Abstract:
The present teachings describe an improved dispensing container for a plurality of viscous liquids. In one aspect, the container includes a compressible housing that defines a plurality of chambers that contain a plurality of viscous materials, wherein the compressible housing has an opening at a first end and wherein the plurality of different chambers are in fluid communication with the opening such that compression of the compressible housing results in a mix of the plurality of viscous materials being urged out of the opening. In addition, the container further includes a cap assembly that is positioned over the opening, wherein the cap is movable between a closed and an open orientation wherein the cap has a flat surface having an area sufficient to support the dispensing container in an upright orientation when the cap is positioned in the closed orientation.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/420,043 filed Apr. 18, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in is entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to bottle dispensers, and, in particular to a container with divided reservoirs.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    In general, spray bottles are used for dispensing liquids, such as cleaning fluids, air fresheners, beauty products, perfumes, lubricators, etc. Some spray bottles have multiple reservoirs for simultaneously dispensing one or more liquids from a spray nozzle. One benefit to having multiple reservoirs in a spray bottle is that multiple liquids can remain separated until dispensed. This avoids premixing multiple liquids prior to use. Mixing multiple liquids to acquire a particular mix ratio can be cumbersome and inconvenient. In some situations, spillage and waste occurs trying to mix appropriate ratios, which can be costly. In addition, these types of spray bottles are useful for dispensing liquids having active ingredients that provide desirable results when mixed but lose these beneficial characteristics if stored for a period of time. Therefore, spray bottles with multiple reservoirs are less messy, enhance convenience, and can readily mix multiple liquids to desirable ratios during use.  
           [0006]    Many prior art spray bottles that have multiple reservoirs lack an efficient mechanism for dispensing fluid contained therein. In one instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,210 illustrates two separate pumping mechanisms that simultaneously operate to dispense fluid from a common nozzle. Each pumping mechanism draws fluid from respective reservoirs and delivers the drawn fluid to the common nozzle. Unfortunately, this concept is inefficient in that two separate pumping mechanisms are needed, which increases the manufacturing costs associated with this particular spray bottle. Therefore, for many consumers, this particular design concept is inefficient and expensive to operate.  
           [0007]    Another inefficient prior art spray bottle, U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,270, uses a common mixing chamber and a single pumping mechanism to draw in fluids from two separate reservoirs. In particular, the mixing chamber comprises an inverted conical section having a flat lower surface adjacent the reservoirs. The pointed section of the conical mixing chamber is attached to the pumping mechanism leaving gaps between the inclined outer surfaces of the conical mixing chamber and the straight edged pump housing. As illustrated, the pump housing loosely fits on top of the inverted conical section. Unfortunately, the seal formed therebetween can deteriorate over time with excessive use thereby adversely effecting the vacuum pressure needed to draw in fluid from the reservoirs. Therefore, this particular design concept is unreliable and undesirable for many consumers.  
           [0008]    Furthermore, the conical section requires a specially designed mounting structure to attach the inverted conical mixing chamber to the bottle. As illustrated, this complex design requires an additional spacer that is threaded on inner and outer surfaces so that the inner surface can be screwed on the bottle and the pump assembly can then be screwed onto the outer surface of the additional spacer. The additional spacer is needed to properly seal the flat lower surface to the bottle. Unfortunately, the complexity associated with this particular design concept increases production costs associated with manufacturing the spray bottle in that additional structures have to be separately formed and additional time is needed to assemble all the additional pieces thus resulting in an increase in labor costs.  
           [0009]    Many conventional containers for dispensing various products, such as food products including peanut butter, jelly, ketchup, mustard, etc. and cosmetic products including lotions, conditioner, shampoo, toothpaste, etc., typically have a single compartment or reservoir for expression or extrusion of the product therefrom. Unfortunately, consumers have to use and handle a plurality of these conventional single reservoir containers for dispensing a plurality of products, which can be inefficient, inconvenient, and uneconomical. Additionally, storage inefficiencies can arise due to the large numbers of separate containers that need to be stored or put away in cabinets, drawers, etc. Therefore, from the foregoing, there currently exists a need for an improved container that reduces the inconveniences and inefficiencies of typical single reservoir containers.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The aforementioned needs may be satisfied by a dispensing container for a plurality of viscous liquids. In one embodiment, the container may comprise a compressible housing that defines a plurality of chambers that contain a plurality of viscous materials, wherein the compressible housing has an opening at a first end and wherein the plurality of different chambers are in fluid communication with the opening such that compression of the compressible housing results in a mix of the plurality of viscous materials being urged out of the opening. In addition, the container may further comprise a cap assembly that is positioned over the opening, wherein the cap is movable between a closed and an open orientation wherein the cap has a flat surface having an area sufficient to support the dispensing container in an upright orientation when the cap is positioned in the closed orientation.  
