PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
A mixing cap and method for use thereof, wherein the mixing cap is preferably pre-loaded during time of manufacture with selected dry or liquid ingredients to facilitate subsequent consumer use. The mixing cap comprises an apertured inner tube threadably-engageable to the mouth of a bottle, and an outer housing cooperatively-engaged with the inner tube and slidably-restricted thereover via a ridge and slotted flange arrangement. Preloaded ingredients contained within the outer housing may be introduced or discharged into the bottle by simply depressing the outer housing over the inner tube when the ridge is aligned with the slot, thereby permitting the ingredients to flow through the apertures of the outer housing and inner tube and into the liquid contents of the bottle. The combined ingredients and liquid within the bottle may subsequently be shaken without fear or risk of leakage or spillage.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present continuation-in-part patent application claims priority to, and the full benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/400,907, entitled “Mixing Cap and Method for Use Thereof”, filed on Apr. 10, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,811, incorporated herein by reference, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/115,466, entitled “Mixing Cap and Method for Use Thereof”, filed on Apr. 27, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,685, also incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to caps for liquid-containing bottles, and more specifically to a mixing cap for engaging the mouth of a conventional water bottle, or other liquid-containing bottle, for enabling one or more dry or liquid ingredient(s) contained within the mixing cap to be conveniently and selectively dispensed into the bottle and mixed with the water or other liquid contents thereof. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Protein powders, energy mixes, supplements, and other sports nutritional products are frequently utilized in conjunction with regular exercise to promote a healthy lifestyle. Accordingly, consumers often purchase large containers or bulk quantities of their favorite or preferred nutritional supplement powders or mixes, wherein most such powders or drink mixes must be combined with water or other suitable liquids to facilitate ingestion and digestion of same. However, despite the economical advantages and general long-term product supply afforded by such bulk purchases, the impracticalities and inconveniencies associated with the use of such large containers of powders or mixes, in view of preferred consumer use and consumption patterns, present noticeable disadvantages. 
     Specifically, many individuals utilize public gyms or fitness centers, wherein immediately before or following an exercise session, many such individuals prefer to ingest a favorite powdered sports drink for optimal bodily absorption. Accordingly, these individuals are often forced to inconveniently tote large containers of powder to their fitness center for subsequent use, or to “pre-bag” or “pre-package” smaller portions thereof prior to leaving home. 
     Additionally, because such powders must be combined with a liquid, consumers must undertake the time-consuming, and often messy, process of properly combining and mixing the powder with a glass or bottle of water. That is, when utilizing a glass or other wide-mouthed container of water, the consumer must measure and deposit the appropriate amount of sports powder within the glass and, thereafter, shake, stir or otherwise fully mix the combined dry and liquid contents. In doing so, powder and/or powder-liquid mix may spill from the wide mouth of the glass, resulting not only in mess and partial loss of product, but a potentially significant reduction in the manufacturer&#39;s recommended serving size. This latter disadvantage becomes particularly problematic when the consumer has painstakingly “pre-measured” and bagged or packed a limited amount of sports powder for use at his/her fitness center, leaving the much larger container of sports powder at his/her residence. 
     To avoid the spillage problems associated with mixing powdered sports drinks in wide-mouthed containers of liquid, consumers may utilize a conventional personal-sized bottle of water, which typically has a dimensionally smaller mouth compared to a conventional drinking glass. In use, the bottle cap may be threadably engaged to the bottle mouth following deposit of the sports powder therethrough, thus enabling rapid and forcefully shaking, and uniform mixture of the powder-water contents of the bottle, without risk of leakage or spillage of same. However, in utilizing such a water bottle, consumers must attempt to feed or funnel the powder through the relatively narrow mouth of the bottle, which, more often than not, results in spillage of the sports powder. 
     As such, in an attempt to overcome the disadvantages associated with the foregoing systems for, and methods of, sports nutritional supplement drink preparation, many available devices provide for a mixing cap engageable to a liquid container, wherein the mixing cap enables introduction of a dry or liquid ingredient into the communicating bottle for mixture with the liquid contents thereof. Examples of such devices may be seen with reference to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0200742A1 to Cho; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0200740A1 to Cho; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0072850 A1 to Burniski; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0090426 A1 to Denny; U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,329 B1 to Nohren, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,270 B1 to Denny; U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,416 B1 to Nohren, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,296 to Shih; U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,141 to Gibler; U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,802 to Caola; U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,328 to Baron et al.; and, U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,445 to Kaesemeyer. However, the foregoing references teach devices possessing structural and functional features and limitations, which, in addition to being unnecessarily complex, render use of the devices largely inconvenient. 
