Heated or cooled tableware and drinkware

Abstract

An actively heated portable container includes a body receiving a liquid therein and a heating or cooling system at least partially disposed in the body. The heating or cooling system may include one or more heating or cooling elements that heat a surface of the receiving portion of the body and one or more energy storage devices. The container may include a wireless power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power source and a control circuit configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control transfer of power from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements, the container may also include one or more sensors that sense a parameter of the liquid or a parameter of the heating or cooling system and communicate the sensed information to a control circuit.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on June 17, 2015, with application number 2018112974826 and invention title "Tableware and Drinking Utensils for Heating or Cooling". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to tableware and drinking utensils, such as plates and mugs, and more particularly, to tableware and drinking utensils that are actively heated or cooled. Background Technology

[0003] Tableware (e.g., plates, bowls), serving utensils (e.g., large plates, dinner plates, hot plates), and drinking utensils (e.g., cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, baby bottles, beverage bottles) are sometimes made of ceramic. Plates are sometimes heated by placing them in an oven, allowing the food on the plate to remain warm for a longer period than if the plate were not heated. For example, in some restaurants, plates are heated before food is placed on them, or simultaneously with the food on them (e.g., steak). For instance, a plate containing steak can be placed in an oven to cook the steak, and once removed, the plate keeps the food warm for a period of time. In some cases, plates or bowls may also be refrigerated to keep the food on them (e.g., salads, gazpacho) cool for a longer period than if the plate were not refrigerated. However, such heating and cooling mechanisms are passive mechanisms, relying on the release of heat from the plate through the heat transfer properties of the ceramic material in the case of a heated plate, or on the absorption of heat from the plate through the heat transfer properties of the ceramic material in the case of a refrigerated plate.

[0004] However, technologies for dishwasher-safe tableware or drinking utensils that can be actively heated or cooled are not readily available. Therefore, there is a need for dishwasher-safe tableware (e.g., plates, bowls), serving utensils (e.g., large plates, dinner plates, hot plates), and drinking utensils (e.g., cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, baby bottles, beverage bottles) that can be actively heated or cooled during use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one 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 liquid, and a heating system. 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 wirelessly receive power from a power source. The heating system further includes control circuitry electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, the control circuitry being configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control the transfer of electricity 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 parameters of the liquid and / or parameters of the heating system, and to transmit the sensed parameter information to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to turn on, off, and / or operate one or more heating elements at a given power setting, at least in part based on the sensed parameter information.

[0006] 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 liquid, and a heating system having a vacuum-insulated chamber configured to reduce the rate at which heat energy leaves 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 wirelessly receive power from a power source. The heating system further includes control circuitry electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, the control circuitry being configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control the transfer of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements.

[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 liquid, and a heating system. The heating system includes one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, and control circuitry electrically connected to a wireless power receiver. The one or more heating elements are configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body, and the control circuitry is configured to charge one or more power storage elements and control the transfer of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The actively heated mug or travel mug further includes a user interface on the surface of the body, the user interface being electrically connected to the control circuitry and having one or more user-actuable controls to provide operating instructions to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to operate the one or more heating elements, at least in part, based on the instructions to actively heat at least a portion of the body to maintain the total amount of liquid in a heated state at a user-selected temperature setting.

[0008] 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 liquid, and a heating system. 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 control circuitry electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, the control circuitry being configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control the transfer of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The heating system further includes a wireless transmitter or receiver and / or transceiver configured to establish a communication connection with a remote device or mobile electronic device.

[0009] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing liquid, and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system includes: one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the actively heated or cooled body; control circuitry configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements; and one or more liquid level sensors configured to sense the liquid level in the receiving portion and transmit the sensed liquid level to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to operate each of the one or more heating or cooling elements independently of each other, at least partially based on the sensed liquid level, such that the control circuitry can turn off or on, or reduce or increase the power to at least one of the one or more heating or cooling elements, at least partially based on the sensed liquid level. Alternatively, if the one or more heating or cooling elements are one or more thermoelectric elements, the control circuitry can reverse the polarity of at least one of the one or more thermoelectric elements.

[0010] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing liquid, and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system includes: one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body; and control circuitry configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements. The control or positioning of the one or more heating or cooling elements is configured to induce circulation of liquid within the receiving portion of the body to maintain a substantially uniform liquid temperature within the volume of liquid in the receiving portion.

[0011] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing liquid, and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system includes: one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body; one or more power storage elements; a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source; control circuitry electrically connected to the wireless power receiver, the control circuitry being configured to control charging of the one or more power storage elements and to control the transfer of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined drinking temperature or within a predetermined drinking temperature range; and one or more ultrasonic liquid sensors configured to sense the liquid level in the receiving portion via frequency changes and to transmit the sensed liquid level information to the control circuitry. The control circuit is configured to operate one or more heating or cooling elements, at least in part, based on the sensed liquid level, to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body, so as to maintain the overall temperature of the liquid at a user-selected or factory-preset drinking temperature setting.

[0012] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing liquid, and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system includes: one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body; one or more power storage elements; and control circuitry configured to control charging of the one or more power storage elements and to control the transfer of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined drinking temperature or within a predetermined drinking temperature range. A wireless transmitter or receiver and / or transceiver is configured to establish a communication connection with a remote device or mobile electronic device, and the transceiver is configured to transmit operational information to and receive instructions from the remote device or mobile electronic device. A display screen is located on the surface of the body and is electrically connected to the control circuitry.

[0013] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing liquid, and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system includes: one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body; one or more temperature sensors configured to sense the temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion; and control circuitry configured to communicate with the one or more temperature sensors and to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed temperature. A wireless transmitter or transceiver is configured to establish a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet computer, wherein the transmitter or transceiver is configured to transmit sensed temperature information or information related to the sensed temperature information to the mobile phone or tablet computer for displaying the sensed temperature information on the mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0014] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing liquid, and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system includes: one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body; one or more temperature sensors configured to sense the temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion; and control circuitry configured to communicate with the one or more temperature sensors and to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed temperature. A wireless transmitter or transceiver is configured to establish a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet computer. A display screen or indicator light is located on the surface of the body, electrically connected to the control circuitry, and configured to display sensed temperature information or messages and / or visual indications related to the sensed temperature information. The transmitter or transceiver is configured to transmit the sensed temperature information or information related to the sensed temperature information to the mobile phone or tablet computer to display the sensed temperature information or messages and / or notifications related to the sensed temperature on the mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0015] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing liquid, and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system includes: one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body; one or more temperature sensors configured to sense the temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion; and control circuitry configured to communicate with the one or more temperature sensors and control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements at least in part based on the sensed temperature. A wireless transmitter or transceiver is configured to establish a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet computer, wherein a receiver or transceiver is configured to receive operating instructions from the remote mobile phone or tablet computer, and the control circuitry is configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements at least in part based on the operating instructions received from the mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0016] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, comprising a body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing liquid, and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system includes: one or more heating or cooling elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of the body; and one or more liquid level sensors configured to sense the liquid level in the receiving portion. A wireless transmitter or transceiver is configured to establish a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet computer, wherein the transmitter or transceiver is configured to transmit the sensed liquid level information to the mobile phone or tablet computer for display on the mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0017] According to one aspect, a portable container with active heating or cooling is provided. The container includes: a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and containing liquid; and a heating and cooling system disposed within the portable body. The heating and cooling system includes a cooling element comprising a phase change material disposed in a chamber surrounding at least a portion of the inner sidewall, such that the phase change material is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body, the phase change material being configured to transform from one phase to a second phase at a predetermined temperature. The heating and cooling system also includes a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or inner bottom wall of the portable body. The heating and cooling system further includes control circuitry disposed in a portion of the portable body, the control circuitry being configured to control the operation of the heating element. The heating and cooling system also includes 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 circuitry. The cooling element removes heat from the liquid in the receiving section, which has a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, to lower the temperature of the liquid to the predetermined temperature, and the control circuit controls the heating element to add heat to the liquid in the receiving section to maintain the temperature of the liquid at the predetermined temperature or to raise the temperature of the liquid to a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature.

[0018] According to another aspect, a portable container with active heating or cooling is provided. The container includes: a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and containing liquid; and a heating and cooling system disposed within the portable body. The heating and cooling system includes: means for passively cooling at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body to remove 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 sidewall or inner bottom wall of the portable body; a control circuit disposed in a portion of the portable body, the control circuit being configured to control the operation of the heating element; and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuit. The control circuit controls the heating element to increase heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature or to raise the temperature of the liquid above the predetermined temperature.

[0019] According to another aspect, a portable container with active heating or cooling is provided. The container includes a portable body having a receiving portion for receiving and containing liquid, defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall, and an outer sidewall radially spaced from the inner sidewall to define an annular chamber therebetween. The container also includes a heating and cooling system disposed within the portable body, comprising: a cooling element including a radiator disposed in the annular chamber and in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body; a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or inner bottom wall of the portable body; a control circuit disposed in a portion of the portable body and configured to control the operation of the heating element; and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuit. The cooling element removes heat from the liquid disposed in the receiving portion, and wherein the control circuit controls the heating element to increase heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature or to raise the temperature of the liquid above said predetermined temperature.

[0020] According to another aspect, an actively heated container is provided, comprising a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and containing liquid, and an outer sidewall radially spaced from the inner sidewall to define an annular chamber therebetween. The container also includes an active heating system comprising: one or more heating elements thermally in communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or inner bottom wall of the portable body; a control circuit disposed in a portion of the portable body, the control circuit being configured to control the operation of the one or more heating elements; and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the control circuit and the one or more heating elements. The control circuit is configured to calculate the volume of liquid in the receiving portion of the portable body based on sensed information indicating the temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion.

[0021] According to another aspect, a portable container with active heating or cooling is provided. The container includes: a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and containing liquid; and a temperature control system housed within the portable body. The temperature control system includes a phase change material in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body, the phase change material being configured to transition from one phase to a second phase at a predetermined temperature. The temperature control system also includes a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of one or both of the inner sidewall and the inner bottom wall of the portable body. The temperature control system further includes control circuitry configured to control the operation of the heating element. The temperature control system also includes one or more power storage elements configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuitry. The phase change material removes heat from the liquid disposed in the receiving portion at a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature to lower the temperature of the liquid towards the predetermined temperature, and the control circuitry is configured to control the heating element to increase heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the temperature of the liquid approximately at the predetermined temperature or to raise the temperature of the liquid above the predetermined temperature.

[0022] According to another aspect, a portable container with active heating or cooling is provided. The container includes: a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and containing liquid; and a temperature control system housed within the portable body. The temperature control system includes means for passively cooling at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body. The temperature control system also includes a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of one or both of the inner sidewall and inner bottom wall of the portable body. The temperature control system further includes control circuitry configured to control the operation of the heating element. The temperature control system also includes one or more power storage elements configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuitry. The means remove heat from a liquid disposed in the receiving portion at a temperature above a predetermined temperature to lower the liquid temperature towards the predetermined temperature, and the control circuitry is configured to control the heating element to increase heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the liquid temperature approximately at the predetermined temperature or to raise the liquid temperature above the predetermined temperature.

[0023] According to another aspect, a portable container with active heating or cooling is provided. The container includes: a portable body having a receiving portion defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and containing liquid; and a temperature control system housed within the portable body. The temperature control system includes a heating element thermally connected to at least a portion of one or both of the inner sidewall and inner bottom wall of the portable body. The temperature control system also includes control circuitry configured to control the operation of the heating element. The temperature control system further includes one or more sensors configured to sense information indicating the temperature of the liquid in the receiving portion and to transmit said sensed information to the control circuitry. The temperature control system also includes one or more power storage elements configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuitry. The container also includes a ring defining at least one circumferential portion of the body and configured to rotate relative to the remainder of the body. The container also includes one or more sensors configured to sense rotation of the ring and to transmit information indicating said rotation of the ring to the control circuitry. The control circuit is configured to correlate the rotation of the sensing ring with a change in a user-selected temperature setpoint for the liquid in the receiving section of the main body, and the control circuit is configured to control the operation of the heating element to heat the liquid in the receiving section, thereby adjusting the temperature of the liquid toward the user-selected temperature setpoint. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled plate.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of a heating or cooling plate.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the heating or cooling disc and the charging base for the disc.

[0027] Figure 3A It is similar to Figure 1 A schematic perspective bottom view of another embodiment of a heating or cooling disc.

[0028] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A schematic perspective top view of the heating or cooling plate and the charging base for the plate.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a schematic perspective view of a charging rack for storing multiple heated or cooled plates and multiple heated or cooled plates stored on the rack.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of the charging stand.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective top view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled mug and its charging base.

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic exploded view of a mug being heated or cooled.

[0035] Figure 9A This is a schematic exploded view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled mug.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.

[0037] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic perspective exploded view of a travel mug that is being heated or cooled.

[0038] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of a heated or cooled travel mug and its associated charging base.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.

[0041] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A schematic perspective view of a travel mug that is being heated or cooled.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl, or dish.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl, or dish.

[0044] Figure 18 This is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl, or dish.

[0045] Figure 19This is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a stick used with a heated or cooled plate, bowl, dish, mug, cup, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0046] Figure 20 This is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl, or dish.

[0047] Figure 21 This is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a charging station used with one or more plates, bowls, or dishes.

[0048] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A schematic front view of the charging station.

[0049] Figure 23 yes Figure 21 A schematic perspective view of a charging station that can accommodate multiple plates, bowls, or dishes.

[0050] Figure 24A yes Figure 23 A schematic perspective view of a charging station showing one of the plates, bowls, or dishes being removed from the charging station.

[0051] Figure 24B This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a charging station with a resonant coupled wireless power transmitter.

[0052] Figure 24C This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a charging station.

[0053] Figure 25 This is a schematic exploded view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled plate.

[0054] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of a heating or cooling disc.

[0055] Figure 27 This is a schematic perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl, or dish.

[0056] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A schematic bottom perspective exploded view of a plate, bowl, or dish being heated or cooled.

[0057] Figure 29 This is a schematic perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate, bowl, or dish.

[0058] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A schematic bottom perspective exploded view of a plate, bowl, or dish being heated or cooled.

[0059] Figure 31 This is a schematic exploded view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled liquid container for baby bottles.

[0060] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 A schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of a heated or cooled baby bottle.

[0061] Figure 32A This is a schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of another embodiment of a heated or cooled baby bottle.

[0062] Figure 33 A block diagram of a method of operating a heated or cooled plate, bowl, dish, mug, cup, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0063] Figure 34A It is a schematic diagram illustrating a counterclockwise circulation of liquid flow induced by a heating or cooling system in a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0064] Figure 34B It is a schematic diagram illustrating a clockwise circulation of liquid flow induced by a heating or cooling system in a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0065] Figure 34C It is a schematic diagram illustrating a counterclockwise circulation of liquid flow induced by a heating or cooling system in a cup, mug, travel mug, or liquid container, wherein the operation (e.g., off, on) of one or more heating and cooling elements depends at least in part on the sensed liquid level.

[0066] Figure 34D This is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a refrigerated beverage unit, such as a beer mug.

[0067] Figure 34E A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements is shown.

[0068] Figure 34F A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements is shown.

[0069] Figure 34G A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements is shown.

[0070] Figure 34H A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements is shown.

[0071] Figure 34I A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements is shown.

[0072] Figure 34J A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements is shown.

[0073] Figure 34K The operation is shown in heating mode. Figure 34G A schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid container.

[0074] Figure 34L A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements is shown.

[0075] Figure 34M This shows the operation in cooling mode. Figure 34J A schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid container.

[0076] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of the user interface on a travel mug that depicts weather information.

[0077] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of the user interface on a travel mug, depicting the temperature of the liquid inside.

[0078] Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram illustrating communication between a travel mug and an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone).

[0079] Figure 37A This is a schematic diagram illustrating communication between a mug and an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone).

[0080] Figure 38A An embodiment of a wireless power transmitter for transmitting power to a travel mug placed on a table, workbench, or bar is shown.

[0081] Figure 38B An embodiment of a wireless power transmitter for transmitting electricity to a mug placed on a table, workbench, or bar is shown.

[0082] Figure 38C An embodiment of a wireless power transmitter for transmitting electricity to a bowl placed on a table, workbench, or bar is shown.

[0083] Figure 38D An embodiment of a wireless power transmitter for transmitting electricity to a disk placed thereon is shown in a table, workbench, or bar.

[0084] Figure 38E An embodiment of a wireless power transmitter for transmitting electricity to a beer mug placed on a table, workbench, or bar is shown.

[0085] Figure 38F An embodiment of a wireless power transmitter for transmitting electricity to a baby bottle placed on a table, workbench, or bar is shown.

[0086] Figures 38G to 38H An embodiment of a wireless power transmitter in a coffee maker or tea maker is shown.

[0087] Figure 38I An embodiment of a liquid container with a liquid quality sensor is shown.

[0088] Figure 39 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a double-walled travel mug.

[0089] Figure 40 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the double-walled travel mug.

[0090] Figure 41 This is a schematic diagram of an actively heated bread basket.

[0091] Figure 42 This is a schematic diagram of an active heating tortilla warmer.

[0092] Figure 43 This is an illustration of a mug (e.g., a travel mug) with an electric hand warmer.

[0093] Figure 44 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the communication between an electronic module in an actively heated / cooled beverage, tableware, or server appliance and its user interface on a remote electronic device.

[0094] Figure 45 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the radiator cooling mechanism.

[0095] Figure 46 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cooling mechanism.

[0096] Figure 47 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the cover mechanism.

[0097] Figure 48 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a power generator.

[0098] Figures 49A to 49B The use of a removable insert for containing liquid is shown.

[0099] Figure 50 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0100] Figure 50A This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0101] Figure 51 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0102] Figure 52 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0103] Figure 53 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0104] Figure 54 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0105] Figure 55 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0106] Figure 56 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0107] Figure 57 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0108] Figure 58 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0109] Figure 59 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0110] Figure 60 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0111] Figure 61 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container.

[0112] Figure 62 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the drinking vessel.

[0113] Figure 63 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the drinking vessel.

[0114] Figure 64 This is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a drinking vessel.

[0115] Figure 65 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the drinking vessel.

[0116] Figure 66 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the drinking vessel.

[0117] Figure 67 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the drinking vessel.

[0118] Figure 68 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the drinking vessel.

[0119] Figures 69A to 69B A perspective view showing another embodiment of the drinking vessel container.

[0120] Figures 70A to 70B A perspective view showing another embodiment of the drinking vessel container.

[0121] Figures 71A to 71B A perspective view showing another embodiment of the drinking vessel container.

