Drinking utensil container with active temperature control

Abstract

An actively heated drinkware container includes a vessel having a chamber that receives and holds a volume of liquid. The utensil container includes a heating module having a first heating element operable to heat a portion of the chamber and a second heating element operable to heat another portion of the chamber, the second heating element being spaced apart from the first heating element. Operation of the first and second heating elements generates a circulating flow in the volume of liquid in the chamber that mixes the liquid in the chamber and diffuses the temperature of the liquid, thereby reducing temperature stratification of the liquid in the chamber and causing the temperature of the liquid of the volume of liquid in the chamber to be substantially uniform.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] Any and all applications for which foreign or domestic priority is claimed in the Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1.57 are incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to tableware, drinkware, and food containers, such as plates, mugs, soup containers, and lunch boxes, and more particularly to actively heated or cooled tableware, drinkware, and food containers. BACKGROUND

[0004] Tableware (e.g., plates, bowls), servingware (e.g., platters, trays, chafers), and drinkware (e.g., cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, baby bottles, water bottles) are sometimes made of ceramic materials. Plates are sometimes heated by being placed in an oven, allowing food on the plate to remain warm for a longer period of time than if the plate were not heated. For example, in some restaurants, plates are heated before food is placed on them, or heated at the same time as the food (e.g., a steak). For example, a plate containing a steak can be placed in an oven to cook the steak, and after being removed, the plate can keep the food warm for a period of time. In some cases, plates or bowls can also be refrigerated to keep food on them (e.g., salad, gazpacho) cold for a longer period of time than if the plate were not refrigerated. However, such heating and cooling mechanisms are passive mechanisms, relying on the heat dissipation of a heated plate or the heat absorption of a refrigerated plate, both of which processes depend on the heat transfer properties of the ceramic material.

[0005] However, technology for actively heated or cooled tableware, drinkware, or food containers that are dishwasher safe is not widespread. Accordingly, there is a need for tableware (e.g., plates, bowls), servingware (e.g., platters, trays, chafers), drinkware (e.g., cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, baby bottles, water bottles), and food containers (e.g., lunch boxes, soup containers) that can be actively heated or cooled during use. SUMMARY

[0006] According to an embodiment, an actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The actively heated mug or travel mug includes a body and a heating system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating system includes one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, and a wireless power receiver configured to receive power wirelessly from a power source. The heating system further includes a control circuit electrically connected with the wireless power receiver and configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control delivery of power from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The heating system further includes one or more sensors configured to sense a parameter of the liquid and / or a parameter of the heating system and communicate the sensed parameter information to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to turn on, turn off, and / or operate the one or more heating elements at a given power setting based at least in part on the sensed parameter information.

[0007] According to another embodiment, an actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The actively heated mug or travel mug includes a body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid and a heating system. The body has a vacuum insulated chamber configured to reduce a rate of heat energy dissipation from the mug or travel mug. The heating system includes one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, and a wireless power receiver configured to receive power wirelessly from a power source. The heating system further includes a control circuit electrically connected with the wireless power receiver and configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control delivery of power from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements.

[0008] According to another embodiment, an actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The actively heated mug or travel mug includes a body and a heating system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating system includes one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source, and a control circuit electrically connected with the wireless power receiver and configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control delivery of power from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The actively heated mug or travel mug further includes a user interface disposed on a surface of the body, the user interface electrically connected with the control circuit, and the user interface having one or more user-operable controls to provide operating instructions to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to operate the one or more heating elements to actively heat at least a portion of the body to maintain the liquid in a warm state at a user-selected temperature setting based at least in part on the instructions.

[0009] According to another embodiment, an actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The actively heated mug or travel mug includes a body and a heating system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating system includes one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source, and a control circuit electrically connected with the wireless power receiver and configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control delivery of power from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The actively heated mug or travel mug further includes a user interface disposed on a surface of the body, the user interface electrically connected with the control circuit, and the user interface having one or more user-operable controls to provide operating instructions to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to operate the one or more heating elements to actively heat at least a portion of the body to maintain the liquid in a warm state at a user-selected temperature setting based at least in part on the instructions.

[0010] According to another embodiment, there is provided an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container, comprising a body and a heating or cooling system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured for actively heating or cooling at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, a control circuit configured for controlling operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, and one or more liquid level sensors configured for sensing a liquid level in the receiving portion and communicating the sensed liquid level to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to operate each of the one or more heating or cooling elements independently of one another based at least in part on the sensed liquid level, such that the control circuit can turn off or turn on or reduce power to or increase power to at least one of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed liquid level. In another aspect, when the one or more heating or cooling elements are one or more thermoelectric elements, the control circuit can reverse polarity of at least one of the one or more thermoelectric elements.

[0011] According to another embodiment, there is provided an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container, comprising a body and a heating or cooling system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured for actively heating or cooling at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, and a control circuit configured for controlling operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements. The control or location of the one or more heating or cooling elements is configured to induce circulation of the liquid within the receiving portion of the body, such that the temperature of the liquid within a volume range of the liquid within the receiving portion is maintained substantially uniform.

[0012] According to another embodiment, there is provided an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, flask, water bottle or liquid container comprising a body and a heating or cooling system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured for actively heating or cooling at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, a wireless power receiver configured for wirelessly receiving power from a power source, a control circuit electrically connected with the wireless power receiver and configured for controlling charging of the one or more power storage elements and controlling power delivery from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements to maintain a temperature of the liquid at or within a predetermined drinking temperature, and one or more ultrasonic liquid sensors configured for sensing a liquid level of the liquid in the receiving portion by frequency change and communicating the sensed liquid level information to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to operate the one or more heating or cooling elements to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body to maintain a temperature of the liquid at or within a user selected or factory pre-set drinking temperature setting based at least in part on the sensed liquid level.

[0013] According to another embodiment, there is provided an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, flask, water bottle or liquid container comprising a body and a heating or cooling system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured for actively heating or cooling at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, one or more power storage elements, and a control circuit configured for controlling charging of the one or more power storage elements and controlling power delivery from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements to maintain a temperature of the liquid at or within a predetermined drinking temperature. A wireless transmitter or receiver and / or transceiver is configured for establishing a communication connection with a remote device or mobile electronic device, the transceiver is configured for transmitting operating information to the remote device or mobile electronic device and receiving instructions from the remote device or mobile electronic device. A display screen is located on a surface of the body, the display screen is electrically connected with the control circuit.

[0014] According to another embodiment, there is provided an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, carafe, water bottle or liquid container comprising a body and a heating or cooling system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured for actively heating or cooling at least part of the receiving portion of the body, one or more temperature sensors configured for sensing a temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion, and a control circuit configured for communicating with the one or more temperature sensors and controlling operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed temperature. A wireless transmitter or transceiver is configured for establishing a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet, wherein the transmitter or transceiver is configured for transmitting the sensed temperature information or information related to the sensed temperature information to the mobile phone or tablet for displaying said sensed temperature information on the mobile phone or tablet.

[0015] According to another embodiment, there is provided an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, carafe, water bottle or liquid container comprising a body and a heating or cooling system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured for actively heating or cooling at least part of the receiving portion of the body, one or more temperature sensors configured for sensing a temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion, and a control circuit configured for communicating with the one or more temperature sensors and controlling operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed temperature. A wireless transmitter or transceiver is configured for establishing a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet. A display screen or indicator light is located on a surface of the body, the display screen or indicator light being electrically connected to the control circuit and configured for displaying the sensed temperature information or displaying a message and / or visual indication related to the sensed temperature information. The transmitter or transceiver is configured for transmitting the sensed temperature information or information related to the sensed temperature information to the mobile phone or tablet for displaying said sensed temperature information or a message and / or notification related to the sensed temperature on the mobile phone or tablet.

[0016] According to another embodiment, there is provided an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, flask, water bottle or liquid container comprising a body and a heating or cooling system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured for actively heating or cooling at least part of the receiving portion of the body, one or more temperature sensors configured for sensing a temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion, and a control circuit configured for communicating with the one or more temperature sensors and controlling operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed temperature. A wireless receiver or transceiver is configured for establishing a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet, wherein the receiver or transceiver is configured for receiving operation instructions from the remote mobile phone or tablet, and the control circuit is configured for controlling operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the operation instructions received from the mobile phone or tablet.

[0017] According to another embodiment, there is provided an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, flask, water bottle or liquid container comprising a body and a heating or cooling system. The body has a receiving portion for receiving and containing a liquid. The heating or cooling system comprises one or more heating or cooling elements configured for actively heating or cooling at least part of the receiving portion of the body, and one or more liquid level sensors configured for sensing a liquid level in the receiving portion. A wireless transmitter or transceiver is configured for establishing a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet, wherein the transmitter or transceiver is configured for transmitting the sensed liquid level information to the mobile phone or tablet for displaying the liquid level information on the mobile phone or tablet.

[0018] According to an aspect, there is provided an actively heated or cooled portable container. The container includes a portable body and a heating and cooling system. The portable body has a receiving portion defined by an inner side wall and an inner bottom wall to receive and contain a liquid. The heating and cooling system is housed in the portable body. The heating and cooling system includes a cooling element including a phase change material disposed in a chamber around at least a portion of the inner side wall such that the phase change material is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner side wall of the portable body, the phase change material being configured to transition from one phase to a second phase at a predetermined temperature. The heating and cooling system further includes a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner side wall or the inner bottom wall of the portable body. The heating and cooling system further includes a control circuit disposed in a portion of the portable body, the control circuit being configured for controlling operation of the heating element. The heating and cooling system further includes one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured for providing electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuit. The cooling element draws heat from the liquid in the receiving portion at a temperature above the predetermined temperature to lower the liquid temperature to the predetermined temperature. The control circuit controls the heating element to supplement heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the liquid temperature at the predetermined temperature or to raise the liquid temperature above the predetermined temperature.

[0019] According to another aspect, there is provided an actively heated or cooled portable container. The container includes a portable body and a heating and cooling system housed in the portable body, the portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner side wall and an inner bottom wall to receive and contain a liquid. The heating and cooling system includes means for passively cooling at least a portion of the inner side wall of the portable body to draw heat from the liquid in the receiving portion of the portable body, a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner side wall or the inner bottom wall of the portable body, a control circuit disposed in a portion of the portable body and configured for controlling operation of the heating element, and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured for providing electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuit. The control circuit controls the heating element to supplement heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the liquid temperature at a predetermined temperature or to raise the liquid temperature above the predetermined temperature.

[0020] According to another aspect, there is provided an actively heated or cooled portable container. The container includes a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall to receive and contain a liquid, and an outer sidewall radially spaced apart from the inner sidewall to define an annular chamber therebetween. The container further includes a heating and cooling system housed in the portable body, the system including a cooling element including a heat sink disposed in the annular chamber in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or the inner bottom wall of the portable body, a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or the inner bottom wall of the portable body, a control circuit disposed in a portion of the portable body configured to control operation of the heating element, and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuit. The cooling element draws heat away from the liquid in the receiving portion, and wherein the control circuit controls the heating element to supplement heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the liquid temperature at a predetermined temperature or to raise the liquid temperature above a predetermined temperature.

[0021] According to another aspect, there is provided an actively heated container including a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall to receive and contain a liquid, and an outer sidewall radially spaced apart from the inner sidewall to define an annular chamber therebetween. The container further includes an active heating system including one or more heating elements in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or the inner bottom wall of the portable body, a control circuit disposed in a portion of the portable body configured to control operation of the one or more heating elements, and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the control circuit and the one or more heating elements. The control circuit is configured to calculate a volume of the liquid in the receiving portion based on sensed information indicative of a temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion of the portable body.

[0022] According to an aspect, there is provided a heated or cooled food container. The food container includes a lid and an insulating body. The lid is movable between open and closed positions. The insulating body has a sidewall defining an outer periphery thereof and a base, the sidewall and the base collectively defining a chamber configured to be sealed by the lid when in the closed position. The food container further includes a temperature control system having one or more heating or cooling elements disposed in the container and configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber.

[0023] According to another aspect, there is provided an actively heated or cooled food container. The food container includes a lid and an insulating body. The lid is movable between open and closed positions. The insulating body has a sidewall defining an outer periphery thereof and a base, the sidewall and base collectively defining a chamber configured to be sealed by the lid when in the closed position. The food container further includes an active temperature control system including one or more heating or cooling elements in thermal communication with one or both of the sidewall and base and configured for heating or cooling one or both of the sidewall and base, one or more power storage elements configured for providing power to the one or more heating or cooling elements, and a control circuit configured for controlling operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements. The active temperature control system further includes a wireless communication module configured for communicating with a remote electronic device to transmit information to and / or receive information from the remote electronic device.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an actively heated or cooled drinkware container. The drinkware container (e.g., baby bottle) includes a vessel having a chamber for receiving a liquid and a heating or cooling module. The heating or cooling module includes a first heating or cooling element operable to heat or cool a portion of the chamber and a second heating or cooling element operable to heat or cool another portion of the chamber. The second heating element is spaced apart from the first heating element. Operation of the first and second heating or cooling elements is configured to create a circulating flow in a volume of the liquid in the chamber that mixes the liquid in the chamber, thereby inhibiting temperature stratification of the liquid in the volume of the liquid in the chamber.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an actively heated or cooled drinkware container. The drinkware container (e.g., baby bottle) includes a vessel having a chamber for receiving a liquid, the vessel including an upper vessel and a lower vessel removably coupled with the upper vessel to define the chamber. The drinkware container further includes a heating or cooling module disposed in the lower vessel. The heating or cooling module includes a first heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of a bottom of the chamber and a second heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of a sidewall of the chamber. The second heating or cooling element is spaced apart from the first heating or cooling element. Operation of the first and second heating or cooling elements is configured to create a circulating flow in a volume of the liquid in the chamber that mixes the liquid in the chamber, thereby inhibiting temperature stratification of the liquid in the volume of the liquid in the chamber.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided an actively heated or cooled drinkware container. The drinkware container (e.g., baby bottle) includes a vessel having a chamber for receiving a liquid, the vessel including an upper vessel and a lower vessel removably coupled with the upper vessel to define the chamber. The drinkware container further includes a heating or cooling module disposed in the lower vessel. The heating or cooling element includes a first heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of a bottom of the chamber and a second heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of a side of the chamber. The second heating or cooling element is spaced apart from the first heating or cooling element. The drinkware container further includes one or more sensors operable to sense one or more of: a presence of the liquid in the chamber, a level of the liquid in the chamber, a type of the liquid in the chamber, and a temperature of the liquid in the chamber. Operation of the first heating or cooling element and the second heating or cooling element is configured to create a circulating flow in a volume of the liquid in the chamber that mixes the liquid in the chamber, thereby inhibiting temperature stratification of the liquid in the volume of the liquid in the chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled tray.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of a heated or cooled tray in FIG. 1

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a heated or cooled tray and its charging base in FIG. 1

[0030] FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective bottom view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled tray similar to the tray in FIG. 1

[0031] FIG. 3B is a schematic perspective top view of a heated or cooled tray and its charging base in FIG. 3A

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a charging rack for storing a plurality of heated or cooled trays and a plurality of heated or cooled trays stored on the rack.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a charging rack in FIG. 4

[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective top view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled tray.

[0035] FIG. 7 ​​​​​is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled mug and its charging base.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled mug.

[0037] FIG. 9 is FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded view of a heated or cooled mug.

[0038] FIG. 9A is a schematic exploded view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled mug.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.

[0040] FIG. 11 is FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a heated or cooled travel mug.

[0041] FIG. 12 is FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a heated or cooled travel mug and its associated charging base.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.

[0044] FIG. 15 is FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a heated or cooled travel mug.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl, or dinner plate.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl, or dinner plate.

[0047] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl, or dinner plate.

[0048] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a wand for a heated or cooled plate, bowl, dinner plate, mug, cup, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0049] FIG. 20is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a charging station for one or more plates, bowls or trays.

[0050] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a charging station for one or more plates, bowls or trays.

[0051] FIG. 22 is FIG. 21 is a schematic front view of a charging station.

[0052] FIG. 23 is FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a charging station holding a plurality of plates, bowls or trays.

[0053] FIG. 24A is FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a charging station with one of the plates, bowls or trays shown removed from the charging station.

[0054] FIG. 24B is a schematic view of another embodiment of a charging station having a resonant coupled wireless power transmitter.

[0055] FIG. 24C is a schematic view of another embodiment of a charging station.

[0056] FIG. 25 is a schematic exploded view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled plate.

[0057] FIG. 26 is FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional assembly view of a heated or cooled plate.

[0058] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl or tray.

[0059] FIG. 28 is FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of a heated or cooled plate, bowl or tray.

[0060] FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl or tray.

[0061] FIG. 30 is FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective view of a heated or cooled plate, bowl or tray.

[0062] FIG. 31 is a schematic exploded view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled baby bottle liquid container.

[0063] FIG. 32 is FIG. 31Schematic cross-sectional assembly view of a heated or cooled baby bottle.

[0064] FIG. 32A Schematic cross-sectional assembly view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled baby bottle.

[0065] FIG. 33 Block diagram of a method of operating a heated or cooled dish, bowl, plate, mug, cup, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0066] FIG. 34A Schematic view of counterclockwise circulation flow of liquid caused by a heating or cooling system in a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0067] FIG. 34B Schematic view of clockwise circulation flow of liquid caused by a heating or cooling system in a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0068] FIG. 34C Schematic view of counterclockwise circulation flow of liquid caused by a heating or cooling system in a cup, mug, travel mug, or liquid container, wherein operation (e.g., turning off, turning on) of one or more heating and cooling elements depends at least in part on a sensed liquid level.

[0069] FIG. 34D Schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chilled drinkware unit (e.g., beer glass).

[0070] FIG. 34E Schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements.

[0071] FIG. 34F Schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements.

[0072] FIG. 34G Schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements.

[0073] FIG. 34H Schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements.

[0074] FIG. 34I Schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements.

[0075] FIG. 34J Schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements.

[0076] FIG. 34K A schematic cross-sectional view showing the liquid container of FIG. 34G operating in a heating mode.

[0077] FIG. 34L A schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements.

[0078] FIG. 34M A schematic cross-sectional view showing the liquid container of FIG. 34J operating in a cooling mode.

[0079] FIG. 35 is a schematic view of a user interface on a travel mug showing weather information.

[0080] FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a user interface on a travel mug showing the temperature of the liquid in the travel mug.

[0081] FIG. 37 is a schematic view showing communication between a travel mug and an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone).

[0082] FIG. 37A is a schematic view showing communication between a mug and an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone).

[0083] FIG. 38A An embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter in a table, counter, or bar showing transmitting power to a travel mug placed thereon.

[0084] FIG. 38B An embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter in a table, counter, or bar showing transmitting power to a mug placed thereon.

[0085] FIG. 38C An embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter in a table, counter, or bar showing transmitting power to a bowl placed thereon.

[0086] FIG. 38D An embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter in a table, counter, or bar showing transmitting power to a plate placed thereon.

[0087] FIG. 38E An embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter in a table, counter, or bar showing transmitting power to a beer mug placed thereon.

[0088] FIG. 38F An embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter in a table, counter, or bar showing transmitting power to a baby bottle placed thereon.

[0089] FIG. 38G-FIG. 38H One embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter disposed within a coffee or tea maker is shown.

[0090] FIG. 38I One embodiment of a liquid container with a liquid mass sensor is shown.

[0091] FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a double-walled travel mug.

[0092] FIG. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a double-walled travel mug.

[0093] FIG. 41 is a schematic view of an actively heated bread basket.

[0094] FIG. 42 is a schematic view of an actively heated tortilla warmer.

[0095] FIG. 43 is a schematic view of a mug (e.g., travel mug) with an electric hand warmer.

[0096] FIG. 44 is a schematic block diagram showing communication between an electronic module in an actively heated / cooling drinkware, tableware, or mealware item and a user interface on it and / or on a remote electronic device.

[0097] FIG. 45 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat sink cooling mechanism.

[0098] FIG. 46 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a cooling mechanism.

[0099] FIG. 47 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a lid mechanism.

[0100] FIG. 48 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a power generator.

[0101] FIG. 49A-49B Use of a removable insert to hold liquid is shown.

[0102] FIG. 50 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0103] FIG. 50A is a schematic partial lateral cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0104] FIG. 51 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0105] FIG. 52 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0106] FIG. 53 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0107] FIG. 54 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0108] FIG. 55 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0109] FIG. 56 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0110] FIG. 57 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0111] FIG. 58 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0112] FIG. 59 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0113] FIG. 60 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0114] FIG. 61 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0115] FIG. 62 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0116] FIG. 63 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0117] FIG. 64 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0118] FIG. 65 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0119] FIG. 66 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0120] FIG. 67 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0121] FIG. 68 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0122] FIG. 69A-FIG. 69B is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0123] FIG. 70A-FIG. 70BA perspective view showing another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0124] FIG. 71A-FIG. 71B A perspective view showing another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0125] FIG. 72A-FIG. 72B A perspective view showing another embodiment of a drinkware container.

[0126] FIG. 73 A schematic view showing an embodiment of a drinkware container and charging base system.

[0127] FIG. 74A-FIG. 74B A schematic view showing an embodiment of a drinkware container assembly.

[0128] FIG. 75A-FIG. 75B A schematic view showing an embodiment of a drinkware container assembly.

[0129] FIG. 76A-FIG. 76C A schematic view showing an embodiment of a drinkware container and charging base system.

[0130] FIG. 77A-FIG. 77C An embodiment of a drinkware container assembly.

[0131] FIG. 78A-FIG. 78B An embodiment of a drinkware container assembly.

[0132] FIG. 79A-FIG. 79B An embodiment of a drinkware container assembly.

[0133] FIG. 80-FIG. 81 An embodiment of a food container.

[0134] FIG. 82 A schematic view of a drinkware container having a heating or cooling assembly operable to induce recirculation and / or mixing of liquid in the container to reduce thermal stratification of liquid in the drinkware container.

[0135] FIG. 83 A schematic view of a drinkware container having a heating or cooling assembly operable to induce recirculation and / or mixing of liquid in the container to reduce thermal stratification of liquid in the drinkware container.

[0136] FIG. 84A A schematic view of a drinkware container having a heating or cooling assembly operable to reduce thermal stratification of liquid in the drinkware container.

[0137] FIG. 84B A schematic view of a drinkware container having a heating or cooling assembly operable to reduce thermal stratification of liquid in the drinkware container.

[0138] FIG. 85This is a schematic diagram of a drinking vessel container with a mixing element that is operable to induce mixing of liquids within the container, thereby reducing thermal stratification of the liquids within the drinking vessel container.

[0139] FIG. 86 This is a schematic diagram of a drinking vessel container with a mixing element that is operable to induce mixing of liquids within the container, thereby reducing thermal stratification of the liquids within the drinking vessel container.

[0140] FIG. 87 This is a schematic diagram of a drinking vessel container with a mixing element that is operable to induce mixing of liquids within the container, thereby reducing thermal stratification of the liquids within the drinking vessel container.

[0141] FIG. 88 This is a schematic diagram of a drinking vessel that reduces thermal stratification of the liquid in the drinking vessel by acoustically and / or magnetically agitating and / or mixing the liquid within the vessel.

[0142] FIG. 89A-89B This is a schematic diagram of a drinking vessel container with a mixing element that is operable to induce mixing of liquids within the container, thereby reducing thermal stratification of the liquids within the drinking vessel container.

[0143] FIG. 90A This is a schematic front view of a drinking vessel.

[0144] FIG. 90B yes FIG. 90A A schematic three-dimensional bottom view of a Chinese drinking vessel.

[0145] FIG. 90C yes FIG. 90A Exploded view of a Chinese drinking vessel.

[0146] FIG. 90D yes FIG. 90A A cross-sectional side view of a drinking vessel with a cover.

[0147] FIG. 91 yes FIG. 90A A three-dimensional top view of the lower part of a Chinese drinking vessel.