     For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,141 to Gibler (Gibler &#39;141) discloses a beverage storage and mixing device comprising a cap assembly attached to a conventional drink bottle, wherein the cap assembly comprises an inner cylindrical housing rotatably nested within an outer cylindrical housing. In use, apertures formed through the inner and outer housings must be properly aligned to effectively enable liquid contained within the cap to be dispensed into the communicating bottle. The cap assembly of Gibler &#39;141 further requires the rupturing of a bottom wall for full introduction and mixing of the liquid from the cap assembly with the liquid contents of the communicating bottle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,328 to Baron et al. (Baron &#39;328) teaches a baby bottle comprising a storage container for holding food material, wherein the storage container is adapted to fit between the tubular mouth of a baby bottle and a nipple-supporting end cap of the baby bottle. The bottle further comprises a release mechanism coupled to the mouth of the baby bottle for controlling access to the food material contained in the storage container body by water stored in the baby bottle. To operate the release mechanism, the nipple-supporting end cap is pulled upwards to dislodge a stopper from an aperture in the release mechanism, thereby enabling access to the food material by the water upon shaking the baby bottle. However, not only is the Baron &#39;328 device structurally-limited to standard baby bottles, which traditionally have wide mouths, the device would not effectively prevent spillage or spray of the food material and water from the nipple of the end cap during the shaking process; thus, resulting in mess and, even with use of a nipple cover or cap, partial loss of product. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0200740 to Cho (Cho &#39;740) discloses a cap device and bottle, whereupon rotating the cap device relative to the bottle enables mixing of an additive contained within the cap with a material contained within the communicating bottle. That is, a valve unit is threadably-engaged with an additive-containing unit, wherein the valve unit is engaged, threadably or via frictional-fit, to the mouth of a bottle. Unthreading of the additive-containing unit from the valve unit disengages a stopper carried by the valve unit from an aperture formed in the additive-containing unit, thus enabling the additive to enter the communicating bottle. However, in addition to the inconvenience associated with the Cho &#39;740 multi-step process of having to threadably engage the valve unit with the additive-containing unit, and then the valve unit with a bottle, and, thereafter, unthread the additive-containing unit from the valve unit to enable introduction of the additive to the bottle contents, the structural design of Cho &#39;740 is further flawed, as the user may inadvertently completely unthread and remove the additive-containing unit from the valve unit and, thus, release or spill the additive therefrom. Even if not fully unthreaded, an insufficient number of engaged threads between the additive-containing unit and the valve unit will result in a weak seal or engagement and, thus, ineffectively prevent leakage of the additive-liquid mix from the cap device during the shaking and mixing process. 
     Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a mixing cap and method for use thereof, wherein the mixing cap engages the mouth of a conventional personal-sized water bottle, or other liquid-containing bottle, and wherein simply depressing the mixing cap enables dry or liquid ingredients contained within the mixing cap (i.e., loaded during time of manufacture, or initial consumer use) to be expeditiously and conveniently deposited into the bottle, and whereupon shaking the bottle effectively intermixes the water or other liquid contents thereof with the added ingredient, without risk of spillage or leakage of the mixture therefrom. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a mixing cap and method for use thereof, wherein the mixing cap is preferably pre-loaded, such as during a time of manufacture, with at least one selected dry or liquid ingredient within a separate compartment to facilitate subsequent consumer use. The mixing cap comprises an apertured inner tube threadably-engageable to the mouth of a bottle, and an outer housing operable with the inner tube and slidably-restricted thereover via a ridge and slotted flange arrangement. Preloaded ingredients contained within one or more separate compartment(s) of the outer housing may be introduced or discharged into the bottle by simply depressing the outer housing over the inner tube when the ridge is aligned with the slot, thereby permitting the ingredients to flow through apertures of the outer housing and the inner tube and into the liquid contents of the bottle. The combined ingredients and liquid within the bottle may subsequently be shaken without fear or risk of leakage or spillage. 
     According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a mixing cap and method for use thereof, wherein the mixing cap generally preferably comprises a mixing cap including an outer housing and an inner tube operable therewith, the outer housing and the inner tube having guide means capable of limiting relative motion between the outer housing and inner tube to selectively permit or allow communication between a bottle and one or more compartment. 
     According to another aspect, the mixing cap comprises an outer housing and an inner tube cooperatively engaged with the outer housing, wherein depression of said outer housing over said inner tube allows an ingredient disposed in said outer housing to pass through a central bore in the inner tube, and wherein rotation of the outer cap about the inner tube selectively allows such depression. 
     Generally, the present invention is a mixing cap having an apertured inner tube, an apertured outer housing, a ridge and a slotted flange integrally formed therewith. The outer housing is preferably pre-loaded during time of manufacture with at least one selected dry or liquid ingredient in a separate compartment to facilitate subsequent consumer use; however, it is contemplated that the outer housing may be loaded with at least one selected ingredient at time of initial consumer use (i.e., post-manufacture). The present mixing cap is preferably threadably-engageable to the mouth of a conventional personal-sized water bottle, other liquid-containing bottle, or both. It should be recognized that the technology of the present invention may be appropriately modified to accommodate the various structural properties of a selected bottle or of selected bottles, including, without limitation, mouth diameter, flanged mouths, threaded or unthreaded mouths, and/or the like. 
     More specifically, the present invention is a mixing cap and method for use thereof, wherein the mixing cap preferably comprises a pre-loaded outer housing operable with an inner tube, wherein the inner tube is preferably engageable with a mouth of at least one type of bottle. The outer housing preferably comprises at least one separate storage compartment in communication with an opening therein. The outer housing may be shaped as a torus, including a central opening through which the inner tube extends. The inner tube preferably comprises a top wall in communication with a hollow, cylindrical-shaped sidewall, wherein the sidewall preferably comprises at least one aperture formed therethrough. Axial movement of the outer housing with respect to the inner tube may be restricted via a ridge disposed axially along one of the inner tube and the outer housing, and may be engageable with a slotted flange carried by the other. Additionally, a second flange arrangement disposed proximate the central opening of the mixing cap preferably further provides an effective sealing means during use of the present invention. 
     When the mixing cap is in a “closed position”, the preloaded ingredients or contents are maintained within separate storage compartment of the outer housing by virtue of the hollow, cylindrical-shaped sidewall of the inner tube functioning as an effective seal between the storage compartment and the hollow center of the inner tube, and, thus, the bottle. Additionally, in such a closed position, the apertures of the inner tube are disposed against and covered by the inner wall of the outer housing. 
