Abstract:
A dry powder and liquid mixing apparatus provides a dry powder container integratable with a liquid container, and a lid engaging both the dry powder container and the liquid container to enable selectable storage and mixing of powder and liquid, such as mixing dry infant formula with water. Through simple manual twisting of the lid about the liquid container to a closed state, a user is able to selectively prevent mixing of stored dry powder and liquid. Likewise, through simple manual twisting of the lid about the liquid container to an opened state, a user is able to selectively enable mixing of the dry powder with the liquid, by shaking the apparatus while the lid is in an opened state, resulting in a consumable mixed formula.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This U.S. non-provisional utility patent application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of co-pending U.S. non-provisional utility patent application number Ser. No. 13/705,307, filed on Dec. 5, 2012, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/567,172, filed on Dec. 6, 2011, both filed in the name of the same inventor, and both of which are incorporated-by-reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a combined storage container and mixing apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pair of cooperating containers having a sealable barrier therebetween, wherein the seal can be selectively temporarily breached to enable passage of ingredients contained within the cooperating containers therethrough to facilitate mixing of ingredients within the respective containers to produce a desired final composition. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many compositions are initially provided in two independent components until ready for consumption. For instance, this is the case with powered beverages, dry formula such as baby formula powder, cereals, and a host of other consumable products. Typically, the final consumable product is initially provided as two distinct and independent components; namely, a dry or powdered mixture and a liquid. Oftentimes, as is the case with baby formula, it is desirable or necessary, to mix a dry (e.g., powdered) formula with a liquid base (e.g., water) immediately prior to consuming them. While the present disclosure is primarily described and shown with the mixing of baby formula in mind, it will be obvious and clearly apparent to anyone that has ever had the need to mix specific measured quantities of individual components, that the present invention has a virtually endless array of applications. 
     The vast majority of known products for preparing infant formula are comprised of large, bulky, and often non-portable mixing devices. Large devices dictate that the mixing process be accomplished at the location of the device well ahead of the actual time of consumption. This has the disadvantage of making it difficult for a caretaker to travel far from the location of the mixing equipment. Other known products may provide some degree of portability, but oftentimes require a variety of individual components for containment of quantities of water and formula, precisely measuring respective amounts of water and formula, mixing the water and formula, and finally pouring or otherwise transferring the mixed end product into a bottle just prior to feeding. 
     As almost any new parent can attest to—particularly new mothers—for many months after bringing a newborn baby home from the hospital, sleep deprivation is a serious issue that commonly causes a lack of concentration and reduced decision-making skills. Sleep deprivation can become a very serious issue in the middle of the night, or any time for that matter, while preparing formula for a hungry infant in a complete stupor. How many times has a mother asker herself: “Did I add two or three scoops of formula into the water?” There are only two likely negative outcomes in this situation. A mother may take a chance and wind up feeding her baby a mixture containing an improper ratio of dry formula to water, potentially causing discomfort and possibly harm to her child. A more responsible mother is likely to choose the safe alternative—pouring out the entire mixture and starting over. This results in serious waste of a very expensive food product, not to mention a longer waiting period for a hungry and irritable infant. 
     In view of the above drawbacks, disadvantage and limitations of existing formula mixing products and the growing need for new parents to travel with infant children in an increasingly mobile society, there has never been a greater demand for a highly portable, safe, efficient, easy-to-use, formula storage and mixing apparatus. It would be highly desirable to provide such an apparatus that integrates all of the necessary functions heretofore performed using a variety of discrete products, into a portable multi-functional ready on demand unit resulting in a final formula composition ready to be directly transferred into a baby bottle. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to provide such an apparatus that takes the guesswork out of the water and formula measurement process, enabling consistent/repeatable highly accurate mixing ratios, all but eliminating the occurrence of improper formula preparation, Preferably, the apparatus would be constructed in a cost-effective manner using safe materials that eliminate any seepage of harmful chemicals into the stored ingredients. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, the present invention provides two implementations of a portable dry formula mixing apparatus. In accordance with a first implementation, a dry formula mixing apparatus includes two ingredient containment sections, each comprising a delivery orifice and a repositionable seal. The seal retains the ingredients in the separate containment sections until use, when the seal is repositioned and the ingredients are subsequently mixed together for consumption. 
