Abstract:
The present invention relates to a two compartment container, and more particularly, to a two compartment container for holding two fluids separate until such time as mixing is desired. Mixing is achieved utilizing a series of springs and valves under different compressive and exertive forces.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/414,695 filed 17 Nov. 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a two compartment container, and more particularly, to a two compartment container for holding two fluids separate until such time as mixing is desired. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Typically, a two-compartment container has independent vessels or storage compartments that can hold various combinations of fluids, powders, or pastes that are stored in a separated state until the user decides to mix and utilize the products. These types of containers are most useful in applications where keeping product ingredients separate until use extends shelf life or enhances product effectiveness over a product that is mixed prior to shipping. Applications for such containers include, but are not limited to, storage of cosmetic creams and lotions, skin cleaners, shampoos, conditioners and hair coloring. While many two compartment containers exist, many contain complicated stopper configurations such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,644 while some require the user to actually connect the two containers prior to mixing, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,573. 
         [0004]    Many of the two-compartment containers in the prior art require the user to screw the mechanisms together, see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,032 or to use a driving force to cause the mechanisms to mix See U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,644. Such an action often times requires the user to exert significant force to cause the mixing. Accordingly, a need exists for a two-compartment container that requires minimal effort to mix the two ingredients and that does not dispense a stopper within the main compartment. 
         [0005]    Further, it has been determined that by presenting the mixing of the two ingredients in a particular way certain qualities associated with the product may be enhanced. For example, if the ingredients to be mixed are intended to reduce the signs of aging, one may wish to present them in such a manner as to convey a “fountain of youth” for example. Similarly, by representing the ingredients to the user in the form of a fountain might convey a sense of nature or purity. Traditional two compartment containers are not concerned with the impressions and feelings experienced by the user during the mixing of ingredients and therefore do not present the user with a container that allows the user to observe the mixing of ingredients. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, a need exists for a two compartment container that allows a user to easily mix the separated ingredients, that does not leave any stoppers or other foreign matter in the main compartment and/or that allows the user to observe the mixing of ingredients. Furthermore, a need exists for a two compartment container that allows the ingredients to be mixed in such a manner as to elicit a specific response from the user. Further a need exists for a two compartment container that creates an impression of a fountain when the two ingredients are mixed. The present disclosure addresses those needs. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present disclosure relates to a container for storing at least two fluids comprised of a first compartment for holding a first fluid and a second compartment for holding a second fluid until such time as the user decides to mix the fluids. 
         [0008]    The fluids may be liquids or gases or a combination of liquids and gases. Examples of fluids include water based liquids, alcohol based liquids, oil based liquids, petroleum based ointments, viscous liquids, such as gels, oils, and ointments. 
         [0009]    The first or main compartment is typically clear which allows the user to observe the mixing of the fluids, although the compartment may be translucent or even opaque. It is large enough to house the volumes of both the first and second fluids once combined. Additionally, there is typically a removable dropper or other form of dispenser, such as, for example, a pump, in communication with the first compartment for dispensing the fluid after it has been mixed. 
         [0010]    The second compartment is typically smaller in size, although it could be of equal or larger volume than the first compartment. It is typically located at the base of the first compartment opposite the dispenser. 
         [0011]    In the present invention, the second fluid stored in the second container is driven into the first container to mix with the first fluid by stored energy or tension. In particular, by utilizing tension mechanisms such as springs, valves, and a piston, the fluids are mixed without much effort by the user, and without causing any puncturing, tearing or removal of any membrane or stopper deployed between the two compartments and fluids. Various tensioning, valve, and piston configurations can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as long as the release of stored energy causes the second fluid to cause the opening of a valve or other reusable barrier interposed between the first and second compartments, thereby allowing the mixing of the two fluids. Additionally, the valve or other reusable barrier may allow the flow of fluid in only one direction, or in multiple directions depending on the forces that are applied to the first fluid and second fluid. 