     As such, to place the mixing cap into an “open position”, so that the contents of the outer housing may be introduced or discharged into the communicating bottle, the slot in the flange may be aligned with the ridge, whereafter the outer housing may be sufficiently depressed to downwardly slide the outer housing over the inner tube, whereby an alignment of the openings of at least one separate compartment and the inner tube results. In such a configuration, the contents of the separate compartment(s) may flow through the sidewall apertures of the outer housing and the inner tube and into the bottle. Preferably, a bottom surface of the outer housing facilitates such flow, and prevents settling or accumulation of the contents thereon. The combined ingredients and liquid within the bottle may subsequently be shaken without fear or risk of leakage or spillage. Following the shaking process, removal of the mixing cap enables consumption of the fully mixed beverage. Alternatively, the slotted flange and ridge arrangement may be reversed, or may be replaced by alternative structures, such as a tab and channel arrangement, or the like, whereby relative movement of the outer housing with respect to the inner tube may be controlled or restricted, such that selective opening or one or more compartment(s) of the outer housing may be accomplished. 
     Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to facilitate the introduction of a dry or liquid ingredient into a bottle, without risk of spillage of the ingredient. 
     Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to facilitate the mixing of a dry or liquid ingredient with the contents of a bottle, without risk of spillage of the ingredient or bottle contents. 
     Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a pre-loaded mixing cap. 
     Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a mixing cap that may be loaded at time of initial consumer use. 
     Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a mixing cap, the contents of which may be introduced or discharged into a bottle by simply depressing the mixing cap. 
     Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow selective introduction of various ingredients stored in separate compartments into a bottle. 
     Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow simultaneous introduction of different ingredients stored in separate compartments into a bottle. 
     Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow sequential introduction of one or more ingredient(s) into a bottle. 
     These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art from the following description of the invention and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Invention with reference to the accompanying drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional side perspective view of a mixing cap according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded partial cross-sectional side perspective view of a mixing cap according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a mixing cap according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a mixing cap according to the present invention, shown in a closed or inactive position; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional exploded perspective view of a mixing cap according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a mixing cap according to the present invention, shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a mixing cap according to the present invention, shown in an open position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a mixing cap according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional side view of the mixing cap of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of an outer housing of the mixing cap; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an inner tube of the mixing cap of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative inner tube of the mixing cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the inner tube of  FIG. 11  attached to a bottle; 
         FIG. 14   a  is a front view of a control means of the mixing cap of the present invention for controlling selective operation thereof; 
         FIG. 14   b  is a front view of an alternate control means of the mixing cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a mixing cap according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the mixing cap of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the mixing cap of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional perspective view of an outer housing of the mixing cap of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional perspective view of an inner tube of the mixing cap of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the inner tube of the mixing cap of  FIG. 15  shown attached to a bottle; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a two stage mixing cap according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the mixing cap of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a partial cross-sectional view of the mixing cap of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional perspective view of an outer housing of the mixing cap of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an inner tube of the mixing cap of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 26   a  is a front view of a control means of the mixing cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26   b  is a front view of an alternate control means of the mixing cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a front view of an alternate control means of the mixing cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a top cross-sectional view of an inner tube having optional cross-members; 
         FIG. 29  is a front partial-cross-sectional view of a threaded member adapted for attachment to an inner tube of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a front partial-cross-sectional perspective view of a mixing cap according to an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view of an outer housing according to the embodiment of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a front perspective view of an inner tube according to the embodiment of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of an outer housing according to yet an alternative dual-stage, multi-compartment mixing cap according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 34  is a front view of an inner tube adapted for engagement with the outer housing of  FIG. 33 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In describing the various selected embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-34 , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1-7 , Mixing cap  10  preferably comprises outer housing  20  and inner tube  40 . Mixing cap  10  is preferably formed from a suitable plastic substrate, such as, for exemplary purposes only, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and with sufficient structural rigidity to prevent deformation, breakage and/or tearing of same during implementation of the present method. Accordingly, outer housing  20  and inner tube  40  are preferably formed via blow molding processes, injection molding processes, extrusion processes, casting processes, milling processes, stamping processes, or the like, but may be manufactured according to any suitable process so long as the functions described herein are enabled. Additionally, during time of manufacture, and preferably prior to assembly of mixing cap  10 , outer housing  20  may be pre-loaded with one or more selected dry or liquid ingredient(s) to facilitate subsequent consumer use; however, and as more fully described below, it is contemplated that outer housing  20  may be loaded with one or more selected ingredient(s) at time of initial consumer use, or at any time therebetween (i.e., post-manufacture and/or assembly of mixing cap  10 ). It should be recognized that other suitable materials or substrates may be utilized to form mixing cap  10 , such as, for exemplary purposes only, metals, metal alloys, ceramics, natural and/or synthetic rubbers, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 1 , outer housing  20  comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration defined by upper storage receptacle  22  and lower neck portion  24 , wherein storage receptacle  22  preferably contains the selected dry or liquid ingredient for introduction into, and mixture with, the contents of bottle B, as more fully described below. 
     Medial flange  26  may be formed on and around inner wall  20   a  of outer housing  20 , between storage receptacle  22  and neck portion  24  thereof. Additionally, base flange  28  may be disposed on and around base  24   a  of neck portion  24 , wherein base flange  28  extends radially inward of base  24   a  and radially outward of base  24   a . As more fully described below, base flange  28  preferably interacts with a ridge arrangement formed on inner tube  40  and, thus, operatively controls and restricts axial movement between outer housing  20  and inner tube  40 . 
