DISPOSABLE INGREDIENT POUCH WITH REUSABLE DISPENSING CAP

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a disposable pouch containing an ingredient. The disposable pouch includes a nozzle for dispensing the ingredient. A reusable cap can be attached to the nozzle. The reusable cap includes a valve and a stand. When the stand is placed on a surface, the stand can orient the disposable pouch with the nozzle facing downward. The stand can include an aperture aligned with the valve to prevent the stand from inhibiting flow of the ingredient from the valve. The stand can space the valve apart from the surface when the stand is placed on the surface. This may prevent the valve from contacting the surface and becoming contaminated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/756,416, filed on Feb. 10, 2025 and titled “DISPOSABLE INGREDIENT POUCH WITH REUSABLE DISPENSING CAP,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to ingredient dispensing devices. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, this disclosure relates to an ingredient pouch with a reusable dispensing cap.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of ingredients (e.g., syrups, sauces, mixers, and drizzles) can be incorporated into beverages such as coffee, tea, or other specialty drinks to enhance their flavor, texture, or visual appeal. These ingredients may be dispensed into the beverage from plastic squeeze bottles or storage containers. In some instances, the ingredients may be artfully drizzled or layered over the top of the beverage to create decorative patterns or to introduce a specific flavor profile that complements the drink. In other cases, these ingredients play a more integral role, serving as essential mixing components that contribute to the overall structure, balance, and/or complexity of the beverage, transforming its taste or character to align with the desired recipe.

SUMMARY

One example of the present disclosure includes a system comprising a disposable pouch containing an ingredient. The disposable pouch includes a nozzle for dispensing the ingredient. The system also comprises a reusable cap configured to removably attach to the nozzle. The reusable cap can include a valve and a stand. The stand can be configured to be placed on a surface and orient the disposable pouch with the nozzle facing downward. The stand can include an aperture aligned with the valve to prevent the stand from inhibiting flow of the ingredient from the valve. The stand can be configured to space the valve apart from the surface when the stand is placed on the surface.

Another example of the present disclosure includes a method performed at an end-use location for a disposable pouch. The disposable pouch contains an ingredient. The method can include receiving the disposable pouch from a distributor. The method can include attaching a reusable dispensing cap to a nozzle of the disposable pouch. The method can include positioning the disposable pouch, in a nozzle-side down orientation, over an edible item. The method can include squeezing the disposable pouch to dispense the ingredient through a valve of the reusable dispensing cap toward the edible item. The method can include placing the disposable pouch with the reusable dispensing cap onto a surface. An integrated stand of the reusable dispensing cap can maintain the disposable pouch in the nozzle-side down orientation and spaces the valve apart from the surface. The method can include detaching the reusable dispensing cap from the nozzle of the disposable pouch. The method can include discarding the disposable pouch. The method can include attaching the reusable dispensing cap to another disposable pouch containing the ingredient or another ingredient.

Yet another example of the present disclosure can include a reusable dispensing cap for a pouch. The pouch has an ingredient. The reusable dispensing cap can comprise a body that includes a valve and a connection element. The connection element can be configured to mate with a corresponding connection element of the pouch. The reusable dispensing cap can also comprise a stand spaced apart from the body by an arm. The stand can include an aperture aligned with the valve to prevent the stand from inhibiting flow of the ingredient from the valve. The stand can be configured to space the valve apart from a surface when the stand is placed on the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an example of a reusable dispensing cap attached to an ingredient pouch, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an example of a reusable dispensing cap removed from an ingredient pouch, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of an example of a reusable dispensing cap, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of an example of an ingredient pouch with multiple support members, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of an example of a valve arrangement for a reusable dispensing cap, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of another example of a valve arrangement for a reusable dispensing cap, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of an example of a stand design for a reusable dispensing cap, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another example of a stand design along with a removable valve section for a reusable dispensing cap, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the stand design of FIG. 8 in which the removable valve section is attached, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an example of a process for using a reusable dispensing cap with an ingredient pouch, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the beverage industry, ingredients are commonly dispensed into a beverage from a reusable plastic bottle that has a single dispensing nozzle. Once the bottle is empty, it is normally refilled from a pre-filled package of the ingredient. Refilling the bottle typically involves unscrewing the cap of the plastic squeeze bottle, cleaning the squeeze bottle, opening the package (e.g., by tearing or cutting it with a scissor), pouring the ingredient from the package into the plastic squeeze bottle, screwing back on the bottle's cap, and throwing away the package. This process is slow and significantly diverts time away from customer service and beverage preparation. Refilling the squeeze bottle also often results in waste, especially if the ingredients are viscous like caramel or chocolate. Viscous ingredients can be difficult to fully extract from packages because they stick to the package's walls. As a result, 10% or more of the package's content may be thrown away because it is too difficult or time consuming to extract.