[0122] Figures 72A to 72B A perspective view showing another embodiment of the drinking vessel container.

[0123] Figure 73 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container and charging base system is shown.

[0124] Figures 74A to 74B A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a drinking vessel container assembly is shown.

[0125] Figures 75A to 75B A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a drinking vessel container assembly is shown.

[0126] Figures 76A to 76C A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a drinking vessel container and charging base system is shown.

[0127] Figures 77A to 77C An embodiment of a drinking vessel container assembly is shown.

[0128] Figures 78A to 78B An embodiment of a drinking vessel container assembly is shown.

[0129] Figures 79A to 79B An embodiment of a drinking vessel container assembly is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0130] Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of heated or cooled tableware or server utensils is shown. Specifically, Figures 1 to 3An embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or dish is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or dish has a circumferential wall 10 with a side surface 30a and a base 20 with a top surface 20a, wherein the side surface 30a and the top surface 20a define a recess 30 capable of receiving food (e.g., a receiving portion of the plate for receiving food). In another embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or dish may be flat, having an generally flat top surface (e.g., wherein the food receiving portion is not recessed). The wall 10 extends from a top edge 12 to a bottom edge 14. The bottom 40 of the plate 100, bowl, or dish defines a bottom surface 42 that is recessed relative to the edge 14. The bottom portion 19 defines a recess 16 such that when the plate 100, bowl, or dish is placed on a table or countertop surface, the edge 14, rather than the bottom surface 42, contacts the table or countertop surface. In another embodiment, the bottom surface 42 may be flush with the bottom edge 14, rather than recessed relative to the edge 14. In yet another embodiment, the bottom surface 42 may protrude from the bottom of the plate 100, bowl, or dish relative to the edge 14. The plate 100, bowl, or dish may resemble (e.g., be sized and shaped like) a conventional dish and fit within a standard dishwasher rack.

[0131] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The bottom 40 is attached to the wall 10, thereby defining a cavity 50 between the bottom 40 and the base 20, wherein the cavity 50 is sized to accommodate multiple components, as described below. Figure 2 As shown, the plate 100, bowl, or dish may include a heating or cooling system 55, which may include a heating or cooling element 60, an insulating member 70, one or more energy storage devices 80 electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 60, and an electronic module 90. The heating or cooling element 60, the insulating member 70, the energy storage device 80, and the electronic module 90 may be disposed (e.g., embedded) in the bottom portion of the plate 100, bowl, or dish. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 may be housed in a module removably attached to the plate 100, bowl, or dish. In this embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 and the insulating member 70 may be part of the removable module, or may be disposed in the dish and not part of the removable module.

[0132] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 may be a heating wire or heating coil disposed adjacent to the bottom surface 20b of the base 20 (e.g., adhered or otherwise fixed to the bottom surface 20b), wherein the heating wire is heatable and transfers 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 dish warm, such as at or within a desired temperature range). In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 may include a driving transistor to regulate a large switching current flowing from the energy storage element 80 to one or more low-resistance heating or cooling elements 60. The insulating member 70 may be plate-shaped and positioned closest to the heating or cooling element 60 such that the heating or cooling element 60 is interposed between the insulating member 70 and the base 20. In one embodiment, the insulating member 70 may be a ceramic plate. However, in other embodiments, the insulating member 70 may be made of other suitable thermally insulating materials. In yet another embodiment, the insulating member 70 may be excluded.

[0133] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment, one or more energy storage devices 80 may be batteries, such as rechargeable batteries. For example, one or more energy storage devices 80 may be lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries or lithium-polymer (Li-poly) batteries. However, in other embodiments where the energy storage device 80 is a battery, the battery may be other suitable types (e.g., lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride). In one embodiment, the battery may be provided in combination with a step-up transformer to provide the required voltage. In another embodiment, one or more energy storage devices 80 may be capacitors. One or more energy storage devices 80 may be electrically connected to heating or cooling element 60 and configured to supply power to heating or cooling element 60 to heat or cool at least a portion of the dish 100, bowl, or plate.

[0134] Electronic module 90 may be attached to the top surface 44 of bottom 40 and electrically connected to one or more energy storage devices 80. In one embodiment, electronic module 90 may include one or more of a wireless power receiver 92, control circuitry 94 (e.g., controller circuitry, microcontroller, etc.), and a charger 96 (e.g., charging circuitry) for charging one or more energy storage devices 80. In other embodiments, electronic module 90 may have different or additional electronics. Electronic module 90 may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. In one embodiment, wireless power receiver 92 is electrically connected to battery charger 96, which is connected to one or more energy storage devices 80, which are then electrically connected to heating or cooling element 60 via controller circuitry 94. The control circuitry may also be used to manage the charging of one or more energy storage devices 80. In another embodiment, where energy storage device 80 is excluded (as discussed further below), wireless power receiver 92 may be directly electrically connected to heating or cooling element 60. Control circuitry 94 is operable to manage the power delivered to heating or cooling element 60.

[0135] In one embodiment, the bottom 40 may be removably attached to the plate 100, bowl, or dish to allow access to the heating or cooling system 55 within the cavity 50. For example, the bottom 40 may be mechanically coupled to the plate 100, bowl, or dish (e.g., using screws, a threaded connection between the bottom 40 and the plate 100, bowl, or dish, a press-fit connection, etc.). The bottom 40 may be removed to allow replacement of one or more energy storage devices 80 and maintenance of the heating or cooling system 55. In one embodiment, the bottom 40 may be a waterproof cap that may be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the plate 100, bowl, or dish to access the heating or cooling system 55. In another embodiment, the bottom 40 may be a waterproof cap that may be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the plate 100, bowl, or dish to access one or more energy storage devices 80. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 80 may be housed in an encapsulation attached (e.g., threaded connection, snap-fit, screw-on) to the bottom of the plate 100, bowl, or dish, wherein electrical contacts of the encapsulation are connected to a set of electrical contacts on the bottom of the plate 100, bowl, or dish, for example as... Figures 27 to 28As shown and described below. In another embodiment, one or more energy storage devices 80 may be sealed within the body of the dish 100 and are non-removable (e.g., the heating or cooling system 55 and the electronics of the dish 100 may be sealed within the dish and are non-removable). This configuration (e.g., the non-removable sealed energy storage element 80) may also be incorporated into any other drinking, tableware, or server appliance, such as the dishes 100', 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mug 400 and travel mug 600, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles, or liquid containers discussed below.

[0136] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The charging base 200 may have a protruding or raised portion 220 having a top surface 222 and a bottom surface 224. A wireless power transmitter 240 may be attached to the bottom surface 224. The protruding portion 220 is preferably shaped and sized to at least partially fit into a recess 16 in the plate 100, bowl, or dish, such that the top surface 222 is adjacent to the bottom surface 42 of the bottom 40. Advantageously, the protruding portion 220 is at least partially fitted into the recess 16 to generally align the electronic module 90 above the wireless power transmitter 240, thereby facilitating wireless power transfer between the wireless power transmitter 240 and the wireless power receiver 92. In another embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or dish may have a protruding portion, and the charging base 200 may have a recessed portion, wherein the protruding portion is at least partially fitted within the recessed portion when the plate 100, bowl, or dish is attached to the charging base 200. The wireless power transmitter 220 can be electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a wall socket, via a power cord (not shown).

[0137] In one embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 240 may be an induction coil, and the wireless power receiver 92 may also be an induction coil. Therefore, in one embodiment, the charging base 200 can wirelessly transfer power from the power transmitter 240 to the wireless power receiver 92 via inductive coupling. However, power transfer 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 power transfer (e.g., microwave energy) may be used. In yet another embodiment, as discussed further below, long-range wireless power transfer may be used to transfer power to the wireless power receiver 92 without using a charging base.

[0138] 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 inaccessible to the user while holding the plate 100, bowl, or dish. Thus, the plate 100, bowl, or dish can be advantageously 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. Additionally, 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.

[0139] Figures 3A to 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 described below. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of the heated or cooled plate 100''', bowl, or dish are used for identification... Figures 1 to 3 The reference numerals for the corresponding parts of the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or dish are the same, except that “�” has been added to the reference numerals.

[0140] In another embodiment, such as Figure 3A and Figure 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 40''' of the plate 100''', bowl, or dish, wherein the electrical contacts are sized and shaped to contact the charging base 200''' when the plate 100''', bowl, or dish is placed on the charging base 200'''. The corresponding electrical contacts 246 on the plate (e.g., on the top surface 222 of the protrusion 220 of the charging base 200) allow electricity to be transferred from the charging base 200 through the electrical contacts 46 and 246 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, such as as posts. In another embodiment, such as Figure 3AAs shown, the electrical contact 46'' of the plate 100'', bowl, or dish can be one or more contact pads on the bottom surface 42'' of the bottom 40'' of the plate 100'', bowl, or dish, which can contact corresponding contacts, such as the 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 charging base 200''' can have other suitable configurations. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the plate 100''' may have a groove 48''' on the bottom surface of the plate 100''', bowl or plate (e.g., formed on the bottom surface 42'' of the bottom 40''' of the plate 100''', bowl or plate), which is sized and shaped to receive a pin or key 248''' on the charging base 200'''. The slot 48''' and pin or key 248''' provide a "clocking" aspect for the plate 100''', bowl, or dish, allowing the electrical contacts 46''' of the plate 100''', bowl, or dish to be easily aligned with the electrical contacts 246''' of the charging base 200'''. However, in another embodiment, the slot may be formed on the charging base 200''', and the pin or key may be formed on the bottom of the plate 100''', bowl, or dish. This construction and slot / key arrangement of the electrical contacts can also be incorporated into any other drinking utensils, tableware, or server equipment, such as the plates 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mugs 400 and travel mugs 600, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles, or liquid containers discussed below.

[0141] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 may be housed in a non-waterproof module that can be removably attached to the plate 100, bowl, or dish (e.g., threadedly connected to the plate 100, or connected via a pin / groove assembly, wherein the module twists into the bottom of the plate 100) to heat or cool the plate 100. In this embodiment, the heating or cooling module can be detached from the plate 100, bowl, or dish before it is washed (e.g., placed in a dishwasher). The heating or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding charging station for later use when it can be reattached to the plate 100, bowl, or dish to heat or cool food on the plate 100. The above embodiments can be applied to other forms of tableware (e.g., mugs, cups, plates).

[0142] In another embodiment, as discussed further below, the charging base 200 may be excluded, and power may be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 92 via a long-range wireless power transfer device. In this embodiment, where the plate 100, bowl, or dish being heated or cooled does not have an energy storage device such as energy storage device 80, the heating or cooling element 60 is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 92, wherein control circuitry 94 is operable to control the amount of power supplied to the heating or cooling element 60. During operation, if the plate 100, bowl, or dish is outside the range of the wireless power transfer, the heating or cooling element 60 will lose power and shut down. For example, in this embodiment, if the plate 100, bowl, or dish is not on a charging base such as the charging base 200, or outside the range of the power transfer device of the remote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 60 in the plate 100, bowl, or dish will lose power and shut down.

[0143] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An embodiment of a charging stand 300 is shown that can be stored in a cabinet such as a kitchen cabinet, on a countertop, or in a pantry. The charging stand 300 may have a plurality of charging bases 220', each attached to the rear wall 320 of the charging stand 300 via a connecting support 230'. The charging stand 300 may also have a pair of arms 310 on both sides of the charging bases 220', each arm 310 having a surface 312 that contacts at least a portion of the wall 10 of the plate 100, bowl, or dish and helps to support the plate 100, bowl, or dish on the charging base 220'. Each of the charging bases 220' may have a wireless power transmitter, such as a wireless power transmitter 240, disposed therein, which can transmit power to a wireless power receiver placed on the charging base 220' for heating or cooling the plate 100, bowl, or dish. The charging stand 300 may have a power cord (not shown) to connect the stand to, for example, a wall socket, so as to electrically connect the wireless power transmitter in the charging base 220' to a power source.

[0144] In another embodiment, the charging bracket 300 may be excluded, and the disks 100 may be stacked on top of each other, with a single charging base at the bottom of the stack (e.g., Figure 3(Charging base 200 in the tray). In this embodiment, the electronic module 90 in each plate 100, bowl, or dish may include repeater circuitry that receives power from a wireless power receiver 92 (inside the plate 100) and then powers a wireless power transmitter (not shown) located directly below the bottom surface 20b within the same plate 100. In this embodiment, when another plate is stacked on top of the plate 100, the top plate can receive power from a wireless power transmitter located in the plate 100, bowl, or dish directly below the top plate. In this way, when multiple plates are stacked on top of each other, each plate will wirelessly receive power from the plate below it and transfer power to the plate above it. In one embodiment, since the energy storage device is excluded from the plate 100, bowl, or dish (or the mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container discussed below), the wireless power receiver may be electrically connected to a heating or cooling element. This allows the stack of disks 100 to be positioned on a support.

[0145] Figure 6 Another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100' 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 described below. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of the heated or cooled plate 100', bowl, or dish are used for identification... Figures 1 to 3 The reference numerals for the corresponding parts of the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or dish are the same, except that a ' has been added to the reference numerals.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled plate 100', bowl, or dish has a heating or cooling element 60', which includes a trace pattern traced or laid onto at least a portion of the top surface 20a' of the base 20' of the plate 100'. For example, the trace pattern may be screen-printed onto the top surface 20a' and has connection portions (not shown) that electrically connect the heating or cooling element 60' to an energy storage device 80', a wireless power receiver 92', and / or control circuitry 94'. This configuration of the heating or cooling element can also be incorporated into any other drinking, tableware, or serving appliance, such as plates 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mugs 400 and travel mugs 600, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles, or liquid containers discussed below.

[0147] Figure 7Another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100″ 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 described below. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of the heated or cooled plate 100″, bowl, or dish are used for identification... Figures 1 to 3 The reference numerals for the corresponding parts of the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or dish are the same, except that “″” has been added to the reference numerals.

[0148] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 50″ in the heated or cooled plate 100″, bowl, or dish can be divided by an insulating member 70 into a first cavity 50a between the bottom 40 and the insulating member 70, and a second cavity 50b between the insulating member 70 and the base 20. An energy storage device 80 and an electronic module 90 are disposed in the first cavity 50a. The insulating member 70 is positioned against a flange 10a defined between the bottom 40 and the base 20, such that the insulating 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 under vacuum, which advantageously further thermally isolates the energy storage device 80 and the electronic module 90 from the heating or cooling element 60. Additionally, placing the second cavity 50b under vacuum advantageously allows the top surface 20a of the base 20 to maintain its temperature for a longer period of time, since the vacuum in the second cavity 50b prevents heat transfer through the bottom of the dish 100″. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 may be electrically connected to 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., traces printed on the sidewalls of the first cavity 50a and the second cavity 50b). This vacuum configuration may also be incorporated into any other drinking, tableware, or server appliance, such as the dishes 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mugs 400 and travel mugs 600, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles, or liquid containers discussed below.

[0149] Figures 8 to 9A heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is shown, having a circumferential wall 412 with a side surface 412a, a handle 414, and a base 420 with a top surface 420a, wherein the side surface 412a and the top surface 420a define a cavity 418 capable of containing a liquid or solid (e.g., coffee, soup, ice cream). The heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have a bottom 419 defining a recess 450 between a bottom edge 416a and the base 420. A bottom member (e.g., a tray) 440 may be positioned against a flange 419a of the bottom 419 to define a cavity 450a between the bottom member 440 and the base 420. In the illustrated embodiment, a heating or cooling system 455 may be disposed (e.g., embedded) in the cavity 450a. The heating or cooling system 455 may include a heating or cooling element 460, an insulating member 470, one or more energy storage devices 480, and an electronic module 490, and these components may be arranged and connected in the same manner as the heating or cooling plate 100 described above. In another embodiment, the insulating member 470 may be omitted.

[0150] A heating or cooling element 460 may be disposed adjacent to the bottom surface 420b of the base 420 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 may 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 may be a heating wire or heating coil. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460 may be a resistance heater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element 460 may include other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 may include a drive transistor to regulate a large switching current flowing from the energy storage element 480 to one or more low-resistance heating or cooling elements 460.

[0151] Electronic module 490 may be attached to the top surface 444 of bottom member 440 and includes one or more of the following: wireless power receiver 492, control circuitry 494 (e.g., controller circuitry, microcontroller, etc.), and charger 496 (e.g., charging circuitry) for charging one or more energy storage devices 480. Electronic module 490 may include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. Control circuitry 494 is operable to manage the power delivered to heating or cooling element 460. Control circuitry 494 may also be used to manage the charging of one or more energy storage devices 480. In one embodiment, wireless power receiver 492 is electrically connected to battery charger 496, which is electrically connected to energy storage device 480, which in turn is electrically connected to heating or cooling element 460. In another embodiment, if energy storage devices are excluded (as discussed further below), wireless power receiver 492 may be electrically connected to heating or cooling element 460. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 is completely housed in the bottom 419, such that no part of the system 455 is visible (i.e., the mug 400 looks like a conventional mug). In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 may be housed in a module that is removably attachable to the mug 400.

[0152] Continue to refer to Figures 8 to 9The bottom 440 may be axially spaced from the bottom edge 416a to define a recess 416 at the bottom of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. The charging base 500 for heating or cooling the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may include a protrusion 520 having a top surface 522, the protrusion 520 being 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 protrusion 520. The charging base may include a wireless power transmitter 540 attached to the bottom surface 524 of the protrusion 520, wherein the wireless power transmitter 540 is disposed on the bottom surface 524 so as to be generally aligned with the electronic module 490 when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is positioned on the charging base 500, thereby facilitating wireless power transfer (e.g., via short-range wireless power transfer, such as inductive coupling as discussed above) between the wireless power transmitter 540 and the wireless power receiver 492. In another embodiment, the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have a protrusion on its bottom and the charging base 500 may have a corresponding recess, wherein the protrusion fits within the recess when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is attached to the charging base 500. The wireless power transmitter 540 may be electrically connected to a power source (not shown) via a power cord (not shown), such as a wall socket.

[0153] In one embodiment, the bottom member 440 may be removably attached to a mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to allow access to a heating or cooling system 455 within the cavity 450a. For example, the bottom member 440 may be mechanically coupled to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., using screws, a threaded interface between the bottom member 440 and the mug 400, a press-fit connection). The bottom member 440 may be removed to allow replacement of one or more energy storage devices 480 and maintenance of the heating or cooling system 455. In one embodiment, the bottom member 440 may be a waterproof cap that may 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 may be a waterproof cap that may be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access one or more energy storage devices 480. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 480 may be an encapsulation attached (e.g., threaded connection, snap-fit, screw-on) to the bottom of the mug 400, wherein the electrical contacts of the encapsulation are connected to a set of electrical contacts on the bottom of the mug 400.

