Abstract:
A multi-functional bottle contains two separate compartments, a first compartment for water or liquid storage, and a second compartment or holding chamber, for storage of a powdered formula. The holding chamber is comprised of both flexible, and rigid food-grade polymers. The holding chamber has a closed bottom-end, forming the bottle&#39;s base, and an open, re-sealable top-end for addition of the powdered formula, and for release of the powdered formula for mixing when so desired. Re-sealable top-end forms an airtight seal with an agitator cap. The agitator cap can easily be released by firmly pressing (depressing) the bottom-end of the holding chamber (and bottle), allowing the user to now mix the powdered formula with the water with a single hand.

Description:
This patent application claims domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. 120, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/164,616, entitled, “Storage and Mixing Bottle” filed Jun. 20, 2011, pending. All of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/164,616 is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Parents and caregivers alike are familiar with the hungry screams of their infants. Often convenience makes powdered baby formula a first choice for feeding infants less than one year of age. Typically, a baby bottle is partially filled with water, and a proper measurement (varying by manufacturer) of powdered formula is added to the water within the bottle. The cap and nipple are placed on the baby bottle and the caregiver shakes the bottle until all formula clumps have disappeared. Once the formula has been mixed, it spoils quickly, and therefore must be consumed quickly. When at home, this relatively easy task is mildly cumbersome when a baby is screaming with hunger, to downright laborious when it is three in the morning. However, when traveling with a baby it is all but impossible. There is often no running water, no level surface to measure the powdered formula, and no level surface to pour the powdered formula into the bottle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Pre-measured amounts of baby formula and water are stored separately within a single baby bottle, indefinitely. When desired, the user can open the holding chamber, allowing the powdered formula to quickly combine with the water, via shaking of the bottle, and dispensed to the baby for feeding with minimal effort. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front-perspective view of the baby bottle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of the baby bottle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the baby bottle of the present invention with the bottom-end cap removed. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the baby bottle of the present invention with the bottom-end cap removed. 
         FIG. 5  is a front, cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the holding chamber and agitation cap, within the baby bottle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front, cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the holding chamber and agitation cap, within the baby bottle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the holding chamber and agitation cap, within the baby bottle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the holding chamber and agitation cap, within the baby bottle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a top-front, perspective view of the holding chamber of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the holding chamber of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the holding chamber of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the holding chamber of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a front, cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the holding chamber of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the holding chamber of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a front, cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the hold chamber of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the holding chamber of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a front, cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the holding chamber of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of a first embodiment of the agitator cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the agitator cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of a first embodiment of the agitator cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of a first embodiment of the agitator cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of a second embodiment of the agitator cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the agitator cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of a second embodiment of the agitator cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of a second embodiment of the agitator cap of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment holding chamber with a third embodiment agitator cap thereon of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment holding chamber with a third embodiment agitator cap removed of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment holding chamber and third embodiment agitator cap (removed) of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a top view of a fourth embodiment holding chamber with a third embodiment agitator cap thereon of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a front view of a fourth embodiment holding chamber with a third embodiment agitator cap thereon of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a side view of a fourth embodiment holding chamber with a third embodiment agitator cap thereon of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 32  is a bottom view of a fourth embodiment holding chamber of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-8  show a baby bottle  10  in accordance with the present invention. Baby bottle  10  is shown in a 9-ounce version; however, there would be no difference in construction or operation of an 8-ounce version. Baby bottle  10  is comprised of a bottle portion  12 , which is cylindrically shaped and tapers (reduced diameter) at a neck portion  13  and bottom portion  15 . Bottle portion  12  is open at bottom end  14  and at top end  17  (see  FIG. 5  for view of top end  17 ). Neck portion  13  and bottom portion  15  are identical, such that, with the omission of the graduation marks, the combination of bottle portion  12  (including neck portion  13  and bottom portion  15 ) is symmetrical about both its longitudinal and axial axes. Bottom end  14  has external sealing threads  16  for sealing engagement with internal sealing threads  20  of bottom sealing cap  18 . Top end  17  (see  FIG. 5 ) has external connecting threads  25  for sealing engagement with internal connecting threads  26  of top sealing cap  22 . Top end  17  and bottom end  14  are identical such that bottom sealing cap  18  and top sealing cap  22  can be interchangeable depending on the embodiment. Nipple  24  contains an annular flange  28 . Preferably, nipple  24  and annular flange  28  are made of a single-piece, pliable food-grade rubber, or food-grade polymer. When annular flange  28  is tightened, that is compressed about an area adjacent to the junction of external connecting threads  25  with internal connecting threads  26  of top sealing cap  22 , a leak-proof seal is formed. 
