US20120211378A1

US20120211378A1 - Two compartment container

Info

Publication number: US20120211378A1
Application number: US13/299,204
Authority: US
Inventors: Anil Kalyanpur; Richard Suhr
Original assignee: Prairie Inc
Current assignee: Prairie Inc
Priority date: 2010-11-17
Filing date: 2011-11-17
Publication date: 2012-08-23
Also published as: AU2011329770A1; CA2818488A1; JP2014504200A; WO2012068398A2; WO2012068398A3; SG190347A1; KR20140024254A; EA201370120A1; IL226428A0; EP2640501A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a two compartment container, and more particularly, to a two compartment container for holding two fluids separate until such time as mixing is desired. Mixing is achieved utilizing a series of springs and valves under different compressive and exertive forces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/414,695 filed 17 Nov. 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a two compartment container, and more particularly, to a two compartment container for holding two fluids separate until such time as mixing is desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, a two-compartment container has independent vessels or storage compartments that can hold various combinations of fluids, powders, or pastes that are stored in a separated state until the user decides to mix and utilize the products. These types of containers are most useful in applications where keeping product ingredients separate until use extends shelf life or enhances product effectiveness over a product that is mixed prior to shipping. Applications for such containers include, but are not limited to, storage of cosmetic creams and lotions, skin cleaners, shampoos, conditioners and hair coloring. While many two compartment containers exist, many contain complicated stopper configurations such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,644 while some require the user to actually connect the two containers prior to mixing, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,573.
Many of the two-compartment containers in the prior art require the user to screw the mechanisms together, see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,032 or to use a driving force to cause the mechanisms to mix See U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,644. Such an action often times requires the user to exert significant force to cause the mixing. Accordingly, a need exists for a two-compartment container that requires minimal effort to mix the two ingredients and that does not dispense a stopper within the main compartment.
Further, it has been determined that by presenting the mixing of the two ingredients in a particular way certain qualities associated with the product may be enhanced. For example, if the ingredients to be mixed are intended to reduce the signs of aging, one may wish to present them in such a manner as to convey a “fountain of youth” for example. Similarly, by representing the ingredients to the user in the form of a fountain might convey a sense of nature or purity. Traditional two compartment containers are not concerned with the impressions and feelings experienced by the user during the mixing of ingredients and therefore do not present the user with a container that allows the user to observe the mixing of ingredients.
Accordingly, a need exists for a two compartment container that allows a user to easily mix the separated ingredients, that does not leave any stoppers or other foreign matter in the main compartment and/or that allows the user to observe the mixing of ingredients. Furthermore, a need exists for a two compartment container that allows the ingredients to be mixed in such a manner as to elicit a specific response from the user. Further a need exists for a two compartment container that creates an impression of a fountain when the two ingredients are mixed. The present disclosure addresses those needs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a container for storing at least two fluids comprised of a first compartment for holding a first fluid and a second compartment for holding a second fluid until such time as the user decides to mix the fluids.
The fluids may be liquids or gases or a combination of liquids and gases. Examples of fluids include water based liquids, alcohol based liquids, oil based liquids, petroleum based ointments, viscous liquids, such as gels, oils, and ointments.
The first or main compartment is typically clear which allows the user to observe the mixing of the fluids, although the compartment may be translucent or even opaque. It is large enough to house the volumes of both the first and second fluids once combined. Additionally, there is typically a removable dropper or other form of dispenser, such as, for example, a pump, in communication with the first compartment for dispensing the fluid after it has been mixed.
The second compartment is typically smaller in size, although it could be of equal or larger volume than the first compartment. It is typically located at the base of the first compartment opposite the dispenser.
In the present invention, the second fluid stored in the second container is driven into the first container to mix with the first fluid by stored energy or tension. In particular, by utilizing tension mechanisms such as springs, valves, and a piston, the fluids are mixed without much effort by the user, and without causing any puncturing, tearing or removal of any membrane or stopper deployed between the two compartments and fluids. Various tensioning, valve, and piston configurations can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as long as the release of stored energy causes the second fluid to cause the opening of a valve or other reusable barrier interposed between the first and second compartments, thereby allowing the mixing of the two fluids. Additionally, the valve or other reusable barrier may allow the flow of fluid in only one direction, or in multiple directions depending on the forces that are applied to the first fluid and second fluid.
Once mixed, the combined fluids may be dispensed from the upper compartment. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.
In one embodiment, the lower compartment sits on a piston that is surrounded by a compressed spring or other tensioning mechanism that is held in compression by a latch mechanism. Upon turning a base portion of the lower container, the latch mechanism releases the spring which forces the piston upward which in turn compresses the fluid stored in the lower compartment and forces the fluid upward. At the top of the lower compartment is a valve that is formed from a solid disc of polyethylene material although other valve configurations are possible such as a diaphragm valve, a duck bill valve, a flapper valve, etc., or any valve that will contain the second fluid until mixing is desired. Likewise, the valve may be made of other materials, such as latex, plastic, rubber, etc. Above the valve is a valve adapter. The valve adapter has a single opening that is slightly inward of the outer edge of the valve adapter. The valve adapter may also include a plurality of openings extending circumferentially to the valve adapter and slightly inward of the outer edge of the valve adapter. Other opening configurations are possible as well, without departing form the spirit of the invention.
The valve adapter interposes between a transition chamber located above the valve and the upper compartment of the container. The valve includes a lip that sits on the top a cylindrical extension of the lower compartment. Upon release of a first spring or other tensioning mechanism below, adjacent to or corresponding to the lower compartment, the second fluid is forced upward against the valve. The valve is held in place against the top of the cylindrical extension by a slightly tensioned second spring or other tensioning mechanism. The value of the spring constant of the second spring is less than the spring constant of the first spring. Thus, when the fluid is forced against the valve upon release of the first spring, the force exerted against the second spring by the valve is greater than the spring constant which results in compression of the second spring and lifting of the valve from the top of the cylindrical extension. Other tensioning mechanisms might be, for example, the valve itself or the valve adapter composed from compressible materials. In the present embodiment, the pressure resulting from decompression of the lower spring causes the fluid from the lower compartment to force the valve upward and passes the lip of the valve to enter the transition chamber and to pass through the valve adapter into the upper compartment causing the mixing of the first and second fluids.
In an embodiment, the container for mixing two stored fluids comprises a first compartment for holding a first fluid and a second compartment for holding a second fluid. The container has a valve for preventing the mixing of the first and second fluid, a first tension mechanism for maintaining the valve in a normally closed position, and a piston held in position by a second tension mechanism. The container also comprises a release mechanism for releasing the second tension mechanism, wherein the release of the second tension mechanism causes the piston to open the normally closed valve, allowing the second fluid to flow past the valve into the first compartment.
In another embodiment, a method for preparing a two compartment container for mixing two isolated fluids comprises inserting a first fluid in a first compartment, inserting a second fluid in a second compartment, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are coupled. Isolating, via a valve between the first compartment and second compartment, the first and second fluid, positioning a first tension mechanism to maintain the valve in a normally closed position and positioning a second tension mechanism to hold a piston in a first position. Such that upon release of the second tension mechanism the piston moves to a second position providing for the second fluid to flow past the valve into the first compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the apparatus and methods and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom” or “side” views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that all embodiments be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the two-compartment container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the top portion of the container and the dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the top portion of the container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the upper container of an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a cross sectional and top view of an exemplary embodiment of the base of the present invention; .

