Patent Publication Number: US-2023152138-A1

Title: Self-dosing measuring cap for a liquid container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/168,075, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,435,213, filed on Feb. 4, 2021, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/578,939, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,942,052, filed on Sep. 23, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/233,646, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,444,049, filed on Dec. 27, 2018, the contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In many scenarios, it may be important to reliably and consistently measure a particular volume of liquid. For example, when measuring liquid laundry detergent (e.g., for use in a laundry washing machine), it is helpful to ensure an appropriate amount of laundry detergent is used. When too little liquid detergent is used, the user may not obtain the desired level of cleanliness. When too much liquid detergent is used, some of the liquid detergent is unnecessarily wasted and may even damage the clothing and/or washing machine during the laundry cycle. Some users visually estimate the amount of liquid detergent while pouring the liquid into a washing machine reservoir, but such visual estimation tends to be inaccurate. Other users approach this problem by using a measuring cup to portion out a desired amount of liquid detergent. However, pouring detergent into a measuring cup is messy, inconvenient, and time-consuming. Thus, there is a need for a system, apparatus, and method to improve the ease and accuracy of dispensing a predetermined quantity of a liquid. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments, a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid comprises a reservoir mountable to the container so as to be in fluidic communication with the container. The reservoir may comprise an inlet and an outlet. When mounted to the container, the reservoir may be configured to measure a predetermined quantity of liquid while in first orientation and to simultaneously dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid from the outlet and receive a refilling quantity of liquid through the inlet while in a second orientation that is angled relative to the first orientation above a threshold angle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 - 6    are various external views of a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid, according to an embodiment.  FIG.  1    is a perspective view of the system in a locked configuration.  FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the system in an unlocked configuration.  FIGS.  3  and  4    are front and rear views, respectively, of the system in an unlocked configuration.  FIGS.  5  and  6    are top and bottom views, respectively, of the system in an unlocked configuration. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIGS.  1 - 6    in an exploded configuration. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a container of the system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is a front view of the container of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom view of an upper housing of the system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view taken along a first cross-section of the upper housing of 
         FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view taken along a second cross-section of the upper housing of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a side of the reservoir shown in  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a top of the reservoir shown in  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  15    is perspective view of the reservoir shown in  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  17    are a perspective view of a cross-section of a portion of the system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  18    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of  FIG.  1    without the upper housing or the cap. 
         FIG.  19    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of  FIG.  1    in the assembled, unlocked configuration. 
         FIG.  20    is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the system of  FIG.  1    in an assembled, unlocked configuration and containing a predetermined quantity of liquid in the reservoir. 
         FIGS.  21  and  22    are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  23  and  24    are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  25  and  26    are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  27 - 29    are a front view, a top view, and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of a system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  30    is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  31    is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  32    is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  33    is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  34    is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  35    is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  36    is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  37    is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  38    is a front view of a system having a handle, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In some embodiments, a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid comprises a reservoir mountable to the container so as to be in fluidic communication with the container. The reservoir may comprise an inlet and an outlet. In some embodiments, the reservoir may comprise a second inlet. When mounted to the container, the reservoir may be configured to measure a predetermined quantity of liquid while in first orientation and to simultaneously dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid from the outlet and receive a refilling quantity of liquid through the inlet while in a second orientation that is angled relative to the first orientation above a threshold angle. In some embodiments, the predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined at least in part by the location of the inlet relative to a reservoir bottom. 
     In some embodiments, the outlet of the reservoir may be disposed at an end of a tubular member extending away from a reservoir bottom. The tubular member may comprise at least a partial flange disposed proximate the inlet of the reservoir. 
     The system may further comprise a cover disposed over the reservoir. The system may further comprise an annular space defined between the reservoir and the cover, wherein the reservoir is in fluidic communication with the container via the annular space. The system may further comprise a spout having an opening aligned with the outlet of the reservoir. The spout may comprise a double-lipped edge. The opening may be off-center. The opening and the inlet may be on opposite sides of a midplane of the reservoir. 
     In some embodiments, a system for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid comprises a reservoir mountable to the container so as to be in fluidic communication with the container. The reservoir may comprise an inlet and an outlet. In some embodiments, the reservoir may comprise a second inlet. When mounted to the container, the reservoir may be configured to measure a predetermined quantity of liquid while in an upright orientation and to simultaneously dispense the predetermined quantity of liquid from the outlet and receive a refilling quantity of liquid through the inlet while in a rotated orientation that is angled relative to the upright orientation. In some embodiments, the predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined at least in part by the location of the inlet relative to a reservoir bottom. 
