Abstract:
A method of distributing and mixing a drink includes the steps of: providing a first container body and filling the first container body with a first fluid such that the first fluid is sealingly held within the first container body. The first container body has a first feature that permits the first fluid to selectively flow from the first container body. The method also includes the step of providing a second container body for holding a second fluid. The second container body has a second feature that permits the second fluid to flow from the second container body. The second container body is filled with the second fluid. The first and second container bodies are joined such that the first and second fluids are separated from one another and are sealingly contained within the first and second container bodies, respectively. In addition, at least one of the first and second container bodies is manipulated at a point of use to provide fluid communication therebetween resulting in mixing of the first and second fluids.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/887,272, filed Jan. 30, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to containers for holding a beverage, such as an alcoholic beverage, and more particularly, to a container that separately holds two ingredients of the beverage until a consumer manipulates the container to cause mixing of the beverage. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    There are an ever growing number of different types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and spirits that are enjoyed by millions throughout the world. In addition, there is an increasing need and demand for pre-mixed or prepared alcoholic beverages that can easily be dispensed to consumers without the need for timely preparation of the beverage and there is also a need for a beverage that can be distributed in smaller volumes. This has led to a surge in the sheer quantity and variety of prepared alcoholic beverages that are marketed in single drink containers. For example, there are a number of wine based bottled drinks commonly known as “wine coolers” that come in a 12 ounce bottle and are available in a wide variety of flavors, such as mixed berry, pina colada, strawberry daiquiri, to name a few. These products are usually distributed in a four pack. In addition, small 187 ml bottles of wine are available in four packs and are perfect for occasions when you would like to enjoy a glass of wine but it&#39;s just not practical to bring a standard, larger size bottle along. All different types of wine, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, etc. are available in this size. These easy-to-tote, portable bottles hold approximately a glass and a half of wine and thus are perfect for a number of different settings, including picnics. 
         [0004]    These smaller, single drink beverages are not limited to wine since there are a number of different spirit based mixed bottled drinks that are available. Once again, these drinks typically come pre-mixed in a 187 ml glass bottle that can be enjoyed by the consumer. There is a popular line of flavored whiskey drinks, including whiskey blended with punch, lemonade, berry drinks, citrus and watermelon; and in addition, some other popular drinks including, Kahlua mudslide, margaritas, etc. However, most, if not all, of these drinks come in standard small sized glass bottles that are not that aesthetically pleasing. 
         [0005]    However, one aspect that is enjoyed by many is the role of playing a bartender&#39;s role in that many people, like to mix the ingredients together to make the mixed drink itself instead of buying a drink that has been pre-mixed already. As will be appreciated, many of the ingredients that go into making a mixed drink have different colors and therefore, the mixing of these ingredients forms a drink that has yet another color. Existing pre-mixed drinks that are on the market do not allow the consumer the ability to mix the drink and at best, only permit the consumer to shake the already mixed drink. Also, some consumers believe that pre-mixing the non-alcoholic ingredients, such as juices, with the alcoholic ingredient may reduce the freshness of the drink if the mixed ingredients sit on a shelf for an extended period of time. 
         [0006]    It would therefore be desirable to provide a container that can be initially filled with the ingredients of a mixed drink such that at least two of the ingredients are separated from one another until the consumer wishes for the mixing to occur. The present invention addresses this and other needs in the art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A method of distributing and mixing a drink includes the steps of: providing a first container body and filling the first container body with a first fluid such that the first fluid is sealingly held within the first container body. The first container body has a first feature that permits the first fluid to selectively flow from the first container body. The method also includes the step of providing a second container body for holding a second fluid. The second container body has a second feature that permits the second fluid to flow from the second container body. The second container body is filled with the second fluid. 
         [0008]    The first and second container bodies are joined such that the first and second fluids are separated from one another and are sealingly contained within the first and second container bodies, respectively. In addition, at least one of the first and second container bodies is manipulated at a point of use to provide fluid communication therebetween resulting in mixing of the first and second fluids. 
         [0009]    A container for preparing a mixed drink including a first container body for holding a first fluid in a first compartment thereof. The first fluid is sealed at one end by a first membrane. The container includes a second container body for holding a second fluid in a second compartment thereof. The second fluid is sealed at one end by the first membrane. The container includes an object disposed within one of the first and second compartments. The object has sufficient dimensions and mass such that when mixing of the first and second fluids is desired, the container is manipulated to cause the object to strike and rupture the first membrane resulting in mixing of the first and second fluids. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of container according to another embodiment for separately holding ingredients of a mixed beverage prior to mixing 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the container of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  2 - 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  is side cross-sectional view of a first body of the container in a first position relative to a second body of the container; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  is a side cross-sectional view of the first body being axially advanced relative to the second body to a second position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3C  is a side cross-sectional view of the first body being further axially advanced relative to the second body to a third position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a localized top plan view of a retaining feature in a first position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a localized top plan view of the retaining feature in a second position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4C  is a localized top plan view of the retaining feature in a third position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is side elevation view of a container according to another embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  is side elevation view of a container according to another embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of a container according to yet another embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of a container of another embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 8A  with a pull tab in a rest position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8C  is a cross-sectional view of the container with the pull tab being pulled causing separation of a membrane to provide communication between two container compartments; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of a first container body of the container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a beverage container  300  according to one embodiment. The container  300  generally includes a lid or cover or cap  110 , a first body  310  that defines a first compartment  301  for holding a first ingredient (e.g., a liquid) of the beverage and a second body  400  that is coupled to the first body and defines a second compartment  401  for holding a second ingredient (e.g., a liquid) of the beverage. As used herein, the term “ingredient” is not limited to a homogenous liquid; but instead can be formed of a number of mixed liquids. For example, one “ingredient” of the drink intended to be mixed within the container  300  can be a combination of several liquids, such as a combination of fruit juices, e.g., a combination of pineapple and orange juice that is intended to be later mixed with vodka. For purpose of illustration only, the first compartment holds a first liquid and the second compartment holds a second liquid. 
