upwardly from the base 252, and a top 256, which together may define an interior space for storing an additive. In some embodiments, the base 252 may include an oval recess 253, as shown in fig. 8B. Oval recess 253 may provide increased structural integrity to container body 250 during storage, shipping, handling, etc., and may also provide an area for increased engagement, for example, by a user and/or by a beverage dispensing device (e.g., beverage dispensing system 10).

The side walls 254 may extend upwardly from the base 252 to maintain a substantially constant cross-section. The side wall 254 may include first and second sides 254A, 254B, which may be substantially planar, and first and second convex curved surfaces 254C, 254D extending between the first and second sides 254A, 254B. A series of channels 255 may extend vertically on first side 254A and second side 254B that are substantially parallel to each other. The channels 255 may operate similarly to the oval recesses 253 in that they may provide increased structural integrity and/or they may provide an area of increased engagement between the container body 250 and a beverage dispensing device (e.g., beverage dispensing system 10). They may also assist in gripping the container. In certain embodiments, a bracket assembly (e.g., bracket assembly 100) may have complementary components to be received by channel 255 to help retain ingredient container 200.

The top 256 is located on the side wall 254 and may include a shoulder 258 and a neck 260. Shoulder 258 may have a gradual slope upward toward neck 260, which may be centrally disposed on top 256, and may be a rounded, substantially vertical portion of container body 250. Neck 260 may define an opening 262 to the interior of container body 250. The circumferential flange 264 may extend around the neck 260 and may provide a coupling point for the cap 210, for example, with a snap fit. In some embodiments, the circumferential flange 264 may be replaced with threads to provide a threaded connection with the cap 210. A pair of orientation protrusions 266 may be provided on opposite sides of neck 260. The shape or number of these protrusions 266 may vary and they may be used to align with complementary features on the cap 210 to ensure that the cap 210 is properly oriented on the container body 250.

Fig. 11A-16 depict cap 210 and its components separated from container body 250. The illustrated cap 210 has a substantially circular triangular shape and includes a cap base 220 and a cap cover 240 coupled to the cap base 220. The cap 240 may be used to close the inlet and outlet, and in turn, the container body 250. The triangular shape may be defined by a perimeter having a first side, a second side, and a third side, wherein the first side is longer than each of the second side and the third side.

The lid base 220 may include a skirt 222 located at a lower periphery of the lid base and having a curved shape to conform to the shoulder 258 of the container body 250. The skirt 222 may include a front recess 223 that may be shaped to allow a portion of the lid cover 240 to extend outwardly beyond the skirt 222 when the lid 210 is in the closed position, such that the lid cover 240 can be grasped to facilitate opening and closing of the lid cover 240 relative to the lid base 220. The lid base 220 may include an inlet 224 and an outlet 226 that open into and exit from the interior of the container body 250, respectively. Inlet 224 may include an inlet collar 224A flanking outlet aperture 224B, and outlet 226 may include an outlet collar 224A flanking outlet aperture 224B. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the inlet collar 224 is greater than the height of the outlet collar 226. The greater height of the inlet collar 224 may help to allow a seal to be formed between the container inlet 224 and the outlet 136 on the carrier 120.

The container inlet 224 and outlet 226 may be positioned on the lid base 220 in alignment with a minor axis B-B of the lid 210 that extends along a plane defined by the upper surface of the lid base 220, as shown in fig. 11A. When cap 210 is coupled to container body 250, minor axis B-B may extend parallel to minor axis A1 of container body 250, and thus may extend perpendicular to major axis A2. In some variations, the entire cap 210 may be substantially symmetrically mirrored about the minor axis B-B. The cap 210 may also have a long axis A-A, as seen at least in fig. 11A-11B, which may extend perpendicular to the short axis B-B.

As can be seen in fig. 11B, the inlet 224 and the outlet 226 may each have a central longitudinal axis (also referred to as a central axis) with a distance D therebetween. The central longitudinal axis of each of the inlet 224 and outlet 226 extends out of the page in fig. 11B, but is shown from a side view in fig. 21. The distance D between each central longitudinal axis may vary. In certain embodiments, the distance D may depend, at least in part, on the overall size of the cap 210 and/or the size of the valve, as discussed further below. For example, in some embodiments, the distance D between the central axes may be between about 9mm and 15mm, more preferably between about 11mm and 13mm, and in certain exemplary embodiments, the distance D may be about 13mm.

As further shown in fig. 11B, the inlet 224 may have a diameter X1 and the outlet 226 may have a diameter X2. The inlet diameter X1 may be between about 6.6mm and 7.2mm, and in some embodiments may be about 6.90mm. The outlet diameter X2 may be between about 6.5mm and 7.1mm, and in some embodiments may be about 6.84mm.