           [0011]    In one aspect, the cap assembly may include a cap housing that mates onto the first end of the compressible housing and a cap that is pivotally connected to the housing wherein the housing includes an opening that is sized so as to be in fluid communication with each of the plurality of chambers. In addition, the opening in the cap housing may be sized so as to permit a pre-determined substantially constant ratio of the viscous liquids to be urged out of the opening when the compressible housing is compressed. Also, the plurality of chambers may comprise two chambers that are divided by a common wall, and wherein the opening in the cap housing is elongate so as to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the common wall and so that a substantially equal amount of viscous material from the two chambers emanate out of the opening when the compressible housing is compressed. Also, the chambers may respectively contain peanut butter and jelly.  
           [0012]    In another aspect, the cap member of the housing may include a protrusion that matches the contour of the opening in the cap housing such that when the cap is closed, the protrusion extends into the opening to thereby seal the opening. In addition, the protrusion may be sized so as to extend into the compressible housing a sufficient distance to inhibit viscous liquids from different containers from mixing.  
           [0013]    The aforementioned needs may also be satisfied by an assembly for dispensing a plurality of viscous materials. In one embodiment, the assembly may comprise a container having a flexible housing with a partition formed therein so as to divide the interior of the housing into a plurality of reservoirs, the container having a neck portion with an opening formed in a first end, wherein the partition extends within the neck portion so as to define first and second apertures adjacent the opening, and wherein the flexible sidewall is compressible such that compressing the flexible sidewall produces a force that inwardly collapses the flexible housing to thereby extrude the viscous materials from the reservoirs through the opening via the first and second apertures. In addition, the assembly may further comprise a cap mounted to the neck portion so as to overlie the opening, wherein a third aperture is formed in the cap so as to communicate with the opening for extrusion of the vicious materials from the container.  
           [0014]    The aforementioned needs may also be satisfied by a container for dispensing a plurality of viscous materials. In one embodiment, the container may comprise a housing having a compressible skin and an interior chamber and a neck portion with an opening formed therein. In addition, the container may further comprise a common wall that is joined to the compressible skin in a manner so as to divide the interior chamber of the housing into at least two reservoirs, wherein the common wall extends within the neck portion so as to define at least two apertures interposed between the at least two reservoirs and the opening, and wherein the compressible skin is compressible such that compressing the compressible skin produces a force that inwardly collapses the housing to thereby express the viscous materials from the reservoirs through the opening via the first and second apertures.  
           [0015]    In one aspect, the container may still further comprise a manifold positioned within the neck portion in a manner so as to replace at least a portion of the common wall that extends within the neck portion, and wherein the manifold is positioned within the neck portion so as to be interposed between the opening and the common wall. In addition, the manifold may comprise a hollow interior region and a partition component that defines the at least two apertures, and wherein the partition component abuts the common wall, and the at least two apertures provide a communication path from the reservoirs to the opening. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a spray bottle assembly.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 2A, 2B illustrate expanded views of the spray bottle assembly of FIG. 1.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away view of the spray bottle assembly of FIG. 1.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate one embodiment of a container assembly.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 5A, 5B illustrate a bottom view of the container assembly.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 6A, 6B illustrate a cross-sectional view of the container assembly.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7A, 7B illustrate the container assembly with a manifold. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0023]    These and other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present teachings will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description. Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. An improved spray bottle assembly having discrete reservoirs for dispensing one or more fluids or lotions will be described in greater detail herein below with reference to the drawings.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a spray bottle assembly  100  having a bottle  102  with a neck portion  104  and first and second reservoirs  110 ,  112  for dispensing a plurality of fluids contained therein. The bottle  102  comprises first and second outer walls  120 ,  122  that are adapted to join together at a central portion  124  in a manner so as to define the first and second reservoirs  110 ,  112 . In one embodiment, the spray bottle assembly  100  comprises a liquid sprayer, and the first and second reservoirs  110 ,  112  comprise discrete containment sections that are separated by the central portion  124 , wherein the reservoirs  110 ,  112  are each configured to hold a different product in each reservoir or compartment, such as fluids or lotions. Additionally, in various embodiments, the spray bottle assembly  100 , including its components, may be translucent or opaque and formed of a semi-rigid or flexible material, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), etc.  
         [0025]    Also, in various embodiments, differently sized manifold diameters can be used or incorporated to dispense various types of viscosity products depending, in one aspect, on the particular application. For example, it may be desirable to use a larger manifold diameter for a higher viscosity fluid product, such as a lotion, than for a lower viscosity fluid product, such as a liquid. In addition, each manifold may use or incorporate differently sized orifice pick-up tubes adapting to various types of generally available off-the-shelf components or stock components including mist sprayers, trigger sprayers, and pump dispensers. It should be appreciated that various types of mist sprayers that may be used include the Mark IV, V, VI, and the Sprayette IV manufactured by Calmer in Lee&#39;s Summit, Mont. Also, various types of trigger sprayers that may be used include the TS-800 also manufactured by Calmer, and various types of dispensing pumps that may be used include the D5, SD100, and P2000 also manufactured by Calmar. Furthermore, it should also be appreciated that other various types of off-the-shelf or stock component mist sprayers, trigger sprayers, and dispensers manufactured by other generally known manufacturers may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0026]    In one aspect, the bottle  102  comprises a cylindrical shape at a lower end  108   a  with an elliptical cross-section that narrows to a circular cross-section at an upper end  108   b  adjacent the neck portion  104 . In addition, the neck portion  104  comprises upper and lower sections  116   a ,  116   b  with a bulging section  118  interposed therebetween. The lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104  provides access to the reservoirs  110 ,  112 . Further scope and functionality of the neck portion will be described in greater detail herein below.  
