CN109310231B

CN109310231B - Adjustable additive delivery system and method

Info

Publication number: CN109310231B
Application number: CN201780013261.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·S·瓦戈纳; A·加伊; T·A·乌尔鲍尼克; W·G·库尔思; D·J·福克纳; D·基辛格
Original assignee: Chikur
Current assignee: Chikur
Priority date: 2016-03-04
Filing date: 2017-03-06
Publication date: 2022-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-06
Also published as: AU2017228456B2; JP2022043189A; EP3422911A1; WO2017152192A1; AU2023202648A1; MX2018010668A; EP3422911A4; CA3015532A1; JP2023179640A; JP2019515844A; JP6998882B2; CN114794870A; CN109310231A; AU2017228456A1

Abstract

An additive delivery system may incorporate a cartridge system comprising a container lid and a reservoir assembly for storing an additive. The container lid includes a mixing nozzle for mixing the additive with the base fluid as the base fluid flows from the base fluid container through the cartridge. The one-way valve prevents backflow of the base fluid and/or mixed base fluid/additive from a region downstream of the mixing nozzle such that the base fluid supply remains in a pure state.

Description

Adjustable additive delivery system and method

Priority claims and citations to related applications

Priority is claimed under all applicable laws, treaties, conventions and regulations according to U.S. provisional application No. 62/303,376 entitled "cartridge reservoir system (CARTRIDGE RESERVOIR SYSTEMS)" filed on 3/4/2016, U.S. provisional application No. 62/363,177 entitled "ADJUSTABLE additive cartridge system (adjunstable ADDITIVE CARTRIDGE SYSTEMS)" filed on 7/15/2016, and U.S. application No. 15/358,087 entitled "ADJUSTABLE additive cartridge system (adjunstable ADDITIVE CARTRIDGE SYSTEMS)" filed on 11/21/2016. The subject matter described in all applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. If an element or subject matter of the present application or a portion of the specification, claims, or drawings in the above-identified application is not otherwise included in the present application, then that element, subject matter, or portion is incorporated by reference into the present application for the purpose of any and all applicable rules, procedures, or laws.

Technical Field

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

Background

The prior art contains various devices for providing additives to base fluids. Such devices include pre-mixing systems, such as those described in U.S. patent No. 7,306,117, in which a predetermined amount of an additive is dispensed into a base liquid within a container and mixed with it prior to consumption. The prior art system also comprises the following means: wherein the additive is provided to the base fluid as the additive is dispensed from the container. Such delivery systems are exemplified by the following U.S. patents: U.S. patent No. 8,230,777, which describes a dispensing system in which a base liquid flows through a replenishing zone containing a solid supplement; and us patent No. 8,413,844, which describes a water dispenser (pitcher) having a filter and an additive chamber in which an additive is dispensed when water is poured from the dispenser. There is a need in the art for systems and methods that improve upon these prior art solutions.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an additive delivery system may incorporate a cartridge system comprising a container lid and an additive reservoir assembly for storing an additive. The container lid may be secured to the base fluid container. The mixing nozzle is cooperatively associated with the container cap for mixing the additive with the base fluid as the base fluid flows from the base fluid container through the cartridge. The one-way valve prevents backflow of the base fluid and/or the mixed base fluid/additive from the region downstream of the mixing nozzle such that the base fluid supply remains in a pure state. These features permit different cartridge assemblies containing different respective additives to be used with a given base fluid supply. Furthermore, this feature permits a given additive to be used with a given base fluid supply without requiring the entire base fluid supply to be used or consumed in a mixed state. The remaining base fluid supply may remain unmixed and used for other applications, such as with other flavors or supplements. The additive delivery system enables more efficient use of the additive and base fluid.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an additive delivery system may incorporate a cartridge system and provide for adjustable additive flow and adjustable mixing of additive with a base fluid as the base fluid flows through the additive delivery system. A user may move the adjustment actuator to cause a corresponding adjustment of a valve member incorporated into the additive delivery system. The valve member may comprise a metering member which may have a tapered portion which cooperates with a mixing nozzle having a correspondingly shaped seat to provide precise control of the additive flow. Movement of the user's adjustment actuator causes the metering member to move in a precise manner to increase or decrease the flow of additive that occurs as the base fluid is dispensed through the cartridge. Indicia may be included to indicate to the user the extent of additive flow and mixing. This feature permits the user to achieve a desired and repeatable mixing ratio of the additive to the base fluid.