The recesses 228 may flank each side of the outlet 226 and 224, and the recesses 228 may each be shaped to correspond to a protrusion in the bracket (e.g., the flank protrusion 138 on the bracket 120). For example, the recess 228 may be shaped to follow the outer contours of the collars 224A, 226A, and may be in the form of a "batwing". In particular, similar to the side projections 138, the recess 228 may have a radially outward sidewall concavely curved along its length, and two inner sidewalls concavely curved to follow the contours of the inlet 224 and outlet 266. The recess 228 may also take a variety of other forms, and its form may depend at least in part on the placement and form of other components on the cover 210. The recess 228 may be placed a small distance from the inlet 224 and the outlet 226, defining a center pattern 230 in the space between the collars 224A, 226A and the recess 228. As best seen in fig. 11A, the center pattern 230 may be in the form of a "number 8", although other forms may exist. The center pattern 230 is shown as being flush with the upper surface of the base 220, however the center pattern 230 may be raised above the upper surface or may be recessed below the upper surface. The center pattern 230 may be a protrusion, a depression, or a combination thereof, wherein a portion of the center pattern 230 protrudes from the cover 210 and a portion of the center pattern 230 is recessed into the cover 210. In some variations, the inlet collar 224A and the outlet collar 226A may contribute to the center pattern 230.

As previously explained with respect to the cradle face 130, while the lid base 220 is described and illustrated as having certain recessed areas and other raised areas, lid bases having relative features are also contemplated herein, i.e., all of the protrusions are recesses and all of the recesses are protrusions. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that only a portion of the features may be interchanged such that only one or a few of the protrusions are recesses and/or only one or a few of the recesses are raised cover bases.

The lid base 220 may also include a pair of shoulders 231 formed on opposite sides of the skirt 222 and extending upwardly from the lid base 220. Each shoulder 231 may have a shape complementary to the shape of the peripheral channel 133, such as a circular triangular shape. Each shoulder 231 may also include one or more retention features that may further assist in retaining the ingredient container 200 within the bracket 120. These features may be in the form of a receiver 232 that may receive complementary elements of the bracket 120, as will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacles 232 are each in the form of a substantially square or rectangular recess or cutout formed in the inwardly facing side wall of each shoulder 231.

As further shown, the rear of the lid base 220 may include a rear wall 233 that may extend between the shoulders 231. The cover 240 may be coupled to the rear wall 233, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring again to inlet 224 and outlet 226, as previously explained, inlet 224 may include an upwardly extending inlet collar 224A flanking outlet aperture 224B, and outlet 226 may include an upwardly extending outlet collar 226A flanking outlet aperture 226B. Although the inlet collar 224A and the outlet collar 226A are shown in circular form, the inlet collar 224A and the outlet collar 226A may take on a variety of shapes, including various geometric shapes, such as triangles, stars, etc., as well as imaginary and/or irregular shapes, such as letters, logos, etc. The form of the inlet collar 224A and the outlet collar 226A may be the same or different. As shown in fig. 9, the inlet 224 may include an inlet valve frame 224C and an inlet valve 224D, and the outlet 226 may include an outlet valve frame 226C and an outlet valve 226D. Generally, each of the inlet valve 224D and the outlet valve 224D may be seated within an inlet valve frame 224C and an outlet valve frame 226C, respectively. An inlet valve frame 224C and an outlet valve frame 226C may be attached to the underside of the cover 210 below the inlet 224 and outlet 226, respectively. In other embodiments, the inlet valve frame 224C and the outlet valve frame 226C may be formed from a single frame member.

Fig. 12A depicts one embodiment of the outlet valve 226D in more detail. Although described with respect to outlet valve 226D, similar features apply to inlet valve 224D. Additionally, where options are provided for aspects of the outlet valve 226D, the actual aspects between the inlet valve 224D and the outlet valve 226D may not always be the same. The outlet valve 226D is shown configured to open to dispense additive therefrom during a beverage dispensing process. Although the outlet valve 226D is depicted as circular or substantially circular, the form of the outlet valve 226D may be varied to have any number of regular or irregular shapes. In general, the outlet valve 226D may include a flange 226E configured to retain the outlet valve head 226F within the outlet valve frame 226C. The flange 226E may be connected to the outlet valve head 226F via a spool sleeve 226G. The size of the outlet valve 226D may also vary, and the size may depend at least in part on the diameter of the outlet 226 itself. For example, the outlet valve diameter Vd of the outlet valve 226D on the container body 250, i.e., excluding the flange 226E, may be between about 8mm and 12 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter Vd of the outlet valve may be between about 9mm and 10 mm. The outlet valve 226D may be in the form of a slit valve having a slit 226H configured to open and allow material, such as fluid, to be transferred therethrough. The slit 226H may have various forms and sizes. For example, as shown in fig. 12A, the slit 226H has a cross shape or an X shape. The size of the slit 226H may vary, but in an exemplary embodiment it may have a slit length (i.e., the length Ls of the outlet valve opening) of between about 1.5mm and 5.5 mm. It should be noted that the slit length as used herein refers to the length of the longest slit in which two or more slits are provided. In some embodiments, the length Ls of the outlet valve opening may be between about 1.5mm and 2mm, and the outlet valve 226D may open at the cross-shaped slit 226H when subjected to sufficient internal or external pressure. The opening pressure Po (also referred to as the burst pressure) of the outlet valve 226D may vary and may depend on the material, size, or other details of the outlet valve 226D. For example, in some embodiments, the opening pressure Po may be about 300mmH ₂ O or greater, and more preferably about 600mmH ₂ O or greater. The closing pressure Pc of the outlet valve 226D may also vary and may depend on various details of the outlet valve 226D. In some embodiments, the closing pressure Pc may be about 400mmH ₂ O or less. In other embodiments, the closing pressure Pc may be about 300 to 400mmH ₂ O less than the burst pressure.

