U.S. patent application number 13/104806 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-10 for mixing container with multiple compartments divided by a frangible separator.
Invention is credited to Koosha Eghbaly.
Application Number | 20110272379 13/104806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44901257 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110272379 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eghbaly; Koosha |
November 10, 2011 |
Mixing Container With Multiple Compartments Divided by a Frangible
Separator
Abstract
A container having a first compartment configured to hold a
first substance, a second compartment configured to hold a second
substance, a frangible separator coupled to both the first and
second compartments, and an actuator operably attached to the
frangible separator. The second compartment is removably attached
to the first compartment. The frangible separator forms a seal
between the first compartment and the second compartment such that
the first substance and the second substance do not mix. Actuating
the actuator causes at least a portion of the frangible separator
to rupture, which creates an opening in the frangible separator and
allows the first substance and the second substance to mix. The
actuator may be a string. The invention is particularly well-suited
for mixing formula and water in baby bottles, but has many other
uses.
Inventors: |
Eghbaly; Koosha; (Dix Hills,
NY) |
Family ID: |
44901257 |
Appl. No.: |
13/104806 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61333144 |
May 10, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/6 ; 206/222;
428/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3211 20130101;
Y10T 428/15 20150115; B65D 25/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/6 ; 206/222;
428/43 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/04 20060101
B65D001/04; B65D 65/28 20060101 B65D065/28; B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a first compartment configured to hold a
first substance; a second compartment configured to hold a second
substance; a frangible separator coupled to both the first
compartment and the second compartment and forming a seal between
the first compartment and the second compartment such that the
first substance and the second substance do not mix; and an
actuator operably attached to the frangible separator, such that
actuating the actuator causes at least a portion of the frangible
separator to rupture, creating an opening in the frangible
separator and allowing the first substance and the second substance
to mix.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the second compartment is
removably attached to the first compartment.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the second compartment and the
first compartment and integrally formed in a single unitary
body.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a
string.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the string is attached to a
portion of the frangible separator at a first end of the string,
and wherein a second end of the string extends outside of the
exterior of the container.
6. The container of claim 4, wherein the frangible separator
further comprises a frangible portion, and wherein the string wraps
around the frangible portion such that the frangible portion of the
frangible separator is ripped when the string is pulled.
7. The container of claim 5, further comprising a pull tab attached
to the second end of the string, configured to facilitate gripping
and pulling of the string.
8. The container of claim 4, wherein the string is embedded within
the frangible separator.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the frangible separator
further comprises a frangible portion.
10. The container of claim 9, wherein the frangible portion is
horseshoe-shaped.
11. The container of claim 9, wherein the frangible portion has a
semicircular shape.
12. The container of claim 9, wherein the frangible portion
includes pre-weakened borders such that the frangible portion rips
along the borders when the actuator is actuated.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein the first substance is a
liquid and the second substance is a powder.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein both the first substance and
the second substance are liquids.
15. A bottle for storing and mixing liquid and powder, the bottle
comprising: a first compartment assembly configured to store a
liquid; a second compartment assembly removably attached to the
first compartment assembly and being configured to store a powder;
a frangible separator coupled to both the first compartment and the
second compartment and forming a seal between the first compartment
and the second compartment such that the liquid and the powder do
not mix; and an actuator string operably attached to a central
frangible portion of the frangible separator; wherein a first end
of the actuator string is attached to the central frangible
portion, and a second end of the actuator string extends to the
exterior of the bottle, such that pulling the actuator string in a
direction away from the bottle causes the central frangible portion
to rip, creating an opening in the frangible separator and allowing
the liquid and powder to be mixed.
16. The bottle of claim 15, further comprising a nipple assembly
configured to be removably attached to the first compartment
assembly.
17. A frangible separator comprising: a separator body; and an
actuator string partially embedded within the separator body, and
partially extending outward from the separator body; wherein the
actuator string is configured to partially rupture the separator
body when the actuator string is pulled.
18. The frangible separator of claim 17, further comprising a pull
tab attached to an end of the actuator string that extends outward
from the separator body, the pull tab being configured to
facilitate gripping and pulling of the actuator string.