     In some embodiments, the outlet of the reservoir may be disposed at an end of a tubular member extending away from a reservoir bottom. The tubular member may comprise at least a partial flange disposed proximate the inlet of the reservoir. 
     The system may further comprise a cover disposed over the reservoir. The system may further comprise an annular space defined between the reservoir and the cover, wherein the reservoir is in fluidic communication with the container via the annular space. The system may further comprise a spout having an opening aligned with the outlet of the reservoir. The spout may comprise a double-lipped edge. The opening may be off-center. The opening and the inlet may be on opposite sides of a midplane of the reservoir. 
     In some variations, the system is used to store, measure, and dispense a liquid laundry detergent from a container. However, one or more features of the system may additionally or alternatively be used to store, measure, and/or dispense any suitable liquid. For example, the reservoir described herein may be combined with other containers and/or dispensers to enable self-measurement of a predetermined amount of liquid. 
       FIGS.  1 - 6    are various external views of a system  100  for dispensing liquid from a container holding a liquid. Specifically,  FIGS.  1  and  2    are a perspective view of a system  100  in a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, respectively.  FIGS.  3  and  4    are a front view and a rear view of the system  100  in the unlocked configuration.  FIGS.  5  and  6    are a top view and a bottom view of the system  100  in the unlocked configuration, respectively. As shown, the system  100  includes a container  110 , an intermediate portion  120 , and an upper housing  130 . 
     The intermediate portion  120  may include an annular ring  121  and a handle  124  coupled to the annular ring  121 . However, in some variations the intermediate portion  120  may omit a handle, and/or a handle may be coupled to the container  110 , and the upper housing  130 , or any suitable portion of the system. An indicator mark  122  may be disposed on the annular ring  121 , though in some variations the indicator  112  may be disposed on the container  110 . The indicator mark  122  may be a tactile feature such as, for example, a notch such as a recess, or a raised feature. The indicator mark  122  alternatively may be an etching or decal. The upper housing  130  may include a first indicator  132  and a second indicator  134 . The upper housing  130  is rotatable relative to the intermediate portion  120  and the container  110  between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. When in the locked configuration, the system  100  may be prevented from dispensing liquid. When in the locked configuration, the system  100  may be able to dispense a predetermined quantity of liquid per pouring action (e.g., per inversion or sufficient rotation of the system  100 ). The first indicator  132  may be aligned with the indicator mark  122  when the system  100  is in the locked configuration. The second indicator  134  may be aligned with the indicator mark  122  when the system  100  is in the unlocked configuration. As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the first indicator  132  may be a graphic icon depicting a lock symbol, while the second indicator  134  may be a graphic icon depicting an unlocked symbol. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second indicators may include text (e.g., “LOCK”, “UNLOCK”, “L”, “U”) and/or other suitable representative symbols (e.g., a filled circle representing a lock setting, unfilled circle representing an unlocked setting), etc. Like the indicator mark  122 , the first indicator  132  and second indicator  134  may be a tactile feature such as a notch or raised feature, or may be an etching or decal. In variations in which the indicator mark  122 , first indicator  132 , and/or second indicator  134  includes a tactile feature, the tactile feature may enable a user to detect through feel alone whether the system  100  is in the unlocked or locked configuration. 
     In some variations, the intermediate portion  120  may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid plastic that is formed, for example, through injection molding or any suitable process. 
     The upper housing  130  may include a spout  136 . As shown, for example, in  FIG.  2   , the spout  136  may define an opening  134 . Generally, the spout  136  may include a linearly or arcuately sloping surface configured to guide liquid being poured out of the opening  134  (e.g., when the system  100  is rotated or tilted) and/or guide residual liquid back into the reservoir when the system  200  is restored upright. The spout  136  may include a double-lipped edge. For example, the spout  136  may include a first lip  131  and a second lip  133 . A groove  135  may be defined between the first lip  131  and the second lip  133 . The groove  135  may be defined so as to capture at least some residual liquid and substantially preventing the residual liquid from dripping over an exterior of the upper housing  130 . The groove  135  may be defined such that, when residual liquid is disposed between the first lip  131  and the second lip  133  (e.g., after being poured from the spout  132 ) and the system  100  is in an upright orientation, the residual liquid may flow under force of gravity into the opening  134 . For example, the groove  135  may be generally arcuate and terminate at one or more of its ends at the sloping surface of the spout  136 . In some variations, the upper housing  130  may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid plastic that is formed, for example, through injection molding or any suitable process. 
       FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a portion of the system  100  in an exploded configuration. As shown, the system  100  includes a reservoir  140 , an intermediate portion  120 , a cap  150 , and an upper housing  130 . The reservoir  140  defines a first inlet  142 A and a second inlet  142 B. The reservoir  140  also includes a tubular member  148  defining an outlet  144 . Although the reservoir  140  is shown and described as having a first inlet  142 A and a second inlet  142 B, in some embodiments the reservoir  140  may include only one inlet, or three or more inlets. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the intermediate portion  120  includes a cover  126  extending upward from the annular ring  121 . The cover  126  is configured (e.g., shaped and sized) such that the cover  126  may be disposed within an interior of the upper housing  130  when the system  100  is in an assembled configuration. The upper surface of the cover  126  includes a receiving surface  125 . The receiving surface  125  defines an opening  123 . The cover  126  defines an interior (not shown) which is configured to receive the reservoir  140  such that the outlet  144  of the reservoir  140  is aligned with the opening  123  of the receiving surface  125 . 
     The cap  150  defines an opening  152 . The cap  150  is configured to engage with the receiving portion  125  of the intermediate portion  120  such that the opening  152  of the cap is aligned with the opening  123  of the receiving surface  125 . The receiving surface  125  and the cap  150  may define a number of complementary mating features. For example, the receiving surface  125  may include a number of circular or partially circular (e.g., semi-circular) grooves configured to mate with a number of circular or partially circular (e.g., semi-circular) ridges formed in the bottom surface of the cap  150 . In some variations, the cap  150  may function as a bearing surface on which an inner feature or portion of the upper housing  130  rotates (e.g., when transitioning between the unlocked and locked configurations). 
     The upper housing  130  may be configured to be coupled to the intermediate portion  120  via any suitable coupling feature. For example, the upper housing  130  and the intermediate portion  120  may each include corresponding coupling features such that the upper housing  130  may be rotationally coupled to the intermediate portion  120 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the intermediate portion  120  may include at least one groove  127  configured to receive mating tabs  128  (shown in  FIGS.  10 -  12   ) of the upper housing  130 . The intermediate portion  120  may be configured to be coupled to the container  110  via any suitable coupling feature. For example, the intermediate portion  120  and the container  110  may each include corresponding mating threads such that the intermediate portion  120  may be screwed into engagement with the container  110 . 
     When the system  100  is in an assembled and unlocked configuration, the outlet  144  of the reservoir  140  may align with the opening  123  of the cover  126 , the opening  152  of the cap  150 , and the opening  134  of the upper housing  130  such that liquid may flow from the reservoir  140 , through the opening  123 , through the opening  152 , through the opening  134 , and from the spout  136 . For example, the outlet  144 , the opening  123 , the opening  152 , and the opening  134  may be coaxial in at least one configuration of the system (e.g., the unlocked configuration). The opening  134  may be off-center or offset from a longitudinal axis of the upper housing  130 , such that the opening  145  may be toggled between alignment and misalignment with one or more other openings in fluidic communication with the contents of the container  110 , via rotation, translation, and/or other movement. For example, the system  100  may be transitioned from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration via rotating the upper housing  130  relative to the intermediate portion  120  such that the opening  134  of the upper housing  130  is rotated out of alignment with the opening  152  of the cap  150 . In the locked configuration, the opening  134  may instead be aligned with, or blocked by, a portion of the upper surface of the cap  150 . In some variations, the system  100  may further include one or more detents, such as at least one detent corresponding to the unlocked configuration and/or at least one detent corresponding to the locked configuration. Such detents may, for example, enable the upper housing  130  to “click” or otherwise provide tactile feedback confirming the unlocked or locked configuration. One or more detents may be formed via mating features an interface between the upper housing  130  with the intermediate portion  120  and/or the cap  150 , for example. 