     A first implementation of the present invention provides a dry formula mixing apparatus comprising: 
     a base container including:
         a base container tubular sidewall comprising a base container lower edge and a base container upper rim,   a base container bottom comprising a base container peripheral edge, wherein the base container peripheral edge is contiguous with the base container lower sidewall edge providing a base volume containment;       

     a mixing container including:
         a mixing container tubular sidewall having a mixing container lower edge and a mixing container upper rim,   a mixing container bottom comprising a peripheral edge, the mixing container peripheral edge being contiguous about the mixing container lower sidewall edge providing a second volume containment,   at least one base ingredient delivery orifice provided through the mixing container bottom,   a repositionable seal providing a temporary closure of each of the at least one base ingredient delivery orifice, and   an actuator in mechanical communication with the repositionable seal enabling a user to operate the repositionable seal; and a container cap comprising:   a cap upper segment defined by a peripheral edge, and   a cap attachment feature disposed about the cap peripheral edge;       

     wherein in operation, the user would place a first ingredient within the base volume containment and a second ingredient within the mixing volume containment, 
     the mixing container is positioned into the base volume containment region where the mixing container tubular sidewall seals against the base container tubular sidewall entrapping the first ingredient within the base volume containment region, 
     the cap peripheral edge is engaged with the mixing container upper rim entrapping the second ingredient within the second volume containment; and 
     the first ingredient is mixed with the second ingredient by operating the repositionable seal enabling passage of the second ingredient through the at least one base ingredient delivery orifice into the first volume containment. 
     In an aspect, repositionable seal is a rotational repositionable seal, the rotational repositionable seal comprises at least one rotary seal delivery orifice. 
     In another aspect, the rotational repositionable seal is actuated by a rotational actuation motion. 
     In another aspect, the rotational repositionable seal further comprises a biasing member to return the rotational repositionable seal to a sealed configuration from a dispensing configuration. 
     In another aspect, a rotation of the rotational repositionable seal is parallel to the mixing container bottom, wherein the axis of rotation is perpendicular to a plane defined by the mixing container bottom. 
     In another aspect, the rotational repositionable seal can further comprise a gasket provided between a lower surface of the repositionable seal and an upper surface of the mixing container bottom. 
     In another aspect, the dry mixing apparatus further comprises a pivotal repositionable seal, the pivotal repositionable seal comprises at least one pivotal seal mechanism. 
     In another aspect, a pivotal motion of the at least one pivotal seal mechanism is angular respective to the mixing container bottom, wherein an axis of rotation is parallel to a plane defined by the mixing container bottom. 
     In another aspect, the pivotal repositionable seal is actuated by a linear actuation motion. 
     In another aspect, the pivotal repositionable seal further comprises a biasing member to return the pivotal repositionable seal to a sealed configuration from a dispensing configuration. 
     In another aspect, a peripheral edge of each of the at least one pivotal seal mechanisms further comprises an angled shape. 
     In another aspect, the repositionable seal is removably assembled to the mixing container to aid in cleaning. 
     In another aspect, the dry formula mixing apparatus may comprise: 
     a base container including:
         a base container tubular sidewall comprising a base container lower edge and a base container upper rim,   a base container bottom comprising a base container peripheral edge, wherein the base container peripheral edge is contiguous with the base container lower sidewall edge providing a base volume containment;       

     a mixing container including:
         a mixing container tubular sidewall having a mixing container lower edge and a mixing container upper rim,   a mixing container bottom comprising a peripheral edge, the mixing container peripheral edge being contiguous about the mixing container lower sidewall edge providing a second volume containment,   a rotational repositionable seal comprising a base seal member disposed below a rotary seal member that is rotationally coupled to the base seal member, wherein the base seal member comprises at least one of a base ingredient delivery orifice and the rotary seal member comprises at least one of a rotary seal delivery orifice and wherein the at least one rotary seal orifice is sized, shaped, and located respective to the at least one base ingredient deliver orifice such that, in a dispensing configuration, the at least one rotary seal deliver orifice is located above the at least one base ingredient delivery orifice, defining a delivery path for transferring a second ingredient from the mixing container to the base container and, in a sealed configuration, the at least one rotary seal delivery orifice is located above a solid portion of the base seal member, defining a temporary seal of the delivery path, and   an actuator in mechanical communication with the rotational repositionable seal enabling a user to operate the rotational repositionable seal; and a container cap comprising:   a cap upper segment defined by a peripheral edge; and   a cap attachment feature disposed about the cap peripheral edge,       

     wherein, in operation, the user would place a first ingredient within the base volume containment and the second ingredient within the mixing volume containment, 
     the mixing container is positioned into the base volume containment region where the mixing container tubular sidewall seals against the base container tubular sidewall entrapping the first ingredient within the base volume containment region, 
     the cap peripheral edge is engaged with the mixing container upper rim entrapping the second ingredient within the second volume containment; and 
     the first ingredient is mixed with the second ingredient by operating the rotational repositionable seal enabling passage of the second ingredient through the at least one base ingredient delivery orifice into the first volume containment. 
     In another aspect, the rotary seal member may be a planar disc. 
     In another aspect, the rotational repositionable seal further comprises a biasing member to return the rotational repositionable seal to the sealed configuration from the dispensing configuration. 
     In another aspect, a rotation of the rotational repositionable seal is parallel to the mixing container bottom, wherein the axis of rotation is perpendicular to a plane defined by the mixing container bottom. 
