Abstract:
An apparatus and method for storing, mixing, and delivering a powder solid and a fluid such as baby formula and water without the risk of product contamination or product expulsion to the surrounding environment. The apparatus is used by placing the powder formula into a specially designed compartment, joining the compartment with another compartment configured to store a liquid, filling the second compartment with a liquid, and sealing the system together. Once mixing and activation is completed, the two compartments are twisted in relation to one another, and the two separate substances are now allowed to flow freely and mix. The product can now be served to the child.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/155,490 entitled “Container Communication Apparatus and Method” and filed on Feb. 25, 2009, for Nicole Belnap, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/155,495 entitled “Apparatus and Method for Mixing Infant Formula” and filed on Feb. 25, 2009, for Nicole Belnap, which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “Apparatus, System and Method for Selectively Mixing Two Substances” and filed on Feb. 25, 2010, for Nicole Belnap, is incorporated by reference as if fully set out herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to baby bottles and storage of formula and water, and more particularly to mixing of nutrition formula and water while minimizing time and effort. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Baby bottles have long been used to deliver nutrition to small children. Bottles can carry fluid in many forms. While some fluids such as water or drinks can be stored at room temperature for extended periods of time without fear of spoiling, other fluids have a very limited life. Once the powder formula is mixed and activated with water, it has only a few hours before it will spoil. The mixing of the powder formula with water poses many challenges, especially when one is away from home or kitchen. There is the problem of measuring out an appropriate amount of powder formula, adding it to the bottle, and mixing the two substances into one while maintaining cleanliness on the outside of the bottle as well as sanitary conditions on the inside of the bottle. Keeping this action sanitary and clean takes time and effort. 
         [0006]    Time is very valuable in the preparation of formula, since small children are not able or willing to wait long for nutrition, making the situation sometimes very uncomfortable for both the caregiver as well as people around the hungry child. The frustration of the caregiver and child is increased when appropriate facilities are not available to mix the formula and water. This is especially germane in a crowded airplane, restaurant, or other public setting where one may be required to feed a child. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    From the foregoing discussion, it is apparent that a need exists for a device that will store powder formula and water, and allow the two to be mixed efficiently and cleanly when desired. 
         [0008]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available baby bottles. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, and method for storing, mixing, and delivering baby formula that overcome many or all shortcomings in the art. 
         [0009]    In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for selectively mixing and delivering formula to a child, the apparatus comprises two containers with a passage that is disposed between the two containers. The passage is blocked and can be electively moved and unblocked. The individual containers are generally cylindrical, making the apparatus cylindrical as well. The apparatus also comprises of snap rings and grooves that are disposed along the edges of the containers allowing the containers to be joined and mated. The rings and grooves also allow for the containers to rotate in relation to one another. The rings and grooves are configured in a way to allow for the rotation to be selectively limited by the operator of the device. 
         [0010]    The apparatus also comprises a membrane that is disposed between the two compartments of the apparatus. This membrane is configured to selectively block the passage of water and formula between the two compartments. The membrane that separates the two compartments comprises passages and blockages. The blockage can be configured to wedge into one of the compartments and seal the passage. Once the blockage is established, communication of the formula and water is effectively inhibited. 
         [0011]    In a further embodiment of the invention, a method of storing, mixing, and delivering baby formula to a child includes filling a first compartment with water. The first compartment is then sealed with a plug and joined with a second compartment that has been filled with the powder formula. Once prepared and joined, the two compartments effectively separate and store formula powder and water. Once activation is desired, the two compartments are rotated by the user and twisted in relation to one another. By twisting the two compartments, the blockage is removed, and the passage is aligned. Aligning the passage, allows for the powder formula and water to freely flow and mix, activating the formula drink. Once activated, the formula can be served to a child through a nipple located at the top of the apparatus. 