         [0027]    In order to maximize the visual effect of the container mixing mechanism, the two ingredients should be visually different from one another. For example, a transparent alcohol(s) or the like should be contained in one compartment, while the colorful fruit juices, soda, or the like should be contained in the other compartment. Alternatively, one compartment can store a colored alcohol base liquid and the other compartment can store a transparent alcohol based liquid or even a colored alcohol. 
         [0028]    In a specific exemplary embodiment, the two ingredients are two liquid components of a mixed drink that are intended to be mixed with one another to form the final mixed drink. For example, the first compartment can hold a fruit juice, such as orange juice or another juice, like cranberry juice, and the second compartment can hold alcohol, such as vodka. The first and second ingredients (liquids) should be complementary to one another in that in the resulting mixed drink, the first and second liquids are mixed with one another. 
         [0029]    After mixing occurs, the consumer removes the lid  110  and enjoys the freshly mixed drink. 
         [0030]    The container  300  includes the lid  110  that is releasably mated (e.g., threadingly secured) to the first container body  310  which selectively is coupled to the second container body  400 . In one embodiment and similar to the previous embodiment, the first container body  310  can be in the form of a substantially hollow member defined by a side wall and that can have any number of different shapes, including, a cylindrical shape, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0031]    The first container body  310  contains the first compartment  301  for receiving and holding a first fluid (e.g., liquid) and the second container body  400  includes the second compartment  401  for receiving and holding a second fluid (e.g., liquid). 
         [0032]    The lid  110  is intended to selectively seal the first compartment and more specifically, the lid serves as cap or closure for sealingly closing off the entire container  100  when the lid is securely attached to the first body. Conversely, when the lid is detached and removed from the first body, at least the first compartment is open and accessible and in one orientation, both the first and second compartments  301 ,  401  are open and accessible through the open lid  110 . 
         [0033]    The lid  110  includes an open end  112  and an opposite closed end  114 . The open end  112  includes first fastening features  116  for securely and sealingly coupling the lid  110  to the first body  310 . In one embodiment, the lid  110  is in the form of a hollow cap that has a cylindrical shape. However, the lid  110  can have any number of different shapes other than a cylindrical shape. For example, the lid  110  can have a square shape, oval shape, etc. 
         [0034]    In one exemplary embodiment, the first fastening features  116  are in the form of external threads that are formed at or near the open end  112 . However, it will be appreciated that the first fastening features are not limited to being external or internal threads but can be any number of other structures so long as the first fastening features  116  produce a releasable, sealed interface between the lid  110  and the first body  310 . 
         [0035]    The illustrated first container body  310  has an open first end  312  that mates with the lid  110  and an opposite second end  314  and includes an annular shoulder  316  formed near the first end  312 . The annular shoulder  316  is formed between a main section  311  of the first body  310  and a section  313  that has a reduced diameter. The section  313  is defined by an annular shaped side wall  318  that has an outer surface  320  and an opposite inner surface  322 . The means  330  for securely attaching the lid  110  to the first end  312  of the container body  310  are preferably formed as part of the section  313  and in particular, the means  330  can be in the form of fastening features (e.g., threads) that are formed on the outer surface  320 . In the case of threads  330 , when the lid  110  is securely and threadingly attached to the first container body  310 , a bottom edge of the lid  110  is seated within the shoulder  316  (e.g., at or near a horizontal surface of the shoulder  316 ). 
         [0036]    The opposite second end  314  is a closed end in that it contains a bottom wall  340  that extends across the container body  310 . When the container body  310  has a cylindrical shape, the bottom wall  340  has a disk-like construction (circular shape). The bottom wall  340  is slightly offset from the second end  314  so that a space  315  is formed between an underside of the bottom wall  340  and a  319  bottom edge of the container body  310 . Preferably, the bottom wall  340  is formed perpendicular to an inner surface of the side wall of the container body  310 . 
         [0037]    According to one embodiment, the bottom edge  319  has at least one locating tab  350  formed as a part thereof. The locating tab  350  is directed inward away from the inner surface of the side wall of the container body  310 . In other words, the locating tab  350  extends inward into the interior of the container body  310 . The locating tab  350  is formed so that it has some flexing action and in particular, if a force is applied upward in direction parallel to the side wall of the container body  310 , the locating tab  350  will flex inward toward the inner surface of the container body  310 . The tab  350  includes a cam surface  352  to assist in the tab  350  being received within a complementary feature that is formed as part of the second container body  400  as described below. The cam surface  352  can be formed as a lower edge of the locator tab  350 . In one exemplary embodiment, the cam surface  352  is in the form of a beveled edge. 
