Abstract:
The Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Device consists of a container that is divided proportionately to allow for the precise measuring of the recommended sugar to water ratios used for nectar type bird and butterfly feeders. The device is adapted for supporting a movable or removable divider that separates the container into proportionate volumes, 4 to 1, 6 to 1, and 9 to 1 that correspond to the commonly recommended sugar to water ratios for hummingbird, oriole, and butterfly nectar feeders. The device allows for the water and sugar compartments to be filled to the same “line of sight” level to facilitate the making of precise nectar sugar to water ratios. Once the sugar and water compartments are filled to the same level, the divider is moved or removed to allow for mixing. In the preferred embodiment of the Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Devices, the container divider can be used as a stirring implement and lid to cover the container during storage.

Description:
This is a CIP application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/200,747, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,119 B2 issued Apr. 3, 2012. 
     I also claim the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/309,264 filed Aug. 2, 2001. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a device to be used to mix and store sugar water (nectar) for nectar type bird and butterfly feeders. The present invention allows for conveniently measuring, mixing and storing the precise proportions of sugar and water required for hummingbird, oriole and butterfly nectar feeders. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The popularity of nectar type feeders (sugar-water) for the feeding of hummingbirds, orioles and even butterflies is ever increasing. At the same time, there is extensive research showing that certain sugar to water proportions are preferred by the birds and butterflies, these proportions being more or less equivalent in sugar content with their natural food sources. 
     As anyone in the nectar feeder manufacturing and or bird feeding specialty retailing business will attest, customers (consumers) are constantly asking and needing to be reminded about correct nectar (sugar to water proportions) recipes and how they should prepare the nectar for their feeders. Further, there are increasing concerns among bird feeding authorities that feeding birds with nectar that is disproportionately sweeter (higher sugar to water ratio) than their natural food sources may have an adverse effect on the birds health if used over the long term. There are similar concerns about using the commercially available nectar concentrates which have concentrated artificial coloring and/or flavorings. 
     There is clearly a need for a device to simplify the mixing of sugar and water to arrive at the correct sugar to water proportion for hummingbird, oriole and butterfly nectar feeders. At the present time, the currently recommended sugar to water proportions are:
         Hummingbird Feeder Nectar—1 part table sugar to 4 parts water   Oriole Feeder Nectar—1 part table sugar to 6 parts water   Butterfly Feeder Nectar—1 part table sugar to 9 parts water       

     These nectar (sugar to water) proportions are currently recognized as being proportionally equivalent in sugar content as the birds, and butterflies natural nectar food sources. As research continues, adjustments to these proportions may be recommended. 
     The principal object of the present invention is to provide a device for a nectar mixing and storage that simplifies and makes convenient getting the correct proportion of sugar to water ratios(s) for the various types of nectar feeders, hummingbird, oriole, and butterfly. An additional objective of the present invention is to allow the user to prepare a relatively large quantity of nectar, that can be stored in a refrigerator, without concern for spoilage for several weeks. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A nectar mixing and storage device that simplifies the proportionate measurement of sugar and water for bird and butterfly nectar feeders. The nectar mixing and storage device has separate compartments that are used to measure out the required amounts of sugar to water needed to make hummingbird (1 part sugar/4 parts water), oriole (1 part sugar/6 parts water) and butterfly (1 part sugar/9 parts water) nectar. The device allows for precise sugar to water mixtures based on filling the divided compartments to the same level. Once the sugar and water have been filled to the same level, the compartment divider is removed and the sugar and water may be stirred. In the preferred embodiment, the divider is placed in the appropriate position as indicated by graphics or other means to divide the compartments for the convenient preparation of hummingbird, oriole or butterfly nectar. In the preferred embodiment of the device, the compartment divider can be used as a stirring implement and lid to cover the contents. 
     Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and claims, and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which by way of illustration, show a series of embodiments of the present invention and the principles thereof, and what is now considered to be the best mode in which to apply these principles. Other and different embodiments of the invention embodying the same or equivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from this invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts an oblique side view of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a side view of the lid/divider for the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a top view of the lid/divider for the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a side view of a stopper for the lid/divider for the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view showing the lid/divider installed and the sugar water level of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a top view of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a top view of the lid/divider for the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a top view of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with the lid installed; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a side view of a second embodiment of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 9  depicts side view of a removable sugar container/divider of the second embodiment of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a top view of the second embodiment of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a side view showing the sugar container divider installed and the sugar/water level of the second embodiment of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a side view of the second embodiment of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with a smaller sugar container divider as would be used for oriole and/or butterfly nectar; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a side view of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with an integrally formed divider; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a top view of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with the integrally formed divider set in a position to make hummingbird nectar; 
         FIG. 14-A  depicts an enlarged, partial view of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a top view of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with the integral divider set in a position to make oriole nectar; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a top view of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with the integral divider set to the solution mixing position; 
         FIG. 17  depicts a side view of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with integral divider with the sugar and water compartments filled, prior to mixing; 
         FIG. 18  depicts a side view of the removable rotary divider of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 19  depicts a side view of the rotary divider supporting container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 20  depicts a top view of the rotary divider supporting container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 21  depicts a top view of the rotary divider supporting container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with the rotary divider located in the integral storage slot; 
         FIG. 22  depicts a rotated side view of the rotary divider of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 23  depicts a side view of the rotary divider supporting container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with the rotary divider set in a position to make hummingbird nectar; 
         FIG. 24  depicts a top view of the rotary divider supporting container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with the rotary divider set in a position to make hummingbird nectar; 
         FIG. 25  depicts a side view of the rotary divider supporting container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with the sugar and water compartments filled, prior to mixing; 
         FIG. 26  depicts a side view of the container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with lid supported divider; 
         FIG. 27  depicts a top view of the container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with lid supported divider; 
         FIG. 28  depicts a top view of the divider supporting lid of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 29  depicts a side view of the divider supporting lid of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 30  depicts a cross sectional view of the divider supporting lid of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  depicts a side view of the divider of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 32  depicts a front view of the divider of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 33  depicts a side view of the divider supporting lid with the divider extending into the container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device and the sugar and water compartments filled, prior to mixing; 
         FIG. 34  depicts a side view of the divider supporting lid with the divider located in the transverse lid slot to close off the lid for the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 35  depicts a side view of the closure lid of the of the fixed divider container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 36  depicts a side view of the lid sealing gasket of the of the fixed divider container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 37  depicts a side view of the container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with a fixed divider; 
         FIG. 38  depicts a top view of the container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with a fixed divider; 
         FIG. 39  depicts a half cross section, side view of the closure lid of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 40  depicts a top view of the closure lid of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 41  depicts a top view of the lid sealing gasket of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 42  depicts a half cross section, side view of an alternate design for a closure lid for the fixed divider container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 43  depicts a side view of a blow molded, fixed divider container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 44  depicts a top view of the container of  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 45  depicts a half cross section, side view of a graduated volume container of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device; 
         FIG. 46  depicts a top view of the container of  FIG. 45 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The first embodiment of the CONVENIENCE NECTAR MIXING AND STORAGE DEVICE is shown in the  FIGS. 1-7 . The device  11  shown in side view ( FIG. 1 ) has a handle  12  and pouring spout  19 . The device  11  has a series of rails as shown at  15 ,  16  and  17  that when engaged with the divider  21  ( FIGS. 2 and 2A ) will allow for the creation of two (2) separate compartments within the device. The separate compartments as shown in  FIG. 4  will allow for separating the sugar  27  and water  25  components in the device  11 . The rails  15 ,  16  and  17  are located to divide the device  11  into proportionate volumes of 4 to 1-“H” (hummingbird), 6 to 1-“O” (oriole), and 9 to 1-“B” (butterfly) respectively. The rails  15 ,  16  and  17  may be identified through decoration or embossment for hummingbird nectar, oriole nectar, and butterfly nectar respectively. 
     Using the device  11 , it is now a very simple procedure to mix the correct sugar to water ratio for the nectar feeder type. The divider  21  is pushed down into the appropriate rail  15 ,  16  or  17 . The sugar is added to the smaller side and the water is added to the larger side—both levels being on the same “LINE-OF-SIGHT” as shown in  FIG. 4 . The divider  21  may be made from a semi-resilient material to aid in sealing between the compartments. 