         [0012]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0013]    The described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings, which depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a membrane plug for use in an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a membrane for use in an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view along lines  3 C in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , with the membrane and membrane plug being placed adjacent each other, as in operation of the apparatus; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the lower portion of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of preparing, mixing, and delivering baby formula according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a membrane and membrane plug for use in an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of another embodiment of a membrane and membrane plug for use in an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sealing mechanism according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11A  is a cross section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the second compartment of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12A  is another perspective view of the second compartment of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12B  is a top view of the second compartment of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12C  is a side view of the second compartment of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12D  is a bottom view of the second compartment of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the intermediate piece of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13A  is another perspective view of the intermediate piece of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a cross section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the first compartment of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the first compartment of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a sleeve of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 17A  is a side view of the sleeve of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  is a side view of an embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 18A  is a cross section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 18 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0046]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0047]    The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In some instances herein certain structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0048]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus or baby bottle  101 , comprising a first compartment  102  configured to store a liquid, and a second compartment  103  configured to store a solid. Alternative configurations of the first compartment  102 , some of which are shown in later figures, may take shapes other than cylindrical, such as extruded polygons as known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0049]    The second compartment  103  may also take different shapes than the one shown, and can also be configured to accept the solid in various forms such as, but not limited to, powder, pressed powder, and disposable powder cartridges as known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  further illustrates the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . As shown, a lid  205  is configured to be placed adjacent a retention ring  225  and selectively joined to the retention ring  225  by manually manipulating a retention snap ring  210  disposed on the lid  205  over a retention snap ring  215  disposed on the retention ring  225 . The diameter of the retention snap ring  210  is of sufficient diameter to ensure that it can be manually manipulated over the retention snap ring  215 , but small enough to ensure that once the snap retention ring  210  is placed over the snap retention ring  215  it cannot be unintentionally removed. 
         [0051]    A nipple  230  with a nipple passage  235  is disposed through the center of the retention ring  225 . A nipple base  240  is disposed on the nipple  230  as shown, and is configured as a seal between the top edge  260  of the first compartment  102  and the retention ring  225 . The lid  205  is configured to hide the nipple  230  from view and seal the nipple passage  235  from contact with the surrounding environment for hygiene and aesthetic purposes. The top of the nipple  230  is configured to be firmly seated against the interior top of the lid  205  in order to close and seal the nipple passage  235 . 
         [0052]    Threads  220  are disposed on the inside of the retention ring  225 , and are configured to be the same size and pitch as threads  250  near the top edge  260  of the first compartment  102  in order to thread within each other. The retention ring  225  is configured to attach and seal the nipple  230  to the top edge  260  of the first compartment  102 . One skilled in the art may choose to not use threaded inclusions, but other means such as friction or snap rings. One skilled in the art may also choose a permanent seal by means of molding the entire assembly, welding the individual pieces together, or join the individual pieces with a chemical bond. 
         [0053]    A plurality of volume indicators  270  are disposed on the first compartment  102  to represent volume using the metric system, English system, or as a percentage of volume available or consumed. 
         [0054]    A membrane plug  275  and membrane  280  are disposed between the first compartment  102  and the second compartment  103 . The membrane plug  275  is a disc, but it can be configured in any suitable manner as to fit inside of a base portion  104  of the first compartment  102  and form a functional seal. A retention ridge  290  is disposed on the top edge of the second compartment  103  and configured to connect and seal a retention lip  285  disposed on the membrane  280 . The ridge  290  is configured to snap over the retention lip  285 . The membrane  280  and second compartment  103  can be joined as described in the current embodiment, or one skilled in the art may choose to mate the devices by alternate means, such as joining multiple threaded inclusions and twisting the membrane  280  onto the second compartment  103 . In an alternative embodiment, the membrane  280  and the second compartment  103  may consist of a joined unit that would not be end-user serviceable, as a disposable cartridge system pre-filled with baby formula. A removable seal (not shown) can be attached to the membrane  280  by a removable adhesive to seal the top of the membrane  280 . 
         [0055]    The membrane  280 , and other membranes described herein, may be stiff or flexible, as needed in the particular application of the invention. 