When the outlet valve 226D is subjected to a sufficiently high pressure differential, such as when accumulating to reach the opening pressure Po and subsequently achieving the opening pressure Po, the valve 226D may undergo a number of steps of a shift process before opening at the slit 226H. This transformation process is shown in fig. 12B-12F. In fig. 12B, the outlet valve head 226F begins to move downward under a certain pressure, thereby rolling around the outlet valve sleeve 226G. In fig. 12C, the outlet valve sleeve 226G is fully deployed. In fig. 12D, the outlet valve head 226F begins to flatten, and then in fig. 12E, an opening pressure Po is achieved, forcing the slit 226H to open and dispense additive. When the slit opens, the pressure differential across the valve 226D dissipates rapidly and the valve head 226F may return to its typical position. As a result of this return, in some constructions, the slit 226H may open inwardly, as shown in fig. 12F, before eventually reaching a resting state and returning to the position depicted in fig. 12A. In other constructions, the internal pressure on the outlet valve 226D may return the outlet valve 226D to the state depicted in fig. 12B after opening, and the outlet valve 226D may never return completely to the state shown in fig. 12A.

In some embodiments, the inlet valve 224D may be positioned in the same orientation as the outlet valve 226D. In these embodiments, fluid flows through inlet valve 224D in a direction opposite to the direction of fluid flow through outlet valve 226D, i.e., fluid flows into ingredient container 200 through inlet valve 224D, but flows out of ingredient container 200 through outlet valve 226D while inlet valve 224D and outlet valve 226D are both positioned in exactly the same orientation. Thus, in these embodiments, as fluid flows through inlet valve 224D, the inlet valve does not undergo the same series of steps as shown in fig. 12A-12F. Instead, the inlet valve begins in the state shown in fig. 12A, and when subjected to a pressure great enough to open the inlet valve 224D, the inlet valve 224D opens only in a similar manner to the state shown in fig. 12F, but in the direction shown in fig. 12A, allowing fluid to flow through the opening. Because fluid flows through the inlet valve 224D in a direction opposite to the direction of fluid flow through the outlet valve 226D, the inlet valve 224D does not undergo a series of steps involving rolling to a deployed state and then opening as depicted in fig. 12B-12E.

As indicated previously, the cover 210 may also include a cover 240 shown in fig. 11A, 11B, and 13, which may be connected to the rear wall 233 by various means, including by a hinge 234 (e.g., a living hinge). The cover 240 may include an inlet cover 242 and an outlet cover 244 sized to close the inlet 224 and outlet 226, respectively, on the cover base 220. Each of the inlet and outlet hoods 242, 244 may include respective inlet and outlet hood collars 242A, 244A sized to be received internally by the inlet and outlet collars 224B, 226B, as seen in the cross-section of fig. 14. The outlet cover 244 may also include a central plug 244B sized to be received internally by the outlet 226 itself. The center plug 244B is operable to prevent premature opening of the outlet valve 226A. The center plug 244B may protrude from the cap 240 beyond the protruding distance of the outlet cap collar 244A to facilitate closing the outlet 242 when the cap 240 is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the cover may include features that retain the cover 240 in the open position. For example, as shown in fig. 15, the lid base 220 may include a rear side 235 having a substantially planar center face 236 having a width substantially equal to a width of the lid cover 240. One or more cap retention features 236 may be located at an upper end near the rear side 235 of the hinge 234. These features 236 may be in the form of cutouts or recesses that secure the cover 240 when the cover 240 is in the open position. As shown, the cover 240 may include a cover tab 246 extending from at least one side of the cover 240. The cover tab 246 may extend into the cover retention feature 236 to help retain the cover 240 in the open position. In the closed position, the inlet shroud 242A and the outlet shroud 244A as previously explained may extend into and frictionally engage the inlet 224 and the outlet 226. This frictional engagement may help to hold the cover 240 in the closed position. Additionally, the inlet and outlet mask collars 242A, 226D may prevent premature opening of the inlet and outlet valves 224D, 226D, for example, during shipping. For example, the outlet valve 226D may be prevented from rolling around the spool sleeve 226G, as shown in fig. 12B-12D.