         [0038]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom wall  340  at least contains one section that is pierceable or otherwise rupturable. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall  340  includes a first section  342  that represents the pierceable, rupturable, etc. section. However, in normal use, the bottom wall  340  effectively seals the second end  314  so that the second end  314  has a liquid tight seal. The coupling between the lid  110  and the first end  312  also forms a liquid tight seal so that when the lid  110  is attached to the first end  314 , the first container body  310  is a self-contained structure that can hold a predetermined amount of liquid in a sealed manner. 
         [0039]    For example, the bottom wall  340 , along with the rest of the container  300 , can be formed of a plastic material and consequently, the first section  342  can be a section of reduced thickness so that it can more easily be pierced by a member as described below. Alternatively, the first section  342  can be formed of a separate material relative to the surrounding sections of the bottom wall  340 . For example, the first section  342  can be in the form of a thin membrane (e.g., formed of a different plastic or rubber material) that is attached to the bottom wall  340  using conventional techniques so long as a liquid tight, robust seal is formed between the first section  342  and the bottom wall  340 . While, in the illustrated embodiment, the first section  342  is illustrated as being in a central region of the bottom wall  340 , the first section  342  can be located in another region of the bottom wall, such as closer to the peripheral edge of the bottom wall  340 . 
         [0040]    An area  344  that surrounds the first section  342  contains one or more puncturing members  360  for piercing a complementary structure that is part of the second container body  400  as described below. The puncturing member  360  extends outwardly from an underside (lower surface) of the bottom wall  340  and in particular, the area  344  thereof. 
         [0041]    In the illustrated embodiment, the puncturing member  360  is in the form of an elongated puncturing member  360  that has a base (post)  362  that is integrally attached to the area  344 . The post  362  is perpendicular to the bottom wall  340  and at a distal end of the post  362 , the puncturing member  360  includes a distal tip or end  364  that is formed so that it has a sharp tip or edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end  364  has a sharp triangular shaped tip that is formed to have an underside  367  that is perpendicular to the post  362 . The underside  367  is formed so that it is open and faces outward toward the inner surface of the first container body  310 . 
         [0042]    According to one embodiment, there are two puncturing members  360  that are formed as part of and are integrally attached to the area  344 . The two puncturing members  360  are located opposite one another, i.e., 180 degrees a part from one another, on different sides of the area  342 . Consequently, the two puncturing members  360  are attached to the bottom wall portion that has a greater thickness in order to provide robust upright perpendicular structure that are capable of maintaining their upright structure, while the puncturing members  360  pierce complementary membranes. 
         [0043]    The distal tip or end  364  of the puncturing member  360  can extend slightly beyond the second end  314  of the body  310  or it can be positioned in the plane of the second end  314  or even be slightly recessed relative to the plane of the second end  314 . 
         [0044]    It will be appreciated that not only does the puncturing member  360  serve as a piercing member that pierces a structure, but it also functions a pawl of a ratchet type system. While the puncturing member  360  is for the most part rigid due to the post  362 , it also has a degree of flexibility in that if a lateral force is applied to the puncturing member  360 , the puncturing member  360  has a degree of flex in the lateral direction. For example, if a force is applied to the puncturing member  360  in an inward direction in that the force is applied in a direction from the inner surface of the side wall of the first container body  310 , the puncturing member  360  flexes inward toward the other puncturing member  360 . 
         [0045]    The second container body  400  is similar to the second container body  140  in that it is constructed to selectively mate with the first container body  310 . In one embodiment and like the previous embodiment, the second container body  400  can in the form of a substantially hollow member defined by a side wall and that can have any number of different shapes, including, a cylindrical shape, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0046]    The illustrated second container body  400  has a selectively open first end  402  that mates with the first container body  310  and more particularly, is constructed to mate with the tab  350  associated with the first container body  310 . The second container body  400  also includes an opposite second end  404  and includes an annular shoulder  406  formed near the first end  402 . The annular shoulder  406  is formed between a main section  410  of the second container body  400  and a section  420  that has a reduced diameter. The section  420  is defined by an annular shaped side wall  422  that has an outer surface  424  and an opposite inner surface  426 . 
         [0047]    The second container body  400  includes a first coupling means or feature  430  that is designed to selectively couple the first container body  310  with the second container body  400  in an initial position. The first coupling means  430  is constructed to securely and initially couple the second container body  400  to the second end  314  of the first container body  310 . The first coupling means  430  is formed so that it is part of the section  420  and in particular, the first coupling means  430  is complementary to the tab  350  so that the first coupling means  430  receives and engages the tab  350 . 
         [0048]    In particular, the first coupling means  430  is designed to engage, receive and selectively retain the tab  350  so as to fixedly locate and position the first container body  310  relative to the second container body  400 . In one embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1  and  4 A- 4 C, the first coupling means  430  is in the form of a channel that is formed in the outer surface  424  of the section  420 . The channel  430  does not have to be a completely circumferential channel in that it does not have to extend around the complete circumference of the outer surface  424  of the section  420  and thus be in the form of an endless channel. In other words, the channel  430  can extend only around a section of the second container body  400 . For example, the channel  430  can extend less than 180 degrees, less than 90 degrees, less than 45 degrees around the circumference of the section  420 . 
         [0049]    An inner diameter of the side wall of the first container body  310  is equal to or slightly greater than an outer diameter of the section  420 . This allows the lower section of the first container body  310  that is located below the bottom wall  340  to slidingly travel over the outer surface  424  of the section  420  for coupling the two container bodies  310 ,  400 . 