         [0056]    The membrane plug  275  contains a plurality of apertures  275   a , and the membrane  280  contains a plurality of apertures  280   a , each of the apertures  275   a  being positioned to be axially coextensive with an aperture  280   a , allowing communication between the first compartment  102  and second compartment  103  when the membrane  280  and membrane plug  275  are in a certain rotational position relative to each other. At another or other rotational positions, the apertures  275   a  are positioned such that the membrane  280  blocks them, and the apertures  280   a  are blocked by the membrane plug  275 , preventing communication between the first compartment  102  and second compartment  103 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus or baby bottle  301 , similar to the bottle  101 , comprising the retention ring  225 , the nipple  230 , the first compartment  102 , a bottom section of the first compartment  320 , a membrane plug  325 , a membrane  330 , and the second compartment  103 . The first compartment  102  is cylindrical in nature, but can be shaped in other ways to help a user better manipulate the apparatus, such as in a toroid. The exterior of the first compartment  102  might also contain inclusions, bumps, and displacements, either integrally or as a veneer, overlay, cover, or a new surface configured to be removable or non-removable, which surface may, for example, comprise a soft rubber-like compound. 
         [0058]    A portion of the base of the second compartment  103  is an extruded polygon. One skilled in the art may choose to configure the base in a variety of ways as to better help the user hold and manipulate the apparatus, such as cylindrical. The base may configured in further embodiments so as to comprise a veneer, overlay, cover, or new surface configured to be removable or non-removable, such as a soft rubber-like compound so as to assist a user in the manipulation and activation of the apparatus, especially when wet. 
         [0059]    The membrane plug  325  contains apertures  325   a , and the membrane  330  contains apertures  330   a , which are configured and operate similarly to the apertures  275   a  and  280   a  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of the lower section of an infant formula mixing apparatus or baby bottle  400 , which is similar to bottle  101 , showing a detailed embodiment of the mechanism for rotating and locking the membrane and membrane plug to allow or prevent communication between the upper and lower compartments. In  FIG. 4 , a plurality of alignment pins  415  are disposed on a blocking wall  420 , which blocking wall  420  is disposed between the bottom of the first compartment  102  and the base  104 . The blocking wall  420  comprises a plurality of passages  425  which allow for communication between the first compartment  102  and the base  104 . The passages according to the current embodiment are represented as being mostly cylindrical, however, one skilled in the art may configure the passages in a variety of ways; the blocking wall  420  and blocking wall passages  425  may be configured about the common axis with just enough blocking wall  420  to maintain structural integrity and house the alignment pins  415 . The base  104  comprises a plurality of radially extending retaining pins  405 . The membrane plug  325  comprises a plurality of alignment holes  435  configured to accept the alignment pins  415 . The membrane plug  325  further comprises a plurality of passages  440  configured according to the present invention to be aligned with the passages  425  of the blocking wall  420 . The membrane plug  325  further comprises a rotation pin  445  disposed vertically in its center. The membrane  330  is disposed between the membrane plug  325  and the second compartment  103 . The membrane  330  comprises membrane passages  455  and a retention channel  460 , the membrane passages  455  positioned to line up with the passages  440  when the membrane and membrane plug are in a certain rotational position. 
         [0061]    According to one embodiment, the second compartment  103  includes a plurality of alignment grooves  470 , a plurality of alignment entrance grooves  475 , and a plurality of inhibiting inclusions  480 . The grooves  470  are configured to accept the pins  405  such that the pins  405  slide into the grooves  470 ; as the second compartment  103  is rotated relative to the first compartment  102 , the pins  405  slides through the grooves  470 . When a pin  405  encounters an inhibiting inclusion  480 , the pin  405  rests within the inhibiting inclusion  480  restricting, to a certain extent, further rotation of the second compartment  103  relative to the first compartment  102 . Additional rotational force, applied to the second compartment  103 , causes the pin  405  to disengage the inhibiting inclusion  480  and allow the second compartment  103  to rotate further relative to the first compartment  102 . 
         [0062]    One of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the pins  405  may comprise a separate component inserted through the wall of the base  104 . In other embodiments the base  104  may include protrusions (not shown) extending from the interior of the wall of the base  104  that are configured to slide within groove  470  of the second compartment  103 . 
