Retrofitted bottle assembly

Abstract

A retrofitted bottle assembly, comprising a bottle; a cradle configured to be removably attached to the bottle; and a cap removably attachable to the cradle. The cradle comprising a top section having a tapered section at its bottom part for receiving a mixer and a ratchet feature on a bottom surface of the tapered section; a bottom section configured to engage with the bottle; and a holder assembly disposed within the cradle. The holder assembly comprising at least two holders configured to receive and secure the mixer. The mixer and the cradle engage to divide the bottle into at least two separately sealed compartments, such that the bottle defines a first compartment, and the cradle defines a second compartment. The ratchet feature is configured to engage with the holders to radially actuate the holders and release the mixer in response to rotation of the top section.

Description

1. THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a bottle for storing and dispensing liquid. More particularly, the present invention relates to retrofitting an existing bottle to create multiple independent sealed compartments within a single bottle structure.2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In many applications, there is a need for containers and storage devices for liquids such as bottles to store and preserve two distinct substances, which may require isolation from each other to maintain their quality, stability, or effectiveness. For example, separating baby formula or protein powder or other consumable media-such as gel, granules, paste, or dissolvable tablet-from water is a common need, as these substances must be mixed just before consumption to prevent premature degradation or clumping.

[0003] Currently, several solutions are available for dual-compartment containers, particularly in the context of baby formula or protein powder storage. One such solution is disclosed in China Utility Model Publication No. 219251021U, which describes a bottle with two compartments, one for storing liquid and another for powdered substance, such as baby formula. The compartments are separated by a removable seal that allows the powder to be released into the liquid when needed.

[0004] Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,450 B1, which also relates to a dual-compartment bottle design for mixing powdered substances, such as protein powder, with liquid. The dual-compartment bottle design incorporates two chambers within the bottle, each sealed independently, and a mechanism to release the powder into the liquid when required.

[0005] Many existing dual-compartment bottle designs have significant limitations that hinder their practicality, sustainability, and user-friendliness. These limitations include a lack of modularity, limited reusability, poor sustainability and difficulties in cleaning and maintenance.

[0006] One of the primary shortcomings of current dual-compartment bottles is their inability to retrofit existing standard, single-compartment bottles. Most designs require entirely new bottle structures, which are often proprietary and incompatible with widely available containers. This not only increases costs for consumers but also limits flexibility, as users are forced to adopt specific bottle designs rather than adapting their existing ones.

[0007] Moreover, the non-retrofittable nature of these bottles discourages the reuse of standard containers, contributing to increased material waste and undermining sustainability efforts. In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the inability to repurpose existing bottles represents a significant drawback.

[0008] Another major issue with conventional dual-compartment bottles is their complex internal mechanisms. These mechanisms often make the bottles difficult to disassemble and clean thoroughly. Residual moisture, product buildup, and bacterial growth in hard-to-reach areas can lead to hygiene concerns and potential contamination. This is particularly problematic for applications requiring high standards of cleanliness, such as the storage of baby formula, protein supplements, or pharmaceutical preparations.

[0009] Furthermore, the lack of modularity in existing designs restricts their adaptability for different use cases. Users are often constrained by fixed compartment sizes and configurations, which may not meet their specific needs. This rigidity limits the utility of dual-compartment bottles across diverse industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care.

[0010] In light of these challenges, there is a clear and pressing need for a technical solution that addresses the abovementioned problems. An ideal solution would:

[0011] (1) Enable the retrofitting of standard, single-compartment bottles into dual-compartment containers, promoting cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

[0012] (2) Feature a simple, modular design that is easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble, ensuring hygiene and reducing the risk of contamination.

[0013] (3) Offer flexibility in compartment configuration to accommodate a wide range of applications and user requirements.

[0014] (4) Prioritize user convenience and environmental responsibility by minimizing waste and maximizing reusability.

