WO2014062071A1

WO2014062071A1 - Container construction

Info

Publication number: WO2014062071A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2013/000190
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Townshend GREER
Original assignee: Sub Zero International Limited
Priority date: 2012-10-17
Filing date: 2013-10-17
Publication date: 2014-04-24
Also published as: NZ706812A; AU2013332514A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a bottle which includes at least two compartments, at least one side wall, at least one passage between the compartments and characterised in that the passage is configured to constrict under pressure to restrict fluid transfer between the compartments, wherein the passage is formed as a consequence of the gap created by two opposing concave panels in the side wall of the bottle. A method of filling the bottle is also claimed.

Description

CONTAINER CONSTRUCTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of container construction. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of drink bottles, although it should be appreciated that the present invention can be used in relation to other containers and bottles containing substances other than beverages.

BACKGROUND ART In many instances, it is desired for bottled beverages to be stored and sold cold. There are many reasons for this, such as health and safety reasons for the likes of milk, or some products simply tastes better when cold, like beer or soft drinks.

For products that are more desirable when they are cold, it is common practice for the merchandisers to store these products in a refrigerator until the consumer purchases the product.

With this common practice, the general problem exists that the product, after it has been purchased and taken out of the refrigerator, does not stay cold for very long due to the product's heat transfer according to the atmospheric conditions.

The most trivial solution to the above problem is to freeze the product before removing it for consumption. This is usually conducted in the home and not in the retail situation. While it is useful in keeping the products cool for a longer period of time, it has a number of obvious disadvantages.

Firstly, the frozen product will need to melt first before it can be consumed, so a thirsty person may need to wait for a considerable time before they can start consuming the product within the container.

Secondly, not all products can be frozen. For the likes of certain juices or soft drinks, freezing causes the contents of the products to separate. This is due to the different melting points of the different compounds within the product. This is not ideal as the user of the product may finish the flavoured syrup first before the water (ice) melts. There has been attempts to solve the above problem. US Patent No. 5284028 issued to Wilco R. Stuhmer describes a beverage container having a main beverage chamber and an ice chamber consisting of a polymeric film pouch located within the main chamber. By filling the ice chamber with ice, a beverage in the beverage chamber can be kept cold by virtue of the heat transfer from the beverage to the ice through the polymeric film. This configuration prevents dilution of the beverage just prior to consumption.

The main disadvantage with the above container is that, because the pouch is located within the beverage container, there is no way to store the container without either the ice melting, or the beverage freezing. Therefore it will be dependent on the user to refill the pouch with ice.

A further attempt to solve the above problems is disclosed by US Patent No. 6112537. This patent discloses a beverage container having a beverage compartment and an ice

compartment separated by a removable seal which, when removed, allows the ice and beverage to mix thereby cooling the beverage. Although the removable seal prevents premature mixing of the beverage and the ice, and allows the container to be stored warm with water in the ice compartment indefinitely. The removable seal is activated by a diaphragm which is introduced into the interior of the container.

This diaphragm is undesirable, and most companies that deal with food or pharmaceuticals products will prefer to not have any type of non-consumable material introduced to the container that the products are stored.

This is due to the potential health issues the material may cause for the products contained. For example, the material may react with the products contained over time, or the material itself may contain harmful substances.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bottle which includes at least two compartments at least one passage between the compartments characterised in that the passage is configured to constrict under pressure to restrict fluid transfer between the compartments, wherein the passage is formed as a consequence of the gap created by two opposing concave panels in the side wall of the bottle.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of filling a bottle having at least two compartments at least one passage between the compartments characterised by the steps of a) introducing a first fluid to the first compartment; introducing a second fluid to the second compartment; c) applying pressure to constrict the passage to restrict fluid transfer between the

compartments; and sealing the bottle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of filling a bottle having at least two compartments at least one passage between the compartments characterised by the steps of a) introducing the first fluid to the first compartment; b) introducing the second fluid to the second compartment; c) applying pressure to constrict the passage to restrict fluid transfer between the

compartments; and e) sealing the bottle

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the first fluid is the same as the second fluid.

The above steps are not limited to be performed in any particular order. And, the first and second fluids may be the same fluid.

