WO2017196719A1

WO2017196719A1 - Heated or cooled dishware and drinkware and food containers

Info

Publication number: WO2017196719A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/031534
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clayton Alexander; Daren John LEITH; Mikko Juhani TIMPERI; Christopher Thomas WAKEHAM
Original assignee: Embertechnologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2016-05-12
Filing date: 2017-05-08
Publication date: 2017-11-16
Also published as: WO2017196719A8

Abstract

An actively heated or cooled food container can have a lid movable between an open and a closed position and an insulated body to which the lid can be attached. The insulated body can have a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the container body and a base, the sidewall and base defining one or more chambers that can be sealed by the lid. The food container can have a temperature control system that can include one or more heating or cooling elements in thermal communication with one or both of the sidewall and the base and operable to heat or cool one or both of the sidewall and the base to thereby heat or cool the one or more chambers in the food container.

Description

HEATED OR COOLED DISHWARE AND DRINKWARE AND FOOD

CONTAINERS

BACKGROUND

Field

[0001] The invention is directed to dishware and drinkware and food containers, such as plates, mugs, soup containers and lunch boxes, and more particularly to actively heated or cooled dishware and drinkware and food containers.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Dishware (e.g., plates, bowls), serverware (e.g., platters, serving dishes, hot plates) and drinkware (e.g., cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, baby bottles, drinking bottles) are sometimes made of ceramic materials. Plates are sometimes heated by placing into an oven, so that the food on the plate can be maintained warm for a longer time than if the plate was not heated. For example, in some restaurants, plates will be heated prior to food being placed thereon, or simultaneously with the food (e.g., a steak) thereon. For example, a plate holding a steak can be placed into an oven to cook the steak, and once removed the plate maintains the food warm for a while. In some instances, a plate or bowl might also be chilled to maintain food thereon cold for a longer period of time (e.g., salad, gazpacho) than if the plate was not chilled. However, such heating and cooling mechanisms are passive mechanisms that rely on the release of heat, in the case of a heated plate, or the absorption of heat, in the case of a chilled plate, by the plate based on the heat transfer properties of the ceramic material.

[0003] However, technology for actively heating, or cooling, dishwasher safe dishware or drinkware or food containers is not readily available. Accordingly, there is a need for dishware (e.g., plates, bowls), serverware (e.g., platters, serving dishes, hot plates), drinkware (e.g., cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, baby bottles, drinking bottles) and food containers (e.g. lunch boxes, soup containers) that can be actively heated or cooled during use. SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with one embodiment, an actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The actively heated mug or travel mug comprises a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating system. The heating system comprises one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, and a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source. The heating system further comprises control circuitry electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, the control circuitry configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The heating system further comprises one or more sensors configured to sense a parameter of the liquid and/or sense a parameter of the heating system and communicate said sensed parameter information to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to turn on, turn off, and/or operate the one or more heating elements at a given power setting based at least in part on the sensed parameter information.

[0005] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The actively heated mug or travel mug comprises a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid, the body having a vacuum insulated chamber configured to reduce the rate in which heat energy exits the mug or travel mug, and a heating system. The heating system comprises one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, and a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source. The heating system further comprises control circuitry electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, the control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements.

[0006] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The actively heated mug or travel mug comprises a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid, and a heating system. The heating system comprises one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, and control circuitry electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, the control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The actively heated mug or travel mug further comprises a user interface on a surface of the body, the user interface being electrically connected to the control circuitry and having one or more user actuatable controls to provide operating instructions to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to operate the one or more heating elements to actively heat at least a portion of the body to maintain the liquid in a heated state generally at a user selected temperature setting based at least in part on said instructions.

[0007] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The actively heated mug or travel mug comprises a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid, and a heating system. The heating system comprises one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source, and control circuitry electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, the control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The heating system further comprises a wireless transmitter or receiver and/or transceiver configured to establish a communication connection with a remote device or mobile electronic device.

[0008] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle or liquid container is provided comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, control circuitry configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, and one or more liquid level sensors configured to sense a liquid level in the receiving portion and to communicate the sensed liquid level to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to operate each of the one or more heating or cooling elements independently of each other based at least in part on the sensed liquid level, such that the control circuitry can turn off or turn on or reduce power to or increase power to at least one of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed liquid level. In a further aspect, where the one or more heating or cooling elements are one or more thermoelectric elements, the control circuitry can reverse polarity to at least one of the one or more thermoelectric elements.