[0154] In another embodiment, the charging base 500 may be excluded, and power may be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 492 via a long-range wireless power transfer transmitter, as discussed further below. In this embodiment, where the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container being heated or cooled does not have an energy storage device such as energy storage device 480, the heating or cooling element 460 is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 492 via a control circuit 494 operable to control the amount of power supplied 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 transfer, the heating or cooling element 460 will lose power and shut down. 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 outside the range of the power transfer transmitter 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 down.

[0155] One or more energy storage devices 480 can advantageously supply power to the heating or cooling element 460 for an extended period of time before their power charge decreases, thereby advantageously keeping the contents of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., soup, coffee, ice cream) hot or cold for an extended 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 for which the heating or cooling element 460 will operate, as discussed further below.

[0156] 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 419 of the mug 400) such that no part of the heating or cooling system 455 is exposed or inaccessible to the user while holding the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. Therefore, the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be advantageously exposed to water or other liquids, such as in a sink or dishwasher, without exposing the heating or cooling system 455 to said water or liquid, thereby preventing damage to the heating or cooling system 455. Additionally, by being embedded in the body of the mug 60, the mug 460 can be aesthetically pleasing, as it resembles a conventional mug.

[0157] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 may be housed in a non-waterproof module that can be removably attached to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., threadedly connected to the mug 400, or connected via a pin / groove assembly, wherein the module is twisted 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 washed, the heating or cooling module can be detached from the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container before it is washed (e.g., placed in a dishwasher). The heating or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding charging station for later use when it can be reattached to the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to heat or cool the contents of the mug 400.

[0158] In another embodiment, the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may include one or more corrosion-resistant electrical contacts (not shown) on the outer surface of the mug 400, such as the bottom surface 442 of the mug 400's bottom 440, wherein 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 may protrude from the surface of the mug 400, such as as posts. In another embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may be one or more contact pads (not shown) on the bottom surface 442 of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container's bottom 440, which may 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 charging base 500 may have other suitable configurations.

[0159] Figure 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 parts and features disclosed for the heated or cooled mug 400, except as described below. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various parts of the heated or cooled mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container are used for identification... Figures 8 to 9 The reference numerals for the corresponding parts of the heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container are the same, except that “﹇” has been added to the reference numerals.

[0160] In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have a heating or cooling element 460', which... Figure 9A The diagram is schematically illustrated. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' may be a heating wire or a heating coil, for example... Figures 8 to 9 The heating or cooling element 460 is shown. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' may be a resistance heater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element 460' may include other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' may be an active cooling element or a passive cooling element. For example, in the case where the heating or cooling element 460' is a passive cooling element, the heating or cooling element 460' may include a thermoelectric system having one or more Peltier elements in contact with or near the bottom surface 420b of the base 420. In another embodiment, where the heating or cooling element 460' is an active cooling element, the heating or cooling element 460' may include a cooling fluid circulation system having channels (not shown) configured to contact or near the bottom surface 420b of the base 420. In yet another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' may be a mug 400', cup, water bottle, or liquid container (or other tableware device) having expansion channels (not shown) within the bottom 419. Cooling system. However, the heating or cooling element 460' may include other suitable active cooling arrangements. Although the illustrated embodiment is for heating or cooling a mug 400', the heating or cooling element 460' may be incorporated into any cutlery, drinking, or server appliance, such as plate 100, bowl or dinner plate and travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (discussed below). In some embodiments, the cutlery, drinking, or server appliance may 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 may be incorporated into the body of the cutlery, drinking, or server appliance. In another embodiment, the heat sink may be removably attached to the cutlery, drinking, or server appliance. The heating or cooling element 460' is operable to keep liquid or solid food in a tableware, drinking, or serving device warm or cool (e.g., to raise or lower the temperature of the receiving portion of the tableware, drinking, or serving device to above or below the ambient temperature to keep the food warm or cool, such as at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range).

[0161] Figures 10 to 12An embodiment of a travel mug 600, such as a travel coffee mug, is shown, which incorporates some of the same features described above regarding a mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has an outer circumferential wall 610, a handle 612, and a bottom 640, wherein in one embodiment, the bottom 640 may be removably attached to the distal end of the outer circumferential 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 containing a liquid (e.g., coffee, tea). The travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may be sized to fit in a standard diameter cup holder in a car. Additionally, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have a height that allows it to be fitted into a drawer (e.g., top drawer) of a 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 container sizes may be used.

[0162] The inner circumferential wall 620 may be attached at its proximal end 622 to the proximal end 612a of the outer circumferential wall 610. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the inner circumferential wall 620 is formed relative to the outer circumferential wall 610 to define an annular gap 628 between the inner circumferential wall 620 and the outer circumferential wall 610. Additionally, the base 626 of the inner circumferential wall 620 is spaced apart from the bottom 640 to define a cavity 630 therebetween, wherein the cavity 630 communicates with the annular gap 628. A cover 670 may be removably disposed above the opening O in the inner circumferential wall 620 to substantially seal the opening O.

[0163] Continue to refer to Figures 10 to 11The travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have a heating or cooling system 655 disposed in the cavity 630. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system may include a heating or cooling element 660, one or more energy storage devices 680, and an electronic module 690, wherein these components may be arranged and connected in the same manner as described above with respect to 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 may be disposed adjacent to the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall 620. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 may be wound around the distal portion 624 and contact the outer surface 620a of the inner circumferential wall 620 at the location of the distal portion 624 to conduct heat through the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall 620 and to transfer heat to the liquid in the chamber 620c. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 may include a drive transistor to adjust a large switching current flowing from the energy storage element 680 to one or more low-resistance heating or cooling elements 660.

[0164] Electronic module 690 may be attached to the top surface 644 of bottom 640 and may include one or more of the following: wireless power receiver 692 (e.g., capable of receiving power from an inductively coupled transmitter in a charging base or charging plate), control circuitry 694 (e.g., controller circuitry, microcontroller, etc.), and charger 696 (e.g., charging circuitry) for charging one or more energy storage devices 680. Electronic module 690 may include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. Control circuitry 694 may operate to manage the power delivered to heating or cooling element 660. Control circuitry may also be used to manage the charging of one or more energy storage devices 680. In another embodiment, insulating members such as the insulating members 70, 470 described above may be disposed between the base 626 of inner circumferential wall 620 and electronic module 690 to thermally insulate heating or cooling element 660 from electronic module 690.

[0165] In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 692 is electrically connected to a battery charger 696, which is electrically connected to an energy storage device 680, which in turn is electrically connected to a heating or cooling element 660. In another embodiment, with the energy storage device 680 excluded, the wireless power receiver 692 may be electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 660. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 is completely housed within the cavity 630, such that no part of the system 655 is visible (i.e., the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container appears as a conventional travel mug).

[0166] In one embodiment, the bottom 640 may be removably attached to a travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to allow access to a heating or cooling system 655 within the cavity 630. For example, the bottom 640 may be mechanically coupled to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., with a screw, a threaded interface between the bottom 640 and the travel mug 600, or a press-fit connection). The bottom 640 may be removed to allow replacement of one or more energy storage devices 680 and maintenance of the heating or cooling system 655. In one embodiment, the bottom 640 may be a waterproof cap that may 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 640 may be a waterproof cap that may be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access one or more energy storage devices 680. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 680 may be an encapsulation attached (e.g., threaded connection, snap-fit, screw-on) to the bottom or side of the travel mug 600, wherein the encapsulation’s electrical contacts are connected to a set of electrical contacts on the bottom or side of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0167] Continue to refer to Figures 10 to 12 A charging base 700 for a travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may include a recessed portion 710 having a base 720, wherein the recessed portion 710 is sized and shaped to at least partially receive the distal portion of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, such that when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the charging base 700, the bottom surface 642 of the bottom 640 is adjacent to the base 720. The charging base 700 may include a wireless power transmitter (not shown) attached to the bottom surface of the base 720 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to charging bases 200, 500. The wireless power transmitter is arranged on the bottom surface of the base 720 so as to be generally aligned with the electronics module 690 when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is positioned on the charging base 700, thereby facilitating wireless power transfer (e.g., via short-range wireless power transfer, such as inductive coupling as described above) between the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver 692. In another embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have a recessed portion, and the charging base 700 may have a corresponding protruding portion, the protruding portion of which may 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 attached to the charging base 700. The wireless power transmitter may be electrically connected to a power source (not shown) via a power cord (not shown), such as a wall socket.

[0168] In another embodiment, the charging base 700 may be excluded, and power can be transferred to the wireless power receiver 692 via a long-range wireless power transfer transmitter, as discussed further below. In this embodiment, where the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container also lacks an energy storage device such as energy storage device 680, the heating or cooling element 660 is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 692 via a control circuit 694 operable to control the amount of power supplied to the heating or cooling element 660. During operation, if the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is outside the range of the wireless power transfer, the heating or cooling element 660 will lose power and shut down. For example, in this embodiment, if the travel mug 600 is not on a charging base such as the charging base 700, or outside the range of the power transfer of the remote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 660 in the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container will lose power and shut down. In yet another embodiment, the travel mug 600 or plate 100, bowl or dish or mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container may include one or more energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 electrically connected to heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660, and when the travel mug 600, plate 100, bowl or dish or mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container is outside the range of power transmission from a remote wireless power transmitter, electronic modules 90, 490, 690 may switch to battery power (e.g., via control circuits 94, 494, 694) so ​​that the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 may continue to heat or cool the contents of the travel mug 660, plate 100, bowl or dish or mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container for a period of time.

[0169] Similar to the embodiments described above, in one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 may be a heating wire or heating coil. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 may be a resistance heater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element 660 may include other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 may be an active cooling element or a passive cooling element. For example, if the heating or cooling element 660 is a passive cooling element, it may include a thermoelectric system having one or more Peltier elements. In another embodiment, if the heating or cooling element 660 is an active cooling element, it may include a cooling fluid circulation system having a channel (not shown) configured to contact or approach the rear end portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall 620. In yet another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 may be a travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (or other tableware device) with an expansion channel within the bottom. Cooling system. However, heating or cooling element 660 may include other suitable active cooling arrangements.

[0170] One or more energy storage devices 680 can advantageously supply power to the heating or cooling element 660 for an extended period of time before their electrical charge decreases, thereby advantageously keeping the contents (e.g., coffee, soda) of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container hot or cold for an extended period of time. In one embodiment, the energy storage device 680 can power the heating or cooling element 660 for at least 15 minutes. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 680 can power the heating or cooling element 660 for about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes. However, in another embodiment, the energy storage device 680 can power the heating or cooling element 660 for more than 60 minutes.

[0171] In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container includes a user interface 695 electrically connected to an electronics module 690 via one or more wires (not shown). In one embodiment, the wires may include a trace pattern screen-printed on the inner surface 610a of the inner circumferential wall 610 and extending between the user interface 695 and the electronics module 690. In another embodiment, the wires may include one or more standard wires. The user interface 695 may include one or more user selection components 695a, such as buttons, which a user can actuate to achieve desired control of the heating or cooling system 655. For example, one of the user selection components 695a may be used to turn off the heating or cooling element 660 (e.g., if the user does not wish to continue heating or cooling the contents of the travel mug 600). In another embodiment, one or more of the user selection components 695a may be used to control the heating or cooling element 660 to provide a desired temperature for the liquid in the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the user selection components 695a may be used to set a timer for turning off power to the heating or cooling element 660. However, the user selection component 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 may have multiple power settings that can be set using the user selection component 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 stops supplying power to 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 stops supplying power to the heating or cooling element 660. In another embodiment, the temperature level may be selected by the user via an adjustable thermostat on the user interface 695. The thermostat may be advantageously adjusted by the user to one of multiple temperature settings to control the heating or cooling element 660 within the travel mug 660 (or other tableware or drinking vessel) to maintain its contents at a specified temperature or within a specified temperature range.

[0172] As described above, in one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 is advantageously housed within the body of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., housed in cavity 630), such that no part of the heating or cooling system 655 is exposed or inaccessible to the user while holding the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. Therefore, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be advantageously exposed to water or other liquids, such as in a sink or dishwasher, without exposing the heating or cooling system 655 to said water or liquid, thereby preventing damage to the heating or cooling system 655. Additionally, by being housed within the body of the travel mug 600, the travel mug 600 can be aesthetically pleasing, as it resembles a conventional travel mug. In another embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may include one or more electrical contacts (e.g., posts, contact pads) on the outer surface of the travel mug 600, as described above with respect to the mug 400, wherein when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the charging base 700, the size and shape of the electrical contacts are manufactured to contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on the charging base 700.

[0173] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 may 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., threaded onto the travel mug 600, or connected via a pin / groove assembly, wherein the module is twisted 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 washed, the heating or cooling module may be detached from the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container before it is washed (e.g., placed in a dishwasher). The heating or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding charging station for later use when it can be reattached to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to heat or cool food on it.

[0174] Figure 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, cup, water bottle, or liquid container and includes the same components and features disclosed for the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except as described below. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600', cup, water bottle, or liquid container are used for identification... Figures 10 to 12The reference numerals for the corresponding parts of the heated or cooled travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container are the same, except that “﹇” has been added to the reference numerals.

[0175] In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled travel mug 600', cup, water bottle, or liquid container has a heating or cooling element 660', which includes a trace pattern drawn or applied to 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 may be screen-printed onto the inner surface 620b' and has a connection portion (not shown) for electrically connecting the heating or cooling element 660' to an energy storage device 680 or a wireless power receiver 692. This heating or cooling element configuration may also be incorporated into any other drinking, tableware, or server appliance, such as plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mug 400, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container discussed below.

[0176] Figure 14 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 described below. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600″, cup, water bottle, or liquid container are used for identification. Figures 10 to 12 The reference numerals for the corresponding parts of the heated or cooled travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container are the same, except that “″” has been added to the reference numerals.

[0177] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 630" in the heated or cooled travel mug 600" , cup, water bottle or liquid container may be divided by the base" 614" of the outer cylindrical wall 610" , 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" . An energy storage device 680 and an electronic module 690 are disposed in the first cavity 630a" . In the illustrated embodiment, the second cavity 630b" is under vacuum, which advantageously further thermally isolates the energy storage device 680 and the electronic module 690 from the heating or cooling element 660. Additionally, placing the second cavity 630b″ under vacuum advantageously allows the inner surface 620b of the inner circumferential wall 620 to maintain its temperature for a longer period of time, and thus maintains the temperature of the liquid in chamber C for a longer period of time, since the vacuum in the second cavity 630b″ prevents heat transfer through the outer cylindrical wall 610″ and the base 614″. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 may be electrically connected to one or more energy storage devices 680 and electronic modules 690 via a connector (e.g., one or more wirings, or traces printed on the sidewalls 620a″, 610a″ of the inner circumferential wall 610″ and the outer circumferential wall 620) extending between the first cavity 630a″ and the second cavity 630b″. This vacuum arrangement may also be incorporated into any other drinking, tableware, or server appliance, such as the plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400 discussed below, mug 400, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0178] In one embodiment, heating or cooling systems 55, 455, 655 are embedded in or housed within the body of the cutlery device (e.g., plate 100, mug 400, travel mug 600, etc.). In another embodiment, heating or cooling systems 55, 455, 655 may be housed within enclosed water-resistant or waterproof compartments, such as cavities 50, 450, 630 disposed within recesses of the cutlery device. For example, in one embodiment, the compartment may be disposed within the recess such that its surface is flush with the surrounding surface of the cutlery device. In another embodiment, the compartment may protrude from the surface of the cutlery device. In one embodiment, the water-resistant or waterproof compartment may be removably disposed within the recess of the cutlery device (e.g., the compartment may be removably attached to the cutlery device, drinking vessel, or server appliance). In another embodiment, the water-resistant or waterproof compartment may be fixed within the recess (e.g., the cutlery device attached to the recess by adhesives, screws, etc.).

[0179] As described above, in one embodiment, power can be wirelessly transferred from a wireless power transmitter, such as power transmitters 240 and 540, to a wireless power receiver, such as a power receiver 92, 492, or 692, via short-range wireless power transfer, such as inductive coupling. In another embodiment, wireless power receivers 92, 492, or 692 for heated or cooled tableware and drinking utensils, such as mugs 400, plates 100, bowls or plates, and travel mugs 600, can receive power from a remote transmitter via long-range wireless power transfer, so that a charging base is not required for transferring power to heated or cooled tableware and drinking utensils.

[0180] In one embodiment, the remote transmitter may be mounted on a wall or ceiling in a home or dining room, or it may be located outside the home or dining room. The transmitter can wirelessly transmit power to wireless power receivers 92, 492, 692 over distances of several meters using resonant inductive coupling. In one embodiment, the induction coil in the remote transmitter may have capacitor plates attached to each end of the coil wires. When current flows through the coil, the coil can resonate at a resonant frequency, which is the product of the coil's inductance and the plate's capacitance. Wireless power receivers, such as wireless power receivers 92, 492, 692, may have induction coils with the same resonant frequency as the induction coil in the remote transmitter, allowing energy to be transferred from the transmitter to the wireless power receivers 92, 492, 692. Therefore, heated or cooled tableware or drinking utensils, such as mugs 400, plates 100, bowls or plates, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, can be wirelessly powered without the use of a charging base. In use, the user can charge one or more energy storage devices, such as energy storage devices 80, 480, and 680, via a charging base and / or a remote transmitter. Once charged, the tableware or drinking utensils can be heated or cooled by their heating or cooling elements 60, 460, and 660 to keep the food or liquid inside warm or cool for an extended period of time, depending on the circumstances. Furthermore, because the heating or cooling systems 55, 455, and 655 are provided (e.g., embedded) in the body of the tableware or drinking utensils, such as a mug 400, plate 100, bowl or dinner plate, or travel mug 600, the tableware and drinking utensils can be exposed to water (e.g., in a sink or dishwasher) while preventing damage to the heating or cooling systems 55, 455, and 655. In another embodiment, as described above, the heating or cooling systems 55, 455, 655 may be housed in a closed, water-resistant or waterproof compartment, wherein the compartment is fixedly or removably attached to a tableware device (e.g., mug 400, plate 100, etc.).