Fig. 16 depicts the underside of the cap 210. The lid base 220 may have a spaced arcuate edge 229 sized to couple with a neck 260 (not shown) of the container body 250. Arcuate edge 229 may be coupled to neck 260 (not shown) of container body 250 (not shown) via a snap fit, threads, or the like. For example, the arcuate edge 229 may include an inner lip 229A configured to interface with a flange 264 located on the neck 260. This engagement can be seen in particular in fig. 8B. In the exemplary embodiment, arcuate edge 229 includes a ridge that engages a corresponding feature on neck 260 to form a snap-fit connection. Depending on the manner in which arcuate edge 229 is attached to container body 250, the physical structure of arcuate edge 229 may vary accordingly. Although not shown, a seal, such as an O-ring, may be provided within rim 229 to assist in coupling cap 210 to container body 250.

As further shown in fig. 16, the inner surface of the skirt 221 may include one or more orientation channels 227 that may receive orientation protrusions 266 (not shown) present on the top 256 of the container body 250 to aid in the orientation of the cap 210 on the container body 250. Thus, the cap 210 may be limited to only mate with the container body 250 in two orientations. In embodiments where the cover 210 includes one or more recesses 228 to facilitate coupling with a bracket (e.g., bracket 120), the recesses 228 may extend downwardly from the underside of the cover 210 between the inlet and outlet valve frames 224C, 226C and the arcuate edge 229. In some variations, in which the recess 228 is defined at least in part by the shape of the inlet 224, outlet 226, and the overall shape of the cover 210, the recess 228 may occupy the entire space that exists between the inlet and outlet valve frames 224C, 226C and the arcuate edge 229. In essence, the recess 228 may vary in form depending on other features located on the cap 210, such as the inlet collar 224A, the outlet collar 226A, the inlet valve frame 224C, the outlet valve frame 226C, the arcuate edge 229, the retention pattern, and the like. In other variations, the recess 228 may occupy only a portion of this space.

Fig. 17-22 depict an ingredient container 200 held within the cradle assembly 100. Fig. 18 depicts the bracket assembly 100 with the bracket housing 110A (not shown) and the right bracket 120R (not shown) removed. With the right bracket 120R removed, the fluid outlet 114 is more visible.

19-22 Depict ingredient container 200 housed within cradle 120 in more detail and from various angles to illustrate the components of ingredient container 200 and cradle 120 coupled together. To house the ingredient container 200, the cover 240 may be held in an open position, as explained above. The tray 120 may be lowered to expose the tray face 130 and the ingredient container 200 may be aligned with the tray face 130 and pressed downward such that the tray inlet 134 engages the inlet 224 and the tray outlet 136 engages the outlet 226. When seated, the side tab 138 may extend into the recess 228, as best shown in fig. 20. Both the carrier inlet 134 and the carrier outlet 136 may extend into the inlet 224 and the outlet 226, respectively, and the inlet collar 224A and the outlet collar 226A may extend circumferentially around the carrier inlet 134 and the carrier outlet 136, as best shown in fig. 21 and 22.

Although not shown in fig. 19-22, in embodiments having retainer 139, retainer 139 may also snap into receiver 232, which may provide an audible signal for the user to know that the engagement was successful, such as providing an audible spring when retainer 139 is engaged and no longer under tension. The rectangular cutout 131 in the bracket face 130 may receive the cover 240 when the cover 240 is in the fully open position, as can be seen in fig. 19. Once the container 200 is fully seated, the carriage 120 may be returned to the raised position. In some embodiments, such movement of the tray 120 may actuate the corresponding micro-switch 112 and signal to the dispensing system 10 that the container 200 is seated within the tray assembly 100.

Fig. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of a container 200 housed within the cradle 120. Several distances and dimensions associated with the carrier inlet 134, the carrier outlet 136, the inlet 224, and the outlet 226 are highlighted. These distances and dimensions include the distance D between the central longitudinal axis of the inlet 224 and the central longitudinal axis of the outlet 226 and the diameter Vd of the outlet valve. Also shown are the diameter Y1 of the bracket inlet 134, the diameter Y2 of the bracket outlet 136, and the allowable installation error 291 between the bracket outlet 136 and the outlet 226. Allowing the mounting error 291 may define an effective difference in distance between the corresponding components of the bracket 120 and the container 200 while still enabling the beverage dispensing process. As shown in more detail in fig. 22, the carrier outlet 136 may include an outlet receiver edge 136A (also referred to as a seal) sized to fit within the outlet 226. The outlet receiver edge 136A and the outlet 226 may together form a sealing surface such that additive may be dispensed from the outlet 226 during a beverage dispensing process without fear of leakage or dose inaccuracy. If an ingredient container is placed on the cradle 120 and the size of the ingredient container is such that the outlet receiver rim 136A is not properly received in the container outlet 226, the beverage dispensing process may be compromised. In some aspects, the diameter of the edge 136A (or seal) may be between about 7mm and 8 mm.

In certain embodiments, the distance D between the inlet and the outlet may be between about 11mm and 15mm, and in some embodiments may be about 13mm. Vd may be between about 8mm and 11mm, and in some embodiments may be about 9.5mm. Y1 may be between about 7.7mm and 8.1mm, and in some embodiments may be about 7.91mm. Y2 may be between about 7.5mm and 7.9mm, and in some embodiments may be about 7.70mm. The allowable mounting error 291 may be between about 0.3mm and 0.6mm, and in some embodiments may be about 0.5mm.

