OA17064A - Stackable vessels. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to vessels and processes that may be used to fabricate vessels. In some embodiments one or more vessels are provided that include, a body portion that includes one or more side walls, a top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that includes a shoulder portion that includes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that circumscribes the at least one opening and includes one or more attachment members, a bottom portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that includes at least one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion, sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel, and recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion.

Description

STACKABLE VESSELS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The présent application Is related to and daims the benefit of the eariiest available effective flllng date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the ‘Related Applications*) (e.g., daims eariiest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or daims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and ali parent, grandparent, greatgrandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the présent application constitutes a continuation-ln-part of United States Patent Application No. 13/485,059, entitled STACKABLE VESSELS, naming Lawrence Morgan Fowler; Zihong Guo; Jennlfer Hu, and John Arthur Ohrt as inventors, filed 31 May 2012, which Is currently copending or Is an application of which a currently co-pendîng application Is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to the effed that the USPTO’s computer programs require that patent applicants reference both a serial number and Indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation-ln-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Flied Application, USPTO Offidal Gazette March 18,2003, available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The présent Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) has provided above a spedfic reference to the application(s) from which priority is being daimed as redted by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is unambiguous In Its spedfic reference language and does not require either a serial number or any charaderization, such as 'continuation* or 'continuation-ln-part,* for daiming priority to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands that the USPTO's computer programs hâve certain data entry requirements, and hence Applicant is designating the présent application as a continuation-ln-part of Its parent applications as set forth above, but expressly points out that such désignations are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not the présent application contains any new matter In addition to the matter of Its parent application(s).

Ail subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and ail parent, grandparent, greatgrandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by référencé to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The présent disclosure relates to vessels and processes to fabricate vessels.

SUMMARY in some embodiments one or more vessels are provided that Include, but are not limited to, a body portion that includes one or more side walls, a top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that includes a shoulder portion that Includes at ieast one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls ofthe body portion and at ieast one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and includes one or more attachment members, a bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Includes at least one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion, one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel, and one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described In the claims, drawings, and text forming a part ofthe présent disclosure.

in some embodiments one or more vessels are provided that Include, but are not limited to, a body portion that includes one or more side walls, a top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that includes a shoulder portion that includes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at ieast one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members, a bottom portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes at ieast one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion, one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel, and one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walis of the body portion. In some embodiments, the vessel may optionally indude at ieast one lid. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described In the daims, drawings, and text forming a part of the présent disdosure.

in some embodiments one or more vessels are provided that indude, but are not limited to, a body portion that Indudes one or more side walls, a top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at ieast one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walis ofthe body portion and at ieast one neck member that drcumscrlbes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members, a bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Inciudes at least two recessed portions and a substantlally continuous non-recessed portion, and one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the daims, drawings, and text forming a part of the présent disdosure.

In some embodiments one or more vessels are provîded that Indude, but are not limited to, a body portion that Indudes one or more side walls, a top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantlally adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscrlbes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members, a bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes at least two recessed portions and a substantlally continuous non-recessed portion, and one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel. In some embodiments, the vessel may optionally Include one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the daims, drawings, and text forming a part ofthe présent disdosure.

In some embodiments one or more vessels are provîded that Indude, but are not limited to, a body portion that Indudes one or more side walls, a top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantlally adjacent to the one or more side walis ofthe body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members, a bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes at least two recessed portions and a substantlally continuous non-recessed portion, and one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel. In some embodiments, the vessel may optionally Indude one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion. In some embodiments, the vessel may optionally Indude at least one lid. In addition to the foregoing, other aspeds are described In the daims, drawings, and text forming a part of the présent disdosure.

In some embodiments one or more processes are provîded that Indude, but are not limited to, dosing a mold that is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison Is pinched together In at least two positions In a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessel, and Injecting gas into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessel defined by the mold. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described In the daims, drawings, and text forming a part ofthe présent disdosure.

In some embodiments one or more processes are provided that indude, but are not limited to, dosing a moid that Is configured to form at least one vessei having two recessed portions a round a parison so that a portion of the parison Is pinched together In at least two positions in a portion of the moid that forms a handle on the vessei, and Injeding gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessei defined by the moid. In some embodiments, the process may optionally Indude Inserting at least one biow pin into the parison. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described In the daims, drawings, and text forming a part of the présent disdosure.

In some embodiments one or more processes are provided that indude, but are not limited to, dosing a moid that is configured to form at least one vessei having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison Is pinched together in at least two positions in a portion of the moid that forms a handle on the vessei, and injeding gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessei defined by the moid. In some embodiments, the process may optionally indude inserting at least one biow needie Into at least one portion of the moid that forms at least one handle on the at least one vessei. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the daims, drawings, and text forming a part of the présent disdosure.

In some embodiments one or more processes are provided that indude, but are not limited to, dosing a moid that Is configured to form at least one vessei having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison is pinched together in at least two positions in a portion of the moid that forms a handle on the vessei, and injeding gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessei defined by the moid. In some embodiments, the process may optionally indude cooling the moid. In addition to the foregoing, other aspeds are described In the daims, drawings, and text forming a part of the présent disdosure.

In some embodiments, means indude but are not limited to drcuitry and/or programming for effectlng the herein referenced fundional aspeds; the drcuitry and/or programming can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the herein referenced fundional aspeds depending upon the design choices of the System designer. In addition to the foregoing, other System aspects means are described in the daims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the présent disdosure.

In some embodiments, related Systems indude but are not limited to drcuitry and/or programming for effeding the herein referenced process aspects; the drcuitry and/or programming can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the herein referenced process aspeds depending upon the design choices of the System designer. In addition to the foregoing, other System aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text formlng a part of the présent application.

The foregoing summary Is illustrative only and is not Intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the Illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings, daims, and the following detalled description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE FIGURES

FIG. 11llustrâtes an example vessei 100 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 2 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FiG. 1.

FIG. 4 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 Illustrâtes an example vessei 1400 In which embodiments may be Implemented.

FIG. 15 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 Illustrâtes an example vessei 1600 In which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 17 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessei of FIG. 16.

FIG. 23 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessel of FIG. 16.

FIG. 24 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessel of FIG. 16.

FIG. 25 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessel of FIG. 16.

FIG. 26 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessel of FiG. 16.

FIG. 27 illustrâtes an exampie vessel 2700 In which embodiments may be Implemented.

FIG. 28 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessel of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessel of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 illustrâtes an example vessel 3000 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 31 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the vessel of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 Illustrâtes an example process 3200 in which embodiments may be Implemented.

FIG. 33 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the process of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the process of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the process of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 Illustrâtes an example process 3600 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 37 Illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the process of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 illustrâtes an example process 3800 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 39 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the process of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 illustrâtes an example process 4000 in which embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 41 illustrâtes altemate embodiments of the process of FIG. 40.

FIGs. 42A-42L illustrate an example vessel 4200.

FIGs. 43A-43E illustrate an example vessel 4300.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, référencé is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typicaily identify similar components, unless context dictâtes otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and daims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

While various aspects and embodiments hâve been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled In the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of Illustration and are not intended to be iimiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

A vessel may be constructed from a variety of materials. Examples of materials include, but are not limited to, one or more polymeric materials (e.g., high density polyethylene), one or more types of glass (e.g., borosillcate glass, soda-lime glass) one or more types of meta! (e.g.] iiquldmetal) (see Uquidmetal Technologies, Rancho Santa Margarita, California, 92688), and the like. A vessel may be configured to contain numerous volumes and/or quantifies of material. For exemple, in some embodiments, a vessel may be constructed to hold ten iiters of fluid. In some embodiments, a vessel may be constructed to hold five Iiters of fluid. In some embodiments, a vessel may be constructed to hold twenty iiters of fluid.

Fig. 11llustrâtes an example vessel 100 In which embodiments may be Implemented. A vessel 100 includes a body portion 110. in some embodiments, the body portion 110 may be formed from a single side wail. In some embodiments, the body portion 110 may be formed from two or more side walls. For example, In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Indude two or more side walls that Indude an air space between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Include two or more side walls that indude Insulation between the two or more side walls. in some embodiments, a vessei 100 may indude two or more side walls that indude a vacuum between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Indude two or more side walls that Indude a phase change material between the two or more side walls. in some embodiments, a vessei 100 may indude one or more walls that separate the Interior of the vessel Into two or more chambers.

A vessei 100 indudes a top portion 120 that Is operably connected to the body portion 110. in some embodiments, a vessel 100 may indude a top portion that Is operably conneded to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at ieast one opening that Is positîoned substantially adjacent to one or more side walls of the body portion. The top portion 120 includes at least one neck member that clrcumscribes the at ieast one opening. The opening may be constructed to hâve numerous sizes. For example, in some embodiments, the size of the opening may be great enough to allow a person to insert their hand through the opening to access the Interior of the vessei 100. in some embodiments, the neck member may optionally include one or more attachment members. The neck member may optlonaliy Indude numerous types of attachment members. Examples, of such attachment members indude, but are not limited to, threads, iugs, compression fittings, ridges, and the like. In some embodiments, a neck member may Include transverse members that protrude from the neck member. ln some embodiments, a neck member may Include a friction fitting. ln some embodiments, a neck member may Include one or more Insets that are configured to receive one or more protruding members. Accordingly, a neck member may Include numerous types of attachment members.

A vessel 100 Indudes a bottom portion 130 that Is operably connected to the body portion 110. ln some embodiments, a vessel 100 Indudes a bottom portion 130 that Is operably conneded to the body portion 110 and that indudes at least one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion, ln some embodiments, the recessed portion 150 ls configured to accept the neck portion of another vessel 100. ln some embodiments, the recessed portion 150 is configured to accept a neck portion that is attached to a iid of another vessel 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a top vessel 100 may be stacked on top of a lower vessel 100 with the neck and Iid of the lower vessel 100 being accepted into the recessed portion 150 of the top vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Indude a substantially continuous non-recessed portion. The substantially continuously non-recessed portion may drcumscribe the recessed portion 150 of the bottom portion 130 of the vessel 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a top vessel 100 may be stacked on top of a lower vessel 100 such that the neck and attached Iid of the lower vessel 100 is accepted Into the recessed portion 150 in the bottom portion 130 of the top vessel 100 and the substantially continuous non-recessed portion of the top vessel 100 substantially continuously rests on the shoulder portion of the lower vessel 100.

A vessel 100 Indudes one or more sealed handles 140 that are operably connected to the vessel 100. The sealed handles 140 are sealed on both ends of the handle such that the Interior of the handle is isolated from the Interior portion of the body of the vessel 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, fluid is unable to flow from the interior of the body of the vessel 100 Into a handle that is coupled to the vessel 100. ln some embodiments, a handle Is attached to the vessel 100 with one end of the handle being coupled to the shoulder of the top portion 120 of the vessel 100 and the other end being coupled to a side wall of the vessel 100. ln some embodiments, a handle Is attached to the vessel 100 with one end of the handle being coupled to the side wall of the vessel 100 and the other end being coupled to a side wall of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a handle may extend beyond the outline of the body portion 110 of a vessel 100 to which it is attached. ln some embodiments, a handle may not extend beyond the outline of the body portion 110 of a vessel 100 to which it Is attached. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a handle may be attached to a vessel 100 such that the overall outline of the vessel 100 Is maintained.

A vessel 100 Includes one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion 110. ln some embodiments, a recessed portion 150 may protrude

Into a side wall of the vessel 100 at a position that Is adjacent a handle such that the handle may be grasped and the Angers of the grasping hand will be positioned adjacent the recessed portion. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 150 may protrude into a side wall of the vessel 100 at a position on the vessel 100 that Is opposite the position of a handle that Is attached to the vessel

100. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 150 may protrude Into a side wall of a vessel 100 at a position on the vessel 100 that is opposite that of an attached handle so that the recessed portion 150 serves as a handle for lifting the vessel 100. For example. In some embodiments, a worker may grasp a handle that is attached to a vessel 100 with one hand and grasp a recessed portion 150 that protrudes into a side wall of the vessel 100 on the opposite side of the handle with 10 the other hand. Recessed portions 150 may protrude into the side wall of a vessel 100 In numerous places relative to the vessel 100. For example, in some embodiments, a recessed portion 150 mayprotrude Into the vessel 100 ata position that isin the middle ofthe vessel 100 relative to the vertical axis ofthe vessel 100. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 150 may protrude into the vessel 100 at a position that is near the bottom portion 130 of the vessel 100. In 15 some embodiments, a recessed portion 150 may protrude into the vessel 100 at a position that Is near the top portion 120 of the vessel 100.

The following figure descriptions Include various embodiments of vesseis 100, discussion and explanation with respect to other alternative embodiments and contexts. However, it should be understood that a vessel 100 may hâve numerous configurations and modifications. Also, although 20 various embodiments are presented In the figures, It should be understood that a vessel 100 may hâve a configuration that is other than those which are illustrated.

FIG. 2 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 202, an embodiment 204, an embodiment 206. an embodiment 208, and/or an embodiment 210.

Embodiment 202 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a body portion having a substantially rectangular configuration in cross-section. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may hâve a body portion 110 that has a substantially rectangular shape in cross-section relative to the vertical axis of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include two or more side walls that are in a substantially rectangular shape.

Embodiment 204 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a body portion having a substantially hexagonal configuration in cross-section. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may hâve a body portion 110 that has a substantially hexagonal shape In cross-section relative to the vertical axis of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include two or more side walls that are in a substantially hexagonal shape.

Embodiment 206 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a body portion having a substantiaily octagonal configuration In cross-section. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may hâve a body portion 110 that has a substantiaily octagonal shape In cross-section relative to the vertical axis of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include two or more side walls that are In a substantiaily octagonal shape.

Embodiment 208 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a body portion having a substantiaily oblong configuration In cross-section. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may hâve a body portion 110 that has a substantiaily oblong shape in cross-section relative to the vertical axis of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include two or more side walls that are In a substantiaily oblong shape.

Embodiment 210 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a body portion that Indudes one or more calibration Unes. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may hâve a body portion 110 that indudes one or more calibration Unes. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Indude calibration Unes that indicate a volume of material that is held within a vessel 100. For example, in some embodiments, calibration lines may be configured to Indicate the quantity of liquid that ls held within a vessel 100. in some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Indude calibration lines that Indicate a mass of material that ls held within a vessel 100. For example, in some embodiments, calibration lines may be configured to indicate the mass of grain that ls held within a vessel 100. Accordingly, a vessel 100 may indude calibration lines that are configured to provlde Information about numerous matériels that may be held within the vessel 100.

FIG. 3 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may Indude an embodiment 302, an embodiment 304, an embodiment 306, and/or an embodiment 308.

Embodiment 302 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a body portion that indudes two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may hâve a body portion 110 that indudes two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may indude a body portion that indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may indude a body portion 110 that indudes two or more side walls that are separated by Insulation material. Numerous types of Insulation material may be induded between the walls of a vessel 100. Examples of such insulation material indude, but are not limited to, one or more aerogels, polymeric foam matériels, fiberglass, and the like. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may indude a body portion 110 that Indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a phase change material. Numerous types of phase change matériels may be Induded between the walls of a vessel 100. Examples of such phase change matériels Indude, but are not limited to, eutectics, sait hydrates, organic matériels, and the like. Numerous phase change matériels are known (e.g., Farid et al., A review on phase change energy storage: materials and applications, Energy Conservation and Management (45), pgs. 1597-1615 (2004)).

Embodiment 304 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a body portion that Includes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Indude a body portion 110 that Indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include a body portion 110 that indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum and that indude one or more getters within the vacuum space. Numerous types of getters are known and may be used. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Indude a body portion 110 that Indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum and that Indude one or more getters and insulation within the vacuum space.

Embodiment 306 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a body portion that Indudes two or more side walls that Indude Insulation between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include a body portion 110 that Indudes two or more side walls that include insulation between the two or more side walls. Numerous types of insulation material may be induded between the walls of a vessel 100. Examples of such insulation material Indude, but are not limited to, one or more aerogels, polymeric foam materials, fiberglass, and the like.