     Furthermore, as shown, for example, in  FIGS.  10 - 12   , the upper housing  130  may include an interior region  137  defined by an internal wall such that any liquid that may flow through the opening  152  when the assembly  100  is in the locked configuration may be contained within the interior region  137 . Accordingly, the unlocked configuration may function as an “open” configuration enabling dispensing of the container contents out the opening  134 , and the locked configuration may function as a “closed” configuration substantially preventing dispensing of the container contents out the opening  134 . For example, the locked or “closed” configuration may be used when storing or transporting the system  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the handle  124  may include an inner handle portion  124 A and an outer handle portion  124 B. The outer handle portion  124 B may be coupled to the annular ring  121  of the intermediate portion  120  via any suitable coupling method or mechanism. For example, the outer handle portion  124 B may be formed monolithically with the annular ring  121 . The inner handle portion  124 A may be coupled to the outer handle portion  124 B via any suitable coupling method or mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the inner handle portion  124 A may be overmolded over the outer handle portion  124 B. The inner handle portion  124 A may be made of a different material than the outer handle portion  124 B. For example, the inner handle portion  124 A may include silicone or other suitable material, while the outer handle portion  124 B may be made of a suitable rigid or semi-rigid plastic. The handle  124  may include frictional features to improve grip and reduce the risk of a user dropping the system when handling the system. For example, the handle  124  may include ridges, bumps, or other raised features. Additionally or alternatively, the handle  124  (e.g., inner handle portion  124 A) may include a highly frictional material such as silicone. 
       FIGS.  8  and  9    are a perspective view and a side view of the container  110 , respectively. As shown, the container  110  may have a tapered outer profile. For example, the container  110  may have a generally frustoconical shape. Additionally, the container  110  may include at least one thread  112  configured to mate with a corresponding thread or threads of the intermediate portion  120 . The container  110  defines an opening  114  through which liquid may flow into and out of the container  110 . One or more sealing mechanisms, such as an  0 -ring or gasket, may be included at the interface between the container  110  and the intermediate portion  120  to help reduce risk of fluid leak. In some variations, the container  110  may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid polymer (e.g., acrylic) or glass, and may be formed through injection molding, turning, or any suitable manufacturing process. The container  110  may be translucent or transparent, which may, for example, enable a user to view and monitor the volume of liquid in the container  110 . Furthermore, in some variations the container  110  may include one or more liquid volume indicator markings and/or text (e.g., “MAX”) that may be indicate to a user the extent to which the container can be filled (e.g., to ensure proper self-dosing operation of the reservoir, to avoid spillage, etc.). Additional graduated markings in the container may indicate additional discrete volume measurements. Such indicator markings may, for example, be etched or embossed in the surface of the container  110 , or may be part of a label or decal that is affixed to the container  110 . In some variations, a bottom surface of the container  110  may include a relatively frictional surface to increase stability of the container  110  on a storage surface. For example, a bottom surface of the container  110  may include silicone or another suitable frictional material. 
       FIGS.  10 - 12    are various views of the upper housing  130 . Specifically,  FIG.  10    is a bottom view of the upper housing  130 .  FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view taken along a first cross-section of the upper housing  130 .  FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view taken along a second cross-section of the upper housing  130 , the second cross-section being perpendicular to the first cross-section. As shown in  FIGS.  10 - 12   , the upper housing  130  includes four mating tabs  128 . The mating tabs  128  project toward a central axis of the upper housing  130  and are configured to be received by the groove  127  of the intermediate portion  120  such that the upper housing  130  may be rotated relative to the intermediate portion  120 . In some variations, one of more of the mating tabs  128  may, for example, form part of a detent mechanism as described above. 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    are perspective views of a side and a top of the reservoir  140 , respectively.  FIG.  15    is a side view of the reservoir  140 , with some interior portions of the reservoir  140  shown with dashed lines. As described above, the reservoir  140  includes a first inlet  142 A, a second inlet  142 B, and tubular member  148  defining an outlet  144 . The reservoir  140  may include a flange  149  disposed proximate the first inlet  142 A and the second inlet  142 B. In other variations, the reservoir  140  may include fewer (one) or more (three or more) separate inlets. The first and second inlets of the reservoir  140  may be sized and shaped to allow a sufficient volume of liquid to flow into the reservoir when the reservoir is assembled into the system and tipped (e.g., in a pouring maneuver). Furthermore, the inlets of the reservoir may be angularly distributed around the side wall of the reservoir  140 , so as to allow liquid to flow into the reservoir from multiple angles. For example, generally, the inlets may be arranged in a row and collectively span an angle range of up to about 180 degrees or less. For example, as shown in  FIG.  13   , the inlets  142 A and  142 B may collectively span an angle of about 90 degrees so as to generally form a window of a 90 degree arc length (aside from the non-open distance between adjacent inlets), thereby allowing some liquid to enter the reservoir along about a 45 degree arc length window on one side of the handle, and allowing some liquid to enter the reservoir along about a 45 degrees arc length window on the other side of the handle. The inlets may collectively span other windows (e.g., 120 degrees, 60 degrees, 30 degrees, etc.) so as to allow flow of liquid into the reservoir from a wider or narrow variety of tilting angles. 