[0181] In one embodiment, a cutlery or drinking device (e.g., plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may include an orientation sensor (e.g., a gyroscope) that senses the orientation of the cutlery or drinking device and communicates with electronic modules 90, 490, 690 to control the operation of the cutlery or drinking device. For example, the gyroscope may sense when the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate has turned to 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 electronic modules 90, 490, 690 to stop power supply to heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660, thereby turning off the heating or cooling elements. However, other suitable devices besides gyroscopes (e.g., sensors) may be used to sense the orientation of cutlery, drinking, or serving devices such as plate 100, mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600. In another embodiment, the tableware or drinking vessel (e.g., plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may have one or more accelerometer sensors that can sense changes in speed, motion, or orientation of the tableware or drinking vessel.

[0182] In one embodiment, an orientation (or tilt) sensor can sense when the plate 100, bowl, or dish tilts more than a predetermined amount (e.g., more than 45°) from the horizontal axis, and the electronic module 90 shuts off power to the heating or cooling system 55 (e.g., to the heating or cooling element 60), and disables the user interface buttons on the plate 100, bowl, or dish (discussed further below). The plate 100, bowl, or dish can then be inserted into a dishwasher for cleaning. Once the plate 100, bowl, or dish is returned to a charging station such as charging dock 300, the user interface buttons can be reactivated.

[0183] In another embodiment, an orientation (or tilt) sensor can sense when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 tilts more than a predetermined amount (e.g., more than 135°) from its vertical axis, and electronic modules 490, 690 shut off power to heating or cooling systems 455, 655 (e.g., to heating or cooling elements 460, 660), and disable user interface buttons and sensors (e.g., liquid sensors or 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 returns to the right-facing position, the user interface button can be enabled and can be operated again by selecting the "on" button on it, or by placing the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 back on its associated charging holder 500, 700 and then removing it to reset the operation of the electronic modules 490, 690.

[0184] While the orientation or tilt sensor features disclosed above may be described in conjunction with dish 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or server equipment (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), 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 the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and server equipment.

[0185] Automatic shutdown

[0186] In one embodiment, when a predetermined level of one or more energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 (e.g., batteries) is detected, electronic modules 90, 490, 690 of the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, plate, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may automatically shut off power to heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 (e.g., via control circuits 94, 494, 694). For example, if the charge level or energy storage level of one or more energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 is below a predetermined percentage corresponding to a full charge, electronic modules 90, 490, 690 may shut off power to heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 960 to prevent damage to energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 or other components of the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, plate, cup, water bottle, or liquid container). In one embodiment, the predetermined power level of the energy storage devices 80, 460, 660 may be approximately 30%, and power to the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 is shut off when the predetermined power level is below this. However, in other embodiments, the predetermined charge level may be higher or lower than this value (e.g., 20%).

[0187] While the above-disclosed automatic shut-off feature may 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, tableware, or server equipment (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates, cups, bottles, baby bottles, and / or liquid containers), 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 this disclosure and the scope of the invention are to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and server equipment.

[0188] Timed shutdown

[0189] In another embodiment, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 have been operated (e.g., continuously or intermittently), the electronic modules 90, 490, 690 of the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, plate, water bottle, or liquid container) can automatically shut off power to the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 (e.g., via control circuits 94, 494, 694). For example, in one embodiment, the predetermined period of time may be 3 hours. In another embodiment, the predetermined period of time may be 20 minutes. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined period of time may be 5 hours. However, the predetermined period of time may be longer or shorter than this.

[0190] While the timed shut-off feature disclosed above may 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, tableware, or server equipment (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), 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 this disclosure and the scope of the invention are to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and server equipment.

[0191] Operations based on food testing

[0192] In one embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate may have one or more sensors (e.g., Figure 16 Sensors 820A to 820D in the system sense when food has been placed on the plate, bowl, or dish and send a signal to the electronic module 90 (e.g., to the controller circuitry 94) to control the operation of the heating or cooling element 60 based at least in part on the signal. For example, the electronic module 90 may turn on the heating or cooling element 60 upon receiving 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 may sense a change in 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 may 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 100 to 120 kHz). For example, in one embodiment, the broadcast frequency of the signal may be about 40 to 50 kHz. In embodiments where the sensor is an optical sensor, the plate 100, bowl, or dish can be used as an optical filter, and an optical signal can be transmitted through the plate, bowl, or dish. In such an embodiment, the sensor will sense a modulated signal relative to the set optical signal, which will indicate the presence of food on the plate 100. In another embodiment, the sensor can be a temperature sensor (e.g., Figure 16The sensors 820A to 820D in the image can detect temperature changes (due to the placement of food on the plate 100, bowl, or dish) to sense the presence of food on the plate 100, bowl, or dish. Any combination of the above sensing technologies can be used to improve the food detection capability of the plate 100, bowl, or dish.

[0193] Similarly, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 (or cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may have a sensor or a combination of sensors such as those described above to sense when liquid is present in 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 modules 490, 690 may place the mug 400 and travel mug 600 into standby mode and activate the liquid sensor. In one embodiment, the liquid sensor may be located on the bottom inner surface 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., 1 / 2 inch or 1 inch from the bottom along the inner surface, but other locations are also possible). Once liquid is poured into mug 400 or travel mug 600, a liquid sensor can sense the liquid (e.g., by sensing changes in temperature, weight, pressure, conductivity, electrical continuity, resistance between two conductors, frequency detection, an optical sensor, or any combination of the above sensors) and activate heating or cooling systems 455, 655 (e.g., after a predetermined time period such as 2 seconds has been sensed, or substantially instantaneously if desired, such as sensing within less than 0.1 seconds or 0.1 milliseconds). In one embodiment, mug 400 or travel mug 600 may have a visual indicator or screen (e.g., a digital screen) that can be activated when heating or cooling systems 455, 655 are turned on (e.g., displaying an illuminated indicator or temperature pattern, or displaying the temperature of the liquid, etc.). In another embodiment, the visual indicator may be an illuminated indicator or icon, or may be a simple indicator light that informs the user that heating or cooling systems 455, 655 have been activated. Once opened, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can operate the heating or cooling elements 460, 660 at a predetermined user-selected temperature (e.g., the temperature selected by the user when the mug 400 or travel mug 600 was last used, or a new temperature already 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, tuning knob, button, touchpad, etc.) on the user interface of the mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, the power level setting or temperature setting can be adjusted using a tuning knob, switch, gesture sensor, or any other type of user interface mechanism communicating with the electronics modules 490, 690. In one embodiment, the user interface display on the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can warn the user whether the liquid inside the mug 400 or travel mug 600 is too hot to drink or above or below a predetermined temperature (e.g., the user's preferred or selected temperature).

[0194] Once the liquid sensor (or combination of sensors) detects that the liquid in the mug 400 or travel mug 600 has been consumed to a predetermined level or completely depleted, the heating or cooling system 455 or 655 of the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can be configured to shut off. Once liquid is poured into the mug 400 or travel mug 600 again, causing the sensor (or combination of sensors) to detect the poured liquid, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can operate again as described above.

[0195] Additionally, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 may have one or more level sensors for detecting the liquid level in the mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. The one or more level sensors may be of the types discussed above (e.g., sensing temperature changes, weight, pressure, conductivity, electrical continuity, resistance between two conductors, frequency detection such as ultrasonic frequency detection, frequency variation, optical sensors, or any combination thereof), and may transmit the sensed information to electronic modules 490, 690, which may transmit the information to one or more indicators on the mug 400 or travel mug 600 (e.g., visual indicators or auditory indicators, such as sound or vibration) 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 whether 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 may be used in combination with an orientation sensor (e.g., a gyroscope) so that the liquid level in the mug 400 or travel mug 600 is acquired only when the mug 400 or travel mug 600 is in an upright position. This technique advantageously avoids inaccurate liquid level readings when a user tilts the mug away from the vertical axis to drink a beverage. In one embodiment, one or more liquid level sensors may transmit signals to electronic modules 490, 690, allowing the electronic modules 490, 690 to determine whether the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has been tilted. Therefore, one or more liquid level sensors may operate as orientation sensors to sense the orientation of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0196] In one embodiment, a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500) may have one or more liquid level sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors, as described above). In one embodiment, a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (such as beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500) may have multiple liquid level sensors (e.g., set in such... Figure 34A(At various vertical positions of the sidewall SW in the middle). In one embodiment, one or more level sensors can transmit level information to an electronic module (e.g., electronic module EM, see...). Figure 44 The electronic module can operate one or more heating or cooling elements, at least in part, based on the sensed liquid level information (e.g., see...). Figure 44 (HC in the text). For example, in one embodiment, the electronic module can, at least in part, turn on, off, or adjust the power supply to at least one of one or more heating or cooling elements based on the sensed liquid level information.

[0197] In one embodiment, one or more heating or cooling elements are vertically arranged on the sidewall (e.g., a panel embedded in the sidewall) 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), as further described below, when the liquid level drops below the vertical position of the heating or cooling element (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 34A to 34C The electronic module can shut down each of the heating or cooling elements. This can advantageously allow for the effective operation of the heating or cooling elements, as they cease operation once the liquid level has dropped below the position of the heating or cooling element.

[0198] In one embodiment, the liquid level sensing of a cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container can be obtained by sensing the electrical characteristics of a heating or cooling element (e.g., when the heating or cooling element is submerged below the liquid level, or optionally exposed above the liquid level, the control circuitry can be configured to identify differences in the electrical characteristics of the heating or cooling element to determine whether the heating or cooling element is below or above the liquid level). In this embodiment, the heating or cooling element can be used to determine the overall liquid level within the cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. This sensing method is also advantageous for sensing whether the liquid is close to or not close to the heating or cooling element (e.g., if a user places or partially places his or her cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container on its side, the control circuitry can sense that the liquid is not in thermal contact with the heating or cooling element and can turn off or reduce the power to the heating or cooling element).

[0199] While the above-disclosed operation based on sensing the presence of food (solid or liquid) can 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, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowl, plate, hot 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 this disclosure and the scope of the invention are to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0200] Power level adjustment of heating / cooling elements based on food heat absorption

[0201] 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., communicating with electronic modules 90, 490, 690, or with control circuits 94, 494, 694) that communicates with electronic modules 90, 490, 690 (e.g., communicating with control circuits 94, 494, 694). Figure 16 (Sensors 820A to 820D). Temperature sensors 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.

[0202] Regarding plate 100, bowl, or dinner plate, sensors (e.g.) Figure 16Sensors 820A to 820D of the plate 800 can sense the temperature of food placed on the plate 100, bowl, or plate and transmit the sensed temperature to an electronic module 90. This module can then adjust the power supplied to the heating or cooling element 60 based on the difference between the sensed temperature and a user-selected temperature setpoint for the plate 100, bowl, or plate, to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the amount of energy supplied by the heating or cooling element 60 to the plate, bowl, or plate. In one embodiment, if the food is above the user-selected temperature setpoint when placed on the plate, bowl, or plate, the electronic module 90 can control the heating or cooling element 60 to remain inactive (or to be turned off if it is already operating). This can advantageously extend the operating time of one or more energy storage devices 80 (e.g., between charging events), allowing the heating or cooling system 55 to have a longer operating time (e.g., between charging events of one or more 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 toward a user-selected temperature setpoint. When the temperature of food on plate 100, bowl, or plate decreases or increases, electronic module 90 can control the operation of heating or cooling element 60 (e.g., adjusting the power level up or down to increase or decrease the amount of energy provided by heating or cooling element 60) based at least in part on feedback from food temperature sensor to provide energy to the food, thereby maintaining the food temperature at a user-selected temperature setpoint, or within a given temperature range near the user-selected temperature setpoint. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be located on the food receiving surface of plate 100, bowl, or plate, typically at the center, or multiple sensors may be spread across the food receiving surface of plate 100, bowl, or plate, allowing the use of an average temperature (e.g., ...). Figure 16 Sensors 820A to 820D or on surface S of disk 800 Figure 18 The sensor 920 is located on the surface S of the plate 900. In another embodiment, as further discussed below, the plate 100, bowl, or dish has a plurality of heating or cooling elements 60 that provide energy to different portions (e.g., quarter circles) of the plate 100, bowl, or dish. Figure 16 Heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D, or Figure 18 In the case of a heating or cooling element 960, multiple temperature sensors may be provided, each associated with one of the different portions of the plate 100, bowl, or dish. In another embodiment, the temperature sensor may be positioned such that it is in communication with the food receiving surface of the plate 100, bowl, or dish, even if the sensor is not located on the food receiving surface (e.g., the sensor may be located under the heating portion of the plate 100, bowl, or dish).

[0203] Regarding the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, the sensor can sense the temperature of the liquid poured into the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, and transmit the sensed temperature to the electronic modules 490, 690. These modules can then adjust the power supplied to the heating or cooling elements 460, 660 based on the difference between the sensed temperature and a user-selected temperature setpoint for the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the amount of energy supplied by the heating or cooling elements 460, 660 to the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, if the liquid (e.g., coffee, tea) is above the user-selected temperature setpoint when poured into the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, the electronic modules 490, 690 can control the heating elements 460, 660 to remain inactive (or to turn off if the heating elements 460, 660 are already operating). This can advantageously extend the operating time of one or more energy storage devices 480, 680 (e.g., between charging events), which can allow heating or cooling systems 455, 655 to have longer operating times (e.g., between charging events of one or more energy storage devices 480, 680).

[0204] In another embodiment, electronic modules 490, 690 may control the operation of heating or cooling elements 460, 660 to actively reduce the temperature of the liquid toward a user-selected temperature setpoint. When the temperature of the liquid in the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container decreases, electronic modules 490, 690 may control the operation of heating or cooling elements 460, 660 (e.g., adjusting the power level up or down to increase or decrease the amount of energy provided by the heating or cooling elements 460, 660) at least in part based on feedback from a liquid temperature sensor to provide energy to the liquid, thereby maintaining the liquid temperature at or within a given temperature range near the user-selected temperature setpoint. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be located on the liquid receiving surface of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. For example, in one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed on the inner surface of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container at a distance (e.g., one inch or other distance) from the bottom surface. In another embodiment, the temperature sensor may 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 may be positioned such that it is in communication 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 inner surface of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., the sensor may be located below the surface or integrated into the surface).

[0205] While the adjustment of the power level of heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 based on the heat absorption of the food items (solid or liquid) disclosed above can 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, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowl, plate, hot 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, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0206] Thermal protection switch

[0207] In one embodiment, the plate 100 (or bowl or plate), mug 400, and travel mug 600 (or cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may have a thermal protection switch (e.g., as part of controller circuits 94, 494, 694). In use, if the temperature of the heating or cooling systems 55, 455, 655 of the plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., the temperature of heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660) rises above a predetermined temperature (e.g., a predetermined high-temperature limit), the thermal protection switch will open the circuitry electrically connecting the electronic modules 90, 490, 690 and the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660, causing the heating or cooling elements to shut down.

[0208] While the thermal protection switch (or circuit) disclosed above may 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, tableware, or server equipment (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), 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 the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and server equipment.

[0209] Battery maintenance

[0210] In one embodiment, where one or more 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 may have smart battery functionality to maximize the lifespan of one or more batteries 80, 480, 680. For example, electronic modules 90, 490, 690 may operate heating or cooling systems 55, 455, 655 to deplete one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 at specific intervals. In one embodiment, electronic modules 90, 490, 690 (e.g., charging circuits 96, 496, 696) may monitor cell balancing and the discharge rate of one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 during operation. Charging circuits 96, 496, 696 may also monitor one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 to determine whether they are all discharging energy substantially equally and whether the battery level is unsafe.

[0211] Additionally, charging circuits 96, 496, and 696 can control the charging operation of the plate 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 to stop the charging process once 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 left unused at the charging station 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 be charged to a predetermined full charge 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 a rate that would 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 to heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660.

[0212] While the smart battery functions disclosed above (e.g., maintenance) may be described in conjunction with plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or server equipment (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), 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 this disclosure and the scope of the invention are to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and server equipment.

[0213] isolated heating area

[0214] Figure 16 Another embodiment of plate 800, bowl, or dinner plate is shown. Plate 800, bowl, or dinner plate is similar to the plates 100, 100' described above, and includes the same components (having the same numerical identifiers) and features as disclosed for plates 100, 100', except as described below.

[0215] In one embodiment, the plate 800, bowl, or dish may have a plurality of heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D, each of which is associated with a specific portion (e.g., a quarter circle, half, or other fraction) 810A to 810D of the plate 800, bowl, or dish (e.g., a portion of a flat portion of the dish on which food is placed), isolated from each other, and operated by an electronic module 90 independent of the other heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D based on input from the user (e.g., via a user interface on the plate 800, bowl, or dish, discussed further below). For example, the plurality of heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D may be arranged in a grid, wherein each of the heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D can heat a portion of the plate 800, bowl, or dish associated with that portion of the grid. For example, the user can access the user interface via an electronic module 90 based on input from the user (e.g., via a user interface on the plate 800, bowl, or dish, discussed further below). Figure 17 The user interface 830 of the plate 800' opens and closes heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D in a specific area (e.g., a quarter circle) of the plate 800, bowl, or dish. The plate 800' is similar to the plates 100, 100', and 800 described above, and includes the same components (with the same numerical identifiers) and features disclosed for plates 100, 100', and 800, except as described below. In one embodiment, the plate 800, 800', bowl, or dish may provide a visual indicator 830, wherein a portion (e.g., a quarter circle) of the plate 800, 800', bowl, or dish has heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D that are open or closed (or in a cooling mode versus a heating mode), as further described below. The visual indication may be provided via one or more light sources or visual indicators (e.g., electroluminescent, OLED, or any other type of planar light emitter or sliding light emitter, or edge lighting or digital screen) communicating with the electronic module 90 (e.g., on the edge or rim of the plate 800, 800', bowl, or dish, such as...). Figure 17 (As shown). In another embodiment, one or more light sources, such as the light source described above, can be used to illuminate the portion of the plate 800, 800', bowl, or dish that is being effectively heated or cooled.