According to another aspect, an additive delivery system may utilize a cartridge system that provides improved flow geometry that enhances mixing of an additive and a base fluid as they flow from a cartridge. Such flow geometries may comprise a central flow member for the additive and a flow member for circumferential or radial displacement of the base fluid. The flow geometry may also include one or more convergence zones in the additive flow path. Such flow geometries may also be used in conjunction with one or more agitation or turbulence generating elements incorporated into the dispensing spout downstream of the mixing region in the cartridge assembly to further enhance mixing of the additive with the base fluid prior to use or consumption. Such flow geometries and stirring or turbulence generating elements provide for thorough mixing of the additive with the base fluid.

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

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

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

Drawings

The above and other attendant advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters designate like elements throughout. It is to be understood that the description and examples are intended as illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

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

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

FIG. 3 is an exploded lower perspective view of the example cartridge assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the example cartridge assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example additive conditioning actuator, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the example additive flow regulating actuator of FIG. 5.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken in the plane a-a in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken in plane B-B of fig. 6.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the example additive flow regulating actuator of FIG. 5.

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

FIG. 11 is a top view of the example additive flow metering insert of FIG. 10.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken in the plane a-a in fig. 11.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the example additive flow metering insert of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example mixing nozzle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 is a top view of the mixing nozzle of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken in plane a-a of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an example cartridge cap base, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18 is a top view of the example cartridge cover base of fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view in plane a-a of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a bottom view of the example cartridge cover base of fig. 17.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an example flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 22 is a top view of the flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout of fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a side view of the flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout of fig. 21.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled additive delivery system cartridge assembly according to an example of an aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example beverage dispensing system utilizing an example additive delivery system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The bottle 10 may include a bottle cap 20 for sealing the interior space of the bottle 10. Threads integrally molded on bottle 10 mate with internal threads molded on bottle cap 20 to provide a sealed securement between the two components. Handle 24 may be molded into cap 20 and an umbrella check valve or vent (not shown in fig. 1) may be provided in cap 20 in a known manner to reduce or eliminate vacuum inside the bottle and prevent the base fluid from leaking out of the vent when the base fluid is dispensed from the vent. The lid 20 includes a cartridge receiving opening 22 having a threaded fastener formed on an outer surface thereof for receiving an additive delivery system, such as the example additive delivery system, also referred to herein as a cartridge, generally designated 100 in fig. 1.

2-4, which are exploded views of an example cartridge assembly providing an additive delivery system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the system may include a plurality of components that are assembled in a generally stacked arrangement using a snap-fit or threaded connection that facilitates quick assembly, as will be described in greater detail below. The component may comprise a cartridge cover comprising an additive flow regulating actuator 200, the additive flow regulating actuator 200 cooperating with a cartridge cover mount 250 and mounted for limited rotational movement relative thereto. The additive flow regulating actuator may comprise a dispensing spout and a push-pull closure 230 mounted thereon for selectively permitting and preventing the mixed fluid from flowing out of the cartridge. Disposed between the additive flow regulating actuator 200 and the cartridge cap base 250 is an additive flow metering member 300 that cooperates with a mixing nozzle 350. The annular unidirectional base fluid flow seal element 320 provides unidirectional flow of base fluid through the cartridge to prevent backflow, as will be described. The reservoir assembly containing the pouch reservoir spout 400, the reservoir (see fig. 21 and 23), and the protective housing 500 may be secured to the mixing nozzle 350, and thus to the lid base 250, as will be explained. The pouch may be a flexible pouch containing a supply of additive and secured to the pouch reservoir spout 400 in sealed engagement. The reservoir assembly may be secured within the cartridge cover base 250 using snap-fit or other fastening elements (e.g., threaded fasteners or friction fasteners) and also mated to the mixing nozzle 350 in a manner to be explained. A reservoir guard housing 500, which may be a cage or solid wall (shown) lid, may be snap-fit to the flange of the pouch reservoir spout 400 to protect the inner flexible reservoir bag containing the additive. The reservoir housing 500 and the reservoir bag may be made of transparent or translucent materials to permit a user to view and identify the nature of the additive supply. Details regarding each of the above-described example components and their cooperative relationships will now be described.

