US20170325608A1 - Drinkware and plateware and active temperature control module for same - Google Patents
Drinkware and plateware and active temperature control module for same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170325608A1 US20170325608A1 US15/593,085 US201715593085A US2017325608A1 US 20170325608 A1 US20170325608 A1 US 20170325608A1 US 201715593085 A US201715593085 A US 201715593085A US 2017325608 A1 US2017325608 A1 US 2017325608A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- temperature
- control circuitry
- heating element
- circumferential wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
- A47G19/2288—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service with means for keeping liquid cool or hot
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J41/00—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars
- A47J41/0038—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars comprising additional heating or cooling means, i.e. use of thermal energy in addition to stored material
- A47J41/0044—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars comprising additional heating or cooling means, i.e. use of thermal energy in addition to stored material comprising heat or cold storing elements or material, i.e. energy transfer within the vessel
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B1/00—Details of electric heating devices
- H05B1/02—Automatic switching arrangements specially adapted to apparatus ; Control of heating devices
- H05B1/0227—Applications
- H05B1/023—Industrial applications
- H05B1/0244—Heating of fluids
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
- F25B21/04—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect reversible
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/021—Heaters specially adapted for heating liquids
Definitions
- Ceramic mugs used for example to drink coffee and tea, are well known and used at home, in restaurants and cafes. However, conventional ceramic mugs do not allow the beverage to remain hot throughout the beverage drinking process, so that the liquid temperature decreases during consumption of the beverage. Ceramic mugs also have poor thermal conductivity, making common ceramic mugs unsuitable for use with a heating unit (e.g., to try to heat the liquid in the mug to maintain it in a heated state during the drinking process).
- a heating unit e.g., to try to heat the liquid in the mug to maintain it in a heated state during the drinking process.
- a detachable active temperature control module that can be used with drinkware and plateware devices (such as a mug or plate) for heating or cooling the contents thereof (e.g., coffee, tea, water, food) that is easy to use and that can optionally communicate with electronics (e.g., smartphones) to allow easy operation of the module. Additionally there is a need for a module that can be easily attached to and detached from the drinkware and plateware device to allow the device to be washed without risking damage to the electronics in the module. Further, there is also a need for a module that can be used with existing plateware and drinkware devices (e.g., existing plates or mugs) in a user's kitchen.
- drinkware and plateware devices such as a mug or plate
- electronics e.g., smartphones
- a temperature control module removably coupleable to a beverage container.
- the module comprises at least one heating or cooling element configured to be placed in thermal communication with a surface of the container when the module is coupled to the container to thereby heat or cool at least a portion of a chamber of the container.
- the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the base of the body.
- the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the circumferential wall of the body.
- the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the base and the circumferential wall of the body.
- an actively heated beverage container system comprising a container made of metal and having a body with an open top end, a circumferential wall and a base at a bottom end, the body having a chamber defined by the circumferential wall and base of the body.
- the system also comprises a temperature control module comprising at least one heating element in thermal communication with a surface of the body to heat at least a portion of the chamber, control circuitry configured to control operation of the at least one heating element, at least one power storage element configured to provide power to one or both of the control circuitry and the at least one heating element, one or both of a wireless transmitter configured to transmit information to a remote electronic device and a wireless receiver configured to receive information from the remote electronic device, and a visual indicator on an outer surface of the container that can be lit in one of a plurality of colors selected by a user via the remote electronic device to identify the container.
- the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the base of the body.
- the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the circumferential wall of the body.
- the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the base and the circumferential wall of the body.
- FIG. 4A-4B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of another embodiment of an active temperature control module.
- FIG. 6A-6B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of another embodiment of an active temperature control module.
- FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a charging assembly for use with an active temperature control module.
- FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a bottom of an active temperature control module.
- FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a temperature control module on the charging assembly.
- FIG. 12A shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a power storage unit for use in the temperature control module, with an outer portion of the unit partially removed.
- FIG. 12B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the power storage unit of FIG. 12A .
- FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a heat transfer element arrangement of the active temperature control module.
- FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a mug with a charging coaster.
- FIG. 19 shows a schematic front view of the mug and charging coaster of FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 23 shows a perspective bottom view of internal components of the mug of FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 24 shows a partial sectional view of internal components of the mug of FIG. 18 .
- the container 100 there are no electronics (e.g., batteries, sensors, heating/cooling elements) in the container 100 ; all electronics and the one or more heat transfer elements 210 are in the module 200 .
- this allows the container 100 to be readily washed (e.g., hand washed or in a dishwasher), once the container 100 is decoupled from the module 200 , without worrying about possible damage to electronics.
- FIGS. 6A-6B show one embodiment of a module 200 C, which is similar to the temperature control module 200 described above, except as noted below.
- the module 200 C can removably couple to the bottom end 20 of the container 100 (e.g., in a press-fit manner, using one or more magnets, etc.) so that the one or more heat transfer elements of the module 200 C contact the bottom end 20 (e.g., contact the bottom surface 22 ) of the container 100 .
- the one or more heat transfer elements e.g., a heating element, such as a resistive heater
- the one or more heat transfer elements can be incorporated into the container 100 , and power to the one or more heat transfer elements can be communicated from the module 200 C via one or more electrical contacts 7192 of the container 100 .
- the one or more heat transfer elements would remain in the container 100 and be inaccessible to the user, thereby inhibiting injuries (e.g., burns) to the user if the module 200 C is decoupled from the container 100 while in operation.
- FIGS. 7A-7B show one embodiment of a module 200 D, which is similar to the temperature control module 200 described above, except as noted below.
- the module 200 D can have a pin portion 7292 that can couple to a notched or recessed portion 7294 on the bottom end 20 of the container 100 to couple the module 200 D to the container 100 in a twist-lock manner (e.g., by inserting the module 200 D into the bottom end of the container 100 and rotating the module 200 D, for example a quarter turn, to lock the module 200 D to the container 100 ) so that the one or more heat transfer elements 210 D contact the bottom end 20 (e.g., contact the bottom surface 22 ) of the container 100 .
- the user can decouple the module 200 D from the container 100 (e.g., to allow the container 100 to be washed).
- actuation of the one or more heat transfer elements can begin automatically upon the coupling of the module 200 - 200 D to the container 100 .
- one or more sensors can sense when the module 200 - 200 D couples to the container 100 and communicate a signal to control circuitry 80 in the module 200 - 200 D to provide power to the one or more heat transfer elements 210 - 210 D to heat or cool the contents in the container 100 .
- actuation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210 - 210 D can cease automatically upon decoupling of the module 200 - 200 D from the container 100 (e.g., based on sensed information from one or more sensors that the module 200 - 200 D is not coupled to the container 100 .
- Such one or more sensors can include a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor for sensing the coupling or decoupling of the module 200 - 200 D with the container 100 .
- the container 100 can include one or more sensors in communication with inner liquid holding chamber 30 (e.g., in contact with the circumferential sidewall 40 or base 20 , whose sensed information can provide an indication of a temperature of the liquid in the container 100 , and an algorithm can calculate a volume of the liquid in the chamber based on the sensed information of the same sensor.
- sensors in communication with inner liquid holding chamber 30 (e.g., in contact with the circumferential sidewall 40 or base 20 , whose sensed information can provide an indication of a temperature of the liquid in the container 100 , and an algorithm can calculate a volume of the liquid in the chamber based on the sensed information of the same sensor.
- the sensed temperature can be communicated to the control circuitry 80 , which can then adjust the amount of power supplied to the one or more heat transfer elements 210 - 210 D based on the sensed temperature (e.g., the control circuitry can reduce power to the one or more heat transfer elements 210 - 210 D as the desired temperature for the liquid is approached).
- the module 200 - 200 D can have a visual indicator screen 395 that can illustrate one or more logos or messages (e.g., regarding the operation of the module 200 - 200 D).
- the phase change material 530 can advantageously absorb heat resulting from the temperature swings during operation of the dishwasher, to avoid damage to the power storage element 510 .
- FIGS. 12A-12B show one power storage element 510 enclosed by the phase change material 530 , one of skill in the art will understand that a plurality of power storage elements 510 can be enclosed by the phase change material 530 .
- the PCM can enclose all the electronics in the module 200 - 200 D, not just the power storage element(s) 510 .
- the one or more sensors 550 communicates the sensed information (e.g., sensed temperature of the bottom surface 22 of the container 20 ) to the control circuitry 80 , which determines a sensed liquid temperature in the container 10 (e.g., using an algorithm that correlates the sensed temperature of the bottom surface 22 with the temperature of the liquid in the container 10 , such as taking into account the thermal conductivity of the bottom end 20 of the container 10 ).
- the sensed information e.g., sensed temperature of the bottom surface 22 of the container 20
- the control circuitry 80 determines a sensed liquid temperature in the container 10 (e.g., using an algorithm that correlates the sensed temperature of the bottom surface 22 with the temperature of the liquid in the container 10 , such as taking into account the thermal conductivity of the bottom end 20 of the container 10 ).
- the one or more sensors 550 can be spaced apart from the one or more heat transfer elements 210 - 210 D by a distance of at least about 10 mm, to inhibit the information sensed by the one or more sensors 550 being influenced by the proximity of the one or more heat transfer elements 210 - 210 D; however other suitable distances are possible (e.g., at least about 5 mm). In one embodiment, the distance between the one or more sensors 550 and the one or more heat transfer elements 210 - 210 D is substantially uniform in all directions.
- the temperature sensor 550 is disposed at least about 10 mm away from the one or more heat transfer elements 210 - 210 D to inhibit the sensed temperature by the temperature sensor 550 being influenced by the energy output of the one or more heat transfer elements 210 - 210 D.
- FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a container 100 with one or more sensors 570 disposed along the height of the circumferential wall 40 of the container 100 to sense or measure a parameter of liquid in the chamber 30 of the container.
- the one or more sensors 570 can be a plurality of sensors 570 arranged as a strip 580 along at least a part of the height of the circumferential wall 40 of the container 100 .
- the container 100 can be removably coupled to the module 200 - 200 D, where the module 200 - 200 D can have an electric contact (such as 7192 in FIG.
- the liquid level in the container 100 can be estimated (e.g., by the control circuitry 80 ) by comparing a sensed reading (e.g., of temperature, capacitance) from one sensor relative to an adjacent sensor (e.g., estimating that the liquid level is at a location between two adjacent temperature sensors where the temperature readings from said adjacent temperature sensors vary by more than a certain amount).
- a sensed reading e.g., of temperature, capacitance
- an adjacent sensor e.g., estimating that the liquid level is at a location between two adjacent temperature sensors where the temperature readings from said adjacent temperature sensors vary by more than a certain amount.
- the one or more sensors 570 can be other suitable types of sensors disclosed herein.
- the senor S 2 can be a load cell (in the module 200 - 200 D) that can sense a weight of the container 100 .
- the electronic module EM of the container 100 can receive the sensed weight information and compare it against a reference weight data (e.g., previously sensed when the container was empty and/or that is stored in a memory of the electronic module EM), and calculate a volume or level of the liquid in the container 100 (e.g., using an algorithm to convert the sensed weight information to liquid volume or level measurement).