     In another aspect, the rotational repositionable seal can further comprise a gasket provided between a lower surface of the repositionable seal and an upper surface of the mixing container bottom. 
     In another aspect, a dry formula mixing apparatus may comprise: 
     a base container including:
         a base container tubular sidewall comprising a base container lower edge and a base container upper rim,   a base container bottom comprising a base container peripheral edge, wherein the base container peripheral edge is contiguous with the base container lower sidewall edge providing a base volume containment;       

     a mixing container including:
         a mixing container tubular sidewall having a mixing container lower edge and a mixing container upper rim,   a mixing container bottom comprising a peripheral edge being contiguous about the mixing container lower sidewall edge defining a second volume containment and at least one delivery port edge defining a delivery port passing through the mixing container bottom,   a pivotal repositionable seal comprising at least one pivotal seal mechanism pivotally coupled to the mixing container bottom, the pivotal seal mechanism comprising a pivotal mechanism sealing edge, wherein the pivotal mechanism sealing edge is sized, shaped, and located respective to the at least one delivery port edge such that, in a first pivot position, the pivotal seal mechanism is located sealing the delivery port and, in a second pivot position, the pivotal seal mechanism is pivoted upwards to a position where the pivotal seal mechanism is at least partially separated from the delivery port edge, defining a delivery path for transferring a second ingredient from the mixing container to the base container, and   an actuator in mechanical communication with the pivotal repositionable seal enabling a user to operate the pivotal repositionable seal; and       

     a container cap comprising:
         a cap upper segment defined by a peripheral edge, and   a cap attachment feature disposed about the cap peripheral edge;       

     wherein in operation, the user would place a first ingredient within the base volume containment and the second ingredient within the mixing volume containment, 
     the mixing container is positioned into the base volume containment region where the mixing container tubular sidewall seals against the base container tubular sidewall entrapping the first ingredient within the base volume containment region, 
     the cap peripheral edge is engaged with the mixing container upper rim entrapping the second ingredient within the second volume containment; and 
     the first ingredient is mixed with the second ingredient by operating the pivotal repositionable seal enabling passage of the second ingredient through the at least one base ingredient delivery orifice into the first volume containment. 
     In yet another aspect, a pivotal motion of the at least one pivotal seal mechanism is angular respective to the mixing container bottom, wherein an axis of rotation is parallel to a plane defined by the mixing container bottom. 
     In yet another aspect, a peripheral edge of each of the at least one pivotal seal mechanisms further comprises an angled shape. 
     A second preferred implementation of the present invention provides a dry formula mixing apparatus, comprising: 
     a liquid container having an outer cylindrical sidewall and a spaced-apart inner cylindrical sidewall interconnected by, and contiguous with, an annular base, the contiguous inner and outer sidewalls and annular base defining a liquid container interior chamber adapted for receiving a volume of liquid, the liquid container outer sidewall having a thickened upper portion commencing at an outwardly extending flange, the flange transitioning upwardly into an externally threaded portion, and the externally threaded portion transitioning upwardly into an uppermost thickened portion terminating at an outer cylindrical sidewall upper edge, the uppermost thickened portion having a sealing member integrated therewith; 
     a stabilizing feature located within an interior space defined by an interior surface of the liquid container cylindrical inner sidewall; 
     a powder container having a cylindrical sidewall extending upward from, and contiguous with, a powder container base, the powder container in snug engagement with the stabilizing feature to aid in maintaining a preferred fixed position and orientation of the powder container within an interior space bounded by said liquid container inner sidewall, an upper length of the powder container having a thickened sidewall portion terminating at a flanged upper end, the flanged upper end supported upon an upper edge of the liquid container cylindrical inner sidewall, and an outer surface of the thickened sidewall portion incorporating a sealing member creating sealing engagement with an interior surface of the liquid container cylindrical inner sidewall; and 
     a generally cylindrically-shaped lid having a top portion contiguous with a main lid sidewall depending downwardly from a perimeter thereof, the main lid sidewall having an upper sidewall portion transitioning into a wider lower sidewall portion, the lower sidewall portion terminating at a main lid sidewall lower edge and having an internally threaded surface for selective threading engagement with the externally threaded portion of the liquid container, a bottom interior surface of the top portion of the lid having a first inner cylindrical lid wall contiguous with, and depending downwardly from, said bottom interior lid surface, and the bottom interior surface of the top portion of the lid having a second inner cylindrical lid wall contiguous with, and extending downwardly from, said bottom interior lid surface, the first inner cylindrical lid wall inwardly offset from the upper portion of the main lid sidewall by a distance defining a gap therebetween, the gap sized and shaped for receiving said uppermost thickened portion of said liquid container outer sidewall therein for facilitating selective sealing engagement of an interior surface of the upper portion of the main lid sidewall and the sealing member integrated with the uppermost thickened portion of the liquid container outer sidewall, the second inner cylindrical lid wall inwardly offset from the first inner cylindrical lid wall and terminating at a second inner cylindrical wall lower edge, the lower edge incorporating a sealing member for providing selective sealing engagement with an upper surface of the powder container flange when said mixing apparatus is in a completely closed state. 