[0148] FIG. 92 yes FIG. 91 A schematic diagram of the liquid circulation flow formed in the lower part of the vessel, used to induce liquid recirculation and / or mixing in the drinking vessel to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid in the drinking vessel.

[0149] FIG. 93 It is used for FIG. 91 A schematic diagram of the heater assembly of the lower vessel in the image, intended for use with a drinking vessel.

[0150] FIG. 94 yes FIG. 91perspective view of the lowerware in FIG. 1, showing the probe heater.

[0151] FIG. 95 is FIG. 94 schematic view of the probe heater in FIG. 1, for use with the lowerware of the drinkware container.

[0152] FIG. 96 is FIG. 94-FIG. 95 schematic view of the probe heater of FIG. 1, showing the location of the temperature sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0153] FIG. 1-FIG. 3 One embodiment of a heated or cooled tableware or dishware is shown. In particular, FIG. 1-FIG. 3 One embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or platter is shown. In the embodiment shown, the plate 100, bowl, or platter has a circumferential wall 10 having a side surface 30a and a base 20 having a top surface 20a, where the side surface 30a and the top surface 20a define a recess 30 (e.g., a receiving portion of the plate that receives food) that can hold food. In another embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or platter can be flat, having a generally flat top surface (e.g., where the food receiving portion is not recessed). The wall 10 extends from a top edge 12 to a bottom edge 14. A bottom portion 40 of the plate 100, bowl, or platter defines a bottom surface 42 of the plate 100, bowl, or platter that is recessed relative to the edge 14. The bottom portion 19 defines a recess 16 of the plate 100, bowl, or platter such that when the plate 100, bowl, or platter is placed on a table or countertop surface, it is the edge 14 that contacts the table or countertop surface, not the bottom surface 42. In another embodiment, the bottom surface 42 can be flush with the bottom edge 14, rather than recessed relative to the edge 14. In yet another embodiment, the bottom surface 42 can protrude from the bottom of the plate 100, bowl, or platter relative to the edge 14. The plate 100, bowl, or platter can look (e.g., in size and shape) like a traditional plate and fit within a standard dishwasher rack.

[0154] With continued reference to FIG. 1 The bottom portion 40 is attached to the wall 10 such that a cavity 50 is defined between the bottom portion 40 and the base 20, where the cavity 50 is sized to house several components, as described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the cavity 50 is defined by a bottom surface 50a of the bottom portion 40 and a top surface 50b of the base 20. In another embodiment, the cavity 50 can be defined by a bottom surface 50a of the bottom portion 40 and a top surface 50b of the wall 10. FIG. 2As shown, the plate 100, bowl, or platter can include a heating or cooling system 55, which can include a heating or cooling element 60, a thermal insulation member 70, one or more electrical energy storage devices 80 in electrical connection with the heating or cooling element 60, and an electronic module 90. The heating or cooling element 60, the thermal insulation member 70, the electrical energy storage devices 80, and the electronic module 90 can be disposed (e.g., embedded) in a bottom portion of the plate 100, bowl, or platter. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 can be housed in a module that is removably attached to the plate 100, bowl, or platter. In this embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 and the thermal insulation member 70 can be part of the removable module, or, can be disposed in the plate rather than part of the removable module.

[0155] In an embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 can be a heater wire or heating wire disposed adjacent to the bottom surface 20b of the base 20 (e.g., adhered or otherwise secured to the bottom surface 20b), where the heater wire can heat and transfer heat to the top surface 20a of the base 20 via conduction through the base 20 (e.g., to raise the temperature of the base 20 above ambient temperature to keep food on the plate 100, bowl, or platter warm, such as at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range). In an embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 can include a driver transistor to adjust a strong switching current from the electrical energy storage element 80 to the one or more low resistance heating or cooling elements 60. The thermal insulation member 70 can be disc-shaped and disposed proximate to the heating or cooling element 60 such that the heating or cooling element 60 is interposed between the thermal insulation member 70 and the base 20. In an embodiment, the thermal insulation member 70 can be a ceramic plate. However, in other embodiments, the thermal insulation member 70 can be made of other suitable thermally insulating materials. In other embodiments, the thermal insulation member 70 can be omitted.

[0156] With continued reference to FIG. 2 In an embodiment, the one or more energy storage devices 80 can be a battery, e.g., a rechargeable battery. For example, the one or more energy storage devices 80 can be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery or a lithium-polymer (Li-poly) battery. However, in other embodiments where the energy storage devices 80 are batteries, the batteries can be of other suitable types (e.g., lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride). In an embodiment, a step-up transformer can be used in conjunction to provide the required voltage. In another embodiment, the one or more energy storage devices 80 can be a capacitor. The one or more energy storage devices 80 can be in electrical connection with the heating or cooling element 60 and configured to provide power to the heating or cooling element 60 to heat or cool at least a portion of the plate 100, bowl, or platter.

[0157] The electronics module 90 can be attached to the top surface 44 of the bottom portion 40 and electrically connected with the one or more energy storage devices 80. In an embodiment, the electronics module 90 can include one or more wireless power receivers 92, a control circuit 94 (e.g., controller circuit, microcontroller, etc.), and a charger 96 (e.g., charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy storage devices 80. In other embodiments, the electronics module 90 can have different or additional electronics. The electronics module 90 can include a microcontroller unit (MCU) with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. In an embodiment, the wireless power receiver 92 is electrically connected to the battery charger 96, which is connected with the one or more energy storage devices 80, and then electrically connected with the heating or cooling element 60 through the controller circuit 94. The control circuit can also be used to manage charging of the one or more energy storage devices 80. In another embodiment, when the energy storage devices 80 are omitted (as discussed further below), the wireless power receiver 92 can be directly electrically connected with the heating or cooling element 60. The control circuit 94 can operate to manage the power delivered to the heating or cooling element 60.

[0158] In an embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be removably attached to a plate 100, bowl, or platter to allow access to the heating or cooling system 55 in the contact cavity 50. For example, the bottom portion 40 can be mechanically coupled to the plate 100, bowl, or platter (e.g., with screws, a threaded interface between the bottom portion 40 and the plate 100, bowl, or platter, a press fit connection, etc.). The bottom portion 40 can be removed to allow replacement of the one or more energy storage devices 80 and servicing of the heating or cooling system 55. In one embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the plate 100, bowl, or platter to access the heating or cooling system 55. In another embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the plate 100, bowl, or platter to access the one or more energy storage devices 80. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage devices 80 can be in a package that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap fit, screwed down) to the bottom of the plate 100, bowl, or platter, where the electrical contacts of the package are connected with the electrical contact sets of the plate 100, bowl, or platter bottom, for example as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the plate 100, bowl, or platter to access the heating or cooling system 55. In another embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the plate 100, bowl, or platter to access the one or more energy storage devices 80. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage devices 80 can be in a package that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap fit, screwed down) to the bottom of the plate 100, bowl, or platter, where the electrical contacts of the package are connected with the electrical contact sets of the plate 100, bowl, or platter bottom, for example as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 27-28shown and described below. In yet another embodiment, one or more energy storage devices 80 can be sealed in the body of the plate 100 and not removable (e.g., the heating or cooling system 55 and electronics of the plate 100 can be sealed in the plate and thus not removable). Such a configuration (e.g., sealed and non-removable power storage elements 80) can also be incorporated into any other drinkware, tableware, or table utensil device, such as the plates 100', 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mugs 400, and travel cups 600, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles, or liquid containers discussed below.

[0159] With continued reference to FIG. 3 The charging base 200 can have a protruding or raised portion 220 having a top surface 222 and a bottom surface 224. The wireless power transmitter 240 can be attached to the bottom surface 224. The shape and size of the raised portion 220 is preferably designed to at least partially fit into the recess 16 in the plate 100, bowl, or platter such that the top surface 222 is adjacent to the bottom surface 42 of the bottom portion 40. Advantageously, the raised portion 220 at least partially fits into the recess 16 so as to generally align the electronics module 90 over the wireless power transmitter 240 to facilitate wireless power transmission between the wireless power transmitter 240 and the wireless power receiver 92. In another embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or platter can have a raised portion and the charging base 200 has a recessed portion, wherein the raised portion at least partially fits into the recessed portion when the plate 100, bowl, or platter is coupled to the charging base 200. The wireless power transmitter 240 can be electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a wall outlet, via a power cord (not shown).

[0160] In one embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 240 can be an inductive coil and the wireless power receiver 92 can also be an inductive coil. Thus, in one embodiment, the charging base 200 can wirelessly transmit power from the wireless power transmitter 240 to the wireless power receiver 92 via inductive coupling. However, power transmission from the wireless power transmitter 240 to the wireless power receiver 92 is not limited to inductive coupling. In other embodiments, other forms of short-range wireless energy transfer (e.g., microwave energy) can be used. In yet other embodiments, as further discussed below, long-range wireless energy transmission can be used to transmit power to the wireless power receiver 92 without the need to use a charging base.

[0161] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 is advantageously embedded or housed within the body of the plate 100, bowl, or dish, such that no part of the heating or cooling system 55 is exposed or comes into contact with when the user holds the plate 100, bowl, or dish. Therefore, the plate 100, bowl, or dish can advantageously be exposed to water or other liquids, such as in a sink or dishwasher, without exposing the heating or cooling system 55 to said water or liquid, thereby preventing damage to the heating or cooling system 55. Furthermore, by embedding or housing all components within the body of the plate 100, bowl, or dish, the plate 100, bowl, or dish can be aesthetically pleasing, as it resembles a conventional plate.

[0162] FIG. 3A-3B Another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100”', bowl, or dish is shown. The heated or cooled plate 100”', bowl, or dish is similar to the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or dish and includes the same components and features disclosed for the heated or cooled plate 100, except as indicated below. Therefore, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the heated or cooled plate 100”', bowl, or dish are used for identification. FIG. 1-3 The reference numerals for the corresponding parts of the heating or cooling plate 100, bowl, or plate are the same, except that “” is added to the reference numerals.

[0163] In another embodiment, such as FIG. 3A and 3B As shown, the plate 100”', bowl, or dish may include one or more corrosion-resistant electrical contacts 46”' on the outer surface of the plate 100”', bowl, or dish, such as the bottom surface 42”' of the bottom portion 40”' of the plate 100”', bowl, or dish. The size and shape of the electrical contacts are designed to contact the corresponding electrical contacts 246”' on the charging base 200”' (e.g., on the top surface 222”' of the protrusion 220”' of the charging base 200”') when the plate 100”', bowl, or dish is placed on the charging base 200”', thereby transferring electricity through the electrical contacts 46”', 246”' from the charging base 200”' to the energy storage device 80”', heating or cooling element 60”', and / or electronic module 90”' in the plate 100”', bowl, or dish. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts of the plate 100"', bowl, or dish may protrude from the surface of the plate 100"', bowl, or dish, for example, in the form of electrical posts. In another embodiment, such as FIG. 3A As shown, the electrical contacts 46"' of the plate 100"', bowl, or dish can be one or more contact pads on the bottom surface 42"' of the bottom portion 40"' of the plate 100"', bowl, or dish, which can contact corresponding contacts, such as pin contacts 246"' on the top surface 222"' of the charging base 200"'. However, the electrical contacts on the plate 100"', bowl, or dish, and the charging base 200"' can have other suitable configurations.FIG. 3A and 3B As shown, the plate 100" can have a slot 48"' (e.g., formed on a bottom surface 42"' of a bottom portion 40"' of the plate 100", bowl, or dinner plate) on a bottom surface of the plate 100", bowl, or dinner plate that is sized and shaped to receive the pin or key 248"' on the charging base 200"'. The slot 48"' and the pin or key 248"' provide a "location alignment" function of the plate 100", bowl, or dinner plate so that the electrical contacts 46"' of the plate 100", bowl, or dinner plate can be easily aligned with the electrical contacts 246"' of the charging base 200"'. However, in another embodiment, the slot can be formed on the charging base 200"' and the pin or key can be formed on the bottom of the plate 100", bowl, or dinner plate. This electrical contact and slot / key arrangement configuration can also be integrated into any other drinkware, dishware, or tableware device, such as the plates 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mug 400, and travel cup 600, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container discussed below.

[0164] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 can be housed in a non- waterproof module that can be removably attached to the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate (e.g., threadably coupled to the plate 100, or coupled via a pin / slot assembly where the module screws into the bottom of the plate 100) to heat or cool the plate 100. In this embodiment, when the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate is to be cleaned, the heating or cooling module can be detached from the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate before the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate is cleaned (e.g., placed in a dishwasher). The heating or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding charging station for later use when food on the plate 100 heated or cooled by the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate can be coupled to again. The above-described embodiment can be applicable to other forms of dishware (e.g., mug, cup, dinner plate).

[0165] In another embodiment, the charging base 200 can be omitted and power can be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 92 by using a remote power transmitter that uses long-range wireless energy transfer, as discussed further below. In this embodiment, when the heated or cooled tray 100, bowl or dinner plate also does not have an energy storage device, such as the energy storage device 80, the heating or cooling element 60 is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 92 by a control circuit 94 that is operable to control the amount of power provided to the heating or cooling element 60. During operation, if the tray 100, bowl or dinner plate is outside the range of the wireless power transmission, the heating or cooling element 60 will lose power and shut down. For example, in this embodiment, if the tray 100, bowl or dinner plate is not on a charging base, such as the charging base 200, or is outside the range of power transmission of the remote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 60 in the tray 100, bowl or dinner plate will lose power and shut down.

[0166] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 One embodiment of a charging stand 300 is shown that can be stored in a cabinet, such as a kitchen cabinet, or stored on a countertop or in a dish room. The charging stand 300 can have a plurality of charging bases 220' each attached to a rear wall 320 of the charging stand 300 by a connecting support 230'. The charging stand 300 can also have a pair of arms 310 on either side of the charging bases 220', each arm 310 having a surface 312 that can contact at least a portion of the wall 10 of a tray 100, bowl or dinner plate and help support the tray 100, bowl or dinner plate on the charging base 220'. Each charging base 220' can have a wireless power transmitter, such as the wireless power transmitter 240, disposed therein that can transmit power to a wireless power receiver in a heated or cooled tray 100, bowl or dinner plate placed on the charging base 220'. The charging stand 300 can have a power cord (not shown) to connect the stand to, for example, a wall outlet, to electrically connect the wireless power transmitter in the charging base 220' to a power source.

[0167] In another embodiment, the charging stand 300 can be omitted and the trays 100 can be stacked on top of each other with a single charging base at the bottom of the stack (e.g., FIG. 3charging base 200). In this embodiment, the electronic module 90 in each plate 100, bowl or dinner plate can include a repeater circuit that receives input power from the wireless power receiver 92 (inside the plate 100) and then powers a wireless power transmitter (not shown) that is mounted just below the top surface 20a of the base 20 of the same plate 100. In this embodiment, when another plate is stacked on top of this plate 100, the plate above can receive power from the wireless power transmitter in the plate 100, bowl or dinner plate directly below it. In this way, when multiple plates are stacked together, each plate will receive power wirelessly from the plate below it and transmit power to the plate above it. In one embodiment, the energy storage device is omitted from the plate 100, bowl or dinner plate (or the mug 400 or travel cup 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container discussed below), so the wireless power receiver can be electrically connected with the heating or cooling element. This allows a stack of plates 100 to be positioned on one stand.

[0168] FIG. 6 Another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100' is shown. The heated or cooled plate 100', bowl or dinner plate is similar to the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or dinner plate and includes the same components and features disclosed for the heated or cooled plate 100, except as noted below. Thus, the numerical identifiers used to designate various components of the heated or cooled plate 100', bowl or dinner plate are the same as the numerical identifiers used to identify FIG. 1-FIG. 3 corresponding components of the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or dinner plate, except that a "'" is added to the numerical identifier.

[0169] In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled plate 100', bowl or dinner plate has a heating or cooling element 60' that includes a trace pattern that is painted or laid down on at least a portion of the top surface 20a' of the base 20' of the plate 100'. For example, the trace pattern can be silk screened onto the top surface 20a' and have a connection portion (not shown) that electrically connects the heating or cooling element 60' to the energy storage device 80', the wireless power receiver 92' and / or the control circuit 94'. This configuration of a heating or cooling element can also be integrated into any other drinkware, tableware or table utensil device, such as the plates 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mug 400 and travel cup 600, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle or liquid container discussed below.

[0170] FIG. 7Another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100" is shown. The heated or cooled plate 100", bowl or dinner plate is similar to the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or dinner plate and includes the same components and features disclosed for the heated or cooled plate 100, except as noted below. Accordingly, the numerical identifiers used to designate various components of the heated or cooled plate 100", bowl or dinner plate are the same as those used to identify FIG. 1-FIG. 3 corresponding components of the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or dinner plate, except that a " is added to the numerical identifier.

[0171] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 50" in the heated or cooled plate 100", bowl or dinner plate can be subdivided by the thermal insulation member 70 into a first cavity 50a between the bottom portion 40 and the thermal insulation member 70 and a second cavity 50b between the thermal insulation member 70 and the base 20. The energy storage devices 80 and the electronic module 90 are disposed in the first cavity 50a. The thermal insulation member 70 is positioned on the ledge 10a defined between the bottom portion 40 and the base 20 such that the thermal insulation member 70 is spaced apart from the heating or cooling element 60, thereby defining the second cavity 50b. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cavity 50b is in a vacuum state, which advantageously further thermally insulates the energy storage devices 80 and the electronic module 90 from the heating or cooling element 60. Moreover, having the second cavity 50b in a vacuum state advantageously allows the top surface 20a of the base 20 to retain its temperature for a longer period of time, as the vacuum in the second cavity 50b inhibits heat transfer through the bottom of the plate 100". In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 can be electrically connected to the one or more energy storage devices 80 via a connector (not shown) extending between the first cavity 50a and the second cavity 50b (e.g., a trace printed on the sidewalls of the first cavity 50a and the second cavity 50b). This vacuum configuration can also be integrated into any other drinkware, tableware or table utensil device, such as the plates 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, the mug 400 and the travel cup 600, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle or liquid container discussed below.

[0172] FIG. 8-FIG. 9A heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is shown having a circumferential wall 412 having a side surface 412a, a handle 414, and a base 420 having a top surface 420a, wherein the side surface 412a and the top surface 420a define a cavity 418 that can hold a liquid or solid (e.g., coffee, soup, ice cream). The heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a bottom portion 419 that defines a recess 450 between a bottom edge 416a and the base 420. A bottom member (e.g., a disc) 440 can be positioned against a flange 419a of the bottom portion 419 so as to define a cavity 450a between the bottom member 440 and the base 420. In the illustrated embodiment, a heating or cooling system 455 can be disposed (e.g., embedded) in the cavity 450a. The heating or cooling system 455 can include a heating or cooling element 460, a thermally insulating member 470, one or more energy storage devices 480, and an electronic module 490, and these components can be arranged and connected in the same manner as described above with the heated or cooled disc 100. In another embodiment, the thermally insulating member 470 can be omitted.

[0173] The heating or cooling element 460 can be disposed adjacent to a bottom surface 420b of the base 420 so as to conduct heat through the base 420 to the top surface 420a of the base 420. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460 can also be disposed within the wall 412 and behind the side surface 412 of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460 can be a heater wire or heating wire. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460 can be a resistive heater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element 460 can include other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 can include a drive transistor to regulate the strong switching current from the electrical energy storage element 480 to the one or more low resistance heating or cooling elements 460.

[0174] The electronics module 490 can be attached to the top surface 444 of the bottom member 440 and includes one or more wireless power receivers 492, control circuitry 494 (e.g., controller circuitry, microcontroller, etc.), and a charger 496 (e.g., charging circuitry) for charging the one or more energy storage devices 480. The electronics module 490 can include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. The control circuitry 494 can operate to manage the power delivered to the heating or cooling element 460. The control circuitry 494 can also be used to manage the charging of the one or more energy storage devices 480. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 492 is electrically connected to the battery charger 496, which is electrically connected to the one or more energy storage devices 80, which in turn is electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 60. In another embodiment, when the energy storage devices are omitted (as discussed further below), the wireless power receiver 492 can be electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 460. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 is entirely disposed in the bottom portion 419 such that no portion of the system 455 is visible (i.e., the mug 400 looks like a traditional mug). In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 can be placed in a module that is removably attached to the mug 400.

[0175] With continued reference to FIG. 8-FIG. 9, the bottom portion 440 can be axially spaced from the bottom edge 416a, thereby defining a recess 416 at the bottom of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. The charging base 500 for the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container for heating or cooling can include a raised portion 520 having a top surface 522, where the raised portion 520 is sized and shaped to at least partially fit within the recess 416 when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the charging base 500, such that the bottom surface 442 of the bottom member 440 is adjacent to the top surface 522 of the raised portion 520. The charging base can include a wireless power transmitter 540 attached to a bottom surface 524 of the raised portion 520, where the wireless power transmitter 540 is arranged on the bottom surface 524 so as to be approximately aligned with the electronic module 490 when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is positioned on the charging base 500 to facilitate wireless power transfer between the wireless power transmitter 540 and the wireless power receiver 492 (e.g., via short-range wireless energy transfer, such as inductive coupling, as described above). In another embodiment, the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a protruding portion at its bottom, and the charging base 500 can have a corresponding recessed portion, where the protruding portion fits within the recessed portion when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is coupled to the charging base 500. The wireless power transmitter 540 can be electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a wall outlet, via a power cord (not shown).

[0176] In an embodiment, the bottom member 440 can be removably attached to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to allow access to the heating or cooling system 455 in the contact cavity 450a. For example, the bottom member 440 can be mechanically coupled to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., with a screw, threaded interface between the bottom member 440 and the mug 400, press-fit connection). The bottom member 440 can be removed to allow replacement of one or more energy storage devices 480 and servicing of the heating or cooling system 455. In one embodiment, the bottom member 440 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access the heating or cooling system 455. In another embodiment, the bottom member 440 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access the one or more energy storage devices 480. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage devices 480 can be in a package that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap-fit, screwed down) to the bottom of the mug 400, where the electrical contacts of the package are connected with the electrical contact set of the mug 400 bottom.

[0177] In another embodiment, the charging base 500 can be omitted and power can be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 492 by using a remote power transmitter that uses long-range wireless energy transfer, as discussed further below. In this embodiment, when the heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container also does not have an energy storage device, such as the energy storage device 480, the heating or cooling element 460 is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 492 by a control circuit 494 that is operable to control the amount of power provided to the heating or cooling element 460. During operation, if the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is outside the range of the wireless power transmission, the heating or cooling element 460 will lose power and shut off. For example, in this embodiment, if the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is not on a charging base, such as the charging base 500, or is outside the range of power transmission of the remote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 460 in the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container will lose power and shut off.

[0178] The one or more energy storage devices 480 advantageously provide power to the heating or cooling element 460 for a longer period of time before the power is depleted, thereby advantageously keeping the contents of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., soup, coffee, ice cream) hot or cool for a long period of time. In one embodiment, the energy storage device 480 can power the heating or cooling element 460 for at least 15 minutes. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 480 can power the heating or cooling element 460 for about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes. However, in another embodiment, the energy storage device 480 can power the heating or cooling element 460 for more than 60 minutes. In another embodiment, the power level or desired temperature can be selected by the user (e.g., via a switch), which will extend or shorten the duration that the heating or cooling element 460 will operate, as discussed further below.

[0179] As discussed above, in one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 is advantageously embedded in the body of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., embedded in the bottom portion 419 of the mug 400) such that no part of the heating or cooling system 455 is exposed or can be touched by a user holding the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. Thus, the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be advantageously exposed to water or other liquids, for example, in a sink or dishwasher, without exposing the heating or cooling system 455 to the water or liquid, thereby inhibiting damage to the heating or cooling system 455. Moreover, by being embedded in the body of the mug 400, the mug 400 can be aesthetically pleasing in that it looks like a traditional mug.