         [0050]    Channel  430  is a horizontal channel formed in the outer surface  424  of the section  420 . The dimensions of the channel  430  are greater than the dimensions of the tab  350  but are complementary thereto so that when the tab  350  is received in the channel, the outward biasing force of the tab  350  causes the tab  350  to be retained and retained in the channel  430 . 
         [0051]    Preferably, a top edge  423  of the section  420  includes a cam surface  421  at least in the area of the channel  430  so as to assist in the reception of the tab  350  within the channel  430 . 
         [0052]    The channel  430  serves as a locating and retaining feature in that when the first container body  310  is mated with the second container body  400 , the tab  350  slidingly travels over the cam surface  421  at the top edge  423  and rides into the channel  430  where the tab  350  is retained due to the comparative dimensions of the two structures. 
         [0053]    In effect, the tab  350  is snap-lockingly retained within the channel  430 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show this arrangement. Depending upon the construction of the channel  430  and in particular, if it is of an endless design or if the channel  430  contains two closed ends, the first container body  310  can be rotated a predetermined number of degrees relative to the second container body  400 . In an endless channel design, the tab  350  can be rotated 360 degrees within the channel  430 . 
         [0054]    It will also be appreciated that the container  300  and in particular, the channel  430  thereof, can have a guide and lock feature to prevent inadvertent advancement of the first container body  310  toward the second container body  400 . As described below in more detail, it is not advantageous to permit the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400  to freely move toward one another. As a result, the channel  430  can contain a guide and lock feature  500  that only permits axial advancement of the first container body  310  relative to the second container body  400  when the two parts are in a predetermined, select alignment. 
         [0055]      FIG. 4A  or  4 B can be thought of as an initial first position of the container  300  in that the first container body  310  is initially coupled to the second body  400  by means of the tab  350  being received within the channel  430 . The engagement of the tab  350  in the channel  430  causes the two parts to be securely coupled to one another such that the container  300  can be transported and distributed in this first position where the integrity of the first and second compartments  301 ,  401  of the container bodies  300 ,  400  is not jeopardized. At the same time, the joined container bodies  310 ,  400  can be freely picked up and moved, etc., without becoming separated from one another. 
         [0056]    In one exemplary embodiment and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the guide and lock feature  500  can be in the form of a vertical guide channel  510  that has an open end that intersects and is open to the channel  430  and a closed end  512  that limits the vertical (axial) movement of the first container body  310  relative to the second container body  400 .  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment where the channel  430  is not of an endless design but instead, the channel  430  has two closed ends that limit the degree of rotation of the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400  since once the tab  350  comes into contact with one of the closed ends of the channel  430 , the first container body  310  can not be further rotated in this direction. 
         [0057]    A width of the vertical channel  510  should be greater than a width of the tab  350  so that when the tab  350  is within the vertical channel  510 , there is some degree of rotation permitted between the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400 . For example, the user can hold stationary the second container body  400  and twist or rotate the first container body  310 .  FIG. 4A  shows this initial engagement. 
         [0058]    The second container body  400  contains a second coupling means  500  that serves to selectively interlock with the puncturing members  360  to further interlock the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400  and to selectively puncture respective rupturable barriers so as to open up the first and second compartments  301 ,  401  to one another, thereby permitting the two liquids contained therein to mix with one another. 
         [0059]    The mating of the puncturing members  360  (pawl) with the second coupling means  500  results in a fluid seal being formed between the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400 . This fluid seal permits the fluid from the first compartment  301  to flow into the second compartment  401  and vice versa without any leakage in the section where the two container bodies  310 ,  400  are mated to one another. 
         [0060]    The second coupling means  500  is in the form of a plurality of teeth  430  that are formed on the inner surface  422  of the section  420 . The teeth  430  are inwardly directed and face inward toward the opposite ones. The teeth  430  can be formed circumferentially around the entire inner surface  422  of the section  420 . However, it will be appreciated that the teeth  430  do not have to be formed circumferentially around the entire inner surface  422  of the section  420 , but instead, the teeth  430  can be formed only in two distinct sections thereof that align with the two puncturing members  360 . 
         [0061]    The combination of the pawl members (puncturing members  360 ) and the teeth  430  provide a ratcheting system where the first container body  310  can be controllably driven and further advanced toward the second container body  400 . In other words, once the first container body  310  is sufficiently advanced toward the second container body  400 , the pawls engage first teeth which result in an audible noise, such as a clicking noise, and the user also receives tactile confirmation that the pawls have engaged the teeth. When the pawls and teeth mate, as in any ratcheting system, the two parts, in this case, the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400  are interlocked with one another but can be further advanced and moved relative to another by applying a sufficient force in the proper direction (here a direction that is parallel to the length of the first and second bodies) to the lid  110 , which is thereby translated to the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400 . 
         [0062]    Similar to the first container body  310 , the second container body  400  has a wall, in this case, an upper wall  440  that extends across and effectively seals the second container body  400  in a fluid tight manner since the opposite end of the second container body  400  is a closed end. When the second container body  400  has a cylindrical shape, the upper wall  440  is of a disk-like construction (circular shaped). The upper wall  440  is not located at the first open end of the second container body  400  but instead, it is slightly offset therefrom. 