- a reference weight data e.g., previously sensed when the container was empty and/or that is stored in a memory of the electronic module EM
- the senor S 2 can be a pressure sensor on a portion of the chamber 30 of the container 100 and can sense a hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in the chamber 30 .
- the electronic module EM can calculate a liquid volume or level based at least in part on the sensed pressure information from the sensor S 2 .
- the senor S 2 can be a capacitance sensor (e.g., capacitance sensing strip) that extends along at least a portion of the length of a sidewall of the container 100 .
- the sensor S 2 can sense a capacitance of a liquid in the container 100 relative to a capacitance of air above the liquid level and communicate the sensed information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container 100 based on the sensed information.
- the sensor S 2 can sense a conductivity of the liquid or air proximate the sensor and the electronic module EM can provide a measurement of liquid level or volume based at least in part on the sensed information.
- the senor S 2 can be an ultrasonic sensor on a sidewall of the container 100 .
- the sensor S 2 can use a pulse-echo or wall resonance (e.g. resonance of the sidewall of the container 100 ) to sense information indicative of a liquid level in the container.
- the sensor S 2 can sense a time it takes for pulse emitted by the sensor S 2 into the chamber 30 of the container 100 to return to the sensor (e.g., once it bounces from the liquid level location).
- the sensor S 2 can transmit the sensed information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed information.
- the senor S 2 can be an accelerometer or tilt sensor (e.g., gyroscope).
- the sensor S 2 can sense an orientation (or change in orientation) of the container 100 and communicate the sensed orientation information to the electronic module EM.
- the electronic module EM can estimate a liquid level in the container 100 based on the sensed orientation information (e.g., using an algorithm that correlates a tilt angle to a liquid level).
- the electronic module estimates the liquid level to be about full, and if the sensor S 2 senses an orientation greater than a second threshold (e.g., greater than 90 degrees from an upright position) when a user has the container against their lips (e.g., sensed via a sensor on the container lip or lid, such as a contact sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) then the electronic module estimates the liquid level to be about empty, and the electronic module EM can use an algorithm to interpolate between the two thresholds to infer intermediate liquid levels of the container (e.g., half full, quarter full, etc.).
- a first threshold e.g., less than 30 degrees from an upright position
- a second threshold e.g., greater than 90 degrees from an upright position
- the electronic module estimates the liquid level to be about empty
- the electronic module EM can use an algorithm to interpolate between the two thresholds to infer intermediate liquid levels of the container (e.g., half full, quarter full, etc.).
- the senor S 2 can be a light sensor that measures light attenuation through the liquid and provides the sensed information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed information (e.g., using an algorithm to correlate light attenuation with liquid volume or level).
- liquid level in the container 100 is measured based on sensed temperature (or information indicative of temperature) from one or more (e.g., a plurality of) temperature sensors S 3 .
- the one or more sensors S 3 can sense how long it takes the temperature to increase a reference number of degrees (e.g., 1 degree F. or 1 degree C.) when the chamber 30 of the container 100 is full of liquid to provide a first reference time, and the first reference time can be stored in a memory (e.g., a memory of the electronic module EM).
- the algorithm can calculate the liquid volume or level based at least in part on sensed ambient temperature (e.g., from a sensor S 4 ), to account for variations in how long it takes the temperature to increases by the reference number of degrees depending on ambient temperature (e.g., at high altitude, low altitude, in winter, in summer, etc.).
- sensed ambient temperature e.g., from a sensor S 4
- the one or more temperature sensor S 3 therefore advantageously allows measurement of temperature and liquid level in the container with one sensor instead of requiring a separate sensor to measure liquid level, which provides for a simpler and less costly system.
- the module 200 - 200 D can have a plurality of temperature sensors S 3 along the length of the container 100 and the liquid level in the chamber 30 of the container 100 can be determined by the electronic module EM by comparing the sensed temperature readings from the plurality of temperature sensors S 3 (e.g., estimating that the liquid level is at a location between two adjacent temperature sensors where the temperature readings from said adjacent temperature sensors vary by more than a certain amount).
- the café attendant or cashier or waiter can pull 815 the module 200 - 200 D from a set of modules 200 - 200 D disposed on charging bases (e.g., like off a conveyor belt).
- the attendant, cashier or waiter could then tag 820 the customer to the container 100 , for example using near field communication, to allow tracking of the module 200 - 200 D.
- the module 200 - 200 D could have an alarm installed 830 that is activated when the module 200 - 200 D is decoupled from the container 100 , inhibiting users from decoupling the module 200 - 200 D without detection.
- the near field connection (e.g., Bluetooth connection) between the module 200 - 200 D and the container 100 can be broken if the container 100 is more than a predetermined distance from a reference location (e.g., from the counter), and an alert (visual, audio) can be sent to an operator (e.g., attendant).
- the control circuitry 80 can receive a notification when the near field connection has been broken and cease operation of the module 200 - 200 D.
- the café, restaurant or establishment could have sensors near the exits to sense if a module 200 - 200 D is passing through the exit, to inhibit theft of the modules 200 - 200 D.
- FIG. 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a temperature control module 200 E, which is similar to the temperature control module 200 - 200 D described above, except as noted below.
- the module 200 E can be used with existing plateware or serverware that users may have (e.g., existing plates, bowls, platters, soup tureens, etc.).
- the plateware is a plate 910 with a rim underneath its bottom surface that allows the bottom surface of the plate 910 to sit away from a supporting surface (e.g., table, counter).
- a supporting surface e.g., table, counter
- the temperature control module 200 E can be used with any type of plate, such as plates that do not have a rim or ridge on its bottom surface.
- the module 200 E can be used with plates with a bottom surface that sits flat and contacts the surface of the table, counter, etc. That is, the module 200 E can be used with existing plateware and serverware, irrespective of the shape of the plateware or serverware.
- the module 200 E can have some of the same components as described above for the modules 200 - 200 D, including control circuitry 80 , one or more power storage elements 60 , and one or more heat transfer elements 210 E. Additionally, the module 200 E has a heat transfer pack 900 that protrudes from a top surface of the module 200 E and is in thermal communication with the one or more heat transfer elements 210 E. In one embodiment, the heat transfer pack 900 includes a thermally conductive material 920 , such as a thermally conductive gel or thermal gap pad material, which contacts a bottom surface of the plateware when it is placed on the module 200 E. In one embodiment, the heat transfer pack 900 is flexible.
- the heat transfer pack 900 can fill the space between the rim of the plateware 910 and the bottom surface of the plateware 910 and optionally also contact a bottom surface of the plate 910 that is outward from the rim or ridge of the bottom of the plate, allowing heat transfer between the one or more heat transfer elements 210 E and a bottom surface of the plateware 910 .
- the module 200 E can be used with existing plateware and serverware irrespective of the shape of the plateware or serverware. Accordingly, when used with plates that have a flat bottom surface (i.e., no ridge or rim on the bottom surface), the heat transfer pack 900 contacts at least the flat bottom surface of the plate.
- the module 200 - 200 D is removable, it can be used with a plurality of separate containers 100 .
- a user can use one module 200 - 200 D to heat a plurality of separate containers 100 and need not purchase a plurality of containers that each includes its separate electronics and active temperature control module 200 - 200 D.
- FIGS. 18-19 shows another embodiment of a drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ that includes an active temperature control module 200 ′.
- a charging assembly 400 ′ in the shape of a coaster can receive the drinkware container 100 ′ thereon.
- the drinkware container 100 ′ and charging assembly (charging coaster) 400 ′ look like conventional/typical mugs and coasters.
- the drinkware container 100 ′ has a visual indicator 395 ′ in a bottom portion of the mug 100 ′.
- the visual indicator 395 ′ can be an LED light that can illuminate in a variety of different colors, as further discussed below.
- the visual indicator 395 ′ can be a single LED light (e.g., a hidden till lit LED light).
- the handle 27 ′ can include a customizable feature that allows the user to readily identify the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ as theirs and distinguish it from others.
- different handle designs 27 ′ can be attached to the wall 40 ′ of the same drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ to facilitate identification of the mug 100 ′.
- a colored ring can be clipped to the handle 17 ′ to facilitate identification.
- a lid can be provided to cover the top end 10 ′ to further aid in maintaining the temperature the liquid in the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′, such as when the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ is not in use or is being moved around the office or home.
- the base 20 ′ and circumferential wall 40 ′ of the drinkware container 100 ′ are made of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal (e.g., stainless steel), which advantageously provides a durable drinkware material 100 ′ that does not break easily.
- the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ is double walled, where the circumferential wall 40 ′ has an inner wall 40 A′ and an outer wall 40 B′ that is spaced apart from the inner wall 40 A′ to define an annular channel or chamber 42 ′ therebetween.
- the inner wall 40 A′ couples to the outer wall 40 B′ at a proximal end 12 ′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ that defines a rim 12 A′ (e.g., drinking rim), so that the annular channel 42 ′ extends to about the proximal end 12 ′ between the inner wall 40 A′ and outer wall 40 B′.
- the base 20 ′ is suspended (e.g., not attached laterally) relative to the outer wall 40 B′.
- the base 20 ′ is single walled with a thickness of between about 0.2 mm and about 13 mm, in some embodiments about 0.3 mm.
- the circumferential wall 40 ′ including the inner wall 40 A′ and outer wall 40 B′ can be a deep drawn stainless steel structure, where the outer wall 40 B′ is coated with a ceramic material so the drinkware container (e.g. mug) 100 ′ looks like a typical ceramic mug.
- the outer wall 40 B′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ is coated with a ceramic material so that the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ looks like a conventional ceramic mug.
- the ceramic material advantageously allows the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ to be coated with text and or logos, in the same manner conventional mugs are.
- the outer wall 40 B′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ can be laser etched with artwork.
- the chamber 42 ′ is empty (e.g., filled with air).
- the chamber 42 ′ can optionally be filled with an insulative material (e.g., polyurethane foam).
- the insulative material can advantageously enhance the thermal properties of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ by inhibiting heat loss through the circumferential wall 40 ′. Additionally, the insulative material can reduce or inhibit the metallic sound of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ (e.g., ceramic coated mug), allowing the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ to sound similar to a conventional ceramic mug.
- the chamber 42 ′ can be under vacuum.
- the annular channel or chamber 42 ′ can be filled with a phase change material (PCM) that can reduce the temperature of a liquid poured into the chamber 30 ′ that has a temperature above the transition temperature of the PCM.
- PCM phase change material
- the temperature control module 200 ′ is housed in a cavity 50 ′ defined below the base 20 ′, and more particularly defined at least in part below the surface 22 ′ and surrounded by the outer wall 40 B′. As discussed above, the base 20 ′ is suspended relative to the outer wall 40 B′. Optionally, the cavity 50 ′ is in communication with the annular channel 42 ′, as shown by the arrow FC in FIG. 21 .
- a heat conductive coating or tape 205 ′ such as copper coating, can be disposed on the outer surface of the inner wall 40 A′ (e.g., adhered to at least a portion of the surface 23 ′ and side surface 24 ′) and disposed between the inner wall 40 A′ and the heating element 210 ′.