     Once the sugar  27  and water  25  are put in the device  11 , the divider  21  is pulled out and may be used to stir the solution. The divider  21  can then be used as a lid for the device  11  as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . The divider  21  is configured to engage between the raised nodes  13  as shown in FIGS.  5 , 7 . The divider  21  is shown with a pouring hole  23  that aligns with the device  11  pouring spout  19  to facilitate pouring. Finally, the divider  21  with hole  23  may be closed with a separate or integrally formed resilient plug  24  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the convenience nectar making and storage device is shown in the  FIGS. 8-12 . The device  31  has a handle  33  and pouring spout  36 . This device  31  has a raised bottom feature as shown at  37  designed to form an interference fit with the bottom of a tubular form divider  39 . The divider  39  has a flared top as shown at  41  to facilitate filling. The device is used as shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  by engaging the bottom of the tubular divider  39  with the raised bottom feature  37  to create two (2) proportionate chambers in the device  31 . The tubular form divider  39  may be formed of a semi-resilient material to facilitate its fit and seal with the raised bottom feature  37 . It is then a simple matter to fill the tubular divider  39  with sugar  41  and to fill the surrounding container with water  43  to the same “LINE-OF-SIGHT” level. The tubular divider  39  is sized to create a sugar  41  to water  43  proportion of 1 to 4 as recommended for hummingbird feeders. Once the water  43  and sugar  41  are added into the device the tubular divider  39  is pulled out, and the nectar solution is stirred.  FIG. 12  shows a smaller tubular divider  45  sized to engage with the upper portion  35  of the device  31  raised bottom feature  37 . This smaller sized tubular divider  45  is intended to show the relatively smaller sugar to water ratio as used for an oriole or butterfly feeder. The CONVENIENCE NECTAR MIXING AND STORAGE DEVICE of  FIGS. 8-12  may be configured to fit up to three (3) different sizes of tubular dividers to allow for convenient mixing of hummingbird, oriole, or butterfly nectar. 
     A convenience nectar mixing and storage device with an integrally formed divider is shown in the  FIGS. 13-17 . The device container  51  has a pouring spout  53  and an integrally formed, fixed divider panel  55 . As shown in  FIG. 14A , the divider panel  55  is formed integrally with the container  51  bottom and side walls up to the thin section of the hinge  65  at which point the moveable divider panel  57  begins. As seen in  FIG. 13 , there is a step  59  provided in the bottom of the device container  51  to allow for integrally molding the moveable divider panel  57 . The  FIG. 14A  shows a series of detents  67 ,  69  and  70  that are formed in the sidewalls of the device container  51 . These detents are shaped to allow for rotary engagement of the edge of the moveable divider panel  57 . Positioning the moveable divider panel  57  in any of the detents  67 ,  69  or  70  will subdivide the container  51  into two compartments that have proportionate volumes that are conveniently set for the formulation of Hummingbird, Oriole and Butterfly nectar, respectively. The moveable divider panel  57  may have ridges, bumps or other adaptations in its upper section to aid the user in rotating it into and out of engagement with the container  51  sidewall detents  67 ,  69  and  70 . The walls of the container  51  will typically have embossed or decorated graphics adjacent to the detents  67 ,  69  and  70  that designate the associated nectar formulations (Hummingbird, Oriole or Butterfly). The separate compartments will typically be identified with embossed or decorated words or symbols for indicating that the smaller one is for sugar and the larger one for water. The distal and bottom edges of the moveable divider panel  57  may be formed with a reduced or “feathered” cross section and/or slightly curved shape. This feathered edge will allow for reduced force for rotating the panel  57  and as an aid in forming a flexible or “wiper” type seal with the detents  67 ,  69  and  70  and the container  51  inside, bottom surface. The  FIG. 16  shows the moveable divider panel  57  rotated to a neutral or “mixing” position and there being held in place with integral nodes  63  that project upward from the bottom of the container  51 . Another neutral or “mixing” position may be constructed with a container bottom or sidewall projection positioned to hold the moveable divider panel  57  completely folded back close to, or in direct contact with the fixed divider panel  55 . The device container  51  is not shown with a separate handle, but the circular shape transition at  61  should allow the user to grasp and hold the container. Although not shown in the drawing figures, a separate handle or more radically indented form at the shape transition  61  may be provided as an aid in handling. The  FIG. 17  shows the convenience nectar mixing and storage device container  51  with the temporarily divided sugar and water compartments filled to the same “Line of Sight” level. This equivalent level feature automatically sets the correct sugar to water ratio for the selected (Hummingbird, Oriole or Butterfly) nectar solution irrespective of the total amount of nectar that is being prepared. The drawing  FIGS. 13-17  do not show a lid or top to the device container  51 , but typically a lid would be provided. This lid will fit over the device container  51  using a snap or friction interference fit as well established for refrigerator containers and the like. Given the possibility that the nectar solution may be microwave heated (to reduce spoilage) it is desirable for the lid to be vented in order to allow steam to escape. The lid may also be provided with a secondary opening located adjacent to the container spout to allow for convenient pouring without requiring removal of the entire lid. 