         [0063]    The structure of pins and grooves helps maintain the membrane and membrane plug in desired rotational positions relative to each other in order to line up the passages  440  and  455  to allow for communication between the compartments  102  and  103 , with other rotational positions preventing the passages  440  and  455  from lining up and preventing communication between the compartments  102  and  103 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 3A  is a bottom view of the membrane plug  325 , which comprises a plurality of plug inclusions  315  as well as the alignment holes  435 , passages  440 , and rotation pin  445  as described in  FIG. 4 . The plug inclusions  315  are configured to snap into and retain the passages  455  in rotational position when communication between the compartments  102  and  103  is desired to be prevented. 
         [0065]      FIG. 3B  is a bottom view of the membrane  330 , comprising the membrane passage openings  455  and retention channel  460 , and a rotation pin receiving hole  335  and retention lip  285 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 3C  is a view along line  3   c  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , showing a cross section of the membrane plug  325  and membrane  330  in engagement with each other. In operation, the membrane plug  325  rotates around the rotation pin  445  to alternately open and close the membrane passages  440  to allow material such as water or formula to flow through the membrane passages  440 . In the closed position the plug inclusions  315  are received within the membrane passages  440  in the membrane  330 . The surface of the membrane plug  325  that comes in contact with the membrane  330  is substantially planar, other than the plug inclusions  315 . The plug inclusions  315  are raised with respect to the substantially planar surface of the membrane plug  325 . 
         [0067]    The plug inclusions  315  are shaped to be received within the membrane passages  440  to stop flow of any material such as water or formula through the membrane passages  440  in certain rotational positions. When the second compartment  103  is rotated with respect to the first compartment  102  the plug inclusions  315  are displaced from within the membrane passages  440 . To mix the material contained within the second compartment  103  with the material contained within the first compartment  102 , the second compartment  103  is rotated to a position that aligns the membrane passages  440  with the membrane passage openings  455 . Material can then freely travel through the membrane passages  440  between the first compartment  102  and the second compartment  103 . 
         [0068]    The membrane retention channel  460  on the membrane  330  includes a retention lip  285  that receives a top edge of the second compartment  103 . In certain embodiments the top edge of the second compartment  103  includes a groove that receives the retention lip  285  on the membrane to hold the membrane onto the second compartment  103 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 5  shows an infant formula mixing apparatus  500  comprising a first compartment  520 , a second compartment  103 , a bottom  501  of the first compartment  520 , a plurality of rotational position indicators  510  and  515  located on the compartment  103  and a base  530  of the compartment  103 , respectively, and a plurality of rotational position indicators  510  located on the bottom of the first compartment  520 . In  FIG. 5 , the bottom  501  of the first compartment  520  includes two rotational position indicators  510  and the base  530  of the second compartment  103  includes a single rotational position indicator  515 . In certain embodiments the base  530  of the second compartment  103  may include two rotational position indicators  515  and the bottom  501  of the first compartment  520  may include a single rotational position indicator  510 . In other embodiments both the base  530  of the second compartment  103  and bottom  501  of the first compartment  520  may include more than one rotational position indicator  515  or  510  respectively. One skilled in the art may configure the indication arrow  515  in a variety of ways. The position indicators  510  and  515  may comprise a dot, a line, or various other marks, symbols, inclusions, or formations such that the lateral position of the base  530  relative to the first compartment  520  is clearly communicated to the end user. 
         [0070]    The schematic flow chart diagram that follows is generally set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a method  601  of storing, mixing two substances, and delivering the mixed product to a child in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus embodiments described previously may be used in the method  601 . 
         [0072]    The method  601  begins  605 , and a baby bottle comprising two compartments is provided  610 . Water is provided  615  for use in mixing with a baby formula. Baby formula is also provided  620 . The baby formula is delivered  625  into one compartment of the bottle in the desired amount. The compartments are joined and sealed  630 , with a membrane and membrane plug sandwiched between the compartments, prohibiting material from traveling between the compartments when plug inclusions on the membrane plug are positioned within passages on the membrane. Water is delivered  640  in the desired amount to the remaining compartment, which is then sealed  645 , such as by attaching a nipple and nipple-retaining ring to the compartment. 