         [0027]    In addition, the spray bottle assembly  100  further comprises a manifold  128  positioned within the lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104  of the bottle  102 . In one embodiment, the manifold  128  is cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section and the lower section  116   a  of the neck portion  104  comprises a similar shape that is preferably sized so as to correspondingly receive the manifold  128  in a secure manner. In addition, the manifold  128  further comprises first and second access tubes  130 ,  132  that are respectively positioned within the first and second reservoirs  110 ,  112 . In one aspect, the access tubes  130 ,  132  comprise tubular conduits that extend from the manifold  128  to the lower regions of the reservoirs  110 ,  112 . The access tubes  130 ,  132  are mounted to the manifold  128  so as to fluidly communicate therewith. The access tubes  130 ,  132  provide quick and easy access to the fluid for withdrawal from the reservoirs  110 ,  112 .  
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the central portion  124  includes a plurality of interior walls or partitions  126  that serve to divide the reservoirs  110 ,  112  from each other. Also, the manifold  128  is positioned within the neck portion  104  so as to be positioned adjacent to the interior walls  126  to thereby impede fluid contained within the reservoirs  110 ,  112  from traveling from the first reservoir  110  to the second reservoir  112  and vice versa. In one aspect, the interior walls  126  at least partially bisect the bottle  104  such that a first volume enclosed by the first reservoir  110  is substantially similar to a second volume enclosed by the second reservoir  112 . In addition, the interior walls  126  may comprise a first interior  136   a  partition or wall adjacent to the first reservoir  110  that is spaced from the from a second interior partition or wall  136   b  that is adjacent to the second reservoir  112  by a joining member  138  that is adapted to join the first and second interior walls  136   a ,  136   b . Advantageously, the manifold  128  is adapted to abut the joining member  138  and the interior walls  136   a ,  136   b  to thereby to inhibit fluid leakage from the reservoirs  110 ,  112 .  
         [0029]    Moreover, the spray bottle assembly  100  further comprises a pump assembly  140  that threadably mounts to the neck portion  104  of the bottle  102 . The pump assembly  140  includes a single intake tube  142  in fluid communication with the manifold  128  and a user actuatable pump mechanism  144  that creates a vacuum force to thereby extract fluid from the reservoirs  110 ,  112  for expression out of the pump assembly  140 . During operation of the pump assembly  140 , fluid contained within the reservoirs  110 ,  112  is drawn upward from the lower regions of the reservoirs  110 ,  112  to the pump mechanism  144  via the fluid communication between the access tubes  130 ,  132 , the manifold  128 , and the intake tube  142 . In one embodiment, the pump mechanism  144  comprises a housing  150  that is threadably mounted to the neck portion  104  and a plunger  152  having a spray port  154 , wherein operation of the pump assembly  144  comprises pushing the plunger  152  into the housing  150  one or more times for expression of the fluid out of the spray port  154 . Further scope and functionality of the pump assembly  140  including the pump mechanism  144  will be described in greater detail herein below.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 2A, 2B illustrate an expanded view of the spray bottle assembly  100  of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the bottle  102  further comprises an opening  160  at the upper section  116   a  of the neck portion  104  that provides access to the interior region of the bulging section  118  and the reservoirs  110 ,  112 . The bulging section  118  of the neck portion allows easy user access to the lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104  to thereby readily position the manifold  128  within the lower section  116   b . The manifold  128  is positioned within the lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104  such that the first access tube  130  is positioned within the first reservoir  110  and the second access tube  132  is positioned within the second reservoir  112 . In one aspect, the diameter and volume of the manifold  128  is similar in proportion to the diameter and volume of the lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104  to thereby allow a pressed fit between the manifold  128  and the lower section  116   b  when the manifold  128  is slideably positioned within the lower section  116   b.    
         [0031]    Additionally, an outer surface  162  of the upper section  116   a  adjacent the opening  160  of the neck portion  104  is threaded so as to function as a threaded male connector. The interior surface  164  of the housing  150  of the pump assembly  144  is threaded to function as a threaded female connector in a manner so as to mechanically communicate with the threaded outer surface  162  of the upper section  116   a . Thus, the housing  150  of the pump assembly  144  can be securely and readily fastened to the neck portion  104  of the bottle  102 .  