         [0063]    For example, the upper wall  440  can be formed as part of the section  420  or it can be formed near the juncture between the section  420  and the side wall of the container body  400 . As with the first container body  310 , the upper wall  440  has a section  460  that is more easily pierced than an adjacent section  470  to permit the second compartment  401  to be opened by piercing of the section  460 . The section  460  can be a section of reduced thickness so as to allow it to be more easily pierced or it can be formed of a member that is different from the adjacent section  470 . For example, the section  460  can be in the form of a thin membrane (plastic or rubber) that is sealingly attached to the adjacent section  470 . 
         [0064]    The section  460  has to be complementary to the area or section  342  of the first container body  310  in that the two sections  460 ,  342  do not overlie one another. Since the section  342  is located in a central region of the first container body  310 , the section  460  is located radially outward from the section  342 . For example, the section  460  can have an annular shape that is radially outward from and surrounds the section  470 . In other words, the section  460  can be an outer annular band that lies outside of the section  470  (that has a circular shape) and is attached along it peripheral edge to the inner surface  422  of the section  420 . The membrane or wall formed by the sections  460 ,  470  is formed so that it is below the teeth  430  in the that before the puncturing members  460  engage the section  460 , the puncturing member  360  must engage the teeth  430  in a ratcheting manner. 
         [0065]    The seal that is formed by the sections  460 ,  470  are liquid tight and therefore, the second container body  400  when sealed is a self-contained structure that can hold a liquid in a sealed manner. 
         [0066]    The second container body  400  also contains a puncturing member  501  similar to the puncturing members  360  but it is constructed to pierce the area  344  of the first container body  310 . The puncturing member  501  has a sharp tip  502  that is formed at a distal end of a body  504  that is integrally connected to the section  470 . In the illustrated embodiment, the body  504  has a post  506  that is attached to the section  470  and the remaining section of the body  504  has a triangular shape with the tip  502  being formed at the distal tip and in facing relation with the first container body  310 . 
         [0067]    The puncturing member  501  is axially aligned with the area  342  so that as the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400  are moved toward one another as by ratcheting the first container body  310  toward the second container body  400 , the puncturing member  501  engages and ultimately pierces the area  342  to open up the first compartment  301  of the first container body  300 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 3B  shows this position where the pawls (puncturing members  360 ) are in initial engagement with the teeth  430 . In this second position, it will be appreciated that the puncturing members  360  and puncturing member  500  have not yet pierced the section  460  and the area  342 , respectively. The sharp tips of the puncturing members  360  and puncturing member  500  can be close to or in slight contact with the surfaces of the section  460  and area  342 , respectively. As a result, the integrity of the first and second compartments  301 ,  401  has not been broken. 
         [0069]      FIG. 3C  shows the container  300  when the first container body  310  is further advanced by further ratcheting the first container body  310  toward the second container body  400  (or vice versa). In other words, a further force can be applied to the first container body  310  to cause the pawls (puncturing members  360 ) to further engage the teeth  430  and this further ratcheting between the pawls and teeth  430  results in the puncturing member  500  rupturing (puncturing) the area  342 , due to the sharp tip  502  thereof piercing the membrane in the area  342 , and the puncturing members  360  rupturing (puncturing) the section  460  due to the sharp tip  364  thereof piercing the membrane in the section  460 . This rupturing action caused by the advancement of the puncturing members  360  and puncturing member  500  into and through the respective membranes or walls results in both the first and second compartments  301 ,  401  being opened up, thereby letting fluid (the first liquid) to flow out of the first compartment  301  and towards and into the second compartment  401  and vice versa, fluid from the second compartment  401  can flow out of the second compartment  401  and towards and into the first compartment  301 . No leakage occurs during the opening of the compartments  301 ,  401  and during the flow of the liquids between the two compartments  301 ,  401  since the engagement between the puncturing members  360  and the section  420  is of a sealed nature, the two liquids flow directly between the two compartments  301 ,  401  without any leakage at the interface between the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400 . 
         [0070]    It will be appreciated that the container  100  and the ratcheting mechanism thereof permits the container  300  to be manipulated in a controlled manner such that the two liquids contained in the two compartments  301 ,  401  mix with one another. In this manner, a mixed drink can be made by simply pressing the first and second bodies  310 ,  400  toward one another until the two membranes are broken. 
         [0071]    As with the first container  100 , the container  300  can offer a visually pleasing mixing operation or even when the two liquids in the two compartments  301 ,  401  have different colors or are otherwise visually distinguishable from one another. For example, one compartment  301 ,  401  can contain a clear, colorless alcohol, such as vodka, and the other compartment  301 ,  401  can contain a colorful liquid, such as orange juice, pineapple juice, soda, etc., such that when the two membranes are ruptures and the two liquids migrate toward the opposite compartment, a colorful mixing occurs. In the example of a chambourd flavored liquid that has a purple color mixing with clear vodka, the container  100  initially is viewed to have a bright purple portion represented by one of the bodies and a clear, colorless portion represented by the other of the bodies and when the two mix together, the consumer can watch a purple wave of color flow into the other compartment and as the liquids mix, the purple hue becomes more and more diluted as it assumes a little purple hue. 
         [0072]    After mixing is completed, the consumer can open the container  300  by removing the lid  110  and then the mixed drink can be drunk. 