     In an aspect, the apparatus may incorporate a combination hand grip and carabiner extending medially upward from an upper surface of the lid. 
     In another aspect, the combination hand grip and carabiner may further comprise a vertical wall contiguous with said lid upper surface, said wall having an upper edge having a linear taper from a low point to a high point, said vertical wall having a carabiner aperture extending therethrough. 
     In another aspect, the lower sidewall portion of the lid may include hand grip enhancing indentations provided in an exterior surface thereof. 
     In another aspect, the stabilizing feature may be located proximate to a lower end of the liquid container and extend inwardly from an interior surface of said cylindrical inner wall. 
     In another aspect, the stabilizing feature may be a discrete component or, preferably, integrated into the liquid container. In either case, the stabilizer may comprise a stabilizer ring extending inwardly from an interior-facing surface of the liquid container inner sidewall, and incorporate a plurality of ring fins projecting inwardly therefrom. 
     In another aspect, the sealing member integrated with the uppermost thickened portion of said liquid container sidewall may further comprise a contiguous recess extending into and circumscribing an exterior surface of the uppermost thickened portion of said liquid container, and a resilient seal snugly seated within said contiguous recess, wherein the resilient seal isolates liquid within said liquid container interior chamber from egress outside of said apparatus regardless of whether said lid is in an open or closed state. 
     In another aspect, the sealing member incorporated into the outer surface of the thickened sidewall portion of the powder container may further include a contiguous recess extending into and circumscribing an outer surface of the thickened powder container sidewall portion, and a resilient seal snugly seated within the recess. Accordingly, it may function to prevent both liquid and dry powder from ingress into interior spaces between said liquid container and said dry powder container of said apparatus regardless of whether said lid is in an open or closed state. 
     In another aspect, the sealing member incorporated with the second inner cylindrical lid wall lower edge may further comprise a contiguous recess extending into and circumscribing an exterior surface of the second inner cylindrical lid wall, and a resilient seal snugly seated within the contiguous recess, wherein the resilient seal prevents egress of liquid contained within the liquid container and egress of powder contained within the powder container, while the lid is in a closed state, but facilitates egress of liquid contained within the liquid container and egress of powder contained within said powder container, thereby facilitating mixing of said liquid and said powder while said lid is in an opened state. 
     In a further aspect, the apparatus may further include highly visible liquid volume measurement level markings and corresponding indicia disposed upon an exterior surface of the outer sidewall of said liquid container. 
     In a further aspect, the apparatus may further include highly visible indicia in the form of a chart displaying a list of ratios of powder volume to liquid volume, disposed upon an exterior surface of the outer sidewall of the liquid container. 
     In a further aspect, the apparatus may include highly visible powder volume measurement level markings and corresponding indicia disposed upon an exterior surface of said sidewall of the powder container. 
     In a further aspect, the inner and outer sidewalls of the liquid container may diverge in an upward direction from the annular base. 
     In another aspect, when said apparatus is in a fully-assembled state, the outer sidewall of the liquid container, the sidewall of the powder container, and the sidewall of the lid may be constructed to be all concentric about a common central axis. 
     In another aspect, optionally the liquid container exterior threads and said lid interior threads may be configured such that clockwise rotation of the lid about the liquid container effects biasing of the apparatus into a closed state, and counter-clockwise rotation of the lid about said liquid container effects biasing of the apparatus into an opened state. 
     In another aspect, it is contemplated to integrate an indicator, which may be visible and/or audible, to provide a clear indication that the lid has been adequately rotated to ensure mixing communication between liquid in the liquid container and powder in the powder container. 