     A convenience nectar mixing and storage device with a rotary divider is shown in the  FIGS. 18-25 . The convenience nectar mixing and storage device container  85  is configured to receive a rotary divider  73  as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . The device container  85  has a pouring spout  87  and an upstanding support  90  that is adapted to receive the guide pin  79  of a rotary divider  73 . The rotary divider  73  has a semicircular, cutout form  77  on top to aid in manual rotation and removal. The upper portion of the rotary divider  73  guide pin  79  has a slight undercut shown at  80 . This undercut  80  forms a light snap fit with the hole  91  in the top of the upstanding support  90 . The rotary divider  73  guide pin  79  is further supported when fully engaged in the upstanding support  90  by a flat boss surface at  81 . As shown in  FIG. 24 , the device container  85  is configured with a series of detents  92 ,  93  and  94  that when engaged by the edge  75  of the rotary divider  73  serve to subdivide the container  85  into two compartments that have proportionate volumes that are conveniently set for the formulation of Hummingbird, Oriole and Butterfly nectar, respectively. The walls of the container  85  will typically have embossed or decorated graphics that specifically identify the sugar and water compartments and the associated nectar formulation detent(s) (Hummingbird, Oriole or Butterfly). As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , a radial slot  89  is provided in the device container  85  to conveniently store the rotary divider  73  after the nectar solution is prepared. The  FIG. 24  shows an alternative configuration where the slot  89  may include a bottom and slightly upstanding partial wall  95 , forming a shallow basin to catch any small drips that result when the rotary divider  73  is placed there. The  FIG. 25  shows the convenience nectar mixing and storage device container  85  with the temporarily divided sugar and water compartments filled to the same “Line of Sight” level. The drawing  FIG. 25  does not show a lid or top to the device container  85 , but typically a lid with a raised profile adapted to provide clearance for the rotary divider  73  would be provided. This lid would be provided with an incorporated vent for releasing steam and a secondary opening for convenient dispensing adjacent to the container spout. 
     Referring to the  FIGS. 26-34  there is shown a convenience nectar mixing and storage device with a divider supporting lid. As seen in  FIGS. 26 and 27  the device container  101  has a handle  103  and a pouring spout  105 . As shown in the  FIG. 28  the lid  107  has a large access opening  109  to allow the user to add the sugar and water to the container  101 . The lid  107  has transverse slots  111 ,  113  and  115  that support a divider  131  for dividing the container into the correct volumetric ratios for the formulation of hummingbird, oriole and/or butterfly nectar respectively. The lid  107  may have embossed or decorated graphics that serve to identify the transverse slots  111 ,  113  and  115  with associated nectar formulations. The container  101  may have embossed or decorated graphics to identify the “sugar” and “water” compartments and the relative divider locations for the different nectar formulations. The transverse slots  111 ,  113  and  115  are shown to be narrower on one side of the lid  107  than the other to allow the divider to engage them in only one orientation. This specific divider orientation is necessary to maintain accurate compartment volumetric ratios in the event that the divider has a contoured, rather than planar, form. The  FIGS. 28 and 29  show an extending wall  117  that when interference fitted into the inside of the container  101  acts to hold the lid  107  secure. The  FIG. 30 , section view of the lid  107 , shows longitudinal slots  121  and  123  that are adapted to receive the divider  131 . These longitudinal slots are shown having different widths to allow for a “keyed” or one-way-orientation of the divider.  FIG. 30  shows a cutout region  125  in the extending wall  117  that allows the nectar to be dispensed from the pouring spout  105  even while the lid  107  is installed on the container  101 . This cutout region  125  is also provided to allow an escape route for steam in the event that the nectar mixture is microwaved, or otherwise heated. The  FIGS. 31 and 32  show the (planar form) divider  131  with a handling feature (hole) at  133 . The divider  131  has a detent at  135  to aid in holding the divider  131  in place when fulled engaged with any of the transverse slots  111 ,  113  and  115  of lid  107 . The divider  131  is made with an adaptive shape or outline to allow adequate sealing of the separate compartments of the container  107 . The divider  131  may be made of a flexible or semi-flexible material and/or may have a reduced cross section at the edges to assist in sealing between the container compartments. Although not specifically required, the container  107  may have internal projecting nodes or other adaptive features to aid in aligning and/or sealing the divider  131 . The  FIG. 33  shows the lid  107  and divider  131  fully engaged with the container  101 . The divider  131 , when fully inserted into the transverse slot  111  separates the container  101  into sugar and water compartments for the correct formulation of hummingbird nectar. Once the sugar and water are added to the same line-of-sight level, the divider can be removed and may be used to stir the nectar solution. The  FIG. 34  shows the divider  131  inserted longitudinally into the lid  107 , effectively closing the lid opening  109  for spill resistant storage of the nectar. 