Referring now to fig. 5-9, an example additive flow regulating actuator 200 is shown. This component may include a body portion 202 having an actuation tab 204 to enable a user to rotate the actuator 200. The spout portion 206 extends upwardly from the body portion 202 and provides for the flow of mixed fluid from the cartridge. The spout portion 206 and may include an integral retaining ring 208 formed in a top portion thereof for retaining a push-pull lid (fig. 2-4) thereon. A circular protrusion 210 is positioned on top of the spout 206 and is supported by three spoke members 212. The protrusion 210 serves to provide a seal with the push-pull cap 230 (fig. 2-4) and to provide agitation or turbulence as the mixed fluid exits the cartridge. A plurality of axially extending guide rails 216 are defined inside the spout portion 206 and define guide channels therebetween that mate with and guide complementary shaped elements on the additive flow metering member 300 (fig. 2-4), as will be explained. A window or aperture 218 is defined in the body portion to enable a user to view adjustment settings indicative of the relative position of the actuator 200 and the associated additive flow level. Indicia 220 may be provided on the actuator 200 as a molded element to indicate the direction of the added additive (flavoring agent) or base fluid (water). A pair of grooves 222 may be provided in the body portion 202 to facilitate molding of the actuator 200. As will be explained, the retention tabs 224 and the outer and inner

annular walls

226, 228 provide mating and rotational engagement and support of the actuator 202 with the cartridge cover mount 250.

Referring additionally to fig. 10-13, these figures illustrate details of an example additive flow metering component 300 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The metering member may be provided as a generally cylindrical member having a cylindrical body portion 302 and a tapered metering protrusion or member 318 (fig. 12). An annular additive flow passageway 312 is defined on the additive flow metering member 300. A plurality of

protrusions

306 and 310 are defined on the outer surface of the body portion 302 and define a guide channel 308. These elements mate with tracks and channels defined in the actuator 200, as described above with reference to fig. 5-9), permitting the member 300 to move axially (up/down) in guided mating relationship with the actuator 200, but also rotating the member 300 with the actuator 200. A generally annular additive flow passageway 312 is defined between the body portion 302 and the tapered metering element 318 to permit additive to flow through the components. The metering element 318 defines a metering surface 314 (fig. 12) that cooperates with a surface on the mixing nozzle 350 (fig. 2-4) to provide precise flow control of the additive flowing through the cartridge. The metering member 300 includes internal threads 316 that mate with threads on the mixing nozzle 350 to provide axial movement of the metering surface 314 relative to a mating surface on the mixing nozzle 350 as the member 300 is rotated relative to the mixing nozzle 350. A shoulder 319 (fig. 12) is defined in an upper region of the conical element 318 to provide a food-safe seal when the conical element is in a closed and sealed position within the mixing nozzle 350. The shoulder may deform to promote a tight seal. A positive locking projection 321 (fig. 13) extends radially inwardly on a lower portion of the member 300. This protrusion cooperates with the detent channel (368 in fig. 14) to provide positive interlocking of the part 300 within the mixing nozzle 350 during assembly and packaging operations, and to positively indicate that the part 300 has been installed (rotated) onto the mixing nozzle in a consistent and predetermined position, wherein the part 300, by means of the shoulder 319 and tapered surface 314, then provides a standard food safety grade seal with the mixing nozzle 350.