[0015] Given these challenges, there is a clear need for a technical solution that addresses the limitations of existing dual-compartment bottle designs. Such a technical solution should prioritize modularity, ease of cleaning, retrofitting capability, sustainability, and user convenience to meet the evolving demands of consumers and industries. By bridging these gaps, an innovative approach would not only enhance the functionality of liquid storage containers but also contribute to environmental sustainability and user satisfaction.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is a retrofitted bottle assembly, comprising a bottle defining a first compartment for holding a first liquid; a cradle configured to be removably attached to the bottle, and a cap removably attachable to the cradle. The cradle further comprising a top section defining a second compartment for holding a second liquid or a powdered medium, wherein the top section having a tapered section at its bottom part for receiving a mixer and a ratchet feature on a bottom surface of the tapered section; a bottom section configured to engage with the bottle and support the top section; and a holder assembly disposed within the cradle, wherein the holder assembly comprising at least two holders configured to receive and secure the mixer in a locked state. The mixer and the cradle engage to divide the bottle into at least two separately sealed compartments, such that the bottle defines a first compartment for holding a first substance, and the cradle defines a second compartment for holding a second substance, wherein the first and second substances remain separated when the bottle is in a closed or locked state for storage or transport. The ratchet feature is configured to engage with the holders to radially actuate the holders and release the mixer in response to rotation of a top section by a user.

[0017] In an embodiment, the holder assembly further comprises an elastic component configured to bias the holders into an adjacent alignment and allow the controlled release of the mixer.

[0018] In an embodiment, the ratchet feature is further configured to act as a locking means to prevent unintended ejection of the mixer. Preferably, the ratchet feature having two pinnacles and a notch on its centre, and wherein the notch is configured to receive a tab that protrudes vertically from the holders, and wherein the pinnacles is configured to partially limit a user from rotating the top section.

[0019] In an embodiment, the bottom section includes at least two mounting pins positioned within a central slot rim to aid in aligning and securing the holder assembly between the top section and the bottom section. Each holder having a mounting hole configured to receive one mounting pin to ensure precise positioning of the holder assembly.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the bottom section includes four mounting pins positioned within a central slot rim and 90° apart from each other to aid in aligning and securing the holder assembly between the top section and the bottom section. Each holder having a mounting hole configured to receive one mounting pin, and wherein the holder assembly further comprises an elastic component configured to bias the holders into an adjacent alignment, and wherein the elastic component includes a portion designed to receive one mounting pin.

[0021] In an embodiment, the top section includes an arrow indicator on its outer surface and the bottom section includes a lock indicator on its outer surface, the arrow indicator and lock indicator being configured to indicate the state of the mixer, wherein alignment of the arrow indicator with the lock indicator signifies that the mixer is securely retained at the centre of the cradle.

[0022] In an embodiment, the mixer has a target weight designed to facilitate efficient mixing and remains buoyant in drinking mode to allow an unobstructed flow of the mixed liquid. Preferably, the mixer having a disk-like profile and features a hollow knob on each side, wherein the hollow knobs are positioned at the centre of the mixer for providing a convenient grip for the user to easily handle and hold the mixer.

[0023] In an embodiment, the bottle, cradle, and cap engage through threaded connections to ensure a secure and leak-proof seal.

[0024] In an embodiment, the cradle includes a sealing ring positioned between the top section and bottom section to prevent leakage between the first and second compartments. In another embodiment, the bottom section comprises an over-moulded seal feature integrated at a connection between the bottom section and the bottle to provide a watertight seal.

[0025] In an embodiment, the top section includes a gripper rib designed to enhance grip and prevent slipping.

[0026] In an embodiment, the bottom section further includes drainage openings configured to allow excess liquid or moisture to escape, maintaining a dry environment within the second compartment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include an exemplary or preferred embodiment of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It should be understood, however, the disclosed preferred embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention. Therefore, the figures disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 1(a) shows a front view of a cradle according to an embodiment of the present invention being assembled to a bottle.