[0009] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle or liquid container is provided comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, and control circuitry configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements. The control of or location of the one or more heating or cooling elements is configured to induce a circulation of liquid within the receiving portion of the body to maintain substantially uniform liquid temperature within the volume of liquid in the receiving portion.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle or liquid container is provided comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receiver power from a power source, control circuitry electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, the control circuitry configured to control the charging of the one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements to maintain a temperature of the liquid at a predetermined drinking temperature or within a predetermined drinking temperature range, and one or more ultrasound liquid sensors configured to sense a level of the liquid in the receiving portion via a change in frequency and to communicate said sensed level information to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to operate the one or more heating or cooling elements to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body to maintain the temperature of the liquid generally at a user selected or factory preset drinking temperature setting based at least in part on the sensed liquid level.

[0011] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle or liquid container is provided comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, and control circuitry configured to control the charging of the one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements to maintain a temperature of the liquid at a predetermined drinking temperature or within a predetermined drinking temperature range. A wireless transmitter or receiver and/or transceiver is configured to establish a communication connection with a remote device or mobile electronic device, the transceiver configured to transmit operation information to the remote device or mobile electronic device as well as to receive instructions from the remote device or mobile electronic device. A display screen is on a surface of the body, the display screen being electrically connected to the control circuitry.

[0012] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle or liquid container is provided comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, one or more temperature sensors configured to sense a temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion, and control circuitry configured to communicate with the one or more temperature sensors and to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed temperature. A wireless transmitter or transceiver configured to establish a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet computer, wherein the transmitter or transceiver is configured to transmit sensed temperature information or information related to sensed temperature information to the mobile phone or tablet computer to display said sensed temperature information on the mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0013] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle or liquid container is provided comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, one or more temperature sensors configured to sense a temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion, and control circuitry configured to communicate with the one or more temperature sensors and to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed temperature. A wireless transmitter or transceiver configured to establish a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet computer. A display screen or indicator lights are on a surface of the body, the display screen or indicator lights being electrically connected to the control circuitry and configured to display the sensed temperature information or display a message and/or visual indication related to the sensed temperature information. The transmitter or transceiver is configured to transmit sensed temperature information or information related to sensed temperature information to the mobile phone or tablet computer to display said sensed temperature information or a message and/or notification related to the sensed temperature on the mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0014] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle or liquid container is provided comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, one or more temperature sensors configured to sense a temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion, and control circuitry configured to communicate with the one or more temperature sensors and to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed temperature. A wireless receiver or transceiver is configured to establish a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet computer, wherein the receiver or transceiver is configured to receive operating instructions from the remote mobile phone or tablet computer, the control circuitry configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements at least in part based on said received operating instructions from the mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0015] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle or liquid container is provided comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, and one or more liquid level sensors configured to sense a liquid level in the receiving portion. A wireless transmitter or transceiver is configured to establish a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet computer, wherein the transmitter or transceiver is configured to transmit sensed liquid level information to the mobile phone or tablet computer to display said liquid level information on the mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0016] In accordance with one aspect, an actively heated or cooled portable container is provided. The container comprises a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and inner bottom wall for receiving and holding a liquid, and a heating and cooling system housed in the portable body. The heating and cooling system comprises a cooling element comprising a phase change material disposed in a chamber that surrounds at least a portion of the inner sidewall so that the phase change material is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body, the phase change material configured to transition from one phase to a second phase at a predetermined temperature. The heating and cooling system also comprises a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or inner bottom wall of the portable body. The heating and cooling system also comprises control circuitry disposed in a portion of the portable body, the control circuitry configured to control the operation of the heating element. The heating and cooling system also comprises one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and control circuitry. The cooling element removes heat from a liquid disposed in the receiving portion that has a temperature above the predetermined temperature to lower the temperature of the liquid toward the predetermined temperature, and the control circuitry controls the heating element to add heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the temperature of the liquid at said predetermined temperature or increase the temperature of the liquid above said predetermined temperature.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect, an actively heated or cooled portable container is provided. The container comprises a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and inner bottom wall for receiving and holding a liquid, and a heating and cooling system housed in the portable body. The heating and cooling system comprises means for passively cooling at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body to remove heat from a liquid in the receiving portion of the portable body, a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or inner bottom wall of the portable body, control circuitry disposed in a portion of the portable body, the control circuitry configured to control the operation of the heating element, and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and control circuitry. The control circuitry controls the heating element to add heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature or increase the temperature of the liquid above said predetermined temperature.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect, an actively heated or cooled portable container is provided. The container comprises a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and inner bottom wall for receiving and holding a liquid and an outer sidewall radially spaced apart from the inner sidewall to define an annular chamber therebetween. The container also comprises a heating and cooling system housed in the portable body, comprising a cooling element comprising a heat sink disposed in the annular chamber that is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body, a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or inner bottom wall of the portable body, control circuitry disposed in a portion of the portable body, the control circuitry configured to control the operation of the heating element, and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and control circuitry. The cooling element removes heat from a liquid disposed in the receiving portion, and wherein the control circuitry controls the heating element to add heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature or increase the temperature of the liquid above said predetermined temperature.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect, an actively heated container is provided, comprising a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and inner bottom wall for receiving and holding a liquid and an outer sidewall radially spaced apart from the inner sidewall to define an annular chamber therebetween. The container also comprises an active heating system, comprising one or more heating elements in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or inner bottom wall of the portable body, control circuitry disposed in a portion of the portable body, the control circuitry configured to control the operation of the one or more heating elements, and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the control circuitry and the one or more heating elements. The control circuitry is configured to calculate a volume of the liquid in the receiving portion of the portable body based on sensed information indicative of a temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion.