[0180] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 can be housed in a non- waterproof module that can be removably attached to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., threadably coupled to the mug 400, or coupled via a pin / slot assembly, where the module screws into the bottom of the mug 400) to heat or cool the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is to be cleaned, the heating or cooling module can be detached from the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container before the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is cleaned (e.g., placed in a dishwasher). The heating or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding charging station for later use when food on the mug 400 can be heated or cooled again that it can be coupled to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0181] In another embodiment, the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can include one or more corrosion-resistant electrical contacts (not shown) on an outer surface of the mug 400, such as the bottom surface 442 of the bottom portion 440 of the mug 400, where the electrical contacts are sized and shaped to contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on the charging base 500 when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the charging base 500. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can protrude from a surface of the mug 400, such as electrical posts. In another embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be one or more contact pads (not shown) on the bottom surface 442 of the bottom portion 440 of the mug 400, 440, which can contact corresponding contact pads (not shown) on the top surface 522 of the charging base 500. However, the electrical contacts on the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container and the charging base 500 can have other suitable configurations.

[0182] FIG. 9A Another embodiment of a heated or cooled mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container is shown. The heated or cooled mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container is similar to the heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container and includes the same components and features disclosed for the heated or cooled mug 400, except as noted below. Accordingly, the numerical identifiers used to designate various components of the heated or cooled mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container are the same as those used to identify FIG. 8-FIG. 9 corresponding components of the heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, except that a "'" is added to the numerical identifier.

[0183] In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a heating or cooling element 460' that is operated to keep the liquid or solid food in the heated or cooled mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container warm or cool (e.g., raise or lower the temperature of the receiving portion of the heated or cooled mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container above or below ambient temperature to keep the food warm or cool, such as at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range). FIG. 9A In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' can be a heater wire or heating wire, such as the heating or cooling element 460 shown in FIG. 4B. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' can be a resistive heater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element 460' can include other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' can be an active cooling element or a passive cooling element. For example, when the heating or cooling element 460' is a passive cooling element, the heating or cooling element 460' can include a thermoelectric system having one or more Peltier elements in contact with or proximate to the bottom surface 420b of the base 420. In another embodiment, when the heating or cooling element 460' is an active cooling element, the heating or cooling element 460' can include a cooling fluid circulation system having a channel (not shown) disposed in contact with or proximate to the bottom surface 420b of the base 420. In yet another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' can be a cooling system having an expansion channel (not shown) inside the bottom portion 419 of the mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container (or other tableware device). However, the heating or cooling element 460' can include other suitable active cooling arrangements. Although the illustrated embodiment is for a heated or cooled mug 400', the heating or cooling element 460' can be integrated into any tableware, drinkware, or servingware device, such as the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate and the travel cup 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (discussed below). In some embodiments, the tableware, drinkware, or servingware device can include a heat sink (e.g., one or more fins) to dissipate heat generated by the heating or cooling element. In one embodiment, the heat sink can be integrated into the body of the tableware, drinkware, or servingware device. In another embodiment, the heat sink can be removably attached to the tableware, drinkware, or servingware device. The heating or cooling element 460' can be operated to keep the liquid or solid food in the tableware, drinkware, or servingware device warm or cool (e.g., raise or lower the temperature of the receiving portion of the tableware, drinkware, or servingware device above or below ambient temperature to keep the food warm or cool, such as at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range). FIG. 8-9

[0184] FIG. 10-FIG. 12 ​​An embodiment of a travel mug 600 (such as a travel coffee mug) is shown, which incorporates some of the same features described above regarding mugs 400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has an outer peripheral wall 610, a handle 612, and a bottom portion 640, wherein in one embodiment, the bottom portion 640 may be removably attached to the distal end of the outer peripheral wall 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has an inner circumferential wall 620 extending from a proximal portion 622 to a base 626, and has a distal portion 624 adjacent to the base 626. The inner circumferential wall 620 defines a chamber 620c (e.g., a receiving portion) for receiving liquids (e.g., coffee, tea). The travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may be sized to fit into a standard diameter cup holder in a car. Furthermore, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have a height that allows it to be mounted in a drawer (e.g., top drawer) of the dishwasher rack, such that it can be placed upside down in the dishwasher for cleaning in a generally vertical orientation. In one embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may hold approximately 16 ounces of liquid. However, other liquid capacities may be used.

[0185] The inner circumferential wall 620 may be attached to the proximal end 612a of the outer circumferential wall 610 at its proximal portion 622. For example... FIG. 10 As shown, the shape of the inner circumferential wall 620 relative to the outer circumferential wall 610 defines an annular gap 628 between the inner circumferential wall 620 and the outer circumferential wall 610. Furthermore, the base 626 of the inner circumferential wall 620 is spaced apart from the bottom portion 640 to define a cavity 630 therebetween, wherein the cavity 630 communicates with the annular gap 628. A cover 670 may be removably disposed on the opening O in the inner circumferential wall 620 to substantially seal the opening O.

[0186] Continue to refer to FIG. 10-FIG. 11The travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a heating or cooling system 655 disposed in the cavity 630. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system can include a heating or cooling element 660, one or more energy storage devices 680, and an electronics module 690, where these components can be arranged and connected in the same manner as described above in connection with the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate and the heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. The heating or cooling element 660 can be disposed adjacent to the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall 620. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be wrapped around the distal portion 624 and in contact with the outer surface 620a of the inner circumferential wall 620 at the location of the distal portion 624 so as to conduct heat through the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall 620 and into the liquid in the chamber 620c. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 can include a drive transistor to regulate the strong switching current flow from the electrical energy storage element 680 to the one or more low resistance heating or cooling elements 660.

[0187] The electronics module 690 can be attached to the top surface 644 of the bottom portion 640 and can include one or more wireless power receivers 692 (e.g., that can receive power from an inductively coupled transmitter in a charging base or charging pad), a control circuit 694 (e.g., a controller circuit, microcontroller, etc.), and a charger 696 (e.g., a charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy storage devices 680. The electronics module 690 can include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. The control circuit 694 can operate to manage the power delivered to the heating or cooling element 660. The control circuit can also be used to manage the charging of the one or more energy storage devices 680. In another embodiment, a thermally insulating member, such as the thermally insulating member 70, 470 discussed above, can be disposed between the base 626 of the inner circumferential wall 620 and the electronics module 690 to thermally isolate the heating or cooling element 660 from the electronics module 690.

[0188] In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 692 is electrically connected to the battery charger 696, which is electrically connected to the energy storage devices 680, which are in turn electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 660. In another embodiment, when the energy storage devices 680 are omitted, the wireless power receiver 692 can be electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 660. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 is disposed entirely within the cavity 630 such that no portion of the system 655 is visible (i.e., the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container appears like a conventional mug).

[0189] In an embodiment, the bottom portion 640 can be removably attached to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to allow access to the heating or cooling system 655 in the cavity 630. For example, the bottom portion 640 can be mechanically coupled to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., with a screw, threaded interface between the bottom portion 640 and the travel mug 600, press fit connection). The bottom portion 640 can be removed to allow replacement of one or more energy storage devices 680 and servicing of the heating or cooling system 655. In an embodiment, the bottom portion 640 can be a waterproof lid that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access the heating or cooling system 655. In another embodiment, the bottom portion 640 can be a waterproof lid that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access the one or more energy storage devices 680. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage devices 680 can be in a package that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap fit, screwed down) to the bottom or side of the travel mug 600, where the electrical contacts of the package are connected with the electrical contacts of the bottom or side of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0190] With continued reference to FIG. 10-FIG. 12 , the charging base 700 for the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can include a recessed portion 710 having a base 720, where the recessed portion 710 is sized and shaped to at least partially receive a distal portion of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container therein such that the bottom surface 642 of the bottom portion 640 is adjacent to the base 720 when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the charging base 700. The charging base 700 can include a wireless power transmitter (not shown) attached to a bottom surface of the base 720 in a similar manner as discussed above with respect to the charging base 200, 500. The wireless power transmitter is disposed on the bottom surface of the base 720 so as to be approximately aligned with the electronic module 690 when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is positioned on the charging base 700 to facilitate wireless power transmission between the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver 692 (e.g., via short-range wireless energy transfer, such as inductive coupling, as described above). In another embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a recessed portion, and a corresponding protruding portion of the charging base 700 can at least partially fit within the recessed portion of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is coupled to the charging base 700. The wireless power transmitter can be electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a wall outlet, via a power cord (not shown).

[0191] In another embodiment, the charging base 700 can be omitted and power can be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 692 by using a remote power transmitter of long-range wireless energy transfer, as discussed further below. In this embodiment, when the travel cup 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container also does not have an energy storage device, such as the energy storage device 680, the heating or cooling element 660 is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 692 by a control circuit 694 that is operable to control the amount of power provided to the heating or cooling element 660. During operation, if the travel cup 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is outside the range of the wireless power transmission, the heating or cooling element 660 will lose power and shut down. For example, in this embodiment, if the travel cup 600 is not on a charging base, such as the charging base 700, or is outside the power transmission range of the remote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 660 in the travel cup 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container will lose power and shut down. In yet another embodiment, the travel cup 600 or the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate, or the travel mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can include one or more energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660, and the electronic module 90, 490, 690 can switch to battery power (e.g., via the control circuit 94, 494, 694) when the travel cup 600, plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate, or the travel mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is outside the power transmission range of the remote wireless power transmitter, so that the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 can continue to heat or cool the contents of the travel cup 600, plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate, or the travel mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container for a period of time.

[0192] As with the above embodiments, in one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be a heater wire or heating wire. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be a resistive heater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element 660 can include other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be an active cooling element or a passive cooling element. For example, when the heating or cooling element 660 is a passive cooling element, the heating or cooling element 660 can include a thermoelectric system having one or more Peltier elements. In another embodiment, when the heating or cooling element 660 is an active cooling element, the heating or cooling element 660 can include a cooling fluid circulation system having a channel (not shown) disposed in contact with or proximate to the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall 620. In yet another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be a combination of a heating element and a cooling element. A cooling system has an expansion channel inside a bottom portion of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (or other tableware device). However, the heating or cooling element 660 can include other suitable active cooling arrangements.

[0193] The one or more energy storage devices 680 advantageously provide power to the heating or cooling element 660 for a longer period of time before the energy storage devices 680 are depleted, thereby advantageously keeping the contents of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., coffee, soft drink) hot or cool for a long period of time (e.g., when a user is commuting to work). In one embodiment, the energy storage devices 680 can power the heating or cooling element 660 for at least 15 minutes. In another embodiment, the energy storage devices 680 can power the heating or cooling element 660 for about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes. However, in another embodiment, the energy storage devices 680 can power the heating or cooling element 660 for more than 60 minutes.

[0194] In the illustrated embodiment, the travel cup 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container includes a user interface 695 that is electrically connected to the electronic module 690 via one or more electrical lines (not shown). In one embodiment, the electrical lines can include a pattern of traces that are screen printed on the inner surface 610a of the inner circumferential wall 610 and extend between the user interface 695 and the electronic module 690. In another embodiment, the electrical lines can include one or more standard electrical wires. The user interface 695 can include one or more user selection members 695a, such as buttons, that a user can operate to effectuate a desired control of the heating or cooling system 655. For example, one of the user selection members 695a can be used to turn off the heating or cooling element 660 (e.g., if the user does not want to continue to heat or cool the contents of the travel cup 600). In another embodiment, one or more of the user selection members 695a can be used to control the heating or cooling element 660 to provide a desired temperature for the liquid in the travel cup 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the user selection members 695a can be used to set a timer for when to turn off power to the heating or cooling element 660. However, the user selection members 695a can be used to control other parameters of the operation of the heating or cooling element 660. For example, the heating or cooling element 660 can have a plurality of power settings that can be set with the user selection members 695a. When set to a higher power setting, the heating or cooling element 660 will operate for a shorter period of time before the power storage element 680 can no longer power the heating or cooling element 660. When set to a lower power setting, the heating or cooling element 660 will operate for a longer period of time before the power storage element 680 can no longer power the heating or cooling element 660. In another embodiment, a temperature level can be selected by the user via an adjustable thermostat on the user interface 695. The thermostat can advantageously be adjusted by the user to one of a plurality of temperature settings to control the heating or cooling element 660 within the travel cup 600 (or other eating or drinking utensil device) to maintain its contents at a specified temperature or within a specified temperature range.

[0195] As discussed above, in one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 is advantageously housed in the body of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., in the cavity 630) such that any portion of the heating or cooling system 655 is not exposed or can be touched by a user holding the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. Thus, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can advantageously be exposed to water or other liquids, e.g., in a sink or dishwasher, without exposing the heating or cooling system 655 to the water or liquid, thereby inhibiting damage to the heating or cooling system 655. Moreover, by being housed in the body of the travel mug 600, the travel mug 600 can be aesthetically pleasing in that it looks like a traditional travel mug. In another embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can include one or more electrical contacts (e.g., electrical posts, contact pads) on an outer surface of the travel mug 600, as discussed above with respect to the mug 400, where the electrical contacts are sized and shaped to contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on the charging base 700 when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the charging base 700.

[0196] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 can be housed in a non- waterproof module that can be removably attached to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., threadably coupled to the travel mug 600, or coupled via a pin / slot assembly, where the module screws into the bottom of the travel mug 600) to heat or cool the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is to be cleaned, the heating or cooling module can be separated from the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container before cleaning the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., placing it in a dishwasher). The heating or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding charging station for later use when food in the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be heated or cooled again.

[0197] FIG. 13 Another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug 600', cup, water bottle, or liquid container is shown. The heated or cooled travel mug 600', cup, water bottle, or liquid container is similar to the heated or cooled travel mug 600, and includes the same components and features disclosed for the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except as noted below. Thus, the numerical identifiers used to designate various components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600', cup, water bottle, or liquid container are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except as noted below. FIG. 10-FIG. 12The numeric designators for the respective components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container are the same as for the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except that an apostrophe is added to the numeric designator.

[0198] In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled travel mug 600', cup, water bottle, or liquid container has a heating or cooling element 660' that includes a trace pattern depicted or laid on at least a portion of the inner surface 620b' of the distal portion 624' of the inner circumferential wall 620'. For example, the trace pattern can be silk screened onto the inner surface 620b'; and has a connection portion (not shown) that electrically connects the heating or cooling element 660' to the energy storage device 680 or wireless power receiver 692. This configuration of a heating or cooling element can also be integrated into any other drinkware, tableware, or table utensil device, such as the plate 100, 100', 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mug 400, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container discussed below.

[0199] FIG. 14-FIG. 15 Another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug 600", cup, water bottle, or liquid container is shown. The heated or cooled travel mug 600", cup, water bottle, or liquid container is similar to the heated or cooled travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, and includes the same components and features disclosed for the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except as noted below. Accordingly, the numeric designators used to designate various components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600", cup, water bottle, or liquid container are the same as those used to identify FIG. 10-FIG. 12 The numeric designators for the respective components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container are the same as for the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except that an apostrophe is added to the numeric designator.

[0200] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 630" in the travel mug 600", cup, water bottle, or liquid container that is heated or cooled can be subdivided by the base 614" of the outer cylindrical wall 610" and the adjacent top wall 616" into a first cavity 630a" between the bottom 640" and the top wall 616" and a second cavity 630b" between the base 614" of the outer cylindrical wall 610" and the annular gap 628". The energy storage devices 680 and the electronic module 690 are disposed in the first cavity 630a". In the illustrated embodiment, the second cavity 630b" is in a vacuum state, which advantageously further thermally insulates the energy storage devices 680 and the electronic module 690 from the heating or cooling element 660. Moreover, having the second cavity 630b" in a vacuum state advantageously allows the inner surface 620b of the inner circumferential wall 620 to maintain its temperature for a longer period of time, and thus the temperature of the liquid in the chamber C for a longer period of time, as the vacuum in the second cavity 630b" inhibits heat transfer through the outer cylindrical wall 610" and the base 614". In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be electrically connected to the one or more energy storage devices 680 and the electronic module 690 through a connector (e.g., one or more wires, or traces printed on the sidewalls 610a", 620a" of the inner circumferential wall 610" and the outer circumferential wall 620) (not shown) that extends between the first cavity 630a" and the second cavity 630b". Such a vacuum arrangement can also be integrated into any other tableware, dishware, or foodware device, such as the plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, the mug 400, the cup, the baby bottle 1500, the water bottle, or the liquid container discussed below.

[0201] In an embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 is embedded or housed in the body of a dishware device (e.g., the plate 100, the mug 400, the travel mug 600, etc.). In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 can be housed in a closed water-resistant compartment or a waterproof compartment, such as the cavity 50, 450, 630 disposed in a recess of the dishware device. For example, in an embodiment, the compartment can be disposed in the recess such that a surface of the compartment is flush with a surrounding surface of the dishware device. In another embodiment, the compartment can protrude from a surface of the dishware device. In an embodiment, the water-resistant compartment or the waterproof compartment can be removably disposed in the recess of the dishware device (e.g., the compartment can be removably attached to the dishware, drinkware, or foodware device). In another embodiment, the water-resistant compartment or the waterproof compartment can be fixed within the recess (e.g., attached to the dishware device within the recess via an adhesive, a screw, etc.).

[0202] As described above, in one embodiment, power can be wirelessly transmitted from a wireless power transmitter (such as wireless power transmitter 240, 540) to a wireless power receiver (such as power receiver 92, 492, 692) via short-range wireless energy transfer, such as inductive coupling. In another embodiment, the wireless power receivers 92, 492, 692 of heated or cooled tableware and drinkware, such as mug 400, plate 100, bowl or dinner plate, and travel cup 600, can receive power from a remote transmitter via long-range wireless energy transfer, thus eliminating the need to use a charging base to transmit power to the heated or cooled tableware and drinkware.

[0203] In one embodiment, the remote transmitter can be disposed on a wall or ceiling of a home or restaurant, or can be disposed outside of a home or restaurant. The transmitter can use resonant inductive coupling to wirelessly transmit power to the wireless power receivers 92, 492, 692 over a distance of several meters to tens of meters. In one embodiment, the inductive coil in the remote transmitter can have a capacitive plate attached to each end of the coil wire. When current passes through the coil, the coil can resonate at a resonant frequency that is the product of the inductance of the coil and the capacitance of the plate. The wireless power receivers, such as wireless power receivers 92, 492, 692, can have a similar inductive coil with the same resonant frequency as the inductive coil in the remote transmitter, such that energy can be transmitted from the transmitter to the wireless power receivers 92, 492, 692. Thus, heated or cooled tableware or drinkware, such as mug 400, plate 100, bowl or dinner plate, and travel cup 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, can be wirelessly powered without the use of a charging base. In use, a user can charge one or more energy storage devices, such as energy storage devices 80, 480, 680, via a charging base and / or a remote transmitter. Once charged, the tableware or drinkware can be heated or cooled via its heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 to keep food or liquid therein warm or chilled, as the case can be, for a long period of time. Furthermore, since the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 is disposed (e.g., embedded) in the body of the tableware or drinkware, such as mug 400, plate 100, bowl or dinner plate, or travel cup 600, the tableware and drinkware can be exposed to water (e.g., in a sink or dishwasher) while inhibiting damage to the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655. In another embodiment, as described above, the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 can be housed in a closed, water-resistant compartment or waterproof compartment, wherein the compartment is fixedly or removably attached to the tableware device (e.g., mug 400, plate 100, etc.).

[0204] In one embodiment, a tableware or drinkware device (e.g., plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) can include an orientation sensor (e.g., a gyroscope) that senses the orientation of the tableware or drinkware device and communicates with the electronic module 90, 490, 690 to control the operation of the tableware or drinkware device. For example, the gyroscope can sense when the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate has been turned on its side or when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 has been inverted (e.g., when loaded into a dishwasher) and transmit a signal to the electronic module 90, 490, 690 to interrupt power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660, thereby turning off the heating or cooling element. However, other suitable devices (e.g., sensors) other than a gyroscope can be used to sense the orientation of the tableware, drinkware, or serverware device, such as the plate 100, mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600. In another embodiment, the tableware or drinkware device (e.g., plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) can have one or more acceleration sensors that can sense changes in velocity or motion or changes in orientation of the tableware or drinkware.

[0205] In one embodiment, the orientation (or tilt) sensor can sense when the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate is tilted from the horizontal axis more than a certain predetermined amount (e.g., more than 45°) and the electronic module 90 turns off power to the heating or cooling system 55 (e.g., to the heating or cooling element 60) and disables the user interface buttons (discussed further below) on the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate. The plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate can then be inserted into a dishwasher for cleaning. Once the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate is placed back on the charging station, such as the charging stand 300, the user interface buttons can be enabled.

[0206] In another embodiment, the orientation (or tilt) sensor can sense when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 is tilted more than a certain predetermined amount (e.g., more than 135°) from the upright vertical axis, and the electronics module 490, 690 turns off power to the heating or cooling system 455, 655 (e.g., to the heating or cooling elements 460, 660), and disables the user interface buttons and sensors (such as liquid sensors or liquid level sensors, discussed further below) on the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600. The mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 can then be inserted into a dishwasher for cleaning. Once the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 is returned to an upright orientation with the front facing up, the user interface buttons can be enabled, and the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 can be operated again by selecting the “on” button thereon or by placing the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 back onto its associated charging stand 500, 700 and subsequently removing it, which resets the operation of the electronics module 490, 690.

[0207] While the orientation or tilt sensor features disclosed above can be described in connection with the tray 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinkware, tableware, or table utensil (e.g., bowls, dinner plates, warming trays, cups, and / or liquid containers), including the trays 100’, 800, 800’, 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the present disclosure and invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinkware, tableware, and table utensils.

[0208] Automatic shut-off

[0209] In an embodiment, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 of the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, dinner plate, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) can automatically shut off power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 (e.g., via the control circuit 94, 494, 694) when a predetermined level of the one or more electrical energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 (e.g., batteries) is detected. For example, if the charge or electrical energy storage level of the one or more electrical energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 is below a predetermined percentage corresponding to a full charge corresponding value, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 can shut off power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 960 to prevent damage to the electrical energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 or other components of the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, dinner plate, cup, water bottle, or liquid container). In one embodiment, the predetermined power level of the electrical energy storage devices 80, 460, 660 below which power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 is shut off can be approximately 30%. However, in other embodiments, the predetermined charge level can be higher or lower than this value (e.g., 20%).

[0210] While the automatic shut-off feature disclosed above can be described in connection with the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, eating utensil, or tableware (e.g., bowl, dinner plate, warming plate, cup bottle, baby bottle, and / or liquid container), including the plate 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinking vessels, eating utensils, and tableware.

[0211] Timed shut-off

[0212] In another embodiment, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 of the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, dinner plate, water bottle, or liquid container) can automatically shut off power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 (e.g., via the control circuit 94, 494, 694) after a predetermined period of time that the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 has been operated (e.g., continuously or intermittently). For example, in one embodiment, the predetermined period of time can be 3 hours. In another embodiment, the predetermined period of time can be 20 minutes. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined period of time can be 5 hours. However, the predetermined period of time can be longer or shorter than this.

[0213] While the timed shut-off feature disclosed above can be described in conjunction with dish 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, cutlery, or tableware (e.g., bowl, plate, heating plate, cup, and / or liquid container), including dishes 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of this disclosure and invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, cutlery, and tableware.