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a cross sectional and top view of the lower container of an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are a cross sectional and top view of the cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are a top view and a cross sectional view of the outer cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 9A-C are a top view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the inner cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 10A-C are a top view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the shoulder band in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a piston in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the inner bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 13A-D are a top view, a side view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the valve adapter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 14A-D are a top view, a side view, a bottom view, and a cross sectional view of the valve in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 15A-E are a cross sectional view, an installed view, a top view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of a lower piston in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 16A-C are a top view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the piston adapter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are a top view and a side view of the packing ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are a top view and a side view of the pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 19A-D are a top view, a side view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the upper bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 20A-D are a top view, a side view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the base in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

FIGS. 21A-E are a top view, a side view, a bottom view and two cross sectional views of the inner-bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the various embodiment can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention is limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein are merely examples. Descriptions in terms of these embodiments are provided to allow the various features to be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. As will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, the invention can be implemented in different and alternative embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this document prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 1 depicts two-compartment container 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Two-compartment container 100 is comprised of an upper portion 200 containing top cap 1, dispenser bulb 2, outer neck cap 3, inner neck cap 4, shoulder band 5, upper piston 6, dispenser tube 7 and upper compartment 8. Two-compartment container further comprises a lower portion 300 comprised of disk 9, valve adapter 10, valve 11, lower piston 12, piston adapter 13, lower compartment 14, base 15, packing ring 16, o-ring 17, pad 18, retaining spring 19 and release spring 20.
In one embodiment, lower compartment 14 sits on lower piston 12 that is surrounded by a compressed release spring 20 or other tensioning mechanism that is held in compression by a latch mechanism of lower compartment 14 and base 15. Upon turning base 15, the latch mechanism releases release spring 20 which forces lower piston 12 upward which in turn compresses the fluid stored in lower compartment 14 and forces the fluid upward. For purposes of this embodiment, the fluid in the lower compartment is a liquid and the fluid in the upper compartment is a liquid. At the top of the lower compartment is valve 11 that is formed from a solid disc of polyethylene material although other valve configurations are possible such as a diaphragm valve, a duck bill valve, a flapper valve, etc. or any valve that will contain the second fluid until mixing is desired. Likewise, the valve may be made of other materials, such as latex, plastic, rubber, etc. Above valve 11 is valve adapter 10 and disk 9. Valve adapter 10 has a single opening that is slightly inward of the outer edge of valve adapter 10. The valve adapter may also include a plurality of openings extending circumferentially to the valve adapter and slightly inward of the outer edge of the valve adapter. Other opening configurations are possible as well.