[0020] In accordance with one aspect, a heated or cooled food container is provided. The food container comprises a lid movable between an open and a closed position, and an insulated body having a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the body and a base, the sidewall and base defining a chamber configured to be sealed by the lid when in the closed position. The food container also comprises a temperature control system with one or more heating or cooling elements disposed in the container configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber. [0021] In accordance with another aspect, an actively heated or cooled food container is provided. The food container comprises a lid movable between an open and a closed position and an insulated body having a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the body and a base, the sidewall and base defining a chamber configured to be sealed by the lid when in the closed position. The food container also comprises an active temperature control system that comprises one or more heating or cooling elements in thermal communication with one or both of the sidewall and the base and configured to heat or cool one or both of the sidewall and the base, one or more power storage elements configured to provide power to the one or more heating or cooling elements, and control circuitry configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements. The active temperature control system also comprises a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a remote electronic device to one or both of transmit information to the remote electronic device and receive information from the remote electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIGURES 1 -2 show an embodiment of a food container.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing communication between an electronic module in actively heated/cooled food container and a user interface thereon and/or on a remote electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] FIGS. 1-2 show one embodiment of a food container 7800 (e.g., a lunch box, a soup container). The container 7800 can have a cover or lid 7810 that can optionally be insulated and can cover a body 7820. The body 7820 can define a chamber or cavity 7830 that can hold one or more foodstuffs (e.g., directly or in separate packages, such as Tupperware®, sandwich bags, etc.). Though the illustrated embodiment shows the container 7800 having one chamber 7830, in other embodiments, the container 7800 can have multiple chambers. The chamber 7830 can be defined between sidewalls 7822 and a base 7824. The sidewalls 7822 can optionally be insulated (e.g., vacuum insulated) to keep the foodstuff warm or cold for a longer period of time. In one embodiment, the container 7800 is generally square or rectangular in shape. In another embodiment, the container 7800 is generally cylindrical in shape. As used herein, the term "food", "foodstuff or "foodstuffs" includes any substance, whether solid or liquid, that can be eaten or drunk by an individual (e.g., water, juice, milk, soup, sandwiches, meats, vegetables, cheeses, fruits, nuts), for example as part of a meal. As used herein "beverage" in understood to mean any consumable liquid (e.g., water, coffee, tea, soup, hot chocolate, etc.).

