Abstract:
A baby bottle including a nipple and separable compartments for holding powdered formula and water. By sliding or rotating a knob to a pre-selected mix position, apertures in the separable compartments are aligned thereby allowing mixture of the powdered formula from an upper compartment into a lower compartment containing the water. The bottle is shaken to thoroughly mix the formula and the water, after which, the bottle and formula mix are ready to use.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority from U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,803 which issued on Jul. 23, 3013 from application Ser. No. 13/134,369 filed on Jun. 6, 2011 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to the field of baby bottles and in particular to baby bottles including separable compartments for storage of a dry powder(powdered formula) and a liquid (water) prior to use and means releasing, combining and for mixing same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Powdered baby formula is mixed with water to produce a liquid formula milk replacement for consumption by infants. The dry powdered formula may be stored for long periods of time without refrigeration. However, once the powdered formula is mixed with water, the liquid formula must either be used or refrigerated within a short period of time. Otherwise the liquid formula spoils. 
     Powdered baby formula and water are typically mixed by combining predetermined amounts of powdered formula and water in the bottle, attaching the nipple and lid, and shaking the baby bottle to thoroughly mix the powder with the water. This mixing process may be safely and accurately performed with the aid of suitable measuring devices and substantially sterile surroundings. In addition, the mixed liquid formula and bottle may be stored and refrigerated for later use. 
     However, where refrigeration is unavailable, it is necessary to perform the mixing process just before use. If proper measuring devices and substantially sterile surroundings are unavailable, the process becomes problematic because contamination, spillage and the production of incorrectly mixed formula can occur. When traveling, it is inconvenient to carry formula and water separately and to measure out and mix the ingredients every time formula is needed for a baby. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,298 by Holley, Jr. teaches a multi-component bottle with a mixing valve including a ball valve body which is rotated to align two sets of apertures to release the powdered formula into the lower water compartment for mixing. Holley stores the powdered formula within the hollow ball portion of the ball valve. Holley requires the alignment of two pairs of apertures and uses a complex ball valve with a cam arrangement for opening and closing the valve, unlike the present invention which only requires alignment of an aperture of a rotatable disk and a fixed disk. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,802 by Caola teaches a multi-component bottle with a push rod under the nipple which is used to force open a valve member. Caola&#39;s valve doesn&#39;t involve the alignment of two apertures or the same type of sliding element for opening as is used in the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,254 by Inbar et al teaches a movable plug in a necked down portion of the bottle to separate the powder from the water. Turning a top portion of the bottle raises the plug and allows the powder to fall into the liquid 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,445 by Kaesemeyer has a sealing member between upper and lower compartments which is dislodged by twisting a lid portion on the top of the bottle. The sealing member falls to the bottom of the container. A user can&#39;t easily see when the sealing member is dislodged. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a baby bottle including a nipple and separable compartments for holding powdered formula and water. By sliding or rotating a knob to a pre-selected mix position, apertures in the separable compartments are aligned thereby allowing mixture of the powdered formula from an upper compartment into a lower compartment containing the water. The bottle is shaken to thoroughly mix the formula and the water, after which, the bottle and formula mix are ready to use. 
     More particularly, with the present invention, there is provided a combination baby bottle and powdered formula and water storage device comprising a lid with a nipple, a two part mixing valve and a water compartment. The lid is a cylindrically shaped lid including a top wall, a first sidewall, and a nipple. The first sidewall contains first female threads. The top wall has a circular aperture formed therein sized to receive the nipple and the bottom surface of the top wall abuts a top surface of the outer marginal portion of the nipple. The first part of the two part valve is a cylindrically shaped stationary valve member includes a second sidewall with first male threads at a top edge. The first male threads are capable of being threaded into the first female threads to connect the lid to the stationary valve member. The stationary valve member includes a first circular bottom wall having a first aperture formed therein. The first aperture is sized to fit within a one third circular sector of the first bottom wall and is located so as not to include the center point of the first bottom wall. The second sidewall extends below the first bottom wall and includes second female threads. The second sidewall has a slot formed therein, the slot is above and parallel to the second bottom wall and extends around one third of the circumference of the second sidewall. The second part of the two part valve is a cylindrically shaped movable valve member having a third sidewall and a second bottom wall. The third sidewall has a first circumferential groove formed within the outside surface thereof which is located near a top edge. The third sidewall has a second circumferential groove formed within the outside surface and is located near the bottom edge. The first and the second grooves each have an polymeric or elastomeric sealing means such as an O-ring, washer, or disc disposed therein. The movable valve member is capable of being inserted within the stationary valve member whereupon the first bottom wall abuts the second bottom wall and the O-rings form a leak-proof seal between the second sidewall and the third sidewall. The slot is therefore situated between the O-rings and is sealed from leaking. The third sidewall has a rectangular window formed therein and located between the first groove and the second groove. The window contains a vertical axle with a lever pivoting thereon. The back side of the window is sealed off with a box which is integral with the third sidewall. The lever is capable of being fully contained within the window and the box and is capable of being pivoted out through the slot to a position where a user can push the lever to spin the movable valve member within the stationary valve member. The second circular bottom wall has a second aperture which is sized to fit within a one third circular sector of the second bottom wall. The second aperture is the same size as the first aperture and is located so as not to include the center point of the second bottom wall. The first aperture and the second aperture are totally mis-aligned when the lever is at a first end of the slot, thus keeping the formula powder separate from the water. The first aperture and the second aperture are totally aligned when the lever is at a second end of the slot. The cylindrically shaped water compartment includes a bottom wall and a fourth sidewall with second male threads at a top edge which are capable of being threaded into the second female threads to connect the stationary valve member to the water compartment. 