     As may be seen in  FIG.  15   , the reservoir  140  has a reservoir bottom  146 . The tubular member  148  extends away from the reservoir bottom  146  such that the outlet  144  of the tubular member  148  is defined at the end of the tubular member  148  farther away from the reservoir bottom  146  than the end of the tubular member  148  closer to the reservoir bottom  146 . In some variations, the reservoir  140  may include one or more features that help direct flow of liquid toward the reservoir bottom when the reservoir  140  is upright as shown in  FIG.  15   , and/or help direct flow of liquid toward the tubular member  148  when the reservoir  140  is angled (e.g., for pouring the liquid out of the reservoir). For example, the tubular member  148  may include at least a partial flange  147  disposed proximate the first inlet  142 A and the second inlet  142 B of the reservoir  140 . The partial flange  147  is sloped toward the reservoir bottom such that when the reservoir is upright, the partial flange  147  directs liquid entering the inlet  142 A and/or inlet  142 B toward the reservoir bottom. When the reservoir is angled (e.g., inverted, or rotated to an angle between the upright orientation and an inverted orientation), the partial flange  147  helps block or resist reverse liquid flow (e.g., toward upper volume  145  shown in  FIG.  20   ), and instead help direct liquid toward the tubular member  148  (e.g., similar to a funnel). 
       FIGS.  16  and  17    are a perspective view of a portion of the system  100  and a perspective view of a cross-section of a portion of the system  100 , respectively.  FIG.  16    shows a portion of the container  110  coupled to the intermediate portion  120 . The intermediate portion  120  is shown as being transparent such that the reservoir  140  and the cap  150  may be seen through the intermediate portion  120 . As shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , in some variations, the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B may be disposed on an opposite side of a midplane of the reservoir  140  from the outlet  144 , such that when the system is tilted toward the side on which the outlet  144  is located, liquid in the reservoir tends to flow toward the outlet and away from the inlets  142  and  142 B. 
       FIG.  18    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system  100  without the upper housing  130  or the cap  150  when the system  100  is in the assembled, unlocked configuration.  FIG.  19    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system  100  in the assembled, unlocked configuration. 
       FIG.  20    is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the system  100  in an assembled, unlocked configuration and containing a predetermined quantity of liquid in the reservoir  140 . As shown in  FIG.  20   , in the assembled and unlocked configuration, the outlet  144  of the reservoir  140  is aligned with the opening  123  of the cover  126 , the opening  152  of the cap  150 , and the opening  134  of the upper housing  130 . The reservoir  140  may be mounted within an interior of the cover  126  via any suitable coupling mechanism. For example, the reservoir  140  may include a flange  141  and the cover  126  may include a projection  126 A which extends from an inner surface of the cover  126  into the interior of the cover  126 . The flange  141  of the reservoir  140  may be configured to mate with the projection  126 A such that the reservoir  140  is retained within the cover  126 . 
     The reservoir  140  may be mounted or received within the cover  126  such that a generally annular space  129  is defined between the outer surface of the reservoir  140  and the inner surface of the cover  126  below the flange  141  of the reservoir  140 . The reservoir  140  may be in fluidic communication with the container  110  via the annular space  129  and the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B (shown, for example, in  FIGS.  13 ,  14 , and  17   ). The opening  134  may be arranged off-center relative to a central axis of the reservoir  140 . As shown in  FIG.  20   , the inner surface of the cover  126  above the reservoir  140  may define an upper volume  145 . In some variations, the reservoir  140  may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rigid plastic that is formed, for example, through injection molding, milling, or any suitable process. 
     Although the reservoir  140  is primarily described herein as being in fluidic communication with the container  110  via an annular space with the cover  126  of the intermediate portion, it should be understood that the reservoir  140  may be additionally or alternatively be in fluidic communication with the container  110  through any suitable fluid passageway. For example, in some variations, the intermediate portion  120  may be omitted such that the reservoir  140  receives fluid from the container  110  via a space formed between the reservoir and the upper housing  130 . In yet other variations, suitable channels, tubing, or the like may transport liquid into the reservoir  140 . 