[0214] Operation based on food detection

[0215] In one embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or dish may have one or more sensors (such as...) FIG. 16 The sensor (820A-820D) senses when food is placed on the plate, bowl, or dish and sends a signal to the electronic module 90 (e.g., to the controller circuit 94) to control the operation of the heating or cooling element 60 at least in part based on that signal. For example, the electronic module 90 can turn on the heating or cooling element 60 when it receives a signal that food has been placed on the plate 100, bowl, or dish. In one embodiment, the sensor may be a weight sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor may be a pressure sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor may be a liquid sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor may be a proximity sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor may be an optical sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor may be a near-field sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can sense changes in the resonant frequency when food is placed on the plate, bowl, or dish. For example, components of the plate 100, bowl, or dish may transmit or broadcast signals at a standard frequency, and the sensor can sense changes or shifts in the frequency of the signal (e.g., ultrasonic type detection). In one embodiment, the frequency may be higher or lower than the inductive coupling frequency (e.g., higher or lower than about 100kHz-120kHz). For example, in one embodiment, the broadcast frequency of the signal may be approximately 40kHz-50kHz. In embodiments where the sensor is an optical sensor, the plate 100, bowl, or dish can act as an optical filter, and the optical signal can be transmitted through the plate, bowl, or dish. In such an embodiment, the sensor will sense a modulated signal relative to a set light signal, which will indicate the presence of food on the plate 100. In another embodiment, the sensor may be a temperature sensor (such as...) FIG. 16The sensors 820A-820D can be any type of sensor that can detect a change in temperature (due to food being placed on the dish 100, bowl, or platter), thereby sensing the presence of food on the dish 100, bowl, or platter. Any combination of the above sensing technologies can be used to enhance the food detection capabilities of the dish 100, bowl, or platter.

[0216] Similarly, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 (or cup, water bottle, or liquid container) can have a sensor or combination of sensors, such as the sensors described above, to sense when liquid is present within the mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, when the mug 400 or travel mug 600 is removed from its associated charging station 500, 700 or inductively coupled power pad, the electronic module 490, 690 can place the mug 400 and travel mug 600 in a standby mode and activate the liquid sensor. In one embodiment, the liquid sensor can be located at the inner surface of the bottom of the mug 400 or travel mug 600, or at a distance from the bottom surface of the mug 400 or travel mug 600 (e.g., ½ inch or 1 inch in from the bottom, although other locations are possible). Once liquid is poured into the mug 400 or travel mug 600, the liquid sensor can sense the liquid (e.g., by sensing temperature, weight, pressure, electrical conductivity, electrical continuity, change in resistance between two conductors, change in frequency detection, optical sensor, or any combination of the above sensors) and turn on the heating or cooling system 455, 655 (e.g., after a predetermined time of sensing the liquid, such as 2 seconds, or almost instantaneously, such as less than 0.1 seconds or 0.1 milliseconds after sensing, if desired). In one embodiment, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can have a visual indicator or screen (e.g., a digital screen) that can be activated when the heating or cooling system 455, 655 is turned on (e.g., display a lighted logo or temperature mode, or display the temperature of the liquid, etc.). In another embodiment, the visual indicator can be a lighted logo or icon, or can be a simple indicator light that informs the user that the heating or cooling system 455, 655 has been activated. Once turned on, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can operate the heating or cooling elements 460, 660 at a predetermined user-selected temperature (e.g., a temperature selected by the user the last time the mug 400 or travel mug 600 was used, or a new temperature selected by the user). The user can change the power level setting or temperature setting via one or more buttons (e.g., soft touch, touch switch, dial, button, touchpad, etc.) on the user interface of the mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, a dial, switch, gesture sensor, or any other type of user interface mechanism in communication with the electronic module 490, 690 can be used to adjust the power level setting or temperature setting. In one embodiment, the user interface display on the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can alert the user if the liquid within the mug 400 or travel mug 600 is too hot to consume, or above or below a predetermined temperature (e.g., a temperature preferred or selected by the user).

[0217] The heating or cooling system 455 or 655 of the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can be configured to shut off once the liquid sensor (or combination of sensors) senses that the liquid within the mug 400 or travel mug 600 has been depleted to a predetermined level or completely depleted. The mug 400 or travel mug 600 can be operated again as described above once liquid is again poured into the mug 400 or travel mug 600 such that the sensor (or combination of sensors) senses the poured liquid.

[0218] Further, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can have one or more liquid level sensors for detecting the level of liquid in the mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. The one or more liquid level sensors can be of the types discussed above (e.g., sensing temperature, weight, pressure, electrical conductivity, electrical continuity, change in electrical resistance between two conductors, frequency detection such as ultrasonic frequency detection, change in frequency, optical sensor, or any combination of the above) and can communicate the sensed information to the electronic module 490, 690, which can transmit the information to one or more indicators (e.g., visual indicators or audible indicators such as sounds or vibrations) on the mug 400 or travel mug 600 to indicate to the user the amount of liquid remaining in the mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (or that the liquid in the cup, mug, or travel mug is at, above, or below the user’s preferred drinking temperature). In one embodiment, the liquid level sensor can be used in conjunction with an orientation sensor (e.g., a gyroscope) so that the liquid level within the mug 400 or travel mug 600 is only taken when the mug 400 or travel mug 600 is in an upright position. This technique would advantageously avoid incorrectly reading the liquid level when the user tilts the mug from the vertical axis to access the drink. In one embodiment, the one or more liquid level sensors can transmit a signal to the electronic module 490, 690, allowing the electronic module 490, 690 to determine whether the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has been tilted. Thus, the one or more liquid level sensors can function as an orientation sensor to sense the orientation of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0219] In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (such as the beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500) can have one or more liquid level sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors as described above). In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (such as the beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500) can have multiple liquid level sensors (e.g., disposed at different vertical positions of the sidewall, such asFIG. 34A the sidewall SW of the cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container). In one embodiment, the one or more liquid level sensors can communicate liquid level information to an electronic module (such as the electronic module EM of FIG. 44 ) and the electronic module can operate one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed liquid level information (see, for example, the HC of FIG. 44 ). For example, in one embodiment, the electronic module can turn on, turn off, or adjust power to at least one of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed liquid level information.

[0220] In one embodiment, where one or more heating or cooling elements are vertically arranged on the sidewall of a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle, or liquid container (such as beer glass 1600, baby bottle 1500) (e.g., a panel embedded in the sidewall), as discussed further below, the electronic module can turn off each heating or cooling element as the liquid level drops below the vertical position of the heating or cooling elements (see, for example, the HC of FIG. 34A-34C ). This can advantageously allow for efficient operation of the heating or cooling elements, as they are no longer operated once the liquid level drops below their position.

[0221] In one embodiment, liquid level sensing of a cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved through sensed electrical properties of the heating or cooling elements (e.g., a control circuit can be configured to identify differences in electrical properties of a heating or cooling element when it is submerged below a liquid level, or alternatively exposed above a liquid level, in order to determine whether the heating or cooling element is below or above the liquid level). In this embodiment, the heating or cooling elements can be used to determine an approximate liquid level within the cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. This sensing method can also be advantageous for sensing whether a liquid is in close or not close proximity to a heating or cooling element (e.g., if a user lays or partially lays his or her cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer glass, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container, the control circuit can sense that the liquid is not in thermal contact with the heating or cooling element, and can turn off or reduce power to the heating or cooling element).

[0222] Although the operation based on sensing the presence of food (solid or liquid) has been described above in conjunction with plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, cutlery, or tableware (e.g., bowl, plate, heating plate, cup, and / or liquid container), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, cutlery, and tableware.

[0223] Adjustment of power level of heating / cooling element based on food heat absorption

[0224] In one embodiment, the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, plate, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may have a temperature sensor (e.g., 50°C) that communicates with electronic modules 90, 490, 690 (e.g., with control circuits 94, 494, 694). FIG. 16 The temperature sensor (820A-820D) can sense the temperature of food placed on a plate 100, bowl, or dish, or the temperature of liquid poured into a mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or other liquid container. The temperature sensor can be an infrared sensor, thermistor, thermocouple, diode sensor, resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensor, or any other suitable type of temperature sensor.

[0225] Regarding plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate, sensors (such as...) FIG. 16temperature of food placed on the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate and communicate the sensed temperature to the electronic module 90, which can then modulate the power supplied to the heating or cooling element 60 to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the amount of energy provided to the plate, bowl, or dinner plate by the heating or cooling element 60 based on the difference between the sensed temperature and the user-selected temperature setpoint for the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate. In an embodiment, if the food is above the user-selected temperature setpoint when placed on the plate, bowl, or dinner plate, the electronic module 90 can control the heating or cooling element 60 to not activate (or to turn off if the heating or cooling element 60 is already in operation). This can advantageously extend the operating time (e.g., between charging events) of the one or more electrical energy storage devices 80, which can allow the heating or cooling system 55 to have a longer operating time (e.g., between charging events of the one or more electrical energy storage devices 80). In another embodiment, the electronic module 90 can control the operation of the heating or cooling element 60 to actively lower or raise the temperature of the food to the user-selected temperature setpoint. As the temperature of the food on the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate is lowered or raised, the electronic module 90 can control the operation of the heating or cooling element 60 (e.g., adjust the power level up or down to increase or decrease the amount of energy provided by the heating or cooling element 60) based at least in part on feedback from the food temperature sensor to the electronic module 90 to provide energy to the food to maintain the temperature of the food at the user-selected temperature setpoint, or within a given temperature range around the user-selected temperature setpoint. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor can be located on the food-receiving surface of the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate, typically in the center, or multiple sensors can be distributed across the food-receiving surface of the plate, bowl, or dinner plate so that an average temperature can be used (e.g., FIG. 16 the sensors 820A-820D on the surface S of the plate 800 in FIG. 8, or FIG. 18 the sensors 920 on the surface S of the plate 900 in FIG. 9). In another embodiment, discussed further below, when the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate has multiple heating or cooling elements 60 that provide energy to different portions (e.g., quarters) of the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate (e.g., FIG. 16 the heating or cooling elements 860A-860D in FIG. 8, or FIG. 18 the heating or cooling elements 960 in FIG. 9), multiple temperature sensors can be provided, each associated with one of the different portions of the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate. In yet another embodiment, the temperature sensor can be positioned so that it communicates with the food-receiving surface of the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate even though the sensor is not located on the food-receiving surface (e.g., the sensor can be located on the underside of a heating portion of the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate).

[0226] With respect to the mug 400, the travel mug 600, the cup, the water bottle, or the liquid container, the sensor can sense a temperature of a liquid poured into the mug 400, the travel mug 600, the cup, the water bottle, or the liquid container, and communicate the sensed temperature to the electronic module 490, 690, which can modulate the power supplied to the heating or cooling element 460, 660 to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the amount of energy provided to the mug 400, the travel mug 600, the cup, the water bottle, or the liquid container by the heating or cooling element 460, 660 based on a difference between the sensed temperature and a user-selected temperature set point of the mug 400, the travel mug 600, the cup, the water bottle, or the liquid container. In one embodiment, if the liquid (e.g., coffee, tea) is above the user-selected temperature set point when poured into the mug 400, the travel mug 600, the cup, the water bottle, or the liquid container, the electronic module 490, 690 can control the heating element 460, 660 to not activate (or turn off if the heating element 460, 660 is already in operation). This can advantageously extend the operating time (e.g., between charging events) of the one or more electrical energy storage devices 480, which can allow the heating or cooling system 455, 465 to have a longer operating time (e.g., between charging events of the one or more electrical energy storage devices 480, 680).

[0227] In another embodiment, the electronic module 490, 690 can control operation of the heating or cooling element 460, 660 to actively reduce the temperature of the liquid to a user-selected temperature setpoint. As the temperature of the liquid in the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container decreases, the electronic module 490, 690 can control operation of the heating or cooling element 460, 660 (e.g., adjust the power level up or down to increase or decrease the amount of energy provided by the heating or cooling element 460, 660) based at least in part on feedback from the liquid temperature sensor to the electronic module 490, 690 to provide energy to the liquid to maintain the temperature of the liquid at the user-selected temperature setpoint, or within a given temperature range around the user-selected temperature setpoint. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor can be located on the liquid-receiving surface of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. For example, in an embodiment, the temperature sensor can be disposed on the interior side surface of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container a distance (e.g., one inch or other distance) from the bottom surface. In another embodiment, the temperature sensor can be disposed on the bottom surface of the liquid-receiving portion of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In yet another embodiment, the temperature sensor can be positioned to communicate with the liquid-receiving surface of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container even if the sensor is not located on the interior surface of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., the sensor can be located below the surface or integrated into the surface).

[0228] While the above-disclosed power level adjustment of the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 based on the endothermic condition of the food item (solid or liquid) can be described in connection with the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinkware, tableware, or table service (e.g., bowls, dinner plates, warming plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), including the plate 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinkware, tableware, and table service.

[0229] Thermal cut-out switch

[0230] In an embodiment, the plate 100 (or bowl or dinner plate), mug 400, and travel mug 600 (or cup, water bottle, or liquid container) can have a thermal protection switch (e.g., as part of the controller circuitry 94, 494, 694). In use, if the temperature of the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 (e.g., the temperature of the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660) of the plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container rises above a predetermined temperature (e.g., a predetermined high temperature limit), the thermal protection switch will open the electrical circuit connecting the electronic module 90, 490, 690 and the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660, thereby shutting off the heating or cooling element.

[0231] While the thermal protection switch (or circuit) disclosed above can be described in connection with the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinkware, tableware, or tableware (e.g., bowl, dinner plate, warming plate, cup, and / or liquid container), including the plate 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the present disclosure and invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinkware, tableware, and tableware.

[0232] Battery maintenance

[0233] In an embodiment, where the one or more electrical energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 are batteries, the plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a smart battery function to maximize the life of the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680. For example, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 can operate the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 such that the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 are depleted within a certain time interval. In an embodiment, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 (e.g., the charging circuitry 96, 496, 696) can monitor the cell balancing of the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 and the discharge rate of the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 during operation. The charging circuitry 96, 496, 696 can also monitor the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 to determine whether they are all releasing energy approximately equally and whether the battery charge levels are in an unsafe condition.

[0234] Furthermore, charging circuits 96, 496, and 696 can tune the charging operation of knob 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to ensure that one or more batteries 80, 480, and 680 are not overcharged, and can interrupt the charging process when the battery reaches full capacity. In another embodiment, if the plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has been placed on the charging base unused for a period of time, and the battery level decreases over time, charging circuits 96, 496, and 696 can sense this decrease in battery level and allow one or more batteries 80, 480, and 680 to charge to a predetermined full capacity level. Charging circuits 96, 496, and 696 can also sense the discharge rate of one or more batteries 80, 480, and 680. If the discharge rate exceeds an acceptable rate or will cause long-term damage to one or more batteries 80, 480, 680, electronic modules 90, 490, 690 can provide visual indications, audible indications, and / or reduce power supply to heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660.

[0235] While the smart battery functionality (e.g., maintenance) disclosed above may be described in conjunction with plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, cutlery, or tableware (e.g., bowl, plate, heating plate, cup, and / or liquid container), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of this disclosure and invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, cutlery, and tableware.

[0236] Isolated heating zones

[0237] FIG. 16 Another embodiment of plate 800, bowl, or dinner plate is shown. As described above, plate 800, bowl, or dinner plate is similar to plate 100, 100' and includes the same components (with the same numerical identifiers) and features disclosed in plate 100, 100', except as described below.

[0238] In one embodiment, the plate 800, bowl or platter can have multiple heating or cooling elements 860A-860D, each associated with a particular portion (e.g., quarter, half, or other portion) 810A-810D of the plate 800, bowl or platter (e.g., the portion of the plate on which food is placed), isolated from one another, and operated by the electronic module 90 independently of the other heating or cooling elements 860A-860D based on user input (e.g., through a user interface on the plate 800, bowl or platter, discussed further below). For example, the multiple heating or cooling elements 860A-860D can be arranged in a grid, where each heating or cooling element 860A-860D can heat the portion of the plate 800, bowl or platter associated with that grid portion. For example, the user can turn on and off the heating or cooling elements 860A-860D in a particular region (e.g., quarter) of the plate 800, bowl or platter through the user interface, e.g. FIG. 17 The plate 800', like the plates 100, 100', 800, can include the same components (with the same numerical identifiers) and features disclosed for the plates 100, 100', 800, except as described below. The plate 800, 800', bowl or platter can provide visual indicators 830 indicating which portions (e.g., quarters) of the plate 800, 800', bowl or platter have their heating or cooling elements 860A-860D turned on or off (or in cooling mode versus heating mode), as described further below. The visual indicators can be provided by one or more light sources or visual indicators (e.g., electroluminescent devices, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), or any other type of flat or sliding light, or edge-lit lighting devices, digital screens) in communication with the electronic module 90 (e.g., as shown on the rim or edge of the plate 800, 800', bowl or platter). FIG. 17 In another embodiment, the portions of the plate 800, 800', bowl or platter that are actively being heated or cooled can be illuminated for indication using one or more light sources of the type described above.

[0239] In one embodiment, one portion 810A-810D of the tray 800, 800', bowl, or platter can have its associated heating or cooling element 860A-860D turned on to heat that portion of the tray 800, 800', bowl, or platter (e.g., when that portion receives hot food, such as a steak), and another portion 810A-810D (e.g., one quarter, one half) of the tray 800, 800', bowl, or platter can have its associated heating or cooling element 860A-860D turned off (e.g., when that portion of the tray 800, 800', bowl, or platter receives cold food, such as a salad). As described above, the tray 800, 800', bowl, or platter can have a plurality of temperature sensors 820A-820D for sensing the temperature of food placed on the tray 800, 800', bowl, or platter, with each (or multiple) temperature sensor 820A-820D associated with a certain portion 810A-810D of the tray 800, 800', bowl, or platter. The temperature sensors 820A-820D can communicate the sensed temperature to the electronic module 90 (e.g., to the control circuit 94), and the electronic module 90 can determine whether hot food (e.g., a steak) or cold food (e.g., a salad) is placed on a particular portion of the tray 800, 800', bowl, or platter based at least in part on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 820A-820D in that portion 810A-810D. If hot food is placed on that portion 810A-810D, the electronic module 90 can turn on the heating element 860A-860D associated with that portion 810A-810D, or if cold food is placed on the portion 810A-810D, the heating element 860A-860D is left off. In another embodiment, the electronic module 90 can control at least one operating parameter of the heating or cooling system 55 (e.g., one or more heating or cooling elements 860A-860D) of one or more trays 800, 800', bowls, or platters based at least in part on an average of the sensed temperature information of the plurality of temperature sensors 820A-820D.For example, one or more temperature sensors 820A-820D associated with particular portions 810A-810D of the dish 800, 800', bowl, or platter can communicate temperature information to the electronics module 90, the control circuit 94 can average the sensed temperatures, and the electronics module can control operation of the heating or cooling elements 860A-860D based at least in part on the average of the sensed temperatures (e.g., increase power to the heating or cooling elements 860A-860D if the average temperature is below a user-selected temperature setpoint or a range around that setpoint, maintain power to the heating or cooling elements 860A-860D if the average temperature is within the range around the user-selected temperature setpoint, or maintain de-energization of the heating or cooling elements 860A-860D if the average temperature is above the range around the user-selected temperature setpoint).

[0240] FIG. 18 Another embodiment of a dish 900, bowl, or platter is shown. As described above, the dish 900 is similar to the dishes 100, 100', 800, 800' and includes the same components (with the same numerical identifiers) and features disclosed for the dishes 100, 100', 800, 800', except as described below.

[0241] In an embodiment, the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate can have multiple heating or cooling elements 960, which can be multiple thermoelectric elements (e.g., Peltier elements), with each thermoelectric element 960 associated with a different portion 910 (e.g., a quarter, a half, other portion) of the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate. The electronic module 90 can control the delivery of power to each thermoelectric element 960, as well as the polarity to the thermoelectric element, to control whether the thermoelectric element 960 (e.g., Peltier element) is operated as a heating device or as a cooling device to heat or cool the particular portion 910 of the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate associated with the thermoelectric element 960. As described above, each portion 910 of the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate can have a separate temperature sensor 920 for sensing the temperature of food placed on that portion 910 of the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate. The temperature information can be communicated to the electronic module 90, which can then operate the thermoelectric element 960 to heat or cool the particular portion 910 of the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate based at least in part on the sensed temperature information. For example, if a hot food item (e.g., a steak) is placed on one or more portions 910 of the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate, the electronic module 90 can control the operation of the thermoelectric elements 960 associated with the one or more portions 910 to heat the one or more portions 910 of the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate as a heating element to maintain the hot food item at a particular temperature (or within a range of a user-selected temperature). Further, if a cold food item (e.g., a salad) is placed on another portion 910 of the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate, the electronic module 90 can control the operation of the electronic element 960 associated with that portion 910 to cool the portion 910 of the tray 900, bowl, or dinner plate as a cooling element to maintain the cold food item at a particular temperature (e.g., an initial sensed temperature of the cold food item). In another embodiment, a Peltier-type cooling system can be used in conjunction with a heating system (e.g., one or more heating elements) so that all or portions of the tray can be heated or cooled. In another embodiment, the multiple heating or cooling elements can be heating elements.

[0242] While the isolated heating zones disclosed above can be described in connection with the trays 800, 800', 900, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also apply to any liquid container, drinkware, tableware, or table utensil (e.g., a bowl, dinner plate, warming tray, cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, and / or liquid container), including the trays 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinkware, tableware, and table utensils.

[0243] In an embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, and / or liquid container can have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., Peltier elements, heating wires, etc.) HC, as described above, for example a plurality of heating or cooling elements HC. The one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., the plurality of heating or cooling elements HC) can be arranged along or around the sidewall SW (e.g., integrated with the sidewall) of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, as shown, for example. FIG. 34A-34C In an embodiment, the one or more heating or cooling elements HC can be arranged at two or more locations along or around the sidewall of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., multiple heating or cooling elements on two opposite sides, or arranged around the circumference).

[0244] In an embodiment, the one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., the plurality of heating or cooling elements HC) can be operated independently of each other (e.g., each heating or cooling element, such as a Peltier element, can be operated to heat or cool according to a selected mode of operation), as described above.

[0245] In an embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container can have a plurality of thermoelectric elements along the sidewall SW, as shown, for example. FIG. 34A-34C The control circuit can be used to turn the plurality of thermoelectric elements on or off together or independently of each other. The control circuit can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric elements together or independently of each other, so that the thermoelectric elements can be used to actively heat or actively cool the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, depending on the polarity of the power supplied to the thermoelectric elements.

[0246] In an embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container can have one thermoelectric element along the sidewall SW. A control circuit can be used to turn the thermoelectric element on or off. The control circuit can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric element so that the thermoelectric element can be used to actively heat or actively cool the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container depending on the polarity of the power delivered to the thermoelectric element.

[0247] In another embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container can have one or more thermoelectric elements that can be used to actively cool the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container and one or more heating elements (e.g., heater wires) that can be used to actively heat the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container.

[0248] In an embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be operated (e.g., by an electronic module disclosed herein, such as electronic module 690, 2090, 2190) to induce, contribute to, promote or create circulation of the liquid flow C (i.e., convection) within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container so as to promote more uniform (e.g., average, constant) liquid volume temperature. For example, the heating or cooling elements HC can be selectively operated to induce counterclockwise flow C (i.e., convection) as shown in FIG. 34A In another embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be selectively operated to induce clockwise flow C (i.e., convection) as shown in FIG. 34BThe circulation of the liquid flow C or "waterfall effect," where the liquid circulates between the upper and lower portions of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., beer glass 1600, baby bottle 1500), can induce natural convective heat transfer within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container, allowing the liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container to heat or cool more evenly. In one embodiment, the circulation of the liquid advantageously results in the liquid in the bottom portion and the liquid in the top portion of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container having substantially the same temperature (e.g., a temperature difference of less than 15°F, a temperature difference of less than 10°F, a temperature difference of less than 5°F, a temperature difference of less than 3°F, a temperature difference of less than 1°F), such that the liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container has a substantially uniform temperature.