     More particularly, the baby bottle mixing device for mixing a liquid and powder, comprises, essentially of and/or consists of a cylindrically shaped lid including a top wall, a first sidewall, a first sidewall containing a first set of threads. The top wall has a circular aperture formed therein sized to receive said nipple. A cylindrical stationary valve member including a second sidewall with a first set of threads at a top edge, said first set of threads cooperatively engaging a second set of threads connecting said lid to said stationary valve member, a first circular bottom wall having a first aperture formed therein, said first aperture being sized to fit within a one third circular sector of said first bottom wall, said first aperture disposed between a side edge and a center point of said first bottom wall, said second sidewall extending below said first bottom wall and including third set of threads, said second sidewall having a slot formed therein, said slot disposed above and parallel to said second bottom wall, said slot extending around one third of a circumference of said second sidewall. A cylindrical shaped movable valve member includes a third sidewall and a second bottom wall, said third sidewall having a first circumferential groove formed within an outside surface thereof and located near a top edge thereof, said third sidewall having a second circumferential groove formed within an outside surface thereof and located near a bottom edge thereof, said first and said second grooves each including sealing means disposed therein, said movable valve member insertable within said stationary valve member whereupon said first bottom wall abuts said second bottom wall and said sealing means forming a leak-proof seal between said second sidewall and said third sidewall, said slot being situated between said grooves. The third sidewall has a rectangular window formed therein and located between said first groove and said second groove, said window containing a vertical axle with a lever pivoting thereon and said box and capable of being pivoted out through said slot to a position where a user can push said lever to spin said movable valve member within said stationary valve member, said second circular bottom wall having a second aperture formed therein, said second aperture sized to fit within a one third circular sector of said second bottom wall, said second aperture is of the same size as said first aperture, said second aperture extending from a side edge and a center point of said second bottom wall. The first aperture and said second aperture being misaligned when said lever is at a first end of said slot in an open position and said first aperture and said second aperture being aligned when said lever is at a second end of said slot in a closed position. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a pair of apertures contained in a rotatable disk and a fixed disk alignable whereby visible movement and positioning of same is clearly visible upon movement of an adjustment means such as a tab or knob located on the outside of the container. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a baby bottle and storage device which separately stores dry formula and water for subsequent mixing and feeding. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a baby bottle and storage device which provides any easy to use formula and water mixing valve. 
     It is an object of the baby bottle mixing device to include sealing means selected from the group consisting of an o-ring, a circumferential band, an elastomeric strip and combinations thereof. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a baby bottle and storage device which provides a convenient and easily recognizable indication as to whether the mixing valve is open or closed. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a baby bottle and storage device which is easily disassembled for cleaning. 