[0025] The body 7820 can have a bottom chamber or cavity 7835 defined below the base 7824. The bottom chamber 7835 can house an temperature control system 7840 that can include one or more heating or cooling elements 7846 (e.g., one or more of a heating elements such as resistive heaters, a cooling elements such as a phase change material or heat sink, heating/cooling elements such as thermoelectric heaters or Peltier elements, or any combination thereof) in thermal communication with one or both of the base 7824 and sidewalls 7822. The body 7820 can optionally have one or more power storage elements 7844 electrically connected to the one or more heating or cooling elements 7846, and optionally have control circuitry 7850. In one embodiment, the bottom chamber 7835 can also include an insulative layer 7842 between the one or more heating or cooling elements 7846 and the rest of the electronics (e.g. power storage elements 7844 and control circuitry 7850) to thermally isolate the one or more heating or cooling elements 7846 from the electronics.

[0026] The temperature control system 7840 in one embodiment is an active temperature control system that can advantageously operate during at least a period of time (e.g., a portion of the period of time) during which the food container 7800 is used. Accordingly, the term "active", as used herein, is not limited to continuous operation of the temperature control system 7840. As used herein, heat transfer encompasses a heating, as well as a cooling, process. Therefore, a "heat transfer element" as used herein is an element that can effect a heating or a cooling process.

[0027] The control circuitry 7850 can optionally include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) 7852, a timer 7854, and a wireless communication module 7856 (e.g., Bluetooth). In one embodiment, the one or more power storage elements 7844 can be rechargeable. In one embodiment, the body 7820 can have a removable bottom cover (not shown) that can be removed to access the electronics in the bottom chamber 7835, such as to replace the one or more power storage elements 7844. In another embodiment, the bottom chamber 7835 can be sealed and the one or more power storage elements 7844 can be charged, for example, via induction, using a charging base on which the food container 7800 can be placed.

[0028] The control circuity 7850 can advantageously communicate (e.g., using Bluetooth) with a remote electronic device (e.g., smart phone, smart watch, tablet computer, laptop computer) via which the user can control the operation of the food container 7800. For example, the user can control the start time and stop time of the heating process (or cooling process) for the foodstuff in the container 7800 via the remote electronic device. In another embodiment, the timer 7854 can be preset (e.g., via a user interface on the container 7800 or via the remote electronic device) to begin the heating process (or cooling process) at a certain time. For example, parents can preset the timer 7854 to coincide with their children's school lunch period. In one embodiment, the control circuitry 7850 can have multiple timers, for example used to control operation of the temperature control system 7840 during multiple meal breaks (e.g., a snack break at 10 AM, and a lunch break at 12 PM).

[0029] The control circuitry 7850 can include a temperature limiting switch that can limit the temperature to which the foodstuff is heated or cooled, for example, to prevent the overheating of the one or more heating or cooling elements 7846 or the overheating of the foodstuff. The container 7800 can have one or more temperature sensors that can sense a temperature in the chamber 7830 an communicate the sensed temperature to the control circuitry 7850, which can adjust power to the one or more heating or cooling elements 7846 based at least in part on the sensed temperature information. In one embodiment, the user can input one or more preselected temperatures or temperature ranges (e.g., warm, hot) via the user interface on the container 7800 or via the remote electronic device, and the control circuitry can operate the one or more heating or cooling elements 7846 based on the preselected temperature and the sensed temperature information from the temperature sensor(s) to heat (or cool) the foodstuff to approximately the preselected temperature. For example, one preseleted temperature can be for a first meal break (e.g., a snack period) and the second preselected temperature can be for a second meal break (e.g., a lunch period).

[0030] In one embodiment, the remote electronic device (e.g., smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer) can utilize an app through which the remote electronic device can control the operation of the temperature control system 7840, such as via the control circuitry 7850. For example, a parent can enter a time of day when the user (e.g., child) has a meal break (e.g., at school). The control circuitry 7850 can operate the temperature control system 7840 to heat (or cool) the foodstuff in the container 7800 to the preselected temperature by the time of the meal break. In one embodiment, the control circuitry 7850 can control the temperature control system 7850 to begin heating (or cooling) the foodstuff a predetermined period (e.g., 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes) before the time of the meal break (e.g., using a timer) so that the foodstuff is at the desired temperature once the meal break arrives. In another embodiment, the container 7800 can include one or more sensors that sense a level in the chamber 7830 (e.g., where the foodstuff is soup), and the control circuitry 7850 calculates a heating period based at least in part on a sensed temperature of the foodstuff and a sensed level in the chamber 7830 (or calculated volume in the chamber 7830 based on the sensed level) to determine how long it will take to heat (or cool) the foodstuff to the desired temperature from the sensed temperature (e.g., predetermined period), and controls the operation of the temperature control system 7840 (e.g., controls the start time for operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements 7846) based on the predetermined period, so that the foodstuff is at the preselected temperature by the time the meal break arrives. Accordingly, the calculated predetermined period would be longer if the initial state of the foodstuff was at a refrigerated temperature, versus if the initial state of the foodstuff was at room temperature.