A major purpose of this invention is to provide a bottle and a method that enables fluid in the bottle to be separated for a period of time. This can allow the fluid compartments to be treated separately. For example, the contents of one compartment can be frozen, while the contents of the other remains liquid.

The term bottle is understood to be any container which can retain substance within its structure. This can include a bottle, bag, cup, or any vessel of the like. For ease of reference this will now be referred to as a bottle throughout the specification. The term compartment is understood to be a section of an apparatus, device or means.

For the purposes of the current invention, the compartment is a structure formed by or within the bottle that can contain fluid.

The term passage is understood to be any means that conveys a fluid substance within its structure. Examples of conduits can be pipes, tubes, funnels or channels. Preferably the passage is narrower than the compartments to enable the sides of the bottle to be more readily squeezed together.

Another advantage of having a narrower passage is that less volume is displaced as a consequence of the squeezing process. This means potentially less wastage and aesthetically a better look as a fuller bottle is achieved when the pressure is released.

In a preferred embodiment, the passage constricts sufficiently under pressure that a "pinch point" is formed with the sides of the bottle meeting, or nearly touching.

The pinch point provides a number of other advantages. Firstly, the contact area between the substances in the upper and lower compartments is minimised. This leads to greater efficiency in freezing the liquid in one of the compartments. Further, this also leads to a slower thawing of the contents of the bottle due to the lesser contact between the liquid and the frozen portion.

A further advantage is that a narrow passage formed by the outer walls being pulled/pushed inwards (as it is in most embodiments) presents a distinctively shaped bottle. This means that if there was some specially adapted equipment to freeze the bottles which accommodates the shape (such as in the applicant's co-pending NZ Patent Application No. 609182), generic (and possible competing) bottle shapes can be excluded.

However having a pinch point is not necessarily a limiting feature. Embodiments that have the external walls curved to form the passage also provide additional advantages.

For example, one advantage is the bottle is easier to hold either by hand (as it is a more ergonomic shape) or under someone's arm.

Another advantage of having a restricted passage is that it relates to safety. A narrow passage can prevent iceblocks of a particular size of passing through, thereby reducing the risk of choking or damage through impact with larger than desirable iceblocks.

The term fluid is understood to be any form of flowable material. These include, liquid, air, food, slurry, powder or syrup and the like.

The term constrict under pressure is understood to be the narrowing of the passage by any type of pressure. The types of pressure include internal vacuum, external air pressure or physical mechanisms externally.

The term fluid transfer is understood to be any movement of the fluid defined as above in any direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the bottle is in the form of a bottle which includes a mouth, side walls and a base. In a preferred embodiment, the bottle is blow-moulded as that is recognized as the most cost effective way to manufacture bottles in general although other methods of manufacture could be used such as injection/roto-moulding.

Preferably, a plastics material will be used such as PET although other materials could be suitable, for example an aluminium skin could be used.

It is envisaged however that overall the design of the bottle and the material from which it is made will result in a lightweight bottle. This makes the bottle highly suitable for transportation by say trampers or cyclists.

In preferred embodiments this bottle has a mouth located near the top of the bottle for fluid filling or emptying purposes. In some embodiments there may be included a filter, mesh or gauze near the mouth to prevent the egress of solids such as ice chips.

An industry standard mouth with a 38 mm diameter and a tamper evident cap may be used although other sizes neck, say 28 mm may also be used.

However, it should be appreciated that the mouth of the bottle can be configured in a different manner for alternative embodiments.

The bottle is configured to be sufficient in strength to withstand the pressure applied to constrict the passage and maintain a pleasing shape overall.

Bottle strength may be obtained by a number of ways. For example, material chosen

(preferably plastics material) in combination with wall thickness can supply some of the strength requirement.

However, it is envisaged that additional moulding techniques may be used to provide the strength required. For example, they may be provided various indentations, corrugations and radii of curvature within the bottle shape which will prevent undue flexing or collapsing of the bottle walls in areas as desired. The side wall of the bottle may be configured so that at least a portion of the sidewall is squeezable by the user to assist in the drinking process.