[0029] FIG. 1 (b) shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the cradle of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 3 (a) shows a perspective view of a top section of the cradle of FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 3 (b) shows a bottom view of the top section of FIG. 3 (a).

[0033] FIG. 4 (a) shows a bottom view of a bottom section of the cradle of FIG. 2.

[0034] FIG. 4 (b) shows a perspective view of the bottom section of FIG. 4 (a).

[0035] FIG. 4 (c) shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom section according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a holder assembly of the cradle of FIG. 2.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claim and for teaching one skilled in the art of the invention. The numerical data or ranges used in the specification are not to be construed as limiting.

[0038] For the purposes of the invention, the term “bottle” as used herein includes various types of liquid containers, such as standard bottles, sports bottles, and baby bottles. For the purposes of the invention, the term “cap” may include a conventional cap, a drinking spout, or a teat, depending on the bottle type. For the purposes of the invention, the term “substance” refers to consumable media, including, but not limited to, liquids, powders, gels, granules, pastes, capsules / tablets or any combination thereof.

[0039] Exemplary embodiments relate to a cradle which may be retrofitted to an existing bottle to convert the bottle to two separately sealed compartments. Reference is initially made to FIG. 1 (a) and (b) which illustrate a front and cross-sectional views of a cradle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention being assembled to a bottle 2.

[0040] The bottle 2 is configured to function independently as a single liquid container or, when attached to the cradle 1, to facilitate the storage of two different substances such as two different liquids or liquid and powdered medium separately. The bottle 2 is also configured to facilitate the mixing of the two different substances and dispensing the mixture through a cap 3. The bottle 2 comprises a main body, an opening at the top, and a base at the bottom.

[0041] Preferably, the bottle 2 is constructed from food-safe materials such as polyethylene terephthalate, PET, high density polyethylene, HDPE, stainless steel or glass. Additionally, the bottle 2 is generally cylindrical in shape. In an alternative embodiment, the bottle 2 may have an ergonomic shape, typically cylindrical or contoured, for comfortable handling.

[0042] The bottle 2 having threads on its outer surface adjacent to the opening, which engage with corresponding threads on an inner surface of the cradle 1 or the cap 3 to achieve an axially aligned connection. Alternatively, the threads on the bottle 2 may be located on its inner surface adjacent to the opening, whereas the threads on the cradle 1 or cap 3 may be located on their outer surface. Inner diameter of the opening is designed in such a way that it is able to receive the cradle 1 or the cap 3 and have a leak-proof connection when attached.

[0043] The cradle 1 is generally cylindrical in shape and is configured to hold a mixer 5, wherein the mixer 5 and the cradle 1 engage with each other to convert the bottle 2 into two separately sealed compartments. The bottle 2 functions as a first compartment for holding a first substance, which is preferably liquid, while the cradle 1 function as a second compartment for holding a second substance, which may be a different liquid, powdered medium, or gel when the bottle 2 is in closed or locked state for storage or transport prior to use. Assembly and operation of the bottle 2 will be described later in this specification. Reference is now made to FIG. 2, an exemplary cradle 1 will now be described in greater detail.

[0044] The cradle 1 comprises a holder assembly 30 and two separate sections, namely, a top section 10 and a bottom section 20. The holder assembly 30 is placed between the top section 10 and the bottom section 20. Moreover, the top section 10 and the bottom section 20 are securely connected together through friction fit, ensuring a tight and stable engagement that prevents unintended separation while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly. Preferably, there is provided a sealing ring 41 at the connection between the top section 10 and the bottom section 20 to provide a watertight connection.

[0045] The top section 10 having threads 11 on its outer surface adjacent to its top part, which engage with corresponding threads on an inner surface of the cap 3 to achieve an axially aligned connection. Alternatively, the threads 11 on the top section 10 may be located on its inner surface adjacent to its top part, whereas the threads on the cap 3 may be located on its outer surface. Inner diameter of the top part of the top section 10 is designed in such a way that it is able to receive the cap 3 and have a leak-proof connection when attached.