     Referring to the  FIGS. 35-42  there is shown a convenience nectar mixing and storage device configured with a fixed divider and a relative compartment ratio of 4 (water) to 1 (sugar) for making hummingbird nectar. The device container  145  has a fixed divider  149  as shown in the  FIGS. 37 and 38 . The walls of the container  145  will typically have embossed or decorated graphics that specifically identify the sugar and water compartments and may also include decorative symbols that indicate that the device is intended for making hummingbird nectar. The device container has external threads  147  that are adapted to receive the internal threads  137  of the device lid  135 . The device lid  135  has venting holes  139  as shown in the  FIGS. 35 ,  39  and  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 36 and 40  the lid  135  is adapted to receive a seal  141  with a slit type, leak resistant valve  143 . The purpose of this seal  141 , and the leak resistant, slit type valve  143  is to allow the sugar and water contents of the container  145  to be mixed over the top of the fixed divider  149  by vigorous agitation or shaking, without leaking. The procedure for making hummingbird nectar with this device is essentially the same as the prior convenience nectar mixing and storage devices, except that the device container  145  needs to have the lid  135  with seal  141  screwed down tight prior to mixing. The  FIG. 42  shows an alternate design for the device container  145  closure lid  155 . The lid  155  has an internal thread  156  adapted to fit the device container threads  147  and a secondary opening  157  provided for convenient dispensing. The lid  155  has an attached closure plug  159  with an undercut groove  161  which is sized to snap fit into the secondary opening  157 . The closure plug  159  includes an extension tab  165  to aid in opening. The closure plug  159  is connected to the lid  155  with an integrally formed strap  167 . The closure plug  159  has a resilient, grommet  163  with an integrally formed slit type, pressure relieving valve at  169 . This simple pressure relieving valve  169  can be covered by the index finger of the user while shake-mixing the nectar. This pressure relieving valve  169  is an important feature for this lid  155  to allow for safe microwave heating. The form of this alternate closure lid  155  design is well known in the art, but the addition of the drip resistant, pressure relieving valve  169  allows the nectar to be mixed by shaking and then safely microwave heated. 
     Referring to the  FIGS. 43 and 44  there is shown a blow molded configuration of the convenience nectar mixing and storage device with adjoining compartments. The device container  175  has external threads  177  and an integrally molded dividing dam  179 . The container  175  has a water compartment  181  and a sugar compartment  183  having a four to one ratio respectively for the formulation of hummingbird nectar. This alternate configuration container  175  is used in similar manner to the fixed divider device  145  as detailed above. 