[0216] In one embodiment, a portion 810A to 810D of the plate 800, 800', bowl, or dish may open its associated heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D to heat a portion of the plate 800, 800', bowl, or dish (e.g., where this portion receives hot food items, such as steak), and another portion 810A to 810D of the plate 800, 800', bowl, or dish (e.g., a quarter circle, half) may close its associated heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D, where a portion of the plate 800, 800', bowl, or dish receives cold food items, such as salad. As described above, plates 800, 800', bowls, or platters may have multiple temperature sensors 820A to 820D for sensing the temperature of food placed on plates 800, 800', bowls, or platters, wherein each (or more) of temperature sensors 820A to 820D is associated with one of the portions 810A to 810D of plates 800, 800', bowls, or platters. Temperature sensors 820A to 820D may transmit the sensed temperature to an electronic module 90 (e.g., to a control circuit 94), and the electronic module 90 may determine, at least in part, whether a hot food item (e.g., steak) or a cold food item (e.g., salad) is placed on a specific portion of plate 800, 800', bowls, or platters based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensors 820A to 820D in that portion 810A to 810D. If a hot food item has been placed on it, the electronic module 90 may turn on the heating elements 860A to 860D associated with that part 810A to 810D, or keep the heating elements 860A to 860D off if a cold food item has been placed on it. In another embodiment, the electronic module 90 may control at least one operating parameter of the heating or cooling system 55 of one or more plates 800, 800', bowls, or platters (e.g., one or more heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D) based at least in part on the average of temperature information sensed from a plurality of temperature sensors 820A to 820D. For example, one or more temperature sensors 820A to 820D associated with a specific portion 810A to 810D of a plate 800, 800', bowl, or dish can transmit temperature information to an electronic module 90. A control circuit 94 can average the sensed temperature, and the electronic module can control the operation of heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D based at least in part on the average value of the sensed temperature (e.g., increasing the power to heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D if the average temperature is below a user-selected temperature setpoint or a range near the setpoint, maintaining the same power to heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D if the average temperature is within the range near the user-selected temperature setpoint, or maintaining the power to heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D if the average temperature is above the range near the user-selected temperature setpoint).

[0217] Figure 18 Another embodiment of a plate 900, bowl, or dinner plate is shown. Plate 900 is similar to the plates 100, 100', 800, 800' described above, and includes the same components (with the same numerical identifiers) and features as disclosed for plates 100, 100', 800, 800', except as described below.

[0218] In one embodiment, the plate 900, bowl, or dish may have multiple heating or cooling elements 960, which may be multiple thermoelectric elements (e.g., Peltier elements), wherein each thermoelectric element 960 is associated with a different portion 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or dish (e.g., a quarter circle, half, or other fraction). An electronic module 90 may control the electrical supply to each thermoelectric element 960 and may control the polarity of the thermoelectric element to control whether the thermoelectric element 960 (e.g., a Peltier element) operates as a heating device or as a cooling device, thereby heating or cooling a specific portion 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or dish associated with the thermoelectric element 960. As discussed above, each portion 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or dish may have a separate temperature sensor 920 for sensing the temperature of food placed on that portion 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or dish. Temperature information can be transmitted to electronic module 90, which can then operate thermoelectric element 960, at least in part, based on the sensed temperature information, to heat or cool a specific portion 910 of plate 900, bowl, or dish. For example, if a hot food item (e.g., steak) is placed on one or more portions 910 of plate 900, bowl, or dish, electronic module 90 can control the operation of thermoelectric element 960 associated with one or more portions 910 to operate as a heating element to heat one or more portions 910 of plate 900, bowl, or dish, thereby maintaining the hot food item at a certain temperature (or within a user-selected temperature range). Alternatively, if a cold food item (e.g., salad) is placed on another portion 910 of plate 900, bowl, or dish, electronic module 90 can control the operation of electronic element 960 associated with that portion 910 to operate as a cooling element to cool that portion 910 of plate 900, bowl, or dish, thereby maintaining the cold food item at a specific temperature (e.g., the initial sensed temperature of the cold food item). In another embodiment, the Peltier cooling system can be used in combination with a heating system (e.g., one or more heating elements) so that all or part of the dish can be heated or cooled. In another embodiment, the plurality of heating or cooling elements can be heating elements.

[0219] While the isolated heating zones disclosed above may be described in conjunction with plates 800, 800', and 900, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or server equipment (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates, cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, and / or liquid containers), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottles 1500, beer mugs 1600, travel mugs 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread baskets 2200, and tortilla warmers 2300, and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and server equipment.

[0220] In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, and / or liquid container may have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., Peltier elements, heating wires, etc.) HC, such as multiple heating or cooling elements HC as discussed above. One or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., multiple heating or cooling elements HC) may be arranged (e.g., integrated into the sidewall SW) along or around the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, and / or liquid container, as... Figures 34A to 34C As shown. In one embodiment, one or more heating or cooling elements HC may be arranged along or around the sidewall at two or more locations of a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., having multiple heating or cooling elements on two opposite sides, or wrapping around a circumference).

[0221] In one embodiment, as discussed above, one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., multiple heating or cooling elements HC) can operate independently of each other (e.g., each of the heating or cooling elements, such as Peltier elements, can operate to heat or cool according to a selected operating mode).

[0222] 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 multiple thermoelectric elements (e.g., along the sidewall SW) Figures 34A to 34C(As shown). The control circuit can be used to turn multiple thermoelectric elements on or off together or independently. The control circuit can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric elements together or independently, so that the thermoelectric elements 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 according to the polarity of the electricity delivered to the thermoelectric elements.

[0223] 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 a thermoelectric element along its sidewall SW. Control circuitry can be used to turn the thermoelectric element on or off. The control circuitry can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric element, allowing the thermoelectric element to be used to actively heat or actively cool the liquid inside the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container according to the polarity of the electricity delivered to the thermoelectric element.

[0224] 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 may have: one or more thermoelectric elements for actively cooling the liquid in 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., heating wires) for actively heating the liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0225] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element HC is operable (e.g., via an electronic module, such as the electronic modules 690, 2090, 2190 disclosed herein) to induce, promote, facilitate, or generate circulation (i.e., convection) of a liquid flow C within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, in order to promote a more uniform (e.g., uniform, constant) temperature throughout the liquid volume. For example, the heating or cooling element HC may be selectively operable to induce a counterclockwise flow C (i.e., convection), such as... Figure 34A As shown. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element HC can be selectively operated to induce a clockwise flow C (i.e., convection), as... Figure 34BAs shown. Advantageously, the circulation or "waterfall effect" of the liquid flow C, in which the liquid circulates between the upper and lower parts 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), can cause natural convection heat transfer within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container, thereby allowing for more uniform heating or cooling of the liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, the circulation of the liquid advantageously results in the liquid at the bottom and top of a 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 degrees Fahrenheit, less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, less than 5 degrees Fahrenheit, less than 3 degrees Fahrenheit, less than 1 degree Fahrenheit), 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.

[0226] In one embodiment, a cyclical effect can be induced, facilitated, promoted, or generated simply by strategically positioning heating or cooling elements HC or multiple heating or cooling elements HC. For example, in one embodiment, to actively cool liquid in 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 cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements) may be used and may be located near the top level of the container, such that liquid cooled by one or more cooling elements HC begins to descend to move the warmer liquid at the bottom, which causes the warmer liquid to then rise and the cycle repeats, thereby advantageously establishing a consistent 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, for actively cooling liquids in cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottles 1500, beer mugs 1600, water bottles, or liquid containers, one or more cooling elements HC (e.g., thermoelectric elements) may be used, and may be used along the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottles 1500, etc. 00, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container sidewall positioning, such that liquid cooled by one or more cooling elements HC begins to descend along the sidewall to move the hotter liquid located at the bottom, which causes the hotter liquid to then rise and the cycle repeats, thereby advantageously establishing a consistent liquid temperature in the mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container. In another embodiment, for actively heating liquids in cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottles 1500, beer mugs 1600, water bottles, and / or liquid containers, one or more heating elements HC (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heating wires, etc.) may be used and may be located close to the cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottles 1500, beer mugs 1600, water bottles, and / or liquid containers. The base of a 500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container is positioned such that liquid heated by one or more heating elements HC begins to rise to the top to move the cooler liquid located at the top, which causes the cooler liquid to then fall and the cycle repeats, thereby advantageously establishing a consistent liquid temperature in a mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container.In another embodiment, for actively heating liquid in 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.) may be used and may be positioned along or around a sidewall, close to the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, etc. 0. The bottom of a baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container is such that liquid heated by one or more heating elements begins to rise to the top to move the cooler liquid located at the top, which causes the cooler liquid to then fall and the cycle repeats, thereby advantageously establishing a consistent liquid temperature in a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0227] In one embodiment, a cyclic effect can be induced, promoted, facilitated, 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, promoted, facilitated, or generated by operating one of a 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, promoted, facilitated, or generated by operating two of a 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, promoted, facilitated, or generated by operating more than two of a 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., on the side wall of the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container or in a panel integrated therein), such as Figures 34A to 34CAs shown. However, in other embodiments, the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container may have fewer than or more than four heating or cooling elements HC. In one embodiment, one or more heating or cooling elements HC may preferably be arranged on the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container and / or operate in a manner that induces, promotes, facilitates, or generates such circulation of fluid.

[0228] In one embodiment, heating or cooling elements HC may be spaced apart (e.g., vertically spaced) along the sidewall of a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, heating or cooling elements HC may be adjacent to each other. In yet another embodiment, each heating or cooling element HC may be in contact with at least one adjacent heating and cooling element. In one embodiment, heating or cooling elements HC may be arranged in a panel (e.g., a panel of Peltier elements) or in a cluster (e.g., a cluster of Peltier elements).

[0229] In one embodiment, 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 may be at least partially based on those discussed above (and as described herein). Figure 44 (Further discussion) Sensed liquid level information sensed by one or more liquid level sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors) operates one or more heating and cooling elements HC (e.g., Peltier elements, resistance coil heaters) to induce, promote, facilitate, or generate the circulating flow C. For example, in the case where an electronic module (e.g., electronic modules 490, 690, 2090, 2190, EM) operates two or more heating or cooling elements HC in the upper part 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 generate the circulation of flow C (e.g., even if there are more than two heating or cooling elements HC in the side wall SW of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container), the electronic module may shut off the first heating and cooling element HC1 when the liquid level drops below the first HC1 of the two or more heating and cooling elements HC. Optionally, the electronic module can also turn on, activate, or energize another heating or cooling element HC2 below the second of the two heating and cooling elements HC, so that two or more heating and cooling elements HC are maintained in operation to achieve the circulation flow.

[0230] Figure 34E An 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 may 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 the embodiments herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid container LC may have a cooling element HC3 and a heating element HC4, the cooling element HC3 being in thermal communication with at least a portion (e.g., one side) (e.g., at least a portion along the height of the container) of a circumferential sidewall SW defining a liquid containment chamber, and the heating element HC4 being in thermal communication with at least another portion (e.g., the opposite side) of the circumferential wall SW. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling element HC3 may have a greater height than the heating element HC4. In another embodiment, the heights of the heating and cooling elements may be the same. In yet another embodiment, the heating element may have a greater height than the cooling element. The liquid container LC may have a sensor LS disposed at the bottom of the liquid containment chamber. In one embodiment, the sensor LS can be a level sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor. In other embodiments, the level sensor can be other types of sensors disclosed herein. In still 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.

[0231] In the illustrated embodiment, cooling element HC3 operates (e.g., via electronic module EM) to cool at least a portion of the wall SW in thermal communication with it, while heating element HC4 operates to heat at least a portion of the wall SW in thermal communication with it. In one embodiment, cooling element HC3 may optionally operate at a higher power level than heating element HC4. Advantageously, the operation of heating element HC3 and cooling element HC4 induces, promotes, facilitates, or generates circulation C of the liquid within the container. In one embodiment, one or more cooling elements on one side of the liquid container may induce a liquid descent effect along that side SW of the liquid container (the coldest liquid in the liquid body will sink). On the opposite sidewall, one or more heating elements may induce a liquid ascent effect (the hottest liquid in the liquid body will rise). The descent of liquid along one side of the liquid container and the ascent of liquid along the opposite side of the liquid container can cause a circulation effect, advantageously circulating the liquid within the liquid container. This circulation effect can be used to agitate or mix the liquid within the liquid container to prevent more buoyant particles from separating from fewer buoyant particles, or the circulation effect can be used to maintain a substantially uniform temperature of the liquid within the liquid container.

[0232] Figure 34FAnother embodiment is shown, which is similar to 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) except as described below. The liquid container LC2 has one or more (e.g., multiple) heating or cooling elements HC that are in thermal communication with at least a portion of the circumferential sidewall SW of the liquid containing chamber, and a heating or cooling element HC4 that is in thermal communication with another portion (e.g., the opposite side) of the sidewall SW.

[0233] In the illustrated embodiment, a cooling element HC5 (e.g., via an electronic module EM) of one or more heating or cooling elements HC operates to cool a portion of the sidewall SW in thermal communication with it, while a heating element HC4 operates to heat a portion of the wall SW in thermal communication with it. At least a portion of the cooling element HC5 is positioned below the liquid level. When the liquid level drops (e.g., due to a user drinking the liquid), the heating and cooling elements HC operate (e.g., via the electronic module EM based at least in part on a sensed liquid level sensed by a liquid level sensor LS) such that only one or more cooling elements HC5 at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal communication with the liquid are operated. Advantageously, the operation of the heating element HC4 and the cooling element HC5 induces, promotes, facilitates, or generates circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0234] Figure 34G Another embodiment is shown, besides the liquid container LC3 (e.g., cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) similar to the liquid container LC described below. The liquid container LC3 may have a cooling element HC3 that is thermally connected to at least a portion (e.g., one side) of the circumferential sidewall SW defining the liquid containment chamber (e.g., at least a portion along the height of the containment chamber). Unlike the liquid container LC, the liquid container LC3 does not have another heating or cooling element on another portion (e.g., the opposite side) of the containment chamber.

[0235] In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling element HC3 (e.g., via the electronic module EM) operates to cool a portion of the wall SW in thermal communication with it. Figure 34G As shown, the cooling element HC3 can remain in operation regardless of changes in the liquid level, making the operation of the cooling element HC3 in this embodiment independent of the sensed liquid level. The orientation and arrangement of the cooling element HC3 along the side wall of the liquid container can induce a liquid drop effect along that side of the liquid container and can induce, promote, facilitate, or generate circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0236] Figure 34HAnother embodiment is shown, besides the liquid container LC2 described below, which is similar to the liquid container LC2 (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle). The liquid container LC4 has one or more (e.g., multiple) cooling elements HC that are in thermal communication with at least a portion of the circumferential sidewall SW of the liquid containing chamber. Unlike the liquid container LC2, the liquid container LC4 does not have heating elements on another portion of the containing chamber (e.g., the opposite side).

[0237] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more cooling elements HC5 (e.g., via an electronic module EM) operate to cool portions of the sidewall SW in thermal communication with them. At least a portion of the cooling element HC5 is positioned below the liquid level. When the liquid level drops (e.g., due to a user drinking the liquid), the cooling element HC operates (e.g., via the electronic module EM based at least in part on a sensed liquid level sensed by a liquid level sensor LS) such that only one or more cooling elements HC5 at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal communication with the liquid are operated. Advantageously, the operation of the cooling element HC5 induces, promotes, facilitates, or generates circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0238] Figure 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 may include a liquid-containing chamber H having a heat-conducting wall SW'. The liquid container LC5 may also have a heating or cooling element HC6 in thermal communication with at least a portion of the liquid-containing chamber H.

[0239] In the illustrated embodiment, the heating and cooling element HC6 operates (e.g., via the electronic module EM) to cool the liquid containment chamber H around its periphery, which advantageously induces, promotes, facilitates, or generates circulation C of the liquid within the chamber as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the level sensor may be optionally excluded, and the heating and cooling element HC may operate independently of the liquid level within the chamber. In another embodiment, only a portion of the sidewall SW' of the liquid containment chamber H is thermally conductive (e.g., a heat-conducting tape or belt may be wound around the outer circumference of the liquid containment chamber H, or in another example, certain areas of the liquid containment chamber H may be thermally conductive while others may not). In one embodiment, the cooling element HC6 is operable to cool at least a portion of the sidewall SW' surrounding the periphery of the liquid chamber and may reduce the temperature of the liquid closest to the sidewall. In this embodiment, the liquid along the sidewall becomes colder than the liquid in the remaining portion of the liquid and will descend in a downward direction along the sidewall of the liquid containment chamber H. This can advantageously induce a circulation effect, causing the liquid within the liquid container LC5 to circulate. This circulation effect can be used to agitate or mix the liquid within the liquid container to prevent more buoyant particles from separating from fewer buoyant particles, or it can be used to maintain a substantially uniform temperature of the liquid within the liquid container LC5. In another embodiment (not shown in the figures), one or more heating elements can be added to the above embodiments and can be in thermal contact with the base or bottom of the liquid containment chamber H. In this embodiment, the heating elements are operable to heat at least a portion of the liquid near the center of the liquid chamber at the base, thereby further supporting the upward rise of the hotter liquid at the center of the liquid (which will further enhance the circulation effect).

[0240] Figure 34J Another embodiment is shown, besides the liquid container LC7 described below, which is similar to 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). The liquid container LC6 has one or more (e.g., multiple) heating elements HC in thermal communication with at least a portion of the circumferential sidewall SW of the liquid containment chamber. Unlike the liquid container LC7, the liquid container LC6 operates all heating elements HC7, which are at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal contact with the liquid in the containment chamber. The number of operated heating elements HC8 decreases as the liquid level decreases.

[0241] In the illustrated embodiment, heating elements HC7, HC8 of one or more heating elements HC operate (e.g., via electronic module EM) to heat portions of the sidewall SW in thermal communication with it. Advantageously, the operation of heating elements HC7, HC8 induces, promotes, facilitates, or generates circulation C of the liquid in the chamber as shown.

[0242] Figure 34KA liquid container LC3 is shown (e.g., a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle). In this embodiment, a heating element HC3, thermally connected to at least a portion (e.g., one side) (e.g., along at least a portion of the height of the container) of the circumferential wall SW defining the liquid containment chamber, operates (e.g., via an electronic module EM) to heat the portion of the side wall SW thermally connected thereto. Figure 34K As shown, the heating element HC3 can remain in operation regardless of changes in the liquid level, so that in this embodiment, the operation of the heating element HC3 is independent of the sensed liquid level. Advantageously, the operation of the heating element HC3 induces, promotes, facilitates, or generates circulation C of the liquid in the chamber.

[0243] Figure 34L Another embodiment is shown, besides the liquid container LC4 described below, which is similar to 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). The liquid container LC7 has one or more (e.g., multiple) heating elements HC, which are in thermal communication with at least a portion of the circumferential sidewall SW of the liquid containing chamber.

[0244] In the illustrated embodiment, heating element HC9 of one or more heating elements HC (e.g., via electronic module EM) operates to heat a portion of the sidewall SW in thermal communication with it. Figure 34L As shown, the heating element HC9 is closest to the bottom of the receiving chamber of the liquid container LC7, and the operation of the heating element HC9 does not change with the liquid level. Advantageously, the operation of the heating element HC9 induces, promotes, facilitates, or generates the circulation C of the liquid in the chamber.