     In another aspect, an integral liquid container flange may be provided extending outwardly beyond the bottom/lower edge of the lid, thereby functioning as a mechanical stop to prevent excessive rotational tightening of said lid while closing. 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents an isometric view of an exemplary dry formula mixing apparatus illustrated in an assembled configuration, in accordance with a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  presents an isometric view of the exemplary dry formula mixing apparatus introduced in  FIG. 1 , the illustration presenting the apparatus in an exploded assembly configuration; 
         FIG. 3  presents an isometric view of a first exemplary mixing container portion of the exemplary dry formula mixing apparatus, wherein the mixing container is illustrated in a sealed configuration; 
         FIG. 4  presents an isometric view of the first exemplary mixing container portion of the exemplary dry formula mixing apparatus introduced in  FIG. 3 , wherein the mixing container is illustrated in a dispensing configuration; 
         FIG. 5  presents a sectioned side view of a second exemplary mixing container portion of the exemplary dry formula mixing apparatus, wherein the mixing container is illustrated in a sealed configuration; 
         FIG. 6  presents an isometric view of the second exemplary mixing container portion of the exemplary dry formula mixing apparatus introduced in  FIG. 5 , wherein the mixing container is illustrated in a dispensing configuration; 
         FIG. 7  presents an isometric view of an exemplary mixing mat; 
         FIG. 8  presents an isometric view of an exemplary dry formula mixing apparatus illustrated in an assembled configuration, in accordance with a preferred second implementation; 
         FIG. 9  presents a top isometric exploded view of the exemplary dry formula mixing apparatus introduced in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  presents a bottom isometric exploded view of the exemplary dry formula mixing apparatus introduced in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  presents a front elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  in a closed state, isolating the contained liquid from the contained dry formula powder; 
         FIG. 12  presents a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  presents a cross-sectional view taken along section lines  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  presents a front elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  in an opened state, facilitating mixing of the liquid and dry formula powder; 
         FIG. 15  presents a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 16  presents a cross-sectional view taken along section lines  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     In accordance with a first general implementation of the present invention, a dry formula mixing apparatus  100  is described herein and presented in representative  FIGS. 1 and 2 , with a first exemplary embodiment of a seal configuration being presented in  FIGS. 3 and 4  and a second exemplary embodiment of a seal configuration being presented in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     The dry formula mixing apparatus  100  includes a base container  110 , a mixing container  140 , and a delivery mechanism actuator  150 . The base container  110  is preferably shaped adhering to commonly known cups, including a base container tubular sidewall  112  having a base container upper rim  116  disposed at a first end and a base sidewall lower edge  113  disposed at an opposite end. A base container bottom  114  is integrated into a bottom portion of the base container  110 , wherein a peripheral edge of the base container bottom  114  is contiguous with the base sidewall lower edge  113  to form a base container receiving section  118  or a base volume containment region. The base container  110  can be enhanced with the inclusion of a base container grip subassembly  120 . The base container grip subassembly  120  provides a grip to aid the user in grasping the base container  110 . An exemplary base container grip subassembly  120  is shown circumscribing a portion of the exterior of the base container tubular sidewall  112 . The exemplary base container grip subassembly  120  can include a series of grip ridges  124  disposed upon a grip body  122  in a spatial arrangement. The exemplary grip body  122  is shaped to adhere to the contour of the exterior of the base container tubular sidewall  112 . In the exemplary embodiment, the base container tubular sidewall  112  is formed in an inverted frustum. The exemplary grip body  122  would therefore be shaped in a suitably dimensioned inverted frustum. It is understood that the base container grip subassembly  120  can be provided in any alternate embodiment while providing the same desired function. 
     The base container  110  can be fabricated of any reasonable material, including plastic, metal, waxed or other fluid retaining paper, and the like. The fabrication of the base container  110  would be accomplished using any reasonably known fabrication process, the process being determined based upon the selected material. The base container grip subassembly  120  can be fabricated of any reasonable material suitable for the desired function; the material options can include rubber, nylon, plastic, silicon, and the like. It is understood the function of the base container grip subassembly  120  can be integrated into the base container tubular sidewall  112  during the fabrication process of the base container  110 , such as the inclusion of ribbed shapes, bosses, and the like. 
     The mixing container  140  is preferably shaped to nest within the base container receiving section  118  of the base container  110 . The mixing container  140  includes a mixing container tubular sidewall  142  having a mixing container upper rim  146  disposed at a first end and a mixing container lower edge  143  disposed at an opposite end. A mixing container bottom  144  is integrated into a bottom portion of the mixing container  140 , wherein a peripheral edge of the mixing container bottom  144  is contiguous with the mixing container lower edge  143  to form a mixing container receiving section  148  or a mixing volume containment region. The mixing container tubular sidewall  142  is shaped in an inverted frustum, and more specifically shaped and suitably dimensioned to engage with an interior surface of the base container tubular sidewall  112  in a manner to provide a reasonable seal therebetween. The mixing container tubular sidewall  142  can transition into a mixing container tubular sidewall lead in section  145  located proximate the mixing container lower edge  143 , wherein the mixing container tubular sidewall lead in section  145  aids the user in inserting the mixing container  140  into the base container  110 . The mixing container  140  further comprises at least one delivery orifice and an associated repositionable seal for temporarily sealing and subsequently providing passage through the respective delivery orifice. Details of exemplary embodiments of the delivery orifice and associated repositionable seal will be presented later in this disclosure. 
     The container cap  180  provides a seal to the base container  110  and/or the mixing container  140 . The container cap  180  includes a cap upper segment  182  defined by a peripheral edge. A cap vertical segment  184  extends downward from the peripheral edge. A cap attachment feature  186  is integrated into a lower edge of the cap vertical segment  184  during the forming process. It is understood that there are certain benefits if the size and shape of the base container upper rim  116  and mixing container upper rim  146  were similar, such as enabling the container cap  180  to engage with either the base container upper rim  116  or the mixing container upper rim  146 . A spout  188  can be integrated into the container cap  180 . A spout orifice  189  would be integrated into the cap upper segment  182 , wherein the spout orifice  189  is located within the spout  188 . The spout orifice  189  provides a passageway for the transfer of the contents from within the base container receiving section  118  or mixing container receiving section  148  to another object such as a bottle, drinking cup, bowl, and the like. It is understood that the spout orifice  189  can include a sealing feature to retain the contents within the base container receiving section  118  or mixing container receiving section  148  until the user desires to dispense the contents therefrom. An exemplary sealing feature would be a flap provided against the spout orifice  189 . 
     The delivery orifice and associated repositionable seal of the mixing container  140  can be provided in any reasonable form factor. A first exemplary embodiment is illustrated in a sealed configuration in  FIG. 3  and a dispensing configuration shown in  FIG. 4 . The exemplary mixing container  140  includes a plurality of base ingredient delivery orifices  178  provided through a base seal member  170 . It is understood that the base seal member  170  can be the mixing container bottom  144  or a separate element integrated into the mixing container  140 . The base seal member  170  is defined having a base seal upper surface  172  and a base seal lower surface  174 . A rotary seal  160  is rotationally coupled to the base seal member  170  by inserting an axial pin (not shown, but well understood) through a rotary seal pivot aperture  166  formed through a center of the rotary seal  160 . The rotary seal  160  is preferably a planar disc comprising a plurality of rotary seal delivery orifices  168 , wherein the rotary seal delivery orifices  168  are sized, shaped, and located respective to the plurality of base ingredient delivery orifices  178 , whereby in a first rotated position, the rotary seal delivery orifice  168  is located over a solid portion of the base seal member  170  and the solid portion of the rotary seal  160  is located over a base ingredient delivery orifices  178 . This configuration, in conjunction with gaskets or other sealing features, provides a fluid containing barrier or seal. The gaskets would be placed between a rotary seal lower surface  164  of the rotary seal  160  and the base seal upper surface  172  of the base seal member  170  or mixing container  140 . The rotary seal  160  would be rotated in accordance with a rotary seal motion  169 , using any reasonable interface to a position where the rotary seal delivery orifices  168  are at least partially overlapping the respective base ingredient delivery orifices  178 . This configuration provides a pathway for transferring the contents of the mixing container  140  (referred to as second ingredient) into the base container  110 , enabling mixture of the second ingredient with the contents of the base container  110  (referred to as first ingredient). The rotary seal  160  would be returned to a normally sealed configuration by a biasing element  156  integrated into the delivery mechanism actuator arm  154 . The delivery mechanism actuator  150  extends outward from the delivery mechanism actuator arm  154 , passing through a delivery mechanism actuator slot  149 . The user operates the delivery mechanism actuator  150  by pressing upon a delivery mechanism actuator grip  152 , which causes the delivery mechanism actuator  150  to move forward. A biasing element brace  158  is affixed to an interior surface of the mixing container tubular sidewall  142 . The biasing element brace  158  acts against a biasing force generated by the biasing element brace  158  during the rotation  169  of the rotary seal  160  to provide a return force to the rotary seal  160  causing the rotary seal  160  to return to the normally sealed configuration. A rotary seal return stop  159  can be included to provide a repeatable locator to ensure the rotary seal  160  is rotated into the normally sealed configuration. The biasing configuration illustrated is only exemplary and it is understood that any biasing configuration can be integrated into the mixing container  140  to return the rotary seal  160  to the normally sealed configuration. It is understood that the illustrated embodiment of the rotary seal delivery orifices  168  and base ingredient delivery orifices  178  are only exemplary and the quantity, size, location and other design features of the rotary seal delivery orifices  168  and base ingredient delivery orifices  178  can vary based upon the designer&#39;s choice. Similarly the shape of the rotary seal  160  can vary as desired. One exemplary variance is the rotary seal upper surface  162  further comprising an angled surface, wherein the central portion is raised respective to the peripheral edge to aid in directing the contents towards the plurality of rotary seal delivery orifices  168 . 
     In one exemplary application, an infant formula powder is stored in one of the mixing container  140  and the base container  110 . Water is stored in the other container. The two ingredients are mixed together to create the infant formula. 
     In a second exemplary application, a dry cereal is stored in one of the mixing container  140  and the base container  110 . Milk is stored in the other container. The two ingredients are mixed together prior to consumption. This enables the cereal to remain fresh until consumption. 
     A second exemplary embodiment, referred to as a mixing container  240 , is illustrated in a sealed configuration in  FIG. 5  and a dispensing configuration shown in  FIG. 6 . The mixing container  240  includes a number of elements similar to those of the mixing container  140 , wherein like features of mixing container  240  and mixing container  140  are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘2’. 
     The exemplary mixing container  240  includes at least one delivery port edge  278  defining a delivery port  279  passing through a mixing container bottom  244 . The mixing container bottom  244  includes a bottom interior surface  247 . A pivotal seal mechanism  260  is pivotally coupled to the mixing container bottom  244 . The pivotal seal mechanism  260  is defined as a solid material comprising a pivotal mechanism sealing edge  262 , wherein the pivotal mechanism sealing edge  262  is sized, shaped, and located respective to the at least one delivery port edge  278 . The pivotal seal mechanism  260  is attached to the mixing container tubular sidewall  242  or mixing container bottom  244  using any pivotal interface. The exemplary embodiment presents a seal mechanism pivot member  266  as the pivotal interface. It is understood that any pivotal interface, including a living hinge, and the like can be employed by design. In a first pivot position ( FIG. 5 ), the pivotal seal mechanism  260  is located sealing the delivery port  279 . The pivotal seal mechanism  260  would be pivoted upwards into a second pivot position using any reasonable operational interface, to a position where the pivotal seal mechanism  260  is at least partially separated from the delivery port edge  278 . This configuration provides a delivery path  298  for transferring the contents of the mixing container  240  (referred to as second ingredient) into the base container  110 , enabling mixture of the second ingredient with the contents of the base container  110  (referred to as first ingredient). The pivotal seal mechanism  260  would be returned to a normally sealed configuration by a biasing element (not shown) integrated into the mixing container bottom  244  or pivotal seal mechanism  260 . 
     An exemplary operational interface includes a delivery mechanism actuator arm  254  connecting a delivery mechanism actuator  250  and the pivotal seal mechanism  260  to one another. The delivery mechanism actuator  250  would preferably extend to an exterior of the mixing container tubular sidewall  242 , providing easy access for operation by the end user. The end user would raise the delivery mechanism actuator  250 , which in turn causes the pivotal seal mechanism  260  to pivot upwards, separating the seal mechanism pivot member  266  from the delivery port edge  278 . 
     The pivotal mechanism sealing edge  262  of the pivotal seal mechanism  260  and/or the delivery port edge  278  is preferably angled to improve and ensure that a fluid seal is created between the pivotal seal mechanism  260  and the delivery port edge  278 . Additionally, the angled interface surface enhances the pivotal motion. 
     The dry formula mixing apparatus  100  can include various features to aid in determining the volume of the contents placed within the base container  110  and mixing container  140 ,  240 . Volume indicators  119  can be applied to an interior or exterior of the base container tubular sidewall  112 . Similarly a marking such as maximum volume indicator  299  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) can be applied to an interior or exterior of the base container tubular sidewall  112  and/or the mixing container tubular sidewall  142 ,  242 . 
     The dry formula mixing apparatus  100  can be accompanied by a mixing mat  300 , whereby an exemplary embodiment of the mixing mat  300  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The mixing mat  300  is fabricated of any water resistant, waterproof, or water repellant material. It is preferably that the mixing mat  300  is fabricated of a flexible material. The mixing mat  300  can be fabricated of rubber, nylon, a laminated material, vinyl, and the like. The mixing mat  300  is fabricated of a planar sheet of material having a mat upper surface  310  and a mat lower surface  312  bounded by a mat peripheral edge  314 . A mat general indicia  320  can be disposed upon the mat upper surface  310  of the mixing mat  300 , wherein the mat general indicia  320  can be a logo, an instruction set, cooking ingredients, artwork, and the like. A conversion reference  322  can also be disposed upon the mat upper surface  310 , wherein the conversion reference  322  provides a variety of conversions, preferably including those respective to cooking. The conversion reference  322  can also include a conversion respective to the volumes of the base container  110  and/or mixing container  140 ,  240 . 