     Inner tube  40  preferably comprises peaked or dome-shaped top wall  42 , preferably integrally formed with hollow, cylindrical-shaped sidewall  44 , wherein sidewall  44  preferably comprises one or more aperture  46  formed therethrough, proximate top wall  42 . Upper flange  48  may be formed on and around exterior surface  44   a  of sidewall  44 , proximate top wall  42 . Likewise, medial flange  50  may be disposed on and around exterior surface  44   a  of sidewall  44  proximate apertures  46 . Similarly, base flange  52  may be disposed on and around exterior surface  44   a  of sidewall  44  proximate base  40   a  of inner tube  40 . Ridge  55  preferably extends axially, at least partially, between base flange  52  and medial flange  50 , over exterior surface  44   a  of sidewall  44 , and may terminate at a distance below medial flange  50 , thereby defining gap  57  between ridge  55  and medial flange  50 . Preferably gap  57  is sufficiently large so as to allow base flange  28  to pass therethrough, such as during rotation of outer housing  20  with respect to inner tube  40 . That is to say that the size of gap  57  is preferably substantially equivalent to the thickness T of base flange  28 . Thus, inner tube  40  may be free to rotate relative to outer housing  20 , with base flange  28  passing through gap  57 , but inner tube  40  may not be free to slide axially with respect to outer housing  20  when ridge  55  engages base flange  28 . 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 2 , with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , base flange  28  preferably includes slot  29  disposed axially therethrough. Slot  29  is preferably configured to allow passage of ridge  55  therethrough, at least when aligned therewith. As such, slot  29  preferably allows outer housing  20  to slide axially over inner tube  40  when ridge  55  and slot  29  are aligned. When ridge  55  and slot  29  are not aligned, however, ridge  55  and base flange  28  preferably cooperate to prevent relative axial motion between inner tube  40  and outer housing  20 . Thus, ridge  55  and slot  29  preferably cooperate to provide means for preventing accidental, inadvertent, premature, or otherwise unwanted opening, of mixing cap  10  and/or dispensing of contents contained therein. 
     When mixing cap  10  is in a “closed position”, i.e. when ridge  55  is not aligned with slot  29  and when openings  46  are disposed below medial flange  26 , the pre-loaded ingredients or contents are maintained within storage receptacle  22  of outer housing  20  by virtue of dome-shaped top wall  42  and upper flange  48  of inner tube  40  functioning as an effective seal between storage receptacle  22  and the interior of hollow cylindrical sidewall  44 . In such a configuration, upper flange  48  of inner tube  40  is preferably positioned above and bears against inner medial flange  26  of outer housing  20 . Medial flange  50  of inner tube  40  is preferably likewise seated on inner base flange  28  of outer housing  20 . Additionally, in such a closed position, apertures  46  of sidewall  44  of inner tube  40  are preferably disposed proximate, and covered by, inner wall  20   a  of base  24   a  of outer housing  20 . It will be understood, however, that one or more of upper flange  48 , medial flange  50 , and base flange  52  may be modified or eliminated, so long as a sufficient seal is provided between storage receptacle  22  and the interior of hollow cylindrical sidewall  44 . 
     Additionally, threading  54  is preferably formed on lower inner surface  44   b  of sidewall  44  (see  FIG. 2 ). Threading  54  preferably enables inner tube  40 , and mixing cap  10  generally, to be threadably-engaged with mouth M of bottle B, such as a conventional personal-sized water bottle, or other liquid-containing bottle, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Although, mixing cap  10  is preferably threadably-engaged to mouth M of bottle B, it should be recognized that the technology of the present invention may be appropriately modified to accommodate various structural properties of any selected bottle, including, without limitation, mouth diameter, flanged configuration (e.g. flanged mouths), threaded or unthreaded mouths, combinations thereof, or the like. As such, it is contemplated that mixing cap  10  may be coupled to an unthreaded mouth of a bottle via frictional-fit, such as via a conformable rubber gasket, or other sealing device. 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIGS. 3-7 , mixing cap  100  preferably includes outer housing  120  comprising toroidal storage receptacle  122  and hollow cylindrical neck portion  124 . Inner tube  140  is preferably slidably engaged therewith within central opening  121  of outer housing  120 , and is preferably slidably restricted therewithin, such as by a flange arrangement similar to that of mixing cap  10 , discussed in more detail below. 
     Toroidal storage receptacle  122  is preferably formed by cylindrical inner wall  125  (which surrounds and defines central opening  121 ), cylindrical outer wall  127 , bottom wall  126 , and top wall  128 . Cylindrical inner wall  125  and cylindrical outer wall.  127  are preferably concentrically arranged, with bottom wall  126  and top wall  128  extending therebetween at the top portions and bottom portions, respectively. Cylindrical inner wall  125  preferably extends below bottom wall  126  and defines hollow cylindrical neck portion  124 . 
     Toroidal storage receptacle  122  is preferably divided into a plurality of, such as two, chambers  122   a  and  122   b  by partitions  123  disposed radially between cylindrical inner wall  125  and cylindrical outer wall  127  and axially between bottom wall  126  and top wall  128 . Each of chambers  122   a  and  122   b  preferably includes at least one opening  129  disposed in cylindrical inner wall  125  for providing access to the respective chamber. 
     Cylindrical inner wall  125  preferably includes inner medial flange  131 , lower flange  132 , and base flange  133  disposed on interior surface  125   a  thereof. Inner medial flange  131  is preferably disposed generally midway between top wall  128  and bottom wall  126  and divides cylindrical inner wall into upper section  125   c  and lower section  125   b . Openings  129  are preferably disposed in lower section  125   b . Lower flange.  132  is preferably disposed proximate bottom wall  126 . Base flange  133  is preferably disposed proximate a lower end of hollow cylindrical neck portion  124  and preferably includes slot  134  disposed axially therethrough. 
     Inner tube  140  is preferably formed of hollow cylindrical wall  141  with top wall  142  closing an end thereof. Upper flange  148  is preferably disposed proximate top wall  142  on exterior surface  141   a  of cylindrical wall  141 . Medial flange  150  is preferably disposed on exterior surface  141   a  proximate opening  143  disposed in hollow cylindrical wall  141  between opening  143  and top wall  142 . Lower flange  154  is preferably disposed on exterior surface  141   a  proximate opening  143  on an opposite side thereof with respect to medial flange  150 , such that opening  143  is positioned between medial flange  150  and base flange  154 . Base flange  156  is preferably disposed proximate open end  144  of inner cylinder  140 . Ridge  157  preferably extends axially at least partially between base flange  156  and lower flange  154  such that gap  158  is defined between ridge  157  and lower flange  154 . 