         [0012]    Once mixed, the combined fluids may be dispensed from the upper compartment. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the lower compartment sits on a piston that is surrounded by a compressed spring or other tensioning mechanism that is held in compression by a latch mechanism. Upon turning a base portion of the lower container, the latch mechanism releases the spring which forces the piston upward which in turn compresses the fluid stored in the lower compartment and forces the fluid upward. At the top of the lower compartment is a valve that is formed from a solid disc of polyethylene material although other valve configurations are possible such as a diaphragm valve, a duck bill valve, a flapper valve, etc., or any valve that will contain the second fluid until mixing is desired. Likewise, the valve may be made of other materials, such as latex, plastic, rubber, etc. Above the valve is a valve adapter. The valve adapter has a single opening that is slightly inward of the outer edge of the valve adapter. The valve adapter may also include a plurality of openings extending circumferentially to the valve adapter and slightly inward of the outer edge of the valve adapter. Other opening configurations are possible as well, without departing form the spirit of the invention. 
         [0014]    The valve adapter interposes between a transition chamber located above the valve and the upper compartment of the container. The valve includes a lip that sits on the top a cylindrical extension of the lower compartment. Upon release of a first spring or other tensioning mechanism below, adjacent to or corresponding to the lower compartment, the second fluid is forced upward against the valve. The valve is held in place against the top of the cylindrical extension by a slightly tensioned second spring or other tensioning mechanism. The value of the spring constant of the second spring is less than the spring constant of the first spring. Thus, when the fluid is forced against the valve upon release of the first spring, the force exerted against the second spring by the valve is greater than the spring constant which results in compression of the second spring and lifting of the valve from the top of the cylindrical extension. Other tensioning mechanisms might be, for example, the valve itself or the valve adapter composed from compressible materials. In the present embodiment, the pressure resulting from decompression of the lower spring causes the fluid from the lower compartment to force the valve upward and passes the lip of the valve to enter the transition chamber and to pass through the valve adapter into the upper compartment causing the mixing of the first and second fluids. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, the container for mixing two stored fluids comprises a first compartment for holding a first fluid and a second compartment for holding a second fluid. The container has a valve for preventing the mixing of the first and second fluid, a first tension mechanism for maintaining the valve in a normally closed position, and a piston held in position by a second tension mechanism. The container also comprises a release mechanism for releasing the second tension mechanism, wherein the release of the second tension mechanism causes the piston to open the normally closed valve, allowing the second fluid to flow past the valve into the first compartment. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, a method for preparing a two compartment container for mixing two isolated fluids comprises inserting a first fluid in a first compartment, inserting a second fluid in a second compartment, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are coupled. Isolating, via a valve between the first compartment and second compartment, the first and second fluid, positioning a first tension mechanism to maintain the valve in a normally closed position and positioning a second tension mechanism to hold a piston in a first position. Such that upon release of the second tension mechanism the piston moves to a second position providing for the second fluid to flow past the valve into the first compartment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the apparatus and methods and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale. 
           [0018]    Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom” or “side” views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that all embodiments be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view of the two-compartment container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the top portion of the container and the dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the top portion of the container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the upper container of an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are a cross sectional and top view of an exemplary embodiment of the base of the present invention; . 