In some variations, the sidewall of the bottle may be configured so that at least a portion of the sidewall adjacent to the part of the bottle intended to hold ice includes indents to increase the strength of the bottle, as well as providing ice breaking functions. For example if an indent has a sharp internal edge or point then squeezing the bottle in the vicinity of the indents can cause them to bear upon the ice breaking it up. Preferably, the base of the bottle is substantially flat (that surface area being greater than 50%) - which is in contrast to conventional bottles. Conventional bottles usually have a large punt or depression in the base to minimise the surface area of the base and thus reduce the likelihood of uneven moulding causing the bottle to wobble. The provision of a flat base with the present invention enables faster heat transfer if the bottle is frozen from the base.

In an alternative embodiment, the bottle includes a punt or depression in the base. The dimensions of the punt can be configured to receive a cooling or freezing means within its structure to aid faster heat transfer. Preferably, the punt is configured such that the distance between the inner wall of the punt and the closest portion of the inner wall of the passage controls the size of the frozen contents reaching the mouth of the bottle in accordance with food safety preferences.

Furthermore, the gap created by the raised punt and the inner wall of the passage makes the compartment with the frozen contents more crushable. This allows the frozen contents to be broken up much easier.

Another advantage of the raised punt is that it creates less volume for the compartment with the frozen content, therefore making it easier and faster to freeze.

In some embodiments the base may have location points such as lugs or indents to secure it on a complementary configured shelf of the like. Preferably, the bottle has two compartments.

The first compartment is located substantially towards the base of the bottle, and the second compartment is located substantially towards the top of the bottle.

However, it should be appreciated that the compartments can be configured in a different manner for alternative embodiments. This bottle includes a passage linking the two compartments to allow fluid transfer between the compartments.

Preferably, the bottle includes two opposing concaved panels in its sidewall.

In this embodiment, the passage is the gap created by the inner side walls of the concave panels of the bottle side wall, located substantially between the first and second compartments. In some embodiments, the walls of the bottle may be thinner in the region of the passage to assist squeezability. However, practically the walls of the concave panels are more likely to be thicker in the region of passage. This is due to the nature of the blow mouding process whereby wall thickness decreases the further away the walls are from the centre of the blow- moulded product. Thus, it can be seen that a conventional blow moulding process would actually make the invention for the panels to flex under pressure to provide the constricted passage. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the panels are configured with an additional moulding detail that allows the panels to flex more than just as a consequence of the wall thickness. However, the inventor has discovered that as a result of the shape of the construction of the passage, the build-up in the plastic resin in the passages (resulting in thicker walls) allows the bottle to stay in the shape and maintain its integrity. This is advantageous as it may not require the vacuum panels.

Preferably, the moulding detail is in the form of "hinging" enabled by stepped ridges positioned around the perimeter of the panels. Preferably the ridges are configured to provide the flex required to enable the passage defined by the panels to be constricted or opened with changes in pressure.

However, it should be appreciated that the passage can be configured in a different manner for alternative embodiments, and should not be limited to the form of the gap created by the concave panels as described.

In this embodiment, the passage is configured so that it constricts by the action of the inner walls of the bottle closing in against each other when pressure is applied to this concaved portion of the bottle.

In an alternative part of the sidewall of the bottle may be configured so that at least a portion of the sidewall includes a gusset or reinforced portion along the opposing edges of the bottle between the concave portions of the passage. This enables the bottle to be squeezed in the concave portions to constrict the passage, yet not unduly deform the bottle - which could otherwise make it unstable.

In a preferred embodiment, the pressure applied can include negative pressure (vacuum) applied to the interior of the bottle.

In another embodiment, the pressure applied can include pressure applied to the exterior of the bottle at its concaved portion. Means for applying of pressure can include pumps, pneumatic means, mechanical means, manual means, or any other means that can apply pressure to the interior or exterior of the bottle.

An example of mechanical means can be a clamp which applies a force on the exterior of the concaved portion of the bottle in order to bring the inner walls of the bottle closer together.

An example of manual means is the simple use of a hand grip in order to apply a force to the exterior of the concaved portion of the bottle in order to bring the inner walls of the bottle closer together.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure applied merely arises as a consequence of natural pressure differentials arising out of temperature changes.