     Inner tube  140  preferably further includes threads  145  and  147  disposed on interior surface  141   a . Threads  145  and  147  are preferably configured and arranged to operably engage mouth M of a specific type of bottle B. Preferably, threads  145  have dimensions and specifications adapted to engage the standard threads T of a bottle B having a mouth M having a circumference adapted to fit within and engage lower portion  149   b  of hollow cylindrical wall  141 . Similarly, threads  147  preferably have dimensions and specifications adapted to engage the standard threads T of bottle B having mouth M having a circumference adapted to fit within and engage base section  149   a . Stop  146  may be included proximate threads  145  whereby an upper exterior portion of mouth M may abut thereagainst to create a seal between mixing cap  100  and bottle B. 
     In use, mixing cap  100  is preferably initially arranged in a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , with ingredient I 1  contained within storage compartment  122   a , and ingredient I 2  contained within storage compartment  122   b . In the closed position, upper flange  148  is preferably disposed proximate medial flange  131  with medial flange  131  preferably disposed between upper flange  148  and medial flange  150 . Similarly, medial flange  150  is preferably disposed proximate lower flange  132  such that lower flange  132  is preferably disposed between medial flange  150  and lower flange  154 . Again similarly, lower flange  154  is preferably disposed proximate base flange  133  with base flange  133  preferably disposed between lower flange  154  and base flange  156 . 
     Furthermore, in the closed position, openings  129  are preferably disposed proximate hollow cylindrical wall  141 , such as between top flange  148  and medial flange  150 , such that ingredients I 1  and I 2  are prevented from substantially flowing out of chambers  122   a  and  122   b , respectively. In addition, openings  143  are preferably disposed proximate cylindrical inner wall  125  at hollow cylindrical neck portion  124  such that the contents of bottle B may be prevented from substantially flowing out of bottle B. Finally, base flange  133  is preferably rotatably engaged with gap  158  such that outer housing  120  may rotate about inner tube  140 . Outer housing  120  is preferably rotatable relative to inner tube  140  such that ridge  157  is disposed proximate to and abutting base flange  133  and not in alignment with slot  134 . Thus, in the closed position, ingredients I 1  and I 2  are isolated from bottle B, and outer housing  120  is prevented from sliding axially relative to inner tube  140 . 
     In order to place mixing cap  110  into an “open position”, so that dry or liquid ingredients I 1  and I 2  of storage receptacle  122  of outer housing  120  may preferably be introduced or discharged into communicating bottle B, outer housing  120  is preferably rotated about inner housing  140  to align ridge  157  with slot  134 . When such alignment is attained, outer housing  120  may preferably be sufficiently depressed to downwardly slide neck portion  124  thereof over hollow cylindrical sidewall  141  of inner tube  140 . Such downward sliding of outer housing  120  preferably results in upper flange  148  sliding to a position proximate to top wall  128 , medial flange  150  sliding to a position proximate to and abutting medial flange  131 , lower flange  154  sliding to a position proximate to and abutting lower flange  132 , and base flange  156  sliding to a position proximate to and abutting base flange  133 . Such sliding preferably further results in openings  129  being disposed proximate openings  143  such that ingredients I 1  and I 2  may flow into bottle B, and preferably mix with the contents thereof. Mixing cap  100  may preferably be attached to bottle B such that bottle B may preferably be inverted, thereby allowing the contents thereof, such as a liquid, to flow into storage receptacle  122  to facilitate complete mixing of ingredients I 1  and I 2  with the contents of bottle B. 
     According to one embodiment, compartments  122   a  and  122   b  of storage receptacle  122  are separately selectively operable to allow for sequential introduction of ingredients I 1  and I 2  into bottle B, such as via guide means. Preferably, such separate selective opening of compartments  122   a  and  122   b  is accomplished by including two slots  134  in base flange  133  such that outer housing  120  is slidable relative to inner tube  140  when ridge  157  is aligned with either one of slots  134 . Preferably opening  143 , or each of openings  143  if more than one is included, is disposed in hollow cylindrical wall  141  such that when ridge  157  is aligned with a given one of slots  134  and outer housing  120  is slid over inner tube  140 , opening  143  is preferably only disposed proximate opening  129  associated with a single one of compartments  122   a  and  122   b . Similarly, when ridge  157  is aligned with the other of slots  134  and housing  120  is slid over inner tube  140 , opening  143  is preferably disposed only proximate opening  129  associated with the other of compartments  122   a  and  122   b . In this way, mixing cap  100  may be used to selectively sequentially dispense ingredients I 1  and I 2  into bottle B. Thus, mixing cap  100  may be used to mix two doses of a selected nutritional supplement, medicine, flavored beverage, combinations thereof, or the like, or to mix a single dose each of two different nutritional supplements, medicines, flavored beverages, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 8-14   b , mixing cap  200  comprises outer housing  220  and inner tube  240 . Outer housing  220  preferably comprises upper portion  222  and lower portion  224 . Upper portion  222  preferably includes storage receptacle  223  while lower portion  224  preferably engages inner tube  240  and provides a neck through which contents may be discharged. Storage receptacle  223  is preferably formed by sidewall  221  preferably defining top  221   a , side  221   b , and tapered portion  221   c , thereby forming a generally enclosed container having an open bottom (the bottom being closed by inner tube  240 , as described in more detail below). Upper flange  226  is preferably disposed around an interior of proximal end  224   a  of lower portion  224 , proximate upper portion  222 . Medial flange  228  is preferably disposed around an interior of lower portion  224  distal upper flange  226 , and preferably includes slot  229  formed therein. Base flange  230  is preferably disposed about distal end  224   b  of lower portion  224 . 