Additionally, reusable squeeze bottles are designed to sit upright on a countertop. In that position, they have a single dispensing nozzle that faces upwards. These factors necessitate extra steps for usage-e.g., the user must pick up the bottle off the counter, rotate it upside down, dispense the ingredient through the nozzle, rotate the bottle right-side-up, and place it back down on the counter. These additional steps increase preparation time and place strain on the user's wrist, particularly when performed dozens or hundreds of times a day, contributing to fatigue and ergonomic challenges.

The single dispensing nozzle of a typical squeeze bottle also complicates beverage decoration. Creating a drizzle pattern requires repetitive wrist movements to guide the bottle back and forth, slowing preparation and adding to physical strain. Furthermore, this method relies heavily on the user's skill to produce visually appealing and consistent patterns, making it difficult to replicate specific designs efficiently.

Some examples of the present disclosure can overcome one or more of the abovementioned problems by providing an ingredient pouch paired with a reusable dispensing cap. The ingredient pouch is pre-filled with the ingredient at a fill location before being delivered to an end-use location, such as a store, restaurant, or café. During transport to the end-use location, the pouch's nozzle may be sealed by a protective covering, such as aluminum foil or a cap. At the end-use location, the protective covering can be manually removed or automatically punctured by the dispensing cap when the dispensing cap is attached to the pouch.

The pouch features a nozzle configured to easily connect to the reusable dispensing cap, for example via a threaded connection, snap fitting, or compression fit. The nozzle of the pouch may include additional features to enhance its usability, such as a circumferential ridge or groove for snap-fit connections. These features can provide a secure fit between the pouch and the reusable cap while ensuring easy attachment and detachment. By attaching directly to the pre-filled pouch, the dispensing cap ensures that no ingredient is wasted during transfer, as no pouring is required, and the pouch is fully utilized.

The dispensing cap has one or more self-sealing valves, which can be configured to dispense precise amounts of the ingredient or create specific stream patterns. This can simplify beverage preparation and decoration. For example, the valves may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and/or spatially arranged) to dispense a consistent amount of the ingredient, ensuring uniformity in beverage preparation. Additionally or alternatively, the valves can be configured to produce specific visual patterns, enabling users to create decorative designs with minimal effort. The valve configurations can include various shapes, such as cross-slits, linear slits, or other patterns. These designs allow the valves to control the shape and flow of the ingredient streams, enabling the creation of intricate drizzle patterns or uniform layers of ingredients This functionality reduces preparation time, minimizes fatigue, and enhances ergonomics by allowing users to quickly and consistently achieve desired results.

In some examples, there can be different dispensing caps with varied valve configurations that can be used for specific purposes, such as dispensing a precise ingredient quantity or creating intricate drizzle patterns. This can give users greater versatility and control. For example, one reusable cap might feature a circular valve arrangement for evenly distributed drizzle patterns, while another might feature a linear valve arrangement for creating parallel lines or specific decorative effects. Multiple reusable caps with different valve configurations that can be interchangeably used with the pouch during the preparation one or more beverages, enabling the creation of unique mixes and/or decorative designs with ease.

The dispensing cap may also include a built-in stand mechanism that holds the pouch in an inverted (nozzle-down) position when placed on a surface, such as a table or countertop. This design allows gravity to assist in the ingredient's flow and eliminates the need for the user to manually flip/rotate the pouch during use. By reducing these repetitive motions, the stand mechanism significantly improves preparation efficiency, decreases physical strain, and enhances overall ergonomics during beverage creation. The stand can also space the valve apart from the surface, which may prevent the valve from contacting the surface and becoming contaminated. For example, the stand can include arms or flanges that extend downwardly from the body of the dispensing cap, providing stability and ensuring the nozzle does not touch the surface. In some examples, the stand includes an open area aligned with the valve to prevent interference with ingredient flow.

To use the system, a user at an end-use location receives the pouch from a distributor (e.g., the manufacturer or other entity). The user also receives the dispensing cap from a distributor, which may or may not be the same as the distributor of the pouch. The user then attaches the dispensing cap to the pouch's nozzle. During this attachment process, the dispensing cap may puncture a seal of the pouch. Holding the pouch nozzle-side down, the user then squeezes the pouch, applying pressure to push the ingredient through the nozzle and into the dispensing cap. The ingredient then exits through the dispensing cap's self-sealing valves, forming one or more streams directed toward (e.g., into or onto) a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The valves can be designed to open only when pressure is applied to the pouch, ensuring precise control over the flow of the ingredient and preventing leaks when the pouch is not in use. After use, the user can place the pouch nozzle-side down onto a surface such as a countertop, with the dispensing cap's integrated stand keeping it in an inverted position and ready for the next use. This eliminates the need to rotate or reposition the pouch during subsequent operations, unlike conventional squeeze bottles. When the pouch is empty or substantially empty, the user simply detaches the dispensing cap, discards the used pouch, and attaches the dispensing cap to a new pre-filled pouch. The new pouch may or may not have the same ingredient as the prior pouch.