When ingredient container 200 is properly seated in cradle assembly 100, the stored additives may be used to perform a beverage dispensing process. The user may select his beverage preferences specifying details including volume, carbonation level, additive type, additive amount, and the like. When the selection is received by the dispensing system 10, a beverage having the selected characteristics may be dispensed.

If additives are desired, air or another gas including carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. may be pumped through the gas line 116 and through the inlet port 142 in the bracket 120 and through the inlet valve 244D in the container 200 to the interior of the container body 250. The inlet port may have an inner diameter of 8mm. The resulting pressure increase within the ingredient container 200 may cause the outlet valve 226D to open and the additive to be dispensed into a beverage container, such as the drinking glass 26 depicted in fig. 1, through the outlet 226 and the outlet port 244. In embodiments where the additive is a fluid, the additive may be dispensed at a particular dispensing flow rate F at a particular pressure. For example, in some embodiments, the dispense flow rate F may be between about 1 mL/sec and 4 mL/sec. In other embodiments, the dispensing flow rate F may be about 2 mL/sec. A base liquid, such as carbonated water, may also be dispensed from the fluid outlet 114 such that the base liquid and additives are combined in the drinking glass 26.

In an exemplary embodiment, the carriage assembly 100 and the two ingredient containers 200 may be arranged to minimize the distance between the fluid outlet 114 of the carriage assembly 100 and the outlet 226 of the ingredient container 200. A bottom perspective view of this arrangement is shown in fig. 22. Although the outlets 226 and the fluid outlets 114 may be different, the distance between each outlet 226 (and thus the outlet ports 244) and the fluid outlets 114 may be minimized due to the overall configuration of the bracket assembly 100. The minimization of the distance may result from the location of each outlet 226 of the respective ingredient container 200 on the minor axis B-B (not shown). When the ingredient container 200 is received in the bracket assembly, the container 200 may be positioned such that each outlet 226 is centrally located and proximate to the fluid outlet 114, which may extend between the two brackets 120, as shown above, for example, in fig. 18.

This minimized distance may allow various beverage containers to be placed under the cradle assembly 100 and receive the beverage while also minimizing splatter and overall clutter. For example, several circles indicating graduations are shown in fig. 19, and they may represent, in order from smallest to largest, a narrow water bottle circumference α, a high ball glass circumference β, a kohlrabi circumference γ, a meisen jar circumference δ, and a pint glass circumference ε. These circumferences are for the purpose of illustrating the various drinking vessels that may be used with the beverage dispensing system 10 as the container 200 is disposed within the cradle assembly.

During the dispensing procedure, the exact dosage may be important for beverage making and may affect the quality of the resulting product. This accuracy may be affected by a number of parameters, each of which was introduced and described above, including the opening pressure Po, the closing pressure Pc, the diameter Vd of the outlet valve and the length Ls of the outlet valve opening.

Each of these parameters may affect the overall accuracy of ingredient container 200 during the beverage dispensing process. For example, if the opening pressure Po and/or closing pressure Pc are too low, minor fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ingredient container 200 during the dispensing process, such as those associated with normal tolerance levels of the beverage dispensing system 10, may result in inaccurate dispensing of the additive. Conversely, if the opening pressure Po and/or the closing pressure Pc are too high, the additive may be dispensed in an extreme manner, resulting in overspray of the additive and also in inaccurate dispensing.

As explained above, the opening pressure Po is the pressure required to open the outlet valve 226D and allow fluid to flow therethrough. Once outlet valve 226D is opened and fluid is dispensed, the accumulated pressure will gradually decrease and decrease over time. Eventually, the pressure will reach a value that is too low to keep the outlet valve 226D open. This lower limit is the closing pressure Pc. The difference Δp between the opening pressure Po and the closing pressure Pc can be optimized so as not to be too large or too small, as this would affect the overall dosing accuracy during flavouring. The overall structure of the outlet valve, including its size, shape and material, may vary the values of the opening pressure Po and the closing pressure Pc, which may affect the performance of the ingredient container 200. For example, if the difference Δp is too small, minor fluctuations during the dispensing procedure may cause the outlet valve 226D to open or close prematurely. If the difference ΔP is too large, the outlet valve 226D may be difficult to close once opened, which may result in a failure to add a small dose of additive.

If the opening pressure Po is too high, the dispensing of the fluid during dispensing may become explosive, not measurable and/or unpredictable, which may result in an overall loss of dosing accuracy. If the opening pressure Po is too low, slight fluctuations or disturbances may lead to leakage and accidental discharge of the additive, which may also lead to an overall loss of dosing accuracy. If the closing pressure Pc is too high, in particular with respect to the opening pressure Po (which will result in a small difference ap), the window in which the outlet valve 226D is opened will contract sharply, which may result in a valve that is unstable in performance, opening only at small pressure windows. Conversely, if the closing pressure Pc is too low, the outlet valve 226D will open too long when the additive is dispensed, which may also result in an overall loss of dosing accuracy, as the outlet valve 226D may not close in a precise manner, resulting in overdosing of the additive. Thus, the opening pressure Po and the closing pressure Pc can be optimized to produce accurate dosing.