     Inner tube  240  preferably comprises top wall  242 , such as a flat or peaked wall, extending within the open bottom of storage receptacle  223  (as seen in  FIG. 13 ), thereby sealing storage receptacle  223 . Such sealing is preferably accomplished via an abutting relationship of upper flange  248  of inner tube  240  and upper flange  226  of outer housing  220  and/or via an abutting relationship of upper flange  226  with sidewall  244 , or the like. Upper flange  248  is preferably disposed on and around exterior  244   a  of sidewall  244  proximate top wall  242 . Cylindrical sidewall  244  preferably depends from top wall  242 , preferably near a peripheral edge thereof and preferably includes one or more aperture  246  disposed therethrough, proximate top wall  242 . Sidewall  244  is preferably sized so as to mate with lower portion  224  of outer housing  220 . Preferably, such mating is accomplished by an abutting relationship of sidewall  244  and one or more of upper flange  226  and medial flange  228 . Furthermore, medial flange  250  is preferably formed on and around exterior surface  244   a  of sidewall  244  distal aperture  246 , thereby sealing aperture  246  between upper flange  246  preferably engaged with upper flange  226  and/or sidewall  225  of lower portion  224  and medial flange  250  preferably engaged with medial flange  228  and/or sidewall  225  of lower portion  224 . 
     In use, mixing cap  200  may preferably be opened by sliding outer housing  220  over inner tube  240  such that upper flange  226  is preferably moved out of an abutting relationship with upper flange  248  and/or sidewall.  244 . Such sliding preferably exposes at least a portion of one or more aperture  246  to storage receptacle  223 , whereby contents stored within storage receptacle  223  may preferably move, such as due to gravity, agitation, or the like, through at least one aperture  246  into hollow interior  241  of inner tube  240 , whereby it may mix with contents of bottle B attached to mixing cap  200 , such as by threads  254  disposed on interior surface  244   b  of sidewall  244 . Again, bottle B may preferably be inverted so as to allow the contents thereof to flow into storage receptacle  223 , thereby facilitating complete mixing of the respective contents of storage receptacle  223  and bottle B. Furthermore, interior surface  244   b  of sidewall  244  may include stop  247  adapted to engage an upper edge of mouth M of bottle B, and thereby to provide an effective seal, such that any contents of bottle B and/or mixing cap  200  may not escape or spill. 
     Preferably, such sliding takes the form of depressing outer housing  220  relative to inner tube  240  and is preferably constrained by the interaction of one or more pairs of flanges, such as an abutting interaction of upper flange  226  with medial flange  250 , an abutting relationship of medial flange  228  and/or distal end  224   b  with base flange  252  disposed on and around exterior surface  244   a  of sidewall  244  proximate a distal end thereof. Alternatively, such sliding may be constrained by the interaction of other structures of outer housing  220  and inner tube  240 , such as an interaction of top wall  242  with a top of storage receptacle  223 , or the like. 
     To further control relative motion between outer housing  220  and inner tube  240 , projection  255  is preferably included on exterior surface  244   a  of sidewall  244  of inner tube  240  at a location proximate, and preferably distal, medial flange  250 . Projection  255  is preferably formed as ridge  255   a  having a length in an axial direction between medial flange  250  and base flange  252 . Ridge  255   a  preferably includes wedge  259 , such as non-reversible wedge  259   a . In cooperation with ridge  255   a , slot  229  is preferably formed in medial flange  228 . If ridge  255   a  extends to medial flange  250 , then slot  229  is preferably aligned therewith during assembly of mixing cap  200 . The engagement of ridge  255   a  with slot  229  preferably prevents rotation between outer housing  220  and inner tube  240 , so as to enable mixing cap  200  to be threaded onto bottle B via outer housing  220 . Thus, if no rotation between outer housing  220  and inner tube  240 , then ridge  255  may extend to medial flange  250  (as shown in  FIG. 14   b ). Alternatively, ridge  255   a  may terminate at a point below medial flange  250 , such that gap  257  is formed between ridge  255   a  and medial flange  250  at the location of medial flange  228  (as shown in  FIG. 14   a ). Gap  257  is preferably approximately the same size as medial flange  228 , such that medial flange  228  may fit in, and slide through, gap  257 , whereby rotation between outer housing  220  and inner tube  240  is enabled. In this case, mixing cap  200  may preferably be threaded onto bottle B via inner tube  240 . Gap  257  preferably allows slot  229  to be disposed in a position whereby ridge  255   a  is not disposed in alignment therewith. As such, ridge  255   a  preferably engages medial flange  228  such that outer housing  220  is prevented from sliding axially relative to inner tube  240 , thereby preventing accidental or unwanted opening of mixing cap  200 . 
     Non-reversible wedge  259   a  preferably comprises a resilient structure protruding from a surface of ridge  255   a , such as surface  259   b , formed as an angled surface or ramp, whereby axial sliding movement of medial flange  228  thereover causes surface  259   b  to compress, deflect, retract, or otherwise reduce a size of ridge  255   a  to a size less than or approximately equal to a size of slot  229  in a corresponding dimension. Surface  259   b  preferably increases a force necessary to slide outer housing over inner slot, thereby reducing or preventing accidental opening thereof. Thus, surface  259   b  preferably allows outer housing  220  to slide over inner tube  240  to open mixing cap  240  only upon application of a sufficient force. Surface  259   b  preferably returns to its original size (i.e. a size greater than the size of slot  229  in a corresponding dimension) when slot  229  passes thereover. The absence of an opposing surface preferably prevents outer housing  220  from returning to the closed position. Thus, non-reversible wedge  259   a  preferably prevents mixing cap  200  from being re-used. 