In some examples, the pouch may include structural supports to maintain its shape and structural integrity during use. For instance, the pouch can be reinforced with one or more rigid plastic strips and/or contain enclosed air pockets that provide added rigidity. These features prevent the pouch from collapsing or deforming as it is emptied, ensuring that it remains easy to handle and operate even when nearing depletion. For example, the supports can prevent the pouch from collapsing or bending over itself, ensuring ease of handling even when the pouch is nearly empty. The supports may run along the lateral sides of the pouch. Additionally or alternatively, the supports may run along other portions of the pouch, such as the entire perimeter of the pouch.

Although various examples are described herein with respect to beverages, it will be appreciated that the system described herein may be used for preparing other types of edible products, such as food items. Examples of such food items can include baked goods, desserts, or savory foods. Additionally, although various examples are described herein with respect to a liquid ingredient, it will be appreciated that the system described herein may be used with semi-liquid or dry ingredients. Examples of such dry ingredients can include powders (e.g., powdered sugar or cocoa powder), sprinkles, or spices. Further, although various examples are described herein with respect to a pouch, it will be appreciated that the reusable dispensing cap described herein may be used in conjunction with other types of ingredient containers, such as bottles, tubes, or cannisters.

This introduction is provided to give the reader a general sense of the subject matter discussed herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe various additional features and examples with reference to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements, but should also not be used to limit the present disclosure.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-2 together, shown are cross-sectional side views of an example of an ingredient pouch 100 and a reusable dispensing cap 102, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The ingredient pouch 100 can be formed from one or more flexible materials, such as rubber or plastic. This can allow a human user to manually compress (e.g., squeeze) the pouch 100 to expel the ingredient from the pouch 100. In some examples, the pouch's materials may be biodegradable or otherwise recyclable to reduce environmental impact. For example, at least a majority of the ingredient pouch 100 can be formed from a recyclable material. In some examples, the ingredient pouch 100 is disposable, in that the ingredient pouch 100 is intended to be used until empty or substantially empty and then disposed of, rather than refilled.

The ingredient pouch 100 may be designed (e.g., sized and shaped) to be gripped and squeezed with one hand for easy operation. For instance, the ingredient pouch 100 may be designed with an hour-glass profile shape to enhance grip and ergonomics. Alternatively, the pouch 100 may have other profiles, such as rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, or pear-shaped, to optimize ergonomic handling and storage efficiency. The pouch 100 can be flexible yet robust enough to allow for easy squeezing without tearing, even when nearing depletion.

In some examples, the ingredient pouch 100 may be gusseted. A “gusset” can be a foldable or expandable flap or panel that is designed to increase the pouch's stability and/or carrying capacity. A gusset may provide additional space by expanding when the pouch 100 is filled. The gusset may also enhance the pouch's structural integrity or stability, allowing it to maintain its shape when placed upright or in use. The pouch 100 can include one or more gussets integrated into its sides, bottom, or corners to achieve these functional advantages.

The ingredient pouch 100 can be pre-filled with an ingredient. The ingredient can be a liquid ingredient, a semi-liquid ingredient, or a dry ingredient. Examples of the ingredient can include caramel, chocolate syrup, marshmallow syrup, frosting, salad dressing, yogurt, peanut butter, applesauce, sour cream, cheese sauce, or barbecue sauce. The ingredient may be viscous. For example, the ingredient may have a viscosity of 400 centipoise (cp) or more.

In some examples, the pouch 100 may arrive from a distributor sealed with a foil layer or other protective cover to maintain freshness and prevent contamination during transport. The protective cover may be removed (e.g., manually) before attaching the dispensing cap 102 to the ingredient pouch 100. Alternatively, the protective cover may be punctured by a puncturing device, which may or may not be part of the dispensing cap 102, to access the ingredients inside. When the puncturing device is part of the dispensing cap 102, the protective cover may be punctured upon attachment of the dispensing cap 102 to the ingredient pouch 100. For example, the dispensing cap 102 may have a puncturing device, such as a pointed protrusion, that is positioned to puncture an aluminum-foil protective cover of the nozzle 200 upon attachment of the dispensing cap 102 to the ingredient pouch 100.