In addition, the diameter Vd of the outlet valve and the length Ls of the outlet valve opening, which are values affecting the dimensions of the outlet 226 and the outlet valve 226D, may affect the dosing accuracy if too large or too small. Forcing the additive out of the too small or too large slit 226H or outlet 226 may affect the process timing and overall dosing, thereby affecting the accuracy of the dispensing process.

These values may vary depending on the manufacturing process, materials, quality, etc. of the ingredient container 200. In summary, these values may contribute to so-called Dosing Accuracy (DA) values, which may be used to evaluate the quality of the ingredient container 200. In general, a given outlet valve on the ingredient container 200 may have a maximum potential in terms of DA values, e.g. be able to accurately dose additives, have a low minimum dosing threshold for accurate dosing, etc. In some embodiments, this maximum potential may be limited by the mass of the inlet valve on the ingredient container 200. For example, for a given outlet valve, a high quality inlet valve would mean that the maximum potential of the ingredient container 200 can be achieved, or at least nearly achieved. However, for the same outlet valve, a poor inlet valve may result in a significant decrease in the performance of the outlet valve.

The DA value may be represented by the following formula:

The individual values of these variables may vary, but their relationship may provide a simple way of comparing valve quality according to the DA equation. Table 1 lists several example values according to various designs, each having the same outlet valve diameter D. It has been found that a valve having a DA value of 100 or less can accurately dose additives to produce consistent beverage products according to the above formula. Each of the examples provided, except examples 16 through 21, produced a DA value of 100 or less. These examples relate to valves that may not be able to accurately dose additives, which may be due to a combination of valve characteristics, including a higher outlet valve opening length Ls and a higher difference Δp between the opening pressure Po and the closing pressure Pc.

TABLE 1 examples

Examples	Po	Pc	Vd	Ls	ΔP	DA
							1	483	343	9.5	2.5	140	20
2	483	323	9.5	1.8	160	21
							3	1819	1628	9.5	3.7	191	33
4	660	455	9.5	1.8	205	27
							5	665	450	9.5	3.7	215	37
6	483	267	9.5	3.7	216	37
							7	660	409	9.5	2.5	251	36
8	483	224	9.5	4.7	259	55
							9	483	218	9.5	5.1	265	60
10	1448	1163	9.5	1.8	284	37
							11	960	640	9.5	2.5	320	46
12	660	318	9.5	3.7	342	59
							13	1427	1019	9.5	2.5	409	59
14	848	419	9.5	3.7	429	74
							15	660	208	9.5	4.7	452	95
16	660	191	9.5	5.1	469	107
							17	1405	724	9.5	3.7	681	117
18	2212	1483	9.5	3.7	729	125
							19	4575	3759	9.5	3.7	816	140
20	1379	305	9.5	4.7	1074	226
							21	4234	2593	9.5	3.7	1641	282

In some embodiments, the DA factor may be less than 100, and may more specifically fall between about 40 and 70, according to the above equation. In further embodiments, the DA factor may be about 55. In systems with a DA factor of less than 100, the beverage preparation process can dose the additive accurately to within a few milliliters. For example, the amount of additive, such as fluid, dispensed in the process may be between about 1.6mL and 2.0mL, and in some embodiments may be about 1.8mL. This volume of fluid may be dispensed after a predetermined period of time, such as about 140ms, for the gas to be pumped into the container. Importantly, the amount of fluid dispensed by the container can be proportional to the difference between the opening pressure and the closing pressure of a given valve.

As noted above, various characteristics of the valve may vary. In certain exemplary embodiments, the valve has an opening pressure Po of about 300mmH ₂ O or greater, and more preferably about 400mmH ₂ O or greater, or even 600mmH ₂ O or greater, a closing pressure Pc of less than the opening pressure Po but about 100mmH ₂ O or greater, and more preferably about 300mmH ₂ O or greater, or even 400mmH ₂ O or greater in some embodiments, a pressure differential (ΔP) in the range of about 200mmH ₂ O to 500mmH ₂ O, and more preferably about 300mmH ₂ O to 400mmH ₂ O, and even more preferably about 340mmH ₂ O, and a diameter Vd of the outlet valve in the range of about 5mm to 15 mm. In certain embodiments, vd may be about 7mm to 13mm, and more preferably about 9.5mm, and the length Ls of the outlet valve opening is in the range of about 1mm to 5mm, and more preferably about 3.7mm.

Certain illustrative embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting illustrative embodiments and that the scope of the present utility model is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one illustrative embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present utility model. Moreover, in this disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus, in particular embodiments, each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully described.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a numerical value modified by one or more terms, such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially," should not be limited to the precise numerical value specified. In at least some cases, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Herein and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

Based on the above embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate additional features and advantages of the utility model. Accordingly, the utility model is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims (63)

1. A material-mixing container, which comprises a container body, characterized by comprising the following steps:

a container body defining a hollow interior, and

A closure having an end wall with

A first collar projecting from the end wall and having an inlet valve therein,

A second collar projecting from the end wall and having an outlet valve therein, the first and second collars being spaced apart from one another, and

First and second recesses surrounding the first and second collars, the first and second recesses being formed in a surface of the end wall.