     Referring to the  FIGS. 45 and 46  there is shown a graduated volume, or adjoining compartments convenience nectar mixing and storage device. The device container  195  has a handle  197  and a pouring spout  199 . The device container  195  has a reduced volume compartment defined by the ledge  201  for receiving sugar. The sugar fill ledge  201  is identified with the decorated or embossed instructions: “SUGAR-FILL-LEVEL” as shown in  FIG. 46 . The upper adjoining water compartment is defined by the water fill ledge  203 . The water fill ledge  203  is identified with the decorated or embossed instructions: “WATER-FILL-LEVEL”. The procedure for making hummingbird nectar using this device is very straightforward. The lower compartment is filled with sugar to the “SUGAR-FILL-LEVEL” ledge  201 , the upper compartment is then filled with water to the “WATER-FILL-LEVEL” ledge  203  and the sugar water contents of the container are stirred. Due to the fact that the sugar and water are not isolated from each other, some of the water is absorbed by the sugar in the lower sugar compartment during filling. The relative volume of water that is soaked up by the granulated sugar is approximately 40% of the sugar compartment volume. The relative volume ratio between the adjoining water and sugar compartments for this graduated volume device  195  must therefore be set close to 3.6 parts (water) to 1 part (sugar) to correctly formulate hummingbird nectar. The device is specifically configured to allow the water to be poured directly into the sugar compartment to aid in mixing the solution and to assure that the sugar is thoroughly “wefted” during filling. A convenience nectar mixing and storage device of this graduated volume configuration, requires that a full container of hummingbird nectar is prepared each time in order to achieve the correct sugar to water concentration. The device container  195  as shown in the  FIGS. 45 and 46  is shown having a cylindrical shape, but the device could be made in many other functional shapes. In order for this device to be used to make nectar with an accurate formulation, the graduated features of the container that indicate the fill levels, should be sufficiently pronounced and specifically identified to ensure accurate filling levels. The graduated features of the container that define the sugar and water fill levels may alternately be located in the center, as an upstanding, stepped pinnacle form, or at the container ends, but are not by any necessity limited to the outer edges. The drawing  FIG. 45  does not show a lid or top to the device container  195 , but typically a lid with an incorporated steam vent and convenient dispensing, or secondary opening would be provided. 
     Although not specifically shown in the drawing figures the various convenience nectar mixing and storage devices would typically have detailed instructions for their use either embossed or decorated on the container or associated covering lid. The container lids would also have embossed or decorated warnings such as “HOT” at or adjacent to steam venting features. At the present time there is general agreement among those in the bird feeder trade as advised by Ornithologists that the recommended sugar to water ratios for Hummingbird and oriole nectar are 1 part (sugar) to 4 parts (water) and 1 part (sugar) to 6 parts (water) respectively. Unfortunately, recommendations for the formulation of butterfly nectar are widely variable. These “recommended” butterfly nectar sugar to water mix ratio recipes range from 1 part (sugar) to 4 parts (water) all the way up to 1 part (sugar) to 20 parts (water). It is most probable that as the nectar feeding of butterflies becomes more established, a consistent nectar formulation recommendation, will emerge. In the mean time, the most reasonable approach to setting the butterfly nectar sugar to water ratio for the convenience nectar mixing and storage device(s) will be to survey the leading butterfly feeder manufactures. 
     It should be noted that in any embodiment of the CONVENIENCE NECTAR MIXING AND STORAGE DEVICE(S), the container and associated divider may have graduation marks to assist in setting the same level for the water and sugar. Since it is usually recommended that the nectar solutions be boiled to preserve them longer from spoilage and the development of molds, the CONVENIENCE NECTAR MIXING AND STORAGE DEVICE(S) should be constructed of heat resistant materials and preferably these materials should be compatible with microwave heating. 
     It should be noted that a CONVENIENCE NECTAR MIXING AND STORAGE DEVICE(S) that are “not-compartmentalized” but which use graphics or embossing to designate the “sugar-fill-level” and resultant mixed sugar-water or “fill to” (full) level are anticipated by this invention. A CONVENIENCE NECTAR MIXING AND STORAGE DEVICE of this type would have different “sugar-fill-level” graphics on 2 or 3 sides/locations to make the three (3) standard nectar (sugar-water) ratios. 
     The non-compartmentalized CONVENIENCE NECTAR MIXING AND STORAGE DEVICE(S) would by necessity require that a full batch of nectar be prepared every time. It should also be pointed out that a “non-compartmentalized” CONVENIENCE NECTAR MIXING AND STORAGE DEVICE(S) will not be as inherently accurate in controlling the nectar (sugar to water) mix ratios(s)—as the device “sugar-fill-line” would typically cover a larger area at the bottom of the device. 
     The foregoing description is not intended to be all inclusive of the embodiments that a CONVENIENCE NECTAR MIXING AND STORAGE DEVICE may have. The device itself, once disclosed, may be configured in a variety of embodiments that operate similarly to those detailed and described herein. I desire therefore, that my protection be limited, not by the constructions illustrated and described, but only by the proper scope of the appended claims.