19. The frangible separator of claim 17, wherein the frangible
separator body further comprises a frangible central portion having
pre-weakened borders such that the central frangible portion rips
along the borders when the actuator string is pulled.
20. The frangible separator of claim 17, wherein the frangible
central portion is horseshoe-shaped.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/333,144, filed May 10, 2010, the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed to containers that can be
used to separately store two substances and to mix the substances
as needed. More specifically, the present invention is directed to
a baby bottle for storing water and powdered formula separately
until they need to be mixed to feed a baby.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Baby formula is typically prepared by mixing a measured
amount of powdered formula with a measured amount of water. This
mixing must be done just prior to feeding the formula to the baby;
otherwise, the formula will spoil. This presents a problem when
parents are traveling and do not have a convenient way to store the
water and formula separately.
[0006] Bottle designs that address this problem, having dual
chambers and mixing systems, are known in the art. But the
prior-art mixing systems often involve complex mechanical devices
or specialized bottles that are expensive to manufacture and that
must be cleaned and stored. In addition, prior-art designs may
require special tools that must be used in conjunction with the
bottle.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a baby bottle with
compartments for storing water and powdered formula separately,
including functionality for mixing the water and formula is a
quick, safe, and reliable way. Additonally, there is a need for a
simple mixing system that does not require any additional tools and
that is disposable or recyclable. The mixing container with
multiple compartments divided by a frangible separator, as
described below and in the attached drawings, meets these
needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Advantages of the present invention are set forth in the
description that follows, as well as in the claims and the appended
drawings.
[0009] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the invention, as embodied herein, the invention
includes a container having a first compartment configured to hold
a first substance, a second compartment configured to hold a second
substance, a frangible separator coupled to both the first and
second compartments, and an actuator operably attached to the
frangible separator. The second compartment is removably attached
to the first compartment. The frangible separator forms a seal
between the first compartment and the second compartment such that
the first substance and the second substance do not mix. Actuating
the actuator causes at least a portion of the frangible separator
to rupture, which creates an opening in the frangible separator and
allows the first substance and the second substance to mix
together.
[0010] The invention also includes a bottle for storing and mixing
liquid and powder. The bottle includes a first compartment assembly
configured to store a liquid; a second compartment assembly
removably attached to the first compartment assembly and being
configured to store a powder; a frangible separator coupled to both
the first compartment and the second compartment and forming a seal
between the first compartment and the second compartment such that
the liquid and the powder do not mix; and an actuator string
operably attached to a central frangible portion of the frangible
separator. A first end of the actuator string is attached to the
central frangible portion, and a second end of the actuator string
extends to through the wall of the bottle to the exterior of the
bottle, such that pulling the actuator string in a direction away
from the bottle causes the central frangible portion to rip, thus
creating an opening in the frangible separator and allowing the
liquid and powder to be mixed.
[0011] The invention also includes a frangible separator having a
separator body and an actuator string partially embedded within the
separator body and partially extending outward from the separator
body. The actuator string is configured to partially rupture the
separator body when the actuator string is pulled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] So that those skilled in the art to which the subject
invention pertains will readily understand how the mixing container
functions without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments of
the container will be described in detail below with reference to
the following figures:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention, showing a bottle having a liquid compartment assembly, a
powder compartment assembly, and a nipple assembly;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the bottle shown in FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bottle of FIG. 2
taken along line A-A;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of area B shown in
FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of area C shown in
FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
frangible separator for separating two compartments, according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The container of the present invention facilitates storage
of two substances in two distinct compartments to prevent mixing of
the substances until a user actuates a mechanism to at least
partially remove a separator between the compartments. Although the
exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to a baby
bottle used to mix powdered infant formula with water, the present
invention has wide application and is not limited to this
embodiment. A container with a frangible separator according to the
present invention may be used to store any type of material, but is
particularly well suited for storing materials separately and
mixing the materials when needed. The materials to be stored an
mixed may be any combination of liquids, solids, and gases.
Similarly, although only two compartments are described in the
exemplary embodiments, a container according to the present
invention may include any number of compartments, with a frangible
separator between each of the compartments.