Fig. 14-16 illustrate details of an example mixing nozzle 350 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The mixing nozzle 350 may include a generally cylindrical body portion 352 having a flat region 353 to facilitate proper orientation and alignment within a complementary shaped recess in the lid base 250 during assembly. Extending upwardly from the body portion 352 is a generally circular raised snap-fit projection 354 including a rounded edge for permitting sealing and snap-fit engagement with a mating portion of the cartridge cover base 250 (fig. 2-4 and 24). A plurality (in this case four) of base fluid ports 358 are defined in the mixing nozzle 350 to permit base fluid flow and at least partially define a base fluid flow path through the mixing nozzle 350 and the cartridge 100. A mixing nozzle stem 360 extends upwardly from the snap-fit projection 354 and includes integral threads 362 on an outer surface thereof. The mixing nozzle stem 360 defines at least a portion of an additive flow path through the internal mixing nozzle additive flow channel 363. A seal retaining ring 364 is formed on a lower portion of the mixing nozzle spout 360 for securing an inner end of the annular unidirectional base fluid flow seal 320 (fig. 2-4 and 24) in place. As best seen in fig. 16, the additive flow channel 363 is defined in part by an upper tapered inner surface 365, the upper tapered inner surface 365 being complementarily shaped with a tapered protrusion on the additive flow metering member 300 to define an adjustable metering zone through which the additive flows. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the flow geometry of the example mixing nozzle 350 may include: a lower tapered surface 367 defining a first focused additive flow zone; a middle cylindrical or slightly flared inner surface 369 defining a second flow region extending to an upper tapered surface 365 that partially defines the metering region. Applicants have found that the characteristics of this flow geometry provide for advantageous flow and mixing of the additive with the base fluid. As described above, the detent channel 368 is defined by projections 366 and 368 (fig. 14) on the lower portion of the stem 360 to provide a positive interlocking interaction with the metering component 300 to provide a food safety level seal when the metering component 300 is screwed onto the metering nozzle in an initial assembly operation. A plurality of reservoir spout retaining arms 374 having snap-fit projections 372 formed on the ends thereof may be formed on the lower portion of the mixing nozzle to secure the upper ends of the reservoir spouts within the cartridge assembly (see fig. 24). The lower annular wall 378 provides a channel 380 for receiving an end of the reservoir spout for additional sealing engagement. As will be appreciated, the example mixing nozzle 350 defines a base fluid flow path represented by arrow "B" in fig. 16 and 24 and an additional flow path represented by arrow "a" in fig. 16 and 24, recognizing that the cross-sectional view in fig. 16 shows ports 358 represented in dashed (hidden) lines. More specifically, the additive flow path is defined by a central or axially positioned passageway, while the base fluid flow path includes a passageway disposed outwardly from a central location that at least partially surrounds the additive fluid flow path. This flow geometry provides advantageous mixing and flow characteristics.

Fig. 17-20 illustrate details of an example cartridge cover base 250 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The base cap 250 includes a generally cylindrical internally threaded base portion 254 and a generally annular raised indicator portion 252 having a contoured upper surface with indicia 258 for indicating to a user the additive mix level. The position of the marker 258 is such that the selected marker appears within a window in the additive flow regulating actuator. The indicator portion 252 fits within a channel formed on the underside of the additive flow regulating actuator 200 (see fig. 24). The cap base contains an annular seat 272 for the outer edge of the base flow check valve 320 and an annular snap-fit ridge 274 for retaining the mixing nozzle 300 (see fig. 24). The lid base contains an annular groove with a flat area (fig. 20) for ensuring that the mixing nozzle is mounted in the correct orientation with respect to the lid base. A plurality of ribs extend radially inwardly to support the annular wall.

Fig. 21-23 show details of a flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The spout 400 may include a stem portion 402 defining an internal additive flow passageway. The first flange 404 may be provided with a slot for receiving the reservoir retaining arm 374 of the mixing nozzle 300. A snap-fit ridge or ring (fig. 24) is formed on the lower portion of the stem 402 and mates with an internal ridge on the lower portion of the mixing nozzle. Second and

third flanges

406 and 408 extend from the stem 402 for use by the automatic filling apparatus. A series of flanges on the spout may also be used in the cartridge assembly operation, where the housing 500 is snap-fit onto a first one of the flanges during a first assembly operation, and then moved upward to snap-fit onto the next higher flange in a second assembly operation. The flange may also provide an additional sealing interface with a corresponding ridge defined on the interior of the housing, the reservoir being filled with the automated device. The bottom flange 410 provides a snap fit within the housing or cage 50. The pouch reservoir is shown in fig. 21-23 in a flat, unfilled state. As will be appreciated, when filled with the additive, the pouch may assume a cylindrical shape and fit within the housing 500. The pouch may be secured to the fastening adapter portion 412 of the reservoir spout 400 by heat welding or other fastening techniques to seal the pouch walls to the pouch reservoir spout 400.