Valve adapter 10 interposes between a transition chamber located above valve 11 and upper compartment 8 of container 100. The valve includes a lip that sits on the top a cylindrical extension of the lower compartment. Upon release of retaining spring 20 or other tensioning mechanism, the second fluid is forced upward against valve 11. Valve 11 is held in place against the top of the cylindrical extension by a slightly tensioned retaining spring 19 or other tensioning mechanism. The spring constant of retaining spring 19 is less than the spring constant of release spring 20. Thus, when the fluid is forced against valve 11 upon release of retaining spring 20, the force exerted against retaining spring 19 by valve 11 is greater than the spring constant which results in compression of retaining spring 19 and lifting of valve 11 from the top of the cylindrical extension. Other tensioning mechanisms might be, for example, the valve itself or the valve adapter composed from compressible materials. In the present embodiment, the pressure resulting from decompression of the release spring 20 causes the fluid from lower compartment 14 to force valve 11 upward and passes the lip of valve 11 to enter the transition chamber and to pass through the opening in valve adapter 10 and disk 9 into upper compartment 8 causing the mixing of the first and second fluids.
Top cap 1 is a generally cylindrical hollow cap with a solid top portion on one end and an open portion on the opposite end. Top cap 1 engages with the neck band 5 and is held in place by ridge 703, although other methods of retention, such as screw threads, press releases or the like could be used. Top cap 1 is large enough to cover dispenser 2, thereby preventing accidental dispensing of the fluid. Although FIG. 1 depicts top cap 1 as generally cylindrical, it is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that top cap 1 can take on other geometries, such as, for example, oval, square, or conical.
FIG. 2 shows upper portion 200. Dispenser bulb 2 has an outside surface 20 and an inside surface 21, thereby creating cavity 22. Dispenser bulb 2 is intended to be press fit into inner neck cap 4 and is molded with notch 23 and rim 24. Notch 23 and rim 24 pressingly mate with tab 43 thereby creating gap 44 between inner neck cap 4 and upper compartment 8. Packing ring 16 fills gap 44 creating a flat seating surface 161 to allow the dispenser assembly to rest on the neck of upper compartment 8. Packing ring 16 is a washer shaped ring having a top, a bottom and an inner and outer circumference. Inner neck cap 4 is a generally cylindrical open tube having a reduced opening 42 on the top to allow bulb dispenser 2 to pass though. Inner neck cap 4 has an interior surface 43 and an outer surface 45. Interior surface 43 contains screw threads 41 that mate with screw threads 81 on upper compartment 8. Outer neck cap 3 is a generally cylindrical tube with a reduced opening 31 at the top to allow bulb dispenser 2 to pass through the opening and is generally open at the bottom. Outer neck cap 3 is conformed to fit in direct contact with inner neck cap 4 on all exterior surfaces. Outer neck cap 3 may be manufactured from a material different then inner cap 4, such as aluminum or a different plastic coated with a reflective surface, although other esthetically pleasing materials are contemplated.
Dispenser tube 7 contains an open top end 71 adjacent to dispenser bulb 2 and an open distal end 72 that is housed within upper compartment 8. Distal end 72 may terminate in an end 75 that is bulb shaped, straight, or curved. Dispenser tube 7 has a shoulder 73 located adjacent top end 71. Shoulder 73 mates into grove 25 on dispenser bulb 2, creating a press fitting. Dispenser tube 7 is hollow and contains inner cavity 74 for drawing in fluid contained in upper container 8.
In one embodiment a piston is located above the fluid contained in the upper compartment. FIG. 3 depicts upper piston 6. Upper piston 6 contains a substantially flat bottom piston face 61 and top piston face 62, stem portion 63 which has an inner surface 64 and an outer surface 65. Surrounding the radial outer surface of piston face 61 and 62 is groove 66 for receiving o-ring 17. O-ring 17 forms a fluid tight seal with wall 84 of upper compartment 8, thereby preventing fluid from passing above upper piston 6 into cavity 82. Inner surface 64 of piston stem portion 63 forms a hollow tube for conveying there through dispenser tube 7 and accordingly access to the fluid in upper container 8. Adjacent the distal end of stem portion 63 is flare 67. At its widest exterior point, piston stem 63 is the same diameter as the inner surface of neck 83 of upper container 8. Flare 67 provides a contacting surface between upper piston 6 and neck 83 as piston 6 is forced into cavity 82. In operation, as the fluid from the lower compartment 14 is driven into the upper compartment 8 by lower piston 12, upper piston 6 is forced upwardly into cavity 82.
Upper container 8 seen in FIG. 4 is a generally cylindrical container constructed from clear plastic, such as PCTA, glass, or other highly transparent material such as Lucite® or Lexan®. It contains screw threads 81, neck 83, first shoulder 85, wall 84, bottom side wall 86, bottom 87, opening 88 and retaining ridge 89. Bottom 87 is open to allow insertion of disk 9, valve adapter 10, valve 11, lower piston 12, piston adapter 13, lower compartment 14, pad 18, retaining spring 19 and release spring 20.