[0046] Preferably, the outer surface of the top section 10, just below the threads 11, includes a gripper rib 12 designed to enhance grip and prevent slipping. The gripper rib 12 is a raised or textured feature that improves handling. While the top section 10 is described as having a gripper rib 12, it will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that other grip-enhancing features, such as a non-slip surface or an ergonomic shape, may be used as alternatives.

[0047] Additionally, it is also preferable for the outer surface of the top section 10 to have an arrow indicator 12, as shown in FIG. 3 (a). The arrow indicator 12 is configured to indicate the state of the mixer 5. Generally, there are two states of the mixer 5, namely, a locked or closed state and an eject state. In the locked state, the mixer 5 is securely held at a centre of the cradle 1, preventing movement of the mixer 5. Consequently, the mixer 5 functions as a seal between the two compartments. Hence separating the different substances. On the other hand, in the eject state, the mixer 5 is released from the cradle 1 and falls into the first substance in the bottle 2, allowing the different substances to mix together.

[0048] The top section 10 having a tapered section 14 at its bottom part that extends into the bottom section 20, wherein inner diameter of the tapered section 14 corresponds to the diameter of the mixer 5. This configuration allows the mixer 5 to be securely positioned at the centre of the tapered section 14.

[0049] In addition, the tapered section 14 having at least one ratchet feature 15 on its bottom surface as shown in FIG. 3 (b), wherein the ratchet feature 15 is located adjacent to an inner rim of the tapered section 14. The ratchet feature 15 is configured to engage the holder assembly 30 in order to release the mixer 5.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the ratchet feature 15 having two pinnacles and a notch on its centre, wherein the ratchet feature 15 is further configured to act as a locking means to prevent unintentional ejection of the mixer 5. The notch of the ratchet feature 15 is configured to receive a tab 34 of the holder assembly 30, while the pinnacles of the ratchet feature 15 is configured to partially limit the user from rotating the top section 10 clockwise or counterclockwise, which consequently prevent the ratchet feature 15 from being rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Thus, the notch and pinnacles of the ratchet feature 15 effectively prevent unintentional release of the mixer 5. Preferably, tapered section 14 having two ratchet features 15 on its bottom surface, wherein the ratchet features 15 are located opposite to each other.

[0051] Similar to the top section 10, the bottom section 20 having threads on its inner surface adjacent to its bottom part, which engage with corresponding threads on the outer surface of the bottle 2 to achieve an axially aligned connection. Alternatively, the threads on the bottom section 20 may be located on its outer surface adjacent to its bottom part, whereas the threads on the bottle 2 may be located on its inner surface. Inner diameter of the bottom part of the bottom section 20 is designed in such a way that it is able to receive the bottle 2 and have a leak-proof connection when attached. Moreover, there is provided a sealing ring at the connection between the bottom section 20 and the bottle 2 to provide a watertight connection. Alternatively, an over-moulded seal feature 211 may be integrated into the bottom section 20 at its connection with the bottle 2, as shown in FIG. 4 (c) to achieve the same watertight effect.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom section 20 having a plurality of drainage openings 27, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), configured to allow the efficient removal of excess liquid or moisture that may accumulate at the connection between the bottom section 20 and the bottle 2. The drainage openings 27 ensure that any liquids that might spill over or condense at the connection between the bottom section 20 and the bottle 2 can be effectively removed. This feature helps maintain a dry environment within the top section (10), which is particularly beneficial when storing a powdered medium that is sensitive to moisture.

[0053] It is preferable that an outer surface of the bottom section 10 to have a lock indicator 21, whereby when the arrow indicator 12 of the top section 10 is aligned with the lock indicator 21, it indicates that the mixer 5 is in the locked or closed state while when the arrow indicator 12 is not aligned with the lock indicator 21, it indicates that the mixer 5 is in the eject state.

[0054] The bottom section 20 comprises two circular ribs: an outer rib 23 and an inner rib 24. As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the outer rib 23 is positioned near the outer rim of the bottom section 20, while the inner rib 24 is located within the boundary of the outer rib 23.