         [0073]    Once fluid communication is desired, a passage is opened  650  between the two compartments by rotating the compartments relative to each other, aligning passages in the membrane and membrane plug. The formula and the water are mixed and the resulting formula is then delivered  655  to the child. The method then ends  675 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 7  depicts an alternative embodiment of a sealing mechanism  700  for use in an infant formula mixing apparatus such as those depicted above. In this embodiment, rather than rotating a co-extensive membrane and membrane plug relative to each other to align and open passages on the membrane and membrane plug, a membrane between the compartments is provided with a passage that is opened and closed by a non-coextensive membrane plug. The sealing mechanism  700  comprises a membrane  280 , a membrane passage  440 , a membrane plug  705 , and a membrane plug pivot  720  attached to the membrane  280 . As will be apparent to someone skilled in the art, the size, quantity, location, and disposition of the membrane plug  705 , the membrane passage  440 , and the membrane pivot  720  on membrane  280  can be arranged to provide a varying volume of communication of water and formula when the mechanism is activated. 
         [0075]    The membrane plug  704  is configured to rotate around the membrane plug pivot  720  to alternately open and close the membrane passage  440 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of a sealing mechanism  800  according to the present invention. In  FIG. 8  the membrane plug  805  is disposed adjacent and attached to the membrane  280 , and configured to slide laterally with respect to the membrane  280 . In certain embodiments the membrane plug  805  is received between two retention flanges  810  that operate to hold the membrane plug  805  next to the membrane  280  and allow the membrane plug to slide laterally between the retention flanges  810 . The membrane plug  805  is disposed on the membrane  280  to selectively block the membrane passage  440  when laterally disposed over membrane passage  440 . The passage  440  and membrane plug  805  can be configured in size, shape and quantity by someone skilled in the art as to vary the flow of fluid and powder baby formula through the passage  440 . 
         [0077]      FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  10 A illustrate another embodiment of a sealing mechanism for use between compartments of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention. 
         [0078]      FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of an mechanism  1100  for sealing two compartments, such as the first compartment  102  and the second compartment  103 . In certain embodiments an upper section  910  of the sealing mechanism  1100  is configured to mate with the first compartment  102  in using threads, a snap fit, or other mating method as is known in the art. The upper section  910  of the sealing mechanism  1100  is configured to be integral and mated with a lower section  901 . In certain embodiments the lower section  901  is configured to mate with the second compartment  103  using threads, a snap fit, or other mating method as is known in the art. In certain embodiments the upper section  910  may comprise an integral component of the first compartment  102  and the lower section  901  may comprise an integral component of the lower section  901  such that the upper section  910  and the lower section  901  may be molded as part of the first compartment  102  and second compartment  103  respectively. 
         [0079]    A passage  930  is disposed within a vertical extrusion  935  of the upper section  910 . The first compartment  102  and the second compartment  103  are effectively and selectively separated and sealed from each other by a seal  945  on an extrusion (discussed below) in the lower section  901 . The seal  945  is similar in size, displacement, as well as disposition to that of the passage  915 . The extrusion in the lower section  901  includes a passage similar in size, displacement, as well as disposition to that of the passage  915 . 
         [0080]    The seal  945  may be made of a material that comprises a friction coefficient less than that of the material of the upper section  910  relative to the material of the lower section  901  such that the reduced coefficient of friction between the upper section  910  and the lower section  901  reduces the torsional force required to selectively manipulate the passage  915 . In certain embodiments the seal  945  can be configured to be removable and serviceable by the user. In another embodiment the seal  945  can be an integral and permanent fixture of the upper section  910  or the lower section  901 . The seal  945  may be integrated and mated with the upper section  910  or the lower section  901  by either chemical or physical means, or a combination thereof. 
         [0081]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an embodiment of the sealing apparatus  1100  of  FIG. 9 . The upper section  910  is disposed adjacent to the lower section  901 . The upper section  910  is disposed superior to the lower section  901  when the apparatus  1100  is connected to the first compartment  102  and the second compartment  103  and the bottle  200  is oriented with the nipple  230  at the top. One of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the upper section  910  and the lower section  901  may be reversed, with the lower section  901  connected to the first compartment  102  and the upper section  910  connected to the second compartment  103 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 10A  is a cross section view taken along line  10   a  of  FIG. 10 , showing a passage  915  disposed within the lower section  901 . A seal  945  is also shown disposed between the first upper section  910  and the lower section  901 . The passage  915  is of substantially the same size and shape as the passage  930 , and the passages are configured to align with each other upon rotation of the upper and lower sections  910  and  901  to a certain point relative to each other. By the same token, the passages  915 ,  930  come out of alignment and are sealed against the seal  945  upon further rotation of the upper and lower sections  910  and  901 . 