Base 15 as seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B is generally cup shaped with vertical side walls 151, substantially flat base 152, inner base 156, base notch 153, teeth 154, teeth rim 155 and open top 157. In one embodiment, side wall 151 may have a transparent window 158 or other opening to provide indication that base 15 has been rotated from its starting position with respect to the upper compartment 8. After disk 9, valve adapter 10, valve 11, lower piston 12, piston adapter 13, lower compartment 14, pad 18, retaining spring 19 and release spring 20 are inserted into bottom side wall portion 86 through opening 87. Base 15 is press fit into place with upper compartment 8 by inserting side wall portion 86 into open top 157 of base 15 until base notch 153 engages retaining ridge 89, thereby mating base 15 onto upper compartment 8. In this configuration, as will be explained more fully below, the interconnection of base notch 153 and retaining ridge 89 allow base 15 to be axially rotatable with respect to upper container 8.
FIGS. 6A and 6B show side and top view of lower compartment 14 respectively. Lower compartment 14 is generally cylindrical and cup shaped having open top 140, side wall 141, upper tab portion 142, upper tab notch 143, tab lip 144, lower base 145, base notch 146, base lip 147. In one embodiment lower compartment 14 is filled with a fluid and fitted into base 15. Base notch 146 and base lip 147 mesh with teeth 154, and teeth rim 155 of base 15. In one embodiment, the rotation of base 15 with respect to upper compartment 8 causes teeth 154 to engage base notch 146 causing lower compartment 14 to rotate as base 15 is rotated. As will be explained further, with respect to a particular embodiment, such rotation releases the trigger mechanism releasing the energy in spring 20 and forcing the second fluid into the first compartment.
FIG. 7 depicts top cap 1. Top cap 1 is a generally cylindrical hollow cap with a solid top portion 701 on one end and an open portion 702 on the opposite end. Top cap 1 engages with the neck band 5 and is held in place by ridge 703, although other methods of retention, such as screw threads, press releases or the like could be used. Top cap 1 is large enough to cover dispenser 2, thereby preventing accidental dispensing of the fluid. Top cap 1 may be any shape such as square, trapazoidal, oval, dome, or conical, or any other geometries as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
FIG. 8 depicts outer cap 3. Outer cap or neck cap 3 is a generally cylindrical tube with a reduced opening 31 at the top 350 to allow bulb dispenser 2 to pass through the opening and is generally open at the bottom 351. Outer neck cap 3 is conformed to fit in direct contact with inner neck cap 4 on all exterior surfaces. Outer neck cap 3 may be manufactured from a material different than inner cap 4, such as aluminum or a different plastic coated with a reflective surface, although other esthetically pleasing materials are contemplated.
FIG. 9 depicts inner cap 4. Inner cap 4 is a generally cylindrical tube with a reduced opening 401 at the top 450 to allow bulb dispenser 2 to pass through the opening and is generally open at the bottom 451. Inner cap 4 fits in direct contact with outer cap 3 on all exterior surfaces. Inner cap 4 may be manufactured from a material different then outer cap 3. Inner cap 4, may contain threads 403 on the inner portion 402 for securing to upper bottle 8. Additionally, inner cap 4, may be press fit onto upper bottle 8 or secured with adhesive or other bonding techniques such as thermal or chemical bonding.
FIG. 10 depicts shoulder band 5. Shoulder band 5 is generally cylindrical and contains an opening 501 on upper surface 500. Opening 501 is large enough to fit over the neck of the upper bottle 8. Shoulder band 5 may have an oval shaped ridge 502 or may be any geometry as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Shoulder band 5 contains lip 503 upon which top 1 sits when in a closed position. Shoulder band 5 may be made of any material, such as metal, plastic or glass, and may be coated or uncoated with various finishes. Shoulder band 5 may be press fit onto upper bottle 8 or may be attached utilizing adhesive or other techniques.
FIG. 11 depicts upper piston 6. in an embodiment, upper piston 6 is used to compensate for the space present in the upper compartment prior to the introduction of the second liquid. Upper piston 6 rests on top of the fluid in the upper compartment until the two liquids are mixed. Once that occurs, the upper piston 6 is driven into the upper compartment neck, such that the entire upper compartment appears full.
FIG. 12 depicts a cross sectional view of bottle disk 9. Bottle disk 9 is generally cylindrical and circumferentially surrounded by side wall 90, containing wall notch 91, upper notch 92, lip 93, disk notch 94, valve adapter notch 96, valve adapter wall 97, center opening 98, and valve shelf 99. FIG. 14 depicts valve 11 which sits in contact with valve shelf 99. Valve 11 is generally cylindrical and contains a top lip 111 that is larger then the base 112. Base 112 is sized to fit within center opening 98 of bottle disk 9 with top lip 111 sufficiently large enough not to pass through center opening 98. Top lip 111 rests on valve shelf 99 and is held closed by retaining spring 19.