Fig. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembled additive delivery system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. In this figure, the additive metering valve is shown in a closed position. Typically, assembly may include first inserting and snap-fitting the metering valve 350 into place on the cartridge cap base 250. In the next step, the one-way sealing valve 320 is placed on the mixing nozzle 350 and fitted on the retaining ridge and placed on the outer ring of the cover base. Next, the additive flow metering insert 300 is screwed onto the mating threads on the mixing nozzle 350 and positioned in the proper rotational orientation. The additive conditioning actuator 200 is then inserted onto the cartridge cap base in proper alignment with the additive flow metering insert. The additive adjustment actuator 200 is retained on the lid base by a retaining tab 224 (fig. 7-9) and is rotatable relative to the lid base to enable selection of the additive level and relative position of the metering member 300. Push-pull cap 230 may then be placed over the cartridge assembly. The pouch reservoir spout and pouch reservoir are then snap-fit into the mixing nozzle lower portion.

In operation, the additive flow regulating actuator may rotate relative to the lid base 250. This rotation also causes rotation of the metering insert 300 relative to the mixing nozzle 350, resulting in a slight axial, i.e., upward or downward, movement of the insert 300 by the mating threads between the insert 300 and the nozzle 350. Axial movement of the metering insert 300 causes the additive to flow through the variation in the metering area between the tapered portion of the insert 300 and the corresponding surface on the mixing nozzle 350. As the base fluid flows into the cartridge assembly, this action causes the additive to flow and the base fluid to mix with the appropriate amount of additive as determined by the rotational position of the additive flow regulating actuator due to pressure changes within the base fluid container, i.e., from squeezing the flexible bottle and/or by suction applied by the user during consumption, and/or tipping or tilting. The additive flow path is shown by arrow "a", it being recognized that because the metering element 300 is in the fully closed position in this figure, arrows "a" are adjacent, wherein flow would occur in the metering portion of this figure. The base fluid flow path is generally shown by arrow "B", and it will be appreciated that flow will occur at the interface of the sealing element 320 and the annular seat 272 of the cap base 250, rather than at the exact location of arrow "B" proximate that area.

The present disclosure also contemplates rigid or semi-rigid reservoir structures that provide vacuum resistance when an additive is dispensed therefrom.

The components may be made using injection molding or other known techniques using thermoplastics, such as food grade polypropylene or similar materials. Other materials, such as stainless steel or other food-grade or non-food-grade materials are also contemplated by the present disclosure.

It should be understood that other variations and modified embodiments of various aspects of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific examples described herein. It is therefore contemplated to cover by the present invention any and all modifications, variations or equivalents. For example, while the metering function of the additive delivery system has been described using conical metering components or elements, other structures may be used, such as flow control elements utilizing gate or ball valves or other components that provide for adjustment of the metering region and flow passageway based on user movement of the actuator. Additionally, while snap fittings for the components have been described, it should be appreciated that other fastening structures or techniques may be used, such as threaded or screw fittings, friction fittings or adhesives or welding techniques.

Claims

1. An additive delivery system, comprising:

a lid base for securing the additive delivery system to a base fluid container,

a mixing nozzle in mating connection with the cap base and providing a base fluid flow path and an additive flow path, the mixing nozzle additive flow path including a mixing nozzle additive passageway extending centrally through the mixing nozzle from a reservoir receiving end of the mixing nozzle to an opposite metering end of the mixing nozzle, wherein the mixing nozzle additive passageway includes a first metering surface near the metering end of the mixing nozzle, the mixing nozzle further including at least one mixing nozzle base fluid passageway through the mixing nozzle providing the base fluid flow path, the base fluid flow path being separate from the additive flow path such that base fluid and additive flow in separate paths through the mixing nozzle;

a metering member engaging the mixing nozzle, the metering member having a second metering surface that defines a variable flow passageway with a first metering surface;

an additive adjustment actuator that engages the lid base for movement relative thereto, the additive adjustment actuator also engaging the metering component such that movement of the additive adjustment actuator causes the second metering surface to move relative to the first metering surface;

and

a reservoir assembly receiving structure disposed on the reservoir receiving end of the mixing nozzle for receiving a reservoir assembly containing an additive.