[0249] In an embodiment, the circulation effect can be induced, facilitated, promoted, or created simply by a strategy of heating or cooling the element HC or multiple heating or cooling elements HC at strategic locations. For example, in an embodiment, to actively cool the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, one or more cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements) can be used and arranged near the top height of the container so that the liquid cooled by the one or more cooling elements HC starts to sink, displacing the hotter liquid at the bottom, causing the hotter liquid to rise, and so on, which advantageously establishes a uniform liquid temperature within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container. In another example, in yet another embodiment, to actively cool the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, one or more cooling elements HC (e.g., thermoelectric elements) can be used and arranged along the sidewall of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container so that the liquid cooled by the one or more cooling elements HC starts to sink along the sidewall, displacing the hotter liquid at the bottom, causing the hotter liquid to rise, and so on, which advantageously establishes a uniform liquid temperature within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container. In yet another example, to actively heat the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, one or more heating elements HC (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heating wires, etc.) can be used and arranged near the base of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container so that the liquid heated by the one or more heating elements HC starts to rise to the top, displacing the cooler liquid at the top, causing the cooler liquid to sink, and so on, which advantageously establishes a uniform liquid temperature within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container.In yet another example, to actively heat the liquid inside a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, one or more heating elements HC (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heating wires, etc.) can be used, and the heating element is positioned along the surface of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container. The sidewalls or surrounding sidewalls of the wine glass 1600, water bottle, or liquid container are arranged near the bottom portion of the container so that the liquid heated by one or more heating elements begins to rise to the top, displacing the cooler liquid at the top and causing the cooler liquid to sink, in a continuous cycle. This advantageously establishes a uniform liquid temperature in the glass, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer glass 1600, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0250] In one embodiment, a cyclic effect can be induced, facilitated, promoted, or generated by operating one or more of a plurality of heating or cooling elements HC. For example, in one embodiment, a cycle C can be induced, facilitated, promoted, or generated by operating one of the plurality of heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., located on top of a cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, water bottle, or liquid container). In another embodiment, a cycle can be induced, facilitated, promoted, or generated by operating two of the plurality of heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., located on top of a cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, water bottle, or liquid container). In yet another embodiment, a cycle can be induced, facilitated, promoted, or generated by operating two or more of the plurality of heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., located on top of a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container). In one embodiment, a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container may have four heating and cooling elements HC (e.g., in a panel disposed on or integrated into the side wall of the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container), such as FIG. 34A-34CThe cup, mug, travel cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have fewer than four or more than four heating or cooling elements HC. In an embodiment, one or more heating or cooling elements HC are preferably arranged on the cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container and / or operate in a manner that induces, facilitates, promotes, or produces circulation of the fluid.

[0251] In an embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be spaced apart (e.g., vertically spaced apart) from one another along the sidewall of the cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be adjacent to one another. In yet another embodiment, each heating or cooling element HC can be in contact with at least one adjacent heating and cooling element. In an embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be arranged in a panel (e.g., a panel of Peltier elements) or cluster (e.g., a cluster of Peltier elements).

[0252] In an embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be spaced apart (e.g., vertically spaced apart) from one another along the sidewall of the cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be adjacent to one another. In yet another embodiment, each heating or cooling element HC can be in contact with at least one adjacent heating and cooling element. In an embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be arranged in a panel (e.g., a panel of Peltier elements) or cluster (e.g., a cluster of Peltier elements). FIG. 44As further described herein, the electronic module of a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container can operate one or more heating and cooling elements HC (e.g., Peltier elements, resistive coil heaters) to induce, contribute to, facilitate, or create the circulating flow C. For example, when the electronic module (e.g., electronic module 490, 690, 2090, 2190, EM) operates two or more heating or cooling elements HC of the upper portion of a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500) to create the circulating flow C (e.g., even if there are more than two heating or cooling elements HC in the sidewall SW of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container), the electronic module can turn off a first heating and cooling element HC1 when the liquid level drops below the first heating and cooling element HC1. Optionally, the electronic module can turn on, activate power to another heating or cooling element HC2 that is below a second one of the two heating or cooling elements to ensure that there are still two or more heating or cooling elements HC operating to achieve the circulating flow.

[0253] FIG. 34EAn embodiment of a liquid container LC (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is shown. The liquid container can have one or more power storage elements PS (e.g., batteries), an electronic module EM, and one or more heating or cooling elements HC, as described in embodiments herein. In the shown embodiment, the liquid container LC can have a cooling element HC3 that can be in thermal communication with at least a partial circumferential sidewall SW (e.g., one side) defining a liquid containment chamber (e.g., along at least a partial height of the containment chamber), and can have a heating element HC4 in thermal communication with at least another partial circumferential wall SW (e.g., an opposite side). In the shown embodiment, the height of the cooling element HC3 can be greater than the height of the heating element HC4. In another embodiment, the heights of the heating and cooling elements can be the same. In another embodiment, the height of the heating element can be greater than the height of the cooling element. The liquid container LC can have a sensor LS disposed at the bottom of the liquid containment chamber. In an embodiment, the sensor LS can be a liquid level sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor. In other embodiments, the liquid level sensor can be other types of sensors disclosed herein. In other embodiments, the sensor LS can be a liquid mass sensor (e.g., a pH sensor), a temperature sensor, a tilt sensor, etc., as described herein.

[0254] In the shown embodiment, the cooling element HC3 is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to cool at least the partial wall SW in thermal communication therewith, while the heating element HC4 is operated to heat at least the partial wall SW in thermal communication therewith. In an embodiment, the cooling element HC3 is optionally operated at a higher power level than the heating element HC4. Advantageously, operation of the heating and cooling elements HC3, HC4 induces, contributes to, promotes, or produces circulation C of the liquid within the chamber. In one embodiment, one or more cooling elements on one side of the liquid container can induce a liquid sinking effect (the coolest liquid in the liquid will sink) along the sidewall SW of the liquid container. On the opposite sidewall, one or more heating elements can induce a liquid rising effect (the hottest liquid within the body of liquid will rise). The liquid descending along one side of the liquid container and the liquid rising along the opposite side of the liquid container can induce a circulation effect, advantageously circulating the liquid within the liquid container. The circulation effect can be used to stir or mix the liquid within the liquid container so as to prevent more buoyant particles from separating from less buoyant particles, or the circulation effect can be used to maintain a substantially uniform temperature of the liquid within the liquid container.

[0255] FIG. 34FAnother embodiment of a liquid container LC2 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is shown that is similar to the liquid container LC except as described below. The liquid container LC2 has one or more (e.g., multiple) heating or cooling elements HC in thermal communication with at least a partial circumferential sidewall SW of the liquid containing chamber, and a heating or cooling element HC4 in thermal communication with another portion of the sidewall SW (e.g., an opposite side).

[0256] In the illustrated embodiment, a cooling element HC5 of the one or more heating or cooling elements HC is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to cool the portion of the sidewall SW in thermal communication therewith, while a heating element HC4 is operated to heat the portion of the wall SW in thermal communication therewith. The at least partial cooling element HC5 is disposed below the liquid level. As the liquid level drops (e.g., due to a user consuming the liquid), the heating and cooling elements HC are operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM based at least in part on the sensed liquid level sensed by the liquid level sensor LS) so as to operate only the one or more cooling elements HC5 that are at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal communication with the liquid. Advantageously, operation of the heating and cooling elements HC5, HC4 induces, contributes to, promotes, or causes circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0257] FIG. 34G Another embodiment of a liquid container LC3 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is shown that is similar to the liquid container LC except as described below. The liquid container LC3 can have a cooling element HC3 that can be in thermal communication (e.g., along at least a portion of a height of the containing chamber) with at least a partial circumferential sidewall SW (e.g., one side) defining the liquid containing chamber. Unlike the liquid container LC, the liquid container LC3 does not have another heating or cooling element on another portion of the containing chamber (e.g., on an opposite side).

[0258] In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling element HC3 is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to cool the portion of the wall SW in thermal communication therewith. As FIG. 34G illustrated, the cooling element HC3 can remain operated regardless of changes in the liquid level, and thus in this embodiment, operation of the cooling element HC3 is not dependent on the sensed liquid level. The orientation and placement of the cooling element HC3 along the sidewall of the liquid container can induce a sink effect of the liquid on one side of the liquid container, and can induce, contribute to, promote, or cause circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0259] FIG. 34HAnother embodiment of a liquid container LC4 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is shown that is similar to the liquid container LC2 except as described below. The liquid container LC4 has one or more (e.g., multiple) cooling elements HC in thermal communication with at least a portion of the circumferential sidewall SW of the liquid containment chamber. Unlike the liquid container LC2, the liquid container LC4 does not have a heating element on another portion of the containment chamber (e.g., on the opposite side).

[0260] In the illustrated embodiment, a cooling element HC5 of the one or more cooling elements HC is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to cool the portion of the sidewall SW that it is in thermal communication with. The at least partially cooling element HC5 is disposed below the liquid level. As the liquid level drops (e.g., due to a user consuming the liquid), the cooling element HC is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM based at least in part on the sensed liquid level sensed by the liquid level sensor LS) so as to only operate the one or more cooling elements HC5 that are at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal communication with the liquid. Advantageously, operation of the cooling element HC5 induces, contributes to, promotes, or causes circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0261] FIG. 34I Another embodiment of a liquid container LC5 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is shown. The liquid container LC5 can include a liquid containment chamber H having a thermally conductive wall SW'. The liquid container LC5 can also have a heating or cooling element HC6 in thermal communication with at least a portion of the liquid containment chamber H.

[0262] In the illustrated embodiment, the heating and cooling element HC6 is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to cool the liquid containment chamber H around its perimeter, which advantageously induces, contributes to, promotes, or creates circulation C of the liquid within the chamber, as illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid level sensor can be optionally omitted, and the heating and cooling element HC can be operated independent of the liquid level in the chamber. In another embodiment, only part of the sidewall SW' of the liquid containment chamber H is thermally conductive (e.g., a thermally conductive rod or band can encircle the outer perimeter of the liquid containment chamber H, or in another example, certain areas of the liquid containment chamber H can be thermally conductive while other areas can not be). In one embodiment, the cooling element HC6 can be operated to cool at least part of the sidewall SW' around the perimeter of the liquid chamber, and the temperature of the liquid closest to the sidewall can be reduced. In this embodiment, the liquid along the sidewall becomes cooler than the liquid in the remainder of the body of liquid, and will move downward along the sidewall of the liquid containment chamber H. This can advantageously induce a circulation effect, circulating the liquid within the liquid container LC5. This circulation can be used to agitate or mix the liquid within the liquid container, to prevent larger particles with greater buoyancy from separating from smaller particles with less buoyancy, this circulation can be used to keep the temperature of the liquid within the liquid container LC5 substantially uniform. In another embodiment (not illustrated), one or more heating elements can be added to the above-embodiment, and these heating elements can be in thermal contact with the base or bottom of the liquid containment chamber H. In this embodiment, the heating elements can be operated to heat at least part of the liquid near the center of the liquid chamber, at the base, to thereby further support the hotter liquid rising along the center of the body of liquid (which will further enhance the circulation effect).

[0263] FIG. 34J Another embodiment of a liquid container LC6 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is illustrated, which is similar to the liquid container LC7, except as described below. The liquid container LC6 has one or more (e.g., multiple) heating elements HC in thermal communication with at least part of the circumferential sidewall SW of the liquid containment chamber. Unlike the liquid container LC7, the liquid container LC6 operates all of the heating elements HC7 that are at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal contact with the liquid in the containment chamber. As the liquid level drops, the number of heating elements HC8 that are operated decreases.

[0264] In the illustrated embodiment, heating elements HC7, HC8 of the one or more heating elements HC are operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to heat the part of the sidewall SW in thermal communication therewith. Advantageously, the operation of the heating elements HC7, HC8 induces, contributes to, promotes, or creates circulation C of the liquid within the chamber, as illustrated.

[0265] FIG. 34K A liquid container LC3 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is shown. In this embodiment, a heating element HC3 in thermal communication (e.g., along at least a portion of the height of the containment chamber) with at least a partial circumferential wall SW (e.g., one side) defining a liquid containment chamber is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to heat the portion of the side wall SW in thermal communication therewith. As shown, the heating element HC3 can remain operated regardless of the change in liquid level, and thus in this embodiment, operation of the heating element HC3 is not dependent on the sensed liquid level. Advantageously, operation of the heating element HC3 induces, contributes to, promotes, or causes circulation C of the liquid within the chamber. FIG. 34K

[0266] FIG. 34L Another embodiment of a liquid container LC7 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is shown, which is similar to the liquid container LC4, except as described below. The liquid container LC7 has one or more (e.g., multiple) heating elements HC in thermal communication with at least a partial circumferential side wall SW of the liquid containment chamber.

[0267] In the embodiment shown, a heating element HC9 of the one or more heating elements HC is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to heat the portion of the side wall SW in thermal communication therewith. As shown, the heating element HC9 is proximate to the bottom of the containment chamber of the liquid container LC7, and operation of the heating element HC9 does not change with changes in the liquid level. Advantageously, operation of the heating element HC9 induces, contributes to, promotes, or causes circulation C of the liquid within the chamber. FIG. 34L

[0268] FIG. 34K A liquid container LC6 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is shown operating in a cooling mode. The liquid container LC6 operates at least a portion of the cooling elements HC7 that are below the liquid level or in thermal contact with the liquid in the containment chamber. As the liquid level decreases, the number of heating and cooling elements HC8 that are operated decreases.

[0269] ​​In an embodiment, circulation or mixing of liquid within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved by kinetic motion, such as an inwardly and outwardly movable diaphragm, similar to a cone of an audio speaker (e.g., a diaphragm attached to, embedded in, or otherwise integrated with a body of the container, such as a sidewall). In another embodiment, circulation or mixing of liquid within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved using sound waves or acoustic vibrations (e.g., a small speaker or piezoelectric speaker mounted to a surface of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass, water bottle, or liquid container). In another embodiment, circulation or mixing of liquid within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved by kinetic motion, such as an inwardly and outwardly movable piston or shaft that causes disturbance of the liquid, thereby mixing the liquid. In another embodiment, circulation or mixing of liquid within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved by kinetic motion, such as one or more rotating mixing blades or arms (e.g., attached to or otherwise integrated with a body of the container). In such an embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass, water bottle, or liquid container can have a single heating or cooling element (e.g., a single thermoelectric element), which can optionally be disposed at a bottom portion (e.g., base portion) thereof, and the mechanical or kinetic or acoustic mixing mechanism can be operated (e.g., by a control unit or electronics module) to circulate or mix the liquid within the liquid-receiving portion such that the temperature of the volume of liquid is substantially uniform.

[0270] In another embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container can have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements) (such as heating or cooling elements HC, 60, 460, 1660) that are disposed along the sidewall SW and are movable along at least a portion of the length of the sidewall SW as the liquid level changes. In one embodiment, the one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements) can be mounted on a track attached to a surface (e.g., inner surface, outer surface) of the liquid receiving portion. The one or more heating or cooling elements can be attached to a floating member that floats on the liquid level such that the one or more heating or cooling elements remain at least partially submerged below the liquid level line, and as the user drinks the liquid and the liquid level drops, the one or more heating or cooling elements will move (e.g., downwardly) along the sidewall SW so that it remains at least partially submerged below the liquid level line. In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container has at least one heating or cooling element (e.g., thermoelectric element) that moves along the sidewall SW (e.g., slides along a track) as described above, and can be moved along the track using electromagnets, electric motors, or manually. When the heating or cooling element is a thermoelectric element, a control circuit can be used to turn the thermoelectric element on or off. The control circuit can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric element so that the thermoelectric element can be used to actively heat or actively cool the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, depending on the polarity of the power delivered to the thermoelectric element.

[0271] In another embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer glass 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container can have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heating coils, etc.) such as heating or cooling elements HC, 60, 460, 1660 operably coupled to one or more heat pipes that direct thermal energy to or away from one or more portions of the liquid receiving portion of the cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer glass 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. For example, one heat pipe can direct thermal energy to or away from a base portion of the cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer glass 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, another heat pipe can direct thermal energy to or away from a middle portion thereof, and still another heat pipe can direct thermal energy to or away from a top portion thereof. In an embodiment, a valve member (e.g., solenoid assembly) can be actuated to direct thermal energy to or away from the heating or cooling elements, to or away from a particular one or more heat pipes, to or away from a desired portion of the liquid receiving portion. In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer glass 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container can have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heating coils, etc.) that are selectively thermally connected to one or more heat pipes, as described above. For example, actuation of the valve can thermally connect the heating or cooling elements to a particular heat pipe, and deactivation of the valve can thermally disconnect the heating or cooling elements from the heat pipe. In another embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer glass 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container can have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heating coils, etc.) that are thermally connected to one or more heat pipes that direct thermal energy to or away from one or more portions of the liquid receiving portion of the cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer glass 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. When the heating or cooling elements are thermoelectric elements, a control circuit can be used to turn the thermoelectric elements on or off.The control circuit can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric element so that the thermoelectric element can be used to actively heat or actively cool liquids in cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottles 1500, beer mugs 1600, water bottles, or other liquid containers, depending on the polarity of the electricity supplied to the thermoelectric element.

[0272] While the timed shut-off feature disclosed above can be described in conjunction with travel mugs, mugs, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., mug 400 and travel mug 600), those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, cutlery, or tableware (e.g., bowls, plates, heating plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), including plates 100', 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, glass bottles, bread baskets 2200, tortilla warmers 2300, and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, cutlery, and tableware.

[0273] Generation of electricity using heating or cooling elements

[0274] In one embodiment, one or more heating or cooling elements HC can generate electricity (e.g., via electronic modules such as electronic modules 490, 690, 2090, 2190, EM) for charging one or more power storage devices (e.g., power storage devices 480, 680, 2080, 2180, PS). In another embodiment, one or more thermoelectric elements within a cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container (such as those disclosed in the embodiments herein) can receive thermal energy from a hot liquid poured into the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container, and the thermal energy can be converted into electricity. This electricity can be used to recharge one or more power storage elements PS or can be used directly for specific features (such as thermostats or...) In another embodiment, one or more thermoelectric elements within a cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container can receive thermal energy from a hot liquid that has been poured into the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container and the thermal energy can be converted to electricity. Control circuitry within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container can direct such electricity to charge one or more power storage devices (e.g., power storage element PS, battery, capacitor) disclosed herein, which can advantageously extend the working time of the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., keep the liquid at a predetermined or preselected temperature or temperature range for a longer period of time).

[0275] In another embodiment, control circuitry within a cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container can activate one or more thermoelectric elements (such as those disclosed herein, e.g., HC) of a plurality of thermoelectric elements in order to actively heat or cool a liquid within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, one or more thermoelectric elements that are not in use (i.e., not energized to actively heat or cool the liquid) can be used to generate electricity (e.g., from thermal energy of the liquid) and can be used to charge one or more power storage elements (e.g., power storage element PS, battery, capacitor). In another embodiment, electricity generated by the thermoelectric elements that are not in use can be used to direct power, directly or indirectly, to the one or more thermoelectric elements that are in use (i.e., energized to actively heat or cool the liquid).

[0276] In another embodiment, the control circuit within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container can activate one or more of the plurality of thermoelectric elements in order to actively heat the liquid within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, if the temperature of the liquid poured into the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container is above the user selected or factory selected temperature set point, the one or more thermoelectric elements can be used to generate electricity (to charge one or more power storage elements such as PS) until the point at which the user selected or factory selected liquid temperature has been reached. At this point, the control circuit can utilize the one or more thermoelectric elements in order to maintain the liquid temperature (i.e., powered on to dissipate heat and controlled by the control circuit). This embodiment uses the thermoelectric elements to generate electricity and also actively heat the liquid within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container, and the dual use of the thermoelectric elements is controlled by the control circuit. This configuration advantageously utilizes the hot liquid in the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container in order to generate electricity when the liquid is too hot. This allows one or more power storage elements to be charged or receive additional charges, thereby extending the time that the liquid can be maintained at the temperature set point.

[0277] In another embodiment, one or more thermoelectric generators can be used independently of the heating or cooling element HC and can be used to generate electricity to charge one or more energy storage devices within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0278] In another embodiment, the cup, mug, bowl, travel cup, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can have a port in which an external electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, a radio, a fitness monitoring device, a PDA) can be connected, and the electricity generated from the thermoelectric element can be used to power or charge the external electronic device. In a similar embodiment, wireless power (rather than a port) can be used to electrically connect an external electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, a radio, a fitness monitoring device, a PDA) so that the external electronic device can receive power from the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle or liquid container.

[0279] In another embodiment, there need not be a power generator within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle or liquid container. A port or wireless power transmitter within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle or liquid container can be used to transmit power to an external electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, a radio, a fitness monitoring device, a PDA) to power or charge the external electronic device. One or more power storage elements (e.g., power storage element PS, a battery or a capacitor) within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle or liquid container can be used to provide power for transmission to the external electronic device.

[0280] While the above-disclosed use of a heating or cooling element HC to generate electricity can be described in connection with a mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., beer cup 1600 or baby bottle 1500), those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, eating utensil or eating vessel (e.g., a bowl, a dinner plate or a warming plate), including plate 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinking vessels, eating utensils and eating vessels.

[0281] Chilled servingware (e.g., beer glasses)

[0282] FIG. 34DOne embodiment of a chilled drinkware 1600 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the chilled drinkware 1600 can be a beer glass 1600. The beer glass 1600 can have a body 1612 with a circumferential wall 1612a, an interior side surface 1612b, a handle 1614, and a base 1620 with a top surface 1620a, where the interior side surface 1612b and the top surface 1620a define a cavity 1618 that can hold a liquid (e.g., beer, soft drink, water). The beer glass 1600 can have a cooling system 1655 that can be disposed (e.g., embedded) in a cavity 1650a between the circumferential wall 1612a and the interior side surface 1612b. The cooling system 1655 can include one or more cooling elements 1660 (e.g., Peltier elements) disposed against an outer surface of the interior side surface 1612b so as to cool said interior side surface 1612b, and thereby cool a liquid in the cavity 1618; thermal insulation 1670; one or more energy storage devices 1680, and an electronic module 1690, and these components can be arranged and connected in the same manner as described above with the heated or chilled tray 100, the mug 400, or the travel cup 600. In one embodiment, one or more heat sinks can be thermally attached to the one or more cooling elements 1660 (heat sinks not shown). In another embodiment, an active cooling system (e.g., a fan, a membrane chiller, etc.) can be used to actively cool said heat sinks (not shown). In another embodiment, the thermal insulation 1670 can be omitted. In another embodiment, the one or more power storage devices or elements 1680 can be omitted.

[0283] The electronics module 1690 can be attached to the top surface 1644 of the bottom member 1640 of the mug 1600 and can include one or more wireless power receivers 1692, control circuitry 1694 (e.g., controller circuitry, microcontroller, etc.) and optional charger 1696 (e.g., charging circuitry) for charging the one or more energy storage devices 1680 in embodiments in which the mug 1600 includes energy storage devices 1680. The electronics module 1690 can include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. The control circuitry 1694 can operate to manage power delivered to the one or more cooling elements 1660, which in one embodiment can be independently controllable, as discussed herein. The control circuitry 1694 can also be used to manage charging of the one or more energy storage devices 1680. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 1692 is electrically connected to the battery charger 1696, which is electrically connected to the one or more energy storage devices 1680, which in turn are electrically connected to the cooling elements 1660. In another embodiment, when the energy storage devices 1680 are omitted (as described above), the wireless power receiver 1692 can be electrically connected to the cooling elements 1660 (and can be controlled by the control circuitry to maintain a particular temperature setpoint). In one embodiment, the cooling system 1655 is disposed entirely within the main body 1612 such that no portion of the system 1655 is visible (i.e., the mug 1600 looks like a conventional mug). In another embodiment, the cooling system 1655 can be placed in a module that is removably attached to the mug 1600. In another embodiment, a portion of the cooling system can be disposed within the main body while another portion of the cooling system can be disposed outside the main body (e.g., a heat sink, etc.).

[0284] As described herein, the wireless power receiver 1692 can receive power from a wireless power transmitter (e.g., in a charging base on which the cup is placed, in a table, bar, counter or desk that contains a wireless power transmitter, etc.). In the case of using a charging base, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the charging base can extend into the bottom of the mug 1600 or proximate to the bottom surface of the mug 1600.