For example, the bottle may be filled with a hot fluid and then sealed. As the fluid within the bottle cools, a vacuum forms naturally within the bottle. Thus, there is a pressure differential from within the bottle compared to the atmospheric pressure outside the bottle. This differential effectively causes the atmospheric pressure to be "applied" to the sides of the bottle causing them to cave in thus, constricting the passage.

Preferably, the passage can be constricted to the extent in which it becomes a fluid-tight seal between the two compartments, restricting any fluid transfer between the two compartments.

Other filling methods can be employed.

In operation, a first fluid may be introduced into the first compartment of the bottle via the mouth of the bottle without overfilling the first compartment pass the passage of the bottle.

For example, the passage is then constricted under pressure to create a fluid-tight seal in order to limit movement of the first fluid from the first compartment.

A second fluid is then introduced into the second compartment of the bottle via the mouth of the bottle without overfilling the second compartment up to the mouth of the bottle. However, an alternative and preferred method is just to introduce one fluid into the bottle and have an air gap at the top of the bottle. Pressure can then be applied to constrict the passage pushing the fluid to the mouth of the bottle.

Or, the fluid is hotter than ambient temperature, so that when the fluid cools in the sealed bottle and a partial vacuum forms which results in the external air pressure pushing the bottle walls against the lower internal pressure. The seal of the bottle can include any type of fluid-tight stop across the mouth of the bottle that allows the internal pressure of the bottle to be retained, such as a cap, a cork, or diaphragm like seal.

This allows the compartments to be separated from each other, allowing the fluids within the compartments to be stored under different conditions when the bottle is sealed.

In a preferred embodiment, differential temperature is applied to the compartments so that at least one of the fluids is frozen into solid state after the passage is constricted under pressure while the other fluid is kept in liquid state.

Preferably, the fluid within the bottom compartment is the fluid to be frozen as this allows the liquid in the upper compartment to flow downwards once the passage is opened.

When the user wishes to consume the fluid or product contained within the bottle, the user has to physically remove the bottle seal in order for the user to access the fluid or product through the mouth of the bottle.

When the seal of the bottle is broken, the internal pressure retained within the bottle is released, thus causing the passage to expand and the constriction between the two

compartments is subsequently opened, allowing fluid transfer between the compartments.

In the preferred embodiment, the liquid state fluid mixes with the solid state frozen fluid contained within the other compartment, acting as a cooling mechanism through heat transfer between the two fluids. This can be enhanced if the walls of the frozen compartment are configured to expand outwards once pressure is released - thereby leaving an air gap between the frozen 'block' in the compartment and the walls. Thus, more fluid can flow around the block.

The heat transfer between the liquid state fluid and the solid state frozen fluid eventually causes the frozen liquid to melt into liquid state (equilibrium). This then can also be consumed through the mouth of the bottle.

The consumers may be able to hasten the melting of the block by inserting the frozen compartment into a crusher which can apply pressure to the walls to break up the ice within.

In an alternative embodiment, the two fluids stored in each of the compartment are kept in their liquid state. When the passage is expanded, the two liquids mix to become a single liquid for consumption.

It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the product contained within each of the containers are not limited to liquids. It can include the likes of powder, sachet, tablets and any other solid particle which can be used for mixing with a fluid.

It should be appreciated that when the present invention is used with some fluids, a non- homogenous mix may occur as a result of the freezing process. For example, some beverages which contain sugar, tend to have sugar migrate to the liquid part of the beverage with less sugar retained in the frozen part of the beverage.

Concentrations naturally vary but in one embodiment tested by the inventor, there was a 13% greater concentration of sugar in the liquid portion.

Thus, the first few mouthfuls of drink will provide the consumer with an initial hit of higher sugar concentration. This can provide a pleasing impact. As the drink is consumed and more frozen liquid melts, there will be a corresponding dilution in the concentration of sugar in each subsequent mouthful. However, research shows that the dilution is not noticed by the consumer after the initial hit.

This effect has consequence of allowing the drinks manufacturer to provide a beverage with less overall sugar in it for the same perceived amount of sweetness as a consequence of the sliding sugar concentration gradient. Less sugar can mean cheaper ingredients and overall a healthier beverage.