2. The ingredient container of claim 1, wherein the first collar and the second collar and the first recess and the second recess together define a number 8-shaped feature.

3. The ingredient container of claim 1, further comprising a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion positioned on opposite sides of the end wall and projecting outwardly from an outwardly facing surface of the end wall.

4. The ingredient container of claim 1, wherein each of the first recess and the second recess has a first curved sidewall and a second curved sidewall extending partially around the first collar and the second collar, respectively.

5. The ingredient container of claim 4, wherein each of the first recess and the second recess has a third curved sidewall positioned opposite the first curved sidewall and the second curved sidewall.

6. The ingredient container of claim 1, wherein the first recess and the second recess are positioned on opposite sides of the first collar and the second collar.

7. The ingredient container of claim 1, wherein the cover has a short axis and a long axis, and wherein the cover is symmetrical about the short axis.

8. The ingredient container of claim 7, wherein the first collar and the second collar are aligned along the minor axis.

9. The ingredient container of claim 2, wherein the first recess and the second recess surrounding the number 8-shaped protrusion each comprise a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third side wall.

10. The ingredient container of claim 9, wherein the first and second side walls are convex and the third side wall is concave.

11. The ingredient container of claim 1, wherein the container body has an oval cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein the inlet valve and the outlet valve are aligned along the minor axis.

12. The ingredient container of claim 1, wherein the closure is configured to be coupled to the container body via a snap fit.

13. A container for use in a beverage system, the container comprising:

A container body defining an interior hollow chamber;

An inlet port disposed on the container body and having an inlet valve seated therein, the inlet valve being movable between a closed configuration preventing fluid passage therethrough and an open configuration allowing fluid passage therethrough;

An outlet port disposed on the container body and having an outlet valve disposed therein, the outlet valve being movable between a closed configuration preventing fluid passage therethrough and an open configuration allowing fluid passage therethrough, and

A collar positioned around the inlet port, the collar having an inner surface, at least a portion of the inner surface configured to circumferentially sealingly engage a seal having an outer diameter in the range of 7mm to 8 mm.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein the container body comprises a container body coupled to a closure, the closure comprising a skirt extending around an end wall of the closure and defining a sidewall of the container body.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the skirt has a triangular shape.

16. The container of claim 14, wherein the collar projects outwardly from the end wall.

17. The container of claim 13, wherein the collar is cylindrical.

18. The container of claim 13, wherein the inlet valve and the outlet valve each comprise a cross-shaped slit configured to enable fluid flow therethrough.

19. The container of claim 13, wherein the container body comprises a closure pivotally coupled to the container body and movable between an open position and a closed position, the closure configured to close the inlet valve and the outlet valve in the closed position.

20. The container of claim 13, wherein the inlet port has an inner diameter of 8mm.

21. The container of claim 13, wherein the container body has an oval cross-section including a major axis along a first width and a minor axis along a second width.

22. The container of claim 21, wherein the inlet port and the outlet port are aligned with the minor axis of the container body.

23. The container of claim 21, wherein the container body comprises a container body coupled to a closure, and wherein the closure comprises at least one orientation element configured to orient the closure relative to the container body.

24. A flow control assembly, comprising:

A container body having a flow control system with an inlet port having an inlet valve and an outlet port having an outlet valve, wherein the flow control system achieves a dosing accuracy DA of 100 or less according to the formula:

wherein:

Po=the pressure at which the outlet valve is opened, mmH ₂ O,

Pc=pressure to close the outlet valve, mmH ₂ O,

Vd=diameter of the outlet valve, mm,

Ls=length of outlet valve opening, mm.

25. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the flow control system implements a DA between 40 and 70.

26. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the flow control system implements a DA of 55.

27. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the pressure Po that opens the outlet valve is greater than 100mmH ₂ O.

28. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the pressure Po that opens the outlet valve is greater than 400mmH ₂ O.

29. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the diameter Vd of the outlet valve is between 5mm and 15 mm.

30. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the diameter Vd of the outlet valve is 9.5mm.

31. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the length Ls of the outlet valve opening is between 1mm and 5mm.

32. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the length Ls of the outlet valve opening is 3.7mm.

33. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the container body comprises a container body coupled to a closure, and wherein the closure comprises a sidewall defining a cavity configured to receive a neck of the container body.

34. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the container body includes an end wall having the inlet port and the outlet port formed therein.

35. The flow control assembly of claim 34, wherein the inlet port and the outlet port each comprise a cylindrical collar having the inlet valve and the outlet valve disposed therein, respectively.

36. The flow control assembly of claim 24, wherein the container body comprises a container body defining an interior hollow chamber and having an opening to the interior hollow chamber, and a closure configured to be coupled to the opening of the container body to seal fluid within the interior hollow chamber.