[0055] Preferably, the outer rib 23 is slightly taller than the inner rib 24, providing a stepped support structure. Both ribs are configured to stabilize and guide the tapered section 14 of the top section 10 as it extends into the bottom section 20, ensuring a secure fit and proper alignment during assembly. Additionally, the height difference between the ribs may help enhance sealing, reduce unwanted movement, and improve structural integrity when the top section 10 and bottom section 20 are connected.

[0056] The inner rib 24 is configured to house the holder assembly 30. Additionally, at the centre of the inner rib 24 is a central slot 25, whereby similar to the tapered section 14 of the top portion 10, the diameter of the central slot 25 of the bottom section 20 also corresponds to the diameter of the mixer 5. This configuration allows the mixer 5 to be securely positioned within the central slot 25.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, within the rim of the central slot 25, the bottom section 20 further having at least two mounting pins 26, which serve as orientation guides to assist the user in correctly assembling the holder assembly 30 between the top section 10 and the bottom section 20. Preferably, the bottom section 20 having four mounting pins 26 located 90° apart from each other.

[0058] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, an exemplary holder assembly 30 will now be described in greater detail. The holder assembly 30 are configured to receive the mixer 5 at their centre. The holder assembly 30 comprises at least two cooperating holders 31, connected with two elastic components 32 to form a unibody part. The holders 31 collectively function to receive and support the mixer 5 at the centre of the holder assembly 30. Each holder 31 is in a form of a semi-circle, wherein when the holders 31 are placed adjacent to each other, and together with the elastic components 32 they form a complete circle. Additionally, each holder 31 having a mounting hole 33 configured to receive corresponding mounting pin 26. This interlocking design ensures precise positioning of the holder assembly 30 and minimises the risk of misalignment or improper assembly of the holder assembly 30. Moreover, the mounting pins 26 and mounting holes 33 not only act as guides for alignment but also help enhance structural stability, preventing unintended movement or detachment of the holder assembly 30 during use. Although it is described herein that the mounting holes 33 are used to guide the alignment, a person skilled in the art would understand that the mounting hole 33 may be substituted with an alternative positioning feature such as perimeter rib integrated in bottom section 20 to provide the same functionality.

[0059] Each holder 31 also having a tab 34 which protrudes vertically to engage with the corresponding ratchet feature 15 of the top section 10. Preferably, the tab 34 is triangular, wherein the shape of the tab 34 corresponds to the shape of the notch of the ratchet feature 15. When the tab 34 is positioned within the notch of the ratchet feature 15, the holders 31 are brought into adjacent alignment. As a result, the circular shape formed by the holders 31 corresponds to the diameter of the mixer 5. This configuration allows the holders 31 to securely receive and support the mixer 5 at the centre of the holder assembly. On the other hand, when tip of the tab 34 engage with any of the pinnacle of the ratchet feature 15, the holders 31 are radially actuated. As a result, the holders 31 are spaced apart and the mixer 5 is ejected into the bottle 2.

[0060] The elastic components 32 are configured to hold the holders 31 together while providing a biasing force that urges the holders 31 into adjacent alignment. This ensures that the holders 31 remain securely positioned to receive and support the mixer 5 at the centre of the holder assembly 30. Examples of the elastic components 32 include but are not limited to rubber band, torsion spring, and a polymeric flex joint.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, each elastic component 32 includes a portion specifically designed to receive a mounting pin 26, facilitating secure attachment while ensuring proper engagement and release of the mixer 5 when necessary.

[0062] The mixer 5 is preferably a disk-like profile and features a hollow knob on each side. These hollow knobs are positioned at the centre of the mixer 5, providing a convenient grip for the user to easily handle and hold the mixer 5. Furthermore, the mixer 5 having a groove on its circumference to fittedly engage with the holders 31. Preferably, the mixer 15 is designed with an optimal weight to facilitate efficient mixing. In drinking mode, the mixer 15 remains buoyant, ensuring an unobstructed flow of the mixed liquid.