It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, there may be more than two compartments within the bottle. It should also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, there may be more than one passage between the compartments.

It should also be appreciated that this method of filling can apply to any bottle, and should not be limited to bottles in the form of a bottle as described in the preferred embodiment above.

It can be seen that the present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art. They are:

• Allows the product to be kept cool for longer periods of time.

• Useful for conditions such as sporting events, tramps, cycle rides, concerts and other times when refrigeration is not readily available. This enables participants to perform better through regulating body temperature. · Useful as an ice pack for injuries. • Allows fluids to be stored under different conditions as the compartments are substantially separated from each other.

• Less sugar can be required leading to a healthier and cheaper drink (less ingredients).

• No extra non-consumable material enters the bottle. · Only sterile ice is present in bottle - as in ice from unsafe sources does not have to be introduced after packaging.

• One-piece unit, therefore can be manufactured within one single process, - which is an inexpensive process.

• No extra material needed to be incorporated into the bottle to separate the two separate compartments.

• Large pieces of ice are prevented from travelling to mouth of bottle by the narrow

passage.

• Simple mechanism for seal removal between the compartments, upon opening of the bottle by the user. · Less energy is required to freeze part of the fluid due to the reduced surface area

between the compartments (pinch point).

• The bottle is economically easy to carry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of the bottle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the bottle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the bottle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment, and Figure 5 is a further side view of the embodiment in Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment with the raised punt.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the receptacle (1 ) is a blow-moulded plastics bottle. The bottle includes a mouth (2) near the top of the bottle for fluid filling or emptying purposes, side walls (3) and a base (6).

The side wall (3) of the bottle (1 ) is configured so that at least a portion of the side wall (3) is squeezable by the user (4).

The side wall (3) of the bottle (1 ) is configured so that at least a portion of the side wall includes ribs (5) to increase the strength of the bottle. The side wall (3) of the bottle (1 ) is further configured so that at least a portion of the sidewall includes a gusset (10) to increase the strength of the bottle and hold part of the bottles shape during the squeezing process.

The base (6) of the bottle extends inwards into the bottle (1 ) in a substantially cone-shaped arrangement. The bottle has two compartments (8 & 9). The first compartment (9) is located substantially towards the base (6) of the bottle, and the second compartment (8) is located substantially towards the top of the bottle (1 ).

The bottle also includes a passage (7) linking the two compartments (8 & 9) to allow fluid transfer between the compartments (8 & 9). The side wall (3) of the bottle (1 ) is further configured to include a concaved portion in its side wall, which substantially forms a concaved neck. In this embodiment, this concaved portion is also the squeezable portion of the side wall (4).

In this embodiment, the passage (7) is the gap created by the inner portion side walls (3) of this concaved portion (4), located substantially between the first (9) and second compartment (8). In operation, a fluid is introduced into bottle (1 ) via the mouth (2) of the bottle (1 ) without overfilling the second compartment (8) past the mouth (2).

The passage (7) is then constricted under pressure to create a fluid-tight seal in order to limit movement of the fluid from the first compartment (9). The bottle (1 ) is then sealed with the same pressure within the bottle (1 ) in order to keep the passage constricted in order to maintain a fluid-tight seal between the two compartments (8 & 9)·

The seal of the bottle can include any type of fluid-tight stop across the mouth (2) of the bottle that allows the internal pressure of the bottle (1 ) to be retained. Examples of this seal can include a cap, a cork, or diaphragm like seal.

This allows the two compartments to be separated from each other, allowing the fluids within them to be stored under different conditions when the bottle (1 ) is sealed.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid is frozen into solid state in the first compartment (9) after the passage (7) is constricted under pressure, while the fluid is kept in liquid state in the second compartment (8).

When the user wishes to consume the fluid or product contained within the bottle (1 ), the user has to physically remove the bottle seal in order for the user to access the fluid or product through the mouth (2) of the bottle (1).

When the seal of the bottle is broken, the pressure within the bottle (1 ) is equalized with the atmosphere, thus causing the passage (7) to expand and the fluid-tight seal between the two compartments (8 & 9) is subsequently broken, allowing fluid transfer between the

compartments (8 & 9).