[0031] In one embodiment, the chamber 7830 can have a plurality of separate compartments, some of which can house foodstuff meant to be cooled and other compartments that can house foodstuff meant to be heated. The one or more heating or cooling elements 7846 can include a plurality of heating or cooling elements 7846 where the heating or cooling elements 7846 under the cooling compartments can advantageously be operated (by the control circuitry 7850) to cool the compartment and the heating or cooling elements 7846 under the heating compartments can advantageously be operated (by the control circuitry) to heat the compartments to thereby cool and heat the foodstuff in those compartments, respectively. In this manner, the user and enjoy their food at the desired temperature or temperature range (e.g., cold, cool, warm, hot). [0032] In one embodiment, an outer surface 7821 of the body 7820 and/or an outer surface 7811 of the cover 7810 can have an electronic ink outer shell to display custom logos or skins to personalize the food container 7800. In one embodiment, the electronic ink shells can be electrically connected to one or more of the control circuitry 7850 and one or more power storage elements 7844 and wireless communication module 7856. The user can change the skin or logo on the electronic ink shells via the remote electronic device (which can be wirelessly paired with the food container 7800 via the wireless communication module 7856). In one embodiment, the user can purchase skins via an app through their remote electronic device, and select the desired skin for display on the electronic ink shell of the food container 7800.

[0033] In another embodiment, the container 7800 can exclude the control circuitry 7850 and power storage elements 7840, and the temperature control system 7840 can include a passive heating or cooling element 7846 (e.g., a phase change material) that can heat or cool the foodstuff.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a communication system for the devices described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic module or circuitry EM can receive sensed information from one or more sensors S l-Sn (e.g., liquid level sensors, liquid volume sensors, temperature sensors, battery charge sensors, drink quality sensors, tilt sensors or gyroscopes). The electronic module EM can also receive information from and transmit information (e.g., instructions) to one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., to operate each of the heating or cooling elements in a heating mode, in a cooling mode, turn off, turn on, vary power output of, etc.) and optionally to one or more power storage devices PS (e.g., batteries, such as to charge the batteries or manage the power provided by the batteries to the one or more heating or cooling elements). The electronic module EM can also communicate with a wireless power transmitter WPT (e.g., an inductive power transmitter). The electronic module EM can also communicate with (e.g., transmit information to and receive information, such as user instructions from, a user interface UI1 on the unit. The electronic module EM can also communicate with an electronic device ED (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, electronic watch; or a desktop computer) via the cloud CL or via a wireless communication system such as Bluetooth BT. The electronic device ED can have a user interface UI2, that can display information associated with the operation of the actively heated/cooled drinkware, dishware, serverware, etc. (as disclosed herein), and that can receive information (e.g., instructions) from a user and communicate said information to the food container (as disclosed herein).

[0035] The term "electronic module" is meant to refer to electronics generally. Furthermore, the term "electronic module" should not be interpreted to require that the electronics be all in one physical location or connected to one single printed circuit board (PCB). One of skill in the art will recognize that the electronic module or electronics disclosed herein can be in one or more (e.g., plurality) of separate parts (coupled to one or a plurality of PCBs) and/or located in different physical locations of the body of the drinkware container, as disclosed herein. That is, the electronic module or electronics can have different form factors.

[0036] With respect to any of the containers disclosed above, one or more sensors S l-Sn can be provided. In some embodiments, at least one sensor S2 of the one or more sensors S l-Sn can sense a liquid level (or information indicative of a liquid level) in a chamber of the container.

[0037] In one embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a load cell that can sense a weight of the container (e.g., container 7800). The electronic module EM of the container can receive the sensed weight information and compare it against a reference weight data (e.g., previously sensed when the container was empty and/or that is stored in a memory of the electronic module EM), and calculate a volume or level of the liquid in the container (e.g., using an algorithm to convert the sensed weight information to liquid volume or level measurement).