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

3. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein said metering member comprises at least one guide channel arranged to guide movement of said metering member relative to said additive regulator.

4. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the mixing nozzle additive passageway extends centrally and axially within the mixing nozzle, and wherein the at least one base fluid passageway is disposed radially outward relative to the mixing nozzle additive passageway.

5. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the second metering surface comprises a tapered surface that cooperates with the first metering surface to define the variable flow passageway.

6. The additive delivery system of claim 5, wherein said first metering surface is a tapered surface.

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

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

9. The additive delivery system of claim 8, wherein said additive reservoir assembly comprises a housing at least partially surrounding said reservoir.

10. The additive delivery system of claim 9, wherein said housing snap-fits with said reservoir spout.

11. The additive delivery system of claim 1 wherein said mixing nozzle comprises a first conical portion for converging an additive stream.

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

13. The additive delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a backflow prevention structure disposed in said base fluid flow path.

14. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein said first metering surface is a tapered surface.

15. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the mixing nozzle additive passageway defines a lower tapered surface (367), the lower tapered surface (367) forming a first converging additive flow zone.

16. The additive delivery system of claim 1, wherein the first metering surface is a tapered surface, and wherein the mixing nozzle additive passageway defines a lower tapered surface (367), the lower tapered surface (367) forming a first converging additive flow zone.

17. A method of mixing a base fluid with an additive, comprising:

securing an additive delivery system to a base fluid container containing a stored base fluid supply, the additive delivery system including an additive supply and a mixing nozzle having a mixing nozzle additive passageway extending centrally through the mixing nozzle from a reservoir end to a metering end and providing an additive flow path, wherein the mixing nozzle additive passageway includes a first metering surface proximate the metering end, the mixing nozzle further including at least one base fluid passageway through the mixing nozzle providing a base fluid flow path that is separate from the additive flow path;

dispensing the base fluid from the container and causing the base fluid to flow through the at least one base fluid flow path;

dispensing an additive through the additive passageway and keeping base fluid flow and additive flow separate within the mixing nozzle as the base fluid flows through the at least one base fluid flow path;

mixing the additive with the base fluid as a portion of the base fluid flows from the container;

wherein the step of mixing the additive with the base fluid is performed without mixing additive with the stored base fluid supply in the container.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising mixing additive from a flexible reservoir in communication with the additive flow path.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising preventing backflow of base fluid by a one-way seal disposed in a base fluid flow path.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of removing the additive delivery system from the container and replacing it with a second additive delivery system having another additive.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of protecting the flexible reservoir with a housing.

22. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of adjusting a flow rate of an additive mixed with the base fluid with an additive adjustment actuator on the additive delivery system.

23. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of adjusting the flow rate of an additive mixed with the base fluid by adjusting a conical metering element.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein the first metering surface is a tapered surface, the method further comprising the step of adjusting the flow rate of the additive mixed with the base fluid by adjusting a tapered metering element relative to the first metering surface.

25. The method of claim 17, wherein the mixing nozzle additive passageway defines a lower tapered surface (367), the lower tapered surface (367) forming a first focused additive flow zone, the method further comprising the step of converging the flow of the additive in the first focused additive flow zone.

26. The method of claim 17, wherein the first metering surface is a tapered surface, and wherein the mixing nozzle additive passageway defines a lower tapered surface (367), the lower tapered surface (367) forming a first focused additive flow zone, the method further comprising the steps of adjusting a tapered metering element relative to the first metering surface and converging the flow of the additive in the first focused additive flow zone.