- the heat conductive coating or tape 205 ′ can advantageously draw heat from the heating element 210 ′ away from the insulation layer 70 ′ and instead direct it to the side surface 24 ′ of the inner wall 40 A′, thereby reducing the amount of heat directed to the insulation layer 70 ′ and that would need to be directed by the heat spreader 74 ′ away from the one or more power storage elements 60 ′.
- the heat conductive coating or tape 205 ′ does not cover the area of the heating element 210 ′ that includes the extension 210 C′ with the sensors 216 A′, 216 B′ or that has the temperature sensor 216 D′ or sensor 216 C′, thereby drawing heat away from the extension 210 C′ and sensors 216 D′, 216 C′ and directing it to the side surface 24 ′ of the inner wall 40 A′.
- the heat conductive coating o tape 205 ′ is adhered to the inner wall 40 A′.
- Also disposed in the cavity 50 ′ can be one or more power storage elements (e.g., batteries) 60 ′.
- the one or more power storage elements 60 ′ can be two batteries (e.g., rechargeable batteries).
- a heat spreader 74 ′ can be disposed about the one or more power storage elements (e.g., batteries) 60 ′ can facilitate dissipation of heat from the cavity 50 ′ (e.g., from the thermal insulation member 70 ′).
- the heat spreader 74 ′ can connect to an inner surface of the outer wall 40 B to dissipate heat from the cavity 50 ′ to the outer wall 40 B, as further discussed below. For example, as shown in FIG.
- the heat spreader 74 ′ can include a foil wrap laminate layer 74 a ′ (e.g., of aluminum, copper, graphite) that extends between and operatively contacts the outer wall 40 B′ and can drop the temperature by an additional 15-20 degrees (e.g., a drop of about 16 degrees Celsius, such as from 61 degrees C. to 45 degrees C.) by connecting with an inner surface of the outer wall 40 B′. Without such a layer 74 a ′ (e.g., with the structure shown in FIG. 30A ) the heat spreader 74 ′ can drop the temperature by about six degrees (e.g., from about 61 Celsius to about 56 Celsius).
- a foil wrap laminate layer 74 a ′ e.g., of aluminum, copper, graphite
- a compression molded gasket 72 ′ can optionally be annularly disposed between an outer surface of the end cap 220 ′ and an inner surface of the outer wall 40 B′ that defines the cavity 50 ′.
- the compression molded gasket 72 ′ can seal the end cap 220 ′ against the outer wall 40 B′ and inhibit (e.g., prevent) entry of liquid into the cavity 50 ′.
- the end cap 220 ′ can engage the locking ring 52 ′ to couple the end cap 220 ′ to the circumferential wall 40 ′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′ to complete the assembly, with the electronics disposed between the base 20 ′ and the end cap 220 ′ in the cavity 50 ′.
- the heating element 210 ′ can include a plurality of sensors 216 ′.
- the heating element 210 ′ can have two sensors 216 A′, 216 B′ on an extension 210 C′ that extends from the generally planar area 210 B′.
- the extension 210 C′ can extend a distance (e.g., 10 cm, 20 cm) along the height of the inner wall 40 A′ above the base 20 ′ to measure a liquid level in the chamber 30 ′, as discussed further below.
- the heating element 210 ′ can also have a third sensor 216 C′ disposed on the generally planar portion 210 B′.
- the one or more power storage elements 60 ′ can allow the one or more heaters 212 ′ to operate for at least 15 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 45 minutes, etc. while off the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400 ′.
- the one or more power storage elements 60 ′, fully charged can provide approximately 1 hour of power to the one or more heaters 212 ′ when not on the charging assembly 400 ′.
- the one or more heaters 212 ′ can operate all day (e.g., about 8 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, about 15 hours, about 24 hours).
- the charging assembly 400 ′ can have a cable 410 ′ connected via a connector 412 ′ that extends to a power connector (not shown) for delivering power to the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400 ′.
- the power connector can be a wall outlet, USB connector, micro-USB connector, etc.
- the cable 410 ′ can removably connect to the charging coaster 400 ′ via the connector 412 ′ so that the charging coaster 400 ′ can be used without the cable 410 attached to it (e.g., to support the drinkware container 100 ′ as a typical coaster).
- control circuitry 80 ′ can provide for voice control of the operation of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′.
- the control circuitry 80 ′ can have a microphone for receiving voice commands from the user.
- the user can provide voice commands to the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 via the intelligent assistant (e.g., Siri) on the user's mobile electronic device that is paired with the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 ′.
- the intelligent assistant e.g., Siri
- any of the features described in this embodiment can also apply to any drinkware, dishware, serverware, and storage container (e.g., cup, travel mug, baby bottle, sippy cup, thermos, water bottle, such as a reusable water bottle, carafe, soup container, bowl, plate, platter, food storage containers, such as Tupperware® containers, lunch boxes).
- drinkware dishware, serverware, and storage container
- storage container e.g., cup, travel mug, baby bottle, sippy cup, thermos, water bottle, such as a reusable water bottle, carafe, soup container, bowl, plate, platter, food storage containers, such as Tupperware® containers, lunch boxes.
- the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.
- the term “electronic module” is meant to refer to electronics generally. Furthermore, the term “electronic module” should not be interpreted to require that the electronics be all in one physical location or connected to one single printed circuit board (PCB).
- PCB printed circuit board
- the electronic module or electronics disclosed herein can be in one or more (e.g., plurality) of separate parts (coupled to one or a plurality of PCBs) and/or located in different physical locations of the body of the container, as disclosed herein. That is, the electronic module or electronics can have different form factors.
Abstract
Description
- Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/335,443, filed May 12, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference and should be considered a part of this specification. This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/712,313, filed May 14, 2015, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference and should be considered a part of this specification.
- The present invention is directed to a drinkware or plateware device, and more particularly to a drinkware or plateware device with a detachable active temperature control module used to heat or cool contents thereof.
- Ceramic mugs, used for example to drink coffee and tea, are well known and used at home, in restaurants and cafes. However, conventional ceramic mugs do not allow the beverage to remain hot throughout the beverage drinking process, so that the liquid temperature decreases during consumption of the beverage. Ceramic mugs also have poor thermal conductivity, making common ceramic mugs unsuitable for use with a heating unit (e.g., to try to heat the liquid in the mug to maintain it in a heated state during the drinking process).
- There is a need for a detachable active temperature control module that can be used with drinkware and plateware devices (such as a mug or plate) for heating or cooling the contents thereof (e.g., coffee, tea, water, food) that is easy to use and that can optionally communicate with electronics (e.g., smartphones) to allow easy operation of the module. Additionally there is a need for a module that can be easily attached to and detached from the drinkware and plateware device to allow the device to be washed without risking damage to the electronics in the module. Further, there is also a need for a module that can be used with existing plateware and drinkware devices (e.g., existing plates or mugs) in a user's kitchen. There is also a need for a module that can be used with a plurality of mugs (e.g., at a café) operable to maintain a drinking temperature of a beverage in a mug for an extended period of time (e.g., while the user is in the café) to improve the customer experience.
- In accordance with one aspect, a beverage container system is provided. The system comprises a container made of metal and having a body with an open top end, a circumferential wall and a base at a bottom end, the body having a chamber defined by the circumferential wall and base of the body. The system also comprises a temperature control module removably coupleable to the bottom end of the container. The module comprises at least one heating or cooling element configured to be placed in thermal communication with the base of the body when the module is coupled to the container to thereby heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, control circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, at least one power storage element configured to provide power to one or both of the control circuitry and the at least one heating or cooling element, and one or both of a wireless transmitter configured to transmit information of the module to a remote electronic device and a wireless receiver configured to receive information from the remote electronic device.
- In accordance with another aspect, a temperature control module removably coupleable to a beverage container is provided. The module comprises at least one heating or cooling element configured to be placed in thermal communication with a surface of the container when the module is coupled to the container to thereby heat or cool at least a portion of a chamber of the container. The module also comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to contact a surface of the container when the module is coupled to the container, the at least one temperature sensor configured to sense a parameter indicative of a temperature of contents in the container, control circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, at least one power storage element configured to provide power to one or both of the control circuitry and the at least one heating or cooling element, and one or both of a wireless transmitter configured to transmit information of the module to a remote electronic device and a wireless receiver configured to receive information from the remote electronic device.
- In accordance with another aspect, a temperature control module removably coupleable to a plateware device is provided. The module comprises at least one heating or cooling element configured to be placed in thermal communication with a surface of the plateware device when the module is coupled to the plateware device to thereby heat or cool foodstuff on the plateware device. The module also comprises a heat transfer pack that protrudes form an upper surface of the module and is in thermal communication with the at least one heating or cooling element, control circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, at least one power storage element configured to provide power to one or both of the control circuitry and the at least one heating or cooling element, and one or both of a wireless transmitter configured to transmit information of the module to a remote electronic device and a wireless receiver configured to receive information from the remote electronic device. The heat transfer pack is configured to thermally communicate the at least one heating or cooling element with a bottom surface of the plateware device when the plateware device is disposed on the module.
- In accordance with one aspect, an actively heated beverage container system is provided. The system comprises a container made of metal and having a body with an open top end, a circumferential wall and a base at a bottom end, the body having a chamber defined by the circumferential wall and base of the body. The system also comprises a temperature control module comprising at least one heating element in thermal communication with a surface of the body to heat at least a portion of the chamber, control circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more heating elements, at least one power storage element configured to provide power to one or both of the control circuitry and the at least one heating element, and one or both of a wireless transmitter configured to transmit information of the module to a remote electronic device and a wireless receiver configured to receive information from the remote electronic device. Optionally, the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the base of the body. Optionally, the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the circumferential wall of the body. Optionally, the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the base and the circumferential wall of the body.