     An alternate embodiment of the present invention comprises, consists essentially of and/or consists of a baby bottle mixing device having the baby bottle with the mixing device threadably connecting thereto with a cylindrically shaped lid threadably engaging threads on top of the mixing device removably holding an elastomeric nipple onto the mixing device, and showing an optional nipple cover comprising a plastic dome secured to the lid by friction fit. The mixing device includes a cylindrical stationary valve member cap having a threaded cylindrical top for engaging a lid and an o-ring disposed therebetween, a tab or lever for rotating the movable valve member having an aperture therein of a selected size and shape inserted within the cap with an o-ring therebetween, a base member including an aperture of selected size and shape formed in a flat plate or panel in rotational sealable communication with the movable valve member including an o-ring therebetween, and an o-ring for insertion between the bottom surface of the base member and the top edge of a bottle. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent with the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the views wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the baby bottle. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a lid with a nipple installed. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the movable portion of the mixing valve. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the stationary portion of the mixing valve. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the water compartment. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the stationary portion of the mixing valve. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the movable portion of the mixing valve. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the stationary portion of the mixing valve showing the opening lever extended and ready for use. 
         FIG. 9  is a close up view of the opening lever on the movable portion of the mixing valve shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of movable valve member  14  inside stationary valve member  24  with the apertures  36  and  37  mis-aligned. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of movable valve member  14  inside stationary valve member  24  with the apertures  36  and  37  almost completely aligned. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the baby bottle mixing device showing the baby bottle with the mixing device threadably connecting thereto with a cylindrically shaped lid threadably engaging threads on top of the mixing device removably holding an elastomeric nipple onto the mixing device, and showing an optional nipple cover comprising a plastic dome secured to the lid by friction fit. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the mixing device of  FIG. 12  which is threadably connected to a conventional baby bottle. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the mixing device of  FIGS. 13  showing the cylindrical stationary valve member cap having a threaded cylindrical top for engaging a lid and an o-ring disposed therebetween, a tab or lever for rotating the movable valve member having an aperture therein of a selected size and shape inserted within the cap with an o-ring therebetween, a base member including an aperture of selected size and shape formed in a flat plate or panel in rotational sealable communication with the movable valve member including an o-ring therebetween, and an o-ring for insertion between the bottom surface of the base member and the top edge of a bottle. 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the mixing device of  FIG. 14  showing placement of the o-rings, and positioning of the lever and movable valve member therein. 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the mixing device showing the lever and movable valve member rotated with respect to the base member showing the opening formed by the offset apertures. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a baby bottle  8  including a lid  10  with a nipple  12 , a stationary mixing valve member  24  with a slot  26  and a mixing lever  15 , and a water compartment  35 .  FIGS. 2-5  show the individual components. Lid  10 , stationary mixing valve member  24  and water compartment  35  are cylindrical in shape. 
       FIG. 3  shows the movable mixing valve member  14  which is inserted into the top opening  21  of stationary mixing valve member  24  in preparation for use. Movable valve member  14  has an outer diameter which is slightly less than the inner diameter of opening  21  of stationary valve member  24  and includes sealing means comprising circumferential bands or most preferably O-rings  16  and  20  trapped within circular grooves surrounding the outside of the sidewall of movable valve member  14 . O-rings  16  and  20  provide a seal as movable valve member  14  is pressed down into stationary valve member  24 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , lever  15  pivots on axle  17  in the side wall of movable mixing valve member  14 . Leak proof storage housing or box  13  is an integral part of the sidewall of movable valve member  14  and contains lever  15  and axle  17  so that powder stored within movable valve member  14  or liquid which is released into movable valve member  14  will not escape through window  19  in the outer sidewall of movable valve member  14 . Lever  15  must be able to rotate out of the way into the storage position as shown in  FIG. 9  while inserting movable valve member  14  into stationary valve member  24   
     When inserting movable valve member  14  into stationary valve member  24 , bottom wall  11  of movable mixing valve member  14  is pressed down and seated against the bottom wall  23  of stationary valve member  24 . Bottom wall  23  has a crescent shaped aperture  36 .  FIG. 8  shows bottom wall  23  and crescent aperture  36  in phantom lines. Bottom wall  11  of movable valve member  14  has a crescent shaped aperture  37 . Once movable valve member  14  is placed inside stationary valve member  24 , lever  15  may be swung out to a usable position as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Lower portion  25  of stationary valve member  24  extends below bottom wall  23  and contains internal female threads (not shown) which are threaded onto male threads  32  to connect stationary valve member  24  to water compartment member  35 . 
     Lid  10  includes female threads (not shown) which are threaded onto male threads  22  of stationary mixing valve member  24 , shown in  FIG. 4 . Lid  10  also includes a top wall  9  containing an aperture through which is inserted a nipple  12 . The outer marginal edge of nipple  12  is compressed securely between top wall  9  of lid  10  and the upper edge of stationary valve member  24  to form a leak proof fit. Water compartment member  35  includes sidewall  34 , male threads  32  and a bottom wall (not shown). It is understood that when the baby bottle is fully assembled, the threads connecting lid  10 , stationary valve member  24  and water compartment  35  form a water tight seal so that baby bottle  8  does not leak during use. 