Embodiment 308 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a body portion that Indudes two or more side walls that include one or more phase change materials between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Indude a body portion 110 that indudes two or more side walls that indude one or more phase change materials between the two or more side walis. Numerous types of phase change materials may be Induded between the walls of a vessei 100. Examples of such phase change materials indude, but are not limited to, eutectics, sait hydrates, organic materials, and the like. Numerous phase change materials are known (e.g., Farid et al., A review on phase change energy storage: materials and applications, Energy Conservation and Management (45), pgs. 1597-1615 (2004)).

FiG. 4 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additïonal embodiments may indude an embodiment 402, an embodiment 404, an embodiment 406, an embodiment 408, and/or an embodiment 410.

Embodiment 402 Illustrâtes a vessei 100 having a top portion that indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to two or more side walis of the body portion. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may indude a top portion 120 that Indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to two or more side walls of the body portion 110. For example, In some embodiments, an opening may be positioned in the top portion 120 of a vessel

100 In a position that Is substantially in a comer of the top portion 120 of the vessel 100 that Is operably connected to two side walls of the vessel 100.

Embodiment 404 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having at least one neck member that Is configured to operably assoclate with a lid. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include a neck member that Is configured to operably assoclate with a lid. In some embodiments, the neck member Is threaded and configured to assoclate with a threaded lid. In some embodiments, the neck member may Include one or more transverse members that are configured to assoclate with a lid that Includes attachment members that are configured to accept the one or more transverse members. Accordingly, a neck member may be configured In numerous ways to assoclate with a lid.

Embodiment 406 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having at least one neck member that Is configured to operably assoclate with a funnel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include a neck member that Is configured to operably assoclate with a funnel. In some embodiments, the neck member Is threaded and configured to assoclate with a threaded funnel. In some embodiments, the neck member may Include one or more transverse members that are configured to assoclate with a funnel that Includes attachment members that are configured to accept the one or more transverse members. Accordingly, a neck member may be configured In numerous ways to assoclate with a funnel.

Embodiment 408 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having at least one neck member that Includes the one or more attachment members that are threads. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include a neck member that Indudes the one or more attachment members that are threads. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may be configured to accept numerous types of slmllarty threaded Items. Examples of such Items Include, but are not limited to, pouring spouts, lids, funnels, and the like.

Embodiment 410 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having at least one neck member that Indudes the one or more attachment members that are transverse attachment members. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Indude a neck member that Indudes the one or more attachment members that are transverse attachment members. A vessel 100 may Indude numerous types of transverse attachment members. Transverse attachment members may hâve numerous configurations. For example, In some embodiments, a transverse attachment member may be shaped as a rod that protrudes In a transverse manner from the neck member of a vessel 100. In some embodiments, a transverse attachment member may be shaped as a boit that protrudes In a transverse manner from the neck member of a vessel 100. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may be configured to accept numerous types of Items having similar attachment members. Examples of such items include, but are not limited to, pouring spouts, lids, funnels, and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 502, an embodiment 504, an embodiment 506, an embodiment 508, and/or an embodiment 510.

Embodiment 502 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having at least one opening that Is between about

Inches and about 20 Inches In diameter. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include at least one opening that is between about 2 Inches and about 20 inches In diameter.

Embodiment 504 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having at least one opening that is between about inches and about 15 Inches In diameter. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include at least one opening that Is between about 3 Inches and about 15 Inches In diameter.

Embodiment 506 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having at least one opening that is between about

Inches and about 10 inches in diameter. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include at least one opening that Is between about 4 Inches and about 10 inches in diameter.

Embodiment 508 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having at least one opening that Is between about

Inches and about 8 inches In diameter. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include at least one opening that is between about 5 Inches and about 8 inches in diameter.

Embodiment 510 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having at least one opening that is about 5 inches in diameter. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include at least one opening that Is about 5 inches in diameter.

FIG. 6 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may include an embodiment 602, and/or an embodiment 604.

Embodiment 602 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a top portion that indudes one or more locking members that are confîgured to engage the one or more locklng members positioned on the bottom portion of another vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include a top portion 120 that indudes the one or more locking members that are confîgured to engage one or more locklng members positioned on the bottom portion 130 of another vessel 100. Locking members may be confîgured In numerous ways. For example, In some embodiments, a top portion 120 of a first vessel 100 may Indude locklng members that are confîgured in a boit shape that can insert into a cavity positioned in the bottom portion 130 of another vessei 100. In some embodiments, such locklng members may be confîgured as a dovetail. In some embodiments, such locking members may be confîgured In a tongue and groove arrangement.

Embodiment 604 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a top portion that Indudes one or more locking members that are configured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the bottom portion of another slmilarly configured vessel. ln some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include a top portion 120 that indudes one or more locking members that are configured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the bottom portion 130 of another slmilarly configured vessel 100. Locking members may be configured ln numerous ways. For example, In some embodiments, a top portion 120 of a first vessel 100 may Include locking members that are configured ln a boit shape that can Insert Into a cavity positioned ln the bottom portion 130 of another vessel 100. ln some embodiments, such locking members may be configured as a dovetail. ln some embodiments, such locking members may be configured ln a tongue and groove arrangement

FIG. 7 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may Indude an embodiment 702, and/or an embodiment 704.

Embodiment 702 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 a bottom portion that Indudes at least one recessed portion that Is configured to receive a neck member that Is attached to a lid of a lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may indude a bottom portion 130 that Indudes at least one recessed portion 150 that Is configured to receive a neck member that Is attached to a lid of a lower vessel 100 so that the nonrecessed portion of the bottom portion 130 of an upper vessel 100 substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel 100. ln some embodiments, a vessel 100 may indude a bottom portion 130 that Indudes a non-recessed portion that continuously contacts the shoulder portion of another vessel 100 when the vessels 100 are stacked on each other. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the stability of two vessels 100 that are stacked on top of each other is Increased due to the substantially continuous contact of the upper vessel 100 with the lower vessel 100.

Embodiment 704 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a bottom portion that indudes at least one recessed portion that Is positioned adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and configured to receive a neck member that Is attached to a lid of a lower vessel so that the nonrecessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may indude a bottom portion 130 that Indudes at least one recessed portion that Is positioned adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion 100 and configured to receive a neck member that is attached to a lid of a lower vessel 100 so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion 130 of an upper vessel 100 substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Inciude a bottom portion 130 that Includes a non-recessed portion that continuously contacts the shoulder portion of another vessel 100 when the vessels 100 are stacked on each other. Accordingly, In some embodiments, the stability of two vessels 100 that are stacked on top of each other Is Increased due to the substantially contlnuous contact of the upper vessel 100 with the lower vessel 100.

FIG. 8 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may Inciude an embodiment 802, and/or an embodiment 804.

Embodiment 802 illustrâtes a vessel 100 a bottom portion that Includes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lids of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the one or more lower vessels. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Inciude a bottom portion that Includes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lids of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel 100 substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the one or more lower vessels 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Inciude two recessed portions In the bottom portion of the vessel 100 that are spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and included on a single lower vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Inciude two recessed portions In the bottom portion of the vessel 100 that are spaced to accept at least one neck member that Is attached to a lid and Included on a single lower vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Inciude two recessed portions In the bottom portion of the vessel 100 that are spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and that are each Included on two separate vessels. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Inciude a bottom portion that Includes at least two recessed portions that aliow the vessel to be stacked on top of a single vessel or on top of two vessels (e.g., see Figures 42J-42L and 43D-43E). In some embodiments, a first vessel 100 may Inciude two recessed portions In the bottom portion ofthe firstvessel 100 that are spaced to accept one protrusion and one neck member that Is attached to a lid of a second vessel.

Embodiment 804 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a bottom portion that Indudes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lids of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the at least one lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may indude a bottom portion that Indudes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lids of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantlally continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the at least one lower vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include two recessed portions ln the bottom portion ofthe vessel 100 that are spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and Induded on a single lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include two recessed portions ln the bottom portion of the vessel that are spaced to accept at least one neck member that Is attached to a lid and Included on a single lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 mayInclude two recessed portions lnthe bottom portion ofthevessel 100thatare spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and that are each Included on two separate vessels. Accordingly, ln some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include a bottom portion that Includes at least two recessed portions that allow the vessel 100 to be stacked on top of a single vessel or on top of two vessels (e.g., see Figure 42J-42L and 43D-43E). In some embodiments, a first vessel 100 may Include two recessed portions 150 ln the bottom portion ofthe first vessel 100 that are spaced to accept one protrusion and one neck member that Is attached to a lid of a second vessel.

FIG. Θ Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 902.

Embodiment 902 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having a bottom portion that Includes one or more locklng members that are configured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the top portion of another vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include a bottom portion that Includes one or more locking members that are configured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the top portion of another vessel 100. A vessel 100 may include numerous types of locking members. Examples of such locking members Include, but are not limited to, tongue and groove locking members, dovetail locking members, nut and boit type locking members, and the like.

FIG. 10 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may include an embodiment 1002, an embodiment 1004, and/or an embodiment 1006.

Embodiment 1002 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région ofthe vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall ofthe vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to a shoulder région ofthe vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the slde wall of the vessel 100 with the handle protruding out from the outllne of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the slde wall of the vessel 100 with the handle being positioned over a recessed portion 150 of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the slde wall of the vessel 100 with the handle being positioned over a recessed portion 150 of the vessel 100 and the handle preservlng the outline of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 100 with both ends of the handle being connected to a comer of the vessel 100.

Embodiment 1004 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes into the body portion. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 100 with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion 150 that protrudes into the body portion 110. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 100 with the handle protruding out from the outline of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 100 with the handle being positioned over a recessed portion 150 of the vessel 100 and the handle preservlng the outline of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 100 with both ends of the handle being connected to a corner of the vessel 100.

Embodiment 1006 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle Is configured so that It substantially retains the outline of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Indude one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 100 with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion 150 and the sealed handle Is configured so that It substantlally retains the outline of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Indude one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 100with both ends ofthe handle being connected toa cornerofthe vessel 100.

FIG. 11 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may include an embodiment 1102, an embodiment 1104, and/or an embodiment 1106.

Embodiment 1102 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall ofthe vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessei. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel and the other end operabiy connected to the side wall of the vessel. In some embodiments, one or more sealed handles may protrude out from the side of a vessel and therefore do not retaln the outline of the vessel. In some embodiments, one or more sealed handles may be positioned over one or more recessed portions that protrude into the side of a vessel. In some embodiments, one or more sealed handles may be positioned over one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the side of a vessei and the handles may be configured so that the outline of the vessel Is substantlally retained.

Embodiment 1104 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessei and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel wîth the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes Into the body portion. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more sealed handles 25 140 having one end operabiy connected to the side wall of the vessel 100 and the other end operably connected to the side wali of the vessel 100 with the sealed handle 140 positioned over a recessed portion 150 that protrudes into the body portion 110. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more handles 140 that are connected to a comer of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include one or more handles 140 that are connected to a non30 comer of the vessel 100.

Embodiment 1106 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wail of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle Is configured so that it substantlally retains the outline of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Indude one or more sealed handles 140 having one end operably conneded to the side wall of the vessei 100 and the other end operably conneded to the side waü of the vessei 100 with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion 150 and the sealed handle 1s configured so that it substantialiy retains the outline of the vessei 100. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Include one or more handles 140 that are connected to a corner of the vessei 100. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Indude one or more handles 140 that are connected to a non-comer of the vessei 100.

FIG. 12 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessei 100. Additional embodiments may indude an embodiment 1202, embodiment 1204, embodiment 1206, and/or an embodiment 1208.

Embodiment 1202 Illustrâtes a vessei 100 having one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that is substantiaily mediai to the body portion of the vessei. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may indude one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls in a position that is substantialiy mediai to the body portion 110 of the vessei 100. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may indude one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walis in a position that is substantiaily opposite to the position of one or more sealed handles 140. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may indude one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping structure. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may indude one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping strudure that a worker can use to assis! In lifting the vessei 100. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Indude one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to croate a recessed portion 150 with a vertical overhang.

Embodiment 1204 Illustrâtes a vessei 100 having one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that is substantialiy proxlmate to the top of the body portion of the vessei. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls in a position that is substantiaily proxlmate to the top of the body portion 110 of the vessei 100. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Indude one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls in a position that is substantialiy opposite to the position of one or more sealed handles 140. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may indude one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping strudure. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may indude one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping strudure that a worker can use to assist in lifting the vessei 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to croate a recessed portion 150 with a vertical overhang.

Embodiment 1206 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls in a position that is substantialiy proximate to the bottom of the body portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that is substantialiy proximate to the bottom of the body portion 110 of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that Is substantialiy opposite to the position of one or more sealed handles 140. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping structure. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping structure that a worker can use to asslst In lifting the vessel 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls to croate a recessed portion 150 with a vertical overhang.

Embodiment 1208 Illustrâtes a vessel 100 having one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls at a corner formed In the body portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls at a comer formed In the body portion of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, one or more recessed portions may be positioned adjacent to one or more sealed handles. In some embodiments, one or more recessed portions may be configured to serve as a grasping point for a worker to grasp the vessel.

FIG. 13 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 100. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 1302, embodiment 1304, embodiment 1306, and/or an embodiment 1308.

Embodiment 1302 illustrâtes a vessel 100 having one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls at a non-comer portion of the body portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls at a non-comer portion of the body portion 110 of the vessei 100. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that Is substantialiy opposite to the position of one or more sealed handles 140. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping structure. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping structure that a worker can use to asslst in lifting the vessei 100. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to croate a recessed portion 150 with a vertical overhang.

Embodiment 1304 Illustrâtes a vessei 100 having one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion at a position that Is substantially opposite that of at least one handle that Is operably connected to the vessei. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion 110 at a position that is substantially opposite that of at least one handle that Is operably connected to the vessei 100. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping structure. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude into the one or more side walis to croate a grasping structure that a worker can use to assist In lifting the vessei 100. in some embodiments, a vessei 100 may include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to croate a recessed portion 150 with a vertical overhang.

Embodiment 1306 Illustrâtes a vessei 100 one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion at a position that is adjacent to the one or more seaied handles that are operably connected to the vessei. in some embodiments, a vessei 100 may include one or more recessed portions 150 that protrude Into the one or more side walis of the body portion 110 at a position that is adjacent to the one or more seaied handles 140 that are operably connected to the vessei 100. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a recessed portion 150 may be positioned in a position on the vessei 100 that is Interior to the handle to allow the fingers of a person grasping the handle to occupy a recessed portion.

Embodiment 1308 Illustrâtes a vessei 100 having one or more recessed portions that Include a vertical overhang. In some embodiments, a vessei 100 may Include one or more recessed portions 150 that Indude a vertical overhang. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a recessed portion 150 may be configured to hâve a vertical overhang that allows the recessed portion 150 to be used by a worker to grasp the vessei 100.

FIG. 14 and the following figures lllustrate various embodiments of vessels 1400, discussion and explanation with respect to the above-described embodiment of FiG. 1 with the addition of a lid 1460, and/or with respect to other alternative embodiments and contexte. However, It should be understood that a vessei 1400 may hâve numerous configurations and/or be a modified version of FIGs. 1 and/or 14. Also, although various embodiments are presented in the figures, It should be understood that a vessel 1400 may hâve a configuration that is other than those which are illustrated.

Fig. 14 illustrâtes an example vessel 1400 in which embodiments may be impiemented. A vessel 1400 Indudes a body portion 1410. In some embodiments, the body portion 1410 may be formed from a singie side wali. In some embodiments, the body portion 1410 may be formed from two or more side walls. For exemple, In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may indude two or more side walls that indude an air space between the two or more side wails. in some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may indude two or more side walls that Indude Insuiation between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may Indude two or more side walls that indude a vacuum between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may indude two or more side walls that Indude a phase change material between the two or more side walls.

A vessel 1400 Indudes a top portion 1420 that Is operably connected to the body portion 1410. The top portion 1420 indudes a shoulder portion that indudes an opening and a neck member that drcumscribes the opening. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may Indude at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to one or more side walls of the body portion 1410 of the vessel 1400. The opening may be constructed to hâve numerous sizes. For example, In some embodiments, the slze of the opening may be great enough to allow a person to Insert their hand through the opening to access the Interior of the vessel 1400. In some embodiments, the neck member may optionally include one or more attachment members. The neck member may optionally Include numerous types of attachment members. Examples, of such attachment members Indude, but are not limited to, threads, lugs, compression fittings, ridges, and the like.

A vessel 1400 Indudes a bottom portion 1430 that Is operably connected to the body portion 1410. The bottom portion 1430 Indudes a bottom portion 1430 that Is operably connected to the body portion 1410 and that indudes at least one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion. In some embodiments, the recessed portion is configured to accept the neck portion of another vessel 1400. In some embodiments, the recessed portion Is configured to accept a neck portion that Is attached to a lid of another vessel 1400. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a top vessel 1400 may be stacked on top of a lower vessel 1400 with the neck and lid of the lower vessel 1400 being accepted Into the recessed portion of the top vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may indude a substantially continuous non-recessed portion. The substantially continuously non-recessed portion may drcumscribe the recessed portion of the bottom portion 1430 of the vessel 1400. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a top vessel 1400 may be stacked on top of a lower vessel 1400 such that the neck and attached lid of the lower vessel 1400 Is accepted Into the recessed portion in the bottom portion 1430 of the top vessel 1400 and thesubstantiallycontinuous non-recessed portion ofthetopvessel 1400 substantially continuously rests on the shoulder portion of the lower vessel 1400.

A vessel 1400 Inciudes one or more sealed handles 1440 that are operably coupled to the vessel 1400. The sealed handles 1440 are sealed on both ends of the handle such that the interior of the handle is isolated from the interior portion of the body of the vessel 1400. Accordingly, in some embodiments, fluid Is unable to flow from the Interior of the body of the vessel 1400 into a handle that Is coupied to the vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a handle Is attached to the vessel 1400 with one end of the handle being coupled to the shoulder of the top portion 1420 of the vessel 1400 and the other end being coupied to a side wall of the vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a handle is attached to the vessel 1400 with one end of the handle being coupled to the side wall of the vessel 1400 and the other end being coupied to a side wall of the vessel 1400. in some embodiments, a handle may extend beyond the outline of the body portion 1410 of a vessei 1400 to which It is attached. in some embodiments, a handle may not extend beyond the outline of the body portion 1410 of a vessel 1400 to which It is attached. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a handle may be attached to a vessei 1400 such that the overall outline of the vessel 1400 is malntained.

A vessei 1400 indudes one or more recessed portions 1450 that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion 1410. in some embodiments, a recessed portion 1450 may protrude into a side wall of the vessei 1400 at a position that is adjacent a handle such that the handle may be grasped and the fingers of the grasping hand will be positioned adjacent the recessed portion. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 1450 may protrude Into a side wall of the vessel 1400 at a position on the vessel 1400 that Is opposite the position of a handle that Is attached to the vessel 1400. in some embodiments, a recessed portion 1450 may protrude into a side wall of a vessel 1400 at a position on the vessel 1400 that is opposite that of an attached handle so that the recessed portion 1450 serves as a handle for lifting the vessel 1400. For example, In some embodiments, a worker may grasp a handle that is attached to a vessel 1400 with one hand and grasp a recessed portion 1450 that protrudes Into a side wall of the vessel 1400 on the opposite side of the handle with the other hand. Recessed portions 1450 may protrude into the side wall of a vessel 1400 In numerous places relative to the vessel 1400. For example, in some embodiments, a recessed portion 1450 may protrude Into the vessel 1400 at a position that Is In the middle of the vessel 1400 relative to the vertical axis of the vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 1450 may protrude Into the vessel 1400 at a position that Is near the bottom portion 1430 of the vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 1450 may protrude Into the vessel 1400 at a position that is near the top portion 1420 of the vessel 1400.

In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may indude at least one Iid 1460. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may indude a iid 1460 that Is connected to the vessel 1400. A Iid 1460 may be connected to a vessel 1400 In numerous ways. In some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may be connected to a vessel 1400 through a tether. In some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may be connected to a vessel 1400 through a hinge. In some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may be connected to a vessel 1400 through a pivotlng member that allows the Iid 1460 to be laterally rotated away from the opening of the vessel 1400.

FIG. 15 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1400. Additional embodiments may indude an embodiment 1502, an embodiment 1504, an embodiment 1506, an embodiment 1508, and/or an embodiment 1510.

Embodiment 1502 Illustrâtes a vessel 1400 having at ieast one Iid that Is connected to the vessei. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may Indude at least one Iid 1460 that Is connected to the vessel 1400. A Iid 1460 may be connected to a vessel 1400 In numerous ways. In some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may be connected to a vessel 1400 through a tether. In some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may be connected to a vessel 1400 through a hinge. In some embodiments, a iid 1460 may be connected to a vessel 1400 through a plvoting member that allows the Iid 1460 to be laterally rotated away from the opening of the vessel 1400.

Embodiment 1504 Illustrâtes a vessel 1400 having at least one Iid that Is configured to operably assodate with the neck member. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may Indude at least one Iid 1460 that is configured to operably assodate with the neck member. In some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may be threaded so that It will screw down on a threaded neck member and seal an opening In a vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may Indude a compression fittlng that It compress on a neck member and seal an opening in a vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may Indude a gasket that will compress on a neck member and seal an opening in a vessel 1400. Accordingly, a Iid 1460 may hâve numerous configurations that allow the Iid 1460 to seal an opening In the vessel 1400.

Embodiment 1506 Illustrâtes a vessel 1400 having at least one Iid that is configured to operably assodate with the neck member and seal the opening. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may Indude at ieast one Iid 1460 that Is configured to operably assodate with the neck member and seal the opening. in some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may be threaded so that It will screw down on a threaded neck member and seal an opening In a vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a Iid 1460 may Indude a compression fitting that it compress on a neck member and seal an opening In a vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a lid 1460 may Include a gasket that will compress on a neck member and seal an opening In a vessel 1400. Accordingly, a lid 1460 may hâve numerous configurations that allow the lid 1460 to seal an opening In the vessel 1400.

Embodiment 1508 Illustrâtes a vessel 1400 having at least one lid that ls configured with threads that operably assodate with threads of the at least one neck member. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may Indude at least one lid 1460 that ls configured with threads that operably assodate with threads of the at least one neck member.

Embodiment 1510 Illustrâtes a vessel 1400 having at least one lid that is configured with the one or more attachment members that operably assodate with the one or more attachment members of the at least one neck member. In some embodiments, a vessel 1400 may Indude at least one lid 1460 that ls configured with the one or more attachment members that operably assodate with the one or more attachment members of the at least one neck member. A lid 1460 may Indude numerous types of attachment members. In some embodiments, a lid 1460 may Indude one or more substantially transverse rods that Insert Into one or more cavitles in the neck member. In some embodiments, a lid 1460 may indude one or more cavities that accept one or more substantially transverse rods that are associated with the neck member. In some embodiments, a lid 1460 may indude one or more compression rings that squeeze onto a neck member of a vessel 1400. In some embodiments, a lid 1460 may be construded from elastomeric material that stretches over the neck member on a vessel 1400. Accordingly, a lid may Include numerous types of attachment members.

Fig. 16 Illustrâtes an example vessel 1600 In which embodiments may be Implemented. A vessel 1600 indudes a body portion 1610. In some embodiments, the body portion 1610 may be formed from a single side wali. In some embodiments, the body portion 1610 may be formed from two or more side wails. For example, In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude two or more side walls that Indude an air space between the two or more side wails. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include two or more side walls that Indude Insulation between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude two or more side wails that indude a vacuum between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude two or more side walls that indude a phase change material between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude one or more walls that separate the interior of the vessel Into two or more chambers.

A vessel 1600 indudes a top portion 1620 that is operably conneded to the body portion 1610. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude a top portion that is operably conneded to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that ls positioned substantially adjacent to one or more side walls of the body portion. The top portion 1620 Includes at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening. The opening may be constructed to hâve numerous slzes. For example, In some embodiments, the size of the opening may be great enough to allow a person to Insert their hand through the opening to access 5 the interior of the vessei 1600. In some embodiments, the neck member may optionally indude one or more attachaient members. The neck member may optionally Indude numerous types of attachaient members. Examples, of such attachaient members Indude, but are not limited to, threads, lugs, compression fittings, ridges, and the like. In some embodiments, a neck member may Include transverse members that protrude from the neck member. In some embodiments, a 10 neck member may Include a friction fitting. In some embodiments, a neck member may Indude one or more insets that are configured to receive one or more protruding members. Accordingly, a neck member may Indude numerous types of attachment members.

A vessel 1600 Indudes a bottom portion 1630 that Is operably connected to the body portion 1610. The bottom portion 1630 Indudes at least two recessed portions and a substantially 1S continuous non-recessed portion. In some embodiments, the at least two recessed portions are configured to accept the neck portion of another vessel 1600. In some embodiments, the two or more recessed portions are each configured to accept a neck portion that Is attached to a lid of another vessel 1600. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a top vessel 1600 may be stacked on top of a lower vessel 1600 with one or more necks and lids of the lower vessel 1600 being 20 accepted Into the two or more recessed portions of the top vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include a substantially continuous non-recessed portion. The substantially continuously non-recessed portion may drcumscribe the two or more recessed portions of the bottom portion 1630 of the vessel 1600. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a top vessel 1600 may be stacked on top of a lower vessel 1600 such that one or more necks and attached lids of the 25 lower vessel 1600 are accepted Into the two or more recessed portions In the bottom portion 1630 of the top vessel 1600 and the substantially continuous non-recessed portion of the top vessel 1600 substantially continuously rests on the shoulder portion of the lower vessel 1600.

A vessel 1600 Indudes one or more sealed handles 1640 that are operably connected to the vessel 1600. The sealed handles 1640 are sealed on both ends of the handle such that the 30 Interior of the handle is Isolated from the interior portion of the body of the vessel 1600.

Accordingly, In some embodiments, fluid Is unable to flow from the Interior of the body of the vessel 1600 into a sealed handle 1640 that Is coupled to the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a sealed handle 1640Is attached tothevessel 1600with oneend ofthesealed handle 1640 being coupled to the shoulder of the top portion 1620 of the vessel 1600 and the other end being coupled to a side wall of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a sealed handle 1640 Is attached to the vessel 1600 with one end of the sealed handle 1640 being coupled to the side wall of the vessel 1600 and the other end being coupled to a side wall of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a sealed handle 1640 may extend beyond the outline of the body portion 1610 of a vessel 1600 to which It Is attached. In some embodiments, a sealed handle 1640 may not extend beyond the outline of the body portion 1610 of a vessel 1600 to which It Is attached. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a sealed handle 1640 may be attached to a vessel 1600 such that the overall outline of the vessel 1600 Is malntalned.

The following figure descriptions Include various embodiments of vessels 1600, discussion and explanatîon with respect to other alternative embodiments and contexts. However, It should be understood that a vessel 1600 may hâve numerous configurations and modifications. Also, although various embodiments are presented In the figures, It should be understood that a vessel 1600 may hâve a configuration that Is other than those which are lllustrated.

FIG. 17 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 1702, an embodiment 1704, an embodiment 1706, an embodiment 1708, and/or an embodiment 1710.

Embodiment 1702 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a body portion having a substantially rectangular configuration In cross-section. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may hâve a body portion 1610 that has a substantially rectangular shape In cross-section relative to the vertical axis of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may Include two or more side walls that are In a substantially rectangular shape.

Embodiment 1704 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a body portion having a substantially hexagonal configuration In cross-section. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may hâve a body portion 1610 that has a substantially hexagonal shape In cross-section relative to the vertical axis of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include two or more side walls that are In a substantially hexagonal shape.

Embodiment 1706 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a body portion having a substantially octagonal configuration In cross-section. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may hâve a body portion 1610 that has a substantially octagonal shape In cross-section relative to the vertical axis of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include two or more side walls that are In a substantially octagonal shape.

Embodiment 1708 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a body portion having a substantially oblong configuration In cross-section. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may hâve a body portion 1610 that has a substantially oblong shape In cross-section relative to the vertical axis of the vessel 1600. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include two or more side walls that are In a substantially oblong shape.

Embodiment 1710 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a body portion that includes one or more calibration Unes, ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may hâve a body portion 1610 that Includes one or more calibration fines, ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include calibration fines that indicate a volume of material that is held within a vessel 1600. For example, In some embodiments, calibration fines may be configured to indicate the quantity of liquid that Is held within a vessel 1600. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include calibration fines that Indicate a mass of material that is heid within a vessel 1600. For example, ln some embodiments, calibration fines may be configured to indicate the mass of grain that is held within a vessel 1600. Accordingly, a vessel 1600 may Include calibration fines that are configured to provide information about numerous materials that may be heid within the vessel 1600.

FIG. 18 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may Indude an embodiment 1802, an embodiment 1804, an embodiment 1806, and/or an embodiment 1808.

Embodiment 1802 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a body portion that Indudes two or more side walls. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may hâve a body portion 1610 that includes two or more side walls. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude a body portion 1610 that Indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum, ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude a body portion 1610 that indudes two or more side walls that are separated by Insulation material. Numerous types of Insulation material may be Induded between the walls of a vessel 1600. Examples of such insulation materiai indude, but are not limited to, one or more aerogels, polymeric foam materials, fiberglass, and the like. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude a body portion 1610 that Indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a phase change material. Numerous types of phase change materials may be Induded between the walls of a vessel 1600. Examples of such phase change materials Include, but are not limited to, eutectics, sait hydrates, organic materials, and the like. Numerous phase change materials are known (e.g., Farid et al., A review on phase change energy storage: materials and applications, Energy Conservation and Management (45), pgs. 1597-1615 (2004)).

Embodiment 1804 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a body portion that Indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum, ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude a body portion 1610 that indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum, ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude a body portion 1610 that indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum and that indude one or more getters within the vacuum space.

Numerous types of getters are known and may be used. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include a body portion 1610 that Includes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum and that Include one or more getters and Insulation within the vacuum space.

Embodiment 1806 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a body portion that Includes two or more side walls that Include Insulation between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include a body portion 1610 that Includes two or more side walls that are separated by Insulation material. Numerous types of Insulation material may be Induded between the walls of a vessel 1600. Examples of such insulation material Indude, but are not limited to, one or more aerogels, polymeric foam matériels, fiberglass, and the like.

Embodiment 1808 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a body portion that Indudes two or more side walls that include one or more phase change matériels between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude a body portion 1610 that Includes two or more side walls that are separated by a phase change material. Numerous types of phase change materials may be induded between the walls of a vessel 1600. Examples of such phase change materials Include, but are not limited to, eutectics, sait hydrates, organic materials, and the like. Numerous phase change materials are known (e.g., Farid et al., A review on phase change energy storage: materials and applications, Energy Conservation and Management (45), pgs. 1597-1615 (2004)).

FIG. 19 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 1902, an embodiment 1904, an embodiment 1906, an embodiment 1908, and/or an embodiment 1910.

Embodiment 1902 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a top portion that Indudes at least one opening that ls positioned substantiaily adjacent to two or more side walls of the body portion. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude a top portion 1620 that Indudes at least one opening that ls positioned substantiaily adjacent to two or more side walls of the body portion 1610. For example, In some embodiments, an opening may be positioned In the top portion 1620 of a vessel 1600 In a position that ls substantiaily In a corner of the top portion 1620 of the vessel 1600 that is operably connected to two side walls of the vessel 1600.

Embodiment 1904 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a top portion that Indudes at least one opening that ls positioned substantiaily adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and substantiaily médial to the width of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude a top portion 1620 that indudes at least one opening that ls positioned substantiaily adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion 1610 and substantiaily médial to the width of the vessel 1600. For example, In some embodiments, a vessel 1610 may Include a top portion 1620 that includes an opening that is positioned proximate to one side of the narrow end of a substantiaily rectangulartop portion 1620.

Embodiment 1906 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having at least one neck member that Is configured to operably assoclate with a lid. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include a 5 neck member that is configured to operably assoclate with a iid. In some embodiments, the neck member is threaded and configured to assoclate with a threaded lid. In some embodiments, the neck member may Include one or more transverse members that are configured to assoclate with a lid that includes attachment members that are configured to accept the one or more transverse members. Accordingly, a neck member may be configured In numerous ways to assodate with a 10 lid.

Embodiment 1908 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having at least one neck member that Is configured to operably assoclate with a funnel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include a neck member that Is configured to operably assodate with a funnel. In some embodiments, the neck member is threaded and configured to assodate with a threaded funnel. In some embodiments, the neck member may Indude one or more transverse members that are configured to assodate with a funnel that includes attachment members that are configured to accept the one or more transverse members. Accordingly, a neck member may be configured In numerous ways to assodate with a funnel.

Embodiment 1910 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having at least one neck member that indudes 20 the one or more attachment members that are threads. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude a neck member that indudes the one or more attachment members that are threads. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may be configured to accept numerous types of simllariy threaded items. Examples of such items Indude, but are not limited to, pouring spouts, lids, funnels, and the like.

FIG. 20 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may

Indude an embodiment 2002, an embodiment 2004, an embodiment 2006, an embodiment 2008, and/or an embodiment 2010.

Embodiment 2002 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having at least one neck member that indudes the one or more attachment members that are transverse attachment members. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include a neck member that indudes the one or more attachment members that are transverse attachment members. A vessel 1600 may indude numerous types of transverae attachment members. Transverae attachment members may hâve numerous configurations. For example, In some embodiments, a transverae attachment member may be shaped as a rod that protrudes In a transverae manner from the neck member of a vessel 1600. In 30 some embodiments, a transverse attachment member may be shaped as a boit that protrudes In a transverse manner from the neck member of a vessel 1600. Accordingly, ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may be configured to accept numerous types of items having similar attachment members. Examples of such items include, but are not limited to, pouring spouts, lids, funnels, and the like.

Embodiment 2004 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having at least one opening that is between about 2 Inches and about 20 inches in diameter. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include an opening that is between about 2 inches and about 20 inches in diameter.

Embodiment 2006 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having at least one opening that is between about 3 Inches and about 15 inches in diameter. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include an opening that is between about 3 inches and about 15 inches in diameter,

Embodiment 2006 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having at least one opening that is between about 4 inches and about 10 inches in diameter. in some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include an opening that is between about 4 inches and about 10 inches in diameter.

Embodiment 2010 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having at least one opening that is between about 5 inches and about 8 inches in diameter. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include an opening that is between about 5 inches and about 8 Inches in diameter.

FIG. 21 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may include an embodiment 2102, an embodiment 2104, and/or an embodiment 2106.

Embodiment 2102 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having at least one opening that Is about 5 inches in diameter. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include an opening that is about 5 inches in diameter.

Embodiment 2104 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a top portion that includes one or more locklng members that are configured to engage the one or more locklng members positioned on the bottom portion of another vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include a top portion 1620 that includes one or more locking members that are configured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the bottom portion of another vessel 1600. Locking members may be configured in numerous ways. For example, in some embodiments, a top portion 1620 of a first vessel 1600 may include locking members that are configured in a boit shape that can insert Into a cavity positioned in the bottom portion of another vessel. in some embodiments, such locking members may be configured as a dovetall. In some embodiments, such locking members may be configured in a tongue and groove arrangement.

Embodiment 2106 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a top portion that includes one or more locking members that are configured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the bottom portion of another slmilarly configured vessel. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include a top portion 1620 that includes one or more locking members that are configured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the bottom portion of another similariy configured vessel. Locking members may be configured ln numerous ways. For example, ln some embodiments, a top portion 1620 of a first vessel 1600 may include locking members that are configured ln a boit shape that can Insert Into a cavity positioned ln the bottom portion of another vessel. ln some embodiments, such locking members may be configured as a dovetail. ln some embodiments, such locking members may be configured ln a tongue and groove arrangement.

FIG. 22 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may include an embodiment 2202 and/or an embodiment 2204.

Embodiment 2202 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a bottom portion that includes at least one recessed portion that Is configured to receive a neck member that is attached to a lid of a lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include a bottom portion 1630 that includes at least one recessed portion that is configured to receive a neck member that is attached to a lid of a lower vessel so that the nonrecessed portion of the bottom portion 1630 of an upper vessel 1600 substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include a bottom portion 1630 that includes a non-recessed portion that continuously contacts the shoulder portion of another vessel when the vessels are stacked on each other. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the stability of two vessels that are stacked on top of each other is increased due to the substantially continuous contact of the upper vessel 1600 with the lower vessel 1600.

Embodiment 2204 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a bottom portion that includes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are each attached to a lid of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the one or more shoulder portions of the one or more lower vessels. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include a bottom portion 1630 that Includes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are each attached to a lid of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel 1600 substantially continuously contacts the one or more shoulder portions of the one or more lower vessels. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include two recessed portions in the bottom portion of the vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and Included on a single lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include two recessed portions In the bottom portion of the vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept at least one neck member that Is attached to a lid and Included on a single lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include two recessed portions In the bottom portion of the vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and that are each Included on two separate vessels. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include a bottom portion that Includes at least two recessed portions that allow the vessel 1600 to be stacked on top of a single vessel or on top of two vessels (e.g., see Figure 42J-42L and 43D-43E). In some embodiments, a First vessel 1600 may Include two recessed portions In the bottom portion of the first vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept one protrusion and one neck member that Is attached to a lid of a second vessel.

FIG. 23 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 2302 and/or an embodiment 2304.

Embodiment 2302 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a bottom portion that Includes at least one recessed portion that Is positîoned adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and configured to receive a neck member that Is attached to a lid of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include a bottom portion 1630 that Includes at least one recessed portion that Is positîoned adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion 1610 and configured to receive a neck member that Is attached to a lid of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel 1600 substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include a bottom portion 1630 that Includes a non-recessed portion that continuously contacts the shoulder portion of another vessel when the vessels are stacked on each other. Accordingly, In some embodiments, the stability of two vessels that are stacked on top of each other Is Increased due to the substantially continuous contact of the upper vessel 1600 with the lower vessel.

Embodiment 2304 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a bottom portion that includes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lids of one or more iower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the one or more lower vessels. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include a bottom portion 1630 that includes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lids of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion ofthe bottom portion ofan uppervesselsubstantiallycontinuouslycontacts theshoulderportion of the one or more lower vessels. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Inciude two recessed portions In the bottom portion 1630 of the vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and Included on a single lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may inciude two recessed portions in the bottom portion of the vessel that are spaced to accept at least one neck member that is attached to a lid and included on a single lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude two recessed portions in the bottom portion of the vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and that are each Induded on two separate vessels. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude a bottom portion that indudes at least two recessed portions that aliow the vessel 1600 to be stacked on top of a single vessel or on top of two vessels (e.g., see Figure 42J-42L and 43D43E). In some embodiments, a first vessel 1600 may indude two recessed portions in the bottom portion of the first vessel that are spaced to accept one protrusion and one neck member that is attached to a lid of a second vessel.

FIG. 24 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may Indude an embodiment 2402 and/or an embodiment 2404.

Embodiment 2402 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a bottom portion that indudes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to at least two lids of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the at least one lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude a bottom portion 1630 that includes at least two recessed portions that are configured to reçoive at least two neck members that are attached to at least two lids of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion 1630 of an upper vessel 1600 substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the at least one lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude two recessed portions in the bottom portion of the vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and induded on a single lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may inciude two recessed portions in the bottom portion ofthe vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept at least one neck member that is attached to a lid and induded on a single lower vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude two recessed portions In the bottom portion 1630 of the vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept two neck members that are each attached to a lid and that are each included on two separate vessels. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may inciude a bottom portion 1630 that includes at least two recessed portions that aliow the vessel to be stacked on top of a single vessel or on top of two vessels (e.g., see Figure 42J-42L and 43D-43E). In some embodiments, a first vessel 1600 may Include two recessed portions In the bottom portion 1630 of the first vessel 1600 that are spaced to accept one protrusion and one neck member that is attached to a lid of a second vessel.

Embodiment 2404 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having a bottom portion that includes one or more locklng members that are configured to engage the one or more locklng members positioned on the top portion of another vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include a bottom portion 1630 that Includes one or more locklng members that are configured to engage the one or more locklng members positioned on the top portion of another vessel. A vessel 1600 may Include numerous types of locklng members. Examples of such locklng members Include, but are not limited to, tongue and groove locklng members, dovetall locklng members, nut and boit type locklng members, and the like.

FIG. 25 Illustrâtes exampie embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 2502, an embodiment 2504, and/or an embodiment 2506.

Embodiment 2502 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the slde wall of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with the handle protruding out from the outline of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with the handle being positioned over a recessed portion of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may indude one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the slde wall of the vessel 1600 with the handle being positioned over a recessed portion of the vessel 1600 and the handle preservlng the outline of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Indude one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with both ends of the handle being connected to a corner of the vessel 1600.

Embodiment 2504 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handie positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes into the body portion. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to a shoulder région ofthe vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes Into the body portion 1610. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more sealed handles 1460 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with the handle protruding out from the outline of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with the handie being positioned over a recessed portion of the vessel 1600 and the handle preserving the outline of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with both ends of the handle being connected to a corner of the vessel 1600.

Embodiment 2506 illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall ofthe vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle Is configured so that It substantlally retains the outline of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle 1640 is configured so that It substantlally retalns the outline of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the shoulder région of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with both ends of the handle being connected to a cornerofthe vessel 1600.

FIG. 26 illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 1600. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 2602, an embodiment 2604, and/or an embodiment 2606.

Embodiment 2602 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may include one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600. In some embodiments, one or more sealed handles 1640 may p rot rude out from the side of a vessel 1600 and therefore do not retaln the outline ofthe vessel 1600. In some embodiments, one or more sealed handles 1640 may be positioned over one or more recessed portions that protrude into the side of a vessel 1600. ln some embodiments, one or more sealed handles 1640 may be positioned over one or more recessed portions that protrude into the side of a vessel 1600 and the handles may be configured so that the outline ofthe vessel 1600 Is substantlally retained.

Embodiment 2604 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes Into the body portion, ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 with the sealed handle 1640 positioned over a recessed portion 1650 that protrudes Into the body portion 1610. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more handles 1640 that are connected to a corner ofthe vessel 1600. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include one or more handles 1640 that are connected to a non-comer of the vessel 1600.

Embodiment 2606 Illustrâtes a vessel 1600 having one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall ofthe vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle Is configured so that It substantially retains the outline of the vessel. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more sealed handles 1640 having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel 1600 and the other end operably connected to the side wall ofthe vessel 1600 with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle Is configured so that It substantially retalns the outline of the vessel 1600. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more handles 1640 that are connected to a corner ofthe vessel 1600. ln some embodiments, a vessel 1600 may Include one or more handles 1640 that are connected to a non-comer of the vessel 1600.

FIG. 27 and the following figures lllustrate various embodiments of vessels 2700, discussion and explanation with respect to the above-described embodiment of FIG. 16 with the addition of one or more recessed portions 2750, and/or with respect to other alternative embodiments and contexts. However, It should be understood that a vessel 2700 may hâve numerous configurations and/or be a modified version of FIGs. 16 and/or 27. Also, although various embodiments are presented In the figures, It should be understood that a vessel 2700 may hâve a configuration that Is other than those which are lllustrated.

Fig. 27 illustrâtes an example vessel 2700 In which embodiments may be Implemented. A vessel 2700 Inciudes a body portion 2710. In some embodiments, the body portion 2710 may be formed from a single side wall. In some embodiments, the body portion 2710 may be formed from two or more side walls. For example, In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include two or more side walls that Include an air space between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include two or more side walls that include Insulation between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include two or more side walls that Include a vacuum between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may include two or more side walls that Include a phase change material between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more walls that separate the Interior of the vessel Into two or more chambers.

A vessel 2700 inciudes a top portion 2720 that Is operably connected to the body portion 2710. The top portion 2720 Inciudes a shoulder portion that inciudes an opening and a neck member that drcumscribes the opening. In some embodiments, an opening may be positioned substantially adjacent to one or more side walls of the body portion of the vessel. The opening may be constructed to hâve numerous sizes. For example, In some embodiments, the size ofthe opening may be great enough to aliow a person to Insert their hand through the opening to access the Interior of the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, the neck member may optionally include one or more attachment members. The neck member may optionally include numerous types of attachment members. Exampies, of such attachment members include, but are not limited to, threads, lugs, compression fittings, ridges, and the iike.

A vessel 2700 inciudes a bottom portion 2730 that Is operably connected to the body portion 2710. The bottom portion 2730 Inciudes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion, in some embodiments, the recessed portions are configured to accept at least one neck member of another vessel. In some embodiments, the recessed portions are configured to accept at least one neck member that is attached to a lid of another vessei. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a top vessel 2700 may be stacked on top of at least one lower vessel with at least one neck and lid of the lower vessel being accepted into at least one of the two or more recessed portions of the top vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may include a substantially continuous non-recessed portion. The substantially continuously nonrecessed portion may circumscribe the at least two recessed portions of the bottom portion 2730 of the vessel 2700. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a top vessel 2700 may be stacked on top of one or more lower vessels such that the neck and attached lid of the at least one lower vessel is accepted into the two or more recessed portions in the bottom portion 2730 of the top vessel 2700 and the substantiaily continuous non-recessed portion of the top vessei 2700 substantiaily continuously rests on the shoulder portion of the at least one lower vessei.

A vessei 2700 Includes one or more sealed handles 2740 that are operably connected to the vessei 2700. The sealed handles 2740 are sealed on both ends of the handle such that the interior of the handle is isolated from the interior portion of the body of the vessei 2700. Accordingly, in some embodiments, fluid is unable to flow from the interior of the body of the vessei 2700 into a handle that is coupied to the vessei 2700. In some embodiments, a handle Is attached to the vessei 2700 with one end of the handle being coupied to the shoulder of the top portion 2720 of the vessei 2700 and the other end being coupied to a side wall of the vessei 2700. In some embodiments, a handle Is attached to the vessei 2700 with one end of the handle being coupied to the side wall of the vessei 2700 and the other end being coupied to a side wall of the vessei 2700. In some embodiments, a handle may extend beyond the outline of the body portion 2710 of a vessei 2700 to which It is attached. In some embodiments, a handle may not extend beyond the outline of the body portion 2710 of a vessei 2700 to which it Is attached. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a handle may be attached to a vessei 2700 such that the overall outline of the vessei 2700 Is maintained.

A vessei 2700 Includes one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion 2710. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 2750 may protrude Into a side wall of the vessei 2700 at a position that Is adjacent a handle such that the handle may be grasped and the Angers of the grasping hand wili be positioned adjacent the recessed portion, in some embodiments, a recessed portion 2750 may protrude Into a side wall of the vessei 2700 at a position on the vessei 2700 that is opposite the position of a handle that Is attached to the vessei 2700. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 2750 may protrude Into a side wall of a vessei 2700 at a position on the vessei 2700 that Is opposite that of an attached handle so that the recessed portion 2750 serves as a handle for lifting the vessei 2700. For example, In some embodiments, a worker may grasp a handie that Is attached to a vessei 2700 with one hand and grasp a recessed portion 2750 that protrudes Into a side wall of the vessei 2700 on the opposite side of the handle with the other hand. Recessed portions 2750 may protrude Into the side wall of a vessei 2700 in numerous places relative to the vessei 2700. For example, In some embodiments, a recessed portion 2750 may protrude Into the vessei 2700 at a position that Is in the middle of the vessei 2700 relative to the vertical axis of the vessei 2700. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 2750 may protrude Into the vessei 2700 at a position that Is near the bottom portion 2730 of the vessei 2700. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 2750 may protrude into the vessei 2700 at a position that is near the top portion 2720 of the vessei 2700.

The following figure descriptions include various embodiments of vessels 2700, discussion and explanation with respect to other alternative embodiments and contexts. However, It should be understood that a vessei 2700 may hâve numerous configurations and modifications. Also, although various embodiments are presented In the figures, It should be understood that a vessel 2700 may hâve a configuration that Is other than those which are Iîîustrated.

FIG. 28 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessei 2700. Additional embodiments may Include an embodiment 2802, an embodiment 2804, an embodiment 2806, and/or an embodiment 2808.

Embodiment 2802 illustrâtes a vessel 2700 having one or more recessed portions that protrude into the top portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may include one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the top portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a first vessel may include one or more recessed portions that protrude into the top portion of the first vessel that are configured to accept one or more portions of one or more second vessels that hâve attachment members that protrude from the bottom portion ofthe second vessel. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more recessed portions In the top portion of a vessel may serve to stabilize the two vessels that are stacked on top of each other.

Embodiment 2804 illustrâtes a vessel 2700 having one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls In a position that Is substantialiy médial to the body portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that Is substantialiy médial to the body portion 2710 of the vessel 2700. in some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude into the one or more side walls In a position that Is substantialiy opposite to the position of one or more sealed handles 2740. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping structure. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude into the one or more side walls to croate a grasping structure that a worker can use to asslst In lifting the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 100 may include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude into the one or more side walls to croate a recessed portion 2750 with a vertical overhang.

Embodiment 2806 Illustrâtes a vessel 2700 having one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that is substantialiy proximate to the top of the body portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that is substantialiy proximate to the top of the body portion 2710 of the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls in a position that Is substantially opposite to the position of one or more sealed handles 2740. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to create a grasping structure. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude into the one or more side walls to create a grasping structure that a worker can use to asslst In lifting the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to create a recessed portion 2750 with a vertical overhang.

Embodiment 2808 Illustrâtes a vessel 2700 having one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that Is substantially proxlmate to the bottom of the body portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that is substantially proximate to the bottom of the body portion 2710 of the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that is substantially opposite to the position of one or more sealed handles 2740. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to create a grasping structure. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to create a grasping structure that a worker can use to asslst in lifting the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to create a recessed portion 2750 with a vertical overhang.

FIG. 29 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 2700. Additional embodiments may include an embodiment 2902, an embodiment 2904, an embodiment 2906, an embodiment 2908, and/or an embodiment 2910.

Embodiment 2902 Illustrâtes a vessel 2700 having one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls at a corner formed In the body portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude into the one or more side walls at a comer formed In the body portion of the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, one or more recessed portions may be positioned adjacent to one or more sealed handles. In some embodiments, one or more recessed portions may be configured to serve as a grasping point for a worker to grasp the vessel.

Embodiment 2904 Illustrâtes a vessel 2700 having one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls at a non-comer portion of the body portion of the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls at a non-comer portion of the body portion 2710 of the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls in a position that is substantially opposite to the position of one or more sealed handles 2740. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude into the one or more side walls to create a grasplng structure. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude into the one or more side walls to create a grasplng structure that a worker can use to assist In lifting the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude into the one or more side walls to create a recessed portion 2750 with a vertical overhang.

Embodiment 2906 Illustrâtes a vessel 2700 having one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion at a position that ls substantially opposite that of at least one handle that ls operably connected to the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion 2710 at a position that ls substantially opposite that of at least one handle that ls operably connected to the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to create a grasplng structure. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to create a grasping structure that a worker can use to assist In lifting the vessel 2700. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may Include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls to create a recessed portion 2750 with a vertical overhang.

Embodiment 2908 Illustrâtes a vessel 2700 having one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion at a position that ls adjacent to the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may include one or more recessed portions 2750 that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion 2710 at a position that is adjacent to the one or more sealed handles 2740 that are operably connected to the vessel 2700. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a recessed portion 2750 may be positioned in a position on the vessel 2700 that is Interlorto the handle to allow the fingers of a person grasplng the handle to occupy a recessed portion.

Embodiment 2910 Illustrâtes a vessel 2700 having one or more recessed portions that Include a vertical overhang. In some embodiments, a vessel 2700 may include one or more recessed portions 2750 that Include a vertical overhang. Accordingly, In some embodiments, a recessed portion 2750 may be configured to hâve a vertical overhang that allows the recessed portion 2750 to be used by a worker to grasp the vessel 2700.

FIG. 30 and the following figures lllustrate various embodiments of vessels 3000, discussion and explanation with respect to the above-described embodiment of FIG. 16 with the addition of at least one Iid 3050, and/or with respect to other alternative embodiments and contexts. However, It should be understood that a vessel 3000 may hâve numerous configurations and/or be a modified version of FIGs. 16 and/or 30. Also, although various embodiments are presented In the figures, it should be understood that a vessel 3000 may hâve a configuration that Is other than those which are illustrated.

Fig. 30 illustrâtes an example vessel 3000 In which embodiments may be Implemented. A vessel 3000 Includes a body portion 3010. In some embodiments, the body portion 3010 may be formed from a single side wall. In some embodiments, the body portion 3010 may be formed from two or more side walls. For example, In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may Include two or more side walls that Include an air space between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may include two or more side walls that Include Insulation between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may Include two or more side walls that Include a vacuum between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may Include two or more side walls that include a phase change matériel between the two or more side walls. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may Include one or more walls that separate the Interior of the vessel Into two or more chambers.

A vessel 3000 Includes a top portion 3020 that Is operably connected to the body portion 3010. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may Include a top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Includes a shoulder portion that Includes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to one or more side walls of the body portion. The top portion 3020 Includes at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening. The opening may be constructed to hâve numerous slzes. For example, In some embodiments, the size of the opening may be great enough to allow a person to insert their hand through the opening to access the interior of the vessel 3000. In some embodiments, the neck member may optionally indude one or more attachment members. The neck member may optionally Indude numerous types of attachment members. Examples, of such attachment members Indude, but are not limited to, threads, lugs, compression fittings, ridges, and the like. In some embodiments, a neck member may include transverse members that protrude from the neck member. In some embodiments, a neck member may Include a friction fittlng. In some embodiments, a neck member may Include one or more Insets that are configured to receive one or more protruding members. Accordingly, a neck member may Include numerous types of attachment members.

A vessel 3000 includes a bottom portion 3030 that ls operably connected to the body portion 3010. The bottom portion 3030 includes at least two recessed portions and a substantiaily continuous non-recessed portion, in some embodiments, the at least two recessed portions are configured to accept the neck portion of another vessel 3000. In some embodiments, the two or more recessed portions are each configured to accept a neck portion that is attached to a iid of another vessel. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a top vessel 3000 may be stacked on top of a iower vessel with one or more necks and lids of the Iower vessel being accepted into the two or more recessed portions of the top vessel 3000. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may include a substantiaily continuous non-recessed portion. The substantiaily continuously non-recessed portion may drcumscribe the two or more recessed portions ofthe bottom portion 3030 ofthe vessel 3000. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a top vessel 3000 may be stacked on top of a Iower vessel such that one or more necks and attached lids of the iower vessel are accepted into the two or more recessed portions in the bottom portion 3030 of the top vessel 3000 and the substantiaily continuous non-recessed portion of the top vessel 3000 substantiaily continuously rests on the shouider portion ofthe Iower vessel.

A vessel 3000 Includes one or more sealed handles 3040 that are operably coupled to the vessel 3000. The sealed handles 3040 are sealed on both ends of the handle such that the Interior of the handle ls Isolated from the interior portion of the body of the vessel 3000. Accordingly, in some embodiments, fluid is unable to flow from the Interior of the body of the vessel 3000 into a sealed handle 3040 that is coupled to the vessel 3000. In some embodiments, a sealed handle 3040 is attached to the vessel 3000 with one end of the sealed handle 3040 being coupled to the shouider of the top portion 3020 of the vessel 3000 and the other end being coupled to a side wall of the vessel 3000. In some embodiments, a sealed handle 3040 ls attached to the vessel 3000 with one end ofthe sealed handle 3040 being coupledtothe sidewall ofthe vessel 3000 and the other end being coupled to a side wall of the vessel 3000. in some embodiments, a sealed handle 3040 may extend beyond the outline of the body portion 3010 of a vessel 3000 to which It is attached. In some embodiments, a sealed handle 3040 may not extend beyond the outline of the body portion 3010 of a vessel 3000 to which it ls attached. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a sealed handle 3040 may be attached to a vessel 3000 such that the overall outline of the vessel 3000 is maintained.

'

In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may Indude a lid 3050. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may include a lid 3050 that Is connected to the vessel 3000. A lid 3050 may be connected to a vessel 3000 In numerous ways. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may be connected to a vessel 3000 through a tether. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may be connected to a vessel 3000 through a hinge. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may be connected to a vessel 3000 through a plvoting member that allows the lid 3050 to be laterally rotated away from the opening of the vessel 3000.

The foliowing figure descriptions indude various embodiments of vessels 3000, discussion and explanation with respect to other alternative embodiments and contexte. However, It should be understood that a vessel 3000 may hâve numerous configurations and modifications. Also, although various embodiments are presented In the figures, it should be understood that a vessel 3000 may hâve a configuration that is other than those which are illustrated.

FIG. 31 Illustrâtes example embodiments of a vessel 3000. Additional embodiments may Indude an embodiment 3102, an embodiment 3104, an embodiment 3106, an embodiment 3108, and/or an embodiment 3110.

Embodiment 3102 illustrâtes a vessel 3000 having at least one lid that Is connected to the vessel. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may indude a lid 3050 that Is connected to the vessel 3000. A lid 3050 may be connected to a vessel 3000 in numerous ways. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may be connected to a vessel 3000 through a tether. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may be connected to a vessel 3000 through a hinge. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may be connected to a vessel 3000 through a plvoting member that allows the lid 3050 to be laterally rotated away from the opening of the vessel 3000.

Embodiment 3104 illustrâtes a vessel 3000 having at least one lid that is configured to operably assoclate with the at least one neck member. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may Include a lid 3050 that Is configured to operably assodate With the neck member and seal the substantiaily centrally defined opening. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may be threaded so that It will screw down on a threaded neck member and seal an opening in a vessel 3000. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may indude a compression fitting that It compress on a neck member and seal an opening In a vessel 3000. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may Indude a gasket that will compress on a neck member and seal an opening in a vessel 3000. Accordingly, a lid 3050 may hâve numerous configurations that allow the Îld 3050 to seal an opening in the vessel 3000.

Embodiment 3106 illustrâtes a vessel 3000 having at least one lid that Is configured to operably assodate with the at least one neck member and seal the opening. In some embodiments, a vessel 3000 may Indude a lid 3050 that is configured to operably assodate with the at least one neck member and seal the opening. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may be threaded so that it will screw down on a threaded neck member and seal an opening In a vessei 3000. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may indude a compression fitting that it compress on a neck member and seal an opening in a vessei 3000. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may include a gasket that will compress on a neck member and seal an opening In a vessei 3000. Accordingly, a lid 3050 may hâve numerous configurations that allow the lid 3050 to seal an opening In the vessei 3000.

Embodiment 3108 Illustrâtes a vessei 3000 having at least one lid that is configured with threads that operably assoclate with threads of the at least one neck member. In some embodiments, a vessei 3000 may Include a lid 3050 that 1s configured with threads that operably assoclate with threads of the at least neck member.

Embodiment 3110 Illustrâtes a vessei 3000 having at least one lid that Is configured with the one or more attachment members that operably assodate with the one or more attachment members of the at least one neck member. In some embodiments, a vessei 3000 may Indude a lid 3050 that is configured with the one or more attachment members that operably assodate with the one or more attachment members of the at least one neck member. A lid 3050 may indude numerous types of attachment members. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may Indude one or more substantially transverse rods that insert Into one or more cavities in the neck member. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may include one or more cavities that accept one or more substantially transverse rods that are associated with the neck member. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may Indude one or more compression rings that squeeze onto a neck member of a vessei 3000. In some embodiments, a lid 3050 may be construded from elastomeric material that stretches over the neck member on a vessei 3000. Accordingly, a lid may Indude numerous types of attachment members.

Figure 32 illustrâtes an operational flow 3200. Operational flow 3200 indudes a closing operation 3210 that Involves doslng a mold that Is configured to form at least one vessei having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison 1s pinched together In at least two positions in a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessei. In some embodiments, a process may Indude doslng a mold that is configured to form at least one vessei having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison is pinched together In at least two positions In a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessei. In some embodiments, the mold is configured so that a gap left In the mold that forms the plnch point at either end of a handle when the mold Is fully dosed Is approximateiy twice the wall thickness of the parison. Molds may be configured that produce handles having numerous thicknesses at a pinch point on a handle. An extruded parison wall thlckness may be controlled by the extrader die head tooling. As the molten material fs extruded, the die head opening may be programmed to partially open and close, resulting ln axial variation of the parison wall thlckness. The parison wall thlckness may be controlled radially by differentially opening and closing sections of the die head along Its clrcumference. ln some embodiments, a parison may be a preformed blank.

Operatïonal flow 3200 Includes an Injecting operation 3220 that Involves Injecting gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessel defîned by the mold. ln some embodiments, a process may Indude Injecting gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessel defined by the mold. fn some embodiments, gas may be blown Into the parison through one or more blow pins. In some embodiments, one or more blow pins may be Inserted Into the parison before the mold Is dosed. ln some embodiments, one or more blow pins may be inserted into the parison after the mold is dosed. Numerous types of gas may be injeded into the parison. In some embodiments, air Is injeded Into the parison. ln some embodiments, a gas is injeded into the parison that is non-readlve with the material maklng up the parison.

FIG. 33 Illustrâtes alternative embodiments of the example operatïonal flow 3200 of FIG. 32. FIG. 33 Illustrâtes example embodiments where the dosing operation 3210 may indude at least one additional operation. Additional operations may Indude an operation 3302, an operation 3304, an operation 3306, and/or an operation 3308.

At operation 3302, operation 3210 may include manually positionlng ln the mold at least one Insert that Is configured to form at least one recessed portion in the vessel formed by the mold. ln some embodiments, a process may Indude manually posltioning In the mold at feast one insert that Is configured to form at least one recessed portion ln the vessel formed by the mold. For example, one or more Inserts may be manually positioned at the bottom of a mold that create one or more recessed portions ln the bottom portion of a vessel defined by the mold.

At operation 3304, operation 3210 may Include mechanically positionlng in the mold at least one Insert that is configured to form at least one recessed portion ln the vessel formed by the mold. ln some embodiments, a process may Include mechanically positionlng in the mold at least one insert that is configured to form at least one recessed portion ln the vessel formed by the mold. For example, one or more Inserts may be mechanically positioned at the bottom of a mold that create one or more recessed portions In the bottom portion of a vessel defined by the mold. ln some embodiments, inserts may be positioned through use of hydraulics.

At operation 3306, operation 3210 may Include positionlng In the mold at least one fnsert that is configured to form at least one recessed portion In one or more side walls of the vessel formed by the mold. ln some embodiments, a process may Include posltioning in the mold at least one Insert that Is confîgured to form at least one recessed portion In one or more side walls of the vessel formed by the mold. For example, one or more Inserts may be positioned on the side of a mold that croate one or more recessed portions in one or more side walls of a vessel defined by the mold.

At operation 3308, operation 3210 may inciude positloning in the mold at least one Insert that is confîgured to form at ieast one recessed portion In a bottom portion of the vessel formed by the mold. In some embodiments, a process may include positloning In the mold at least one insert that Is confîgured to form at least one recessed portion in a bottom portion of the vessel formed by the mold. For example, one or more Inserts may be positioned at the bottom of a mold that croate one or more recessed portions In the bottom portion of a vessel defined by the mold.

FIG. 34 illustrâtes alternative embodiments of the example operational flow 3200 of FIG. 32. FIG. 34 illustrâtes exampie embodiments where the closing operation 3210 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may Include an operation 3402, an operation 3404, and/or an operation 3406.

At operation 3402, operation 3210 may include positloning in the mold at least one Insert that Is confîgured to form at least one recessed portion In a top portion ofthe vessel formed by the mold. In some embodiments, a process may Inciude positloning In the mold at least one insert that Is confîgured to form at least one recessed portion In a top portion of the vessel formed by the mold. For example, one or more Inserts may be positioned at the top of a mold that croate one or more recessed portions in the top portion of a vessel defined by the mold.

At operation 3404, operation 3210 may Include closing the mold completely. In some embodiments, a process may Include closing the mold completely. In some embodiments, a moid may be closed completely before gas Is injected Into the parison. In some embodiments, a mold is confîgured such that dosing the mold on a parison will pinch a portion of the parison material that will form a closed handle. In some embodiments, a mold will be confîgured to pinch a portion ofthe parison that will form a handle such that both ends of the handle are completely fllled with parison material. Accordingly, In some embodiments when gas is injected Into a portion of the moid that will form a handle, a hoilow handle having ends that are completely dosed Is formed.

At operation 3406, operation 3210 may Include dosing the mold partially. In some embodiments, a process may Indude dosing the mold partially. In some embodiments, a mold may be partially closed when gas is injected Into the parison. in some embodiments, a mold 1s confîgured such that a vessel Is partially formed In the partially dosed mold and then the mold may be completely closed to pinch a portion of the material forming the partial vessel to form a completed vessel. For example, a hoilow handle having two open ends may be initially formed In 48 the partially closed mold and then the mold may be closed to plnch the ends of the handle portion to croate a hollow handle that Is closed on both ends.

FIG. 35 Illustrâtes alternative embodiments of the example operational flow 3200 of FIG. 32. FIG. 35 Illustrâtes example embodiments where the Injecting operation 3220 may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may Include an operation 3502, and/or an operation 3504.

At operation 3502, operation 3220 may Include Injecting gas Into the parison to form a body portion of the vessel defined by the mold. ln some embodiments, a process may indude injecting gas Into the parison to form at least one body portion of the vessel defined by the mold. ln some embodiments, gas may be injected Into a portion of the parison that will form the body portion of the vessel. ln some embodiments, gas may be injected Into a portion of the parison that will form the body portion of the vessel and not injected Into a portion of the parison that will form a handle. In some embodiments, gas may be injected Into a portion of the parison that will form the body portion of the vessel and gas may also be Injected into a portion of the parison that will form a handle.

At operation 3504, operation 3220 may indude injecting gas Into the parison to form a handle portion on the vessel defined by the mold. ln some embodiments, a process may Indude Injeding gas into the parison to form a handle portion on the vessel defined by the mold. In some embodiments, a blow needle may be Inserted into a portion of the parison that Is contained within a portion of a mold that is configured to croate a handle on a vessel. Gas may then be injected Into the portion of the parison that will form the handle to croate a hollow handle.

Agure 36 Illustrâtes an operational flow 3600. Operational flow 3600 indudes a dosing operation 3610 that involves dosing a mold that is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison Is plnched together in at least two positions in a portion of the mdd that forms a handle on the vessel. ln some embodiments, a process may Include dosing a mold that Is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison Is plnched together In at least two positions ln a portion of the mdd that forms a handle on the vessel. ln some embodiments, the mold Is configured so that a gap left ln the mold that forms the plnch point at either end of a handle when the mdd is fully dosed is approximately twice the wall thickness of the parison. Molds may be configured that produce handles having numerous thicknesses at a plnch point on a handle.

Operational flow 3600 Indudes an Injeding operation 3620 that Involves Injecting gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessel defined by the mold. ln some embodiments, a process may indude Injecting gas into one or more portions of the parison to form 49 the at least one vessel defined by the mold. In some embodiments, gas may be blown Into the parison through one or more blow pins. In some embodiments, one or more blow pins may be inserted into the parison before the mold Is closed. In some embodiments, one or more blow pins may be Inserted Into the parison after the mold Is closed. Numerous types of gas may be injected Into the parison. In some embodiments, air is injected Into the parison. In some embodiments, a gas Is Injected Into the parison that is non-reactive with the material maklng up the parison.

Operational flow 3600 Indudes an Insertlng operation 3630 that Involves Inserting at least one blow pin into the parison. in some embodiments, a process may inciude inserting at least one blow pin into the parison. In some embodiments, a parison may be extruded around a blow pin that Is positioned within a mold. In some embodiments, a parison may be extruded and then a blow pin may be positioned within the parison within a mold. In some embodiments, a blow pin may be inserted into an extruded parison that is within an open mold. In some embodiments, a blow pin may be inserted Into an extruded parison that is within a closed mold.

FIG. 37 illustrâtes alternative embodiments of the example operational flow 3600 of FIG. 36. FIG. 37 Illustrâtes exampie embodiments where the inserting operation 3630 may indude at least one additional operation. Additional operations may Indude an operation 3702.

At operation 3702, operation 3630 may inciude inserting at least one blow pin into the moid and forming at least one parison around the blow pin. In some embodiments, a process may inciude inserting at least one biow pin into the moid and forming at least one parison around the blow pin. In some embodiments, a parison Is formed around the blow pin within an open mold. In some embodiments, a parison is formed around the blow pin within a dosed moid.

Figure 38 illustrâtes an operational flow 3800. Operational flow 3800 Indudes a dosing operation 3810 that Involves dosing a mold that is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion ofthe parison Is pinched togetherIn at least two positions in a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessel. In some embodiments, a process may indude dosing a mold that is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison is pinched together in at least two positions in a portion of the mold that forms a handie on the vessel. in some embodiments, the mold is configured so that a gap left in the mold that forms the plnch point at either end of a handle when the mold is fully dosed is approximately twlce the wali thlckness of the parison. Molds may be configured that produce handles having numerous thicknesses at a plnch point on a handle.

Operationai flow 3800 Includes an injecting operation 3820 that involves injecting gas into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessel defined by the mold. In some embodiments, a process may include injecting gas into one or more portions ofthe parison to form the at least one vessel defined by the mold. In some embodiments, gas may be blown into the parison through one or more blow pins. In some embodiments, one or more blow pins may be inserted into the parison before the mold Is closed. In some embodiments, one or more blow pins may be inserted into the parison after the mold is closed. Numerous types of gas may be injected into the parison. In some embodiments, air is injected into the parison. In some embodiments, a gas Is injected Into the parison that is non-readive with the material making up the parison.

Operationai flow 3800 indudes an inserting operation 3830 that involves inserting at ieast one biow needie into at least one portion of the mold that forms at least one handle on the at least one vessel. In some embodiments, a process may indude inserting at least one blow needie into one or more portions ofthe mold that forms at ieast one handle on the at least one vessel. In some embodiments, a blow needie may be inserted into a portion of a parison that Is contained within a portion of the mold that is configured to create a close ended hollow handle. Gas may be injected through the blow needie into the parison contained within the handle portion to create a hoilow handle.

FIG. 39 illustrâtes alternative embodiments of the example operationai flow 3800 of FIG. 38. FIG. 39 illustrâtes example embodiments where the inserting operation 3830 may Include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may indude an operation 3902.

At operation 3902, operation 3830 may indude Inserting the at least one blow needie Into at least one portion ofthe mold that forms at least one handle on the at least one vessel after the mold is completely dosed. In some embodiments, a process may indude inserting the at least one blow needie into at least one portion of the mold that forms at least one handle on the at least one vessel after the mold Is completely closed.

Figure 40 illustrâtes an operationai flow 4000. Operationai flow 4000 indudes a closing operation 4010 that involves dosing a mold that Is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison Is pinched together In at least two positions in a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessel. In some embodiments, a process may indude dosing a mold that is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison is pinched together in at least two positions in a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessel. In some embodiments, the mold is configured so that a gap left in the mold that forms the pinch point at either end of a handle when the mold Is fully dosed Is approximately twice the wall thickness of the parison. Molds may be configured that produce handles having numerous thicknesses at a pinch point on a handle.

Operational flow 4000 Indudes an Injecting operation 4020 that Involves Injecting gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessel defined by the mold. In some embodiments, a process may Indude injecting gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessel defined by the mold. In some embodiments, gas may be blown Into the parison through one or more blow pins. In some embodiments, one or more blow pins may be Inserted Into the parison before the mold Is dosed. In some embodiments, one or more blow pins may be Inserted Into the parison after the mold is dosed. Numerous types of gas may be Injected Into the parison. In some embodiments, air is Injected Into the parison. In some embodiments, a gas Is injected Into the parison that Is non-reactive with the material making up the parison.

Operational flow 4000 Indudes a cooling operation 4030 that Involves cooling the mold. In some embodiments, a process may include cooling the mold. Numerous methods may be used to cool a mold. For example, in some embodiments, fluid may be drculated through channels In the mold to cool the mold. In some embodiments, gas may be drculated through channels in the mold to cool the mold. In some embodiments, liquefied gas may be drculated through channels In the mold to cool the mold.

FIG. 41 Illustrâtes alternative embodiments of the example operational flow 4000 of FIG. 40. FIG. 41 Illustrâtes example embodiments where the cooling operation 4030 may indude at least one additlonal operation. Additional operations may Indude an operation 4102, an operation 4104, and/or an operation 4106.

At operation 4102, operation 4030 may Include flowing fluid through the mold. In some embodiments, a process may Include flowing fluid through the mold. Numerous types of fluids and combinations of fluids may be used to cool a mold and are commerdaiiy available (e.g., Dimplex Thermal Solutions, 2625 Emerald Drive, Kalamazoo, Ml 49001-4542).

At operation 4104, operation 4030 may include flowing gas through the mold. In some embodiments, a process may include flowing gas through the mold. Numerous types of gases and combinations of gases may be used to cool a mold. Examples of such gases Indude, but are not limited to, Fréon, carbon dioxide, and the like.

At operation 4106, operation 4030 may include flowing liquefied gas through the mold. In some embodiments, a process may include flowing liquefied gas through the mold. Numerous types of gases and combinations of gases may be used to cool a mold. Examples of such gases Indude, but are not limited to, liquid oxygen, liquid hélium, liquid nitrogen, and the like.

Fig. 42A illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 indudes a body portion 4202 that Includes at least one side wall 4204. The vessel 4200 also Includes a top portion 4206 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openings 4210 with neck members 4212 that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessel 4200 also Indudes a bottom portion 4214 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that includes a substantially centrally defined recessed portion 4220 (not shown) and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222 (not shown). The vessei 4200 also indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operably connected to the vessel 4200.

Fig. 42B illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 Includes a body portion 4202 that Indudes at least one side wall 4204. The vessel 4200 also Indudes a top portion 4206 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openings 4210 with neck members 4212 that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessel 4200 also Indudes a bottom portion 4214 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes two recessed portions 4220 and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222. The vessel 4200 also indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operably connected to the vessel 4200.

Fig. 42C Illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 Indudes a body portion 4202 that indudes at least one side wall 4204. The vessei 4200 also Includes a top portion 4206 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openings 4210 with neck members 4212 that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessel 4200 also Indudes a bottom portion 4214 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that indudes a substantially centrally defined recessed portion 4220 (not shown) and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222 (not shown). The vessel 4200 also indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operably connected to the vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 also Indudes a lid 4224 that Is coupled to the neck member 4212.

Fig. 42D illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 Indudes a body portion 4202 that Indudes at least one side wall 4204. The vessei 4200 also indudes a top portion 4206 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openings 4210 with neck members 4212 that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessel 4200 also indudes a bottom portion 4214 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that indudes two recessed portions 4220 and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222. The vessel 4200 also Indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operably connected to the vessel 4200.

Fig. 42E illustrâtes a vessei 4200. The vessel 4200 Indudes a body portion 4202 that indudes at least one side wall 4204. The vessel 4200 aiso Indudes a top portion 4206 that is operabiy connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openings 4210 with neck members 4212 that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessei 4200 also indudes a bottom portion 4214 that is operabiy connected to the body portion 4202 and that indudes two recessed portions 4220 and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222. The vessel 4200 also indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operabiy connected to the vessei 4200.

Fig. 42F illustrâtes a vessei 4200. The vessel 4200 Indudes a body portion 4202 that indudes at least one side wall 4204. The vessel 4200 aiso inciudes a top portion 4206 that is operabiy connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and an opening 4210 with a neck member 4212 that drcumscribes the opening 4210. The vessei 4200 also indudes a bottom portion 4214 that is operabiy connected to the body portion 4202 and that inciudes two recessed portions 4220 (not shown) and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222 (not shown). The vessel 4200 also Indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operabiy connected to the vessei 4200. The vessel 4200 aiso Indudes a protubérance 4226 that extends away from the top portion of the vessel 4200.

Fig. 42G illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessei 4200 Indudes a body portion 4202 that Inciudes at least one side wall 4204. The vessei 4200 also Inciudes a top portion 4206 that is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and an opening 4210 (not shown) with a neck member 4212 that drcumscribes the opening 4210. The vessei 4200 aiso Indudes a bottom portion 4214 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes two recessed portions 4220 and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222. The vessei 4200 also Indudes two sealed handles 4216 (one shown) that are operably connected to the vessel 4200. The vessei 4200 also Indudes a wall 4240 that séparâtes the vessel cavlty into two separate chambers.

Fig. 42H Illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 Indudes a body portion 4202 that indudes at least one side wall 4204. The vessel 4200 aiso indudes a top portion 4206 that Is operabiy connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openings 4210 with neck members 4212 that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessei 4200 also Indudes a bottom portion 4214 that Is operabiy connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes two recessed portions 4220 and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222. The vessei 4200 also Indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operably connected to the vessei 4200.

Fig. 421 illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 includes a body portion 4202 that inciudes at ieast one side wall 4204. The vessel 4200 also Includes a top portion 4206 that is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that Includes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openlngs 4210 (not shown) with neck members 4212 (not shown) that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessel 4200 also lndudes a bottom portion 4214 that is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that lndudes two recessed portions 4220 (not shown) and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222 (not shown). The vessel 4200 also indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operably connected to the vessel 4200. Also shown are two non-slmllar vessels 4228 that are stacked on top of vessel 4200.

Fig. 42J illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 indudes a body portion 4202 that Includes at least one slde wall 4204. The vessel 4200 also Indudes a top portion 4206 that Is operabiy connected to the body portion 4202 and that indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openings 4210 with neck members 4212 that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessel 4200 also indudes a bottom portion 4214 that is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that Includes two recessed portions 4220 and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222. The vessel 4200 also indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operably connected to the vessel 4200. Also shown are two non-simllar vessels 4228 that are stacked on top of vessel 4200.

Fig. 42K illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 indudes a body portion 4202 that includes at least one side wall 4204. The vessel 4200 also includes a top portion 4206 that is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openings 4210 with neck members 4212 that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessel 4200 also indudes a bottom portion 4214 that is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that indudes two recessed portions 4220 and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222. The vessel 4200 also indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operably connected to the vessel 4200. Also shown are two non-simllar vessels 4228 that are stacked on top of vessel 4200.

Fig. 42L illustrâtes a vessel 4200. The vessel 4200 indudes a body portion 4202 that Indudes at least one side wall 4204. The vessel 4200 also indudes a top portion 4206 that is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that Indudes a shoulder portion 4208 and two openings 4210 with neck members 4212 that drcumscribes the openings 4210. The vessel 4200 also indudes a bottom portion 4214 that is operably connected to the body portion 4202 and that indudes two recessed portions 4220 and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4222. The vessel 4200 also indudes two sealed handles 4216 that are operably connected to the vessel 4200. Also shown is a vessel 4200 that is stacked on top of vessel 4200.

Ag. 43A illustrâtes a vessel 4300. The vessel 4300 Includes a body portion 4302 that includes at least one side wall 4304. The vessel 4300 also Includes a top portion 4306 that is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that Includes a shoulder portion 4308 and two openings 4310 with neck members 4312 that drcumscribes the openings 4310. The vessel 4300 also Includes a bottom portion 4314 that is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that includes two recessed portions 4320 (not shown) and a substantially contînuous non-recessed portion 4322 (not shown). The vessel 4300 also Includes a sealed handle 4316 that is operably connected to the vessel 4300. Also shown Is a recessed portion 4330 In a side wall of the vessel 4300. The vessel 4300 also Includes a wall 4340 that séparâtes the cavity of the vessel 4300 Into two separate chambers.