Figures 4, 5, and 6 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention in the form of the bottle generally indicated by arrow (10). While the principles of operation are very similar with this embodiment, greater detail is shown and will be described with regard to the additional advantages it provides.

The bottle (10) has a standard 38.0mm pre-formed opening (11 ).

Below the opening or mouth (11) are sloped shoulders (12) which provide top load strength to the bottle (10). Channels (13) at the top of the bottle (10) provide greater strengthening to the label panel (14) so that the bottle (10) can resist the hot fill process. The label panel (14) will hold a standard label as used in relation to these bottles (10).

Deep curved channels (15) around the mid-section of the bottle (10) also provides additional strengthening to stop deformation during the hot fill process. A critical part of the bottle (10) is the waisted detail (16) which relates to the restriction between the top part of the bottle (10) and the lower part thereof.

Within the waisted detail (16) is an embossed logo branding (17) which also adds strength to the bottle.

A vacuum panel (22) is curved to contract during the hot fill process. Around the vacuum panel (22) is a curved beam detail (or ridge) (18) to add strength to the bottle during the hot fill process. Below the vacuum panel (12) is also a deep curved channel to strengthen the bottle (10) for the hot fill process.

And below the deep curved channel (19) are touch points (20) that allow the bottle (10) to run down standard filling lines. The curved channel (19) also catches condensation to minimise the ring of water when the bottle has been sitting for a period of time.

The bottle (10) has a flatter base (21 ) than that on conventional bottles. This is provided by having a smaller punt (23) than usual. However, spokes (24) have been added to the bottle again to add strength during the hot fill process. To enable movement of the vacuum panel (22) thereby enabling a restricted passage to form within the bottle (10), a hinged detail (25) and a curved detail (26) are positioned around the vacuum panel (12) to allow thermal contraction.

With particular reference to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the bottle (10) with a raised punt (27) is shown. The raised punt (27) is configured such that the distance between the inner wall of the punt (27) and the closest portion of the inner wall of the passage (4) ensures the volume of ice passing through to the mouth of the bottle is in accordance with the food safety preferences.

Furthermore, the gap between the raised punt (27) and the passage (4) creates a crushing feature so frozen contents can be crushed. Thus it can be seen that the bottle as illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 has been designed to be strong in a hot fill process and to allow ready movement of the vacuum panels during heating and cooling causing differential pressures within and outside the bottle. However, the present invention is also suitable for cold fill processes.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A bottle which includes at least two compartments at least one side wall at least one passage between the compartments characterised in that the passage is configured to constrict under pressure to restrict fluid transfer between the compartments, wherein the passage is formed as a consequence of the gap created by two opposing concave panels in the side wall of the bottle.

2. A bottle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the passage is narrower than the compartments.

3. A bottle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the bottle is blow moulded.

4. A bottle as claimed in any of the previous claims wherein the bottle includes ridges

positioned around the perimeter of the panels.

5. A bottle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the bottle is designed such that the passage constricts sufficiently under pressure that a pinch point is formed.

6. A bottle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the base of the bottle it is

substantially flat.

7. A bottle which includes at least two compartments at least one side wall at least one passage between the compartments characterised in that the passage is formed as a consequence of the gap created by two opposing concave panels in the side wall of the bottle, wherein the panels are thicker than the thickness of the rest of the structure of the bottle.

A bottle which includes at least two compartments at least one side wall at least one passage between the compartments characterised in that the bottle includes a base which includes a raised punt configured such that the gap between the punt and the inner walls of the passage limits the size of contents being transferred.

A method of filling a bottle having at least two compartments at least one passage between the compartments characterised by the steps of d) introducing the first fluid to the first compartment; e) introducing the second fluid to the second compartment; f) applying pressure to constrict the passage to restrict fluid transfer between the

compartments; and g) sealing the bottle

A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first fluid is the same as the second fluid.

A method as claimed in either claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the fluid is introduced at a temperature that is hotter than ambient. A bottle substantially as herein described with reference to and as described in the Best Modes section and drawings of this specification.

A method of filling a bottle substantially as herein described with reference to and described in the Best Modes section and drawings of this specification.