U.S. patent application number 13/299204 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for two compartment container.
This patent application is currently assigned to LA PRAIRIE, INC.. Invention is credited to Anil Kalyanpur, Richard Suhr.
Application Number | 20120211378 13/299204 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46084655 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120211378 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kalyanpur; Anil ; et
al. |
August 23, 2012 |
TWO COMPARTMENT CONTAINER
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.
Inventors: |
Kalyanpur; Anil; (Edison,
NJ) ; Suhr; Richard; (Seaside heights, NJ) |
Assignee: |
LA PRAIRIE, INC.
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
46084655 |
Appl. No.: |
13/299204 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61414695 |
Nov 17, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/221 ; 53/474;
53/484; 53/492 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 15/0213 20130101;
B01F 15/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/221 ; 53/474;
53/484; 53/492 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08; B65B 7/16 20060101 B65B007/16; B65B 3/04 20060101
B65B003/04 |
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.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] 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
[0002] 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
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the two-compartment
container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the top portion of the
container and the dispenser in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the top portion of the
container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the upper container of an
exemplary embodiment;
[0023] FIGS. 5A and 5B are a cross sectional and top view of an
exemplary embodiment of the base of the present invention; .
[0024] FIGS. 6A and 6B are a cross sectional and top view of the
lower container of an exemplary embodiment;
[0025] FIGS. 7A and 7B are a cross sectional and top view of the
cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0026] FIGS. 8A and 8B are a top view and a cross sectional view of
the outer cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0027] 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;
[0028] 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;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a piston in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the inner bottle in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0031] 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;
[0032] 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;
[0033] 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;
[0034] 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;
[0035] FIGS. 17A and 17B are a top view and a side view of the
packing ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0036] FIGS. 18A and 18B are a top view and a side view of the pad
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0037] 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;
[0038] 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
[0039] 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
[0040] 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
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.RTM. or
Lexan.RTM.. 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
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