         [0032]    In one aspect, the access tubes  130 ,  132  are pressed to fit within the input ports  170 ,  172  of the manifold  128  in a securely fastened manner. The opening  160  in the neck portion  104  is preferably sized so as to provide a path for the manifold  128  to pass through the upper and bulging sections  116   a ,  118  for mounting to the lower section  116   b . During mounting of the manifold  128 , the access tubes  130 ,  132  are positioned within their respective reservoirs  110 ,  112  via upper apertures  176   a ,  176   b  formed adjacent the lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104 . In one aspect, once the manifold  128  is securely mounted within the lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104 , the manifold  128  functionally forms a seal against the joining member  138  and the lower section  116   a  so as to inhibit mixing of fluids between the reservoirs  110 ,  112 .  
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the manifold  128  comprises upper and lower ends  148   a ,  148   b  having substantially flat surface features. The manifold  128  defines a common chamber  168  adjacent the upper end  148   a  having first and second input ports  170 ,  172  adjacent the lower end  148   b  to which the first and second access tubes  130 ,  132  are respectively attached so as to provide fluid communication thereto. In addition, the common chamber  168  may function as a mixing chamber, where fluid drawn from the reservoirs  110 ,  112  is mixed together during operation of the pump assembly  140 . For example, prior to being expressed from the spray port  154 , fluids from the reservoirs  110 ,  112  are mixed to an approximate ratio of 50:50. Advantageously, fluids or lotions may be separately contained in the reservoirs  110 ,  112  and then mixed in the common chamber  168  so as to provide a mixed spray, mist, or stream during operation of the pump assembly  140 .  
         [0034]    Moreover, the pump assembly  144  attaches to the manifold  128  via the intake tube  142  in a manner so as to fluidly communication with the common chamber  168  of the manifold  128 . As illustrated in FIG. 2, the intake tube  142  may comprise a protrusion  156  that extends within the common chamber  168  of the manifold  128  when the intake tube  142  is mounted to the manifold  128 . In one embodiment, the diameter of the protrusion  156  is at least less than the diameter of the intake tube  142  so as to form a ledge  178 , where the protrusion  156  joins the intake tube  142 . In addition, the diameter of the common chamber  168  is similarly sized to the diameter of the protrusion  156  so as to receive the protrusion  156  until the upper surface  148   a  of the manifold  128  abuts the ledge  178 . In one aspect, the protrusion  156  is pressed to fit within the common chamber  168  so as to provide a secure attachment and to form a tight seal therebetween.  
         [0035]    Advantageously, the ledge  178  presses the manifold  128  against the central portion  124  and the joining member  138  during mounting of the housing  150  of the pump assembly  140  to the upper section  116   a  of the bottle  102 . This allows the lower surface  148   b  of manifold  128  to firmly seal against the lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104  so as to prevent fluid from intermixing between the reservoirs  110 ,  112 . Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the manifold  128  rests securely within the lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104  so as to firmly seal against the interior walls  126  of the central portion  124  and the joining member  138  when the pump assembly  140  is securely attached to the bottle  102  via the threaded outer surface  162  of the neck portion  104  and the threaded housing  150  of the pump assembly  140 .  
         [0036]    Additionally, the protrusion  156  may be adapted to comprise sidewall apertures  158   a ,  158   b . In one embodiment, a first sidewall aperture  158   a  is adapted to communicate with the first input port  170  of the manifold  128 , and a second sidewall aperture  158   b  is adapted to communicate with the second input port  172  of the manifold  128 . Advantageously, the sidewall apertures  158   a ,  158   b , allow fluid to flow through the manifold  128  from the input ports  170 ,  172  to the intake tube  142  via the common chamber  168 .  
         [0037]    Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the ledge  178  may be extended to form a washer structure having a lower surface  190  with a larger surface area. As illustrated the extended ledge  178  is substantially perpendicular to the intake tube  142  and the protrusion  156 . In one aspect, when the protrusion  156  is inserted into the common chamber  168 , the lower surface  190  of the expanded ledge  178  more evenly distributes the pressing force acting on the upper surface  148   a  of the manifold  128  during tightening of the pump assembly  140  onto the upper section  116   a  of the bottle  102 . Advantageously, the expanded ledge  178  more firmly presses the manifold into the lower section  116   b  of the neck portion  104  so as to form a secure seal within the neck portion  104  therebetween. Also, the expanded ledge  178  also prevents movement of the manifold  128  within the neck portion  104  so that the secure seal therein remains intact to thereby increase the reliability of the seal.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away view of the spray bottle assembly  100  of FIG. 1 so as to show the internal components of the pump assembly  140 . In one embodiment, the pump assembly  140  is user actuated and is configured to create a vacuum force that extracts fluid from the reservoirs  110 ,  112  via the access tubes  130 ,  132  into the common chamber  168  and into the single intake tube  142  for expression out of the pump assembly  140  via the spray port  154 . In one embodiment, the pump mechanism  144  of the pump assembly  140  comprises a piston  180 , a spring  182  housed inside the intake tube  142 , and a contoured trigger  184 . The intake tube  142  is cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section and is sized so as to receive the spring  182 .  