- In accordance with another aspect, an actively heated beverage container system is provided. The system comprises a container made of metal and having a body with an open top end, a circumferential wall and a base at a bottom end, the body having a chamber defined by the circumferential wall and base of the body. The system also comprises a temperature control module comprising at least one heating element in thermal communication with a surface of the body to heat at least a portion of the chamber, control circuitry configured to control operation of the at least one heating element, at least one power storage element configured to provide power to one or both of the control circuitry and the at least one heating element, one or both of a wireless transmitter configured to transmit information to a remote electronic device and a wireless receiver configured to receive information from the remote electronic device, and a visual indicator on an outer surface of the container that can be lit in one of a plurality of colors selected by a user via the remote electronic device to identify the container. Optionally, the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the base of the body. Optionally, the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the circumferential wall of the body. Optionally, the at least one heating element is in thermal communication with the base and the circumferential wall of the body.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of one embodiment of a mug with an active temperature control module attached to a bottom of the mug. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the mug and active temperature control module ofFIG. 1 when detached. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mug and active temperature control module ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4A-4B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of another embodiment of an active temperature control module. -
FIG. 5A-5B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of another embodiment of an active temperature control module. -
FIG. 6A-6B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of another embodiment of an active temperature control module. -
FIG. 7A-7B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of another embodiment of an active temperature control module. -
FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a charging assembly for use with an active temperature control module. -
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a bottom of an active temperature control module. -
FIGS. 10A-10B show an embodiment of an active temperature control module with a visual indicator screen. -
FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a temperature control module on the charging assembly. -
FIG. 12A shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a power storage unit for use in the temperature control module, with an outer portion of the unit partially removed. -
FIG. 12B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the power storage unit ofFIG. 12A . -
FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a heat transfer element arrangement of the active temperature control module. -
FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a mug with one or more temperature sensors. -
FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing communication between the active temperature control module and a remote electronic device. -
FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of a system for using a plurality of active temperature control modules. -
FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an active temperature control module for use with existing plateware. -
FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a mug with a charging coaster. -
FIG. 19 shows a schematic front view of the mug and charging coaster ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional assembled view of the mug ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional exploded view of the mug ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 22 shows a partially assembled bottom view of the mug ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 23 shows a perspective bottom view of internal components of the mug ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 24 shows a partial sectional view of internal components of the mug ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 25 shows a sectional view of internal components of the mug ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 26 shows a schematic view of a heater and sensor assembly of the mug ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 27 shows a perspective bottom view of the mug ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 28 shows a top view of the charging coaster ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 29 shows a perspective bottom view of the charging coaster ofFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 30A-30B shows schematic cross-sectional views of heat spreader design. -
FIG. 31 shows a schematic view of a heating element. -
FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of a drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 and activetemperature control module 200. Thetemperature control module 200 can advantageously operate during at least a period of time (e.g., a portion of the period of time) during which themodule 200 is attached to thecontainer 100 to increase or decrease or maintain a temperature of a liquid in thecontainer 100. Accordingly, the term “active”, as used herein, is not limited to continuous operation of themodule 200 while it is attached to thecontainer 100. As used herein, heat transfer encompasses a heating, as well as a cooling, process. Therefore, a “heat transfer element” as used herein is an element that can effect a heating or a cooling process. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
container 100 can look like a typical ceramic mug with an opentop end 10, a base or closed (e.g., flat)bottom end 20 having abottom surface 22, and a cavity orchamber 30 defined by acircumferential wall 40 and thebase 20. Optionally, thecontainer 100 can have ahandle 27. - Preferably, the
base 20 andcircumferential wall 40 of themug 100 are made of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal (e.g., stainless steel). In one embodiment, themug 100 is double walled, where thecircumferential wall 40 is defined by an inner wall 40 a and an outer wall 40 b that is spaced apart from the inner wall 40 a to define achamber 42 therebetween. In one embodiment, thebase 20 is single walled with a thickness of between about 0.2 mm and about 13 mm, in some embodiments about 0.3 mm. - The outer wall 40 b of the
mug 100 can be coated with a ceramic material so that themug 100 looks like a conventional ceramic mug. The ceramic material can allow themug 100 to be coated with text and or logos, in the same manner conventional mugs are. - In one embodiment, the
chamber 42 can optionally be filled with an insulative material. The insulative material can advantageously enhance the thermal properties of themug 100 by inhibiting heat loss through thecircumferential wall 40. Additionally, the insulative material can reduce or inhibit the metallic sound of the mug 100 (e.g., ceramic coated mug), allowing themug 100 to sound similar to a conventional ceramic mug. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1-3 , the module 200 (e.g., a heating module, a cooling module, a heating/cooling module) can optionally include one or more of heat transfer elements 210 (e.g., heating elements or cooling elements or heating/cooling elements, such as thermoelectric or Peltier elements), one or morepower storage element 60 and/orcontrol circuitry 80. Themodule 200 can removably couple to the bottom portion of thecontainer 100 so that the one or moreheat transfer elements 210 is in contact with the bottom end 20 (e.g., the bottom surface 22) of thecontainer 100. In the illustrated embodiment, there are no electronics (e.g., batteries, sensors, heating/cooling elements) in thecontainer 100; all electronics and the one or moreheat transfer elements 210 are in themodule 200. Advantageously, this allows thecontainer 100 to be readily washed (e.g., hand washed or in a dishwasher), once thecontainer 100 is decoupled from themodule 200, without worrying about possible damage to electronics. - In another embodiment, the one or more heat transfer elements can be incorporated into the
container 100, such as into thebase 20 of the container 100 (as disclosed in other embodiments herein), and power to the one or more heat transfer elements can be communicated from themodule 200 via one or more electrical contacts between thecontainer 100 and thetemperature control module 200. -
FIGS. 4A-4B show one embodiment of amodule 200A, which is similar to thetemperature control module 200 described above, except as noted below. Themodule 200A can have one ormore magnets 6992 configured to magnetically couple to the bottom end 20 (e.g., bottom surface 22) of the container 100 (e.g., couple to one ormore magnets 6994 on the bottom surface 22) to couple themodule 200A to thecontainer 100 so that one or moreheat transfer elements 210A contact thebottom end 20, such as thebottom surface 22, of thecontainer 100. Once the user is done using themodule 200A (e.g., to heat or cool a liquid in the container 100), the user can decouple themodule 200A from the container 100 (e.g., to allow thecontainer 100 to be washed). -
FIGS. 5A-5B show one embodiment of amodule 200B, which is similar to thetemperature control module 200 described above, except as noted below. Themodule 200B can removably couple to thebottom end 20 of thecontainer 100 so that the one or moreheat transfer elements 210B contact the bottom end 20 (e.g., contact the bottom surface 22). Themodule 200B can have a threadedportion 7092 that can threadably couple to a threadedportion 7094 on thebottom end 20 of thecontainer 100 to couple themodule 200B to thecontainer 100. Once the user is done using themodule 200B (e.g., to heat a liquid in the container 100), the user can decouple themodule 200B from the container 100 (e.g., to allow thecontainer 100 to be washed). -
FIGS. 6A-6B show one embodiment of amodule 200C, which is similar to thetemperature control module 200 described above, except as noted below. Themodule 200C can removably couple to thebottom end 20 of the container 100 (e.g., in a press-fit manner, using one or more magnets, etc.) so that the one or more heat transfer elements of themodule 200C contact the bottom end 20 (e.g., contact the bottom surface 22) of thecontainer 100. In another embodiment, the one or more heat transfer elements (e.g., a heating element, such as a resistive heater) can be incorporated into thecontainer 100, and power to the one or more heat transfer elements can be communicated from themodule 200C via one or moreelectrical contacts 7192 of thecontainer 100. Additionally, power can be provided to one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, capacitance sensors, tilt sensors) in thecontainer 100 via anelectrical contact 7196 in themodule 200C that contacts anelectrical contact 7198 in thecontainer 100 when themodule 200C is coupled to thecontainer 100. In such an embodiment, the bottom end 20 (e.g., bottom surface 22) of thecontainer 100 can be an insulated surface and the one or more heat transfer elements and one or more sensors can be water sealed in thecontainer 100. In one embodiment, the one or more of theelectrical contacts module 200C was separated from thebottom end 20 of thecontainer 100, the one or more heat transfer elements would remain in thecontainer 100 and be inaccessible to the user, thereby inhibiting injuries (e.g., burns) to the user if themodule 200C is decoupled from thecontainer 100 while in operation. -
FIGS. 7A-7B show one embodiment of amodule 200D, which is similar to thetemperature control module 200 described above, except as noted below. Themodule 200D can have apin portion 7292 that can couple to a notched or recessedportion 7294 on thebottom end 20 of thecontainer 100 to couple themodule 200D to thecontainer 100 in a twist-lock manner (e.g., by inserting themodule 200D into the bottom end of thecontainer 100 and rotating themodule 200D, for example a quarter turn, to lock themodule 200D to the container 100) so that the one or moreheat transfer elements 210D contact the bottom end 20 (e.g., contact the bottom surface 22) of thecontainer 100. Once the user is done using themodule 200D (e.g., to heat a liquid in the container 100), the user can decouple themodule 200D from the container 100 (e.g., to allow thecontainer 100 to be washed). - In one embodiment, actuation of the one or more heat transfer elements (e.g., heat transfer elements 210-210D) can begin automatically upon the coupling of the module 200-200D to the
container 100. For example, one or more sensors can sense when the module 200-200D couples to thecontainer 100 and communicate a signal to controlcircuitry 80 in the module 200-200D to provide power to the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D to heat or cool the contents in thecontainer 100. Conversely, actuation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D can cease automatically upon decoupling of the module 200-200D from the container 100 (e.g., based on sensed information from one or more sensors that the module 200-200D is not coupled to thecontainer 100. Such one or more sensors can include a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor for sensing the coupling or decoupling of the module 200-200D with thecontainer 100. - The
control circuitry 80 can control the operation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D to control the amount of energy supplied to the liquid in the chamber of thecontainer 100 to maintain or increase or decrease the temperature of the liquid. Optionally, thecontrol circuitry 80 can control delivery of power to the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D based at least in part on information from one or more sensors that sense a parameter of quality of the liquid (e.g., temperature, volume, level, acidity, pH) where said one or more sensors can be on a surface of one or both of the module 200-200D andcontainer 100. For example, such sensors can be on thebottom surface 22 of thecontainer 100 and/or the top surface of the module 200-200D. - The