FIG. 13 depicts valve adapter 10. Valve adapter 10 is generally cylindrical and contains openings 100. Valve adapter 10 is sized to fit within bottle disk 9 resting on lip 93. openings 100 in Valve adapter 10 are circumferentially placed around valve adapter 10 such that when the tension in release spring 20 is released, the liquid in the bottom bottle passes through valve openings 100 causing the mixing of the two fluids in the upper bottle. Interposed between valve adapter 10 and bottle disk 9 are valve 11 and retaining spring 19. Retaining spring 19 is sufficiently strong to keep valve 11 closed until the tension in spring 20 is released. Once it is desired to mix the liquids and the tension in release spring 20 is released, the expansion force in retaining spring 19 is insufficient to keep valve 11 in a closed position such that the fluids are forced to be mixed in the upper container.
FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of lower piston 12. Lower piston 12 is generally cylindrical having piston side walls 120, piston face 121, piston bottom 122, piston stem 123, piston rim 124, piston notch 125 and piston lip 126. The diameter of piston 12, including piston face, 121, piston rim 124, piston notch 125 and piston lip 126 is such that it fits inside lower compartment 14 and contacts the inner surface of sidewalls 151. In the depicted embodiment, piston side walls 120 circumferentially extend down from piston face 121 and taper to a chiseled flared end 127. Flared chiseled end 127 ensures contact between piston side walls 120 and inner compartment side walls 151. While this specific piston configuration is depicted, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art, that other piston configurations are possible. For example, piston face 121 could extend the full diameter of the piston face without the need for piston rim 124, piston notch 125 and piston lip 126. Likewise, a sealing ring or other means could be utilized in place of side walls 120 and chiseled end 127 to ensure a tight fit with respect to sidewalls 151 of lower compartment 14.
FIG. 16 depicts piston adapter 13. Piston adapter 13 is generally cylindrical and hollow with an inner portion 133, an upper portion 130 and a lower portion 131. Upper portion 130 contains ridge 132 that circumferentially surrounds upper portion 130 and engages with release spring 20. Lower portion 131 is generally cylindrical and smaller then upper portion 130. Lower portion 131 seats within piston 12 against piston bottom 122. Piston stem 123 fits within hollow inner portion 133. When release spring 20 is compressed, piston 12 and piston adapter 13 contain the force used to drive the second liquid from the lower container into the upper container when released.
FIG. 17 depicts packing ring 16. Packing ring 16 fills gap 44 creating a flat seating surface 161 to allow the dispenser assembly to rest on the neck of upper compartment 8. Packing ring 16 is a washer shaped ring having a top 162, a bottom 163 and an inner circumference 164 and outer circumference 165. It may be configured from any compressible material, such as plastic or rubber, although other materials are possible.
FIG. 18 depicts pad 18. Pad 18 surrounds bottle disk 9. Pad 18 is a washer shaped pad having a top 182, a bottom 183 and an inner circumference 184 and outer circumference 185. It may be configured from any compressible material, such as plastic or rubber, although other materials are possible.
FIG. 19 depicts a cross sectional view of upper bottle 8. As can be seen in FIG. 19, bottom 87 is open to allow insertion of the other components of the valve system. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, upper bottle 8 need not be round, but may take on other geometries, as long as the valve parts are modified accordingly.
FIG. 20 depicts a cross sectional view of base 15. Base 15 as seen is generally cup shaped with vertical side walls 151, inner base 156, base notch 153, teeth 154, teeth rim 155 and open top 157. In an embodiment, side wall 151 may have a transparent window or other opening to provide indication that base 15 has been rotated from its starting position with respect to the upper compartment 8.
FIG. 21 depicts a cross sectional view of lower compartment 14. Lower compartment 14 is generally cylindrical and cup shaped having open top 140, side wall 141, upper tab portion 142, upper tab notch 143, tab lip 144, lower base 145, base notch 146, base lip 147. In one embodiment lower compartment 14 is filled with a fluid and fitted into base 15. Base notch 146 and base lip 147 mesh with teeth 154, and teeth rim 155 of base 15. In one embodiment, the rotation of base 15 with respect to upper compartment 8 causes teeth 154 to engage base notch 146 causing lower compartment 14 to rotate as base 15 is rotated.
While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.
A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.
As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