[0038] In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a pressure sensor on a bottom of the chamber of the container (e.g., container 7800) and can sense a hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in the chamber. The electronic module EM can calculate a liquid volume or level based at least in part on the sensed pressure information from the sensor S2.

[0039] In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a capacitance sensor (e.g., capacitance sensing strip) that extends along at least a portion of the length of an inner sidewall (e.g., inner sidewall 7822) that defines the chamber of the container (e.g., container 7800). The sensor S2 can sense a capacitance of a liquid in the container relative to a capacitance of air above the liquid level and communicate the sensed information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed information. In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can sense a conductivity of the liquid or air proximate the sensor and the electronic module EM can provide a measurement of liquid level or volume based at least in part on the sensed information.

[0040] In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be an ultrasonic sensor on an inner sidewall (e.g., inner sidewall 7822) that defines the chamber of the container (e.g., container 7800). The sensor S2 can use a pulse-echo or wall resonance (e.g. resonance of inner sidewall 7822) to sense information indicative of a liquid level in the container. For example, the sensor S2 can sense a time it takes for pulse emitted by the sensor S2 into the chamber of the container to return to the sensor (e.g., once it bounces from the liquid level location). The sensor S2 can transmit the sensed information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed information.

[0041] In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be an accelerometer or tilt sensor. The sensor S2 can sense an orientation (or change in orientation) of the container (e.g., container 7800) and communicate the sensed orientation information to the electronic module EM. The electronic module EM can estimate a liquid level in the container based on the sensed orientation information (e.g., using an algorithm that correlates a tilt angle to a liquid level). For example, if the sensor S2 senses an orientation of less than a first threshold (e.g., less than 30 degrees from an upright position) when a user has the container against their lips (e.g., sensed via a sensor on the container lip or lid, such as a contact sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) then the electronic module estimates the liquid level to be about full, and if the sensor S2 senses an orientation greater than a second threshold (e.g., greater than 90 degrees from an upright position) when a user has the container against their lips (e.g., sensed via a sensor on the container lip or lid, such as a contact sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) then the electronic module estimates the liquid level to be about empty, and the electronic module EM can use an algorithm to interpolate between the two thresholds to infer intermediate liquid levels of the container (e.g., half full, quarter full, etc.).

[0042] In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a light sensor that measures light attenuation through the liquid and provides the sensed information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed information (e.g., using an algorithm to correlate light attenuation with liquid volume or level).

[0043] In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a float that floats on the liquid level in the chamber of the container (e.g., container 7800) and communicates the sensed position information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed information.

[0044] In another embodiment, liquid level in the container (e.g., container 7800) is measured based on sensed temperature (or information indicative of temperature) from one or more (e.g., a plurality of) temperature sensors S3. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S3 can sense how long it takes the temperature to increase a reference number of degrees (e.g., 1 degree F or 1 degree C) when the chamber of the container is full of liquid or food to provide a first reference time, and the first reference time can be stored in a memory (e.g., a memory of the electronic module EM). Optionally, additional reference times can be provided by the one or more sensors S3 when the chamber of the container has other volumes of liquid or food therein (e.g., half full, ¾ full) and the reference times stored in said memory. During operation of the container, the one or more temperature sensors S3 can measure how long it takes for the temperature in the chamber to change by said reference number of degrees and communicate the sensed time information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed time information, for example, based on an algorithm correlating time versus liquid volume or level. In one embodiment, the sensed time information is compared against one or more of the reference times and the liquid level or volume interpolated between the level or volume values corresponding to the reference times. Optionally, the algorithm can calculate the liquid volume or level based at least in part on sensed ambient temperature (e.g., from a sensor S4), to account for variations in how long it takes the temperature to increases by the reference number of degrees depending on ambient temperature (e.g., at high altitude, low altitude, in winter, in summer, etc.). Use of the one or more temperature sensor S3 therefore advantageously allows measurement of temperature and liquid level in the container with one sensor instead of requiring a separate sensor to measure liquid level, which provides for a simpler and less costly system.