         [0073]    It will be appreciated the number of different drink combinations is endless in that there are a great number of mixed drinks suitable for the containers of the present invention. As a result, a great number of colorful, visually pleasing drinks can be created using a container of the present invention. In at least some of the embodiments of the present invention, the rate of mixing between the two compartments can be controlled. 
         [0074]    For example, the degree of registration between the openings of the container  100  can be controlled which directly influences and controls the rate of mixing between the two liquids. A minimal amount of registration between the openings results in a slower rate of fluid flow and mixing between the two fluids as opposed to when the openings are completely aligned and the registration between the openings is maximized resulting in a greater rate of fluid flow and mixing between the two fluids. In the embodiment of the container  300 , additional ratcheting can increase the degree of puncture and therefore, can influence the flow rate of the liquids. 
         [0075]    By having the two liquids (fluids) sealed in separate structures (container bodies), the structures can be mixed and matched with one another. For example, a fruit based liquid can be matched with either a vodka based liquid or a rum based liquid depending upon the individual choice of the consumer. Additionally, the decision of which two container bodies are to be mated can be decided at the point of use as opposed to earlier at the point of purchase. 
         [0076]    This capability to mix and match container bodies  310 ,  400  is particularly useful for distributing a number of containers as part of a “party pack” that includes container bodies that contain different liquids. For example, the party pack can contain a number of container bodies that hold clear, colorless alcoholic beverages, as well as a number of other container bodies that contain colorful liquids, or vice versa. The consumer would then be able to select two complementary structures to match and mate together. 
         [0077]    As with the other embodiments, the container  300  can contain a barrier, such as a shrink wrap strip or it can contain a heat seal (localized) between the first and second container bodies  310 ,  400  to prevent the initial engagement of the pawls with the teeth  430  until the container is at a point of use and at which time, the consumer can remove or breaker the barrier, thereby permitting the two bodies  310 ,  400  to ratchet with respect to one another. 
         [0078]      FIG. 5A  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which a container  600  is illustrated and shares some similarities to the containers  100  and  300 . In particular and like the containers  100  and  300 , the container  600  is designed to hold two liquids in separate components prior to the user manipulating the bottle to cause the two liquids to mix together to form a mixed liquid, such as a mixed drink. 
         [0079]    Container  600  includes a lid or cap  110 ′ which is releasably coupled to a first container body  610 . The container body  610  includes a first end  612  which is designed to mate with and be securely and sealingly mated with the lid  110 ′. The consumer thus consumes the drink through the first end  612 . Unlike the other embodiments, an opposite second end  614  of the first container body  610  is completely open and is defined by the side wall of the container body  610 . 
         [0080]    The container  600  also includes a second container body  620  that includes a completely open first end  622  and an opposite closed end  624 . The open first end  622  is defined by the side wall of the second container body  620 . The second container body  620  should have the same or approximately the same dimensions (e.g., diameter) as the first container body  610  to cause the side wall of the assembled container  600  to have relatively smooth finish from top to bottom. 
         [0081]    The first and second container bodies  610 ,  620  are typically formed of a synthetic material, such as a plastic. In one example, the first and second container bodies  610 ,  620 , as well as the lid  110 ′, are formed of a high density polyethylene. 
         [0082]    In order to seal the first container body  610  to the second container body  620 , a membrane  630  is provided and is sealingly attached to both the first end  622  of the second container body  620  and the second end  614  of the first container body  610  such that the membrane  630  extends across the container  500  and partitions the container  600  into a first compartment  611  defined by the first container body  610  and a second compartment  621  of the second container body  620 . The membrane  630  can be in the form of a thin film (e.g., 0.05 mm polyethylene film) that extends across the container  600 . The thin film  630  is attached to both the first end  622  and the second end  614  so as to define the two compartments  611 ,  621  and to provide an at least partially sealed structure. When the first and second container bodies  610 ,  620  have cylindrical shapes, the thin film  630  has a disk-shaped construction in that it has a circular shape. 
         [0083]    The thin film  630  is attached to the first and second container bodies  610 ,  620  using conventional means, including, the application of heat to the thin film to cause, controlled localized melting to thereby permit the thin film  630  to bond to the two container bodies  610 ,  620 . This is commonly referred to as using a hot melt seal or a heat seal. When the thin film  630  extends across the first and second container bodies  610 ,  620 , it is preferably disposed perpendicular to the side wall of the container  600  and is parallel to the closed end  624  of the second container body  620 . Other techniques can be used to join the first and second container bodies  610 ,  620  to one another. 
         [0084]    The thin film  630  can, according to one embodiment, have an opening  631  formed therethrough. The opening  631  is can be formed anywhere along the surface of the thin film  630  and the size of the opening can be changed and is selected in view of several parameters, including the size of the container  600  (i.e., the container bodies  610 ,  620 ). A plug or object  633  is provided and is designed to plug or occlude the opening when the plug is in a first position prior to the consumer manipulating the container  600  at the point of use. The plug  633  thus blocks the opening until the consumer sufficiently manipulates (e.g., several vigorous shakes) the container  600  to cause the plug to become dislodged from the opening, thereby opening up a passageway between the first and second compartments  611 ,  621 , resulting in mixing of the two different liquids. 
         [0085]    It will be appreciated that the plug  633  has a shape and size so that it cannot travel through a neck of the first container body  610  and thereby, is not inadvertently swallowed. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug  633  has a portion that plugs the opening and a body that has a U-shape or C-shape, with the “wings” of the plug being separated and spaced apart from one another a greater distance than a diameter of the neck and therefore, the plug cannot fit through the neck of the first container body  610  even if the thin film  630  is completely broken during the manipulation. 