control circuitry 80 can include a memory that stores or receives one or more algorithms (e.g., wirelessly via a tablet or smartphone app, via a wired connection or during manufacturing of the module 200-200D at the factory) that can be executed by thecontrol circuitry 80 to control the operation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D and/or to determine a parameter of the liquid based on sensed information. In one embodiment, such algorithms can be used to determine one or more parameters of the liquid in thecontainer 100 based on sensed information for another parameter of the liquid. In one embodiment, thecontainer 100 can include one or more sensors in communication with inner liquid holding chamber 30 (e.g., in contact with thecircumferential sidewall 40 orbase 20, whose sensed information can provide an indication of a temperature of the liquid in thecontainer 100, and an algorithm can calculate a volume of the liquid in the chamber based on the sensed information of the same sensor. For example, by sensing how long it takes for the liquid to change temperature upon actuation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D, the algorithm can calculate the approximate volume of liquid in the chamber (e.g., if thecontainer 100 is full of liquid, it may take X seconds for the sensed temperature to change, but if thecontainer 100 is half-full of liquid, it may take Y seconds for the sensed temperature to change). Though such algorithms are described in connection with thecontainer 100, one of skill in the art will recognize that such algorithms can be implemented or use by thecontrol circuitry 80 of other drinkware, dishware and serverware devices as disclosed herein. - The sensed temperature can be communicated to the
control circuitry 80, which can then adjust the amount of power supplied to the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D based on the sensed temperature (e.g., the control circuitry can reduce power to the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D as the desired temperature for the liquid is approached). Additionally, thecontrol circuitry 80 can control the operation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D based on preselected temperature (e.g., user selected temperature, such as one provided by the user directly via a user interface on the module 200-200D, or wirelessly via a tablet or smartphone app), or based on a predetermined temperature set point (e.g., temperature set point saved into a memory of thecontrol circuitry 80, either by a user, such as via a tablet or smartphone app, or at the factory during manufacture). Thecontrol circuitry 80 can advantageously control the amount of power supplied to the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D to prevent the temperature of the liquid from increasing above the predetermined or preselected temperature. For example, in one embodiment, thecontrol circuitry 80 can include a temperature sensitive switch, which can open if the sensed temperature of the liquid in thecontainer 100 increases above a temperature set point, thereby cutting off power supply to the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D. -
FIG. 8 shows a chargingassembly 400 can be provided for charging themodule 200. The chargingassembly 400 can have a chargingplate 410 with one or more portions (e.g., recesses) 420 on which (e.g., into which) a bottom portion of the module 200-200D can be placed so that a corresponding electrical contact on acharging base 396 of themodule 200 contacts anelectrical contact 430 of the chargingplate 410. In one embodiment, theelectrical contact 430 can be circular, though other shapes are possible. In one embodiment, theelectrical contact 430 is gold plated. The illustrated embodiment shows the chargingplate 410 with two portions (e.g., recesses) 420 and twoelectrical contacts 430 to charge two separate modules 200-200D at the same time. However, in other embodiments, the chargingplate 410 can have a single portion orrecess 420 and singleelectrical contact 430. The chargingplate 410 can connect via anelectrical cord 440 to anelectrical connector 450. In the illustrated embodiment, theelectrical connector 450 is a wall connector for connecting to AC power. In other embodiments, theelectrical connector 450 can be a connector for connecting to DC power, such as to a car charger. In still another embodiment, theelectrical connector 450 can be a USB connector that allows the electrical cord to be connected to a computer, portable battery, or to a separate wall connector for connecting to a wall outlet (e.g., similar to charger for iPhone). With reference toFIG. 9 , the module 200-200D can have anelectrical contact 298 that is annular or donut shaped and surrounds abase surface 299. - With reference to
FIGS. 10A-10B , the module 200-200D can have avisual indicator screen 395 that can illustrate one or more logos or messages (e.g., regarding the operation of the module 200-200D). - With reference to
FIG. 11 , the module 200-200D can optionally include one ormore buttons 390 that a user can press to release the coupling between the module 200-200D and thecontainer 100. For example, pressing thebuttons 390 can optionally actuate thecontrol circuitry 80 in the module 200-200D to change the polarity of the one or more magnets so that they provide a repelling force, instead or an attracting force, relative to thecontainer 100. In another embodiment, pushing thebuttons 390 mechanically decouples the magnets on the module 200-200D from the bottom wall of thecontainer 100. -
FIGS. 12A-12B show one embodiment of apower storage unit 500 for use with the module 200-200D. Thepower storage unit 500 can include apower storage element 510 surrounded by achamber 520 filled with a phase change material (PCM) 530. Thephase change material 530 preferably has a transition temperature of between about 50 degrees F. to about 100 degrees F., in some embodiments about 70 degrees F. Thephase change material 530 can advantageously have a transition temperature that can allow thephase change material 530 to protect thepower storage element 510 from high temperature swings. For example, if the module 200-200D is accidentally placed in the dishwasher (with the container 100) to wash thecontainer 100, thephase change material 530 can advantageously absorb heat resulting from the temperature swings during operation of the dishwasher, to avoid damage to thepower storage element 510. ThoughFIGS. 12A-12B show onepower storage element 510 enclosed by thephase change material 530, one of skill in the art will understand that a plurality ofpower storage elements 510 can be enclosed by thephase change material 530. In one embodiment, the PCM can enclose all the electronics in the module 200-200D, not just the power storage element(s) 510. -
FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of an arrangement of one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D and one ormore sensors 550 arranged on asurface 202 of the module 200-200D that is placed in thermal communication with the bottom end 20 (e.g., bottom surface 22) of thecontainer 100. In one embodiment, the one ormore sensors 550 includes atemperature sensor 550 that can sense a temperature of the liquid in thechamber 30 via thebase 22 of thecontainer 100. In one embodiment, the one ormore sensors 550 communicates the sensed information (e.g., sensed temperature of thebottom surface 22 of the container 20) to thecontrol circuitry 80, which determines a sensed liquid temperature in the container 10 (e.g., using an algorithm that correlates the sensed temperature of thebottom surface 22 with the temperature of the liquid in thecontainer 10, such as taking into account the thermal conductivity of thebottom end 20 of the container 10). The one ormore sensors 550 can be spaced apart from the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D by a distance of at least about 10 mm, to inhibit the information sensed by the one ormore sensors 550 being influenced by the proximity of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D; however other suitable distances are possible (e.g., at least about 5 mm). In one embodiment, the distance between the one ormore sensors 550 and the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D is substantially uniform in all directions. For example, where the one ormore sensors 550 includes atemperature sensor 550, thetemperature sensor 550 is disposed at least about 10 mm away from the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D to inhibit the sensed temperature by thetemperature sensor 550 being influenced by the energy output of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D. -
FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of acontainer 100 with one ormore sensors 570 disposed along the height of thecircumferential wall 40 of thecontainer 100 to sense or measure a parameter of liquid in thechamber 30 of the container. In one embodiment, the one ormore sensors 570 can be a plurality ofsensors 570 arranged as astrip 580 along at least a part of the height of thecircumferential wall 40 of thecontainer 100. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontainer 100 can be removably coupled to the module 200-200D, where the module 200-200D can have an electric contact (such as 7192 inFIG. 6A ) that interfaces with the one ormore sensors 570 when the module 200-200D is coupled to thecontainer 100 in order to electrically connect the one ormore sensors 570 with thecontrol circuitry 80 in the module 200-200D. In one embodiment, the one ormore sensors 570 can be capacitance sensors, or temperature sensors. Where temperature or capacitance sensors, the information sensed by the one ormore sensors 570 can be used to estimate a liquid level in thecontainer 100. For example, the liquid level in thecontainer 100 can be estimated (e.g., by the control circuitry 80) by comparing a sensed reading (e.g., of temperature, capacitance) from one sensor relative to an adjacent sensor (e.g., estimating that the liquid level is at a location between two adjacent temperature sensors where the temperature readings from said adjacent temperature sensors vary by more than a certain amount). In other embodiments, the one ormore sensors 570 can be other suitable types of sensors disclosed herein. -
FIG. 15 above shows a block diagram of a communication system for any of the modules 200-200D of the containers described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic module EM (such as the electronic module disclosed herein for the module 200-200D), which can include thecontrol circuitry 80, can receive sensed information from one or more sensors S1-Sn (e.g., liquid level sensors, liquid volume sensors, temperature sensors, battery charge sensors, capacitance sensors, tilt sensors or gyroscopes), which can include the one ormore sensor - The term “electronic module” is meant to refer to electronics generally. Furthermore, the term “electronic module” should not be interpreted to require that the electronics be all in one physical location or connected to one single printed circuit board (PCB). One of skill in the art will recognize that the electronic module or electronics disclosed herein can be in one or more (e.g., plurality) of separate parts (coupled to one or a plurality of PCBs) and/or located in different physical locations of the module 200-200D, as disclosed herein. That is, the electronic module or electronics can have different form factors.
- With respect to any of the containers disclosed above, one or more sensors
- S1-Sn can be provided. In some embodiments, at least one sensor S2 of the one or more sensors S1-Sn can sense a liquid level (or information indicative of a liquid level) in a
chamber 30 of thecontainer 100. - In one embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a load cell (in the module 200-200D) that can sense a weight of the
container 100. The electronic module EM of thecontainer 100 can receive the sensed weight information and compare it against a reference weight data (e.g., previously sensed when the container was empty and/or that is stored in a memory of the electronic module EM), and calculate a volume or level of the liquid in the container 100 (e.g., using an algorithm to convert the sensed weight information to liquid volume or level measurement). - In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a pressure sensor on a portion of the
chamber 30 of thecontainer 100 and can sense a hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in thechamber 30. The electronic module EM can calculate a liquid volume or level based at least in part on the sensed pressure information from the sensor S2. - In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a capacitance sensor (e.g., capacitance sensing strip) that extends along at least a portion of the length of a sidewall of the
container 100. The sensor S2 can sense a capacitance of a liquid in thecontainer 100 relative to a capacitance of air above the liquid level and communicate the sensed information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in thecontainer 100 based on the sensed information. In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can sense a conductivity of the liquid or air proximate the sensor and the electronic module EM can provide a measurement of liquid level or volume based at least in part on the sensed information. - In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be an ultrasonic sensor on a sidewall of the
container 100. The sensor S2 can use a pulse-echo or wall resonance (e.g. resonance of the sidewall of the container 100) to sense information indicative of a liquid level in the container. For example, the sensor S2 can sense a time it takes for pulse emitted by the sensor S2 into thechamber 30 of thecontainer 100 to return to the sensor (e.g., once it bounces from the liquid level location). The sensor S2 can transmit the sensed information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed information. - In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be an accelerometer or tilt sensor (e.g., gyroscope). The sensor S2 can sense an orientation (or change in orientation) of the
container 100 and communicate the sensed orientation information to the electronic module EM. The electronic module EM can estimate a liquid level in thecontainer 100 based on the sensed orientation information (e.g., using an algorithm that correlates a tilt angle to a liquid level). For example, if the sensor S2 senses an orientation of less than a first threshold (e.g., less than 30 degrees from an upright position) when a user has thecontainer 100 against their lips (e.g., sensed via a sensor on the container lip or lid, such as a contact sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) then the electronic module estimates the liquid level to be about full, and if the sensor S2 senses an orientation greater than a second threshold (e.g., greater than 90 degrees from an upright position) when a user has the container against their lips (e.g., sensed via a sensor on the container lip or lid, such as a contact sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) then the electronic module estimates the liquid level to be about empty, and the electronic module EM can use an algorithm to interpolate between the two thresholds to infer intermediate liquid levels of the container (e.g., half full, quarter full, etc.). - In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a light sensor that measures light attenuation through the liquid and provides the sensed information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed information (e.g., using an algorithm to correlate light attenuation with liquid volume or level).