         [0039]    In one aspect, during operation, a user actuates the pump mechanism  144  by pushing down on the trigger  184  thereby plunging the piston  180  into the intake tube  142 . The moving piston  180  compresses the spring  182 , so when the user subsequently releases the trigger  184 , the biasing force of the spring  182  pushes the piston  180  upward and back out of the intake tube  142 . The plunging actuation of the piston  180 , into and out of the intake tube  142 , defines a pump cycle. The down-stroke of the piston  180  plunging inward compresses the volume within the intake tube  142  forcing fluid out of the spray port  154 . The up-stroke of the piston  180  plunging outward from the intake tube  142  expands the volume of the intake tube  142 , drawing fluid within the intake tube  142 . In general, the fluid contained within the bottle  102  flows through the pump assembly  140  in one direction from the reservoirs  110 ,  112  through the access tubes  130 ,  132  into the common chamber  168  of the manifold  128  and further into the intake tube  142  of the pump assembly  140 .  
         [0040]    In addition, it should be appreciated that, in one embodiment as previously described with reference to FIG. 1, the pump assembly  140  may comprise at least one of the generally available off-the-shelf components or stock components manufactured by Calmar in Lee&#39;s Summit, Mont. In one embodiment, one or more of these generally available off-the-shelf or stock components can be readily adapted to mount to the manifold  128  using friction-fit or generally known adhesives, such as epoxy or silicon based materials. Advantageously, off-the-shelf or stock components, such as the generally available spray nozzle, reduce manufacturing costs associated with the spray bottle assembly  100  of the present invention because a specially designed pump mechanism does not necessarily have to be constructed to gain the benefits of the spray bottle assembly  100  as described herein. Hence, from the foregoing, the spray bottle  100  of the present invention is an improvement over prior art spray bottles.  
         [0041]    In another embodiment, the spray bottle assembly  100  may comprise an aerosol sprayer. In this particular embodiment, the reservoirs  110 ,  112  would comprise an active ingredient, such as a liquid, and a compressed gas called a propellant. The compressed gas propels the active ingredient out of the reservoirs  110 ,  112  pushing outward on the walls  120 ,  122 ,  126  and also down on the active ingredient. When the trigger  184  is depressed, the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the bottle  102  forces the active ingredient out of the spray port  154 . In general, gases are highly compressible and highly elastic, which makes them useful in storing and releasing energy similar in function to a spring. With reference to the aerosol sprayer, the energy used to compress the gas propellant in the bottle  102  is used to propel the active ingredient out of the bottle  102 .  
         [0042]    [0042]FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate one embodiment of a container assembly  200  having a container  202  with a neck portion  204  and first and second reservoirs  210 ,  212  for dispensing a plurality of materials or products, such as highly viscous liquids or semi-solids, contained therein. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, the container  202  comprises at least one outer wall, sidewall, or skin  220  that is adapted to comprise at least one internal partition  224  in a manner so as to define the first and second reservoirs  210 ,  212 . In one aspect, it should be appreciated that the container  202  may also be referred to as a housing, containment section, etc. and the reservoirs  210 ,  212  may also be referred to as compartments, sections, chambers, regions, etc. without departing from the scope of the present teachings.  
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the first and second reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202  comprise discrete containment compartments or sections that are separated or divided by the internal partition  224 , which may also be referred to as a common wall defined between the first and second reservoirs  210 ,  212 . Advantageously, the reservoirs  210 ,  212  are each configured to hold a different material, product, or viscous fluid in each section, reservoir, or compartment, such as food materials, products or viscous fluids, including peanut butter, jelly, jam, margarine, honey, cheese, refried beans, etc., or various other types of materials, products, or viscous fluids, such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lotion, etc.  
         [0044]    In one embodiment, the internal partition  224  comprises at least one interior wall that is positioned within the container  202  and is adapted to divide the interior of the container  202  into at least two reservoirs  210 ,  212 . The upper portion of the internal partition  224  is positioned within the neck portion  204  so as to impede material or products contained within the reservoirs  210 ,  212  from traveling from the first reservoir  210  to the second reservoir  212  and vice versa. In one aspect, as will be shown in greater detail herein below, the interior partition  224  at least partially bisects the container  202  such that a first volume enclosed by the first reservoir  210  is substantially similar to a second volume enclosed by the second reservoir  212 . It should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the interior partition  224  may comprise a plurality interior walls that are securely attached together or distally spaced apart as previously described with reference to the bottle  102  of FIG. 1.  
         [0045]    Additionally, in one embodiment, the container assembly  200  comprises a squeezable or compressible “tottle” bottle, wherein the outer wall  220  of the container  202  is readily flexible, bendable, or compressible in a manner so as to dispense, extrude, or express the contents of the reservoirs  210 ,  212 . In addition, as further illustrated in FIG. 4A, a lower end  214  adjacent the neck portion  204  of the container  202  comprises a circular cross-section that narrows to a substantially flat cross-section at an upper end  216  of the container  102 . Moreover, in one aspect, the at least one outer wall  220  may be joined to the internal partition  224  at the upper end  216  with a seam  222 . The seam  222  may comprise a fused seal that substantially seals the upper end  216  of the container  202 .  