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the container with multiple compartments
and a frangible separator. The container includes functionality for
both separately storing two substances and for mixing the two
substances when desired. For purposes of explanation and
illustration, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the
container is shown in FIG. 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the
container is a bottle designated generally by reference numeral
100. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of bottle 100, which includes
three sections: a liquid compartment assembly 102, a powder
compartment assembly 104, and a nipple assembly 106.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side view of bottle 100; FIG. 3 is a
cross-sectional view of bottle 100 taken along the line A-A in FIG.
2. As shown in FIG. 3, nipple assembly 106 may include internal
threads configured to mate with upper exterior threads 108 on a top
exterior surface of liquid compartment assembly 104 to removably
secure the nipple assembly to the bottle. Liquid compartment
assembly 104 may also include lower exterior threads 110 on a lower
exterior surface of the liquid compartment to removably secure
powder compartment assembly 104 to liquid compartment assembly 102.
Powder compartment assembly 104 may be removably secured to liquid
compartment assembly 102 in any suitable manner, including a press
fit or a snap fit. Additionally, although the exemplary embodiment
shown in the figures shows liquid compartment assembly 102 and
powder compartment assembly 104 as being removably attached to one
another, liquid compartment assembly 102 and powder compartment
assembly 104 may also be integrally formed as a single, unitary
body.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, a separator 112 divides a liquid
compartment 114 within liquid compartment assembly 102 and a powder
compartment 116 within powder compartment assembly 104 such that
liquid held within liquid compartment 114 cannot mix with powder
held within powder compartment 116. In the exemplary embodiment
shown, separator 112 is a frangible separator having an actuator
118 configured to rip or rupture a portion of the frangible
separator 112 and thus allow the liquid held in compartment 114 to
mix with the powder held in compartment 116. Actuator 118 may be a
string, a rod, or a lever, or any other suitable actuating
mechanism.
[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, actuator 118 is a string
attached to frangible separator 112 and extending out to the
exterior of bottle 100 such that when the string is pulled, the
separator is ruptured and the liquid in chamber 114 and powder in
chamber 116 can mix together. FIG. 4 shows a detailed
cross-sectional view of frangible separator 112 and actuator string
118. In the exemplary embodiment shown, actuator string 118 is
embedded within frangible separator 112 and extends to a central
portion 120 of separator 112. When actuator string 118 is pulled in
a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 122 (shown in
FIG. 3) of bottle 100--represented by arrow 124 in FIGS. 3 and
4--actuator string 118 rips a portion of frangible separator 112 to
create an opening in frangible separator 112 and thus allowing the
liquid and powder in compartments 114 and 116 to freely mix.
Actuator string 118 may included a pull tab 128 attached to the end
of the actuator string to assist a user in gripping the string and
pulling it in direction 124 to rip frangible separator 112.
[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, frangible separator is
permanently attached to powder compartment assembly 104 by an
adhesive or other suitable means. This embodiment allows
manufacturers of baby formula, for example, to sell pre-measured
amounts of formula sealed within a powder compartment assembly 104
that is configured to be removably attached to liquid compartment
assembly 102. This embodiment allows consumers to quickly assembly
a ready-for-use baby bottle by simply attaching the pre-packaged
powder compartment assembly and filling the liquid compartment
assembly with water. This avoids any need to measure formula.
[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4,
frangible separator 112 is a disposable separator, not permanently
attached to powder compartment assembly 104. In this embodiment,
separator 112 may rest on a lip 126 of powder compartment assembly
104 and be firmly secured between lip 126 and the walls of liquid
compartment assembly 104 when the two compartment assemblies are
removably coupled to one another. In exemplary embodiment, a washer
or other seal may be used to facilitate the coupling.
