Condiment dispensing nozzle apparatus and method

Abstract

The nozzle of the present invention has an internal chamber, condiment input and discharge ports in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an extension downstream of the condiment discharge port. Preferably, the internal chamber has a flow disrupter taking the form of a funnel-shaped end portion adjacent to the condiment discharge port. The internal chamber is preferably elongated and has a larger cross section than the spout to which the nozzle is connected to reduce condiment pressure and flow speed entering the nozzle. Condiment pressure can also be reduced in the internal chamber by other types of flow disrupters: protrusions extending from the internal chamber walls into the condiment flow and/or by an insert received within the internal chamber. At the funnel-shaped end portion, condiment flow adjacent to the internal chamber side walls is preferably diverted toward the discharge port to generate crossflow and turbulence, further reducing condiment pressure and force. The condiment discharge port is defined by one or more apertures preferably selected based upon the type of condiment dispensed to prevent drips between condiment dispenses. Preferably, the nozzle extension surrounds the condiment discharge port and is a skirt defining a discharge recess. Laterally-exiting condiment from the condiment discharge port is preferably diverted by the extension to prevent condiment splatter on the user and surroundings. The extension also hides condiment buildup and dangling condiment, partially encloses such condiment from the surrounding environment, and protects such condiment from contamination.