[0285] In an embodiment, the bottom member 1640 can be removably attached to the mug 1600 to allow access to the cooling system 1655 in the contact cavity 1650a. For example, the bottom member 1640 can be mechanically coupled to the mug 1600 (e.g., with screws, a threaded interface between the bottom member 1640 and the mug 1600, a press fit connection). The bottom member 1640 can be removed to allow replacement of one or more energy storage devices 1680 and servicing of the cooling system 1655. In one embodiment, the bottom member 1640 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the mug 1600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access the cooling system 1655. In another embodiment, the bottom member 1640 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the mug 1600 to access the one or more energy storage devices 1680. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage devices 1680 can be in a package that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap fit, screwed down) to the bottom of the mug 1600, where the electrical contacts of the package are connected with the electrical contact set of the bottom of the mug 1600.

[0286] In another embodiment, the mug 1600 can include one or more corrosion-resistant electrical contacts (not shown) on the outer surface of the mug 400, such as the bottom surface 1642 of the bottom portion 1640 of the mug 1600, where the electrical contacts are sized and shaped to contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on a charging base when the mug 1600 is placed on the charging base. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mug 1600 can protrude from the surface of the mug 1600, such as electrical posts. In another embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mug 1600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be one or more contact pads (not shown) on the bottom surface 1642 of the bottom portion 1640 of the mug 1600, which can contact corresponding contact pads (not shown) on a charging base. However, the electrical contacts on the mug 1600 and associated charging base can have other suitable configurations.

[0287] The mug 1600 can operate in a similar manner as discussed above in connection with the mug 400 or the travel mug 600. In one embodiment, where the mug 1600 has the power storage device 1680, the electronic module 1690 can store received energy (wirelessly via the wireless power receiver 1692 or via a direct electrical connection as described above) in the power storage device 1680 for powering the one or more cooling elements 1660. In another embodiment, where the power storage device 1680 is omitted, the received energy or power can be directed to the cooling elements 1660.

[0288] As discussed herein, the active cooling system described in the above embodiments can be integrated in a chilled drinkware, such as a beer glass 1600. The active cooling system 1655 can include one or more cooling elements 1660 (e.g., Peltier elements) on a wall 1612b (e.g., a sidewall) of the beer glass body 1612, which can cool a liquid in a receiving cavity 1618 of the glass. In some embodiments, the mug 1600 can include one or more power storage elements 1680, which can power the one or more cooling elements 1660. The mug 1600 can optionally include a wireless power receiver 1692, which can receive power wirelessly from a power source as described in embodiments herein, and a control circuit 1694, which can operate the one or more cooling elements 1660 and charge the one or more power storage elements 1680. The mug 1600 can also integrate all of the sensors discussed herein (e.g., a liquid level sensor, a temperature sensor, a tilt sensor). As described herein, the one or more cooling elements 1660 can be operated in unison or individually and independently of each other (e.g., to induce circulation of the liquid flow, to maintain the liquid at a predetermined or preselected temperature or temperature range). In one embodiment, the one or more cooling elements 1660 can be operated to maintain the liquid in the mug at 60°F or below. In another embodiment, the one or more cooling elements 1660 can be operated to maintain the liquid in the mug at 50°F or below, such as about 45°F. In another embodiment, the one or more cooling elements 1660 can be operated to maintain the liquid in the mug at 40°F or below. In one embodiment, the beer glass 1600 can have a user interface, which can allow a user to turn the cooling system on or off or set a specific liquid temperature set point or cooling operation mode (e.g., high, medium, low), or set an approximate liquid temperature set point. In another embodiment, the beer glass can be controlled via a wireless remote control or via a mobile electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet).

[0289] While the above-disclosed chilled drinkware can be described in connection with the beer glass 1600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also apply to any liquid container, drinkware, tableware, or tableware (e.g., a bowl, a dinner plate), including the plate 100, 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, the mug 400, the travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, the baby bottle 1500, and the scope of the disclosure and invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinkware, tableware, and tableware.

[0290] Wireless power transmitter

[0291] As described in embodiments herein, a bowl, plate 100, 100', 100", 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., a chilled drinkware, such as a beer glass 1600, baby bottle 1500) can have an active heating or cooling system. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system can include a wireless power receiver that receives power from a power source (e.g., via induction) and with which it stores energy in one or more power storage devices PS (see FIG. 44 ) The power storage devices PS can then provide power to one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., can operate the elements to provide heating and cooling). In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system can omit the power storage devices PS and power is transmitted from the wireless power receiver to the one or more heating or cooling elements HC (or can be transmitted to an electronic module EM that can control the flow of power to the heating or cooling elements HC).

[0292] In one embodiment, the power source can be one or more wireless power transmitters 1800 (e.g., and an inductive power pad) that can be attached to, coupled to, embedded in, or otherwise integrated in a table top, counter top, bar top, desk top, or any other support surface 1850. In use, as shown in FIG. 38A-38F the user can place an actively heated or cooled bowl B, plate 100, 100', 100", 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., a chilled drinkware, such as a beer glass 1600, baby bottle 1500) on the table top, counter top, bar top, desk top, or support surface 1850, and the wireless power transmitter 1800 therein can provide wireless power to the wireless power receiver in the actively heated or cooled bowl B, plate 100, 100', 100", 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., a chilled drinkware, such as a beer glass 1600, baby bottle 1500). As described above, in cases where the heating or cooling system includes one or more power storage devices, the transmitted wireless power can be used to store energy in the one or more power storage devices (e.g., to charge a battery). In embodiments where the heating or cooling system does not include a power storage device, the transmitted wireless power can be used to provide power to one or more heating or cooling elements via an electronic module of the heating or cooling system.

[0293] In another embodiment, the transmitted wireless power can be used to provide power to one or more heating or cooling elements within the bowl B, plate 100, 100', 100", 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., a chilled drinkware, such as a beer glass 1600, baby bottle 1500), and an electronic module (e.g., HC, see FIG. 44 ) and can omit the electronic module. This embodiment of the tableware can have a wireless power receiver and one or more heating or cooling elements, and no or very little other circuitry, in order to keep manufacturing costs low. In another embodiment, the transmitted wireless power can be used to provide power to one or more heating or cooling elements within the bowl B, plate 100, 100', 100", 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., a chilled drinkware, such as a beer glass 1600, baby bottle 1500), and the tableware can have simple circuitry that can limit the power to the one or more heating or cooling elements, or can have a simple thermostat circuit that can keep the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature or temperature range. As such, the wireless power transmitter 1800 can be integrated in tables (indoor or outdoor), counters or bars, and desks (e.g., in a workplace, school) of a coffee shop or cafe, restaurant, bar. Such wireless power transmitter 1800 can also be integrated in a cup holder (e.g., at a movie theater, in a car, etc.).

[0294] In an embodiment, when the liquid container is a coffee cup and contains an active heating or cooling system therein, as described herein, a wireless power transmitter can be attached to, coupled to, embedded in, or otherwise integrated in a tray associated with the coffee cup, on which the coffee cup can be placed. The tray, in turn, can be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet) and can provide power to the heating or cooling system in the coffee cup. In one embodiment, the tray plate can have one or more power storage elements that can be charged and can provide power to the coffee cup via electrical contacts or wireless power. In another embodiment, the tray plate can take other shapes, such as a disc shape, a cradle shape, or any other shape suitable for placement of a coffee cup. These embodiments can have all the features and / or functionality described above with respect to the tray plate.

[0295] In another embodiment, a wireless power transmitter can be coupled to, attached to, embedded in, or otherwise integrated in a cup holder (e.g., in a car, truck, bus, boat, airplane) that can receive a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container therein such that the wireless power transmitter can transmit power to a wireless power receiver in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container when the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container is placed in or supported by the cup holder.

[0296] In another embodiment, as FIG. 38G-38HA wireless power transmitter can be attached to, coupled to, embedded in, or otherwise integrated in a receptacle receiving area 1810 of a coffee maker CM (e.g., a single-serve coffee maker or a coffee maker with a glass carafe, etc.). When a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the receiving area RA of the machine CM, it can be positioned over a wireless power transmitter 1810A, which can transmit power to a wireless power receiver in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. As previously discussed, the wireless power can be used to store energy in one or more power storage devices (e.g., 680, 2080, 2180) of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container, or, in embodiments in which the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container does not include a power storage device, can be directed directly to a heating or cooling element. In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can use the power received from the wireless power transmitter to pre-heat a liquid receiving area of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container prior to or concurrently with the delivery of liquid from the machine to the receiving area. Implementing a wireless power transmitter in this manner into a coffee maker can advantageously provide a mechanism for a pre-heat system within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, where the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container has one or more power storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.), once the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is removed from the receiving area of the coffee maker, the electronic module (e.g., FIG. 44The electronic module EM or other control circuitry in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can operate one or more heating or cooling elements to maintain the liquid at a user selected or predetermined temperature or temperature range. In other embodiments, if the power storage element is omitted, once the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is removed from the receiving area of the coffee maker, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container will slowly cool over time according to the heat dissipation characteristics of the material of the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. A heat retaining material can be used to extend the amount of time the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container remains hot (e.g., phase change material, etc.). In one embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have an inductive coupling receiver and a heating or cooling element (e.g., heating or cooling element HC, such as a Peltier element, resistive heater). In another embodiment, there can be other circuitry in the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container, such as temperature sensors (e.g., temperature sensors 820A-D, 920, or S1-Sn in the FIG. 44 temperature sensor 820A-D, 920, or S1-Sn) and an electronic module (e.g., electronic module 90, EM in the

[0297] In another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a wireless power receiver, a thermostat circuit, a temperature sensor, and one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., a heating coil). In this embodiment, when the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is placed in the receiving area of the coffee maker and the wireless power transmitter of the machine is turned on, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can use its thermostat circuit to control the pre-heat process to a user selected or pre-determined temperature or temperature range. This embodiment can have a user interface or can omit the user interface and rely on a factory set temperature or temperature range. In another embodiment, similar to the above embodiment, instead of using a thermostat circuit, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a wireless power receiver, a power limiting device (i.e., a current limiter, a voltage limiter, or a wattage limiter), and a heating or cooling element (e.g., a heating coil). In this embodiment, when the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is placed in the receiving area of the coffee maker and the wireless power transmitter of the coffee maker is turned on, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can use its power limiting to control the pre-heat temperature to a user selected or pre-determined temperature or temperature range. This embodiment can have a user interface or can omit the user interface and rely on a factory pre-determined temperature or temperature range. In another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a wireless power receiver and one or more heating or cooling elements. In this embodiment, a user can select a pre-heat temperature or a pre-heat temperature range (e.g., “low” or “medium” or “high”) for the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container via a user interface located on the coffee maker. In this embodiment, the coffee maker can limit or control the power level of its wireless power transmitter (based on the user selected temperature or temperature range) in order to control the amount of power delivered to the wireless power receiver within the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, the coffee maker can use a voltage limiter or an ampere limiter or a wattage limiter or can slowly modulate or pulse deliver the power or use pulse width modulation (PWM) (e.g., pulse deliver the power at a high frequency) to adjust the power level provided by the wireless power transmitter in the coffee maker to the wireless power receiver in the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, or liquid container, thereby adjusting the power provided to the one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., a heating coil) in the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, or liquid container.In this manner, one or more heating or cooling elements can be provided with a specific power level in order to heat or cool the liquid holding portion of the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container to a specific temperature or temperature range (e.g., low, medium, high). This embodiment advantageously allows a user to select a pre-heat temperature or pre-heat temperature range for the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container directly on the coffee maker, and can reduce manufacturing costs for the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container due to the reduced number of components within the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. This embodiment can have a user interface on the coffee maker (as described above), or can omit the user interface and rely on a factory pre-determined temperature or temperature range. In another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a temperature sensor, a wireless transmitter for transmitting data, one or more heating or cooling elements, and a wireless power receiver. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor can transmit sensed temperature information to the coffee maker, such that the coffee maker can adjust the power level delivered to the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container based at least in part on the sensed information received from the temperature sensor. In this embodiment, the coffee maker can adjust the power to its wireless power transmitter in order to control the temperature of at least a portion of the liquid receiving portion of the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. While the machines described in the above embodiments are coffee makers, the above embodiments can be applied to tea makers, or coffee and tea makers, or other hot or cold liquid dispensing machines.

[0298] As previously discussed, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a user selected temperature set point or mode (e.g., low, medium, high). As discussed herein, in one embodiment, such user selected temperature set point or range can be provided via a user interface on the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, the base of the coffee maker can have a user interface (e.g., temperature set point selector, such as a dial) with which a user can pre-set the temperature of a cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container placed on the base or receiving area. In other embodiments, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a pre-selected temperature set point (e.g., factory pre-set temperature). In yet another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container need not have a pre-selected (e.g., at time of manufacture) or user selected temperature set point. Rather, the amount of heat provided by the heating or cooling element can be controlled by the amount of amperage, voltage, or wattage provided by the induction emitter. In such an embodiment, the coffee maker can include a potentiometer that controls the amperage (or voltage or wattage) provided to the base or receiving area of the coffee maker to set the temperature on a cup, mug, or travel mug placed on the receiving area. While the machines described in the above embodiments are coffee makers, the above embodiments can be applied to tea makers, or coffee and tea makers, or other hot or cold liquid dispensing machines.

[0299] While the wireless power transmitter disclosed above can be described in connection with a cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, eating utensil, or tableware (e.g., bowl, dinner plate, warming plate), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinking vessels, eating utensils, and tableware.

[0300] In another implementation, the receiving area RA of the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., coffee maker) CM has a power transmitter 1810A having one or more (e.g., multiple, two, three) electrical contacts that can interface with corresponding electrical contacts in a drinkware container (e.g., mug, cup) placed on the receiving area RA. The electrical contacts can be circular or annular (e.g., continuous ring) contacts. In an example, the electrical contacts include two circular or annular spaced apart contacts. In another example, the electrical contacts include three circular or annular spaced apart contacts. In an example, at least one (e.g., two) of the one or more (e.g., two, three) electrical contacts is used to communicate power to electronics in the drinkware container. In another example, at least one (e.g., one) of the one or more (e.g., three) electrical contacts is used to communicate or transfer data and / or instructions (e.g., temperature set point for operation) between the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., coffee maker) CM and the drinkware container when the drinkware container is disposed on the receiving area RA of the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., coffee maker) CM. Advantageously, the circular or annular electrical contacts allow for the transfer of power, data and / or instructions between the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., coffee maker) CM and the drinkware container regardless of the orientation of the drinkware container on the receiving area RA. In another implementation, as described above, the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., coffee maker) CM provides wireless power to the drinkware container when the drinkware container is disposed on the receiving area RA. Additionally or alternatively, data and / or instructions are wirelessly transferred between the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., coffee maker) CM and the drinkware container when the drinkware container is disposed on the receiving area RA.

[0301] Wireless control

[0302] In an embodiment, the operation of the plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel cup 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be controlled wirelessly (e.g., via Wi-Fi, ZIGBEE TM , IR, or RF communication). For example, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 can include a communication transceiver (e.g., Wi-Fi, ZIGBEE TM, IR or RF transceiver) that allows the plate 100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container to send information to and receive information and / or instructions from a remote device. In one embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container can have an IP address and link with a user via a Wi-Fi network. Thus, the plate 100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cup, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500) can be wirelessly connected to the cloud (e.g., cloud-based communication system). In another embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container can have a near field communication (NFC) pad so that a user can use their mobile electronic device to connect to the plate 100, bowl, dishware, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container via Bluetooth® , Zigbee®, Z-Wave®, or other wireless communication device (e.g., via use of a Bluetooth® chip link) or other wireless communication device.

[0303] In one embodiment, the remote device can be a wireless remote control. In another embodiment, the remote device can be a mobile electronic device (e.g., smart phone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, notebook, etc.) that can communicate with the plate 100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., refrigerated drinkware, baby bottle) via the cloud or that can pair or sync with the plate 100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., refrigerated drinkware, baby bottle) (e.g., via Bluetooth® ). With respect to the plate 100, bowl, dishware, mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container, the mobile electronic device can pair with one of the plate 100, bowl, dishware, mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container to control the operation of that single plate 100, bowl, dishware, mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container and can pair with multiple plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers to simultaneously control the operation of the multiple plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers.

[0304] In one embodiment, a mobile application (e.g., IPHONE TM , ANDROID TM , or mobile application) to allow the mobile electronic device to communicate with one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., via the cloud or via Bluetooth® connection).

[0305] The wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can receive operational data from one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers with which it is in communication or paired (e.g., via the cloud or via Bluetooth® ) such as, for example, the charge level of one or more batteries 80, 480, 680; the heating / cooling status or temperature of a plate 100, bowl, platter, or different portion of a plate 100, bowl, platter, or cup, liquid container, mug 400, or travel mug 600; the ambient temperature; and / or diagnostic information for the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device can receive information from one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., via the cloud or via near field communication systems, or via Wi-Fi or via Bluetooth® ). For example, a mobile electronic device can receive information about how many cups of coffee a user has consumed throughout the day. Further, with a liquid level sensor (discussed above), a mobile electronic device can receive information from a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container about the volume (e.g., ounces) of liquid (e.g., coffee, tea, water, milk, formula, beer, soft drink) a user has consumed (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly). Thus, a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container can communicate with the cloud to provide information about a user's coffee, beer, water (etc.) intake to track user behavior. A user can use such information to track information about their habits (e.g., how many days they drink coffee, how many cups of coffee they consume daily, what type of coffee drink or tea they prefer, etc.). Such information can also be used to limit a user's intake (e.g., of coffee) by communicating to the user via a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container based on such habit information (e.g., by the user setting via a user interface on a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container or via a mobile application or website, as discussed further herein, or based on information compiled from the user being stored on the cloud, e.g., for a week, a month, etc.). For example, a cup, mug, or travel mug can activate an alarm (e.g., visual alarm, audible alarm) to let a user know when a daily limit of coffee intake has been reached, such drink limit information being communicated to the cup, mug, baby bottle, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container from the cloud. Similarly, when the number of beers consumed reaches a preselected limit (e.g., selected by a user, a bartender, etc.), a chilled drinkware (e.g., beer cup) can activate an alarm (e.g., visual alarm, audible alarm, etc.) via an electronic device (e.g., mobile electronic device, desktop computer, etc.) through the cloud or near field communication system, or can be selected via a user interface on the chilled drinkware device (e.g., beer cup 1600).

[0306] As discussed above, information collected by the one or more mugs 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles or liquid containers can be sent to a cloud-based data collection / storage system that a user can access via a dashboard interface on an electronic device (e.g., mobile electronic device, desktop computer, etc.). In one embodiment, the cloud can be local, where a user's mobile phone, PDA, tablet computer, etc. can link to a router and then can be used to send instructions to and receive information from the one or more mugs 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles or liquid containers. Thus, in one embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., mobile electronic device, desktop computer) can communicate with the one or more mugs 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles or liquid containers without using the internet.

[0307] In one embodiment, information stored on the cloud can be communicated, for example, by the user to a social networking site to share information with the user's social network (e.g., progress in reducing coffee intake, or sharing the user's favorite coffee or tea drink, or the user's daily coffee or tea drinking habits, etc.).

[0308] RFID tag

[0309] In an embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can have an RFID tag. In this embodiment, user data can be transmitted via the RFID tag to an RFID reader of a coffee shop, tea house, cafe, bistro, grocery store, dining establishment, or other retail establishment. The RFID tag can transmit certain data, such as the user's favorite coffee or tea beverage, or the user's drinking habits, or what coffee shops and / or tea houses the user has visited, or what other retail establishments the user has visited, or what temperature the user likes to keep his or her coffee or tea beverage. In another embodiment, the RFID tag can receive information from the retail establishment (e.g., the RFID tag can receive information about a particular coffee or tea that is purchased, such as where it was grown, etc.), and this information can be displayed to the user (e.g., via a visual display on the cup, mug, travel mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container). In another embodiment, the RFID tag within the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can be used to pay for a beverage, food, or merchandise that the user chooses to purchase. In this embodiment, the RFID tag within the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can communicate with an RFID reader of a coffee shop, tea house, cafe, bistro, grocery store, dining establishment, or other retail establishment, and can convey the user's identity information, or account information, or credit card information, or bank account information, or credit account information (e.g., such as a coffee shop credit account or coffee shop pre-paid account, or a credit account or another suitable type of pre-paid account). In this embodiment, the user can use his or her cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container to pay for food, beverages, or other merchandise. In another embodiment, the RFID tag within the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can be used as part of a customer loyalty rewards program. For example, a coffee shop, tea house, cafe, bistro, grocery store, dining establishment, or other retail establishment can reward a user with a free cup of coffee or tea for every 10 cups of coffee or tea that the user purchases. Each time the user purchases a cup of coffee or tea, the RFID tag can convey this information to an RFID reader, or the purchase data can be stored on the RFID tag, or other data storage circuitry within the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container, or on a cloud-based data storage system, or on a local or remote data storage system. While the example given above is a free cup of coffee or tea for every 10 cups purchased, other reward programs can be used (e.g., food, beverages, merchandise, reward points, reward coins, money, currency, etc. can be given to a customer in exchange for a total amount of coffee or tea consumed or purchased by the customer, or a particular type of coffee or tea purchased by the customer, or a reward point system, or other beverages purchased, or a total amount spent, or a number of purchases made by the customer per day, month, or year, or any other suitable reward program can be used).In one embodiment, reward points or reward coins or other reward program information can be shown via a display screen on the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container, or can be displayed on the user's mobile electronic device, or cell phone, or tablet, or cloud, or the user's dashboard, or website, or mobile phone or tablet application, etc. In another embodiment, an RFID tag within the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container can transmit information to an RFID reader within the coffee shop, tea house, cafe, bistro, grocery store, dining establishment or other retail establishment for the purpose of accumulating data that can be used to calculate the approximate or precise amount of paper cups or disposable cups not used, or the number of trees saved, etc. In this embodiment, as an example, when the user uses his or her cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container to drink a purchased beverage, a disposable cup has been saved (i.e. not used). This user data can be collected and can be transmitted via the RFID tag and ultimately can be displayed via a display screen on the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container, or can be displayed on the user's mobile electronic device, or cell phone, or tablet, or on the user's internet dashboard, or on a website, or on a mobile phone or tablet application, or on a social media website or application, or on a screen within or outside of the coffee shop, tea house, cafe, bistro, grocery store, dining establishment or other retail establishment, etc. (e.g. the total or approximate total number of trees saved, or the total number of disposable cups saved or not used, or the total carbon footprint offset, or other suitable green or eco initiative information). In this embodiment, the information can be individual user information (e.g. how many disposable cups has the user saved independently), or the data collection can be cumulative and can include data from a group of users or all users, etc. (e.g. the total or approximate total number of disposable cups saved, or the number of trees saved, or the carbon footprint offset, by all users of the RFID tags enabled across cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles or liquid containers). In another embodiment, the user's data can be collected and displayed directly on the screen of the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container or can be transmitted via. pairing is shown on the screen of the user's cell phone or mobile electronic device (e.g. how many disposable cups or trees saved independently by the user, or the total carbon footprint offset, etc.) and in this embodiment, the use of transmitted user data (e.g. RFID tag) will not be necessary. While the embodiment described in this paragraph uses an RFID tag and RFID reader to communicate data, other suitable methods of wireless communication can be used to transmit the data (e.g. the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container can be connected via WiFi, or via Bluetooth, or via NFC, or via a cellular connection, or via a wired connection, or via a combination of these methods, or via other suitable methods of wireless communication, etc.). wirelessly via BLUETOOTH®, or via ZIGBEE TM The data can be transmitted by the wireless radio, or via near field communication (NFC), or any other suitable RF, infrared, or ultrasonic transmitter or receiver. In one embodiment, the multi-stage communication can result in the data reaching the target location (e.g., the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container The wireless radio can transmit certain data to the mobile electronic device (via pairing), and the mobile electronic device can relay or transmit the data to the internet via its cellular or WiFi connection to the internet.

[0310] In another embodiment, the data described in the above paragraph can be transmitted to a coffee shop, tea house, cafe, bistro, grocery store, dining establishment, or other retail establishment by a QR code displayed on the screen of the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., the user can pay for a beverage, food, or merchandise by using the QR code shown on the screen of the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container, or the user can transmit the reward points information, identity information, or any other information outlined above in this paragraph via the QR code on the screen of the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container). In another embodiment, the QR code can be displayed on a mobile phone or mobile electronic device by a wireless transmission of data from the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container to the mobile phone or mobile electronic device. While the embodiment described in this paragraph utilizes a QR code, in other embodiments another graphic or symbol or barcode can be used in place of the QR code.

[0311] In one embodiment, the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can display the temperature of the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., as sensed by one or more temperature sensors in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container). In one embodiment, the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can display the liquid level within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., as sensed by one or more liquid level sensors in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container). In another embodiment, the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can display the temperature of the food on the plate 100, 800, 900 or dinner plate, or the temperature of the food or soup within a bowl (e.g., as sensed by one or more temperature sensors 820A-820D, 920).

[0312] A wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can be used by a user to transmit instructions to one or more plates 100, bowls, cutlery, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, and the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device communicates with it (e.g., via the cloud) or is paired or associated with it (e.g., via...). (via a near-field communication system, via WiFi, etc.). For example, a user can operate a wireless remote control or mobile electronic device to turn on or off one or more heating or cooling elements 60, 60' in or within a set of plates 100, 100', bowls or plates, cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., turning on or off multiple heating or cooling elements 60, 60' associated with different parts of plates 100, 100', bowls or plates, or a set of plates 100, 100', bowls or plates). This would advantageously allow, for example, a catering company to simultaneously operate a large number of plates, cups, mugs, dinner plates, etc.; to provide temperature setpoints for different parts of plates 100, 100', bowls or dinner plates, or cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles or liquid containers, or multiple plates 100, 100', bowls or dinner plates, or cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles or liquid containers; to set the number of times (e.g., how long one or more of the heating or cooling elements 60, 60' should be operated); or to set limited functional mode features, as further described below. However, a wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can be used to provide instructions to one or more plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers to control any operating parameters (e.g., temperature mode). Such functionality advantageously allows users to remotely control one or more plates 100, bowls, dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., chilled beverage containers such as beer mugs 1600). For example, if a user leaves an actively heated or cooled travel mug in his or her car, the user can remotely turn off the operation of the travel mug via their smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer.

[0313] Although the above-disclosed information is from Yun, Wireless communication of WiFi or near field communication systems can be described in connection with a mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., beer cup 1600 or baby bottle 1500), but those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also apply to any liquid container, drinking vessel, eating utensil, or tableware (e.g., bowl, plate, or warming tray), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinking vessels, eating utensils, and tableware.

[0314] In an embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel cups 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers can have a color-mixing LED indicator as a visual indicator that can be adjusted to a single color (e.g., one user's plate can have a pink light-emitting indicator, another user's plate can have a blue light-emitting indicator), allowing users to identify their specific plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel cup 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container paired with their respective remote control or mobile electronic device. In another embodiment, each of one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel cups 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers can have a digital readout, allowing each user to have a displayed identifier (e.g., name, numerical identifier, symbol, unique marking). In another embodiment, plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel cups 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers can be sold in multi-piece sets or as single unique units with a permanent identifier marking (e.g., logo, sticker, number, letter, icon, shell shape, shell color, colored portion of shell, light-emitting colored light, name, or any other suitable identifier marking) such that a single user can be paired to their unique plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel cup 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container. In another embodiment, individually marked plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel cups 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers can all be controlled together or in groups via a wireless remote control or mobile electronic device.

[0315] As discussed above, one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel cups 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers (e.g., beer cup 1600, coffee carafe, baby bottle 1500) can have a user interface, such as a digital screen, that can display operational information (e.g., temperature, liquid level, battery charge level) as well as information communicated to the one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel cups 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers (e.g., from the cloud or by way of a message from a mobile electronic device ).FIG. 35-FIG. 37 An embodiment of a travel mug 1700A with a user interface 1710A is shown. The travel mug 1700A may have a structural arrangement and heating or cooling system similar to those described herein for mugs 400, 600, 2000, 2100, and 2400. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 1710A may be a digital screen (e.g., an LCD screen). The user interface 1710A may display operational information of the travel mug 1700A (e.g., temperature, liquid level, battery charge level) (e.g., operational information transmitted from an electronic module to the user interface 1710A), and optionally, may also display information transmitted via WiFi from a mobile electronic device such as a mobile electronic device 1750A (see [link to documentation]). FIG. 37 Information can be transmitted to the Travel Mug 1700A via an electronic device or wirelessly from the Internet. As described above, in one embodiment, information can be transmitted via the cloud. In another embodiment, such as... FIG. 37 As shown, the mobile electronic device 1750A can be used as an example via... The connection communicates with the travel mug 1700A, wherein the mobile electronic device 1750A can be paired with one or more travel mugs 1700As. In one embodiment, the travel mug 1700A can receive (e.g., via the cloud, via...) Information such as time, date, financial information (e.g., stock information), weather information such as the expected high and low temperatures for the day, and personal information (e.g., appointments from a calendar, birthday reminders, information from social networking sites) is displayed on the user interface 1710A. In one embodiment, as previously discussed, the user can input commands via the user interface 1710A (e.g., changing the beverage temperature setpoint, changing the heating or cooling system settings between various power modes, sleep mode, on mode, or off mode).

[0316] In an embodiment, for example, if no movement of the travel cup 1700A (or dish, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container having the user interface) is detected after a certain period of time, the user interface 1710A (e.g., digital screen) can enter a sleep mode in order to conserve energy (e.g., battery power). In one embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., digital screen) can be "woken up" by moving or shaking the travel cup 1700A (or dish, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container having the user interface), which can cause the motion sensor (e.g., gyroscope, tilt sensor, such as those disclosed above) to send a signal to the electronics module to power up the user interface 1710A. In another embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., digital screen) can be "woken up" via a gesture sensor (as discussed herein), where a user can wave their hand in front of or near the sensor, and then the sensor can send a signal to the electronics module to power up the user interface 1710A. In other embodiments, in addition to a gesture sensor, a sensor such as a motion sensor that can sense motion, an infrared sensor, etc. can be used to sense the motion of a user (e.g., the user approaching the travel cup 1700A, or dish, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, etc.). In yet another embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., digital screen) can be "woken up" via a contact sensor that can sense when a user touches the travel cup 1700A (or dish, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, etc.) and communicate a signal to the electronics module to power up the user interface 1710A. In still another embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., digital screen) can be "woken up" by a push button switch or other type of switch.

[0317] While the above-disclosed communication with the user interface can be described in connection with the travel cup 1700A, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, eating utensil, or eating dish (e.g., bowl, plate, warming tray), including the dish 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and the invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinking vessels, eating utensils, and eating dishes.

[0318] FIG. 37AA mug 400 paired with a mobile electronic device 1750 is shown. The mobile electronic device 1750 can wirelessly communicate W with the mug 400 to transmit information to it (e.g., set the operating temperature of one or more heating and cooling elements HC of the mug 400) and / or receive information from it (e.g., sensed liquid temperature, sensed liquid level, battery charge level). As discussed above, in one embodiment, the information can be communicated via the cloud. In another embodiment, as shown, a mobile electronic device 1750A can communicate with the mug 400 via a FIG. 37 Bluetooth® connection, where the mobile electronic device 1750A can be paired with one or more mugs 400. The mug 400 can have a wireless power receiver, one or more energy storage devices, one or more heating or cooling elements, one or more temperature sensors, control circuitry, and a wireless transceiver, as disclosed in embodiments herein. In another embodiment, the transceiver is omitted, and the mug 400 can have a user interface to set a temperature, where the heating or cooling elements are used to heat a liquid in the mug 400 to that temperature. In another embodiment, the transceiver and user interface are omitted, and the mug 400 can have one or more heating or cooling elements operating at a factory preset temperature or temperature range.

[0319] In another embodiment, the mug 400 can also have a motion sensor (e.g., a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, etc.). When the heating or cooling elements are operating, if the motion sensor does not detect motion of the mug 400 for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 15 minutes), the motion can be stored in a memory in communication with the electronic module of the mug 400, then the heating or cooling elements will be turned off (e.g., the electronic module will stop providing power to the heating or cooling elements). In another embodiment, the automatic shut-off time period can be adjusted by the user (e.g., via a remote mobile device). In another embodiment, movement or motion sensed by the motion sensor can turn on one or more heating or cooling elements.

[0320] In another embodiment, one or more of the tray 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., beer glass 1600 or baby bottle 1500) can have a gesture sensor that can allow a user to tune the operation of the tray 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container with one or more gestures (e.g., of the user’s face, eyes, arms, hands, or fingers).

[0321] ​While the wireless control disclosed above can be described in connection with the plate 100, the mug 400, or the travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, one skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinkware, tableware, or table service (e.g., bowls, dinner plates, warming trays, cups, and / or liquid containers), including the plate 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, the beer mug 1600, or the baby bottle 1500, the bread basket 2200, the tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and the invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinkware, tableware, and table service.

[0322] In an embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel cups 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., refrigerated drinkware, baby bottles 1500) can communicate (e.g., through WiFi or ZIGBEE TM or cloud or In an embodiment, when the liquid level in a cup, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, water bottle, or liquid container reaches a predetermined liquid level or set point (as sensed by one or more liquid sensors), one or more cups, mugs 400, travel cups 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., refrigerated drinkware, such as the beer mug 1600, baby bottles 1500) can send an alert (e.g., visual signal, audible signal, text message) to an electronic device so that the person with the electronic device (which can be the user or a different person) can know that it is time to replenish the liquid (e.g., water, coffee, tea, beer, wine) in the one or more cups, mugs, travel cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., refrigerated drinkware, such as beer mugs, baby bottles, etc.). In one example, this can advantageously allow the user or their assistant to replenish the beverage in the one or more cups, mugs, travel cups, water bottles, or liquid containers in an efficient manner without inappropriately interrupting the holder of the cup, mug, travel cup, water bottle, or liquid container. For example, when used in a conference room environment, the beverage can be replenished without inappropriately interrupting a meeting. In another embodiment, where used in a bar or restaurant environment, this can advantageously allow a waitress / waiter or bar tender to efficiently replenish the beverage without having to constantly monitor the user of the cup, mug, travel cup, water bottle, or liquid container to see if they need a refill (e.g., water, soda, coffee, tea, wine such as beer, etc.).

[0323] In another embodiment, when the liquid level in one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers reaches a predetermined level or set point (as described above), an alarm may be sent to a mobile electronic device (of a user, a third party, etc.), and the mobile electronic device may access a navigation application to locate the nearest location (e.g., a coffee shop, convenience store, restaurant) where the user can refill their cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0324] In one embodiment, as discussed above, one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers can wirelessly communicate with a car or vehicle, and one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., chilled beverage containers, baby bottles) can communicate with the car or vehicle (e.g., via...). This information, discussed in the above embodiments (e.g., remaining liquid volume or level, liquid temperature, battery charge level), can be provided to the user via a vehicle's communication system. In one embodiment, the user can also control the operation of one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers via the vehicle's user interface (e.g., via touch control or voice-activated control). In one embodiment, when the liquid level in a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container drops below a predetermined level, the vehicle's user interface can provide information about nearby locations (e.g., coffee shops, convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants) where the user can refill the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0325] While the above-disclosed alert notifications based on liquid or food levels may be described in conjunction with cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, cutlery, or tableware (e.g., bowls, plates, heating plates), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottles 1500, beer mugs 1600, bread baskets 2200, tortilla warmers 2300, and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, cutlery, and tableware.

[0326] Sensing boldness of liquid

[0327] In one embodiment, one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, or water bottles (e.g., drinking utensils or baby bottles) may include one or more mass sensors (e.g., FIG. 34Esensors, ultrasonic sensors, pH sensors, chlorine sensors, fluoride sensors, taste sensors, or other suitable types of sensors. In one embodiment, the one or more beverage quality sensors can sense a quality of the beverage (e.g., brightness, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, sodium content, chlorine content, fluoride content, etc.) and communicate the sensed information to the electronic module, which can transmit the information to a user via a user interface on the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., drinking vessel or baby bottle), or wirelessly to an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer; a desktop computer, etc.) via a cloud as described above or via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth® or WiFi or ZIGBEE or WiFi or ZIGBEE TM ) to an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer; a desktop computer, etc.). The beverage quality information can be communicated on a display screen or in the form of a verbal message, a text message, a visual message, a meter, a visual signal (e.g., a light that glows or flashes), an audible signal, or other suitable signal. In one embodiment, the one or more quality sensors can be used to communicate information about the brightness of the coffee. In another embodiment, the one or more quality sensors can be used to transmit information to a user when a tea bag steeping process is complete. In another embodiment, the one or more beverage quality sensors can be used to determine whether milk or formula in a baby bottle or liquid container has gone bad and transmit that information to a user. In another embodiment, the one or more beverage quality sensors can be used to determine whether milk or formula in a baby bottle or liquid container is healthy to drink and transmit that information to a user.

[0328] FIG. 38IOne embodiment of a liquid container LC8 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) is shown. The liquid container LC8 can include one or more quality sensors that can sense the quality of a liquid contained therein, such as brightness, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, etc. (e.g., of coffee or tea). In one embodiment, the one or more quality sensors can be visual sensors, light sensors, ultrasonic sensors, pH sensors, chlorine sensors, fluoride sensors, taste sensors, or other suitable types of sensors. In one embodiment, the one or more beverage quality sensors can sense the quality of a beverage (e.g., brightness, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, sodium content, chlorine content, fluoride content, etc.) and communicate the sensed information to an electronic module, which can transmit the information to a user via a user interface UI1 on the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., drinkware or baby bottle), or wirelessly to an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smart phone, PDA, tablet computer; a desktop computer, etc.) via a cloud as discussed above or via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth® or WiFi or ZIGBEE or WiFi or ZIGBEE TM ) as discussed above. The beverage quality information can be communicated on the display screen UI1 or in the form of a verbal message, a text message, a visual message, a meter, a visual signal (e.g., a light that glows or flashes), an audible signal, or other suitable signal.

[0329] In one embodiment, the liquid container LC8 (e.g., a water bottle) can have a liquid quality sensor as discussed above, a wireless power receiver, one or more power storage elements PS, and can exclude a heating or cooling system. In another embodiment, the wireless power receiver can be replaced with a dynamo as discussed further below. In one embodiment, the liquid container LC8 can have one or more solar panels SP on its outer surface for collecting solar power, which can be used to power the one or more quality sensors, visual displays, etc.

[0330] While the quality sensors disclosed above can be described in connection with a mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can also be applied to any liquid container, drinkware, tableware, or table service (e.g., bowl, dinner plate, warming plate), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and the invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinkware, tableware, and table service.

[0331] In one embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can have a timer feature that can be set and / or activated by the user or a third party (e.g., an employee of a coffee shop). The timer feature can alert the user when the tea bag steeping process is complete. The alert can be an audible sound, a notification on a display screen, a notification or audible sound on the user's mobile electronic device or mobile phone, or any other suitable means of notifying the user.

[0332] Vacuum sealed cup

[0333] FIG. 39 One embodiment of a travel mug 2000, such as a travel coffee mug, is shown that can incorporate some of the same features described above with respect to the mug 400, cup, travel mug 600, 1700A, water bottle, or liquid container. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 2000 has an outer peripheral wall 2010, a handle 2012, and a bottom portion 2040, where in one embodiment the bottom portion 2040 can be removably attached to a distal end of the outer peripheral wall 2010. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 2000 has an inner peripheral wall 2020 that extends from a proximal portion 2022 to a base 2026, and has the base 2026. The inner peripheral wall 2020 defines a chamber 2018 (e.g., a receiving portion or cavity) for containing a liquid (e.g., coffee, tea). In one embodiment, the travel mug 2000 can be sized to fit into a standard diameter cup holder (e.g., in a car, at a theater). In addition, the travel mug 2000 can be sized (e.g., have a height) to allow it to fit in a drawer (e.g., a top drawer) of a dishwasher rack so that the travel mug 2000 can be inverted in the dishwasher for cleaning in a generally vertical orientation. In one embodiment, the travel mug 2000 can contain about 16 ounces of liquid. However, other liquid containing sizes (e.g., 12 ounces, 24 ounces, etc.) can be used.

[0334] The inner peripheral wall 2020 can be attached at its proximal portion 2022 to the proximal end 2012a of the outer peripheral wall 2010. The shape of the inner peripheral wall 2020 relative to the outer peripheral wall 2010 is such that an annular gap 2028 is defined between the inner peripheral wall 2020 and the outer peripheral wall 2010. In addition, the base 2026 of the inner peripheral wall 2020 is spaced apart from the bottom portion 2040 so as to define a cavity 2030 therebetween, where the cavity 2030 is walled off or spaced apart from the annular gap 2028. A cover 2070 can be removably disposed over an opening in the inner peripheral wall 2020 to substantially seal the top of the cavity or liquid receiving portion 2018.

[0335] The travel cup 2000 can have a heating or cooling system 2055 similar to the heating or cooling systems disclosed herein such as for the mug 400, travel cup 600, plate 100 (e.g., a system that can have one or more Peltier elements that can operate in heating and cooling modes to selectively provide heating and cooling for liquid in the travel cup 2000), but for simplicity, the heating elements of the heating or cooling system have been omitted from FIG. 39 In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 2055 can include one or more energy storage devices 2080 and an electronic module 2090, where these components can be arranged and connected in the same manner as described above in connection with the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or dinner plate, and the heated or cooled mug 400, mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container. One or more heating or cooling elements (not shown) can be disposed proximate to the inner wall 2020 (e.g., along at least a portion of the height of the inner wall 2020), such as in contact with the outer surface 2020a of the inner circumferential wall 2020, to thereby provide heating or cooling for liquid in the chamber or cavity 2018.

[0336] The electronic module 2090 can be attached to the bottom portion 2040 and can include one or more of a wireless power receiver 2092 (e.g., which can receive power from an inductively coupled transmitter in a charging base such as the charging base 700 or a charging pad such as a charging pad embedded in a table as discussed herein), a control circuit 2094 (e.g., a controller circuit, microcontroller, etc.), and a charger 2096 (e.g., a charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy storage devices 2080. The electronic module 2090 can include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. The control circuit 2094 can operate to manage power delivered to the one or more heating or cooling elements. The control circuit 2094 can also be used to manage charging of the one or more energy storage devices 2080.

[0337] In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 202 is electrically connected to the battery charger 206, the battery charger 2096 is electrically connected to the energy storage device 2080, which is in turn electrically connected to the heating or cooling elements. In another embodiment, when the energy storage device 2080 is omitted, the wireless power receiver 2092 can be electrically connected to the heating or cooling elements.

[0338] In one embodiment, the bottom portion 2040 can be removably attached to the travel cup 2000 to allow access to the heating or cooling system 2055 in the cavity 2030. For example, the bottom portion 2040 can be mechanically coupled to the travel cup 2000 (e.g., with a screw, a threaded interface between the bottom 640 and the travel cup 600, a press fit connection). The bottom portion 2040 can be removed to allow replacement of one or more energy storage devices 2080 and servicing of the heating or cooling system 2055. In one embodiment, the bottom portion 2040 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the travel cup 2000, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access the heating or cooling system 2055. In another embodiment, the bottom portion 2040 can be a waterproof cover that can be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the travel cup 2000, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access one or more energy storage devices 2080. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage devices 2080 can be in a package that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap fit, screwed down) to the bottom or side of the travel cup 2000, where the electrical contacts of the package are connected with the electrical contacts of the bottom or side of the travel cup 2000, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0339] With continued reference to FIG. 39 The travel cup 2000 is a double-walled unit having an inner wall 2020 and an outer wall 2010. In one embodiment, the travel cup 2000 can be vacuum sealed such that a vacuum exists in the gap 2028. In another embodiment, the travel cup 2000 need not be vacuum sealed, but can have a double-walled structure separated by the gap 2028. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more spacers 2098 interconnect the base 2026 of the inner wall 2020 and the inner surface 2010a of the outer wall 2010. In one embodiment, the one or more spacers 2098 can be made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum, copper). The one or more spacers 2098 can advantageously provide a thermal bridge to transfer heat from the cavity 2018 to the outer wall 2010a. In one embodiment, the inner wall 2020 and the surface 2010a are portions of a single piece (e.g., monolithic piece) that can be inserted into the body of the travel cup 2000.

[0340] A temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor, thermostat) can be connected to the outer wall 2010a and can be in thermal communication with one or more spacers 2098, providing a temperature reading of the temperature in the cavity 2018. The temperature sensor can be in communication with the electronics module 2090, which can communicate sensed temperature information as discussed herein (e.g., to a user interface of the travel cup 2000 via a cloud or near field communication system, to an electronic device such as a mobile electronic device). This embodiment advantageously allows temperature information to be obtained from the cavity 2018 in a double-walled travel cup 2000 (e.g., a vacuum-sealed cup) without the need to run wires through the vacuum chamber in the gap 2028.

[0341] In another embodiment, one or more spacers 2098 can optionally (or additionally) function as an acoustic bridge and allow sensing of the volume or level of liquid within the cavity 2018. For example, a sound generator (e.g., an ultrasonic generator) can be coupled to the outer wall 2010 adjacent one of the one or more spacers 2098 and generate a signal (e.g., a vibrational signal) that can be communicated through the spacer 2098 to the liquid in the cavity 2018. A microphone (e.g., an ultrasonic microphone) can be coupled to the outer wall 2010 adjacent another of the one or more spacers 2098 and communicate the signal to the electronics module 2090, which can determine the volume (or level) of liquid in the cavity 2018 based on a comparison of the frequency of the signal generated by the sound generator and the frequency received by the microphone. In another embodiment, where the speaker and microphone are part of one sensor device, an ultrasonic sensor can be used, and the sensor device can be coupled to the outer wall of the vacuum-sealed chamber, immediately adjacent the spacer 2098 or in audible communication with the spacer 2098.

[0342] In another embodiment, where the spacers 2098 are omitted, a temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor, thermostat) or ultrasonic sensor can be coupled to the outer surface of the base 2026, and one or more wires run between the double-walled units through the outer wall 2010 in an air-tight seal (if the travel cup is vacuum-sealed) or a non-air-tight seal (if the travel cup is not vacuum-sealed), providing temperature and / or level or volume information from the cavity 2018 to the electronics module 2090.

[0343] FIG. 40 Another embodiment of a travel cup 2100 is shown. The travel cup 2100 is similar to the travel cup 2000 and can include many of the same features. Accordingly, like features in the travel cup 2100 and the travel cup 2000 have like numerical identifiers, except that the identifiers of the features in the travel cup 2100 begin with a “21” rather than a “20.” Accordingly, the following description focuses on features of the travel cup 2100 that differ from the travel cup 2000.

[0344] The travel cup 2100 can be a double-walled unit having an inner wall 2120 and an outer wall 2110. The base 2126 of the inner wall 2120 can have one or more portions 2126c that can contact one or more portions 2110c of the base 2110b of the outer wall 2110. A temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor, thermostat) can be connected to the one or more portions 2110c of the base 2110b, providing a temperature reading of the temperature in the cavity 2118. The temperature sensor can be in communication with the electronic module 2190, which can communicate sensed temperature information (e.g., via a cloud or The connection conveys the sensed temperature information to a user interface of the travel cup 2100, to an electronic device such as a mobile electronic device). This embodiment advantageously allows for temperature information to be obtained from the cavity 2118 in a double-walled travel cup 2100 (e.g., a vacuum-sealed cup) without the need to run wires through the vacuum chamber in the gap 2128, nor the need for a spacer between the inner wall 2120 and the outer wall 2110a. In one embodiment, the inner wall 2120 and the surface 2110a are portions of a single piece (e.g., a monolithic piece) that can be inserted into the body of the travel cup 2100.