Ag. 43B Illustrâtes a vessel 4300. The vessel 4300 Includes a body portion 4302 that Includes at least one side wall 4304. The vessel 4300 also Includes a top portion 4306 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that Includes a shoulder portion 4308 and two openings 4310 with neck members 4312 that drcumscribes the openings 4310. The vessel 4300 also Includes a bottom portion 4314 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that Indudes two recessed portions 4320 and a substantially contînuous non-recessed portion 4322. The vessel 4300 also Indudes a sealed handle 4316 that Is operably connected to the vessel 4300. Also shown Is a recessed portion 4330 ln a side wall of the vessel 4300.

Ag. 43C Illustrâtes a vessel 4300. The vessel 4300 indudes a body portion 4302 that Indudes at least one side wall 4304. The vessel 4300 also Includes a top portion 4306 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that Indudes a shoulder portion 4308 and two openings 4310 with neck members 4312 that drcumscribes the openings 4310. The vessel 4300 also indudes a bottom portion 4314 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that indudes two recessed portions 4320 and a substantially contînuous non-recessed portion 4322. The vessel 4300 also Indudes a sealed handle 4316 that Is operably connected to the vessel 4300, Also shown Is a recessed portion 4330 ln a side wall of the vessel 4300.

Ag. 43D Illustrâtes a vessel 4300. The vessel 4300 Indudes a body portion 4302 that Indudes at least one side wall 4304. The vessel 4300 also Indudes a top portion 4306 that is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that Indudes a shoulder portion 4308 and an opening 4310 with a neck member 4312 that drcumscribes the opening 4310. The vessel 4300 also Indudes a bottom portion 4314 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that Indudes two recessed portions 4320 and a substantially contînuous non-recessed portion 4322. The vessel 4300 also Indudes a sealed handle 4316 that Is operably connected to the vessel 4300.

Also shown Is a recessed portion 4330 in a side wall of the vessei 4300. The vessel 4300 Is shown stacked on top of two non-slmllar vesseis 4328.

Fig. 43E illustrâtes a vessel 4300. The vessel 4300 Inciudes a body portion 4302 that inciudes at least one side wail 4304. The vessel 4300 also inciudes a top portion 4306 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that indudes a shoulder portion 4308 and an opening 4310 with a neck member 4312 that drcumscribes the opening 4310. The vessel 4300 aiso indudes a bottom portion 4314 that Is operably connected to the body portion 4302 and that indudes two recessed portions 4320 and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion 4322. The vessel 4300 also Indudes a sealed handle 4316 that Is operably connected to the vessel 4300. Also shown is a recessed portion 4330 In a side wall of the vessel 4300. The vessel 4300 Is shown stacked on top of two non-similar vesseis 4328.

The foregoing detaiied description hasset forth various embodiments ofthe devlces and/or processes via the use of block dlagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more fonctions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each fonction and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, indivldually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Spécifie Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gâte Arrays (FPGAs), digital signai processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled In the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or In part, can be equivalently implemented In Integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs runnlng on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer Systems), as one or more programs runnlng on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designlng the circuitry and/or writtng the code for the software and or firmware wouid be weil within the sklll of one of skili in the art In light of this disdosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appredate that the mechanisms ofthe subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to adually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium indude, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fi ber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, réception logic, etc.), etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled In the art will recognlze that the various embodiments described herein can be Implemented, individually and/or collectively, by various types of electromechanical Systems having a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range of components that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigid bodies, spring ortorsional bodies, hydraulics, electro-magnetically actuated devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, as used herein electro-mechanical System Includes, but Is not limited to, electrical drcuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitry having at least one discrète electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one Integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application spécifie integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partial iy carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partialiy carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical drcuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any nonelectrical analog thereto, such as optical or other analogs (e.g., graphene based drcuitry).

In a general sense, those skilled In the art will recognlze that the various aspects described herein which can be Implemented, Individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of electrical drcuitry. Consequently, as used herein electrical drcuitry Includes, but Is not limited to, electrical drcuitry having at least one discrète electrical dreuit, electrical drcuitry having at least one integrated dreuit, electrical drcuitry having at least one application spedfic integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partialiy carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partialiy carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical drcuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), and/or electrical drcuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.). Those having skill In the art will recognlze that the subject matter described herein may be impiemented In an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art wili recognlze that at ieast a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be Integrated into an Image processing System. Those having skill In the art wili recognlze that a typical Image processing System generally Includes one or more of a System unit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entities such as operatlng Systems, drivers, applications programs, one or more Interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), control Systems including feedback ioops and control motors (e.g., feedback for senslng lens position and/or velocity; control motors for moving/dlstortlng ienses to give desired focuses). An Image processing System may be impiemented utilizlng suitable commerdaliy availabie components, such as those typically found in digital stili Systems and/or digital motion Systems.

Those skilled in the art wili recognlze that at least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be Integrated Into a data processing System. Those having skiil In the art wili recognlze that a data processing System generally includes one or more of a System unit housing, a video dispiay device, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entities such as operatlng Systems, drivers, graphical user Interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or control Systems including feedback ioops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantifies). A data processing System may be impiemented utilizlng suitable commercialiy availabie components, such as those typically found In data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication Systems.

Ail of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, forelgn patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this spécification and/or listed In any Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent not inconsistent herewith,

One skilled in the art wili recognlze that the herein described components (e.g., operations), devices, objecte, and the discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual darity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Consequentiy, as used herein, the spécifie exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion are Intended to be représentative of their more general classes, in general, use of any spécifie exempiar is Intended to be représentative of its class, and the non-indusion of spécifie components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken limlting.

With respect to the use of substantialiy any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

The herein described subject matter sometlmes Illustrâtes different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It Is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exempîary, and that in fact many other architectures may be Implemented which achleve the same functionality. In a conceptuel sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “assodated” such that the desired functionality Is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as ‘associated with* each other such that the desired functionality Is achieved, Irrespective of architectures or Intermedial components. Likewlse, any two components so assodated can also be vlewed as being ‘operably connected, or ‘operably coupled,* to each other to achieve the desired fundionality, and any two components capable of being so assoclated can also be vlewed as being ‘operably coup labié,* to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Spedfic examples of operably couplable Indude but are not limited to physlcally mateable and/or physlcally Interacting components, and/or wirelessly Interadable, and/or wlrelessly Interacting components, and/or logically Interacting, and/or logically Interadable components.

In some Instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as ‘configured to,* ‘configured by,* 'configurable to,* ‘opéra ble/operative to, adapted/adaptable, able to, ‘conformable/conformed to,* etc. Those skilled In the art wili recognlze that such terms (e.g. ‘configured to*) can generally encompass active-state components and/or Inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requlres otherwise.

While particular aspects of the présent subjed matter described herein hâve been shown and described, It wili be apparent to those skilled In the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subjed matter described herein and Its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended daims are to encompass within their scope ail such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subjed matter described herein. It wili be understood by those within the art that, In general, terms used herein, and espedally In the appended daims (e.g., bodies of the appended daims) are generally Intended as ‘open* terms (e.g., the term ‘inciuding* should be Interpreted as ‘induding but not limited to,* the term ‘having* should be Interpreted as ‘having at least,* the term ‘indudes* should be interpreted as ‘indudes but is not limited to,* etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a spécifie number of an Introduced daim redtation ls Intended, such an Intent will be explidtly redted In the daim, and In the absence of such redtation no such intent ls présent For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended daims may contain usage of the Introductory phrases at least one* and one or more* to Introduce daim redtations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to Imply that the introduction of a daim redtation by the Indefînlte articles a* or an* limits any particular daim containing such Introduced daim redtation to daims containing only one such redtation, even when the same daim indudes the Introductory phrases *one or more or at least one and Indefînlte artides such as a or an (e.g., a and/or an should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one or ‘one or more’); the same hoids true for the use of defini te artides used to introduce daim redtations. In addition, even if a spécifie number of an Introduced daim redtation ls explidtly redted, those skilled In the art will recognize that such redtation should typically be Interpreted to mean at least the redted number (e.g., the bare redtation of two redtations, without other modifiera, typically means at least two récitations, or two or more redtations). Furthermore, In those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, and C, etc. ls used, in general such a construction ls Intended In the sense one having skill in the art wouid underetand the convention (e.g., a system having at least one of A, B, and C* wouid Indude but not be limited to Systems that hâve A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/orA, B, and C together, etc.). In those Instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, or C, etc. ls used, In general such a construction ls intended In the sense one having skill In the art wouid underatand the convention (e.g., a system having at least one of A, B, or C wouid Indude but not be limited to Systems that hâve A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether In the description, daims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilités of Induding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictâtes otherwlse. For example, the phrase A or B* will be typically understood to Indude the possibilités of A or B* or A and B.

With respect to the appended daims, those skilled in the art will appredate that redted operations thereln may generally be performed In any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it shouid be understood that the various operations may be performed In other ordera than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Exemples of such altemate orderings may Indude overiapplng, interleaved, Interrupted, reordered, Incrémental, preparatory, supplémentai, slmultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictâtes otherwise. Furthermore, terms like ‘responsive to, related to, or other past-tense adjectives are generally not Intended to exdude such variants, unless context dictâtes otherwise.

Aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out In the following numbered clauses:

1. In some embodiments, a vessel Indudes: a body portion that Indudes one or more side walls; a top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at ieast one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members; a bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes at ieast one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion; one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel; and one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls ofthe body portion.

2. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the body portion that Indudes one or more side walls indudes a body portion having a substantially rectangular configuration In cross-section.

3. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the body portion that indudes one or more side walls indudes a body portion having a substantially hexagonal configuration In cross-section.

4. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the body portion that Indudes one or more side walls indudes a body portion having a substantially octagonal configuration in cross-section.

5. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the body portion that indudes one or more side walis indudes a body portion having a substantially oblong configuration In cross-section.

6. Some embodiments Indude a vessei as described In paragraph 1, wherein the body portion that Indudes one or more side walls Indudes a body portion that indudes one or more calibration lines.

7. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the body portion that Indudes one or more side walls indudes a body portion that Indudes two or more side walls.

8. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the body portion that indudes one or more side walls indudes a body portion that Indudes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum.

9. Some embodiments indude a vessei as described in paragraph 1, wherein the body portion that Indudes one or more side walls indudes a body portion that Indudes two or more side wails that indude Insulation between the two or more side walls.

10. Some embodiments indude a vessei as described in paragraph 1, wherein the body portion that Indudes one or more side walls indudes a body portion that indudes two or more side walls that indude one or more phase change materials between the two or more side wails.

11. Some embodiments indude a vessei as described In paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at ieast one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that indudes at ieast one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to two or more side wails of the body portion.

12. Some embodiments indude a vessei as described in paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at ieast one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that indudes at least one neck member that Is configured to operably assodate with a lid.

13. Some embodiments Indude a vessei as described in paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side wails of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at ieast one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members Indudes a top portion that indudes at ieast one neck member that is configured to operably assodate with a funnel.

14. Some embodiments indude a vessei as described in paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that indudes at least one neck member that Indudes the one or more attachment members that are threads.

15. Some embodiments indude a vessei as described in paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at ieast one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more sidewalls ofthe body portion and at leastone neck memberthat drcumscribestheat least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members Indudes a top portion that Indudes at least one neck member that Indudes the one or more attachment members that are transverse attachment members.

16. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that Is operabiy connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that includes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that Indudes at least one opening that is between about 2 Inches and about 20 inches In diameter.

17. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that Is operabiy connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at ieast one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members Indudes a top portion that indudes at least one opening that Is between about 3 inches and about 15 inches In diameter.

18. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that Is operabiy connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls ofthe body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that includes at least one opening that is between about 4 Inches and about 10 Inches In diameter.

19. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that Is operabiy connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at ieast one opening and indudes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that indudes at least one opening that Is between about 5 inches and about 8 inches In diameter.

20. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that is operabiy connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members Indudes a top portion that Indudes at least one opening that Is about 5 inches In diameter.

21. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that is operabiy connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at ieast one opening and indudes one or more attachment members Indudes a top portion that indudes one or more locking members that are confîgured to engage the one or more iocking members positioned on the bottom portion of another vessel.

22. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the top portion that is operabiy connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at ieast one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at ieast one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that Indudes one or more locking members that are confîgured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the bottom portion of another simiiarly confîgured vessei.

23. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the bottom portion that is operabiy connected to the body portion and that Indudes at least one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion Indudes a bottom portion that Indudes at ieast one recessed portion that Is confîgured to receive a neck member that Is attached to a lid of a iower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessei substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel.

24. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the bottom portion that Is operabiy connected to the body portion and that indudes at least one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion Indudes a bottom portion that Indudes at ieast one recessed portion that Is positioned adjacent to the one or more side walls ofthe body portion and confîgured to receive a neck member that Is attached to a lid ofa iowervessei so thatthe non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel.

25. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the bottom portion that Is operabiy connected to the body portion and that Indudes at least one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion indudes a bottom portion that indudes at least two recessed portions that are confîgured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lîds of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantiaily continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the one or more lower vessels.

26. Some embodiments Include a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the bottom portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that includes at least one recessed portion and a substantiaily continuous non-recessed portion Indudes a bottom portion that Indudes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lids of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantiaily continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the at least one lower vessel.

27. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the bottom portion that Is operabiy connected to the body portion and that Includes at least one recessed portion and a substantiaily continuous non-recessed portion Indudes a bottom portion that Includes one or more locking members that are configured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the top portion of another vessei.

28. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel indude one or more sealed handies having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel.

29. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel Indude one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the seaied handle positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes into the body portion.

30. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel indude one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle Is configured so that it substantiaily retains the outline of the vessel.

31. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel Indude one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel.

32. Some embodiments Include a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel include one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes into the body portion.

33. Some embodiments indude a vessei as described in paragraph 1, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessei indude one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessei with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle is configured so that It substantiaily retalns the outline ofthe vessel.

34. Some embodiments indude a vessei as described in paragraph 1, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion Include one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that is substantiaily médiat to the body portion of the vessel.

35. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion indude one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls in a position that ls substantiaily proximate to the top of the body portion of the vessel.

36. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls ofthe body portion Include one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walis in a position that ls substantiaily proximate to the bottom of the body portion of the vessel.

37. Some embodiments indude a vessei as described in paragraph 1, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion include one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls at a corner formed In the body portion of the vessel.

38. Some embodiments Indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side waüs of the body portion indude one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls at a non-corner portion ofthe body portion of the vessel.

39. Some embodiments indude a vessel as described In paragraph 1, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion indude one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion at a position that Is substantially opposite that of at least one handle that Is operably connected to the vessel.

40. Some embodiments Include a vessel as described In paragraph 1, whereln the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion Include one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion at a position that is adjacent to the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel.

41. Some embodiments Include a vessel as described in paragraph 1, whereln the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion include one or more recessed portions that include a vertical overhang.

42. Some embodiments include a vessel as described in paragraph 1, wherein the vessel is constructed from one or more materials including: one or more poiymeric materials, one or more metals, one or more ce ramies, doth, glass, paper, and substantially any combination thereof.

43. The vessel of paragraph 1, whereln the vessel further indudes at least one lid.

44. The vessel of paragraph 43, whereln the at least one lid Indudes at least one lid that is connected to the vessei.

45. The vessel of paragraph 43, wherein the at least one lid Indudes at least one lid that Is configured to operably assodate with the neck member.

46. The vessel of paragraph 43, whereln the at least one lid Indudes at ieast one lid that is configured to operably assodate with the neck member and seal the opening.

47. The vessel of paragraph 43, whereln the at ieast one iid Indudes at least one lid that Is configured with threads that operably assodate with threads of the at least one neck member.

48. The vessel of paragraph 43, wherein the at least one lid indudes at least one lid that Is configured with the one or more attachment members that operably assodate with the one or more attachment members of the at least one neck member.

49. In some embodiments, a vessel Indudes: a body portion that Indudes one or more side walls; a top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantlally adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members; a bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion; and one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel.

50. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the body portion that Includes one or more side walls Includes a body portion having a substantially rectangular configuration In cross-section.

51. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the body portion that Includes one or more side walls Includes a body portion having a substantially hexagonal configuration In cross-section.

52. The vessei of paragraph 49, wherein the body portion that Includes one or more side walls includes a body portion having a substantially octagonal configuration In cross-section.

53. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the body portion that includes one or more side walls Includes a body portion having a substantially oblong configuration In cross-section.

54. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the body portion that includes one or more side walls Includes a body portion that includes one or more calibration Unes.

55. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the body portion that includes one or more side walls includes a body portion that Includes two or more side walls.

56. The vessei of paragraph 49, wherein the body portion that includes one or more side walls includes a body portion that includes two or more side walls that are separated by a vacuum.

57. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the body portion that includes one or more side walls includes a body portion that includes two or more side walls that include Insulation between the two or more side walls.

58. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the body portion that includes one or more side walls includes a body portion that includes two or more side walls that Include one or more phase change materials between the two or more side walls.

59. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that includes a shoulder portion that Includes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that Indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to two or more side walls of the body portion.

60. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and includes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that Indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and substantially médial to the width of the vessel.

61. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that includes a shoulder portion that includes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Includes one or more attachment members indudes at least one neck member that is configured to operably assodate with a lid.

62. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members Indudes at least one neck member that Is configured to operably assodate with a funnei.

63. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members indudes at least one neck member that Includes the one or more attachment members that are threads.

64. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members Indudes at least one neck member that Includes the one or more attachment members that are transverse attachment members.

65. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that includes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members indudes at least one opening that Is between about 2 Inches and about 20 inches in diameter.

66. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members Indudes at least one opening that Is between about 3 inches and about 15 Inches In diameter.

67. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that includes at least one opening that Is positîoned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members indudes at least one opening that is between about 4 inches and about 10 Inches In diameter.

68. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that includes at least one opening that Is positîoned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at ieast one opening and indudes one or more attachment members Indudes at least one opening that is between about 5 Inches and about 8 Inches In diameter.

69. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that includes at least one opening that Is positîoned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and indudes one or more attachment members Indudes at least one opening that Is about 5 Inches In diameter.

70. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that Is positîoned substantially adjacent tothe one or more side waiis of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Includes one or more attachment members indudes a top portion that Indudes one or more locklng members that are configured to engage the one or more locklng members positîoned on the bottom portion of another vessel.

71. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that is positîoned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members Indudes a top portion that Indudes one or more locking members that are configured to engage the one or more locking members positîoned on the bottom portion of another similariy configured vessel.

72. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion Includes a bottom portion that includes at least one recessed portion that is configured to receive a neck member that Is attached to a Iid of a lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel.

73. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that includes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion Includes a bottom portion that Includes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are each attached to a Iid of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the one or more shoulder portions of the one or more lower vessels.

74. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Includes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion Includes a bottom portion that includes at least one recessed portion that Is positioned adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and configured to recelve a neck member that is attached to a iid of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel.

75. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Includes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion Includes a bottom portion that includes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lids of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the one or more lower vessels.

76. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that includes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion includes a bottom portion that Indudes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to at least two lids of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the at least one lower vessel.

77. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion Indudes a bottom portion that Indudes one or more locking members that ara configured to engage the one or more locking members positioned on the top portion of another vessel.

78. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel indudes one or more seaied handies having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side watl of the vessel.

79. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel Indudes one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wali of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes into the body portion.

80. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the one or more sealed handies that are operably connected to the vessel Indudes one or more sealed handies having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle is configured so that It substantially retains the outline of the vessel.

81. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the one or more sealed handies that are operably connected to the vessel indudes one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel.

82. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel Indudes one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall ofthe vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wail of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes Into the body portion.

83. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel Indudes one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wali of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handle Is configured so that it substantially retalns the outline of the vessel.

84. The vessel of paragraph 49, wherein the vessel indudes one or more polymeric materials, one or more metals, one or more ceramlcs, doth, glass, paper, and substantially any combination thereof.

85. The vessel of paragraph 49, further Induding one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walis of the body portion.

86. The vessel of paragraph 85, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion Include one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the top portion of the vessel.

67. The vessel of paragraph 85, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more slde walls of the body portion Include one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that Is substantially médial to the body portion of the vessel.

88. The vessel of paragraph 85, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion Indude one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls In a position that Is substantially proximate to the top of the body portion of the vessel.

89. The vessel of paragraph 85, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more slde walls of the body portion Indude one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more slde walls In a position that is substantially proximate to the bottom of the body portion of the vessel.

90. The vessel of paragraph 85, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more slde walls of the body portion Indude one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls at a corner fbrmed in the body portion of the vessel.

91. The vessel of paragraph 85, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more slde walls of the body portion Indude one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls at a non-corner portion of the body portion of the vessel.

92. The vessel of paragraph 85, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion Indude one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more slde walls of the body portion at a position that Is substantially opposite that of at least one handle that Is operably connected to the vessel.

93. The vessel of paragraph 85, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion Indude one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion at a position that Is adjacent to the one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel.

94. The vessel of paragraph 85, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion Indude one or more recessed portions that Indude a vertical overhang.

95. The vessel of paragraph 49, further Induding at least one lid.

96. The vessel of paragraph 95, wherein the at least one lid Indudes at least one lid that Is connected to the vessel.

97. The vessel of paragraph 95, wherein the at least one lid Indudes at least one lid that Is configured to operably assodate with the at least one neck member.

98. The vessel of paragraph 95, wherein the at least one lid Indudes at least one lid that is configured to operably assodate with the at least one neck member and seal the opening.

99. The vessel of paragraph 95, wherein the at least one lid Indudes at least one lid that is configured with threads that operably assodate with threads of the at least one neck member.

100. The vessel of paragraph 95, wherein the at least one lid Indudes at least one lid that Is configured with the one or more attachment members that operably assodate with the one or more attachment members of the at least one neck member.

101. A process, induding: doslng a mold that is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison is plnched together in at least two positions in a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessel; and Injecting gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessel defined by the mold.

102. The process of paragraph 101, wherein the doslng a mold that is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison Is plnched together in at least two positions in a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessel Indudes manualiy posltlonlng in the mold at least one insert that is configured to form at least one recessed portion in the vessel formed by the mold.

103. The process of paragraph 101, wherein the doslng a mold that Is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison Is plnched together in at least two positions ln a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessel Indudes mechanically posltlonlng ln the mold at least one insert that is configured to form at least one recessed portion ln the vessel formed by the mold.

104. The process of paragraph 101, wherein the doslng a mold that is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison Is plnched together in at least two positions ln a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessel Indudes posltlonlng in the mold at least one Insert that Is configured to form at least one recessed portion ln one or more side walls of the vessel formed by the mold.

105. The process of paragraph 101, wherein the doslng a mold that Is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison is pinched together in at least two positions In a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessei indudes positioning in the mold at least one Insert that Is configured to form at least one recessed portion In a bottom portion of the vessei formed by the mold.

106. The process of paragraph 101, wherein the doslng a mold that Is configured to form at least one vessei having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison Is pinched together In at least two positions In a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessei Indudes positioning In the mold at least one Insert that Is configured to form at least one recessed portion In a top portion of the vessei formed by the mold.

107. The process of paragraph 101, wherein the doslng a mold that Is configured to form at least one vessei having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison is pinched together in at least two positions In a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessei Indudes doslng the mold completely.

108. The process of paragraph 101, wherein the dosing a mold that Is configured to form at least one vessei having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison is pinched together In at least two positions In a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessei indudes doslng the mold partiaily.

109. The process of paragraph 101, wherein the injecting gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessei defîned by the mold indudes injecting gas into the parison to form a body portion of the vessei defîned by the mold.

110. The process of paragraph 101, wherein the Injecting gas Into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessei defîned by the mold Indudes injecting gas into the parison to form a handle portion on the vessei defîned by the mold.

111. The process of paragraph 101, further induding inserting at least one btow pin Into the parison.

112. The process of paragraph 111, wherein the Inserting at ieast one blow pin into the parison Indudes inserting at least one blow pin into the mold and forming at least one parison around the blow pin.

113. The process of paragraph 101, further Induding Inserting at least one blow needle into at least one portion of the mold that forms at least one handle on the at least one vessei.

114. The process of paragraph 113, wherein the Inserting at least one blow needle into at least one portion of the mold that forms at least one handle on the at least one vessei Indudes inserting the at least one blow needle into at least one portion of the mold that forms at ieast one handle on the at least one vessei after the mold is completely closed.

115. The process of paragraph 101, further Induding cooling the mold.

116. The process of paragraph 115, wherein cooling the mold Includes flowing fluid through the mold.

117. The process of paragraph 115, wherein cooling the mold Includes flowing gas through the mold.

116. The process of paragraph 115, wherein cooling the mold Includes flowing liquefied gas through the mold.

Claims (36)

1. What Is daimed Is:

   1. A vessel comprising:

   a body portion that Indudes one or more side walls, a top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members, a bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes at least one recessed portion and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion, one or more sealed handles that are operably connected to the vessel, and one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion.
2. 2. The vessel of daim 1, wherein the body portion that Indudes one or more side walls comprises:

   a body portion having a substantially rectangular configuration In cross-section.
3. 3. The vessel of daim 1, wherein the body portion that Indudes one or more side walls comprises:

   a body portion that Indudes two or more side walls that Include one or more phase change materials between the two or more side walls.
4. 4. The vessel of daim 1, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls ofthe body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members comprises:

   at ieast one neck member that Indudes the one or more attachment members that are threads.
5. 5. The vessel of daim 1, wherein the top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that Includes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members comprises:

   at ieast one opening that is between about 5 inches and about 8 inches In diameter.
6. 6. The vessel of daim 1, wherein the bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes at least one recessed portion and a substantiaily continuous non-recessed portion comprises:

   a bottom portion that Indudes at ieast one recessed portion that is configured to receive a neck member that is attached to a lid of a lower vessei so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantiaily continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel.
7. 7. The vessei of daim 1, wherein the bottom portion that is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes at least one recessed portion and a substantiaily continuous non-recessed portion comprises:

   a bottom portion that indudes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at ieast two neck members that are attached to one or more iids of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessei substantialiy continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the one or more lower vessels.
8. 8. The vessel of daim 1, wherein the bottom portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that Indudes at least one recessed portion and a substantiaily continuous non-recessed portion comprises:

   a bottom portion that indudes at ieast two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are attached to one or more lids of at least one lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantialiy continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the at least one lower vessel.

   0. The vessel of daim 1, wherein the one or more seaied handles that are operably connected to the vessel comprise:

   one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessei and the other end operabiy connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion and the sealed handie is configured so that it substantialiy retains the outline of the vessel.
9. 10. The vessel of daim 1, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion comprise:

   one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls in a position that is substantiaily médial to the body portion of the vessel.
10. 11. The vessel of claîm 1, whereln the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion comprise:

    one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls at a comer formed In the body portion of the vessel.
11. 12. The vessel of claim 1, whereln the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion comprise:

    one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls at a non-comer portion of the body portion of the vessel.
12. 13. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls ofthe body portion comprise:

    one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion at a position that is substantlally opposite that of at least one handie that is operably connected to the vessei.
13. 14. The vessel of claim 1, further comprising:

    at least one iid.
14. 15. The vessei of claim 14, wherein the at ieast one iid comprises:

    at least one iid that is connected to the vessel.
15. 16. The vessel of claim 14, wherein the at ieast one iid comprises:

    at least one lid that is configured to operably assodate with the neck member.
16. 17. A vessei comprising:

    a body portion that indudes one or more side walls, a top portion that Is operably connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that Indudes at ieast one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side waiis of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members, a bottom portion that Is operabiy connected to the body portion and that indudes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous non-recessed portion, and one or more sealed handles that are operabiy connected to the vessel.
17. 18. The vessel of daim 17, wherein the body portion that indudes one or more side walls comprises:

    a body portion having a substantially rectangular configuration In cross-section.
18. 19. The vessel of daim 17, wherein the body portion that Indudes one or more side walls comprises:

    a body portion that Indudes two or more side walls that Include one or more phase change materials between the two or more side walls.
19. 20. The vessel of daim 17, wherein the top portion that is operabiy connected to the body portion and that indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members comprises:

    at least one neck member that Indudes the one or more attachment members that are threads.
20. 21. The vessel of daim 17, wherein the top portion that is operabiy connected to the body portion and that Indudes a shoulder portion that indudes at least one opening that Is positioned substantially adjacent to the one or more side walls of the body portion and at least one neck member that drcumscribes the at least one opening and Indudes one or more attachment members comprises:

    at least one opening that is between about 5 Inches and about 8 inches in diameter.
21. 22. The vessel of daim 17, wherein the bottom portion that Is operabiy connected to the body portion and that Indudes at least two recessed portions and a substantially continuous nonrecessed portion comprises:

    a bottom portion that Indudes at least one recessed portion that is confîgured to receive a neck member that Is attached to a lid of a lower vessel so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the shoulder portion of the lower vessel.
22. 23. The vessel of daim 17, wherein the bottom portion that is operabiy connected to the body portion and that Indudes at ieast two recessed portions and a substantially continuous nonrecessed portion comprises:

    a bottom portion that Indudes at least two recessed portions that are configured to receive at least two neck members that are each attached to a lid of one or more lower vessels so that the non-recessed portion of the bottom portion of an upper vessel substantially continuously contacts the one or more shoulder portions of the one or more lower vessels.
23. 24. The vessel of daim 17, wherein the one or more sealed handles that are operabiy connected to the vessei comprise:

    one or more sealed handles having one end operably connected to a shoulder région of the vessel and the other end operably connected to the side wall of the vessel with the sealed handle positioned over a recessed portion that protrudes Into the body portion.
24. 25. The vessel of claim 17, further comprising:

    one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion.
25. 26. The vessel of daim 25, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion comprise:

    one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls In a position that Is substantially médial to the body portion of the vessel.
26. 27. The vessel of daim 25, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion comprise:

    one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls at a corner formed in the body portion of the vessel.
27. 28. The vessel of daim 25, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude into the one or more side walls of the body portion comprise:

    one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls at a non-comer portion of the body portion of the vessel.
28. 29. The vessel of daim 25, wherein the one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion comprise:

    one or more recessed portions that protrude Into the one or more side walls of the body portion at a position that is substantially opposite that of at least one handle that is operably connected to the vessel.
29. 30. The vessel of daim 17 further comprising:

    at least one lid.
30. 31. The vessel of daim 30, wherein the at least one lid comprises:

    at least one lid that 1s connected to the vessel.
31. 32 The vessei of daim 30, wherein the at least one lid comprises:

    at least one lid that Is configured with threads that operably assodate with threads of the at least one neck member.
32. 33. A process comprising:

    closing a mold that ls configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison ls pinched together in at least two positions In a portion ofthe mold that forms a handle on the vessel, and

    Injecting gas into one or more portions of the parison to form the at least one vessel defined by the mold.
33. 34. The process of claim 33, wherein the closing a mold that ls configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion ofthe parison is pinched together In at least two positions in a portion of the mold that forms a handle on the vessel comprises:

    positionlng In the mold at least one Insert that is configured to form at least one recessed portion In one or more side walls ofthe vessei formed by the mold.
34. 35. The process of claim 33, wherein the closing a mold that is configured to form at least one vessel having two recessed portions around a parison so that a portion of the parison is pinched together in at least two positions in a portion ofthe mold that forms a handle on the vessel comprises:

    closing the mold partïally.
35. 36. The process of claim 33, further comprising:

    Insertlng at least one blow needle into at least one portion of the mold that forms at least one handle on the at least one vessel.
36. 37. The process of claim 36, wherein the Insertlng at least one blow needle Into at least one portion ofthe mold thatforms atleastone handle onthe at least one vessel comprises:

    Inserting the at least one blow needle Into at least one portion ofthe mold that forms at least one handle on the at least one vessel after the mold is corn pletely closed.