[0045] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0046] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0047] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0048] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0049] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0050] Conditional language, such as "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0051] Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0052] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially" as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately", "about", "generally," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1 % of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms "generally parallel" and "substantially parallel" refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

[0053] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

[0054] Though the features and ideas disclosed above may be related to actively heating or cooling food or beverage, the embodiments above may also be used to heat or cool air spaces, such as refrigeration devices, cold boxes, coolers, portable coolers, or portable refrigerators, or hot boxes, or warmer drawers, or heat chambers, or any other device that would benefit from the heating or cooling of the air within a defined cavity or chamber. [0055] Various embodiments reference an electronic module, such as the electronic module EM. The term "electronic module" is meant to refer to electronics generally. Furthermore, the term "electronic module" should not be interpreted to require that the electronics be all in one physical location or connected to one single printed circuit board (PCB). One of skill in the art will recognize that the electronic module or electronics disclosed herein can be in one or more (e.g., plurality) of separate parts (coupled to one or a plurality of PCBs) and/or located in different physical locations of the body of the plate, serving dish, hot/cool plate, mug, travel mug, cup, liquid container or baby bottle, as disclosed herein. That is, the electronic module or electronics can have different form factors.

[0056] Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the heated or cooled dishware and drinkware need not feature all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A heated or cooled food container, comprising:

a lid movable between an open and a closed position;

an insulated body having a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the body and a base, the sidewall and base defining a chamber configured to be sealed by the lid when in the closed position; and

a temperature control system with one or more heating or cooling elements configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber.

2. The food container of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more heating or cooling elements is a phase change material.

3. The food container of claim 1, wherein the temperature control system is an active temperature control system and the one or more heating or cooling elements are in thermal communication with one or both of the sidewall and the base and configured to heat or cool one or both of the sidewall and the base, the food container further comprising:

one or more power storage elements configured to provide power to the one or more heating or cooling elements;

control circuitry configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements; and

a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a remote electronic device and to one or both of transmit information to the remote electronic device and to receive information from the remote electronic device.

4. The container of claim 3, further comprising a timer in communication with the control circuitry to initiate a heating or cooling operation of the active temperature control system at a preselected time.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein said preselected time is set by the user via a user interface on one or both of the container and the remote electronic device.

6. The container of claim 3, wherein said information communicated from the remote electronic device comprises a temperature setpoint or temperature range for operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, the control circuitry configured to operate the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on said temperature setpoint or temperature range.

7. The container of claim 3, further comprising one or more sensors configured to sense a parameter in the chamber and to communicate the sensed information to the control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to operate the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on said sensed information.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the one or more sensors includes one or both of a temperature sensor and a sensor that senses a parameter indicative of an amount of food in the chamber.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the control circuitry calculates a volume of food in the chamber based at least in part on a sensed level of food in the chamber, the control circuitry configured to calculate a predetermined time period based at least in part on the calculated volume and sensed temperature of the food, and to control the operation of the temperature control system to start operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements at the predetermined time period prior to a meal time communicated to the control circuitry from the remote electronic device.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is a soup container.

11. A heated or cooled food container, comprising:

a lid movable between an open and a closed position;

an active temperature control system, comprising

one or more heating or cooling elements in thermal communication with one or both of the sidewall and the base and configured to heat or cool one or both of the sidewall and the base;

control circuitry configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements; and a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a remote electronic device to one or both of transmit information to the remote electronic device and receive information from the remote electronic device.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the container is a soup container.

13. The container of claim 11, further comprising an insulative layer between the one or more heating or cooling elements and the one or more power storage elements and control circuitry to thermally isolate the one or more heating or cooling elements from the electronics.

14. The container of claim 11, wherein the chamber can include a plurality of separate compartments, where at least one of the compartments is configured to be cooled and at least one of the compartments is configured to be heated.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the one or more heating or cooling elements comprises at least one heating element configured to heat said at least one of the compartments and comprises at least one cooling element configured to cool said at least one of the compartments.

16. The container of claim 11, further comprising a timer operable to initiate a heating or cooling operation of the active temperature control system at a preselected time.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein said preselected time is set by the user via one or both of a user interface on the container and the remote electronic device.

18. The container of claim 11, wherein in said information communicated from the remote electronic device comprises a temperature setpoint or range for operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, the control circuitry configured to operate the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on said temperature setpoint or range.

19. The container of claim 11, further comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to sense a temperature in the chamber and to communicate the sensed temperature information to the control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to operate the one or more hearing or cooling elements based at least in part on said sensed temperature.