[0245] Figure 34M A liquid container LC6 (e.g., cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) operating in cooling mode is shown. The liquid container LC6 operates all cooling elements HC7, which are at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal contact with the liquid in the containment chamber. As the liquid level decreases, the number of operating heating and cooling elements HC8 decreases.

[0246] In one embodiment, the circulation or mixing of liquids within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved using kinetic motion, such as the movement of a diaphragm into and out, similar to the cone of an audio speaker (e.g., a diaphragm attached to, embedded in, or otherwise incorporated into the body of the container, such as a sidewall). In another embodiment, the circulation or mixing of liquids within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved using sound waves or acoustic vibrations (e.g., small speakers or piezoelectric speakers mounted to 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). In another embodiment, the circulation or mixing of liquids within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved using dynamic movements such as inserting and removing pistons or shafts, causing disturbance of the liquid and thus mixing the liquids. In another embodiment, the circulation or mixing of liquid within a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved using the dynamic movement of one or more rotating mixer blades or arms (e.g., attached to or otherwise integrated into the 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 bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may have a single heating or cooling element (e.g., a single thermoelectric element), which may optionally be disposed in its bottom (e.g., base), and a mechanical, dynamic, or acoustic mixing mechanism operable (e.g., via a control unit or electronic module) to circulate or mix the liquid within a liquid receiving portion such that the temperature of the liquid volume is generally uniform.

[0247] In another embodiment, a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements), such as heating or cooling elements HC, 60, 460, 1660 along a sidewall SW, which move along at least a portion of the length of the sidewall SW as the liquid level changes. In one embodiment, one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements) may be mounted on tracks on a surface (e.g., an inner surface, an outer surface) attached to a liquid receiving portion. One or more heating or cooling elements may be attached to a buoyancy member that floats on the liquid level, such that one or more heating or cooling elements remain at least partially submerged below the liquid level line, and when a user drinks the liquid and the liquid level drops, one or more heating or cooling elements will move along the sidewall SW (e.g., downwards) such that they remain 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 a sidewall SW (e.g., on a track), as discussed above, and can be moved using an electromagnet or motor, or can be moved manually along the track. When the heating or cooling element is a thermoelectric element, control circuitry can be used to turn the thermoelectric element on or off. The control circuitry can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric element, such that the thermoelectric element can be used to actively heat or actively cool the liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container according to the polarity of the electricity delivered to the thermoelectric element.

[0248] 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 may have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heater coils, etc.), such as heating or cooling elements HC, 60, 460, 1660 operatively connected to one or more heat pipes that conduct heat energy to the cup, mug 400, or .... 00, Travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, Baby bottle 1500, Beer mug 1600, Glass bottle, Water bottle or liquid container, or one or more parts of the liquid receiving part of the container or mug, or cup, 400, Travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, Baby bottle 1500, Beer mug 1600, Glass bottle, Water bottle or liquid container, conduct heat energy from one or more parts of the liquid receiving part of the container. For example, one heat pipe can direct heat energy to or from the base of a cup, mug (400), travel mug (600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400), baby bottle (1500), beer mug (1600), glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container; another heat pipe can direct heat energy to the middle of the cup, mug (400), travel mug (600), travel mug (600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400), baby bottle (1500), beer mug (1600), glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container; Heat is directed from the middle part of a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, or from the top of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, a valve component (e.g., an electromagnetic component) may be actuated to direct thermal energy from a particular heat pipe or multiple heat pipes to a heating or cooling element, or to direct thermal energy from a heating or cooling element to a particular heat pipe or multiple heat pipes, thereby directing thermal energy to or from a desired portion of the liquid receiving portion.In one embodiment, a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heater coils, etc.) selectively thermally connected to one or more heat pipes, as discussed above. For example, actuation of a valve can thermally connect a heating or cooling element to a specific heat pipe, and deactivation of the valve can thermally disconnect the heating or cooling element from the heat pipe. In one embodiment, a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heater coils, etc.) thermally connected to one or more heat pipes that conduct heat energy to or from one or more portions of the liquid receiving portion of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. When the heating or cooling element is a thermoelectric element, the 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 liquids in cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottles 1500, beer mugs 1600, glass bottles, water bottles, or other liquid containers, depending on the polarity of the electricity delivered to the thermoelectric element.

[0249] While the features disclosed above may be described in connection with travel mugs, mugs, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (such as mug 400 and travel mug 600), those skilled in the art will recognize that this embodiment can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), including plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, glass bottles, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, etc., and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0250] Electricity generated using heating or cooling elements

[0251] In one embodiment, one or more of the 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. The electricity can be used to recharge one or more power storage elements PS or to directly power specific features such as thermostats, Bluetooth or WiFi radios, indicator lights, liquid temperature displays, or any features described in this specification. 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 can receive heat energy from 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 heat energy can be converted into electricity. The control circuitry within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container can direct this electricity to charge one or more of the power storage devices disclosed herein (e.g., power storage element PS, battery, capacitor), which can advantageously extend the operating time of the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., keeping the liquid at a predetermined or pre-selected temperature or temperature range for a longer period of time).

[0252] In another embodiment, control circuitry within a cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container can activate one or more of a plurality of thermoelectric elements (e.g., those disclosed herein, such as HC) to actively heat or cool the liquid within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, one or more unused (i.e., not energized to actively heat or cool the liquid) thermoelectric elements can be used to generate electricity (e.g., thermal energy from 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, the electricity generated by the unused thermoelectric elements can be used to directly or indirectly direct power to one or more thermoelectric elements in use (i.e., energized to actively heat or cool the liquid).

[0253] In another embodiment, control circuitry within a cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container can activate one or more of a plurality of thermoelectric elements to actively heat the liquid within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 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 mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container is higher than a user-selected or factory-selected temperature setpoint, one or more thermoelectric elements can be used to generate electricity (to charge one or more electrical storage elements such as PS) until the user-selected or factory-selected liquid temperature has been reached. At this point, one or more thermoelectric elements can be utilized by a control circuit to maintain the liquid temperature (i.e., energized to dissipate heat and controlled by the control circuit). This embodiment uses thermoelectric elements not only to generate electricity but also to actively heat the liquid in a cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 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 mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container to generate electricity while the liquid is too hot. This allows one or more electrical storage elements to be charged or receive additional charge, thus extending the duration for which the liquid can be maintained at the temperature set point.

[0254] In another embodiment, one or more thermoelectric generators may be used independently of the heating or cooling element HC and may be used to generate electricity to charge one or more energy storage devices in a cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle or liquid container.

[0255] In another embodiment, the cup, mug, bowl, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may have a port through which an external electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, radio, fitness tracker, PDA) can be connected, and electricity generated from the thermoelectric element can be used to power or charge the external electronic device. In a similar embodiment, wireless power (as opposed to a port) can be used to electrically connect the external electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, radio, fitness tracker, PDA), allowing the external electronic device to receive power from the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0256] In another embodiment, no generator is required within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 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 mug 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, radio, fitness tracker, PDA) to power or charge the external electronic device. One or more power storage elements (e.g., power storage element PS, battery, or capacitor) within the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 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.

[0257] While the above-disclosed generation of electricity using heating or cooling elements HC can be described in conjunction with mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., beer mugs 1600 or baby bottles 1500), those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, 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, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0258] Frozen drinking utensils (e.g., beer glasses)

[0259] Figure 34D An embodiment of a frozen drinking vessel 1600 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the frozen drinking vessel 1600 may be a beer mug 1600. The beer mug 1600 may have a body 1612 having a circumferential wall 1612a, an inner surface 1612b, a handle 1614, and a base 1620 having a top surface 1620a, wherein the inner surface 1612b and the top surface 1620a define a cavity 1618 for containing liquids (e.g., beer, soft drinks, water). The beer mug 1600 may have a cooling system 1655, which may be disposed (e.g., embedded) in the cavity 1650a between the circumferential wall 1612a and the inner surface 1612b. The cooling system 1655 may include: one or more cooling elements 1660 (e.g., Peltier elements) disposed against the outer surface of the inner surface 1612b to cool the inner surface 1612b, thereby cooling the liquid in the cavity 1618; an insulating member 1670; one or more energy storage devices 1680; and an electronic module 1690, and these components may be arranged and connected in the same manner as described above with respect to the heating or cooling of the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600. In one embodiment, one or more radiators may be thermally attached to one or more cooling elements 1660 (radiators not shown). In another embodiment, an active cooling system (e.g., a fan, diaphragm cooler, etc.) may be used to actively cool the radiator (not shown). In another embodiment, the insulating member 1670 may be excluded. In another embodiment, one or more energy storage devices or elements 1680 may be excluded.

[0260] In an embodiment where the mug 1600 includes an energy storage device 1680, an electronic module 1690 may be attached to the top surface 1644 of the bottom member 1640 of the mug 1600 and includes one or more of a wireless power receiver 1692, control circuitry 1694 (e.g., controller circuitry, microcontroller, etc.), and a charger 1696 (e.g., charging circuitry) optionally used to charge one or more energy storage devices 1680. The electronic module 1690 may include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. The control circuitry 1694 may operate to manage the power delivered to one or more cooling elements 1660, wherein in one embodiment the one or more cooling elements 1660 may be controlled independently of each other, as discussed herein. The control circuitry 1694 may also be used to manage the charging of one or more energy storage devices 1680. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 1692 is electrically connected to a battery charger 1696, which is electrically connected to the energy storage device 1680, which in turn is electrically connected to the cooling element 1660. In another embodiment, where the energy storage device 1680 is excluded (as discussed above), the wireless power receiver 1692 may be electrically connected to the cooling element 1660 (and may be controlled by control circuitry to maintain a specific temperature setpoint). In one embodiment, the cooling system 1655 is entirely housed within the body 1612, such that no part of the system 1655 is visible (i.e., the mug 1600 appears as a conventional mug). In another embodiment, the cooling system 1655 may be housed in a module removably attachable to the mug 1600. In yet another embodiment, a portion of the cooling system may be housed within the body, and another portion may be located externally to the body (e.g., a heat sink, etc.).

[0261] As discussed herein, the wireless power receiver 1692 can receive power from a wireless power transmitter (e.g., in a charging base where a mug is placed, or in a table, bar, workbench, or service counter containing the wireless power transmitter). In the case of using a charging base, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the charging base may extend into or near the bottom surface of the mug 1600.

[0262] In one embodiment, the bottom member 1640 may be removably attached to the mug 1600 to allow access to the cooling system 1655 within the cavity 1650a. For example, the bottom member 1640 may be mechanically coupled to the mug 1600 (e.g., using screws, a threaded interface between the bottom member 1640 and the mug 1600, a press-fit connection). The bottom member 1640 may be removed to allow replacement of one or more energy storage devices 1680 and maintenance of the cooling system 1655. In one embodiment, the bottom member 1640 may be a waterproof cap that may be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the mug 1600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container for access to the cooling system 1655. In another embodiment, the bottom member 1640 may be a waterproof cap that may be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the mug 1600 for access to one or more energy storage devices 1680. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 1680 may be in an encapsulation attached (e.g., threaded connection, snap-fit, screw-on) to the bottom of the mug 1600, wherein the electrical contacts of the encapsulation are connected to a set of electrical contacts on the bottom of the mug 1600.

[0263] In another embodiment, the mug 1600 may include one or more corrosion-resistant electrical contacts (not shown) on the outer surface of the mug 1600, such as the bottom surface 1642 of the bottom 1640 of the mug 1600, wherein the electrical contacts are sized and shaped to contact a corresponding electrical contact (not shown) (e.g., on the charging base when the mug 1600 is placed on the charging base). In one embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mug 1600 may protrude from the surface of the mug 1600, such as an electrical post. In another embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mug 1600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may be one or more contact pads (not shown) on the bottom surface 1642 of the bottom 1640 of the mug 1600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, which may contact a corresponding contact pad (not shown) on the charging base. However, the electrical contacts on the mug 1600 and the associated charging base may have other suitable configurations.

[0264] Mug 1600 can operate in a similar manner to that discussed above in conjunction with Mug 400 or Travel Mug 600. In one embodiment, where Mug 1600 has a power storage device 1680, the electronic module 1690 can store received energy (wirelessly via a wireless power receiver 1692 or via a direct electrical connection as discussed above) in the power storage device 1680 for powering one or more cooling elements 1660. In another embodiment, where the power storage device 1680 is excluded, the received energy or power can be directed to the cooling element 1660.

[0265] As discussed herein, the active cooling system described in the above embodiments can be incorporated into a refrigerated drinking vessel such as a beer mug 1600. The active cooling system 1655 may include one or more cooling elements 1660 (e.g., Peltier elements) on the wall 1612b (e.g., sidewall) of the beer mug body 1612, which can cool liquid in the mug's receiving cavity 1618. In some embodiments, the mug 1600 may include one or more power storage elements 1680 capable of supplying power to the one or more cooling elements 1660. The mug 1600 may optionally include a wireless power receiver 1692 capable of wirelessly receiving power from a power source, as discussed in the embodiments herein, and control circuitry 1694 operable on the one or more cooling elements 1660 and charging the one or more power storage elements 1680. The mug 1600 may also incorporate all the sensors discussed herein (e.g., level sensor, temperature sensor, tilt sensor). One or more cooling elements 1660 may operate concurrently or individually and independently of each other, as described herein (e.g., to induce circulation of liquid flow to maintain the liquid at a predetermined or pre-selected temperature or temperature range). In one embodiment, one or more cooling elements 1660 are operable to maintain the liquid in the mug at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. In another embodiment, one or more cooling elements 1660 are operable to maintain the liquid in the mug at 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, such as approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit. In yet another embodiment, one or more cooling elements 1660 are operable to maintain the liquid in the mug at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. In one embodiment, the beer mug 1600 may have a user interface that allows a user to turn the cooling system on or off or set a specific liquid temperature setpoint or cooling operating mode (e.g., high, medium, low), or set an approximate liquid temperature setpoint. In another embodiment, the beer mug may be controlled via a wireless remote control or via a mobile electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet).

[0266] While the above-disclosed frozen drinking utensils can be described in conjunction with beer mug 1600, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking utensils, tableware, or serving utensils (e.g., bowls, plates), including plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottles 1500, and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking utensils, tableware, and serving utensils.

[0267] Wireless power transmitter

[0268] As discussed in the embodiments herein, cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., frozen drinking vessels such as beer mugs 1600, baby bottles 1500) may have active heating or cooling systems. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system may include a wireless power receiver that receives power from a power source (e.g., via induction) and uses it to store energy in one or more power storage devices PS (see...). Figure 44 In this embodiment, the power storage device PS can then supply power to one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., elements operable to provide both heating and cooling). In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system may exclude the power storage device PS, and power is transferred from a wireless power receiver to one or more heating or cooling elements HC (or may be transferred to an electronic module EM, which can control the power flow to the heating or cooling elements HC).

[0269] In one embodiment, the power source may be one or more wireless power transmitters 1800 (e.g., inductive power pads) that can be attached, coupled to, embedded in, or otherwise integrated into a countertop, work surface, bar countertop, desktop, or any other supporting surface 1850. In use, such as Figures 38A to 38F As shown, users can place actively heated or cooled bowls B, plates 100, 100', 100″, 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., frozen drinking vessels such as beer mugs 1600, baby bottles 1500) on the countertop, work surface, bar countertop, tabletop, or support surface 1850. The wireless power transmitter 1800 can provide wireless power to wireless power receivers in actively heated or cooled bowls B, plates 100, 100', 100″, 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., frozen drinking vessels such as beer mugs 1600, baby bottles 1500). As discussed 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 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 power one or more heating or cooling elements via an electronic module of the heating or cooling system.

[0270] In another embodiment, the transmitted wireless power can be used to directly supply power to one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., HC, see below) within a 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 frozen drinking vessel such as a beer mug 1600, a baby bottle 1500). Figure 44 Furthermore, the electronic module can be omitted. This embodiment of the tableware may have a wireless power receiver and one or more heating or cooling elements, with no other circuitry or very small circuitry to maintain low manufacturing costs. In another embodiment, the transmitted wireless power can be used to provide electricity to one or more heating or cooling elements within bowls B, plates 100, 100', 100″, 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., frozen drinking vessels such as beer mugs 1600, baby bottles 1500), and the tableware may have… A simple circuit that can limit the power to one or more heating or cooling elements, or a simple thermostat circuit that can maintain the temperature of a liquid at a predetermined temperature or temperature range. Thus, the wireless power transmitter 1800 can be integrated into counters, stands, or bar counters in cafes, restaurants, or bars, as well as into tables (e.g., in workplaces, schools). This wireless power transmitter 1800 can also be integrated into cup holders (e.g., in movie theaters, in cars, etc.).

[0271] In one embodiment, where the liquid container is a coffee cup having an active heating or cooling system incorporated therein in the manner discussed herein, a wireless power transmitter may be attached to, coupled to, embedded in, or otherwise incorporated into a saucer associated with and on which the coffee cup may be placed. The saucer may then be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet) and may supply power to the heating or cooling system in the coffee cup. In one embodiment, the saucer may have one or more power storage elements that can be charged and can supply power to the coffee cup via electrical contacts or wireless power. In another embodiment, the saucer may have different form factors, such as a disc shape, a holder shape, or any other suitable shape on which the coffee cup may be placed. These embodiments may have all the same features and / or functions as the saucer (described above).

[0272] In another embodiment, the wireless power transmitter may be coupled to, attached to, embedded in, or otherwise incorporated into (e.g., in a car, truck, bus, ship, or airplane) a cup holder in which a cup holder may receive a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, such that when the latter is placed in or supported by the cup holder, the wireless power transmitter may 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.

[0273] In another embodiment, such as Figure 38G-38HAs shown, a wireless power transmitter can be attached to, coupled to, embedded in, or otherwise integrated into the container receiving area 1810 of a coffee maker CM (e.g., a single-serve coffee machine or a coffee machine with glass bottles, etc.). When a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the receiving area RA of the machine CM, it can be positioned above the wireless power transmitter 1810A, which can transmit power to the wireless power receiver in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee bottle, 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 a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, or in embodiments excluding power storage devices, the power can be directly directed to heating or cooling elements. In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may use electricity received from a wireless power transmitter to preheat the liquid receiving area of ​​the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container before or simultaneously with the delivery of liquid from the machine to the receiving area. Implementing the wireless power transmitter in this way into the coffee maker advantageously provides a mechanism for a preheating system within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, when the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee bottle, 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 bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is removed from the receiving area of ​​the coffee maker, the electronic module (e.g., Figure 44The electronic module (EM) or other control circuitry 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, when the power storage element is excluded, once the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is removed from the receiving area of ​​the coffee maker, it will slowly cool over time according to the heat dissipation characteristics of the material of the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. A thermal material (e.g., a phase change material) can be used to extend the amount of time the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container remains hot. In one embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may have an inductively coupled receiver and a heating or cooling element (e.g., a Peltier element, HC, or a resistance heater). In another embodiment, other circuitry, such as a temperature sensor, may be present in the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. Figure 44 Temperature sensors 820A to 820D, 920, or S1 to Sn in the middle and electronic modules for adjusting the temperature of heating or cooling elements (e.g., Figure 44 Electronic module 90 (EM).