     Filling the reservoir  140  with a predetermined quantity of liquid may be performed by rotating the system  100  through at least a threshold angle of rotation. For example, the reservoir  140  may be mounted to the container  110  via the intermediate portion  120  as described above, and the container  110  may contain sufficient liquid for filling the reservoir  140  (e.g., the container  110  may contain a quantity of liquid equal to or greater than a predetermined quantity of liquid configured to be held by the reservoir  140  in an upright orientation). In this configuration, the reservoir  140  may be filled with a predetermined quantity of liquid by transitioning the system  100  from a substantially upright orientation in which the inlet  144  of the reservoir  140  is above the container  110  (e.g., the bottom of the container  110  is disposed on a surface), to a rotated orientation in which the reservoir  140  is angled relative to the upright orientation by at least a threshold angle of rotation. In some variations, the threshold angle of rotation may be between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees (e.g., about 90 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 130 degrees, about 150 degrees, about 170 degrees, etc.). In some variations, the threshold angle of rotation may be about 180 degrees (e.g., such that the reservoir  140  is inverted) When the system  100  is rotated to the rotated orientation, liquid may flow from the container  110 , through the annular space  129 , through the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B, through the reservoir  140 , and into the upper volume  145 . In some embodiments, the liquid may fill the upper volume  145  and a portion of the reservoir  140  outside of the tubular member  148  when the system is in the rotated orientation. 
     After the upper volume  145  is filled with at least some liquid, the system  100  may be transitioned from the rotated orientation to the upright orientation, causing the liquid in the upper volume  145  to flow toward the bottom surface  146  of the reservoir  140 . The reservoir  140  may be configured to hold a predetermined quantity of liquid. The predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined, at least in part, by the location of the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B relative to the reservoir bottom  146 . The location of the portion of the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B closest to the reservoir bottom  146  may determine the liquid level of the liquid within the reservoir  140 . For example, when the system  100  is in an upright orientation, any liquid within the reservoir  140  which rises above the lowest portion of the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B may flow out of the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B, through the annular space  129 , and into the container  110 . Thus, a predetermined quantity of liquid may be defined, at least in part, by the location of the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B relative to the reservoir bottom  146 . Thus, when the system  100  is transitioned from the rotated orientation to the upright orientation, a predetermined quantity of liquid from the upper reservoir  145  may flow into the reservoir  140 , and any quantity of liquid beyond the predetermined quantity of liquid that was in the upper reservoir  145  may flow out of the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B, through the annular space  129 , and back into the container  110 . The predetermined quantity of liquid (e.g., shown as  102  in  FIG.  20   ) will remain in the reservoir  140 , thereby allowing the reservoir to “self-dose” or measure out the predetermined quantity of liquid with the simple movement of tilting the system  100  to a threshold angle and restoring the system  100  to an upright orientation. 
     To dispense (e.g., pour) the predetermined quantity of liquid  102  from the reservoir  140 , the system  100  may be rotated to a rotated orientation in which the reservoir  140  (and the system  100 ) is angled relative to the upright orientation. The rotated orientation may be the same or different from the rotated orientation the system  100  was transitioned to during the filling stage. Under the force of gravity, once the reservoir  140  is in the angled orientation, the predetermined quantity of liquid may flow from the reservoir  140 , through the tubular member  148 , through the outlet  144 , through the opening  152 , and through the opening  134  of the spout  136 . Simultaneously, a refilling quantity of liquid within the container  110  may flow under force of gravity through the annular space  129 , through the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B, through the reservoir  140 , and into the upper volume  145  (which is positioned below at least a portion of the reservoir  140  when the system  100  is in the rotated orientation). 
     When the predetermined quantity of liquid has been dispensed from the reservoir  140  through the spout  136 , the system  100  may then be transitioned back to the upright orientation such that the refilling quantity of liquid within the upper reservoir  145  may flow toward the reservoir bottom  146 . Any quantity of liquid beyond the predetermined quantity of liquid may flow out of the first inlet  142 A and/or the second inlet  142 B, through the annular space  129 , and back into the container  110  such that the predetermined quantity of liquid remains in the reservoir  140 . The flange  149  may be shaped such that liquid flowing through the first inlet  142 A and the second inlet  142 B is prevented from unintentionally flowing toward the reservoir bottom  146  while liquid is being dispensed from the reservoir  140  via the spout  136  and liquid is refilling the upper reservoir  145 . 