The ingredient pouch 100 can include a bottom end 106 and a top end 108. The bottom end 106 can be sealed closed, for example through heat sealing or an adhesive, so that the ingredient is retained in the pouch 100. The top end 108 can include a nozzle 200 for dispensing the ingredient from the ingredient pouch 100. The nozzle 200 can include a connection element, such as an external thread or circumferential ridge, designed to align with the complementary connection element of the reusable dispensing cap 102 for secure attachment. For example, the nozzle 200 may have a threaded connector, a snap-fit connector, a press-fit connector, or another connection element for use in attaching the ingredient pouch 100 to the dispensing cap 102. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle 200 and dispensing cap 102 have corresponding threaded connectors. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle 200 and dispensing cap 102 have corresponding press-fit connectors. In other examples, other types of connection elements may additionally or alternatively be used.

The dispensing cap 102 is designed to be removably attached to the ingredient pouch 100, in that the dispensing cap 102 is intended to be removed from the ingredient pouch 100 and retained for subsequent use with another ingredient pouch when the ingredient pouch 100 is discarded (e.g., because it's substantially empty). In some examples, the dispensing cap 102 may also be formed from biodegradable or otherwise recyclable material, even though it is intended for reuse rather than one-time use, to further lessen the environmental impact.

The dispensing cap 102 includes a body 204. The body 204 can include the connection element (e.g., threaded connector, press-fit connector, etc.) for attaching the dispensing cap 102 to the nozzle 200. The body 204 may have a circular shape, rectangular shape, oval shape, or another shape.

The body 204 can include a valve section 118 that includes one or more valves 202a-b. The ingredient can be dispensed from the pouch 100 through the valves 202a-b, as represented in FIG. 1 by dashed lines, toward an edible item. The valves 202a-b can be arranged in a particular spatial arrangement that is designed to achieve a particular flow pattern or flow volume of the ingredient in the pouch 100. In some examples, the valves 202a-b can be self-sealing. For example, the valves 202a-b can automatically seal shut when pressure is removed from the pouch 100. This may prevent leaks and contamination of the ingredient in the pouch 100.

The valves 202a-b can have valve openings that include various designs, such as cross-slits, snowflake-shaped openings, or linear slits, to produce unique ingredient flow patterns. The valves 202a-b may also be recessed within the dispensing cap 102 to prevent accidental dispensing or contamination when the dispensing cap 102 is not in use.

In some examples, the dispensing cap 102 can include a stand formed from at least one stand member 114. The stand member 114 can be attached to the body 204 of the dispensing cap 102, for example be one or more arms 112. The arms 112 can extend away from the body 204 of the dispensing cap 102. For example, the arms 112 can extend away from a periphery of the body 204 in an axial direction. The axial direction may be the direction of use, as represented by dashed arrow 120. The stand can be configured to hold the ingredient pouch 100 in an inverted position, with the nozzle 200 facing down, when the stand is placed on a surface. This inverted position is also referred to herein as a “nozzle-side down” orientation. The stand can space the valves 202a-b apart from the surface to ensure that the valves 202a-b do not touch the surface, reducing contamination risk. The stand may include a ring, multiple arms, flanges, and/or other stand members that provide stability to the pouch and prevent tipping.

In some examples, the stand member 114 can have one or more apertures, such as aperture 116. The one or more apertures can be configured to allow the ingredient to flow from the one or more valves 202a-b through the stand. If there are multiple apertures and multiple valves, each of the apertures may be aligned with a corresponding valve, so that the ingredient streams emitted from the valves are unimpeded by the stand. For instance, each aperture-and-valve pair can share a respective central axis, so that an ingredient stream from the valve flows through the aperture. The aperture can be sized so that the ingredient stream does not contact the edge of the aperture or otherwise inhibit the flow.

In some examples, the dispensing cap 102 may exclude a lid altogether. In these examples, the valves 202a-b can be directly exposed to the surrounding environment throughout the operation of the pouch 100. This open design allows for quick use and facilitates easy cleaning, since a lid need not be removed prior to use or cleaning.

As noted above, in some examples, the stand member 114 may be ring shaped. The ring shape may be a partial ring or a complete ring. The ring shape can have a central aperture (e.g., aperture 116) for allowing the ingredient to pass through the stand uninhibited. One example of this ring shape is further shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing cap 102 can include a valve section 118 with one or more valves 202a-b. The dispensing cap 102 can also include a ring-shaped stand member 114 with a central aperture 302. The central aperture 302 allows an ingredient from the valves 202a-b to pass through the stand member 114, without contacting the stand member 114.