         [0046]    Moreover, in various embodiments, the container  202 , including its components, may be translucent or opaque and formed of a semi-rigid, flexible, or compressible material, such as polyethylene (PE). However, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the container assembly  200  including one or more of its components as described herein may comprise various other materials, such as various types of co-extrusion air barrier plastics, polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), etc., without departing from the scope of the present teachings.  
         [0047]    As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the container assembly  200  further comprises a cap  230  mounted to the container  202  at the lower end  214  thereof. In one embodiment, the cap  230  comprises a lid portion  232  hinged to a base portion  234  with a hinge component  236 . As further illustrated in FIG. 4A, the lid portion  232  of the cap  230  hingedly retracted in a closed position to the base portion  234  of the cap  230 . In addition, the base portion  234  of the cap  230  comprises a threaded interior sidewall  248 , as illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, that is adapted to threadably communicate with an outer sidewall  228  of the neck portion  204  of the container  200  for mounting thereto. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the cap  230  may comprise various types of push-pull cap components, off-the-shelf cap components, or stock cap enclosures without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Advantageously, the cap  230  provides resistance to air contamination by gravity fed of the material or products contained with the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 .  
         [0048]    In one embodiment, FIG. 4A further illustrates the container assembly  200  in a first position with the lower end  214  of the container  202  including the cap  230  positioned below the upper end  216  of the container  202 . In addition, the lid portion  232  of the cap  230  further comprises an outer surface  237  that is substantially flat to thereby allow the container  202  to stand upright in the first position when the cap  230  is mounted to the container  202  and when the container assembly  200  is positioned on a substantially flat supporting surface, such as a shelf or table. In other words, the outer surface  237  of the cap  237  is substantially flat enough to communicate with a flat supporting surface such that the container assembly  200  balances on the substantially flat supporting surface in the first position. Advantageously, the first position of the container assembly  200  allows gravity to settle the contents of the reservoirs  210 ,  212  towards the lower end  214  of the container  202  such that the contents contained within the reservoirs  210 ,  212  are readily dispensable via the cap  230  in a manner that will be described in greater detail herein below.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 4B illustrates the container assembly  100  with the cap  230  detached from the container  102 . In one embodiment, the neck portion  204  of the container  202  comprises a cylindrical shape with a circular lower end  226  and the outer sidewall  228  that is threaded so as to receive the base portion  234  of the cap  230 . Advantageously, the cap  230  is threadably mounted to the neck portion  204  of the container  202  such that the cap  230  can be readily attached and detached to and from the container  202 . Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the diameter or size of the neck portion  204  is at least less than the diameter or size of the container  202  at the lower end  214  thereof so as to define a ledge portion  268  interposed between the neck portion  204  and the outer wall  220  the container  202 . In one embodiment, the ledge portion  268  joins the neck portion  204  to the outer sidewall  220  of the container  202  at an angle as illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B. It should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the ledge portion  268  may be adapted to join the neck portion  204  to the outer sidewall  220  of the container  202  at various angles including offset angles without departing form the scope of the present teachings.  
         [0050]    As further illustrated in FIG. 4B, the internal partition  224  of the container  202  substantially bisects the neck portion  204  so as to define first and second outtake apertures  240 ,  242  with the internal partition  124  positioned therebetween. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first and second apertures  240 ,  242  of the neck portion  204  are semi-circular in shape and provide access to the first and second reservoirs  210 ,  212 , of the container  202 , respectively. Further scope and functionality of the neck portion  204  including the outtake apertures  240 ,  242  will be described in greater detail herein below.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 4C illustrates the container assembly  200  with lid portion  232  of the cap  230  hingedly deployed in an open position from the base portion  234  of the cap  230 . In one embodiment, the cap  230  comprises an elongate aperture  250  having a raised profile that protrudes from a sidewall  238  of the base portion  234  of the cap  230  in a substantially perpendicular manner. In addition, the elongate aperture  250  is positioned substantially perpendicular to the internal partition  224  of the container  202  such that the elongate aperture  250  is in fluid communication with the outtake apertures  240 ,  242  of the neck portion  204  and provides access to the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 . Moreover, in one aspect, the threads on the outer sidewall  228  of the neck portion  204  are oriented such that the elongate aperture  250  of the cap  230  is positioned substantially perpendicular to the internal partition  224  of the container  202  when the cap  230  is securely fastened or mounted to the neck portion  204  of the container  202 .  