           [0024]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are a cross sectional and top view of the lower container of an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are a cross sectional and top view of the cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are a top view and a cross sectional view of the outer cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 9A-C  are a top view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the inner cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 10A-C  are a top view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the shoulder band in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of a piston in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the inner bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 13A-D  are a top view, a side view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the valve adapter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 14A-D  are a top view, a side view, a bottom view, and a cross sectional view of the valve in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 15A-E  are a cross sectional view, an installed view, a top view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of a lower piston in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 16A-C  are a top view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the piston adapter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  are a top view and a side view of the packing ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  are a top view and a side view of the pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 19A-D  are a top view, a side view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the upper bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0038]      FIGS. 20A-D  are a top view, a side view, a cross sectional view and a bottom view of the base in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0039]      FIGS. 21A-E  are a top view, a side view, a bottom view and two cross sectional views of the inner-bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment 
       
    
    
       [0040]    The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the various embodiment can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention is limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    The embodiments described herein are merely examples. Descriptions in terms of these embodiments are provided to allow the various features to be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. As will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, the invention can be implemented in different and alternative embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0042]    Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this document prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  depicts two-compartment container  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Two-compartment container  100  is comprised of an upper portion  200  containing top cap  1 , dispenser bulb  2 , outer neck cap  3 , inner neck cap  4 , shoulder band  5 , upper piston  6 , dispenser tube  7  and upper compartment  8 . Two-compartment container further comprises a lower portion  300  comprised of disk  9 , valve adapter  10 , valve  11 , lower piston  12 , piston adapter  13 , lower compartment  14 , base  15 , packing ring  16 , o-ring  17 , pad  18 , retaining spring  19  and release spring  20 . 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, lower compartment  14  sits on lower piston  12  that is surrounded by a compressed release spring  20  or other tensioning mechanism that is held in compression by a latch mechanism of lower compartment  14  and base  15 . Upon turning base  15 , the latch mechanism releases release spring  20  which forces lower piston  12  upward which in turn compresses the fluid stored in lower compartment  14  and forces the fluid upward. For purposes of this embodiment, the fluid in the lower compartment is a liquid and the fluid in the upper compartment is a liquid. At the top of the lower compartment is valve  11  that is formed from a solid disc of polyethylene material although other valve configurations are possible such as a diaphragm valve, a duck bill valve, a flapper valve, etc. or any valve that will contain the second fluid until mixing is desired. Likewise, the valve may be made of other materials, such as latex, plastic, rubber, etc. Above valve  11  is valve adapter  10  and disk  9 . Valve adapter  10  has a single opening that is slightly inward of the outer edge of valve adapter  10 . The valve adapter may also include a plurality of openings extending circumferentially to the valve adapter and slightly inward of the outer edge of the valve adapter. Other opening configurations are possible as well. 
         [0045]    Valve adapter  10  interposes between a transition chamber located above valve  11  and upper compartment  8  of container  100 . The valve includes a lip that sits on the top a cylindrical extension of the lower compartment. Upon release of retaining spring  20  or other tensioning mechanism, the second fluid is forced upward against valve  11 . Valve  11  is held in place against the top of the cylindrical extension by a slightly tensioned retaining spring  19  or other tensioning mechanism. The spring constant of retaining spring  19  is less than the spring constant of release spring  20 . Thus, when the fluid is forced against valve  11  upon release of retaining spring  20 , the force exerted against retaining spring  19  by valve  11  is greater than the spring constant which results in compression of retaining spring  19  and lifting of valve  11  from the top of the cylindrical extension. Other tensioning mechanisms might be, for example, the valve itself or the valve adapter composed from compressible materials. In the present embodiment, the pressure resulting from decompression of the release spring  20  causes the fluid from lower compartment  14  to force valve  11  upward and passes the lip of valve  11  to enter the transition chamber and to pass through the opening in valve adapter  10  and disk  9  into upper compartment  8  causing the mixing of the first and second fluids. 
         [0046]    Top cap  1  is a generally cylindrical hollow cap with a solid top portion on one end and an open portion on the opposite end. Top cap  1  engages with the neck band  5  and is held in place by ridge  703 , although other methods of retention, such as screw threads, press releases or the like could be used. Top cap  1  is large enough to cover dispenser  2 , thereby preventing accidental dispensing of the fluid. Although  FIG. 1  depicts top cap  1  as generally cylindrical, it is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that top cap  1  can take on other geometries, such as, for example, oval, square, or conical. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  shows upper portion  200 . Dispenser bulb  2  has an outside surface  20  and an inside surface  21 , thereby creating cavity  22 . Dispenser bulb  2  is intended to be press fit into inner neck cap  4  and is molded with notch  23  and rim  24 . Notch  23  and rim  24  pressingly mate with tab  43  thereby creating gap  44  between inner neck cap  4  and upper compartment  8 . Packing ring  16  fills gap  44  creating a flat seating surface  161  to allow the dispenser assembly to rest on the neck of upper compartment  8 . Packing ring  16  is a washer shaped ring having a top, a bottom and an inner and outer circumference. Inner neck cap  4  is a generally cylindrical open tube having a reduced opening  42  on the top to allow bulb dispenser  2  to pass though. Inner neck cap  4  has an interior surface  43  and an outer surface  45 . Interior surface  43  contains screw threads  41  that mate with screw threads  81  on upper compartment  8 . Outer neck cap  3  is a generally cylindrical tube with a reduced opening  31  at the top to allow bulb dispenser  2  to pass through the opening and is generally open at the bottom. Outer neck cap  3  is conformed to fit in direct contact with inner neck cap  4  on all exterior surfaces. Outer neck cap  3  may be manufactured from a material different then inner cap  4 , such as aluminum or a different plastic coated with a reflective surface, although other esthetically pleasing materials are contemplated. 