[0345] In another embodiment, the contact between the one or more portions 2126c of the inner wall 2100 and the one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110 can optionally (or additionally) be used as an acoustic bridge and allow for sensing the volume or level of liquid within the cavity 2118. For example, a sound generator (e.g., an ultrasonic generator) can be coupled to an outer surface of the outer wall 2110c adjacent to one of the one or more portions 2126c of the inner wall 2126 that is in contact with the one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110b, and generate a signal (e.g., a vibrational signal) that can be transmitted into the liquid in the cavity 2118. A microphone (e.g., an ultrasonic microphone) can be coupled to an outer surface of the outer wall 2110 adjacent to another of the one or more portions 2126c of the inner wall 2126 that is in contact with the one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110b, and communicate the signal to the electronic module 2190, which can determine the volume (or level) of liquid in the cavity 2118 based on a comparison of the frequency of the signal generated by the sound generator and the frequency received by the microphone.

[0346] In yet another, not shown, option, the one or more portions 2126c can have an opening defined by an edge that can be coupled (e.g., welded) to the one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110b, such that the temperature or liquid volume / level sensors can be attached to the outer surface of the outer wall 2110b, and thus their signals only need to pass through a single wall.

[0347] While the above disclosed temperature and / or liquid sensing can be described in connection with travel mug 2000, 2100, one skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, eating utensil, or tableware (e.g., bowl, plate, warming tray), including tray 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2400, beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, etc., and the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinking vessels, eating utensils, and tableware.

[0348] Bread basket

[0349] FIG. 41 A bread basket 2200 is shown, which can include many of the features discussed above in connection with tray 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100. In particular, the bread basket 2200 or bread warmer device can include a heating system (not shown), which can include one or more heating elements, an electronics module (including a wireless power receiver, control circuit, and / or charging circuit), and one or more sensors for sensing operating parameters of the heating system and the temperature of the bread basket. In one embodiment, the bread basket or bread warmer can have a heating system (e.g., one or more heating elements), one or more power storage elements (e.g., a battery or capacitor), and a thermostat circuit (or can not include a thermostat circuit). In this embodiment, the one or more power storage elements within the bread basket or bread warmer can be charged via inductive coupling, or other wireless power configuration, or via electrical contacts on the bread basket or bread warmer, or via a connecting cable, or the one or more power storage elements can be removable and chargeable on a charging station. In another embodiment, the power storage elements can be omitted. In this embodiment, the bread warmer or bread basket can receive power via wireless power or via electrical contacts or a connecting cable, and can use the power to activate one or more heating elements within the bread warmer or bread basket. This embodiment can be used to pre-heat the bread basket or bread warmer, or can remain electrically connected, and the bread basket or bread warmer can remain actively heated as bread is provided. In this embodiment, a thermostat circuit can also be used. The operation of the heating system in the bread basket 2200 or bread warmer can be similar to the operation of other embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., tray 100; bowl; plate; mug 400; travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100; beer mug 1600, etc.).

[0350] Taco warmer

[0351] FIG. 42A tortilla warmer 2300 is shown, which can have a container 2310 and a cover 2320 and can include many of the features discussed above with respect to the plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100. In particular, the tortilla warmer 2300 can include a heating system (not shown), which can include one or more heating elements, an electronics module (including a wireless power receiver, control circuit, and / or charging circuit), and one or more sensors for sensing operating parameters of the heating system and the temperature of the tortilla warmer. In one embodiment, the tortilla warmer can have a heating system (e.g., one or more heating elements), one or more power storage elements (e.g., a battery or a capacitor), and a thermostat circuit (or can not include a thermostat circuit). In this embodiment, the one or more power storage elements within the tortilla warmer can be charged via inductive coupling, or other wireless power configuration, or via electrical contacts on the tortilla warmer, or via a connecting cable, or the one or more power storage elements can be removable and charged on a charging station. In another embodiment, the power storage elements can be omitted. In this embodiment, the tortilla warmer can receive power via wireless power or via electrical contacts or a connecting cable, and can use the power to activate one or more heating elements within the tortilla warmer. This embodiment can be used to pre-heat the tortilla warmer, or can remain electrically connected, and the tortilla warmer can remain actively heated as tortillas are provided. In this embodiment, a thermostat circuit can also be used. The operation of the heating system in the tortilla warmer 2300 can be similar to the operation of the other embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., plate 100; bowl; dinner plate; mug 400; travel cup 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100; beer mug 1600, etc.).

[0352] Electric hand warmer

[0353] FIG. 43One embodiment of a mug 2400 with a hand warmer 2410 is shown. Mug 2400 can have some or all of the same features as mug 400 or travel mug 600, 1700A, 2100, 2200 discussed above, including a heating or cooling system with one or more heating or cooling elements, an electronics module (with a wireless power receiver, control circuit, and optional charging circuit), and optional one or more power storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors). In the illustrated embodiment, hand warmer 2410 can have one or more heating elements 2412 on an outer surface 2414 of mug 2400 or a handle (not shown) of mug 2400, where the one or more heating elements 2412 (e.g., heater wires, thermoelectric elements, resistive heaters, etc.) can be activated (e.g., selectively activated or automatically activated) to heat outer surface 2414 of mug 2400 so that a user’s hand is warmed when the user holds mug 2400. In one embodiment, one or more heating elements 2412 can be distributed around a portion of an outer circumference of mug 2400 and attached to, coupled to, embedded in, or otherwise incorporated into outer surface 2414 of mug 2400 (e.g., disposed under an outer layer of mug 2400). In another embodiment, one or more heating elements can be elsewhere within the mug or travel mug and can be in thermal communication with outer surface 2410 of the mug or travel mug (e.g., thermal energy can be conducted from a heat source located anywhere within the mug or travel mug to the outer surface).

[0354] In one embodiment, heat generated from a heating or cooling system within the mug (i.e., a heating or cooling system that actively heats or cools a liquid within the mug or travel mug) can be used to conduct heat to the hand warmer feature (e.g., thermal energy from the heating or cooling system can be conducted to outer surface 2410 of the mug or travel mug and used as the hand warmer feature). In one embodiment, hand warmer 2410 can be automatically activated (e.g., via control circuitry of mug 2400) when mug 2400 is in use, such as when a liquid is poured into mug 2400 (e.g., when the presence of a liquid is sensed, as discussed in embodiments herein). In another embodiment, hand warmer 2410 can be selectively actuated (e.g., turned on, turned off, or adjusted to a selected temperature set point, such as high, medium, low, or a particular temperature) by a user via a user interface on mug 2400 (e.g., user interface 695, 1710A) that communicates the user’s instructions to control circuitry of mug 2400. In yet another embodiment, hand warmer 2410 can be selectively actuated (e.g., turned on, turned off, or adjusted to a selected temperature set point, such as high, medium, low, or a particular temperature) by a user via a user interface on an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as mobile phone 1750A) that communicates the user’s instructions to control circuitry of mug 2400 via a cloud or other network connection. The connection communicates with the mug 2400 (e.g., with the control circuit of the mug 2400). In still another embodiment, a temperature sensor on the mug 2400 (e.g., on the outer surface of the mug 2400) can sense the ambient temperature, and if the sensed ambient temperature is below a predetermined set point or range, then the hand warmer 2410 is actuated (e.g., automatically via the control circuit). In one embodiment, the operation of the hand warmer 2410 can be powered by one or more power storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.). In one embodiment, the mug or travel mug can have an electric hand warmer feature, one or more power storage elements (to power the hand warmer), and a control circuit (to turn the hand warmer on or off, or to control certain preset temperature set points, etc.). In this embodiment, a user interface can optionally be included, which can allow the user to select certain hand warmer operating modes, or temperature modes, or other settings that affect the operation of the hand warmer feature.

[0355] While the electric hand warmer disclosed above can be described in connection with the mug 2400, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, eating utensil, or tableware (e.g., bowl, plate, warming tray), including the plate 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and the invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinking vessels, eating utensils, and tableware.

[0356] Chilled utensil

[0357] In an embodiment, a cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, drink container, or other liquid container (e.g., mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600) can have one or more thermoelectric elements configured to cool a liquid within the cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, drink container, or other liquid container, one or more heat sinks thermally coupled to the one or more thermoelectric elements, and an active cooling device (e.g., fan, membrane, etc.) capable of moving air across the one or more heat sinks. This air flow can advantageously increase the productivity of the one or more thermoelectric elements and can result in a cooler beverage temperature within the cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, drink container, or other liquid container. In an embodiment, the cooling fan can be a water-resistant or waterproof cooling fan, and the air flow can be directed to the location of the heat sinks. The use of a waterproof or water-resistant cooling fan can enable the formation of a dishwasher-safe or water-safe cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, drink container, or other liquid container. In another embodiment, a water-resistant or waterproof membrane can be used to generate the air flow. The cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, drink container, or other liquid container described in this paragraph can include any of the features described above or below for a tray 100; bowl; dinner plate; mug 400; travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100; beer mug 1600, etc. (e.g., power storage elements, wireless communication, wireless power, user interface, electronics module, etc.).

[0358] Wand

[0359] A wand 1000 (see FIG. 19) to actuate one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers, the wand 1000 can be waved over one or more of the plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers to turn on or off the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 or set a desired temperature or turn on or off other features. For example, when multiple plates 100 (or bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers) are spread out and arranged on a countertop (e.g., a kitchen countertop) or table, the wand 1000 can be waved over the plates 100 (or bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers) to turn on or off the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 or set operating parameters of one or more of the plates 100 (or bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers) as described below. The one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers can have a receiver (e.g., an RF receiver) that can receive a signal (e.g., an RF signal) from the wand 1000 when the wand 1000 is waved over it. In another embodiment, the wand 1000 can emit at a particular frequency or using a magnet or magnetic field that changes a state in electronics of the one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers that can, for example, communicate an instruction (e.g., via the electronics module 90, 490, 690) to the one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers to turn on. In one embodiment, the wand 1000 and the one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers can form an inductive loop such that when the wand 1000 is proximate to the plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers (e.g., within 3 to 6 inches, or less than 3 inches, or more than 6 inches), the inductive loop is charged (e.g., RFID passive loop sensing). When the wand 1000 is passed over the inductive loop, the RFID loop in the one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers can be energized, changing a state of the electronics from a first state to a second state to turn on the one or more plates 100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, carafes, or liquid containers, or turn on a wireless receiver that can then receive a signal from the wand 1000 with a given command (e.g., temperature mode setting, etc.).

[0360] In another embodiment, the wand 1000 can be used to communicate operational information or instructions to one or more plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, the wand 1000 can be used to communicate one or more predetermined temperature set points or power settings. For example, the wand 1000 can have a user interface 1010 that allows a user to select a predetermined temperature set point or power setting, and communicate the information to one or more plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers when the wand 1000 is waved over it. In addition, the wand 1000 can be used to turn on or off a restricted function mode (as described further below) on one or more plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. More generally, the wand 1000 can perform data uploads and / or downloads to and / or from one or more plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0361] In one embodiment, the wand 1000 can transmit RF signals at a particular frequency to communicate instructions to one or more plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. In other embodiments, the wand 1000 can transmit at other frequencies to one or more plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0362] In another embodiment, the wand 1000 can communicate with one or more plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers via IR or other types of light transmission.

[0363] While the wand 1000 disclosed above can be described in connection with plates 100, mugs 400, or travel mugs 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, eating utensil, or tableware (such as bowls, dinner plates, warming trays, cups, and / or liquid containers), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the disclosure and the invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinking vessels, eating utensils, and tableware.

[0364] User interface

[0365] FIG. 20Another embodiment of a plate 1100, bowl or dinner plate is shown. As described above, the plate 1100 is similar to the plates 100, 100', 800, 800' and includes the same components (with the same numerical identifiers) and features disclosed for the plates 100, 100', 800, 800', except as described below.

[0366] In one embodiment, the plate 1100, bowl or dinner plate (or mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container) can have a user interface 1110 that can include one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons 1120 electrically connected to the electronic module 90, 490, 690 to operate the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655. For example, the one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons 1120 can be actuated by a user (e.g., can sense electricity or resistance in the user's body when touched, such as capacitive touch sensing) to turn on or off one or more heating elements 60, 460, 660 in the plate 1100, bowl or dinner plate (or mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container). In another embodiment, the one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons 1120 can be actuated to provide a predetermined temperature set point (e.g., low, medium, high or a specific temperature setting) to one or more heating elements 60, 460, 660 in the one or more plates 1100, bowls or dinner plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers. For example, the one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons 1120 can operate like a toggle switch, where a user can touch the button 1120 once to turn on the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655, touch the button 1120 a second time to set the operation of the heating or cooling elements 60, 60, 660 to a first level (e.g., low), touch the button 1120 a third time to set the operation of the heating or cooling elements 60, 60, 660 to a second level (e.g., medium), touch the button 1120 a fourth time to set the operation of the heating or cooling elements 60, 60, 660 to a third level (e.g., high), and touch a fifth time to turn off the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660. In another embodiment, a first touch of the soft touch or touch switch button 1120 can turn on the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 and set the operation of the heating or cooling elements 60, 60, 660 to a first level (e.g., low). The user interface controls on the plate 1100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container can also be other suitable user interface mechanisms such as push button switches, slide switches, rocker switches, tuning knobs or scroll wheels, etc.

[0367] With respect to one or more platters 1100, bowls or dinner plates, one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons 1120 can be located on the rim 1130 of the platter 1100, bowl or dinner plate. In one embodiment, the one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons 1120 on the platter 1100, bowl or dinner plate can be a set of three soft touch buttons on the rim 1130 of the platter 1100, bowl or dinner plate, and each can be backlit (e.g., with white light). The three soft touch buttons 1120 can correspond to different levels of operation (e.g., low, medium, high) or temperature (e.g., 130°F, 165°F, 200°F) at which the heating or cooling elements 60, 60' of the platter 1100, bowl or dinner plate operate when the buttons 1120 are actuated. In one embodiment, a plurality of soft touch or touch switch buttons 830 can be positioned along the perimeter of a platter 800' or dinner plate, each button 830 associated with one of a plurality of heating or cooling elements 860A-D (e.g., where different portions of the platter 800', bowl or dinner plate such as quarters have individual heating or cooling elements 860A-D associated therewith), as FIG. 17embodiment, the user interface 1110 on one or more plates 1100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers can include one or more visual indicators 1140 (e.g., located on the rim 1130 of a plate 1100, bowl, or platter or located on the side or top of a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container) that can indicate the operational status or parameters of the one or more plates 1100, bowls, platters, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, the one or more visual indicators 1140 can display operational information such as a charge level, a power level, a selected temperature, etc. The visual indicators 1140 can be one or more of LEDs, lighted lamps, or digital screens; however, other suitable visual indicators can be used. In one embodiment, the user interface can be behind a colored translucent plastic layer so that when the screen is darkened, the user interface screen is not visible because it is behind the plastic layer. When the screen is activated by the electronic module 90, 490, 690, it glows through the translucent plastic layer (e.g., colored plastic or frosted plastic or tinted plastic). The screen can be automatically activated when liquid is sensed in a mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container or when food is sensed on a plate, bowl, or platter and can display one or more parameters (e.g., liquid temperature or food temperature or a user selected temperature mode). The user interface on a plate 1100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have one or more buttons (e.g., soft touch buttons) so that a user can toggle the button to change the operation of the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655. For example, a user can toggle one or more buttons to change the power level or temperature setting of the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 or to change between different operational functions of the plate 1100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, a user can press and hold a button to increase the temperature setting of a plate 1100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, which can increase in predetermined temperature increments (e.g., 5 °F increments) until the maximum temperature setting is reached, after which continued pressing of the button can cause the temperature setting to again increment from the minimum temperature setting. Once the user stops pressing the button, the operational temperature of the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 in the plate 1100, bowl, platter, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container will be set.

[0368] As discussed above, one or more buttons (e.g., button 1120) can be pressed to switch between different functions, one of which can be temperature setting of the tray 1100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. Switching the button again can cause the electronic module 90, 490, 690 to display on the user interface the charge level of one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 in the tray 1100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. Switching the button again can cause the electronic module 90, 490, 690 to display pairing mode, or (e.g., by pressing and holding the press button) allow the user to pair the tray 1100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to a desired mobile electronic device. Once paired, the mobile electronic device can then receive information (e.g., temperature, battery charge level, liquid level) from the tray 1100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container and transmit instructions (e.g., temperature setting, power setting, turn on or off, etc.) to the tray 1100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0369] In an embodiment, one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons (e.g., button 1120 in the FIG. 20 may light up or glow to indicate that the associated heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 is operating. For example, the soft touch or touch switch button can be backlit (e.g., with one or more LEDs or electroluminescent or OLEDs). Similarly, the soft touch or touch switch button can not glow or light up when the associated heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 is not operating. In another embodiment, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 can additionally (or alternatively) generate an audible sound (e.g., from and in conjunction with a piezoelectric speaker in one or more of the tray 1100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) when the user presses one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons (or any other type of button, dial, or switch).

[0370] While the user interfaces disclosed above can be described in connection with the plate 1100, the mug 400, or the travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can also be applied to any liquid container, drinkware, tableware, or tableware (e.g., bowls, plates, warming trays, cups, and / or liquid containers), including the plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 900, 1300, 1400, the travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, the beer mug 1600, the baby bottle 1500, the bread basket 2200, the tortilla warmer 2300, etc., and the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinkware, tableware, and tableware.

[0371] Actuation

[0372] In an embodiment, the electronic module 90 can control the heating or cooling system 55 of one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers to actuate or turn on when the one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers are removed from their associated charging station, such as the charging station 1700 described below. For example, in an embodiment, the one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers can have a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor, a magnet, a current removal detector, etc.) in communication with the electronic module 90, 490, 690, where when the plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is removed from the charging stand, the proximity sensor sends a signal to the electronic module 90, 490, 690, and the electronic module 90, 490, 690 turns on power to the heating or cooling elements 60, 60', 460, 660 based at least in part on the signal. In another embodiment, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 can place the one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers in a standby mode when removed from the charging stand without turning on the one or more heating or cooling elements 60, 60', 460, 660, which can then be turned on, for example, via user actuation of one or more soft touch buttons (such as the buttons 830, 1120) as described in embodiments above, a wireless remote control or mobile electronic device, or the wand 1000, or liquid sensing or food sensing.

[0373] While the actuation functionality disclosed above can be described in connection with the plate 100, the mug 400, or the travel cup 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinkware, tableware, or table service (e.g., bowls, dinner plates, warming trays, cups, and / or liquid containers), including the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, the travel cup 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, the beer mug 1600, the baby bottle 1500, the bread basket 2200, the tortilla warmer 2300, and the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention is understood to encompass such liquid containers, drinkware, tableware, and table service.

[0374] Charging station

[0375] FIG. 21 to FIG. 24A One embodiment of a charging station 1700 or charging rack is shown. In one embodiment, the charging station 1700 can have a user interface 1710 that communicates with the electronic module 90, 490, 690 in one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel cups 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, the user interface 1710 on the charging station 1700 can be actuated by a user to set one or more operating parameters of one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, dinner plates, mugs 400, travel cups 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, such as a user-selected pre-determined temperature set point or power setting mode.

[0376] With respect to one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dinner plates, a user can actuate one or more buttons on the charging station 1700 that holds a plurality of plates 100, 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17A) in a stacked form. The user can set a desired operating temperature or power level for each of the plurality of plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dinner plates (e.g., either individually for each plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate, or all at onc...

Claims

1. An actively heated or cooled drinkware container, comprising: a vessel having a chamber configured to receive a liquid, the vessel including an upper vessel and a lower vessel, the lower vessel removably coupled to the upper vessel to define the chamber; a heating or cooling module disposed within the lower vessel, including: a first heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of a bottom of the chamber, and a second heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of a side of the chamber, the second heating or cooling element spaced apart from the first heating or cooling element, wherein operation of the first and second heating or cooling elements is configured to generate a circulating current in a volume of liquid in the chamber, the circulating current mixing the liquid in the chamber, thereby inhibiting temperature stratification of the liquid in the volume of liquid in the chamber.

2. The drinkware container of claim 1, wherein, the drinkware container is a baby bottle, and the drinkware container further includes a cover removably coupled to the upper vessel, the cover configured to be coupled to a nipple.

3. The drinkware container of claim 1, wherein, the first heating or cooling element spans an angle between about 180 degrees and 270 degrees.

4. The drinkware container of claim 1, further comprising a probe that protrudes into the volume of liquid in the chamber.

5. The drinkware container of claim 4, further comprising one or more sensors operable to sense one or more of: a presence of liquid in the chamber, a level of liquid in the chamber, a type of liquid in the chamber, and a temperature of liquid in the chamber.

6. The drinkware container of claim 5, wherein, the one or more sensors include a temperature sensor.

7. An actively heated or cooled drinkware container, comprising: a vessel having a chamber configured to receive a liquid, the vessel including an upper vessel and a lower vessel, the lower vessel removably coupled to the upper vessel to define the chamber; a heating or cooling module disposed within the lower vessel, including: a first heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of a bottom of the chamber, a second heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of a side of the chamber, the second heating or cooling element spaced apart from the first heating or cooling element, and one or more sensors operable to sense one or more of: a presence of liquid in the chamber, a level of liquid in the chamber, a type of liquid in the chamber, and a temperature of liquid in the chamber, wherein operation of the first and second heating or cooling elements is configured to generate a circulating current in a volume of liquid in the chamber, the circulating current mixing the liquid in the chamber, thereby inhibiting temperature stratification of the liquid in the volume of liquid in the chamber.

8. The drinkware container of claim 7, wherein, The drinkware container is a baby bottle, and the drinkware container further includes a cover removably coupled to the upper vessel, the cover configured to be coupled to a nipple.

9. The drinkware container of claim 7, wherein, The first heating or cooling element spans an angle between about 220 degrees and 240 degrees.

10. The drinkware container of claim 7, wherein, The one or more sensors include one or more temperature sensors.

11. An actively heated or cooled drinkware container, comprising: a vessel having a chamber configured to receive a liquid; a heating or cooling module comprising: a first heating or cooling element operable to heat or cool a portion of the chamber, and a second heating or cooling element operable to heat or cool another portion of the chamber, the second heating element spaced apart from the first heating element, wherein operation of the first and second heating or cooling elements is configured to create a circulating current in a volume of liquid in the chamber, the circulating current mixing the liquid in the chamber, thereby inhibiting temperature stratification of the liquid in the volume of liquid in the chamber.

12. The drinkware container of claim 11, wherein, The vessel includes an upper vessel having an outer sidewall and a lower vessel having an outer sidewall, the upper vessel removably couplable to the lower vessel.

13. The drinkware container of claim 12, wherein, The heating or cooling module is disposed in the lower vessel.

14. The vessel of claim 1, wherein, The drinkware container is a baby bottle, and the drinkware container further includes a cover removably coupled to the vessel, the cover configured to be coupled to a nipple.

15. The drinkware container of claim 11, wherein, The first heating or cooling element is arcuate, and the first heating or cooling element spans an angle less than 360 degrees.

16. The drinkware container of claim 15, wherein, The first heating or cooling element is in thermal communication with a portion of a bottom of the chamber, and the second heating or cooling element is in thermal communication with a circumferential portion of a side of the chamber.

17. The drinkware container of claim 11, further comprising a probe that projects into the volume of liquid in the chamber.

18. The drinkware container of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of sensors operable to do one or more of the following: a) sense a liquid level of liquid in the chamber, b) detect a presence of liquid in the chamber, and c) detect a type of liquid in the chamber.

19. The drinkware container of claim 18, wherein, The plurality of sensors includes a plurality of spaced apart temperature sensors.

20. The drinkware container of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of annular electrical contacts on a base of the vessel, wherein, Power is provided to the first and second heating elements via at least two of the electrical contacts, and wherein data collected by one or more sensors in the vessel is transmitted via at least one of the electrical contacts.

Images