       FIGS. 9-11  illustrate three embodiments of holding chambers  30 , as three embodiments of holding chambers  30  are identical in external appearance. Holding chamber  30  is cylindrically shaped with an open top end  32  and closed bottom end  34 . An annular sealing flange  36  resides around closed bottom end  34 . Sealing recess  38  resides around the interior wall  40  (see  FIG. 12 ) of open top end  32 . Turning now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , cross-sectional views of the first embodiment holding chamber  30 A are visible. Specifically looking at  FIG. 13 , it can be seen that cylindrical wall  42  is partially solid in construction. Solid region  42 A resides from open top end  32  to approximately the midpoint (not illustrated) of holding chamber  30 A. Double-wall region  42 B resides from closed bottom end  34  to approximately the midpoint of holding chamber  30 A. Sealing flange  36  allows a water-tight seal to be formed, when sealing flange  36  is tightened (compressed), between the external sealing threads  16  of bottom end  14  and internal sealing threads  20  of bottom sealing cap  18 , which can be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . Holding chamber  30  and sealing flange  36  are made of a rigid, yet pliable rubber or polymer. 
     Cross-sectional views of second embodiment holding chamber  30 B are illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . Cylindrical wall  42  of holding chamber  30 B has a hollow, doubled-wall construction. 
     Cross-sectional views of third embodiment holding chamber  30 C are illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . Cylindrical wall  42  of holding chamber  30 C is completely solid in construction. 
     A first embodiment of agitator cap  60 A can be seen in  FIGS. 18-21 . The agitator cap  60  is comprised of circular body  62  perpendicularly intersected by rectangular body  64 . Circular body  62  is designed to frictionally engage sealing recess  38 , creating a water-tight seal. Rectangular body  64  has four rounded edges  66 , to facilitate the mixing of powdered baby formula with the water during shaking, while not getting caught (trapped) within the neck portion  13  of baby bottle  10  or caught (trapped) within the nipple  24 . Agitator cap  60 A is made from a rigid rubber or polymer. 
     A second embodiment of agitator cap  60 B is illustrated in  FIGS. 22-25 . Second embodiment agitator cap  60 B is comprised of a second circular body  70  with a first face  72  and second face  74 . Residing perpendicular to first face  72  is a second rectangular body  76 . Second rectangular body has second rounded corners  78 . Protruding from the midpoint (not visible) of second face  74  is plunger member  80 . Plunger member  80  is comprised of an extension rod  82  and a third circular body  84 . Agitator cap  60 B serves a three purposes: 1) second circular body  70  is designed to frictionally engage sealing recess  38 , creating a water-tight seal; 2) plunger member  80  facilitates the dislodging of second circular body  76  from sealing recess  38  and freeing agitator cap  60 B, when the user desires to combine the powdered baby formula and water; and 3) as an agitator for facilitating mixing of the water and formula. Additionally, agitator cap  60 B is designed to not get caught (trapped) within the neck portion  13  of baby bottle  10 , or caught (trapped) within the nipple  24 . Agitator cap  60 B is made form a rigid rubber or polymer. 
     Generally, in operation, a user places the necessary volume of powdered baby formula into the holding chamber  30  ( 30 A,  30 B, and  30 C) via the open top end  32 ; see  FIG. 9 . Then the user secures the agitator cap  60 A, or  60 B such that the agitator cap  60 A or  60 B is frictionally secured within sealing recess  38 . Holding chamber  30  is then placed within bottle portion  12  via bottom end  14  and secured within the bottle portion  12  via bottom sealing cap  18 . Bottle portion  12  is now filled with the desired volume of water via the open top end  17  and the nipple  24  is secured to the top end  17  via top sealing cap  22 . When the user decides to prepare a bottle for feeding he/she firmly presses closed bottom end  34  via is his/her thumb for example. The force applied via the user&#39;s thumb travels up (energy wave) the cylindrical wall  42  causing wall  42  to slightly deform, shortening the distance between bottom  34  and agitator cap  60 A or  60 B. This deformation causes agitator cap,  60 A or  60 B to “pop” out of sealing recess  38 . The user can now simply shake the bottle to complete the mixing process. Additionally, if agitator cap  60 B is being used, the user&#39;s thumb will contact third circular body  84  of plunger member  80 . When using agitator cap  60 B, the upward force from the user&#39;s thumb not only causes cylindrical wall  42  to deform, but also directly pushes the agitator cap  60 B up via plunger member  80 , freeing agitator cap  60 B from sealing recess  38 , further facilitating the release of the powdered formula from holding chamber  30 . 