The outer diameter of the ring-shaped stand member 114 may be the same as, or different from, the outer diameter of the body 204 of the dispensing cap 102. For instance, the outer diameter of the ring-shaped stand member 114 may be larger than the outer diameter of the body 204 of the dispensing cap 102, which may improve the stability of the system.

As will be described in greater detail later, the stand can have other shapes, configurations, and/or aperture arrangements in other examples. For instance, the stand may include segmented support members (e.g., flanges or arms) that extend outward from the dispensing cap's body, creating an open area around the valves 202a-b to ensure unhindered ingredient flow. In some examples, the stand may include angled or pronged designs to further enhance stability on uneven surfaces.

Continuing with FIGS. 1-2, in some examples the ingredient pouch 100 can include one or more support members 110a-b. The support members 110a-b can be configured to improve the structural integrity of the pouch 100. Thus, the support members 110a-b may have a significantly higher rigidity (e.g., stiffness) than the surrounding material of the pouch 100.

The support members 110a-b can include a solid material, a liquid, or a gas. For example, the support members 110a-b may include a rigid strip made from plastic or metal, a liquid pocket that includes water, or a gas pocket that includes air. The support members 110a-b can be co-molded into the pouch's material, insert molded, or extruded into the pouch's structure. The support members 110a-b can form ridges or air pockets that provide both stability and flexibility during use. When a support member 110a includes a liquid such as water, it may be frozen to help keep the ingredient cold during transport.

In some examples, the pouch 100 may include support members 110a-b of different types. For instance, support member 110a may be a rigid plastic strip and support member 110b may be a gas pocket. Additionally or alternatively, the support members 110a-b may be different lengths and/or shapes relative to one another.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the support members 110a-b can be positioned on the lateral sides of pouch 100. In these examples, support member 110a can be positioned on a first lateral side of the pouch 100 and support member 110b can be positioned on a second lateral side of the pouch 100, where the second lateral side is opposite to the first lateral side. Support members may additionally or alternatively be positioned in other locations on the pouch 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a third support member 110c can be positioned at or near the lateral center of the pouch 100. In some examples, the third support member 110c can be vertically offset (in a direction along the central longitudinal axis 206) relative to the other support members 110a-b. This may improve the structural integrity of the pouch 100 when the pouch 100 is nearly depleted.

The support members 110a-c can extend along a longitudinal length of the pouch 100. In some examples, support members 110a-c can span a majority of the longitudinal length of the pouch 100. For instance, the support members 110a-c can span 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or more of the longitudinal length of the pouch 100. The support members 110a-c can each have a rectangular, oval shape, or other shape.

In some examples, the support members 110a-c may extend from the sealed bottom end of the pouch 100 to the neck of the pouch 100, ensuring that the pouch 100 maintains its upright shape when placed on a surface. For instance, each of the support members 110a-c can have at least one curved end, such as curved ends 210a-b. The curved ends may be proximate to the top end 108 of the pouch 100 and/or the bottom end 106 of the pouch. For example, support member 110a may have a first curved end proximate to the top end 108 of the pouch 100, a second curved end proximate to the bottom end 106 of the pouch 100, or both. Each of the curved ends can have a curved shape that bends inwardly toward the lateral center (e.g., toward the central longitudinal axis 206) of the pouch 100. For example, support member 110b can have a curved end 210b that bends inwardly from an outer periphery of the pouch 100 toward the nozzle 200. Each of the curved ends may follow a corresponding contour of the pouch 100.

Turning now to FIG. 5, as noted earlier, the valve section 118 of the dispensing cap can include any number and spatial arrangement of valves, such as valves 502a-c. For instance, the valves 502a-c may be arranged in a circular pattern, triangularly, in a rectangular grid, or in a swirl pattern, depending on the desired decorative or functional effect. The dispensing cap may also support interchangeable valve sections, allowing users to customize the valve arrangement to meet different application needs.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the dispensing cap has three valves 502a-c arranged in a line, though in other examples the valves 502a-c can have a different spatial arrangement. For instance, the valves 502a-c may be arranged circularly, triangularly, or in a swirl pattern to create various decorative effects when dispensing ingredient. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the valves 502a-c are also configured to produce different stream shapes from one another. In particular, valve 502a has a first opening shape (~) that creates a first ingredient stream shape, valve 502b has a second opening shape (−) that creates a second ingredient stream shape, and valve 502c has a third opening shape (+) that creates a third ingredient stream shape. This linear spatial arrangement of valves 502a-c, along with their different stream shapes, may produce a particular decorative design. Of course, other stream shapes and configurations of stream shapes are possible. For instance, in other examples, some or all of the valves 502a-c may be configured to produce the same stream shape as one another.