         [0083]    It can be seen that the same principle of rotation used in previously described embodiments to alternately open and seal the passages between the compartments is used in this embodiment as well, with the primary difference being that in this embodiment the passages are disposed on vertical extrusions of the upper and lower sections  910 ,  901 , rather than horizontally on a membrane and membrane plug. 
         [0084]    The base of the upper section  910  includes a ring  970  that circumscribes the base of the upper section  910 . Similarly, the second lower section  901  includes a ring  975 . The ring  975  of the lower section  901  circumscribes the lower section  901 . 
         [0085]    The ring  970  of the upper section  910  is configured to oppose and accept the ring  975  of the lower section  901 . The ring  970  of the upper section  910  and the ring  975  of the lower section  901  may also be configured in successively increasing and decreasing diameters configured to accept on another and progressively form a tighter physical seal and a mechanical mate as progressive rings  970  or  975  are disposed into progressively deeper channels. 
         [0086]    The materials and fit between the ring  970  and channel of the upper section  910  and the ring  975  and channel of the lower section  901  as represented in  FIG. 10A  are configured to moderate the torsional forces and resulting rotational motion of the upper section  910  in relation to the lower section  901 . 
         [0087]    The ring  970  and channel of the upper section  910  and the ring  975  and channel of the lower section  901  may be configured by one skilled in the art to comprise a material different than that of the rest of the body of the upper section  910  or the lower section  901 , such as to configure the ring  970  and channel of the upper section  910  and the ring  975  and channel of the lower section  901  to limit the coefficient of friction between the upper section  910  and the lower section  901  while torsional force is applied to the lower section  901  in relation to the upper section  910 . In certain embodiments the material of the ring  970  and channel of the upper section  910  and the ring  975  and channel of the lower section  901  may be flexible and malleable enough to allow the user to easily mate the upper section  910  with the lower section  901  while limiting undesired separation of the first compartment  102  from the second compartment  103 . 
         [0088]      FIGS. 11-13A  show another embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention, with a vertically-oriented seal and communication passage between the compartments. 
         [0089]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the apparatus  2000  comprising a first compartment  2002 , a nipple retention ring  225 , a base  955 , and intermediate piece  2302 , among other components. In certain embodiments the first compartment  2002  comprises a compartment for containing a liquid. In other embodiments the first compartment  2002  may be configured to store a solid in various forms such as, but not limited to powder, pressed powder, and disposable powder cartridges as known to someone skilled in the art. The nipple retention ring  225  may be configured to retain a nipple in substantially the same manner as described above in relation to  FIG. 2 . In certain embodiments the base  955  is configured to be removed from the apparatus  2000  to allow a second compartment to be filled with a liquid or a powder. 
         [0090]      FIG. 11A  is a cross sectional view of the apparatus  2000  taken along line  11   a  of  FIG. 11 . In certain embodiments the apparatus  2000  comprises a first compartment  2002 , a second compartment  2004 , a nipple retention ring  225 , a base  955  disposed on the bottom of the second compartment  2004 , a passage  2008  disposed between the first compartment  2002  and the second compartment  2004 , a multiple stage valve  2010  disposed within the passage  2008 , a vertical extrusion  2012  of the second compartment  2004  configured to receive the passage  2008 , and multiple stage valve  2010  and a seal disposed between and configured to form an effective seal  2014  between the first compartment  2002  and the second compartment  2004 . The elements of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11A  will be further discussed below. In general, similarly to embodiments described above, the passage  2008  is opened or closed by rotating the compartments  2002  and  2004  relative to each other so as to align or not align the apertures comprising the passage. 