[0274] In another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may have a wireless power receiver, thermostat circuitry, temperature sensor, and one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., heater coil). In this embodiment, when the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is placed in the receiving area of ​​the coffee maker and the machine's wireless power transmitter is turned on, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container can use its thermostat circuitry to control the preheating process at a user-selected or predetermined temperature or temperature range. This embodiment may have a user interface, or it may exclude a user interface and rely on a factory-set temperature or temperature range. In another embodiment, similar to the embodiments above, but without using a thermostat circuitry, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may have a wireless power receiver, power limiting devices (i.e., current limiter, voltage limiter, or wattage limiter), and heating or cooling elements (e.g., heater coil). In this embodiment, when a cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container is placed in the receiving area of ​​the coffee maker and the coffee maker's wireless power transmitter is turned on, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container can use its power limiting device to control the preheating temperature within a user-selected or predetermined temperature or temperature range. This embodiment may have a user interface, or it may exclude a user interface and rely on a factory-predetermined temperature or temperature range. In another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may have a wireless power receiver and one or more heating or cooling elements. In this embodiment, the user can select a preheating temperature or preheating temperature range (e.g., "low," "medium," or "high") for the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container via a user interface located on the coffee maker. In this embodiment, the coffee maker may limit or control the power level of its wireless power transmitter (based on the user-selected temperature or temperature range) to control the amount of power delivered to the wireless power receiver within the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, the coffee maker may use a voltage limiter, an amperage limiter, or a wattage limiter, or may slowly regulate or pulse power delivery or use pulse width modulation (PWM) (e.g., pulse power delivery at high frequencies) to adjust the power level supplied by the wireless power transmitter in the coffee maker to the wireless power receiver in the cup, mug, travel mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, and thereby adjust the power supplied to one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., heater coils) of the cup, mug, travel mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container.In this manner, a specific power level can be provided to one or more heating or cooling elements to heat or cool the liquid-containing portion of a cup, mug, travel mug, glass bottle, water bottle, or liquid container to a specific temperature or temperature range (e.g., low, medium, high). This embodiment advantageously allows the user to select a preheating temperature or preheating temperature range for the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container directly on the coffee maker, and the manufacturing cost for the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container can be reduced due to the reduced number of internal parts. This embodiment may have a user interface on the coffee machine (as described above), or it may exclude a user interface and rely on a factory-predetermined temperature or temperature range. In another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container may 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, a temperature sensor can transmit sensed temperature information to the coffee machine, allowing the coffee machine to adjust the power level supplied to a cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, 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 supplied to its wireless power transmitter to control the temperature of at least a portion of the liquid receiving section of the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. Although the machine described in the above embodiment is a coffee maker, the above embodiments can be applied to tea makers, or coffee and tea makers, or other hot or cold liquid dispensing machines.

[0275] As previously discussed, cups, mugs, travel mugs, coffee bottles, water bottles, or liquid containers may have user-selectable temperature setpoints or modes (e.g., low, medium, high). As discussed herein, in one embodiment, such user-selectable temperature setpoints or ranges can be set via a user interface on the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, the base of the coffee maker may have a user interface (e.g., a temperature setpoint selector, such as a tuning knob) that a user can use to preset the temperature of a cup, mug, travel mug, coffee bottle, water bottle, or liquid container placed on the base or receiving area. In other embodiments, cups, mugs, travel mugs, coffee bottles, water bottles, or liquid containers may have pre-selected temperature setpoints (e.g., factory preset temperatures). In yet another embodiment, cups, mugs, travel mugs, coffee bottles, water bottles, or liquid containers do not need to have pre-selected (e.g., at the factory) or user-selected temperature setpoints. Instead, the amount of heat provided by the heating or cooling elements can be controlled by the amount of amperes, voltage, or watts sensed by the transmitter. In such an embodiment, the coffee maker may include a potentiometer that controls the amperage (or voltage or wattage) supplied 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 machine described in the above embodiment is a coffee maker, the above embodiments can be applied to tea makers, or coffee and tea makers, or other hot or cold liquid dispensing machines.

[0276] While the wireless power transmitters disclosed above may be described in conjunction with cups, mugs, travel mugs, coffee bottles, water bottles, or liquid containers, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, 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, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0277] Wireless control

[0278] In one embodiment, the operation of plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be wirelessly controlled (e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, IR, or RF communication). For example, electronic modules 90, 490, and 690 may include communication transceivers (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, IR, or RF transceivers) that allow plate 100, bowl, plate, 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, plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have an IP address and be linked to a user via a Wi-Fi network. Therefore, plate 100, bowl, plate, 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., a cloud-based communication system). In another embodiment, plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have near field communication (NFC) pads, allowing users to connect to plate 100, bowl, cutlery, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container using their mobile electronic devices via Bluetooth (e.g., via a Bluetooth link using a Bluetooth chip) or other wireless communication devices.

[0279] In one embodiment, the remote device may be a wireless remote control. In another embodiment, the remote device may be a mobile electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, etc.) that can communicate with the plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., frozen drinking utensils, baby bottles) via the cloud, or be paired or synchronized (e.g., via Bluetooth) with the plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., frozen drinking utensils, baby bottles). Regarding the plate 100, bowl, cutlery, mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, the mobile electronic device can be paired with one of the plate 100, bowl, cutlery, mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to control the operation of that single plate 100, bowl, cutlery, mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, and can be paired with multiple plates 100, bowls, cutlery, mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid containers to simultaneously control the operation of the multiple plates 100, bowls, cutlery, mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid containers.

[0280] In one embodiment, a mobile application (e.g., an Apple, Android, Blackberry, or Windows mobile application) may be installed on a mobile electronic device to allow the mobile electronic device to communicate with one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., via the cloud or via Bluetooth).

[0281] A wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can receive operational data from one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, communicating with or pairing with them via the cloud (e.g., via Bluetooth). For example, the charging level of one or more batteries 80, 480, 680; the heating / cooling status or temperature of the plates 100, bowls, plates, or different parts of the plates 100, bowls, plates, or cups, liquid containers, mugs 400, or travel mugs 600; the ambient temperature; and / or diagnostic information for the heating or cooling systems 55, 455, 655 can be transmitted to the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device can receive information from one or more plates 100, bowls, cutlery, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., via the cloud or via a near-field communication system, 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. Additionally, using liquid level sensors (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 liquids (e.g., coffee, tea, water, milk, formula, beer, soft drink) consumed by the user (e.g., on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis). Therefore, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container can communicate with the cloud to provide information about the user's coffee, beer, water (etc.) intake, thereby tracking user behavior. Users can use such information to track information about their habits (e.g., the number of days they drink coffee, the number of cups of coffee they consume per day, the type of coffee beverage or tea they prefer, etc.). This information can also be used to limit a user's intake (e.g., coffee) by transmitting this habit information (e.g., via user settings 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 further discussed herein, or based on information compiled from the user and stored in the cloud, such as for a week, a month, etc.) to the user via the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container) to the user. For example, the cup, mug, or travel mug can activate an alarm (e.g., a visual alarm, an audible alarm) to let the user know when they have reached their daily coffee intake limit, and this beverage limit information is transmitted from the cloud to the cup, mug, baby bottle, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.Similarly, when the amount of beer consumed reaches the pre-selected limit (e.g., selected by the user, bartender, etc.), the frozen drinking vessel (e.g., beer glass) can activate an alarm (e.g., visual alarm, audible alarm, etc.) via an electronic device (e.g., mobile electronic device, desktop computer, etc.) through a cloud or near-field communication system, or can be selected via a user interface on the frozen drinking vessel device (e.g., beer glass 1600).

[0282] As discussed above, information collected from one or more plates 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 can be accessed by the user via a dashboard interface on an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a desktop computer, etc.). In one embodiment, the cloud may be local, where a user's mobile phone, PDA, tablet, etc., can be linked to a router and then used to send instructions to and receive information from one or more of the following: plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles, or liquid containers. Therefore, in one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a desktop computer) can communicate with one or more of the following without using the internet: plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0283] In one embodiment, information stored in the cloud may be transmitted 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 type of coffee or tea beverage, or the user's daily coffee or tea drinking habits, etc.).

[0284] RFID tag

[0285] In one embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container may have an RFID tag. In this embodiment, user data can be transmitted via the RFID tag to an RFID reader at a coffee shop, tea house, cafe, small restaurant, grocery store, food and beverage establishment, or other retail location. The RFID tag may transmit data such as the user's favorite coffee or tea beverage, the user's drinking habits, which coffee shops and / or tea shops the user has visited, which other retail locations the user has visited, or the temperature at which the user prefers to keep his or her coffee or tea beverage. In another embodiment, the RFID tag may receive information from the retail location (e.g., the RFID tag may receive information about a specific coffee or tea purchased, such as where it was grown, etc.), and this information may 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 yet another embodiment, the RFID tag within the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can be used to pay for the beverage, food, or goods selected by the user for purchase. In this embodiment, the RFID tag within a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can communicate with an RFID reader at a coffee shop, tea house, cafe, small restaurant, grocery store, food and beverage establishment, or other retail location, and can transmit the user's identification 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 prepaid account, or credit account or another suitable type of prepaid 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 goods. 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 reward program. As an example, a coffee shop, tea house, cafe, grocery store, food and beverage establishment, or other retail location can reward a user with a free cup of coffee or tea for every 10 cups of coffee or tea purchased. Each time a user purchases a cup of coffee or tea, the RFID tag can transmit the information to an RFID reader, or the purchase data can be stored on the RFID tag, or in 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 states that a free cup of coffee or tea is given for every 10 cups purchased, other reward schemes can be used (e.g., food, beverages, merchandise, reward points, reward coins, money, currency, etc., given to the consumer as a reward for the total amount of coffee or tea consumed or purchased, or for certain types of coffee or tea purchased, or a reward points system, or for other beverages purchased, or for the total amount spent, or in exchange for the number of purchases made by the consumer daily, monthly, or yearly, or any other suitable reward scheme).In one embodiment, reward points or reward coins or other reward program information may be displayed on a user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container via a display screen, or may be displayed on the user's mobile electronic device, cellular phone, tablet, cloud, user's dashboard, website, or mobile phone or tablet application, etc. In another embodiment, RFID tags within the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container may transmit information to RFID readers in coffee shops, tea houses, cafes, small restaurants, grocery stores, food and beverage establishments, or other retail locations for the purpose of accumulating data that can be used to calculate the approximate or precise amount of unused paper cups or disposable cups, or the number of trees saved, etc. In this embodiment, as an example, when a user uses his or her cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container to drink a purchased beverage, disposable cups are saved (i.e., not used). This user data can be collected and transmitted via RFID tags and ultimately displayed on a user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container via a display screen, or on the user's mobile electronic device, cellular phone, tablet, internet dashboard, website, mobile phone or tablet app, social media website or app, or on screens inside or outside coffee shops, tea houses, cafes, small restaurants, grocery stores, food and beverage establishments, or other retail locations (e.g., the total or approximate number of trees saved, the total number of disposable cups saved or not used, 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 a user has independently saved), or data collection can be cumulative and can include data from a group of users or all users (e.g., all users across the RFID tags enabled for cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers, the total or approximate number of disposable cups saved, the number of trees saved, or the carbon footprint offset). In another embodiment, user data may be collected and displayed directly on the screen of the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container, or may be displayed on the screen of the user's mobile phone or mobile electronic device via Bluetooth pairing (e.g., how many disposable cups the user has independently saved or the number of trees saved, or the total carbon footprint offset, etc.), and in this embodiment, the use of transmitted user data (e.g., RFID tags) will not be necessary.While the embodiments described in this paragraph use RFID tags and RFID readers to transmit 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 transmit the data via WiFi, Bluetooth radio, ZigBee radio, Near Field Communication (NFC), or any other suitable RF, infrared, or ultrasonic transmitter or receiver). In one embodiment, multi-level communication can result in data reaching a target location (e.g., the Bluetooth radio of the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can transmit certain data to a mobile electronic device (via Bluetooth pairing), and the mobile electronic device can relay or transmit the data to the Internet via its cellular or WiFi connection to the Internet).

[0286] In another embodiment, the data described in the preceding paragraph can be transmitted to a coffee shop, tea house, cafe, diner, grocery store, food and beverage establishment, or other retail location via a QR code displayed on the screen of a user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., a user can pay for beverages, food, or goods by using a QR code displayed on the screen of the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container, or a user can transmit reward points information, identification information, or any other information outlined in this paragraph via a 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 via wireless transmission of data from the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container to the user's mobile phone or mobile electronic device. While the embodiments described in this paragraph utilize QR codes, in other embodiments, another graphic or symbol or barcode may be used instead of a QR code.

[0287] In one embodiment, the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device may display the temperature of the liquid in a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., 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 may display the liquid level in a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., sensed by one or more 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 may display the temperature of food on plates 100, 800, 900, or a plate, or the temperature of food or soup in a bowl (e.g., sensed by one or more temperature sensors 820A to 820D, 920).

[0288] 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. The wireless remote control or mobile electronic device communicates with or pairs with these items (e.g., via the cloud) or associates with them (e.g., via Bluetooth, via a near-field communication system, via WiFi, etc.). For example, a user can operate the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device to turn on or off one or more heating or cooling elements 60, 60' in plates 100, 100', bowls or plates, cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers, or in 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., frozen drinking vessels 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.

[0289] While the wireless communication via cloud, Bluetooth, WiFi, or near-field communication systems disclosed above can be described in conjunction with mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., beer mug 1600 or baby bottle 1500), those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowl, plate, hot plate), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, 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, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0290] In one embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may have mixed-color LED indicators as visual indicators, which can be adjusted to a single color (e.g., one user's plate may have a pink indicator, and another user's plate may have a blue indicator), allowing users to identify their specific plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container paired with their respective remote control or mobile electronics. In another embodiment, each of one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may have a digital reader, allowing each user to have a displayed identifier (e.g., name, numerical identifier, symbol, unique identifier). In another embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may be sold in multiple sets or as individual unique units with permanent identifying marks (e.g., logos, stickers, numbers, letters, icons, casing shape, casing color, colored portions of the casing, luminous colored lights, names, or any other suitable identifying marks), allowing individual users to pair them with their unique plate 100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, individually marked plates 100, bowls, dinner plates, mug 400, travel mug 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may be controlled together or in sets via a wireless remote control or mobile electronic device.

[0291] As discussed above, one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., beer mugs 1600, coffee bottles, baby bottles 1500) may have a user interface, such as a digital screen, which may display operational information (e.g., temperature, liquid level, battery charge level) and information transmitted to one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., from the cloud or via Bluetooth from a mobile electronic device). Figures 35 to 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]). Figure 37 Information can be transmitted to the Travel Cup 1700A via an electronic device or wirelessly from the Internet. As discussed above, in one embodiment, the information may be transmitted via the cloud. In another embodiment, such as... Figure 37 As shown, mobile electronic device 1750A can communicate with travel mug 1700A via Bluetooth connection as an example, wherein mobile electronic device 1750A can be paired with one or more travel mugs 1700A. In one embodiment, travel mug 1700A can receive (e.g., via the cloud, via Bluetooth) information such as time, date, financial information (e.g., stock information), weather information such as expected high and low temperatures for the day, personal information (e.g., appointments from a calendar, birthday reminders, information from social networking sites), and display the information on user interface 1710A. In one embodiment, as previously discussed, a user can input commands via user interface 1710A (e.g., changing the beverage temperature setpoint, changing heating or cooling system settings between various power modes, sleep mode, on mode, or off mode).

[0292] In one embodiment, for example, if no movement of the travel mug 1700A (or a 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., a digital screen) may enter a sleep mode to conserve energy (e.g., battery power). In one embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., the digital screen) may be “wake up” by moving or shaking the travel mug 1700A (or a dish, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container having the user interface), which may cause a motion sensor (e.g., a gyroscope, tilt sensor, or other sensors 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., the digital screen) may be “wake up” via a gesture sensor (as discussed herein), where the user can wave their hand in front of or near the sensor, and the sensor may then send a signal to the electronics module to power up the user interface 1710A. In other embodiments, sensors such as motion sensors or infrared sensors, in addition to gesture sensors, can be used to sense user movement (e.g., the user approaching the travel mug 1700A, or a plate, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, etc.). In yet another embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., a digital screen) can be "wake up" via a contact sensor that senses when the user touches the travel mug 1700A (or a plate, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, etc.) and transmits a signal to an electronics module to energize the user interface 1710A. In still another embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., a digital screen) can be "wake up" via a button switch or other type of switch.

[0293] While the communication with the user interface disclosed above can be described in conjunction with the travel mug 1700A, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or server equipment (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mugs 1600, baby bottles 1500, bread baskets 2200, tortilla warmers 2300, and this disclosure and the scope of the invention are to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and server equipment.

[0294] Figure 37AA mug 400 paired with a mobile electronic device 1750 is shown. The mobile electronic device 1750 can wirelessly communicate with the mug 400 to transmit information to it (e.g., setting 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 may be transmitted via the cloud. In another embodiment, such as... Figure 37 As shown, mobile electronic device 1750A can, as an example, communicate with mug 400 via a Bluetooth connection, wherein mobile electronic device 1750A can be paired with one or more mugs 400. Mug 400 may 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 the embodiments herein. In another embodiment, the transceiver is excluded, and mug 400 may have a user interface for setting a temperature, wherein the heating or cooling elements are used to heat the liquid in mug 400 to that temperature. In another embodiment, the transceiver and user interface may be excluded, and mug 400 may have a factory-preset temperature or temperature range at which one or more heating or cooling elements operate.

[0295] In another embodiment, the mug 400 may also have a motion sensor (e.g., a vibration sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.). When the heating or cooling element is in operation, if the motion sensor does not detect movement of the mug 400 within a predetermined time period (e.g., 15 minutes), the movement may be stored in a memory communicating with the electronic module of the mug 400, and the heating or cooling element will be turned off (e.g., the electronic module will stop supplying power to the heating or cooling element). In another embodiment, the automatic shutdown period may be adjusted by the user (e.g., via a remote mobile device). In another embodiment, movement or motion sensed by the motion sensor may turn on one or more heating or cooling elements.