[0026] Using an independent frangible separator 118 allows both
compartment assemblies 102 and 104 to be reused by simply
uncoupling the compartment assemblies, filling powder compartment
assembly 104 with formula, inserting a new disposable separator
112, filling the liquid compartment assembly 102 with water, and
attaching a lid or nipple assembly 106 to bottle 100.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the interface
between liquid compartment assembly 102, powder compartment
assembly 104, and frangible separator 112. As shown in
[0028] FIG. 5, powder component assembly 104 includes a slot 130
that extends through the sidewall 132 of powder apartment assembly
104. Slot 130 is configured to allow actuator string 118 to extend
outward to an exterior of bottle 100, such that tab 128 can be
easily gripped and pulled by a user to rip frangible separator 112
and mix the substances within liquid compartment 114 and powder
compartment 116.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, separator 112 creates a seal between
liquid compartment assembly 102 and powder compartment assembly 104
such that no liquid held in compartment 114 will leak into powder
compartment 116. Similarly, separator 112 seals off slot 130 such
that no liquid or powder will leak from bottle 100 through slot
130. During operation, at least a portion of actuator string 118
remains embedded within separator 112, and the edges of separator
112 remain intact, thus preventing any leakage of liquid after
separator 112 has been ruptured.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the frangible separator
112. As shown, separator 112 may include a separator body 134
having a central frangible portion 136. Separator body 134 may be
of any suitable shape and size, provided that it can sealingly
divide liquid compartment 114 and powder compartment 116. In one
exemplary embodiment, central frangible portion 136 is attached to
a first end of actuator string 118, with the second end of actuator
string 118 extending outward from separator body 134. Central
frangible portion 136 may be of any suitable shape and size.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a frangible portion 136 having a horseshoe
shape--that is, a shape with a flat portion 138 configured to be
near sidewall 132 of powder compartment assembly 104 while in use
and a curvilinear portion 140 that extends outward from flat
portion 138 toward central portion 120 of the separator 112 and
back to flat portion 138. In another exemplary embodiment,
frangible portion 136 may be semicircular in shape.
[0032] Actuator string 118 may be attached to the borders of
frangible portion 136 such that when actuator string 118 is pulled
away from bottle 100 in direction 124, the borders of frangible
portion 136 are ripped, thus creating an opening between liquid
compartment 114 and powder compartment 116. In another exemplary
embodiment, frangible portion 136 may include weakened areas along
its border, with actuator string 118 attached to a central location
within frangible portion 136. In this embodiment, pulling actuator
string 118 will put stress on the weakened areas, causing the
weakened areas to rupture and allowing the substances in
compartments 114 and 116 to mix. Frangible separator 112 may be
made from any suitable material. Because the process of ripping or
rupturing separator 112 cannot be reversed, the separator may be
made from materials that are inexpensive and easily disposable or
recyclable.
[0033] As any parent can attest, time is often of the essence when
a baby is hungry. In use, bottle 100 greatly simplifies the storage
and mixing of baby formula with water and allows parents to very
quickly and easily put together a baby bottle that can be carried
securely and mixed on demand. The bottle can be prepared in a few
easy steps: first, powder compartment 116 is filled with a
pre-determined amount of infant formula. In one exemplary
embodiment, powder compartment assembly 104 includes gradations or
other indications on the its interior sidewalls to aid a parent in
determining the correct amount of formula to add. Second, frangible
separator 112 is placed on lip 126 of powder compartment assembly
104, with actuator string 118 extending outward through slot 130.
Third, liquid compartment assembly 102 is coupled to powder
compartment assembly 104, and in the process, frangible separator
112 is sealingly secured between the two compartments. Fourth, a
predetermined amount of water or other liquid is added to liquid
compartment 114. As with powder compartment assembly 104, the
liquid compartment assembly may also include gradations or other
indicators to assist the parent in determining the appropriate
amount of water to add. Finally, nipple assembly 106 is secured to
a top portion of liquid compartment assembly, and the bottle is
ready to go. When it is time to feed the baby, the parent simply
has to pull actuator string 118 in a direction 124 away from bottle
100 to create an opening in frangible separator 112, thus allowing
the water and formula to be mixed. If necessary, the parent may
shake the bottle to further facilitate thorough mixing.
[0034] The present invention, as described above and shown in the
drawings, provides for a container for with multiple compartments
divided by a frangible separator. The container allows a user to
carry two substances, such as liquid and powder, in separate
compartments and to quickly and easily mix the two substances when
the need arises. Carrying the substances in separate compartments
is essential for applications such as baby formula, which must be
fed to the baby or refrigerated shortly after being mixed to
prevent spoilage. The present invention allows a parent to carry
the formula in a ready-to-use bottle without the need for
refrigeration or other special handling. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations
can be made to the container of the present invention without
departing from the scope of the invention as outlined in the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *