Two compartment container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a two compartment container, and more particularly, to a two compartment container for holding two fluids separate until such time as mixing is desired. Mixing is achieved utilizing a series of springs and valves under different compressive and exertive forces.

1 . A container for mixing two stored fluids comprising:
 a first compartment for holding a first fluid;   a second compartment for holding a second fluid;   a valve for preventing the mixing of the first and second fluid;   a first tension mechanism for maintaining the valve in a normally closed position;   a piston held in position by a second tension mechanism; and   a release mechanism for releasing the second tension mechanism,
 wherein the release of the second tension mechanism causes the piston to open the normally closed valve, allowing the second fluid to flow past the valve into the first compartment. 
   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1  where the first tensioning mechanism is a first spring and the second tensioning mechanism is a second spring. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2  where the spring constant of the first spring is less than the spring constant of the second spring. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1  further comprising a perforated adapter positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the second compartment for holding the second fluid comprises an inner compartment and an outer compartment and the second fluid is contained in the inner compartment. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the outer compartment is rotated with respect to the first compartment to release the second tension mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . A method for preparing a two compartment container for mixing two isolated fluids comprising:
 inserting a first fluid in a first compartment;   inserting a second fluid in a second compartment, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are coupled;   isolating, via a valve between the first compartment and second compartment, the first and second fluids;   positioning a first tension mechanism to maintain the valve in a normally closed position;   positioning a second tension mechanism to hold a piston in a first position, such that upon release of the second tension mechanism the piston moves to a second position providing for the second fluid to flow past the valve into the first compartment.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the first tension mechanism is a first spring and the second tension mechanism is a second spring. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the spring constant of the first spring is less than the spring constant of the second spring. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising a perforated adapter positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the second compartment for holding the second fluid comprises an inner compartment and an outer compartment and the second fluid is contained in the inner compartment. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the outer compartment is rotated with respect to the first compartment to release the second tension mechanism.