         [0086]    It will also be appreciated that the plug  633  can be pre-fitted to the opening of the thin film  630  prior to sealing the thin film  630  to both container bodies  610 ,  620 . The thin film  630  is then sealed to the first and second container bodies  610 ,  620  and then at a point of use, the consumer shakes the container  600  to cause dislodgement of the plug. 
         [0087]    The plug  633  can be formed of a number of different materials, including plastic materials. While, the plug can include wings or the like to prevent it from traveling within and through the neck of the container body  610 , it is also possible for the first container body  610  to also include a barrier, restrictor or the like that is below the neck of the first container body  610  for restricting the degree and ease of travel of the plug due to the dimensions of the barrier, plug and opening formed through the neck. For example, the barrier can be in the form of a ring structure that is attached to the container body  610  below the neck portion thereof. The barrier provides a structure that does not prevent fluid from flowing into and through the neck of the first container body  610 ; however, the barrier does serve to prevent any portion of the plug from entering the neck of the container body  610 . This is particularly true if the plug has sharpened edges for piercing the thin film and in which case, it is desired to space the sharpened edges from the neck opening. The barrier (e.g., ring) thus restricts the movement of the plug relative to the neck opening to cause the plug to be spaced from the neck. 
         [0088]    The force that is required to dislodge the plug is more than a force that would be experienced during normal shipment and stocking of packages containing the containers  600 . 
         [0089]    In another aspect as shown in  FIG. 5B , the opening in the thin film  630  is eliminated and the plug is more in the form of an object  637  that is capable of piercing the thin film  630  to cause a rupture therein which results in the mixing of the two liquids. Once again, the piercing object  637  is of a size that prevents it from traveling through the neck of the first container body  610 . In this embodiment shown in  FIG. 5B , the object  637  can be thought of as a “rock” like structure that has sufficient density and mass to pierce the membrane  630  when the container is shaken causing contact between the object  637  and the membrane  630 . When mixing is desired, the user simply shacks the container to cause the object  637  to strike the membrane  630  with sufficient force that a hole is punctured therein resulting in communication between and mixing of the first and second fluids. The object  637  is dimensioned relative to the dimensions of the opening of the container through which the user drinks so that the object  637  is prevented from flowing through the opening into the user&#39;s mouth since it has a dimension greater than the dimensions of the opening. 
         [0090]    In yet another embodiment, the plug is eliminated and the thin film  630  is attached to the inner wall of the second container body such that one section of the peripheral edge of the thin film  630  is weakened relative to the surrounding peripheral edge sections and therefore, while it creates a fluid seal, it is more prone to breaking away from the inner wall when a force is applied thereto. The means for bonding the peripheral edge  630  can be selected so that in one particular section, the thin film  630  will separate from the inner wall under a force that can be generated by vigorously shaking the container  600 . In particular, the second compartment is not completely filled to the top with the second liquid and therefore, the vigorous shaking of the container causes the second liquid to generate and apply a force against the thin film  630  and cause separation of the thin film  630  from the inner wall within this weakened section. 
         [0091]    Alternatively, the thin film  630  can contain a perforated slit or circle or the like that is formed in the thin film  630  and is initially closed. This perforated area is a weakened area in the thin film  630  and therefore, when a sufficient force is applied to the perforated area, the thin film breaks along the perforations so as to create a passageway or opening that permits fluid in the first and second compartments  611 ,  621  to flow to the opposite compartment and mix with one another. Once again, the sufficient force that is applied to the thin film  630  can be generated by the vigorous shaking of the container which results in the liquid in the second compartment contacting the thin film  630  with a force that causes the perforated section to tear, thereby opening a passageway through the thin film  630 . 
         [0092]    In the embodiments where the container includes a thin film  630 , the second liquid is added to the second container body  620 , then the membrane (thin film  630 ) is secured to the container wall, before then adding the first liquid to the container such that the membrane supports the first liquid. For example, when the container is defined by the two container bodies, the thin film  630  can be bonded to the lower container body (after the second liquid has been added) using conventional techniques, including heat bonding, etc., and then the first container body can be disposed over the thin film  630  which is then bonded to the first container body by using conventional means, including heat bonding. Any excess material of the thin film  630  can be trimmed off to provide a clean look. 
         [0093]    In one embodiment, the container  600  is a 125 ml (4 oz.) container formed of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the membrane  630  is a thin film of polyethylene having a thickness of about 0.05 mm. It will be appreciated that the container  600  can be formed of other materials, such as PET or PETE or even a biodegradable material, such as PLA. 
         [0094]    The size of the separate compartments of the various containers of the present invention can be selected in view of the particular product needs and therefore is not limiting. For example, each compartment can hold between 90 ml and 100 ml according to one embodiment. 
         [0095]    It will further be understood that while the present invention has been discussed in terms of liquids being contained in the two compartments, other fluids and materials can be contained in the two compartments so long as the fluids and material have sufficient viscosity to permit the fluids/materials to flow from one compartment to the other compartment. For example, the compartments can contain two different solids (e.g., powders or gel-like substances) which are mixed with one another by manipulating the container resulting in a mixture being formed. This type of arrangement is particularly suited for cosmetic products or spa products where two substances that can be liquids or solids, gels, or a combination thereof, can be initially stored in separate sealed compartments and then mixed together by selectively opening up communication between the two compartments. 