In some examples, a combination of larger and smaller valve openings may produce thicker or thinner drizzle lines, respectively, for enhanced customization. The system can dispense ingredients such as syrups, sauces, or drizzles with varying viscosities, and the ability to produce intricate decorative patterns makes the system especially advantageous for use in cafés, bakeries, and restaurants.

FIG. 6 shows another spatial arrangement of valves 602a-f in the valve section 118 of the dispensing cap. In this example, the valves 602a-f are oriented circularly around a central axis (denoted by the dashed X) of the valve section 118. For example, the valves 602a-c can be spaced equidistantly around the center point of the valve section 118. This circular arrangement of valves 602a-f can create evenly spaced drizzle lines, which may be useful for creating uniform patterns on whipped cream, frosting, or other toppings.

The valves 602a-f can have the same or different opening shapes as one another. In this example, valves 602a, 602c, 602d, and 602f have a first opening shape. Valve 602b has a second opening shape. Valve 602e has a third opening shape. The first, second, and third opening shapes are different from one another. This spatial arrangement of valves 602a-f, along with their different opening shapes, may produce a particular decorative design. Including valves with openings of varying shapes and sizes within the same arrangement makes it possible to dispense lines of varying shapes and thicknesses simultaneously in a single operation.

Although the valves 602a-f are all co-planer and oriented in the same direction in FIG. 6, in other examples at least two of the valves 602a-f may not be co-planer and/or may not be oriented in the same direction. For example, a first valve may point in a direction that is parallel to a central longitudinal axis 206 (shown in FIG. 2) of the pouch 100, a second valve may point in a second direction that is at a 45 degree (°) angle relative to the central longitudinal axis 206, and a third valve may point in a third direction that is at a 25° angle relative to the central longitudinal axis 206. Thus, in some examples, at least two of the valves 602a-f may point in different directions relative to one another and/or may be positioned on different planes relative to one another. This multi-directional valve arrangement can assist in decorating multiple areas of a beverage or food item simultaneously, reducing preparation time. In some examples, such a multi-directional valve arrangement can be particularly advantageous for applications requiring coverage of larger or irregularly shaped surfaces, such as decorating multiple areas of a dessert simultaneously or applying ingredients to the interior walls of a beverage cup. By reducing manual movement, this configuration can also improve preparation efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.

Turning now to FIG. 7, as explained earlier, the dispensing cap 102 can have different stand designs in different examples. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the stand can be formed from at least a first stand member 114a and a second stand member 114b coupled to the body 104 of the dispensing cap 102 by a first arm 112a and a second arm 112b, respectively. The arms 112a-b can extend away from the body 204 of the dispensing cap 102 in an axial direction and/or a radial direction (e.g., the direction of the lateral axis 208). The stand members 114a-b can be arranged in various shapes, such as semi-circular, rectangular, or pronged configurations, to provide stability when the dispensing pouch is placed on a surface in an inverted position. Such variations in the stand member design can also allow the dispensing cap 102 to be adapted for different container shapes or specific use cases, enhancing the system's versatility. The stand designs can also ensure that the valves remain elevated above the surface, preventing contamination and facilitating clean, efficient dispensing.

For example, the body 104 can have one or more valves (e.g., valve 202) in a first plane 704, which may be perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis 702 of the dispensing cap 102. The first stand member 114 and/or second stand member 114b can have distal edges that are located in a second plane 706, which may be perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 702 of the dispensing cap 102. The second plane 706 can be spaced apart from the first plane 704 by a gap 708. This gap 708 can keep the one or more valves separated from a surface upon which the dispensing cap 102 is placed. In this arrangement, the valves are recessed relative to the second plane.

In some examples, the first stand member 114a may extend from the distal end of the arm 112a inwardly toward, or outwardly away from, the central longitudinal axis 702 of the dispensing cap 102. Additionally or alternatively, the second stand member 114b may extend from the distal end of the arm 112b inwardly toward, or outwardly away from, the central longitudinal axis 702 of the dispensing cap 102. In some examples, the first stand member 114a may be tapered toward or away from the central longitudinal axis 702. Additionally or alternatively, the second stand member 114b may be tapered toward or away from the central longitudinal axis 702.

In some examples, the first stand member 114a and/or second stand member 114b may have a semi-circular peripheral shape, a rectangular peripheral shape, or a square peripheral shape. The first stand member 114a and/or second stand member 114b can be shaped and sized to prevent them from inhibiting ingredient flow from the one or more valves 202 of the dispensing cap 102.

Another example of a stand design is shown in FIG. 8. In this example, the stand includes three stand members 802a-c extending away from the body 204 of the dispensing cap 102 in axial and radial directions, relative to the central longitudinal axis 206 (shown in FIG. 2). The three stand members 802a-c can extend radially outwardly from a periphery of the body 204, which can help stabilize the stand when the stand is placed on a surface. In other examples, more or fewer arms may be used.