     In accordance with a second general implementation of the present invention, generally shown in  FIGS. 8-16 , a dry formula mixing apparatus, generally denoted by reference number  350 , is shown in various assembled and disassembled views, as well as in both “opened” and “closed” conditions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-16 , the dry powder mixing apparatus generally includes a liquid (e.g., water) container assembly  400 , a powder container assembly  500 , and a cap  600 . Liquid container  400  includes an outer sidewall  402 , an inner sidewall  404 , and an annular base  406  joining and contiguous with the sidewalls. A stabilizing ring  405  having inwardly projecting ring fins  407  is provided at a lower end (proximate to annular base  406 ) of liquid container  400 . As described further below, the stabilizer ring  405  and ring fins  407  are used to stabilize a corresponding lower end of a powder container  500  (described below). The cross-sectional thickness of outer sidewall  402  is generally uniform, extending upwardly from annular base  406  to integral flange  418  extending outwardly from and circumscribing exterior surface of liquid container outer sidewall  402 . However, the thickness of outer sidewall  402  is preferably increased from an upper surface  419  of flange  417  to an upper edge  412  thereof. A length of external threading  420  is integrated into outer surface  408  of outer sidewall  402  for facilitating rotational twisting or threading engagement with corresponding internal threading  628  of lid  600 . A liquid container interior space or volume  416 , generally defined by liquid container outer wall  402 , inner wall  404  and annular base  406  is used to carry a volume of liquid  409  such as, for example, water. As best shown in  FIGS. 8-11 and 14 , liquid measurement markings, indicia and the like, such as, for example, the 3 ounce (3 oz.) water volume level identified by reference numeral  410 , are preferably provided in a clearly visible manner, along outer sidewall  402 . Although shown disposed on the outer surface  408  of outer sidewall  402 , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such indicial may be provided in any manner as long as they are externally visible to a user. Inner sidewall  404  of liquid container  400  preferably incorporates a uniform thickness for a length extending upwardly from contiguous annular base  406  to upper edge  414  of inner sidewall  404 . A recess  423  provided in exterior surface  408  of outer sidewall  402  for carrying, or having seated therein, a resilient liquid container external seal  422  circumscribing exterior surface  408  of outer sidewall  402  proximate to upper edge  412 . As further described below, while tightening lid  600  onto liquid container  400  resilient liquid seal  422  provides a liquid tight seal against an interior surface of lid upper sidewall portion  604  to effectively prevent undesirable egress (e.g., via leaking) of liquid  409  to an exterior environment. 
     As best depicted in  FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 16 , a powder container  500  having a cylindrical sidewall  502  extending upwardly from contiguous powder container base  504  is provided for carrying a volume of powder  509  such as, for example, dry infant/baby formula. Exterior surface  506  of sidewall  502  of powder container  500  is preferably provided having powder volume measurement markings  508 , for example, the 2 scoops indicia and level marking identified by reference numeral  508 , in a clearly visible manner, along sidewall  402 . Although shown disposed on the outer surface  408  of outer sidewall  402 , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such indicia may be provided in any manner as long as they are externally visible to a user. Powder container  500  has a thickened upper portion  516  of sidewall  502 , which terminates at an outwardly-flanged upper end  510  having a lower surface  512  and an upper surface  514 . A contiguous exterior recess  518  is provided completely circumscribing thickened upper portion  516 . A resilient powder container external seal  520  is provided seated in recess  518 . In a fully assembled state, lower surface  512  of flange  510  rests upon upper edge  414  of liquid container inner sidewall  404 , while powder container seal  520  frictionally engages the interior surface of the inner sidewall  404 , thereby preventing seepage of liquid, dry powder, or a mixture thereof, into the space between liquid container inner sidewall  404  and powder container sidewall  502 , regardless of whether the assembly is in a closed condition/state or an opened (e.g., during mixing) condition/state. 
     Referring now generally to  FIGS. 8-16 , and best depicted in  FIGS. 19-10, 14 and 16 , lid  600  includes a top portion  602  having a sidewall depending downwardly therefrom and contiguous with a perimeter of thereof. More specifically, the lid sidewall includes an upper sidewall portion  604  transitioning into a lower sidewall portion  606  via an outwardly flaring transition portion  605 , finally terminating at bottom edge  630  of the aforementioned lower sidewall portion. A dual purpose hand grip-enhancing and carabiner attachment feature, shown generally as reference numeral  610 , is provided as a generally vertical wall extending upwardly from and contiguous with an upper exterior surface  608  of lid top portion  602 . An upper edge of feature  610  preferable has a downward taper and includes a carabiner aperture  612  extending therethrough. 
     An exterior surface  614  of lower sidewall portion  606  of lid  600  preferably incorporates grip-enhancing indentations to assist a user with rotating the lid. An outer circular vertical wall  620  extends downwardly from, and is contiguous with, a lower interior surface  618  of top portion  602  of lid  600 . Outer circular vertical wall  620  has an exterior surface  622  ( FIG. 13 ), defining a slot  624  between upper sidewall portion  604  of lid  600  and outer circular vertical wall  620 . An inner circular vertical wall  626  extends downwardly from, and is contiguous with, lower interior surface  618  of top portion  602  of lid  600 . A recess  629  provided in a lower edge of inner circular vertical wall  626  is provided having a resilient lid inner circular wall seal seated therein, which sealingly engages upper surface  514  of flange  510  of powder container  500  when lid  600  is in a completely tightened closed state/condition, effectively functioning to prevent any egress of powder volume  509  from containment within powder container  500 . 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described embodiments and implementation of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.