         [0091]      FIGS. 12 and 12A  are perspective views of the second compartment  2004 . The threading  2110  at the bottom of the second compartment  2004  attaches the base  955  to the second compartment  2004 . Rotational position indicators  930  may be included on the outside of the second compartment  2004  to indicate its rotation position in a manner substantially similar to the rotational position indicators  510  and  515  of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0092]    A plurality of fingers  2106  attach the second compartment  2004  to the first compartment  2002 , illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 11A , to secure the second compartment  2004  to the first compartment  2002 . Clips  2116  may provide further support to one or more of the fingers  2106 . 
         [0093]    A vertical extrusion  2112  extends up from the center of the second compartment  2004  and includes a passage  2108  through which the contents of the second compartment  2004  may communicate with the contents of the first compartment  2002  through a similar passage disposed in the first compartment  2002 . The ridge  2118  around the vertical extrusion  2112  serves to provide support and align the second compartment  2004  with the first compartment  2002  as the compartments are attached. 
         [0094]    The clip  2116  extends from the top of the second compartment  2004  to just above the bottom of the second compartment  2004  for further support of one or more of the fingers  2106 . Material such as baby formula or water may be contained within the second compartment  2004 . 
         [0095]      FIG. 12B  is a top view of the second compartment  2004 . The fingers  2106  supported by the clip  2116  attach the second compartment  2004  to the first compartment  2002  for support. The ridge  2118 , in addition to aiding in aligning the first compartment  2002  with the second compartment  2004 , also supports the vertical extrusion  2112 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 12C  is a side view of the second compartment  2004 . The threading  2110  attaches the base  955  to the second compartment  2004 . In certain embodiments the rotational position indicators  930  are on the outside of the second compartment  2004  and may be raised from the surface of the outside of the second compartment  2004  to assist in the rotation of the compartment  2004 . 
         [0097]    The fingers  2106  support the attachment of the two compartments while the vertical extrusion  2112  serves to allow the contents in each compartment to communicate. When the second compartment  2004  is rotated with respect to the first compartment  2002 , the passage  2108  is rotated to a position that aligns the passage  2108  in the second compartment  2004  with a corresponding passage in the first compartment  2002 . An intermediate piece such as piece  2302  may be used, such as indicated in  FIGS. 11 and 11A . Once the passages are aligned, the contents in each compartment can communicate. 
         [0098]      FIG. 12D  is a bottom view of the second compartment  2004 . As discussed above, the clips  2116  serve as support for the fingers  2106 . The vertical extrusion  2112 , including the passage  2108 , allows for the communication between the first compartment  2002  and the second compartment  2004 . 
         [0099]      FIGS. 13 and 13A  illustrate the intermediate piece  2302  of the apparatus  2000 . The bottom of the first compartment  2002  is open and configured to attach to the intermediate piece  2302  by threads, snap fit, glue, plastic welding or other methods. The fingers  2106  of the second compartment attach to the intermediate piece  2302  underneath the bottom lip  2304  of the intermediate piece  2302 . A vertical extrusion  2306  in the intermediate piece  2302  receives the vertical extrusion  2112  of the second compartment  2004 . One of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the intermediate piece  2302  may be molded as the bottom of the first compartment  2002 . In such an embodiment the intermediate piece  2302  may be omitted. 
         [0100]    A passage  2312  in the intermediate piece  2302  provides for communication between the first compartment  2002  and the second compartment  2004 . A recess  2308  on the bottom lip  2304  of the intermediate piece  2302  allows for attachment of the intermediate piece  2302  to the fingers  2106  of the second compartment  2004 . In certain embodiments the ridge  2310  under the vertical extrusion  2306  is received within the ridge  2118  around the vertical extrusion  2112  on the second compartment  2004 . As the second compartment  2004  is rotated, the ridge  2310  contacts the rotation stop  2315  (see  FIG. 12B ) to stop further rotation of the second compartment  2004 . 
         [0101]      FIGS. 14-17A  show another embodiment of an infant formula mixing apparatus according to the present invention.  FIG. 14  shows the apparatus  1400 , having a first compartment  1402 , a second compartment  1403 , a nipple retention ring  1415 , upper section  1410  of a sealing apparatus, and a plurality of surface area modification inclusions  1430  on the upper section of the sealing apparatus. 