         [0052]    As further illustrated in FIG. 4C, the lid portion  232  of the cap  230  comprises a hollow interior region  260  and a stopper  262  that protrudes from a sidewall  264  of the lid portion  232  in a substantially perpendicular manner. In one embodiment, the stopper  262  is adapted to communicate with the elongate aperture  250  of the base portion  234  so as to plug therewith when the lid portion  232  is retracted to the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 6A. Advantageously, the stopper  262 , when received by the elongate aperture  250  in the closed position, substantially prevents the contents of the reservoirs  210 ,  212  from dispensing therefrom. Optionally, as further illustrated in FIG. 6A, the stopper  262  may be adapted to extend within the elongate aperture  250  so as plug therewith and abut the internal partition  224  to thereby form at least a partial seal therewith so as to substantially prevent the contents of the reservoirs  210 ,  212  from intermixing.  
         [0053]    In one embodiment, the flexible or compressible sidewall  220  of the container  202  is user actuatable such that “squeezing” or compressing the sidewall  220  produces a force that inwardly collapses the sidewall  220  to thereby extrude material, product, or viscous fluids from the reservoirs  210 ,  212  via the apertures  240 ,  242 ,  250  for expression out of the cap  230 . In one aspect, a plane of “squeeze” direction is defined substantially perpendicular to the outer sidewall  220  of the container  202 . As such, during “squeezing” or compressing of the container  202 , materials, products, or viscous fluids contained within the reservoirs  210 ,  212  are forcefully pushed so as to extrude from the reservoirs  210 ,  212  through the elongate aperture  250  of the cap  230  via the first and second outtake apertures  240 ,  242  of the neck portion  204 . Advantageously, in one aspect, a plurality of contained materials, products, or viscous materials that are separately held in the reservoirs  210 ,  212  can be simultaneously extruded or expressed from the container  202  via the apertures  240 ,  242  of the neck portion  204  and the aperture  250  of the cap  230 .  
         [0054]    Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the elongate aperture  250  is positioned, for example, towards the center of the base portion  234  of the cap  230 . This positioning allows a first ratio of extrusion to comprise approximately a 50/50 extrusion ratio, wherein the extrusion ratio is defined by the amount of contents expressed from each of the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 . In one embodiment, the position of the elongate aperture  250  may vary along the sidewall  238  of the base portion  234  depending on the desired ratio of products extruded from the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 .  
         [0055]    One example of this concept would be to orient the position of the elongate aperture  250  approximately 25% more towards the first reservoir  210  than the second reservoir  212  such that the extrusion ratio is approximately 75% of the contents of the first reservoir  210  and 25% of the contents of the second reservoir  212 . Therefore, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the position of the elongate aperture  250  on the base portion  234  of the cap  230  may be adapted to comprise a desired extrusion ratio without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Advantageously, the positional adaptability of the elongate aperture  250  along the base portion  234  of the cap  230  makes it easier to adjust the amount of contents expressed from each of the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 .  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom view of the container assembly  200  with the cap  230   232  removed from the neck portion  204  of the container  202 . As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the central partition  224  of the container  202  substantially bisects the neck portion  204  of the container  202  so as to define the outtake apertures  240 ,  242 . Advantageously, the central partition  224  divides the interior of the container  202  into at least two discrete sections or compartments comprising the first and second reservoirs  210 ,  212  such that a plurality of materials or products can be separately contained within the reservoirs  210 ,  212 . In addition, the outtake apertures  240 ,  242  provide access to the reservoirs  210 ,  212  for expression of material or products contained within the reservoirs  210 ,  212  from the container  202 .  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom view of the container assembly  200  with the lid portion  232  removed from the base portion  234  of the cap  230 . As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the base portion  234  of the cap  230  is mounted to the neck portion  204  of the container  202  such that the sidewall  238  of the base portion  234  abuts the central partition  224  of the container  202  and the elongate aperture  250  is substantially perpendicular to the central partition  224 . This advantageously allows the elongate aperture  250  of the cap  250  access to the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202  via the outtake apertures  240 ,  242  of the neck portion  204 .  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container assembly  200  taken along lines  6 A- 6 A of FIG. 4A. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the at least one internal partition  224  divides the container  202  into at least two reservoirs  210 ,  212 . An upper end  256  of the internal partition  224  is securely attached to the outer wall  220  of the container  202  at the upper end  216  thereof so as to form the seam  222  with a fastening means, such as a fused seal using heat induction, epoxy, glue, etc.  
         [0059]    As further illustrated in FIG. 6A, the internal partition  224  runs along the height of the container  202  such that a lower end  258  of the internal partition  224  is positioned within the neck portion  204  of the container  202  and is substantially aligned with lower end  226  of the neck portion  204 . Advantageously, the internal partition  224  substantially bisects the neck portion  204  so as to define the first and second outtake apertures  240 ,  242  above the first and second reservoirs  210 ,  212 , respectively.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 6A further illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cap  230 , which is attached to the container  202  via a threaded interconnection between the interior sidewall  248  of the base portion  234  and the outer sidewall  228  of the neck portion  204 . As further illustrated in FIG. 6A, the cap  230  is attached to the lower end  214  of the container  202  so as to overlie the lower end  238  of the neck portion  204  such that the elongate aperture  250  of the base portion  234  of the cap  230  is positioned over the outtake apertures  240 ,  242 .  