     Finally, in  FIGS. 26-32  a fourth embodiment holding chamber  30 D is illustrated. There are four different embodiments of the holding chamber  30  to accommodate varying manufacturing conditions. Holding chamber  30 D is cylindrically shaped with an open top end  32  and closed bottom end  34  made from a combination of both rigid and pliable polymers. Specifically, looking at  FIG. 28 , it can be seen that closed bottom end  34 , is comprised of a stepped deformation ring  37 , which is made of a pliable polymer, while plunger member  80 , and plunger member base  81  are made of a rigid polymer. Stepped deformation ring  37  circumscribes plunger member base  81 , tapering conically. An annular sealing flange  36  resides around closed bottom end  34 . Sealing recess  38  resides around the interior wall  40  (see  FIGS. 27 &amp; 28 ) of open top end  32 . Cylindrical wall  42  of holding chamber  30 D is completely solid in construction, and made of a rigid polymer. Unlike the previously discussed embodiments of holding chamber  30 , plunger member  80 , resides about the mid-point and extends perpendicularly from, closed bottom end  34  as is visible in  FIGS. 27 &amp; 28 . 
     Holding chamber  30 D is used in conjunction with third embodiment agitator cap  60 C. Third embodiment agitator cap  60 C is comprised of a fourth circular body  86  with a first face  88 , second face  90  and sealing lip  92 . Sealing lip  92  is designed to frictionally engage sealing recess  38 , creating a water-tight seal. Additionally, an additional seal is created about the periphery of open top end  32  by circular peripheral lip  93 . Grip tab  94  extends perpendicularly from first face  88 , to aid in the placement of agitator cap  60 C about open top end  32 . Residing on and extending from second face  90  is concave abutment  96 . Agitator cap  60 C serves a three purposes: 1) sealing lip  92  is designed to frictionally engage sealing recess  38 , creating a water-tight seal; 2) to engage via the concave abutment  96 , plunger member  80  facilitating the dislodging of sealing lip  92  from sealing recess  38  when the user desires to combine the powdered baby formula and water; and 3) as an agitator for facilitating mixing of the water and formula. Additionally, agitator cap  60 C is sized to not get caught (trapped) within the neck portion  13  of baby bottle  10  or get caught (trapped) within the nipple  24 . Agitator cap  60 C is made form a combination of rigid and pliable polymers. 
     Preparation of a “ready-for-use” baby bottle employing holding chamber  30 D and agitator cap  60 C is preformed in similar fashion as to first three embodiments. When the user decides to prepare a bottle for feeding he/she firmly presses plunger member base  81  of closed bottom end  34  via is his/her thumb. The force applied via the user&#39;s thumb to the rigid plunger member base  81 , transfers the pressing force to the sealing recess  38 , temporarily deforming stepped deformation ring  37 , causing second plunger member  83  to contact concave abutment  96 , which forces sealing lip  92  out of sealing recess  38 , thereby causing agitator cap  60 C to completely dislodge from open end  32  of holding chamber  30 D, allowing the release of the powdered formula from holding chamber  30 D. The user can now simply shake the bottle to complete the mixing process. The conical tapper of stepped deformation ring  37 , allows ring  37 , to elastically deform, when an upward force is applied, and immediately return to its pre-deformation state, as soon as the upward force is removed. 
     Any one skilled in the art can appreciate various version of baby bottle  10  could be made without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, replacing the nipple  24  with a solid sealing cap for mixing would work well for athletes using powdered protein supplements after a workout. After mixing, the user would simply unscrew the solid sealing cap and drink directly from the bottle.