Also shown in this example is an arrangement in which the valve section 118 is removable from the body 204. This may improve the ability to clean the body 204 and valves 804. In some such examples, the valves 804 and/or valve section 118 may be formed from silicone, plastic, or other materials that are easily cleanable. Additionally, the removable valve section 118 may allow for interchangeable valve sections (with different valve configurations) to be used with the same dispensing cap.

The body 204 may include a connection mechanism for attaching the removable valve section 118. In this example, the connection mechanism includes apertures 806 for receiving corresponding valves 804 when the valve section 118 is inserted into the body 204, which may produce a press-fit connection. But other connection mechanisms, such as a snap-fit connection mechanism, may be used in other examples. An example in which the valve section 118 is attached to the body 204 is shown in FIG. 9 at 900.

Referring now to FIG. 10, shown is an example of a process for using an ingredient pouch 100 and a reusable dispensing cap 102 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Other examples may involve more steps, fewer steps, different steps, or a different sequence of steps than is shown in FIG. 10. The steps of FIG. 10 are described below with reference to the components of FIGS. 1-2 described above. Some or all of the operations of FIG. 10 may be performed by one or more users at an end-use location for the pouch 100, such as a café, bakery, or store.

In block 1002, an ingredient pouch 100 is received from a first distributor, such as an entity that manufactures and/or pre-fills the ingredient pouch 100. When received from the first distributor, the pouch 100 is already pre-filled with one or more ingredients. The pouch 100 is pre-filled at a fill location prior to arrival at the end-use location. The fill location may be a manufacturing facility or other location that is remote from the end-use location.

In block 1004, a reusable dispensing cap 102 is received from a second distributor, such as an entity that manufactures the reusable dispensing cap 102. The second distributor may be the same as, or different from, the first distributor. The reusable dispensing cap 102 can include a valve section 118 with one or more valves 202a-b that are prearranged in a particular spatial orientation. In some examples, the valve section 118 may be removably coupled to a body 204 of the dispensing cap 102, such that the valve section 118 can be selectively removed from the body 204 for maintenance, cleaning, or other purposes. The reusable dispensing cap 102 may also include a stand formed from one or more stand members, such as stand members 114a-b, 802a-c.

In block 1006, the reusable dispensing cap 102 is attached to a nozzle 200 of the ingredient pouch 100. This may simultaneously puncture a protective cover over the nozzle of the ingredient pouch 100. The reusable dispensing cap 102 can be attached to the nozzle 200 through a press fit, a threaded coupling, a snap-fit coupling, etc.

In block 1008, the ingredient pouch 100 is positioned, in a nozzle-side down orientation, over an edible item such as a drink or food item.

In block 1010, the ingredient pouch 100 is compressed (e.g., squeezed). This compression pressure causes the ingredient pouch 100 to dispense its one or more ingredients through the one or more valves of the reusable dispensing cap 102 toward the edible item (e.g., onto or into the edible item). In some examples, the ingredients can be drizzled or dripped onto a topper (e.g., whipped cream) for a beverage.

In block 1012, the ingredient pouch 100 with the reusable dispensing cap 102 is placed on a surface, such as a countertop or shelf. When placed on the surface, the stand of the reusable dispensing cap 102 can maintain the ingredient pouch 100 in the inverted (nozzle-side down) orientation. The stand can also space the one or more valves apart from the surface, which can prevent contamination.

In some examples, blocks 1008-1012 can be repeated for the same edible item or additional edible items, as represented in FIG. 10 by the solid arrow extending from block 1012 to block 1008. Thus, the ingredient pouch 100 with the reusable dispensing cap 102 can be repeatedly picked up from the surface, operated to dispense the one or more ingredients onto an edible item, and placed back on the surface.

In block 1014, the reusable dispensing cap 102 can be detached from the nozzle 200 of the ingredient pouch 100. For example, the reusable dispensing cap 102 can be unscrewed from the nozzle 200 of the ingredient pouch 100.

In block 1016, the ingredient pouch 100 is discarded. For example, it may be thrown away in a garbage bin or recycling bin. In some examples, the ingredient pouch 100 can be disposable. For instance, the ingredient pouch 100 may be designed to be thrown away or recycled after depletion, rather than refilled.

In block 1018, the reusable dispensing cap 102 is attached to another ingredient pouch, which may contain the same ingredient(s) or different ingredient(s) from the previous ingredient pouch 100. The process may then return to block 1008 and repeat with the new ingredient pouch, as represented in FIG. 10 by the dashed arrow extending from block 1018 to block 1008.