     Alternatively, second surface  259   d , angled in opposite direction from surface  259   b , may be provided to form reversible wedge  259   c  (See  FIG. 14   b ). Second surface  259   d  preferably allows axial movement of outer housing  220  over inner tube  240  in a direction from an open position to a closed position, such as by causing deflection, compression, retraction, or the like to reduce the size of wedge  259  to a size less than the size of slot  229  in a corresponding dimension. Thus, reversible wedge  259   c  preferably allows mixing cap  200  to be reused, such as by refilling storage receptacle  223  with a selected ingredient while in the open position (i.e. such as after use) and then placing mixing cap  200  in the closed position. 
     As will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, the flange arrangement described above may be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in a simplified form, no flanges may be provided, whereby outer surface  244   a  of sidewall  244  may engage lower portion  224  so as to selectively prevent exposure of storage receptacle, and thus any contents stored therein, to one or more aperture  246 . Alternatively, medial flange  250  may be omitted, such as to simplify construction and/or assembly of mixing cap  200 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 15-20 , mixing cap  300  preferably facilitates separate storage of ingredients within separate compartments  322   a ,  322   b  of storage receptacle  322  of outer housing  320  via barrier  323  therebetween. Inner tube  340  preferably slidably engages central aperture  320   a  of outer housing  320 , and preferably selectively prevents or allows dispensing of ingredients stored within storage receptacle  322  of outer housing  320 . 
     Such engagement is preferably accomplished by abutting engagement of one or more portion of inner surface  325   a  of sidewall  325  of outer housing  320  with one or more portion of outer surface  341   b  of sidewall  341  of inner tube  340 . Specifically, ring seal  331  is preferably disposed on inner surface  325   a  of sidewall  325 , and preferably encircles one or more aperture  329  formed therethrough. Ring seal  331  preferably flushly abuts outer surface  341   b  proximate solid upper section  350  of sidewall  341 . Thus, engagement of ring seal  331  with solid upper section  350  preferably prevents an ingredient contained within storage receptacle  322  from reaching central aperture  320   a.    
     Additionally, upper flange  348  preferably extends from top  342  of inner tube  340  and engages at least one of ring seal  331  and sidewall  325 . Upper flange  348 , in combination with top wall  342 , preferably further seals central aperture  320   a  from an exterior of mixing cap  300 . An abutting interaction between ring seal  331  and upper flange  348  preferably limits axial motion between outer housing  320  and inner tube  340  so that inner tube  340  may preferably not be removed from central aperture  320   a . Medial flange  354 , likewise, preferably extends from outer surface  341   b  proximate lower portion  353  of sidewall  341  and preferably engages at least one of base flange  333  and sidewall  325  to further seal central cavity  320   a  and to further prevent inner tube  340  from being removed therefrom. 
     One or more aperture  343  is preferably formed through sidewall  341  proximate medial portion  352  thereof, and is preferably located such that they are not in communication with one or more aperture  329 , and thus not in communication with storage receptacle  322  when mixing cap  300  is in closed position  303  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). Mixing cap  300  is preferably opened by depressing outer housing  320  over inner tube  340 , thereby cause relative axial motion therebetween, whereby apertures  329  through ring seal  331  preferably slide towards lower portion  353  such that apertures  329  preferably align, at least partially, with apertures  343 . Upon such opening, an ingredient material, such as a powder or a liquid ingredient, may preferably flow out from separate compartments  322   a ,  322   b  of storage receptacle  322  through apertures  329 ,  343  and into inner tube  340 . Thus, opening mixing cap  300  preferably allows ingredients stored separately therein to be approximately simultaneously discharged into bottle B, connected to mixing cap  300  via connection means  347 , such as threads or the like, for connecting inner tube  340  to mouth M of bottle B. 
     In order to prevent inadvertent or otherwise unwanted opening of mixing cap  300 , ridge  357  is preferably provided on lower portion  353  such that depression of outer housing  320  over inner tube  340  is selectively prevented via interaction of base flange  333  with slot  334  with gap  358  and ridge  357  and/or via control means  359 , such as wedge  359   b  formed on ridge  357 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 21-26   b , mixing cap  400  preferably facilitates selective dispensing of separate ingredients stored therein via guide means  490 . Mixing cap  400  preferably functions, at least in most respects, like mixing caps  100 ,  300  with respect to separation of ingredients. Thus, outer housing  420  preferably includes storage receptacle  422 , including separate compartments thereof  422   a  and  422   b  separated by partition  423 . 
     Outer housing  420  preferably further includes apertures  429  disposed through ring seal  431  of sidewall  425 . Outer housing  420  preferably further includes tab  434  projecting into central aperture  420   a  from sidewall  425  proximate base  433 . 
     Inner housing preferably includes top  442  and sidewall  441  depending therefrom, generally at a peripheral portion. Top  442  preferably includes upper flange  448  for engagement with sidewall  425  and/or ring seal  431 . Sidewall  441  preferably includes upper portion  450 , lower portion  453 , and medial portion  452  therebetween. Sidewall  441  is preferably solid in upper portion  450 , such that upper portion  450  seals apertures  429  of outer housing  420  via abutting engagement with ring seal  431 . Sidewall  441  preferably includes a plurality of ridges  457 , defining channel  458  therebetween, proximate lower portion  453  and below medial flange  454 . Ridges  457  may optionally include wedge means  459  thereon for controlling movement of tab  434  therein, as described in more detail below. Sidewall  441  preferably further includes apertures  443  therethrough and solid portion  445  over medial portion  452 . 