         [0048]    Dispenser tube  7  contains an open top end  71  adjacent to dispenser bulb  2  and an open distal end  72  that is housed within upper compartment  8 . Distal end  72  may terminate in an end  75  that is bulb shaped, straight, or curved. Dispenser tube  7  has a shoulder  73  located adjacent top end  71 . Shoulder  73  mates into grove  25  on dispenser bulb  2 , creating a press fitting. Dispenser tube  7  is hollow and contains inner cavity  74  for drawing in fluid contained in upper container  8 . 
         [0049]    In one embodiment a piston is located above the fluid contained in the upper compartment.  FIG. 3  depicts upper piston  6 . Upper piston  6  contains a substantially flat bottom piston face  61  and top piston face  62 , stem portion  63  which has an inner surface  64  and an outer surface  65 . Surrounding the radial outer surface of piston face  61  and  62  is groove  66  for receiving o-ring  17 . O-ring  17  forms a fluid tight seal with wall  84  of upper compartment  8 , thereby preventing fluid from passing above upper piston  6  into cavity  82 . Inner surface  64  of piston stem portion  63  forms a hollow tube for conveying there through dispenser tube  7  and accordingly access to the fluid in upper container  8 . Adjacent the distal end of stem portion  63  is flare  67 . At its widest exterior point, piston stem  63  is the same diameter as the inner surface of neck  83  of upper container  8 . Flare  67  provides a contacting surface between upper piston  6  and neck  83  as piston  6  is forced into cavity  82 . In operation, as the fluid from the lower compartment  14  is driven into the upper compartment  8  by lower piston  12 , upper piston  6  is forced upwardly into cavity  82 . 
         [0050]    Upper container  8  seen in  FIG. 4  is a generally cylindrical container constructed from clear plastic, such as PCTA, glass, or other highly transparent material such as Lucite® or Lexan®. It contains screw threads  81 , neck  83 , first shoulder  85 , wall  84 , bottom side wall  86 , bottom  87 , opening  88  and retaining ridge  89 . Bottom  87  is open to allow insertion of disk  9 , valve adapter  10 , valve  11 , lower piston  12 , piston adapter  13 , lower compartment  14 , pad  18 , retaining spring  19  and release spring  20 . 
         [0051]    Base  15  as seen in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  is generally cup shaped with vertical side walls  151 , substantially flat base  152 , inner base  156 , base notch  153 , teeth  154 , teeth rim  155  and open top  157 . In one embodiment, side wall  151  may have a transparent window  158  or other opening to provide indication that base  15  has been rotated from its starting position with respect to the upper compartment  8 . After disk  9 , valve adapter  10 , valve  11 , lower piston  12 , piston adapter  13 , lower compartment  14 , pad  18 , retaining spring  19  and release spring  20  are inserted into bottom side wall portion  86  through opening  87 . Base  15  is press fit into place with upper compartment  8  by inserting side wall portion  86  into open top  157  of base  15  until base notch  153  engages retaining ridge  89 , thereby mating base  15  onto upper compartment  8 . In this configuration, as will be explained more fully below, the interconnection of base notch  153  and retaining ridge  89  allow base  15  to be axially rotatable with respect to upper container  8 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show side and top view of lower compartment  14  respectively. Lower compartment  14  is generally cylindrical and cup shaped having open top  140 , side wall  141 , upper tab portion  142 , upper tab notch  143 , tab lip  144 , lower base  145 , base notch  146 , base lip  147 . In one embodiment lower compartment  14  is filled with a fluid and fitted into base  15 . Base notch  146  and base lip  147  mesh with teeth  154 , and teeth rim  155  of base  15 . In one embodiment, the rotation of base  15  with respect to upper compartment  8  causes teeth  154  to engage base notch  146  causing lower compartment  14  to rotate as base  15  is rotated. As will be explained further, with respect to a particular embodiment, such rotation releases the trigger mechanism releasing the energy in spring  20  and forcing the second fluid into the first compartment. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  depicts top cap  1 . Top cap  1  is a generally cylindrical hollow cap with a solid top portion  701  on one end and an open portion  702  on the opposite end. Top cap  1  engages with the neck band  5  and is held in place by ridge  703 , although other methods of retention, such as screw threads, press releases or the like could be used. Top cap  1  is large enough to cover dispenser  2 , thereby preventing accidental dispensing of the fluid. Top cap  1  may be any shape such as square, trapazoidal, oval, dome, or conical, or any other geometries as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  depicts outer cap  3 . Outer cap or neck cap  3  is a generally cylindrical tube with a reduced opening  31  at the top  350  to allow bulb dispenser  2  to pass through the opening and is generally open at the bottom  351 . Outer neck cap  3  is conformed to fit in direct contact with inner neck cap  4  on all exterior surfaces. Outer neck cap  3  may be manufactured from a material different than inner cap  4 , such as aluminum or a different plastic coated with a reflective surface, although other esthetically pleasing materials are contemplated. 
         [0055]      FIG. 9  depicts inner cap  4 . Inner cap  4  is a generally cylindrical tube with a reduced opening  401  at the top  450  to allow bulb dispenser  2  to pass through the opening and is generally open at the bottom  451 . Inner cap  4  fits in direct contact with outer cap  3  on all exterior surfaces. Inner cap  4  may be manufactured from a material different then outer cap  3 . Inner cap  4 , may contain threads  403  on the inner portion  402  for securing to upper bottle  8 . Additionally, inner cap  4 , may be press fit onto upper bottle  8  or secured with adhesive or other bonding techniques such as thermal or chemical bonding. 
         [0056]      FIG. 10  depicts shoulder band  5 . Shoulder band  5  is generally cylindrical and contains an opening  501  on upper surface  500 . Opening  501  is large enough to fit over the neck of the upper bottle  8 . Shoulder band  5  may have an oval shaped ridge  502  or may be any geometry as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Shoulder band  5  contains lip  503  upon which top  1  sits when in a closed position. Shoulder band  5  may be made of any material, such as metal, plastic or glass, and may be coated or uncoated with various finishes. Shoulder band  5  may be press fit onto upper bottle  8  or may be attached utilizing adhesive or other techniques. 
         [0057]      FIG. 11  depicts upper piston  6 . in an embodiment, upper piston  6  is used to compensate for the space present in the upper compartment prior to the introduction of the second liquid. Upper piston  6  rests on top of the fluid in the upper compartment until the two liquids are mixed. Once that occurs, the upper piston  6  is driven into the upper compartment neck, such that the entire upper compartment appears full. 
         [0058]      FIG. 12  depicts a cross sectional view of bottle disk  9 . Bottle disk  9  is generally cylindrical and circumferentially surrounded by side wall  90 , containing wall notch  91 , upper notch  92 , lip  93 , disk notch  94 , valve adapter notch  96 , valve adapter wall  97 , center opening  98 , and valve shelf  99 .  FIG. 14  depicts valve  11  which sits in contact with valve shelf  99 . Valve  11  is generally cylindrical and contains a top lip  111  that is larger then the base  112 . Base  112  is sized to fit within center opening  98  of bottle disk  9  with top lip  111  sufficiently large enough not to pass through center opening  98 . Top lip  111  rests on valve shelf  99  and is held closed by retaining spring  19 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 13  depicts valve adapter  10 . Valve adapter  10  is generally cylindrical and contains openings  100 . Valve adapter  10  is sized to fit within bottle disk  9  resting on lip  93 . openings  100  in Valve adapter  10  are circumferentially placed around valve adapter  10  such that when the tension in release spring  20  is released, the liquid in the bottom bottle passes through valve openings  100  causing the mixing of the two fluids in the upper bottle. Interposed between valve adapter  10  and bottle disk  9  are valve  11  and retaining spring  19 . Retaining spring  19  is sufficiently strong to keep valve  11  closed until the tension in spring  20  is released. Once it is desired to mix the liquids and the tension in release spring  20  is released, the expansion force in retaining spring  19  is insufficient to keep valve  11  in a closed position such that the fluids are forced to be mixed in the upper container. 
