An ink cartridge includes an ink chamber, a communication path configured to dispense ink from an interior of the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink chamber, and a valve member disposed within the communication path. The valve member is configured to selectively open and close the communication path. The ink cartridge also includes an elastic, and the elastic member has a first opening formed therethrough. Moreover, the ink cartridge includes a cap member connected to the elastic member, such that the elastic member is positioned between the cap member and the valve member, and the cap member has a second opening formed therethrough and a chamber formed therein. In addition, a portion of the chamber is aligned with the first opening.