         [0096]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a container  700  according to another embodiment. Similar to the other embodiments, the container  700  includes a first container body  710  and a second container body  720 . The first container body  710  has a flange  712  at one end  714  thereof and similarly, the second container body  720  has a flange  722  at one end  724  thereof. The two flanges  712 ,  722  mate together and in particular seat against one another. 
         [0097]    A membrane  730 , such as a synthetic film or membrane (e.g., polyethylene film) that extends across the interior of the container  700  so as to partition and define a first compartment  740  in the first container body  710  and a second compartment  742  in the second container body  720 . 
         [0098]    An expansion ring  750  is provided and fits around and mates with the first and second flanges  712 ,  722 . For example, the expansion ring  750  can be oval shaped and formed of a synthetic material, such as a plastic material. The expansion ring  750  is constructed and designed so that the turning of the expansion ring  750  causes the container  700  to expand which is translated into the integrity of the membrane  730  being impacted and in particular, the membrane  730  is at least partially dislodged or deformed so that a passageway is created between the two compartments  740 ,  742  to permit mixing of fluids contained in the two compartments  740 ,  742 . 
         [0099]    Now referring to  FIGS. 7-9  in which a container  800  according to another embodiment is illustrated. The container  800  is similar to the other previous embodiments and therefore, not all of the components of the container  800  are described in detail since they have been previously described with reference to other containers. The container  800  includes a first container body  810  that defines a first compartment  811  and a second container body  820  that defines a second compartment  821 . The container body  810  includes a first open end  812  that has a first coupling feature  814 , such as threads formed on an inner surface of the sidewall of the first container body  810 . The inner surface of the sidewall of the container body  810  also includes an annular tab or ring  816 . 
         [0100]    The second container body  820  has an open end  822  that includes an outer surface that has a second coupling feature  824 , such as threads formed on an outer surface of the sidewall of the second container body  820 . The first and second coupling features  814 ,  824  complement one another and result in the two container bodies  810 ,  820  being attached to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the  822  of the second container body  820  has a section of reduced diameter such that a shoulder  830  is formed between the reduced diameter section and the other sidewall portion. The second coupling feature  824  is formed in the outer surface of this reduced diameter section and when the first container body  810  is mated with the second container body  820 , the end  812  seats against the shoulder  830 . 
         [0101]    A membrane  840  is attached to an inner surface  813  of the sidewall of the first container body  810  and in particular, the membrane  840  is attached to the inner surface  813  adjacent and below the annular ring  816 . The membrane  840  is also preferably attached to an underside of the annular ring  816  along its peripheral edge. The shape of the membrane  840  is selected in view of the shape of the container body  810  so that membrane  840  extends completely across the interior of the body  810  so as to seal the first compartment  811 . In the illustrated embodiment, the membrane  840  has a circular shape and is formed of a thin material, such as a plastic thin layer or film. 
         [0102]    The membrane  840  is sealed to the first container body  810  along its peripheral edge as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0103]    In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, the sidewall of the first container body  810  includes a side opening or slot  850  that provides an entrance into the first compartment  811 . The side opening  850  has a grommet  860  associated therewith that serves to seal the side opening  850 . The grommet or the like  860  is formed of a flexible, resilient material, such as a rubber material, that includes a slot  862  that is self-closing due to memory properties of the grommet  860 . 
         [0104]    The container  800  also includes a pull tab  870  that includes an elongated body  872  that has a distal end  874  and a proximal end  876 . At the proximal end  876 , a handle or finger ring  878  is provided to permit a user to grip and pull the pull tab  870 . The pull tab  870  is arranged so that it extends through the slot  862  of the grommet  860  so that the second compartment  821  is sealed to the exterior even in the grommet area. 
         [0105]    The opening  850  and slot  862  are formed below the annular ring  816  and also below the membrane  840  so that the pull tab  870  is disposed below the membrane  840 . The distal end  874  of the pull tab body  872  is attached to a point (region) of the membrane  840  (e.g., a point across the grommet  860  and slot  862 ). In other words, the distal end  874  is attached to an underside of the membrane  840 . The remaining portion of the body  872  is not attached to the membrane  840  or other component.  FIGS. 17A-C  also show the arrangement between the membrane  840  and the pull tab  870  and the pull tab  870  extending through the slot  862 . 
         [0106]    As shown in  FIG. 8   c , when the user wishes to mix the contents of the first and second compartments  811 ,  821 , the user simply pulls the pull tab  870  by gripping and pulling the finger ring  878  and then pulling the tab  870  outwardly from the container  800 . Since the membrane  840  is attached along its complete perimeter and since the pull tab  870  is attached to the membrane  840  at the distal end  874 , the pulling action of the tab  870  causes the membrane  840  to detach at the point where the tab  870  is attached to the membrane  840 . As the pull tab  870  is pulled and the membrane  840  becomes detached from the inner surface of the first container body  810 , the continued pulling causes the membrane  840  to roll under itself, thereby creating a greater passageway or opening between the two compartments  811 ,  821 . This results in the mixing of the fluids contained in the first and second compartments  811 ,  821 . 
         [0107]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described thus far with reference to the accompanying drawings; rather the present invention is limited only by the following claims.