Condiment dispensing apparatus, system, and methods of use
In one aspect, a cartridge for containing condiment is provided. The cartridge includes a body having an inner substantially cylindrical surface for containing a fluid. The body has a first end defining an opening. The cartridge includes a plunger disposed within the body that is configured to slide axially within the body and to force fluid within the body toward the opening of the body. The cartridge includes a valve within the opening sealing the fluid within the body and permitting the fluid to exit the body.
1 . A cartridge for containing condiment, the cartridge comprising:
a body having an inner substantially cylindrical surface for containing a fluid, the body having a first end defining an opening;
a plunger disposed within the body and configured to slide axially within the body to force fluid within the body toward the opening;
a valve within the opening sealing the fluid within the body and permitting the fluid to exit the body, the valve including a sealing flap engaging a sealing post of the body positioned within the opening of the body to form a fluid tight connection therebetween, the sealing flap configured to be moved from the sealing post to permit fluid to be withdrawn through the valve.
2 . The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the first end is configured to be removably secured to a cartridge receiver of a condiment dispenser.
3 . The cartridge of claim 2 wherein the first end includes at least one locking slot configured to receive a corresponding protrusion of the condiment dispenser to secure the cartridge to the condiment dispenser.
4 . The cartridge of claim 3 wherein the at least one locking slot is two or more locking slots, the cartridge being rotated relative to the condiment dispenser to position corresponding protrusions of the condiment dispenser within the two or more locking slots.
5 . The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the plunger includes at least one seal configured to extend between a body of the plunger and the inner substantially cylindrical surface of the body.
6 . He cartridge of claim 1 wherein the plunger is positioned axially within the body and having a first seal and a second seal spaced apart axially to maintain an orientation of the plunger within the body, the first and second seals extending radially from the plunger to the inner substantially cylindrical surface of the body.
7 . The cartridge of claim 1 wherein the plunger includes a substantially frustoconical nose corresponding to a substantially conical face of the first end.
8 . A cartridge for receiving a condiment pouch, the cartridge comprising:
a body including a first portion and a second portion coupled together via a hinge, the first portion configured to be secured to the second portion to inhibit the first portion from moving substantially relative to the second portion about the hinge and to form an opening at a first end of the body;
an adapter configured to be positioned within the opening and including a first end having a piercing portion for insertion into a pouch containing condiment and a second end for connection to a fluid inlet of a condiment dispenser, a channel extending from the first end to the second end through the adapter, a removable panel to permit access to the channel, a body having a side opening, the panel including an insertion portion configured to be positioned within the side opening of the body when the panel is attached to the body, the adapter including a valve sealing fluid within the adapter and permitting fluid to be withdrawn from the adapter.
9 . The cartridge of claim 8 wherein the adapter includes a body that extends obliquely relative to a central axis of the body of the cartridge.
10 . The cartridge of claim 8 wherein the valve is a one-way valve inhibiting fluid from entering the adapter at the second end.
11 . The cartridge of claim 8 wherein the adapter includes a body having an attachment skirt at the second end, the valve removably attached to an interior surface of the attachment skirt of the adapter body.
12 . The cartridge of claim 11 wherein the valve includes a sealing flap engaging a sealing protrusion of the adapter body when the valve is attached to the adapter body to form a fluid tight connection therebetween, the sealing flap configured to be moved from the sealing protrusion to permit fluid to be withdrawn through the adapter.
13 . The cartridge of claim 8 wherein the first portion of the body includes a tab having a hook and the second portion of the body includes a ridge, wherein the hook of the tab is snapped to the ridge to secure the first portion to the second portion.
14 . A cartridge for receiving a condiment pouch, the cartridge comprising:
a body including a first portion and a second portion coupled together via a hinge, the first portion configured to be secured to the second portion to inhibit the first portion from moving substantially relative to the second portion about the hinge and to form an opening at a first end of the body;
an adapter configured to be positioned within the opening and including a first end having a piercing portion for insertion into a pouch containing condiment and a second end for connection to a fluid inlet of a condiment dispenser, a channel extending from the first end to the second end through the adapter, the adapter including a valve sealing fluid within the adapter and permitting fluid to be withdrawn from the adapter; and
a pouch holder mounted to a second end of the body opposite the first end and configured to suspend at least a portion of the condiment pouch,
wherein the body includes a receiver and the pouch holder includes a buckle insertable into the receiver to reversibly secure the pouch holder to the body.
15 . The cartridge of claim 14 wherein the pouch holder includes a claw having a first plate and a second plate to clamp a portion of a condiment pouch therebetween.