Claims

1. A container for mixing two stored fluids comprising:

a first compartment for holding a first fluid;

a second compartment for holding a second fluid;

a valve for preventing the mixing of the first and second fluid;

a first tension mechanism for maintaining the valve in a normally closed position;

a piston held in position by a second tension mechanism; and

a release mechanism for releasing the second tension mechanism,

wherein the release of the second tension mechanism causes the piston to open the normally closed valve, allowing the second fluid to flow past the valve into the first compartment.

2. The container of claim 1 where the first tensioning mechanism is a first spring and the second tensioning mechanism is a second spring.

3. The container of claim 2 where the spring constant of the first spring is less than the spring constant of the second spring.

4. The container of claim 1 further comprising a perforated adapter positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the second compartment for holding the second fluid comprises an inner compartment and an outer compartment and the second fluid is contained in the inner compartment.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the outer compartment is rotated with respect to the first compartment to release the second tension mechanism.

7. A method for preparing a two compartment container for mixing two isolated fluids comprising:

inserting a first fluid in a first compartment;

inserting a second fluid in a second compartment, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are coupled;

isolating, via a valve between the first compartment and second compartment, the first and second fluids;

positioning a first tension mechanism to maintain the valve in a normally closed position;

positioning a second tension mechanism to hold a piston in a first position, such that upon release of the second tension mechanism the piston moves to a second position providing for the second fluid to flow past the valve into the first compartment.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first tension mechanism is a first spring and the second tension mechanism is a second spring.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the spring constant of the first spring is less than the spring constant of the second spring.

10. The method of claim 7 further comprising a perforated adapter positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment.

11. The method of claim 7 wherein the second compartment for holding the second fluid comprises an inner compartment and an outer compartment and the second fluid is contained in the inner compartment.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the outer compartment is rotated with respect to the first compartment to release the second tension mechanism.