         [0060]      FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment of lower piston  12 . Lower piston  12  is generally cylindrical having piston side walls  120 , piston face  121 , piston bottom  122 , piston stem  123 , piston rim  124 , piston notch  125  and piston lip  126 . The diameter of piston  12 , including piston face,  121 , piston rim  124 , piston notch  125  and piston lip  126  is such that it fits inside lower compartment  14  and contacts the inner surface of sidewalls  151 . In the depicted embodiment, piston side walls  120  circumferentially extend down from piston face  121  and taper to a chiseled flared end  127 . Flared chiseled end  127  ensures contact between piston side walls  120  and inner compartment side walls  151 . While this specific piston configuration is depicted, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art, that other piston configurations are possible. For example, piston face  121  could extend the full diameter of the piston face without the need for piston rim  124 , piston notch  125  and piston lip  126 . Likewise, a sealing ring or other means could be utilized in place of side walls  120  and chiseled end  127  to ensure a tight fit with respect to sidewalls  151  of lower compartment  14 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 16  depicts piston adapter  13 . Piston adapter  13  is generally cylindrical and hollow with an inner portion  133 , an upper portion  130  and a lower portion  131 . Upper portion  130  contains ridge  132  that circumferentially surrounds upper portion  130  and engages with release spring  20 . Lower portion  131  is generally cylindrical and smaller then upper portion  130 . Lower portion  131  seats within piston  12  against piston bottom  122 . Piston stem  123  fits within hollow inner portion  133 . When release spring  20  is compressed, piston  12  and piston adapter  13  contain the force used to drive the second liquid from the lower container into the upper container when released. 
         [0062]      FIG. 17  depicts packing ring  16 . Packing ring  16  fills gap  44  creating a flat seating surface  161  to allow the dispenser assembly to rest on the neck of upper compartment  8 . Packing ring  16  is a washer shaped ring having a top  162 , a bottom  163  and an inner circumference  164  and outer circumference  165 . It may be configured from any compressible material, such as plastic or rubber, although other materials are possible. 
         [0063]      FIG. 18  depicts pad  18 . Pad  18  surrounds bottle disk  9 . Pad  18  is a washer shaped pad having a top  182 , a bottom  183  and an inner circumference  184  and outer circumference  185 . It may be configured from any compressible material, such as plastic or rubber, although other materials are possible. 
         [0064]      FIG. 19  depicts a cross sectional view of upper bottle  8 . As can be seen in  FIG. 19 , bottom  87  is open to allow insertion of the other components of the valve system. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, upper bottle  8  need not be round, but may take on other geometries, as long as the valve parts are modified accordingly. 
         [0065]      FIG. 20  depicts a cross sectional view of base  15 . Base  15  as seen is generally cup shaped with vertical side walls  151 , inner base  156 , base notch  153 , teeth  154 , teeth rim  155  and open top  157 . In an embodiment, side wall  151  may have a transparent window or other opening to provide indication that base  15  has been rotated from its starting position with respect to the upper compartment  8 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 21  depicts a cross sectional view of lower compartment  14 . Lower compartment  14  is generally cylindrical and cup shaped having open top  140 , side wall  141 , upper tab portion  142 , upper tab notch  143 , tab lip  144 , lower base  145 , base notch  146 , base lip  147 . In one embodiment lower compartment  14  is filled with a fluid and fitted into base  15 . Base notch  146  and base lip  147  mesh with teeth  154 , and teeth rim  155  of base  15 . In one embodiment, the rotation of base  15  with respect to upper compartment  8  causes teeth  154  to engage base notch  146  causing lower compartment  14  to rotate as base  15  is rotated. 
         [0067]    While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise. 
         [0068]    A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. 
         [0069]    As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.