[0063] The process of assembling the cradle 1 onto the bottle 2 will be described in detail below.

[0064] Before the cradle 1 is threaded onto the bottle 2 and the cap 3, the cradle 1 is first assembled separately. The assembly process begins with placing the holder assembly 30 onto the bottom section 20. During this step, the mounting holes 33 of the holders 31 and the elastic component 32 are carefully aligned with the mounting pins 26 of the bottom section 20 ensuring proper positioning. To ensure proper assembly and prevent incorrect placement, the mounting pins 26 for the holders 31 and the mounting pins 26 for the elastic component 32 are designed using a poka-yoke mechanism. Specifically, these mounting pins 26 have distinct shapes, sizes, or positioning, ensuring that each component can only be assembled in its correct orientation. This prevents the holder assembly 30 from being incorrectly positioned onto the bottom section 20, thereby enhancing ease of assembly and ensuring functional reliability.

[0065] Once the holder assembly 30 is secured, the sealing ring 41 is placed onto the bottom section 20 to provide a tight seal and prevent leakage. The step of placing the sealing ring 41 onto the bottom section 20 may be omitted if the seal feature is the over-moulded seal feature 211 integrated into the bottom section 20, as it would inherently provide a tight seal and prevent leakage.

[0066] The top section 10 is then snap fitted into place, ensuring that the arrow indicator 12 is aligned with the lock indicator 21 to confirm proper orientation and secure engagement. Alternatively, the top section 10 can be snapped onto bottom section 20 without aligning the arrow indicator 12 with the lock indicator 21.

[0067] After snapping, the top section 10 can then be rotated to align the arrow indicator 12 with the lock indicator 21 to secure engagement. During this step, the tabs 34 of the holders 31 are aligned with the notch of the ratchet features 15. The ratchet features 15 act as a locking means to prevent unintentional ejection of the mixer 5, whereby the pinnacles of the ratchet features 15 partially limit the user from rotating the top section 10 clockwise or counterclockwise. Consequently, preventing the ratchet features 15 from being rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0068] Thereon, the mixer 5 is inserted to the centre of the holder assembly 30. As the mixer 5 is being inserted, the holders 31 radially actuates to receive the mixer 5. Once the mixer 5 is in place, the cradle 1 is ready to act as a second compartment to accept the second substance such as a powder medium, liquid, gel, granule, paste, or dissolvable tablet. The bottle 2 shall act as a first compartment to accept the first substance, which is preferably a liquid. Once the cradle 1 is threaded onto the bottle 2 and the cap 3 is threaded onto the cradle 1, the assembly of the retrofitted bottle is complete, effectively dividing the bottle 2 into two separately sealed compartments. The retrofitted bottle is now ready to store two different substances separately, such different liquids or a liquid and powdered medium.

[0069] The operation of the bottle 2 will now be described in detail below.

[0070] Generally, in operation, the user first pours the desired volume of the first substance, which is preferably liquid, in the bottle 2, which acts a first compartment. Next, the second substance—such as a different liquid, powdered medium, granules, paste, suspension, emulsion, foam, or dissolvable tablet, including but not limited to baby formula or a supplementp13 is placed into the top section 10 of the cradle 1, which act as the second compartment. Once the desired contents are added, the user assembles the retrofitted bottle by securely threading the cradle 1 onto the bottle 2 to form a sealed connection between the two compartments. Finally, the cap 3 is threaded onto the cradle 1, completing the assembly and ensuring both compartments remain separately sealed until intended for mixing.

[0071] When the user wants to mix the second substance with the liquid, the user firmly grips the bottle 2 and rotates the top section 10 of the cradle 1 by clutching the gripper ribs 12 for a secure grip. The top section 10 may be rotated in either direction, clockwise or counterclockwise. As the top section 10 is rotated, the ratchet features 15 are also rotated in the same direction as the rotation of the top section 10.