     After the reservoir is filled once as described above, every time a predetermined quantity of liquid is dispensed from the reservoir  140  through the spout  136 , a refilling quantity of liquid is simultaneously received into the upper reservoir  145 . Upon return of the system  100  to an upright position, the refilling quantity of liquid flows into and/or through the reservoir  140  such that another volume of the predetermined quantity of liquid remains in the reservoir  140 . Thus, after an initial filling of the reservoir  140  (which “primes” the reservoir for subsequent simultaneous dispensing and refilling for subsequent rotations of the system), a single cycle of pouring liquid and returning the system  100  to an upright orientation may accomplish both dispensing and refilling of liquid in the reservoir to another volume of the predetermined quantity of liquid in the reservoir  140 . After one cycle of rotating the system and restoring the system to an upright orientation, the system  100  is thereby prepared for the next dispensing step. Accordingly, every cycle of such actions conveniently provides both a dispensing and an automatic “self-dosing” of the predetermined quantity of liquid. 
     In some embodiments, the container  110  may be decoupled from the intermediate portion  120 . For example, once emptied, the container  110  may be refilled and recoupled to the intermediate portion  120  such that the dispensing and refilling steps may continue as described above. 
     In some embodiments, a system may include a base. For example,  FIGS.  21  and  22    are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system  200  having a base  260  (e.g., a base plate). The base may be coupled to the container  210  (e.g., integrally formed, joined with mating features or suitable fasteners, etc.) or may be separate from the container  210  to provide a resting surface for the container  210  when the container  210  is not in use. The system  200  may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as the system  100 . For example, the system  200  may include a container  210 , a reservoir (not shown), an intermediate portion  220 , and an upper housing  230  including a spout  236 . The system  200  may include a base  260 . The base  260  may be configured to receive a bottom portion of the container  210  such that the system  200  may be stably disposed on a surface. The base  260  may be circular to correspond to a circular bottom of a container  210 , or may be any suitable shape (e.g., oval, square, etc.). In some variations, the base  260  may include one or more frictional features on an upper surface (in contact with the container  210 ) and/or a lower surface. For example, the base  260  may include one or more raised ridges and/or rubberized or other relatively high friction features on an upper surface of the base  260 . Additionally or alternatively, the base  260  may include bottom projections (e.g., feet) that include one or more frictional features, such as to reduce slippage on a shelf, counter, or other surface. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  21   , in some variations, the spout  236  may include a single lip  231 . The single lip  231  may include a linearly or arcuately sloping surface configured to guide liquid exiting the opening of the upper housing  230  when the system  200  is rotated, and/or guide residual liquid back into the reservoir when the system  200  is upright. 
     In some embodiments, a system may include a handle having any suitable size and/or shape. For example,  FIGS.  23  and  24    are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system  300 . The system  300  may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as the system  100 . For example, the system  300  may include a container  310 , a reservoir (not shown), an intermediate portion  320 , and an upper housing  330  including a spout  336 . As shown, the intermediate portion  320  may include a handle  324  that is shorter in length than, for example, the handle  124 . The handle  324  may define an opening  324 A that is configured to receive, for example, only two fingers of a user&#39;s hand, while the handle  124  may define an opening that is configured to receive, for example, three or more fingers of a user&#39;s hand. 
     In some embodiments, rather than a handle defining an opening, the handle may be formed as an elongated member configured to be gripped by a user. For example,  FIGS.  25  and  26    are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a system  400 . The system  400  may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as the system  100 . For example, the system  400  may include a container  410 , an intermediate portion  420 , and an upper housing  430  including a spout  436 . As shown, the intermediate portion  420  may include a handle  424  that includes an elongated member coupled to an annular portion  421  of the intermediate portion  420  via a connecting portion  424 B. The handle  424  may be gripped by the user via, for example, wrapping the user&#39;s fingers around the elongated member. 