     To use the bottle, a user first puts lever  15  in the storage position as shown in  FIG. 9 . Then the user puts inserts valve member  14  down into stationary valve member  24  so that bottom wall  11  of movable mixing valve member  14  is pressed down and seated against the bottom wall  23  of stationary valve member  24 . Once movable valve member  14  is placed inside stationary valve member  24 , lever  15  is swung out to a usable position as shown in  FIG. 1 . (With lever  15  in this position, apertures  36  and  37  are totally mis-aligned so that the powdered formula is prevented from dropping into water compartment  35 .) Next the user puts a selected amount of water in water compartment  35 . Then the user threads stationary valve member  24  onto water compartment  35  tightly. Then a selected amount of powdered formula is put into the stationary valve member  24 . Finally, lid member  10  (including nipple  12 ) is threaded tightly onto male threads  22  of stationary valve member  24 . 
     In the travel or storage mode, as shown in  FIG. 10 , movable valve member  14  is positioned within stationary valve member  24  such that the apertures  36  and  37  are totally mis-aligned.  FIG. 11  shows lever  15  and movable valve member  14  have been moved almost all the way to a position where apertures  36  and  37  are aligned and there is just a small part  38  of aperture  37  which is still covered. When a user wants to mix the water and powdered formula, lever  15  is moved all the way to the left end of slot  26 . This causes apertures  36  and  37  to become aligned and the formula will fall into the water. However, it can be seen that even if the apertures are only partially aligned, mixing of the water and powdered formula will still occur. Now the baby bottle is shaken and is ready to use. It is understood that apertures of other shapes such as round, square, triangular can be used instead of crescent and the selected shape is a matter of choice. In one preferred embodiment, the apertures in the valve members are sized to fit within a one third circular sector, that is, a circular sector of 120°, or less so that the movable valve must not be moved an excessive amount to align the apertures. Further, slot  26  would only extend one third of the way around the stationary valve member  24 . 
     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 12-16 . 
     The baby bottle mixing device is threadably connecting to the top of a baby bottle with a cylindrically shaped lid threadably engaging threads on top of the mixing device removably holding an elastomeric nipple having a flat lid onto the mixing device between the underside surface of the lid and the top edge of the mixing cap. 
     The cylindrical stationary valve member cap is generally conical in shape and includes a threaded cylindrical top side wall and smooth top edge for engaging the bottom surface of the lid and threadably engaging the interior threads of the lid to form a liquid tight seal therebetween. An o-ring may be disposed therebetween however the lid and/or top of the mixing chamber may be composed of a soft flexible material such as silicon so that a liquid tight seal may be obtained without the o-ring, or have an o-ring integrally formed therein. A tab or lever for rotating the movable valve member having an aperture therein of a selected size and shape is inserted within a rectangular opening formed in the cap for limited sideways motion. The lever cooperatively engages the cylindrical stationary valve member which is attached to the interior of the cap via a friction fit or threadable arrangement to form a liquid seal therewith. As shown in  FIG. 15 , an o-ring is used to provide a seal; however the lid and/or top of the mixing chamber may be composed of a soft flexible material such as silicon so that a liquid tight seal may be obtained without the o-ring, or have an o-ring integrally formed therein. 
     The top of a base member including an aperture of selected size and shape comprises a flat plate or panel which abuts the cylindrical stationary valve member in rotational sealable communication with the movable valve member. An o-ring is disposed thereinbetween to provide a fluid tight seal. The cylindrical stationary valve member are sealed with o-ring for insertion between the bottom surface of the base member and the top edge of a bottle. In lieu of the o-ring, all of or a portion of the base member and/or stationary valve member may be composed of a soft flexible material such as silicon and formed so that a liquid tight seal may be obtained without the o-ring, or have an o-ring integrally formed therein. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the cylindrical stationary valve member is held in the interior portion of the cap which includes threads on the interior bottom sidewall for cooperatively engaging threads formed on the top portion of the base member to secure the cylindrical stationary valve member in between and form a liquid tight seal. The entire unit can then be threadably connected to the top of a bottle. 
     The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this invention is not intended to be limited by the specific exemplification presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.