         [0061]    In one embodiment, the hinge  236  is integrally formed as part of the lid and base portions  232 ,  234  such that the lid portion  232  is hingedly attached to base portion  234  to thereby readily allow the lid portion  232  to be deployed and retracted between the open and closed positions. In addition, the lid portion  232  of the cap  230  is retracted into the closed configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, such that the stopper  262  at least partially extends with the elongate aperture  250 . It should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the stopper  262  may be adapted to extend within the elongate aperture  250  so as to abut the internal partition  224  without departing from the scope of the present teachings.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container assembly  200  with the cap  230  detached from the neck portion  204  and the lid portion  232  deployed from the cap  230  in the open position. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the cap  230  can be detached from the neck portion  204  of the container  202  by way of the threaded interconnection between the interior sidewall  248  of the base portion  234  and the outer sidewall  228  of the neck portion  204 . The lid portion  232  of the cap  230  can be deployed into the open position, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, by pivoting the lid portion  232  about the hinge  236  with respect to the base portion  234 . This advantageous configuration allows the cap  230  be readily detached from the container  202  and further allows the lid portion  232  of the cap  230  to be readily deployed and retracted into open and closed positions, respectively.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of the container assembly  200  with the neck portion  204  of the container  202  adapted to receive a manifold  270  having an integral partition  272 . FIG. 7B illustrates an exploded view of the container assembly  200  with the manifold  270  and the cap  230  detached from the neck portion  204  of the container  202 . In the following discussion, it should be appreciated that the scope of the previously described container assembly  200  including its components remain the same except for the indicated alternate components as described herein below with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B.  
         [0064]    In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the container assembly  200  may optionally comprise a manifold  270  securely positioned within the neck portion  204  of the container  202 . The manifold  270  is cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section and the interior of the neck portion  204  comprises a similar shape that is sized so as to correspondingly receive the manifold  270  therein in a secure manner. The manifold  270  may be securely fastened or attached to the interior sidewalls of the neck portion  204  via a friction-fit, heat induction fuse, epoxy, glue, etc. In addition, the internal partition  224  of the container  202  is adapted to abut the manifold  270  when the manifold  270  is positioned in the neck portion  204  of the container  202 .  
         [0065]    In one embodiment, the manifold  270  further comprises an integral partition  272  that runs along the height and width of the manifold  270  in a manner so as to abut the internal partition  224  of the container  202  when the manifold  270  is positioned within the neck portion  204  of the container  202 . The integral partition  272  is positioned within the manifold  270  so as to bisect the interior of the manifold  270  to thereby define first and second outtake apertures  280 ,  282  that are respectively positioned over the first and second reservoirs  210 ,  212 . In one aspect, the outtake apertures  240 ,  242  as defined by the manifold  270  are adapted to fluidly communicate with the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 .  
         [0066]    Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the integral partition  272  is positioned, for example, towards the center of the manifold  270 . In addition, the contour of the integral partition  272  is substantially rectangular in shape so as to define a first ratio of extrusion to comprise approximately a 50/50 extrusion ratio, wherein the extrusion ratio is defined by the amount of contents expressed from each of the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 . In one embodiment, the contour of the integral partition  272  may vary in width depending on the desired ratio of products extruded from the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 .  
         [0067]    One example of this concept would be to form the contour of the integral partition  272  of the manifold  270  with approximately 25% more width above the first reservoir  210  than the second reservoir  212  such that the extrusion ratio is approximately 75% of the contents of the second reservoir  212  and 25% of the contents of the first reservoir  210 . In this particular example, the cross-sectional area of the first outtake aperture  280  defined by the manifold  270  is at least less than the cross-sectional area of the second outtake aperture  282  defined by the manifold  270 . Therefore, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the contour of the integral partition  272  of the manifold  270  may be adapted to comprise a desired extrusion ratio without departing from the scope of the present teachings.  
         [0068]    Advantageously, the manifold  270  including the outtake apertures  240 ,  242  allow ready access to the materials or products contained within the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 . Additionally, in one aspect, the adaptability of the contour of the integral partition  272  makes it easier to adjust the amount of material or products expressed from each of the reservoirs  210 ,  212  of the container  202 . Moreover, in various embodiments, differently sized manifold diameters can be used or incorporated to dispense various types of viscosity products depending, in one aspect, on the particular application. For example, it may be desirable to use a larger manifold diameter for a higher viscosity fluid product, such as a lotion, than for a lower viscosity fluid product, such as a liquid. In addition, the manifold  270  may be adapted to use or incorporate differently sized orifice pick-up tubes adapting to various types of generally available push-pull, off-the-shelf, or stock cap components. As such, it should also be appreciated that various types of push-pull, off-the-shelf, or stock cap components or enclosures manufactured by generally known manufacturers in the art may also be used without departing from the scope of the present teachings.  
         [0069]    Although the above-disclosed embodiments of the present invention have shown, described, and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the above-disclosed embodiments, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the devices, systems, and/or methods illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing description, but should be defined by the appended claims.