     Inner tube  440  is preferably initially arranged within outer housing  420  such that tab  434  is preferably disposed within channel  458  proximate first end  458   a , and such that mixing cap  400  is preferably closed with at least one ingredient disposed within storage receptacle  422 . In use, outer housing  420  is preferably depressed over inner tube  440 , thereby opening mixing cap  400  and allowing at least one ingredient stored within separate compartment  422   a  to flow out through apertures  429  and  443 . Such depression preferably does not allow one or more ingredients stored within separate compartment  422   b  to flow out, such as via solid portion  445 . Once the one or more ingredient(s) in separate compartment  422   a  is(are) used, one or more ingredient(s) contained in separate compartment  422   b  may be used by aligning apertures  429  associated therewith and apertures  443  of inner tube  440 . In order accomplish such alignment, outer housing  420  may preferably be moved over inner tube  440 , such that separate compartment  422   b  is disposed proximate apertures  443 . 
     Motion between inner tube  440  and outer housing  420  is preferably controlled via control means  490 . Thus, outer housing  420  preferably follows a predetermined path over inner tube  440 , such as channel  458 . Specifically, tab  434  is preferably constrained within channel  458  via ridges  457 . According to a preferred embodiment, first end  458   a  of channel  458  preferably prevents outer housing  420  from being depressed or rotated via tab  434  abutting a ridge disposed therebelow and therebeside. Thus, the only initial motion that is possible is a movement of outer housing  420  in an axial direction that does not open mixing cap  400 . From there, outer housing  420  is preferably constrained to rotation in a single direction, towards an axial extent of channel  458  that will enable activation of separate compartment  422   a . Thus, accidental activation or opening of one or more of separate compartments  422   a  and  422   b  (or more if additional dividers and apertures are provided) may be prevented via an arrangement of channel  458 , or other arrangement of guide means  490 . Ridges  457  preferably further include non-reversible wedges  459   a  and/or reversible wedges  459   b  over selected portions thereof, such as axial portions, so as to prevent or allow re-use of mixing cap  400 . 
     Preferably, tab  434  first rotates over reversible wedge  459   b , then axially down over non-reversible wedges  459   a  along channel  458  from first end  458   a  thereof, whereby first compartment  422   a  is opened, and may dispense contents through apertures  429  and  443 . Tab  434  may then be rotated and moved axially along channel  458  to medial point  458   b  where neither first compartment  422   a  nor second compartment  422   b  is open. When desired, second compartment  422   b  may be opened by moving tab  434  further along channel  458  in the direction of arrow A to second end  458   c  of channel  458 , whereby one or more opening  429  associated with second compartment  422   b  may be disposed proximate opening  443 . Outer housing  420  may then be depressed over inner tube  440 , whereby second compartment  422   b  is opened, thereby allowing contents thereof to be dispensed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 27 , any pair of slot and ridge, such as slot  229  and ridge  255 , may be replaced by a channel and a tab, such as channel  255 ′ and tab  229 ′, whereby selective opening of a mixing cap may be enabled. For example, for a single-compartment mixing cap, such as mixing cap  200 , selective opening thereof may be enabled via engagement of tab  229 ′ with  255 ′, whereby axial movement of outer housing  220  over inner tube  240  is prevented when tab  229 ′ is disposed proximate first end  255   a ′ of channel  255 ′. In order to open the mixing cap, outer housing  220  must be rotated about inner tube  240  until tab  229 ′ passes over wedge  259   b ′, whereafter outer housing  220  may slide axially over inner tube  240 , over wedge  259   a ′, to second end  255   b ′ of channel  255 ′. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 28 , one or more member  500  may be disposed within an inner tube or a mixing cap according to the present invention, whereby mixing of one or more ingredient(s) disposed in the mixing cap with the contents of bottle B may be facilitated. Specifically, each member  500  may be formed within a path from one or more compartment of the mixing cap to bottle B, whereby clumps or other clusters of the ingredient bay be broken up via mechanical agitation, and mixing flows or turbulence within a liquid ingredient or content of bottle B may be introduced. In one embodiment, each member  500  may be adapted to facilitate swirling of liquid passing thereover, whether it be liquid entering the mixing cap from bottle B, or whether it be liquid entering bottle B from the mixing cap, whereby the swirling may facilitate complete, or at least adequate mixing of the liquid. 
     As shown in  FIG. 29 , portion  600  may be separately formed and engageable with an inner tube of a mixing cap of the present invention, whereby a given inner tube configuration may be adapted to engage threads of a selected one of a plurality of varying bottle designs, such as those having different mouth diameters, thread angles, or the like. Thus, a number of molds, forming techniques, or parts necessary to manufacture different mixing caps adapted to engage respective different bottles may be reduced to reduce a cost, time, complication, or the like, of manufacturing. 
     It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, that while the mixing caps of the present invention have been illustrated according to the forms presented and described herein, alternate forms are contemplated, including alternate shapes and/or designs. For example, the outer housing may be generally spherical, torroidal, cylindrical, polygonal, arcuate, curvilinear, angular, or the like. 
     Furthermore, while the operation of the mixing caps of the present invention have been described and illustrated including specific control means and/or guide means, such as the ridges, slots, gaps, tabs, channels, wedges, and the like described hereinabove, it will be understood that alternative control means and/or guide means may be included, such as operable means such as a button or other device for triggering actuation or opening of one or more storage compartment, and the guide means and control means specifically described may be rearranged to achieve the purpose of controlling, limiting, and/or allowing relative motion between an outer housing and an inner tube engaged therewith, particularly for aligning apertures therein to allow ingredient to flow from a storage compartment into a bottle or other container. Additionally, and as shown in  FIGS. 30-34 , the ridges, slots, tabs, channels, or the like described above with respect to mixing caps  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  400 , may be reversed, i.e. wherein structures formed on an inner tube may be formed on a respective outer housing, and vice-versa. 
     Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, one or more compartment(s) may be formed within or associated with the inner tube, and the outer housing may act as a conduit for one or more ingredient(s) from respective a respective compartment to a bottle. Similarly, other arrangements than the cylindrical inner tube, and the outer housing, may be employed whereby guide means selectively control the opening of one or more separate compartment(s), either simultaneously or sequentially. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.