     In some embodiments, the system may omit a distinct handle. For example,  FIGS.  27 - 29    are a front view, a top view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a system  500  without a distinct handle, such that the body of the container  510  and/or an upper hosing  530  may be grasped by a user directly. The system  500  may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as the system  100 . For example, the system  500  may include a container  510 , a reservoir (not shown), an intermediate portion  520  including a cover  526 , and an upper housing  530  including a spout  536 . The upper housing  530  may be formed of or include a cover of a flexible and/or frictional material, such as silicone. The system  500  may further include a base  560 . The base  560  may be configured to receive a bottom portion of the container  510  such that the system  500  may be stably disposed on a surface. The base  560  may be formed of, for example, silicone. The base  560  may, in some variations, be similar to base  260  described above. Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS.  27 - 29   , the spout  536  may include a single lip  531  similar to single lip  231  described above. 
     Additionally, as shown, for example, in  FIG.  29   , the system  500  may include a reservoir  540  that may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the reservoirs described herein. For example, the reservoir  540  may include a tubular portion  548  defining an outlet  544  opposite a reservoir bottom  546 . Furthermore, the reservoir  540  may include a flange  549  disposed proximate a first inlet and a second inlet (not shown) to the reservoir  540 . The tubular member  548  also includes at least a partial flange  547  disposed proximate the first inlet and the second inlet of the reservoir  540 . As shown, the partial flange  547  may extend away from a central axis of the tubular member  548  to an interior surface of the reservoir  540  such that liquid flow within the reservoir  540  is directed around the partial flange  547 . Additionally, the cover  526  may define an upper reservoir  545  that may function similarly to the upper reservoir  145  described above. 
     Rather than the intermediate portion  520  including an annular ring  521  forming a portion of the external surface of the system  500 , the annular ring  521  of the intermediate portion  520  may be covered by the upper housing  530 . Furthermore, rather than including a cap between the upper housing  530  and the upper surface of the intermediate portion  520 , the upper surface of the intermediate portion  520  may be directly coupled to the upper housing  530 . 
     In some embodiments, the upper housing  530  may be rotatable relative to the intermediate portion  520  (and thus the cover  526 ) such that the upper housing  530  may be rotated between an unlocked configuration in which the opening  534  is aligned with the outlet  544  of the reservoir  540  and a locked configuration in which the opening  534  is not aligned with the outlet  544  of the reservoir  540 , preventing liquid from flowing from the spout  536 . In some embodiments, the upper housing  530  is not rotatable relative to the intermediate portion  520  such that the opening  534  is always aligned with the outlet  544  of the reservoir  540 . 
     Other exemplary handle shapes are shown in  FIGS.  30 - 32   . For example, as shown in  FIG.  30   , the system may include a slim loop-shaped handle. As shown in  FIG.  31   , the system may include an elongated handle member  724 , with an angled ergonomic portion. As shown in  FIG.  32   , the system may include a handle comprising a downward-curving member. The systems shown in  FIGS.  30 - 32    may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. 
     For example,  FIG.  33    is a front view of a system  900 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. The system  900  includes an elongated and curved handle  924  coupled to an upper housing of the system  900  near the spout of the system  900 . 
       FIG.  34    is a front view of a system  1000 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. The system  1000  includes a loop-shaped handle  1024  coupled to an upper housing of the system  1000  near the bottom of the upper housing of the system  1000 . 
       FIG.  35    is a front view of a system  1100 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. The system  1100  includes a semi-circular handle  1124  coupled to an upper housing of the system  1100 . The semi-circular handle  1124  and the upper housing collectively define an open interior of the semi-circular handle  1124 . In other variations, the handle may include a loop of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that is joined at both ends to the upper housing of the system. 
       FIG.  36    is a front view of a system  1200 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. The system  1200  includes a semi-circular disc handle  1224  coupled to an upper housing of the system  1200 . The disc handle  1224  may include a raised outer edge (e.g., to improve graspability and/or ergonomics of the handle). In other variations, the handle may include a disc of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that is joined to the upper housing of the system  1200 . 
       FIG.  37    is a front view of a system  1300 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. The system  1300  includes a semi-circular handle  1324  having a first end coupled to the container of the system  1300  near the top of the container and a second end coupled to the container near a middle portion of the container. In other variations, the handle may include a loop of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that is joined at both ends to the container. 
       FIG.  38    is a front view of a system  1400 , which may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein. The system  1400  includes a semi-circular handle  1424  having a first end coupled to the container of the system  1400  near the top of the container and a second end coupled to the container near a bottom portion of the container. In other variations, the handle may include a loop of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, square, other arc lengths of a circle, etc.) that has ends joined at the top and bottom portions of the container. 
     Non-limiting examples of various aspects and variations of the invention are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.