The foregoing description of certain examples, including illustrated examples, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features described and shown with respect to one figure may also be applied to the examples described and shown with respect to other figures. Additionally, various examples may be combined together to yield further examples.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a disposable pouch containing an ingredient, wherein the disposable pouch includes a nozzle for dispensing the ingredient; and

a reusable cap configured to removably attach to the nozzle, the reusable cap including a valve and a stand, the stand being configured to be placed on a surface and orient the disposable pouch with the nozzle facing downward, wherein the stand includes an aperture aligned with the valve to prevent the stand from inhibiting flow of the ingredient from the valve, and wherein the stand is configured to space the valve apart from the surface when the stand is placed on the surface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the valve is positioned in a first plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the reusable cap, the aperture is positioned in a second plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reusable cap, and wherein a gap between the first plane and the second plane spaces the valve apart from the surface when the stand is placed on the surface.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the reusable cap includes a body containing the valve, and wherein the stand includes at least one stand member that is spaced apart from the body.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the stand member is ring shaped and coupled to the body of the reusable cap by an arm.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the stand is formed from multiple stand members protruding away from the reusable cap in an axial direction.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the reusable cap includes a plurality of valves prearranged in a valve pattern.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the valve pattern includes at least three valves spatially arranged in a line.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the valve pattern includes at least three valves spaced around a central axis of the reusable cap.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the disposable pouch includes at least one support member extending along a longitudinal length of the disposable pouch.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the disposable pouch includes at least two support members extending along the longitudinal length of the disposable pouch, the at least two support members being positioned on opposite sides of the disposable pouch.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one support member includes a gas pocket.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one support member includes a rigid solid material.

13. A method performed at an end-use location for a disposable pouch, the disposable pouch containing an ingredient, the method comprising:

receiving the disposable pouch from a distributor;

attaching a reusable dispensing cap to a nozzle of the disposable pouch;

positioning the disposable pouch, in a nozzle-side down orientation, over an edible item;

compressing the disposable pouch to dispense the ingredient through a valve of the reusable dispensing cap toward the edible item;

placing the disposable pouch with the reusable dispensing cap onto a surface, wherein an integrated stand of the reusable dispensing cap maintains the disposable pouch in the nozzle-side down orientation and spaces the valve apart from the surface;

detaching the reusable dispensing cap from the nozzle of the disposable pouch;

discarding the disposable pouch; and

attaching the reusable dispensing cap to another disposable pouch containing the ingredient or another ingredient.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the edible item is a first edible item, and further comprising, after placing the disposable pouch onto the surface:

lifting the disposable pouch off the surface in the nozzle-side down orientation;

compressing the disposable pouch to dispense the ingredient through the valve of the reusable dispensing cap toward a second edible item; and

placing the disposable pouch with the reusable dispensing cap onto the surface again in the nozzle-side down orientation.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the reusable dispensing cap is a first reusable dispensing cap, and further comprising:

removing the first reusable dispensing cap from the disposable pouch;

attaching a second reusable dispensing cap to the disposable pouch, wherein the second reusable dispensing cap has a second valve configuration that is different from a first valve configuration of the first reusable dispensing cap; and

compressing the disposable pouch to dispense the ingredient through the second valve configuration of the second reusable dispensing cap toward the edible item.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the reusable dispensing cap punctures a protective covering over the nozzle of the disposable pouch when the reusable dispensing cap is attached to the disposable pouch.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the reusable dispensing cap is configured to removably attach to the nozzle, the reusable cap including the valve and the integrated stand, the integrated stand being configured to be placed on the surface and orient the disposable pouch with the nozzle facing downward, wherein the integrated stand includes an aperture aligned with the valve to prevent the stand from inhibiting flow of the ingredient from the valve, and wherein the integrated stand is configured to space the valve apart from the surface when the stand is placed on the surface.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the disposable pouch includes at least one support member extending along a longitudinal length of the disposable pouch.

19. A reusable dispensing cap for a pouch, the reusable dispensing cap comprising:

a body that includes a valve and a connection element, the connection element being configured to mate with a corresponding connection element of the pouch, and the valve being configured to dispense an ingredient of the pouch; and

a stand spaced apart from the body by an arm, the stand including an aperture aligned with the valve to prevent the stand from inhibiting flow of the ingredient from the valve, wherein the stand is configured to space the valve apart from a surface when the stand is placed on the surface.

20. The reusable dispensing cap of claim 19, wherein the valve is positioned in a first plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the reusable dispensing cap, the aperture is positioned in a second plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reusable dispensing cap, and wherein a gap between the first plane and the second plane spaces the valve apart from the surface when the stand is placed on the surface.