- In another embodiment, liquid level in the
container 100 is measured based on sensed temperature (or information indicative of temperature) from one or more (e.g., a plurality of) temperature sensors S3. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S3 can sense how long it takes the temperature to increase a reference number of degrees (e.g., 1 degree F. or 1 degree C.) when thechamber 30 of thecontainer 100 is full of liquid to provide a first reference time, and the first reference time can be stored in a memory (e.g., a memory of the electronic module EM). Optionally, additional reference times can be provided by the one or more sensors S3 when the chamber 115 of thecontainer 100 has other volumes of liquid therein (e.g., half full, ¾ full) and the reference times stored in said memory. During operation of the container, the one or more temperature sensors S3 can measure how long it takes for the temperature in the chamber to change by said reference number of degrees and communicate the sensed time information to the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed time information, for example, based on an algorithm correlating time versus liquid volume or level. In one embodiment, the sensed time information is compared against one or more of the reference times and the liquid level or volume interpolated between the level or volume values corresponding to the reference times. Optionally, the algorithm can calculate the liquid volume or level based at least in part on sensed ambient temperature (e.g., from a sensor S4), to account for variations in how long it takes the temperature to increases by the reference number of degrees depending on ambient temperature (e.g., at high altitude, low altitude, in winter, in summer, etc.). Use of the one or more temperature sensor S3 therefore advantageously allows measurement of temperature and liquid level in the container with one sensor instead of requiring a separate sensor to measure liquid level, which provides for a simpler and less costly system. In another embodiment, the module 200-200D can have a plurality of temperature sensors S3 along the length of thecontainer 100 and the liquid level in thechamber 30 of thecontainer 100 can be determined by the electronic module EM by comparing the sensed temperature readings from the plurality of temperature sensors S3 (e.g., estimating that the liquid level is at a location between two adjacent temperature sensors where the temperature readings from said adjacent temperature sensors vary by more than a certain amount). -
FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of amethod 800 for using a plurality of temperature control modules 200-200D in a commercial setting, such as a café or restaurant. Themethod 800 can include first identifying 810 the temperature the customer would like the liquid served at. For example, the café attendant or cashier or waiter can as the customer what temperature they would like their coffee or tea served at, after which the beverage could be poured into a container (e.g., mug), like thecontainer 100 described herein, and a module 200-200D attached to thecontainer 100 and turned on to maintain the beverage at the requested temperature. In one embodiment, the café attendant or cashier or waiter can pull 815 the module 200-200D from a set of modules 200-200D disposed on charging bases (e.g., like off a conveyor belt). The attendant, cashier or waiter could then tag 820 the customer to thecontainer 100, for example using near field communication, to allow tracking of the module 200-200D. In one embodiment, the module 200-200D could have an alarm installed 830 that is activated when the module 200-200D is decoupled from thecontainer 100, inhibiting users from decoupling the module 200-200D without detection. In another embodiment, the near field connection (e.g., Bluetooth connection) between the module 200-200D and thecontainer 100 can be broken if thecontainer 100 is more than a predetermined distance from a reference location (e.g., from the counter), and an alert (visual, audio) can be sent to an operator (e.g., attendant). In still another embodiment, thecontrol circuitry 80 can receive a notification when the near field connection has been broken and cease operation of the module 200-200D. In one embodiment, the café, restaurant or establishment could have sensors near the exits to sense if a module 200-200D is passing through the exit, to inhibit theft of the modules 200-200D. -
FIG. 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of atemperature control module 200E, which is similar to the temperature control module 200-200D described above, except as noted below. Themodule 200E can be used with existing plateware or serverware that users may have (e.g., existing plates, bowls, platters, soup tureens, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the plateware is aplate 910 with a rim underneath its bottom surface that allows the bottom surface of theplate 910 to sit away from a supporting surface (e.g., table, counter). However, persons of skill in the art will recognize that thetemperature control module 200E can be used with any type of plate, such as plates that do not have a rim or ridge on its bottom surface. For example, themodule 200E can be used with plates with a bottom surface that sits flat and contacts the surface of the table, counter, etc. That is, themodule 200E can be used with existing plateware and serverware, irrespective of the shape of the plateware or serverware. - The
module 200E can have some of the same components as described above for the modules 200-200D, includingcontrol circuitry 80, one or morepower storage elements 60, and one or moreheat transfer elements 210E. Additionally, themodule 200E has aheat transfer pack 900 that protrudes from a top surface of themodule 200E and is in thermal communication with the one or moreheat transfer elements 210E. In one embodiment, theheat transfer pack 900 includes a thermallyconductive material 920, such as a thermally conductive gel or thermal gap pad material, which contacts a bottom surface of the plateware when it is placed on themodule 200E. In one embodiment, theheat transfer pack 900 is flexible. For example, when used with aplate 910 that has a rim or ridge on its bottom surface, theheat transfer pack 900 can fill the space between the rim of theplateware 910 and the bottom surface of theplateware 910 and optionally also contact a bottom surface of theplate 910 that is outward from the rim or ridge of the bottom of the plate, allowing heat transfer between the one or moreheat transfer elements 210E and a bottom surface of theplateware 910. As discussed above, themodule 200E can be used with existing plateware and serverware irrespective of the shape of the plateware or serverware. Accordingly, when used with plates that have a flat bottom surface (i.e., no ridge or rim on the bottom surface), theheat transfer pack 900 contacts at least the flat bottom surface of the plate. - Advantageously, because the module 200-200D is removable, it can be used with a plurality of
separate containers 100. Thus, a user can use one module 200-200D to heat a plurality ofseparate containers 100 and need not purchase a plurality of containers that each includes its separate electronics and active temperature control module 200-200D. -
FIGS. 18-19 shows another embodiment of a drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ that includes an activetemperature control module 200′. A chargingassembly 400′ in the shape of a coaster can receive thedrinkware container 100′ thereon. Advantageously, thedrinkware container 100′ and charging assembly (charging coaster) 400′ look like conventional/typical mugs and coasters. Thedrinkware container 100′ has avisual indicator 395′ in a bottom portion of themug 100′. As shown inFIGS. 18-19 , when thedrinkware container 100′ sits on the charging assembly (charging coaster) 400′, the visual indicator is located vertically above thecharging coaster 400′ so that it is visible. Thevisual indicator 395′ can be an LED light that can illuminate in a variety of different colors, as further discussed below. In one embodiment, thevisual indicator 395′ can be a single LED light (e.g., a hidden till lit LED light). -
FIGS. 20-21 shows a cross-sectional assembled and exploded side view, respectively, of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′, which has an opentop end 10′, a base or closedbottom end 20′ having a bottom (e.g., base)surface 22′, and a cavity orchamber 30′ defined by acircumferential wall 40′ and the base 20′. Optionally, the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can have ahandle 27′. In one embodiment, thehandle 27′ can be detachable (e.g., include a rare earth magnet that allows it to couple to thewall 40′. Thehandle 27′ can include a customizable feature that allows the user to readily identify the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ as theirs and distinguish it from others. For example, different handle designs 27′ can be attached to thewall 40′ of the same drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to facilitate identification of themug 100′. In another embodiment, a colored ring can be clipped to the handle 17′ to facilitate identification. In one embodiment (not shown), a lid can be provided to cover thetop end 10′ to further aid in maintaining the temperature the liquid in the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′, such as when the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ is not in use or is being moved around the office or home. - The base 20′ and
circumferential wall 40′ of thedrinkware container 100′ are made of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal (e.g., stainless steel), which advantageously provides adurable drinkware material 100′ that does not break easily. The drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ is double walled, where thecircumferential wall 40′ has aninner wall 40A′ and anouter wall 40B′ that is spaced apart from theinner wall 40A′ to define an annular channel orchamber 42′ therebetween. Theinner wall 40A′ couples to theouter wall 40B′ at aproximal end 12′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ that defines arim 12A′ (e.g., drinking rim), so that theannular channel 42′ extends to about theproximal end 12′ between theinner wall 40A′ andouter wall 40B′. Accordingly the base 20′ is suspended (e.g., not attached laterally) relative to theouter wall 40B′. In one embodiment, the base 20′ is single walled with a thickness of between about 0.2 mm and about 13 mm, in some embodiments about 0.3 mm. Thecircumferential wall 40′, including theinner wall 40A′ andouter wall 40B′ can be a deep drawn stainless steel structure, where theouter wall 40B′ is coated with a ceramic material so the drinkware container (e.g. mug) 100′ looks like a typical ceramic mug. - The
outer wall 40B′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ is coated with a ceramic material so that the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ looks like a conventional ceramic mug. The ceramic material advantageously allows the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to be coated with text and or logos, in the same manner conventional mugs are. In one embodiment, theouter wall 40B′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can be laser etched with artwork. - In one embodiment, the
chamber 42′ is empty (e.g., filled with air). In another embodiment, thechamber 42′ can optionally be filled with an insulative material (e.g., polyurethane foam). The insulative material can advantageously enhance the thermal properties of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ by inhibiting heat loss through thecircumferential wall 40′. Additionally, the insulative material can reduce or inhibit the metallic sound of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ (e.g., ceramic coated mug), allowing the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to sound similar to a conventional ceramic mug. In still another embodiment, thechamber 42′ can be under vacuum. In still another embodiment, the annular channel orchamber 42′ can be filled with a phase change material (PCM) that can reduce the temperature of a liquid poured into thechamber 30′ that has a temperature above the transition temperature of the PCM. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 20-21 , thetemperature control module 200′ is housed in a cavity 50′ defined below the base 20′, and more particularly defined at least in part below thesurface 22′ and surrounded by theouter wall 40B′. As discussed above, the base 20′ is suspended relative to theouter wall 40B′. Optionally, the cavity 50′ is in communication with theannular channel 42′, as shown by the arrow FC inFIG. 21 . - With continued reference to
FIGS. 20-21 , thedrinkware container 100′ can have alocking ring 52′attached to the inner surface of theouter wall 40B′ below the base 20′. The lockingring 52′ can retain athermal insulation member 70′ against the base 20′. The lockingring 52′ can be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel) and have a plurality of engaging members (e.g., hooks, teeth) 52 a′. in one embodiment, the lockingring 52′ is fixed (e.g., welded) to the inner surface of theouter wall 40B′. Thethermal insulation member 70′ can optionally extend across the inner width of the cavity 50′ so as to define a barrier between the cavity 50′ and theannular channel 42′. - A
heating element 210′ can be in thermal contact (e.g., in direct contact with, adjacent to) thebase 20′ so that theheating element 210′ is between the base 20′ and thethermal insulation member 70′. In one embodiment, theheating element 210′ can be adhered to asurface 23′ of the base 20′ with an adhesive. In one embodiment, theheating element 210′ can be a heater flex. Theheating element 210′ can connect withcontrol circuitry 80′ (e.g., a printed circuit board, PCB) as further discussed below. - Optionally, a heat conductive coating or
tape 205′, such as copper coating, can be disposed on the outer surface of theinner wall 40A′ (e.g., adhered to at least a portion of thesurface 23′ and side surface 24′) and disposed between theinner wall 40A′ and theheating element 210′. The heat conductive coating ortape 205′ can advantageously draw heat from theheating element 210′ away from theinsulation layer 70′ and instead direct it to the side surface 24′ of theinner wall 40A′, thereby reducing the amount of heat directed to theinsulation layer 70′ and that would need to be directed by theheat spreader 74′ away from the one or morepower storage elements 60′. Advantageously, as shown inFIG. 24 , the heat conductive coating ortape 205′ does not cover the area of theheating element 210′ that includes theextension 210C′ with thesensors 216A′, 216B′ or that has thetemperature sensor 216D′ orsensor 216C′, thereby drawing heat away from theextension 210C′ andsensors 216D′, 216C′ and directing it to the side surface 24′ of theinner wall 40A′. In one embodiment, the heat conductivecoating o tape 205′ is adhered to theinner wall 40A′. In another embodiment, theinner wall 40A′ can be dipped into a heat conductive coating material (e.g., copper coating material), with a portion of thesurface 23′, 24′ (e.g., corresponding to where theextension 210C′ andsensors 216A′, 216B′ would be disposed) masked to prevent that section being coated with the heat conductive coating. - Also disposed in the cavity 50′ can be one or more power storage elements (e.g., batteries) 60′. In one embodiment, the one or more