37. The flow control assembly of claim 36, wherein the inlet valve is configured to allow gas injection into the interior hollow chamber and the outlet valve is configured to open to allow fluid to flow out of the interior hollow chamber when a pressure within the interior hollow chamber exceeds the pressure Po that opens the outlet valve.

38. An ingredient container for use in a beverage carbonation system, the ingredient container comprising:

a container body defining an interior hollow chamber, the container body having a cross-section with a major axis defining a width greater than a minor axis defining a depth;

An inlet disposed on the container body and sealed to retain fluid within the container, the inlet configured to open to allow gas to be injected into the internal hollow chamber, and

An outlet disposed on the container body and sealed to retain fluid within the container body, the outlet configured to open to allow fluid within the container to exit through an outlet valve disposed therein,

Wherein the inlet and the outlet are aligned along the minor axis of the container body.

39. The ingredient container of claim 38, wherein the minor axis extends perpendicular to the major axis of the container body.

40. The ingredient container of claim 38, wherein the container body comprises a container body coupled to a lid, and wherein the lid has an irregular shape.

41. The ingredient container of claim 38, wherein the container body comprises a container body coupled to a lid, and wherein the lid has a triangular outer perimeter.

42. The ingredient container of claim 38, wherein the container body comprises a container body coupled to a lid, wherein the lid has a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein the minor axis of the container body extends parallel to the minor axis of the lid.

43. The ingredient container of claim 38, wherein the cross-section of the container body comprising the major axis and the minor axis is oval.

44. A material-mixing container, which comprises a container body, characterized by comprising the following steps:

a container body having an opening to the hollow interior, and

A cover covering the opening, the cover having

A base having an inlet port and an outlet port formed therein,

A sidewall extending around the base and defining an outer periphery of the closure body, the sidewall including first and second shoulders extending upwardly from the base on opposite sides of the inlet and outlet ports, the first shoulder having a first inner surface and the second shoulder having a second inner surface, each of the first and second inner surfaces having a detent therein configured to receive a corresponding protrusion in a bracket assembly of a beverage carbonation system.

45. The ingredient container of claim 44, wherein the detent comprises an opening formed through the first inner surface and the second inner surface.

46. The ingredient container of claim 45, wherein the opening is substantially rectangular.

47. The ingredient container of claim 44, further comprising a cover coupled to the closure body and movable between an open position spaced a distance from the inlet and the outlet and a closed position in which the cover covers the inlet and the outlet.

48. The ingredient container of claim 44 wherein said side walls have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape.

49. The ingredient container of claim 44 wherein said first inner surface and said second inner surface are planar.

50. The ingredient container of claim 44 wherein said first shoulder has a first outer surface opposite said first inner surface and said second shoulder has a second outer surface opposite said second inner surface, said first outer surface and said second outer surface being convex.

51. The ingredient container of claim 44, wherein the base comprises a circular recess formed therein and having locations of the inlet port and the outlet port in the circular recess.

52. The ingredient container of claim 44 wherein the inwardly facing surfaces of the first shoulder and the second shoulder extend perpendicular to the base.

53. The ingredient container of claim 44 wherein said side walls have a triangular cross-sectional shape.

54. A material-mixing container, which comprises a container body, characterized by comprising the following steps:

a container body defining a hollow interior;

An inlet port having an inlet valve disposed on the container body and configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that fluid may be delivered through the inlet valve to pressurize the hollow interior of the container body, and

An outlet port having an outlet valve disposed on the container body and having a closed configuration preventing fluid flow from the hollow interior and movable to an open configuration to dispense fluid from the hollow interior in response to an increase in pressure within the hollow interior between 300 and 380mmH ₂ O.

55. The dispensing container of claim 54, wherein said pressure increase is 340mmH ₂ O.

56. The ingredient container of claim 54, wherein said outlet valve has a burst pressure of greater than 600mmH ₂ O.

57. The ingredient container of claim 54, wherein said outlet valve has a closing pressure of less than 400mmH ₂ O.

58. The ingredient container of claim 54, wherein the inlet valve and the outlet valve each comprise a cross-shaped slit configured to enable fluid flow therethrough.

59. The ingredient container of claim 54, wherein the outlet valve is configured to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid in the range of 1.6mL to 2.0mL in response to pumping a dose of gas into the container for a period of 140 ms.

60. The ingredient container of claim 59 wherein the predetermined amount of fluid is 1.8mL.

61. The ingredient container of claim 59, wherein the inlet valve and the outlet valve each comprise a cross-shaped slit configured to enable fluid flow therethrough.

62. The ingredient container of claim 59, wherein the outlet valve has a burst pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration to dispense fluid from the hollow interior, and a closed pressure at which the outlet valve is configured to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration to prevent fluid from passing therethrough, wherein the burst pressure is greater than the closed pressure.

63. The ingredient container of claim 59 wherein the predetermined amount of fluid is proportional to the difference between the burst pressure and the closure pressure.