         [0102]    The inclusions  1430  assist the user in rotational manipulation of the first compartment  1402  in relation to the second compartment  1403 . The inclusions  1430  may further comprise a veneer coating to further assist the user in torsional manipulation. In certain embodiments the veneer may comprise of rubber, silicone, latex, or any other friction coefficient modifying material. This same veneer may also be attached to the inclusions  1430  by chemical or other mechanical means. 
         [0103]      FIG. 15  depicts a cross sectional view of the apparatus  1400  taken along line  9 A of  FIG. 14 , showing an upper section  1410 , a nipple retention ring  1425 , a base  1455  disposed on the bottom of the second compartment  1403 , a passage  1415  disposed between the first compartment  1402  and second compartment  1403 , an intermediate piece  1425  disposed between the compartments, a vertical extrusion  1435  of the second compartment  1403 , and a sleeve or seal  1445  disposed between and configured to form an effective seal between the first compartment  1402  and the second compartment  1403 . 
         [0104]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the vertical extrusion  1435  of the second compartment  1403  is disposed along a common axis with the remaining components of the apparatus  1400 . To one skilled in the art it would be apparent that the vertical extrusion  1435  might also be disposed and extruded towards the base  1455  and away from the first compartment  1402 . 
         [0105]      FIGS. 16 and 16A  are perspective views of the first compartment  1402  of apparatus. The first compartment  1402  becomes smaller in diameter at  1406  to allow the intermediate piece  1425  to slip onto the first compartment  1402 , the intermediate piece  1425  being similar to the intermediate piece  2302  of  FIG. 13 . 
         [0106]    The bottom of the first compartment  1402  contains a hole  1408  into which the intermediate piece  1425 , seal  1445 , and vertical extrusion  1435  are placed for communication between the compartments. 
         [0107]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the sleeve  1445  and  FIG. 17A  is a side view of the sleeve  1445  (rotated so as to be horizontal). The sleeve  1445  contains two holes  1404  which allow communication between the first compartment  1402  and the second compartment  1403 . The extrusion  1435  contains holes that can align with holes  1404 . The top of the extrusion  1445  is closed such that communication between the compartments is prevented when the holes are not aligned. The intermediate piece  1425  contains similar holes, the result being that the holes align in certain rotational positions and are sealed in others. 
         [0108]      FIGS. 18 and 18A  show another embodiment of the invention in an apparatus  2800  for mixing infant formula. The primary difference between this embodiment and the one described in conjunction with  FIG. 14  is that the vertical portion of the communicating components between the first and second compartments has been enlarged, such that the vertical portion itself contains a significant portion of formula or water or other material. 
         [0109]    The apparatus  2800  includes a first compartment  2802 , a second compartment  2804 , a nipple retention ring  225 , and a base  955  disposed on the bottom of the second compartment  2804 . The nipple retention ring  225  and the base  995  may be similar to the nipple retention rings and the bases in the above described embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18  the second compartment  2804  is received within an interior portion of the first compartment  2802 . 
         [0110]      FIG. 18A  is a cross section view of the apparatus  2800  taken along line  18   a.    
         [0111]    The first compartment  2802  includes an extrusion  2816  including passages  2808  and  2808   a , which are vertically oriented relative to each other. The passages  2808  and  2808   a  allow material within the first compartment  2802  to flow into the space defined by the extrusion  2816 . 
         [0112]    The second compartment  2804  includes a vertical extrusion  2818  having passages  2810 ,  2810  corresponding to passages  2808 ,  2808   a  of the extrusion  2816 . When the first compartment  2804  is rotated with respect to the second compartment  2804  to a point where the passages  2810 ,  2810   a  align with the passages  2808 ,  2808   a , the material in the first compartment  2802  mixes with material in the second compartment  2804 . The alignment/misalignment of the passages  2810 ,  2810   a  with the passages  2808 ,  2808   a  forms a multistage valve for mixing the infant formula. 
         [0113]    A seal  2814  seals the passages  2808 ,  2808   a  from the passages  2810 ,  2810   a  when the passages  2810 ,  2810   a  and passages  2808 ,  2808   a  are misaligned. 
         [0114]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.