power storage elements 60′ can be two batteries (e.g., rechargeable batteries). As shown inFIG. 30A , aheat spreader 74′ can be disposed about the one or more power storage elements (e.g., batteries) 60′ can facilitate dissipation of heat from the cavity 50′ (e.g., from thethermal insulation member 70′). In one embodiment, theheat spreader 74′ can connect to an inner surface of theouter wall 40B to dissipate heat from the cavity 50′ to theouter wall 40B, as further discussed below. For example, as shown inFIG. 30B , in one embodiment, theheat spreader 74′ can include a foilwrap laminate layer 74 a′ (e.g., of aluminum, copper, graphite) that extends between and operatively contacts theouter wall 40B′ and can drop the temperature by an additional 15-20 degrees (e.g., a drop of about 16 degrees Celsius, such as from 61 degrees C. to 45 degrees C.) by connecting with an inner surface of theouter wall 40B′. Without such alayer 74 a′ (e.g., with the structure shown inFIG. 30A ) theheat spreader 74′ can drop the temperature by about six degrees (e.g., from about 61 Celsius to about 56 Celsius). - With continued reference to
FIGS. 20-21 , anend cap 220′ can couple to the lockingring 52′. For example, theend cap 220′ can have a plurality of engaging elements (e.g., recesses or slots) 220 a′ that engage the engaging members (e.g., hooks or teeth) 52 a′ of the lockingring 52′. Advantageously, theend cap 220′ can couple with the lockingring 52′ so that the outer surface of theend cap 200′ is flush with theouter wall 40B′ to present a substantially seamless structure for the assembled drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. - A compression molded
gasket 72′ can optionally be annularly disposed between an outer surface of theend cap 220′ and an inner surface of theouter wall 40B′ that defines the cavity 50′. Advantageously, the compression moldedgasket 72′ can seal theend cap 220′ against theouter wall 40B′ and inhibit (e.g., prevent) entry of liquid into the cavity 50′. Theend cap 220′ can engage the lockingring 52′ to couple theend cap 220′ to thecircumferential wall 40′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to complete the assembly, with the electronics disposed between the base 20′ and theend cap 220′ in the cavity 50′. Therefore, theend cap 220′ defines the bottom end of thedrinkware container 100′ once assembled to theouter wall 40B′. For example, the following components can be disposed in the following order between the base 20′ and theend cap 220′:heating element 210′,insulation member 70′,heat spreader 74′, one or morepower storage elements 60′, and control circuitry (PCB) 80′. Theend cap 220′ can be made of plastic, which advantageously allows a transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth transmitter) on thecontrol circuitry 80′ to transmit information to and/or receive information from outside the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. In one embodiment, the transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver can be housed in thehandle 27′ and communicate with thecontrol circuitry 80′ via a conduit in thehandle 27′. - The
end cap 220′ can have abutton 225′ movably mounted on abottom surface 222′ of theend cap 220′ (e.g., substantially at the center of thebottom surface 222′). Thebutton 225′ can movably engage a switch on thecontrol circuitry 80′ to perform one or more functions. For example, pressing thebutton 225′ can turn power on/off to the electronics of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′, such as tuning power on/off to theheating element 210′; can toggle through one or more temperature set points or temperature ranges stored in a memory of thecontrol circuitry 80′ and to which theheating element 210′ can be operated; reset one or more operating parameters of the electronics in the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′; initiate one or more test or diagnostic functions of thedrinkware container 100′; pair the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ with a remote control (e.g., a mobile electronic device; and/or toggle through one or more colors shown by thevisual indicator 395′. For example, the user can turn on power to the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ by pushing thebutton 225′ once, and turn off power to the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ by pressing on thebutton 225′ for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 2 seconds, 3 seconds). The user can optionally push thebutton 225′ for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 4 seconds, 5 seconds), such as if the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ has been off, to pair the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ with a mobile electronic device, after which the user can select the color for thevisual indicator 395′ via an app downloaded to their mobile electronic device. If the user never pairs the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ with a mobile electronic device, thevisual indicator 395′ will use a default color. The user can optionally reset the electronics in the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ by pressing on thebutton 225′ for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 7 seconds, 8 seconds, etc.). The user can optionally reset the electronics in the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to the factory settings by pressing on thebutton 225′ for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 14 seconds, 15 seconds, etc.). In one embodiment, the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can have a shipping mode (e.g., entered into at the factory prior to shipping to run tests on themug 100′) where motion of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ does not turn on power to themug 100′; however, once thebutton 225′ is subsequently pressed andmug 100′ moved, the shipping mode is disabled. - As discussed above, in one embodiment, the user can press the
button 225′ to toggle through different temperature set points for operation of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. In one embodiment, such different temperature set points can be illustrated by a color illuminated by thevisual indicator 395′ (e.g., red for relatively hotter, pink for less hot, blue for relatively cooler, etc.). For example, the user can optionally press and hold thebutton 225 for a predetermined period of time to activate the toggle function and once activated (e.g., indicated by flashingvisual indicator 395′) can press ortap button 395′ to toggle between preselected temperatures or temperature ranges. - In another embodiment, the
end cap 220′ can include a capacitance touch sensor. In this embodiment, the user can slide their finger along a surface of theend cap 220′ to select an operating temperature or temperature range for the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ as indicated by thevisual indicator 395′. - In still another embodiment, the
handle 27′ can include temperature controls (e.g., capacitance touch sensors or slider, buttons, rotary ring) for the user to select the operating temperature or temperature range (e.g., hot, warm) for the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. - In still another embodiment, the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ can include temperature controls (e.g., touch sensors, buttons) on a rim thereof that a user can actuate while the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ is placed on the
charging coaster 400′ to select the operating temperature or temperature range for the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. In one embodiment, the temperature control can be a touch sensitive LED color bar the user can slide their finger over to select the approximate desired temperature for the liquid in thechamber 30′. The LED color bar can allow the user to adjust the temperature set point for the liquid in thechamber 30′ by sliding their finger along the bar (e.g., between a relatively less hot temperature and a relatively more hot temperature). - In still another embodiment, the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ can include a hall effect sensor that can sense rotation of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ while on the
charging coaster 400′. The user can rotate the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to adjust the temperature set point. The charger can sense the change in angular position of themug 100′ correlate said change with a change in temperature set point and identify said change for the user (e.g., via an LED color bar, via change in the color provided by thevisual indicator 395′, via one or more visual lights on thecharging coaster 400′ that change color with the angular orientation of themug 100′), and communicate the change in temperature set point to thecontrol circuitry 80′, which can control theheating element 210′ to effect the change. -
FIGS. 22-26 show views of theheating element 210′attached to the base 20′, such as to anouter surface 41A′ of theinner wall 40A′.FIG. 22 shows the bottom view of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ with theend cap 220′ and electronics removed, and shows theheating element 210′ attached to the base 20′.FIG. 23 excludes theouter wall 40B′ for clarity and shows theheating element 210′ attached to the base 20′.FIG. 24 shows the heat conductive coating ortape 205′ that attaches to thesurface 23′ of the base 20′ that is opposite thesurface 22′and under which theheating element 210′ is disposed. As described further below, theheating element 210′ defines a crescent shaped heating area HA. That is, theheating element 210′ does not heat theentire bottom surface 22′ (i.e., the heating area is not circular).FIG. 25 excludes theinner wall 40A′ for clarity and shows theheating element 210′ arranged above the one or morepower storage elements 60′ and anextension 210A′ of theheating element 210′ connected to thecontrol circuitry 80′ arranged below the one or morepower storage elements 60′ within theend cap 220′. -
FIG. 26 schematically shows theheating element 210′. Theheating element 210′ can have one ormore heaters 212′ (e.g., heater wires). In the illustrated embodiment, theheating element 210′ has afirst heater 212A′ and asecond heater 212B′ that extend along a portion (but not all) of a generallyplanar area 210B′ of theheating element 210′. The first andsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ can extend in an undulating fashion over a portion of theheating element 210′ generally resembling a crescent, “Pac-Man” or C-shape (e.g., covering an asymmetric area, not covering a circular area). In other embodiments, the at least oneheater 212′ can have a shape generally resembling a U-shape (e.g., covering an asymmetric area, not covering a circular area), as shown inFIG. 31 . Theheating element 210′ can have aconnector 214′ at an end of theextension 210A′ that extends from the generallyplanar area 210B′. Theconnector 214′ can optionally be a 10 pin connector that can connect to the control circuitry (e.g., PCB) 80′. However, other suitable connectors can be used. Thefirst heater 212A′ andsecond heater 212B′ can optionally be operated separately (e.g., only one of the first orsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ being on) or simultaneously (e.g., both the first andsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ being on at the same time). - Advantageously, the liquid in the
chamber 30′ can be heated with only one of theheaters 212A′, 212B′. In one embodiment, the first andsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ can have the same operating parameters. In another embodiment, the first andsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ can have different operating parameters. For example, thefirst heater 212A can operate at approximately 19 volts, 1.39 amps and 12.3 ohms and thesecond heater 212B can operate at approximately 3.6 volts, 5.6 amps and 0.65 ohms. Power to the one ormore heaters 212′ can be cycled by thecontrol circuitry 80′ to maintain the temperature of the liquid in thechamber 30′ at approximately the temperature set point (e.g., user selected temperature set point, default temperature set point, etc.). In one embodiment, both the first andsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ optionally operate at the same time when thedrinkware container 100′ is disposed on the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ and power is provided to thedrinkware container 100′ by the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ as discussed further below. Optionally, only one of the first andsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ is operated when the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ is not disposed on the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ and theheating element 210′ is powered by the one or morepower storage elements 60′. - With continued reference to
FIG. 26 , theheating element 210′ can include a plurality ofsensors 216′. For example, theheating element 210′ can have twosensors 216A′, 216B′ on anextension 210C′ that extends from the generallyplanar area 210B′. Theextension 210C′ can extend a distance (e.g., 10 cm, 20 cm) along the height of theinner wall 40A′ above the base 20′ to measure a liquid level in thechamber 30′, as discussed further below. Theheating element 210′ can also have athird sensor 216C′ disposed on the generallyplanar portion 210B′. Thethird sensor 216C′ is spaced apart (e.g., by about 20 mm) from the first andsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ to inhibit (e.g., prevent) operation of the first and/orsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ from affecting (e.g., biasing) the information sensed by thethird sensor 216C′. The plurality ofsensors 216′ can communicate with thecontrol circuitry 80′ via theconnector 214′. The one ormore heaters 212′ (e.g.,first heater 212A′,second heater 212B′) can communicate with thecontrol circuitry 80′ via theconnector 214′. In one embodiment, the plurality ofsensors 216′ can be negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors. Atemperature sensor 216D′, which can optionally be a silicon temperature sensor, is disposed near thesensor 216C′ and away from the one ormore heaters 212′ on the generallyplanar portion 210B′ of theheating element 210′. Thetemperature sensor 216D′ can communicate with thecontrol circuitry 80′ via theconnector 214′. - The