[0072] As the ratchet features 15 being rotated, the pinnacles of the ratchet features 15 moves, and the pinnacles of the ratchet features 15 engage with the tab 34 of both holders 31. Consequently, the holders 31 are radially actuated and the hold on the mixer 5 loosen, causing the mixer 15 to fall into the liquid in the first compartment. Accordingly, the second substance in the first compartment may now be mixed with the liquid in the first compartment. In order to thoroughly mix the second substance with the liquid, the user need only to shake the retrofitted bottle well before consuming the drink.

[0073] Moreover, as the ratchet features 15 are further rotated, the pinnacle of the ratchet features 15 disengages from the tabs 34 of holders 31. The elastic components 32 bias the holders 31 back into adjacent alignment.

[0074] The invention being thus described, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the embodiments as disclosed therein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims unless the claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A retrofitted bottle assembly, comprising:a bottlea cradle configured to be removably attached to the bottle, wherein the cradle further comprising:a top section having a tapered section at its bottom part for receiving a mixer and a ratchet feature on a bottom surface of the tapered section;a bottom section configured to engage with the bottle and support the top section; anda holder assembly disposed within the cradle, wherein the holder assembly comprising at least two holders configured to receive and secure the mixer in a locked state; anda cap removably attachable to the cradle;wherein the mixer and the cradle engage to divide the bottle into at least two separately sealed compartments, such that the bottle defines a first compartment for holding a first substance, and the cradle defines a second compartment for holding a second substance, wherein the first and second substances remain separated when the bottle is in a closed or locked state for storage or transport;wherein the ratchet feature is configured to engage with the holders to radially actuate the holders and release the mixer in response to rotation of a top section by a user.

2. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder assembly further comprises an elastic component configured to bias the holders into an adjacent alignment and allow the controlled release of the mixer.

3. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratchet feature is further configured to act as a locking means to prevent unintended ejection of the mixer.

4. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ratchet feature having two pinnacles and a notch on its centre, and wherein the notch is configured to receive a tab that protrudes vertically from the holders, and wherein the pinnacles is configured to partially limit a user from rotating the top section.

5. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom section includes at least two mounting pins positioned within a central slot rim to aid in aligning and securing the holder assembly between the top section and the bottom section.

6. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein each holder having a mounting hole configured to receive one mounting pin to ensure precise positioning of the holder assembly.

7. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom section includes four mounting pins positioned within a central slot rim and 90° apart from each other to aid in aligning and securing the holder assembly between the top section and the bottom section.

8. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein each holder having a mounting hole configured to receive one mounting pin, and wherein the holder assembly further comprises an elastic component configured to bias the holders into an adjacent alignment, and wherein the elastic component includes a portion designed to receive one mounting pin.

9. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top section includes an arrow indicator on its outer surface and the bottom section includes a lock indicator on its outer surface, the arrow indicator and lock indicator being configured to indicate the state of the mixer, wherein alignment of the arrow indicator with the lock indicator signifies that the mixer is securely retained at the centre of the cradle.

10. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mixer has a target weight designed to facilitate efficient mixing and remains buoyant in drinking mode to allow an unobstructed flow of the mixed liquid.

11. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mixer having a disk-like profile and features a hollow knob on each side, wherein the hollow knobs are positioned at the centre of the mixer for providing a convenient grip for the user to easily handle and hold the mixer.

12. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottle, cradle, and cap engage through threaded connections to ensure a secure and leak-proof seal.

13. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cradle includes a sealing ring positioned between the top section and bottom section to prevent leakage between the first and second compartments.

14. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom section comprises an over-moulded seal feature integrated at a connection between the bottom section and the bottle to provide a watertight seal.

15. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top section includes a gripper rib designed to enhance grip and prevent slipping.

16. The retrofitted bottle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom section further includes drainage openings configured to allow excess liquid or moisture to escape, maintaining a dry environment within the second compartment.

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