extension 210C′ can extend along a distal side portion of theinner wall 40A′ and sense information indicative of or corresponding to a liquid level in thechamber 30′. In particular, thesensors 216A′, 216B′ in theextension 210C′ can sense when a liquid level in thechamber 30′ is below a threshold and communicate such signal to thecontrol circuitry 80′ to adjust an operation of theheating element 210′ (e.g., reduce power to, or cease power to, the one ormore heaters 212′), such as to avoid temperature overshoot by delivering too much heat to the relatively low level of liquid in thechamber 30′. Thesensor 216D′ can sense a temperature of thesurface 23′ and communicate it to thecontrol circuitry 80′ as indicative of or corresponding to a temperature of the liquid in thechamber 30′. The one ormore heaters 212′ can heat liquid in thechamber 30′ to between about 120 degrees F. and about 145 degrees F. In one embodiment, thedrinkware container 100′ can have a default temperature set point of 130 degrees F., unless changed by the user (e.g., via an App using their mobile electronic device, as discussed further below). In one embodiment, one or more of thesensors 216′ can allow thecontrol circuitry 80′ to automatically turn on when liquid is sensed in thechamber 30′. In another embodiment, one or more of thesensors 216′, such as thesensors 216A′, 216B′, allow thecontrol circuitry 80′ to automatically turn off power to the one ormore heaters 212′ when a liquid level in thechamber 30′ is detected signifying that thechamber 30′ is nearly empty or empty. - Advantageously, the
control circuitry 80′ limits power to the one ormore heaters 212′ so that temperature in thechamber 30′ (e.g., temperature of thebottom surface 22′) is below a predetermined amount (e.g., no greater than 150 degrees F.), such as when a low liquid level is detected by thesensors 216A′, 216B′ in theextension 210C′ (e.g., when themug 100′ is empty) to inhibit injury to the user. In one embodiment, thecontrol circuitry 80′ limits power to the one ormore heaters 212′ to keep the temperature in thechamber 30′ (e.g., at the base 20′) below a predetermined amount (e.g., no greater than 100 Celsius) to heat liquid in thechamber 30′. In particular, if firmware malfunctions, a hardwired circuit limits power to the one ormore heaters 212′ so that they operate below a predetermined temperature (e.g., no greater than 100 Celsius) to inhibit injury to a user, such as if themug 100′ is empty. - In one embodiment, the one or more
power storage elements 60′ can allow the one ormore heaters 212′ to operate for at least 15 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 45 minutes, etc. while off the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′. In one embodiment, the one or morepower storage elements 60′, fully charged, can provide approximately 1 hour of power to the one ormore heaters 212′ when not on the chargingassembly 400′. Alternatively, when on the chargingassembly 400′, the one ormore heaters 212′ can operate all day (e.g., about 8 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, about 15 hours, about 24 hours). - In one embodiment, the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ can charge the one or more
power storage elements 60′ in approximately ninety minutes at 0.5 c charging rate, and at approximately sixty minutes at 1.0 c charging rate (e.g., fast charging). In one embodiment, the user can actuate fast charging of the one or morepower storage elements 60′ via the app on their mobile electronic device (e.g., smartphone) once it is paired with the drinkware container (e.g. mug) 100′. In one embodiment, the app can allow the user to elect the fast charging option a limited number of times to avoid affecting the working life of the one or morepower storage elements 60′. For example, the app can allow the user to elect the fast charging option only once (e.g., once every month, once every few months, once ever, etc.). - The
control circuitry 80′ can include an accelerometer (e.g., 3-axis accelerometer) to sense motion of thedrinkware container 100′. In one embodiment, thecontrol circuitry 80′ can “wake up” when motion is sensed (by the accelerometer) after a predetermined period of time in which the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ has not moved (e.g., is in a standby state). In one embodiment, upon said sensed motion of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ thevisual indicator 395′ can optionally illuminate to the preselected color (e.g., color selected by the user via the app on their mobile electronic device to identify their mug). Additionally, movement of thedrinkware container 100′ after it has been in a standby state, can automatically connect the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to the app in the user's mobile electronic device to which themug 100′ was previously paired. Further, upon movement of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ following a standby state, thecontrol circuitry 80′ will seek to detect liquid in the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ (e.g., via thesensors 216′). If no liquid is detected after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.), thecontrol circuitry 80′ will switch the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ back to standby state. For example, if thesensors 216A′, 216B′ sense that thechamber 30′ is almost empty or empty, thecontrol circuitry 80′ will enter the standby state. The drinkware container (e.g., mug) can continue in a standby state until it is moved or switched off via thebutton 225′. When switched off via thebutton 225′, movement of the drinkware container (e.g. mug) 100′ does not wake up thecontrol circuitry 80′. Further, as discussed above, thecontrol circuitry 80′ can have one or more tilt sensors (e.g., gyroscopes), and thecontrol circuitry 80′ will enter the standby state if it sense the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 has been turned upside down (e.g., during a cleaning of the mug). - The
visual indicator 395′, in addition to providing an identification of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can also provide an indication of operating parameters. For example, when the power level of the one or morepower storage elements 60′ is below a predetermined amount (e.g., low power), thevisual indicator 395′ and illuminate solid red. Thevisual indicator 395′ can also indicate a charging state with a different color (e.g., flashing red color) and indicate a fully chargedpower storage elements 60′ with a different color (e.g., solid white). -
FIG. 27 shows a perspective bottom view of thedrinkware container 100′. The drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can have a pair ofelectrical contacts 298′ on thebottom surface 222′ of theend cap 220′. Theelectrical contacts 298′ can be a pair or circular electrical contacts. In one embodiment, theelectrical contacts 298′ can be gold plated. And disposed about thebutton 225′ on thebottom surface 222′. Theelectrical contacts 298′ can contact correspondingelectrical contacts 430′ (e.g., a pair of pogo pin electrical contacts) on the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′, as shown inFIG. 28 . The charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ can have arecess 402′ sized to receive at least a portion of the drinkware assembly (e.g., mug) 100′ (e.g., at least a portion of theend cap 220′) so that theelectrical contacts 298′ contact the correspondingelectrical contacts 430′. Therecess 402′ can be sized to receive drinkware containers (e.g., mugs) 100′ of different sizes (e.g., without having to use a differentsized charging assembly 400′) and still allow the connection between the electrical contacts in the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ and the chargingassembly 400′ to effect power delivery to the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. - The charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ can have a
cable 410′ connected via aconnector 412′ that extends to a power connector (not shown) for delivering power to the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′. The power connector can be a wall outlet, USB connector, micro-USB connector, etc. Optionally, thecable 410′ can removably connect to thecharging coaster 400′ via theconnector 412′ so that thecharging coaster 400′ can be used without thecable 410 attached to it (e.g., to support thedrinkware container 100′ as a typical coaster). In another embodiment, the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ can house one or more batteries to be able to charge the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ when on thecharging coaster 400′ while being portable (e.g., while not connected to a power source via thecable 410′). - As discussed above, the
control circuitry 80′ can have a transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver to allow the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to communicate with a mobile electronic device (e.g. smartphone) as discussed above in connection withFIG. 15 . The mobile electronic device can receive information from the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′, such as one or more of temperature set point, battery charge level, liquid level, an alert signal that themug 100′ has tipped over, etc. The drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can receive information, instructions or settings from the mobile electronic device, such as one or more of a temperature set point to heat the liquid in themug 100′ to, a color selection for thevisual indicator 395′ to identify themug 100′ (e.g., identify themug 100′ as the user's mug, relative toother mugs 100′ that may be in use) to help the user identify which mug 100′ is theirs. - In one embodiment, the
control circuitry 80′ can provide for voice control of the operation of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. For example, thecontrol circuitry 80′ can have a microphone for receiving voice commands from the user. In another embodiment, the user can provide voice commands to the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 via the intelligent assistant (e.g., Siri) on the user's mobile electronic device that is paired with the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. - In another embodiment, the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can have a built in speaker for notifying the user when the liquid in the
chamber 30′ has reached the user selected temperature. For example, thecontrol circuitry 80′ can have a “drink ready” notice provided to the user. - In still another embodiment, the
temperature control module 200′ can instead be a ring (not shown) that is placed around a conventional mug that has no electronics in it to provide for temperature delivery to the ceramic mug. Power to thetemperature control module 200′ can be provided by inductive coupling when the ceramic mug is placed on the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′. - In another embodiment, the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can have a display screen that displays the type of drink the user wants. The type of drink can be based on a drinking history tracked, for example, by the app on the mobile electronic device that is paired with the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. The app can track the types of drinks the user consumes at different times of day and can display a type of drink on the
mug 100′ at said time of day, which the user can alter (swipe through different selections on the display screen). The user can then just hand the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to the coffee house attendee, who can simply read the drink type on the display screen to complete the order. - Though the features disclosed above may be described in connection with the
container 100, such as a mug, one of skill in the art will recognize that any of the features described in this embodiment can also apply to any drinkware, dishware, serverware, and storage container (e.g., cup, travel mug, baby bottle, sippy cup, thermos, water bottle, such as a reusable water bottle, carafe, soup container, bowl, plate, platter, food storage containers, such as Tupperware® containers, lunch boxes). - While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. For example, though the features disclosed herein are described for drinkware containers, the features are applicable to containers that are not drinkware containers (e.g., plates, bowls, serverware, food storage containers) and the invention is understood to extend to such other containers. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.
- Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
- Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a sub combination.
- Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.
- For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
- Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
- Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
- Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.
- The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.
- Though the features and ideas disclosed above may be related to actively heating or cooling food or beverage, the embodiments above may also be used to heat or cool air spaces, such as refrigeration devices, cold boxes, coolers, portable coolers, or portable refrigerators, or hot boxes, or warmer drawers, or heat chambers, or any other device that would benefit from the heating or cooling of the air within a defined cavity or chamber.
- The term “electronic module” is meant to refer to electronics generally. Furthermore, the term “electronic module” should not be interpreted to require that the electronics be all in one physical location or connected to one single printed circuit board (PCB). One of skill in the art will recognize that the electronic module or electronics disclosed herein can be in one or more (e.g., plurality) of separate parts (coupled to one or a plurality of PCBs) and/or located in different physical locations of the body of the container, as disclosed herein. That is, the electronic module or electronics can have different form factors.
- Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the heated or cooled drinkware need not feature all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the discussed containers.
Claims (22)
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2019
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20180168378A1 (en) | 2018-06-21 |
JP6522153B2 (en) | 2019-05-29 |
KR20170138992A (en) | 2017-12-18 |
US20220361695A1 (en) | 2022-11-17 |
JP2018516630A (en) | 2018-06-28 |
US11871860B2 (en) | 2024-01-16 |
KR102013507B1 (en) | 2019-10-21 |
US10182674B2 (en) | 2019-01-22 |
US20190223639A1 (en) | 2019-07-25 |
WO2017197026A1 (en) | 2017-11-16 |
US9801482B1 (en) | 2017-10-31 |
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