[0296] In another embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., beer mugs 1600 or baby bottles 1500) may have gesture sensors that allow a user to control the operation of the plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers using one or more gestures (e.g., the user's face, eyes, arm, hand, or fingers).

[0297] While the wireless control disclosed above may be described in conjunction with dish 100, mug 400, or travel horse 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or server equipment (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), including dishes 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, beer mug 1600 or baby bottle 1500, 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, tableware, and server equipment.

[0298] In one embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., frozen drinking utensils, baby bottles 1500) may communicate with one or more electronic devices (e.g., mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, tablet computers, laptop computers, or electronic watches or desktop computers) (e.g., via WiFi, ZigBee, cloud, or Bluetooth). In one embodiment, when the liquid level in a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, water bottle, or liquid container reaches a predetermined level or set point (as sensed by one or more liquid sensors), one or more cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., frozen drinking vessels such as beer mugs 1600, baby bottles 1500) may send an alarm (e.g., visual signals, audible signals, text messages) to an electronic device, so that a person with the electronic device (who may be a user or a different person) can know that it is time to replenish the liquid (e.g., water, coffee, tea, beer, wine) in one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., frozen drinking vessels such as beer mugs, baby bottles, etc.). In one example, this could advantageously allow a user or their assistant to efficiently refill beverages in one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers without unduly interrupting the holder. For example, when used in a conference room environment, beverages can be refilled without unduly disrupting the meeting. In another embodiment, where this is used in a bar or restaurant environment, this could advantageously allow waitresses / waitresses or bartenders to efficiently refill beverages without having to constantly monitor the users of the cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers to see if they need refills (e.g., water, soda, coffee, tea, alcohol such as beer, etc.).

[0299] 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.

[0300] In one embodiment, as discussed above, one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers may wirelessly communicate with a car or vehicle, and one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., frozen drinking vessels, baby bottles) may communicate with the car or vehicle (e.g., via Bluetooth) to provide information discussed in the above embodiments (e.g., remaining liquid volume or level, liquid temperature, battery charge potential). The car or vehicle's communication system may be used to provide said information to a user via a user interface on the vehicle. In one embodiment, a user may 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 may provide information about nearby locations (e.g., coffee shops, convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants), where the user may refill the liquid in the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0301] 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 utensil, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowls, plates, hot 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 utensil, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0302] Sensing the brightness of liquids.

[0303] 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., Figure 34EThe sensor (LS) in the beverage is capable of sensing the quality of the liquid contained therein, such as (e.g., the brightness, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, etc.) of the liquid. In one embodiment, one or more quality sensors may be visual sensors, light sensors, ultrasonic sensors, pH sensors, chlorine sensors, fluoride sensors, taste sensors, or other suitable types of sensors. In one embodiment, one or more beverage quality sensors can sense the quality of the beverage (e.g., brightness, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, sodium content, chlorine content, fluoride content, etc.) and transmit the sensed information to an electronic module, which may transmit the information to a user via a user interface on a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., drinking vessel or baby bottle), or wirelessly via the cloud as described above or via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, or Zigbee) to an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer; desktop computer, etc.). Beverage quality information can be transmitted on a display screen or in the form of verbal messages, text messages, visual messages, meter, visual signals (e.g., illuminated or flashing lights), auditory signals, or other suitable signals. In one embodiment, one or more quality sensors can be used to convey information about the brightness of coffee. In another embodiment, one or more quality sensors can be used to transmit information to a user when the tea bag steeping process is complete. In another embodiment, one or more beverage quality sensors can be used to determine whether milk or formula has spoiled inside a baby bottle or liquid container and transmit that information to the user. In yet another embodiment, one or more beverage quality sensors can be used to determine whether the milk or formula inside a baby bottle or liquid container is healthy for consumption and transmit that information to the user.

[0304] Figure 38IAn 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 may include one or more mass sensors capable of sensing the mass of the liquid contained therein, such as (e.g., the brightness, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, etc.) of the liquid. In one embodiment, the one or more mass sensors may be a visual sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a pH sensor, a chlorine sensor, a fluoride sensor, a taste sensor, or other suitable type of sensor. In one embodiment, 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 transmit the sensed information to an electronic module. This module can transmit the information to a user interface (UI1) on a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., a drinking vessel or baby bottle), or wirelessly to an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer; desktop computer, etc.) via the cloud as described above or via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, or Zigbee). Beverage quality information can be transmitted on the display UI1 or in the form of voice messages, text messages, visual messages, rhythm, visual signals (e.g., illuminated or flashing lights), auditory signals, or other suitable signals.

[0305] In one embodiment, the liquid container LC8 (e.g., a water bottle) may have a liquid mass sensor, a wireless power receiver, and one or more power storage elements PS as described above, and may exclude a heating or cooling system. In another embodiment, the wireless power receiver may be replaced by a power generator as discussed further below. In one embodiment, the liquid container LC8 may have one or more solar panels SP on its outer surface for collecting solar energy, which can be used to power one or more mass sensors, visual displays, etc.

[0306] While the mass sensors disclosed above may be described in conjunction with 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, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottles 1500, beer mugs 1600, bread baskets 2200, tortilla warmers 2300, etc., and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0307] In one embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container may have a timer feature that can be set and / or activated by a user or a third party (e.g., a coffee shop employee). The timer feature may alert the user when the tea bag steeping process is complete. The alert may 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.

[0308] Vacuum sealed cup

[0309] Figure 39 An embodiment of a travel mug 2000, such as a travel coffee mug, is shown, which may incorporate some of the same features described above with respect to mug 400, cup, travel mug 600, 1700A, water bottle, or liquid container. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 2000 has an outer circumferential wall 2010, a handle 2012, and a bottom 2040, wherein in one embodiment, the bottom 2040 may be removably attached to the distal end of the outer circumferential wall 2010. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 2000 has an inner circumferential wall 2020 extending from a proximal portion 2022 to a base 2026. The inner circumferential wall 2020 defines a chamber 2018 (e.g., a receiving portion or cavity) for containing liquids (e.g., coffee, tea). In one embodiment, the travel mug 2000 may be sized to fit in a standard diameter cup holder (e.g., in a car, theater). Additionally, the travel mug 2000 is adjustable in size (e.g., has a height) to allow it to fit into a dishwasher rack drawer (e.g., top drawer), so that the travel mug 2000 can be placed upside down in the dishwasher for cleaning in a generally vertical orientation. In one embodiment, the travel mug 2000 can hold approximately 16 ounces of liquid. However, other liquid holding sizes (e.g., 12 ounces, 24 ounces, etc.) can be used.

[0310] The inner circumferential wall 2020 may be attached to the proximal end 2012a of the outer circumferential wall 2010 at its proximal portion 2022. The inner circumferential wall 2020 is shaped relative to the outer circumferential wall 2010 to define an annular gap 2028 between the inner circumferential wall 2020 and the outer circumferential wall 2010. Additionally, the base 2026 of the inner circumferential wall 2020 is spaced apart from the bottom 2040 to define a cavity 2030 therebetween, wherein the cavity 2030 is either walled off or spaced apart from the annular gap 2028. A cover 2070 may be removably disposed above an opening in the inner circumferential wall 2020 to substantially seal the top of the cavity or liquid receiving portion 2018.

[0311] The travel mug 2000 may have a heating or cooling system 2055, similar to those disclosed herein, such as those for mug 400, travel mug 600, and saucer 100 (e.g., a system that may have one or more Peltier elements, which can operate in heating and cooling modes to selectively provide heating and cooling to the liquid in the travel mug 2000), but for simplicity, the heating element of the heating or cooling system has been changed from... Figure 39 Excluded from the above. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 2055 may include one or more energy storage devices 2080 and electronic modules 2090, wherein these components may be arranged and connected in the same manner as described above with respect to the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or dinner plate and the heated or cooled mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container. One or more heating or cooling elements (not shown) may be disposed adjacent to the inner wall 2020 (e.g., along at least a portion of the height of the inner wall 2020), such as contacting the outer surface 2020a of the inner circumferential wall 2020, thereby providing heating or cooling to the liquid in the chamber or cavity 2018.

[0312] Electronic module 2090 may be attached to bottom 2040 and may include one or more of the following: wireless power receiver 2092 (e.g., which can receive power from a charging base such as charging base 700 or an inductively coupled transmitter such as a charging pad embedded in a table as discussed herein), control circuitry 2094 (e.g., controller circuitry, microcontroller, etc.), and charger 2096 (e.g., charging circuitry) for charging one or more energy storage devices 2080. Electronic module 2090 may include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphical control features. Control circuitry 2094 may operate to manage the power supplied to one or more heating or cooling elements. Control circuitry 2094 may also be used to manage the charging of one or more energy storage devices 2080.

[0313] In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 2092 is electrically connected to a battery charger 2096, which is electrically connected to an energy storage device 2080, which in turn is electrically connected to a heating or cooling element. In another embodiment, if the energy storage device 2080 is excluded, the wireless power receiver 2092 may be electrically connected to a heating or cooling element.

[0314] In one embodiment, the bottom 2040 may be removably attached to the travel mug 2000 to allow access to the heating or cooling system 2055 within the cavity 2030. For example, the bottom 2040 may be mechanically coupled to the travel mug 2000 (e.g., using a screw, a threaded interface between the bottom 640 and the travel mug 600, a press-fit connection). The bottom 2040 may be removed to allow replacement of one or more energy storage devices 2080 and maintenance of the heating or cooling system 2055. In one embodiment, the bottom 2040 may be a waterproof cap that may be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the travel mug 2000, cup, water bottle, or liquid container for access to the heating or cooling system 2055. In another embodiment, the bottom 2040 may be a waterproof cap that may be removably attached (e.g., threaded or screwed) to the travel mug 2000, cup, water bottle, or liquid container for access to one or more energy storage devices 2080. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 2080 may be in an encapsulation attached (e.g., threaded, snap-fit, tightened) to the bottom or side of the travel mug 2000, wherein the encapsulation’s electrical contacts are connected to a set of electrical contacts on the bottom or side of the travel mug 2000, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0315] Continue to refer to Figure 39 The travel mug 2000 is a double-walled unit having an inner wall 2020 and an outer wall 2010. In one embodiment, the travel mug 2000 may be vacuum-sealed, such that a vacuum exists in the gap 2028. In another embodiment, the travel mug 2000 does not require a vacuum seal and may instead 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, one or more spacers 2098 may be made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum, copper). One or more spacers 2098 may advantageously provide thermal bridges to transfer heat from the cavity 2018 to the outer wall 2010a. In one embodiment, the inner wall 2020 and surface 2010a are part of a single piece (e.g., an integral piece) that can be inserted into the body of the travel mug 2000.

[0316] A temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor, thermostat) may be connected to the outer wall 2010a and may be in thermal communication with one or more spacers 2098 to provide a temperature reading of the temperature within the cavity 2018. The temperature sensor may communicate with an electronic module 2090, which may transmit sensed temperature information as discussed herein (e.g., transmitting sensed temperature information to a user interface of the travel mug 2000 via a cloud or near-field communication system, or to an electronic device such as a mobile electronic device). This embodiment advantageously allows temperature information to be obtained from the cavity 2018 of a double-walled travel mug 2000 (e.g., a vacuum-sealed mug) without requiring wiring to extend through the vacuum chamber in the gap 2028.

[0317] In another embodiment, one or more spacers 2098 may optionally (or additionally) serve as sound bridges and allow sensing of the liquid volume or level within the cavity 2018. For example, a sound generator (e.g., an ultrasonic generator) may be coupled to an outer wall 2010 adjacent to one of the spacers 2098 and generate a signal (e.g., a vibration signal) that can be transmitted via the spacers 2098 to the liquid within the cavity 2018. A microphone (e.g., an ultrasonic microphone) may be coupled to another outer wall 2010 adjacent to another of the spacers 2098 and transmit a signal to an electronics module 2090, which may determine the volume (or level) of the 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 a sensor device, an ultrasonic sensor may be used, and this sensor device may be coupled to an outer wall of the vacuum-sealed chamber, adjacent to the spacers 2098, or audibly communicating with the spacers 2098.

[0318] In another embodiment, spacer 2098 is excluded, temperature sensors (e.g., thermistors, thermostats) or ultrasonic sensors may be coupled to the outer surface of base 2026, and one or more wirings pass through outer wall 2010 between double-wall units in an airtight (if the travel cup is vacuum-sealed) or non-airtight (if the travel cup is not vacuum-sealed) manner to provide electronic module 2090 with temperature and / or level or volume information from cavity 2018.

[0319] Figure 40 Another embodiment of travel mug 2100 is shown. Travel mug 2100 is similar to travel mug 2000 and may include many of the same features. Therefore, similar features in travel mug 2100 and travel mug 2000 have similar numerical identifiers, except that the identifiers of features in travel mug 2100 begin with "21" instead of "20". Therefore, the following description focuses on the features of travel mug 2100 that differ from those of travel mug 2000.

[0320] The travel mug 2100 may be a double-walled unit having an inner wall 2120 and an outer wall 2110. The base 2126 of the inner wall 2120 may have one or more portions 2126c of the base 2110b of the outer wall 2110 that are accessible to it. A temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor, a thermostat) may be connected to one or more portions 2110c of the base 2110b to provide a temperature reading of the temperature within the cavity 2118. The temperature sensor may communicate with an electronic module 2190, which may transmit sensed temperature information as discussed herein (e.g., transmitting sensed temperature information to the user interface of the travel mug 2100 via a cloud or Bluetooth connection, or transmitting sensed temperature information to an electronic device such as a mobile electronic device). This embodiment advantageously allows temperature information to be obtained from the cavity 2118 in the double-walled travel mug 2100 (e.g., a vacuum-sealed mug) without requiring wiring to be extended through the vacuum chamber in the gap 2128, and without using a spacer between the inner wall 2120 and the outer wall 2110a. In one embodiment, the inner wall 2120 and the surface 2110a are part of a single piece (e.g., an integral piece) that can be inserted into the body of the travel mug 2100.

[0321] In another embodiment, the contact between one or more portions 2126c of the inner wall 2100 and one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110 can optionally (or additionally) serve as an acoustic bridge and allow sensing of the liquid volume or level within the cavity 2118. For example, a sound generator (e.g., an ultrasonic generator) can be coupled to the outer surface of an adjacent outer wall 2110c of one or more portions 2126c of the inner wall 2126 that is in contact with the outer wall 2110c and generates a signal (e.g., a vibration signal) that can be transmitted to the liquid within the cavity 2118. A microphone (e.g., an ultrasonic microphone) may be coupled to the outer surface of another adjacent outer wall 2110c of one or more portions 2126c of the inner wall 2126 that are in contact with one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110b, and transmits a signal to an electronic module 2190, which may determine the volume (or level) of the 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.

[0322] In another option (not shown), one or more portions 2126c may have openings defined by edges that can be coupled (e.g., welded) to one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110b, such that 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.

[0323] Although the temperature and / or liquid sensing disclosed above can be described in conjunction with travel mugs 2000, 2100, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowl, plate, hot plate), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2400, beer mugs 1600, baby bottles 1500, bread baskets 2200, tortilla warmers 2300, etc., and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0324] bread basket

[0325] Figure 41 A bread basket 2200 is shown, which may include many of the features discussed above with respect to plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, and 2100. Specifically, the bread basket 2200 or bread warmer device may include a heating system (not shown), which may include one or more heating elements, an electronic module (including a wireless power receiver, control circuitry, and / or charging circuitry), 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 may 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 may not include a thermostat circuit). In this embodiment, one or more power storage elements within the bread basket or bread warmer may 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 may be removable and rechargeable at a charging station. In another embodiment, a power storage element may not be included. In this embodiment, the bread warmer or bread basket can receive power wirelessly or via electrical contacts or connecting cables, and the power can be used to activate one or more heating elements within the bread warmer or bread basket. This embodiment can be used to preheat the bread basket or bread warmer, or it can maintain an electrical connection so that the bread basket or bread warmer remains actively heated as bread is served. A thermostat circuit can also be used in this embodiment. The operation of the heating system in the bread basket 2200 or bread warmer can be similar to that of other embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., plate 100; bowl; dinner plate; mug 400; travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100; beer mug 1600, etc.).

[0326] Corn tortilla warmer

[0327] Figure 42 A tortilla warmer 2300 is shown, which may have a container 2310 and a cover 2320 and may include many of the features discussed above regarding plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100. Specifically, the tortilla warmer 2300 may include a heating system (not shown), which may include one or more heating elements, an electronic module (including a wireless power receiver, control circuitry, and / or charging circuitry), 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 may 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 may not include a thermostat circuit). In this embodiment, one or more power storage elements within the tortilla warmer may be charged via inductive coupling, or other wireless power configuration, or via electrical contacts on the tortilla warmer, or via a connecting cable, or one or more power storage elements may be removable and charged at a charging station. In another embodiment, a power storage element may not be included. In this embodiment, the tortilla warmer can receive power wirelessly or via electrical contacts or a connecting cable, and the power can be used to activate one or more heating elements within the tortilla warmer. This embodiment can be used to preheat the tortilla warmer, or it can maintain an electrical connection, and the tortilla warmer can remain actively heated while the tortillas are being served. Optionally, a thermostat circuit can also be used in this embodiment. The operation of the heating system in the tortilla warmer 2300 can be similar to that of other embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., plate 100; bowl; dinner plate; mug 400; travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100; beer mug 1600, etc.).

[0328] Electronic hand warmer

[0329] Figure 43An embodiment of a mug 2400 with an electronic hand warmer 2410 is shown. The mug 2400 may have some or all of the same features as the mug 400 or travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2100, 2200 discussed above, including a heating or cooling system and having one or more heating or cooling elements, an electronic module (with a wireless power receiver, control circuitry, and optional charging circuitry), and optional one or more power storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors). In the illustrated embodiment, the hand warmer 2410 may have one or more heating elements 2412 on the outer surface 2414 of the mug 2400 or on the handle (not shown) of the mug 2400, wherein one or more heating elements 2412 (e.g., heating wires, thermoelectric elements, resistance heaters, etc.) may be activated (e.g., selectively activated or automatically activated) to heat the outer surface 2414 of the mug 2400, so that the user's hands are warmed when the user holds the mug 2400. In one embodiment, one or more heating elements 2412 may be distributed around a portion of the outer circumference of the mug 2400 and attached, coupled, embedded in, or otherwise combined with the outer surface 2414 of the mug 2400 (e.g., disposed beneath the outer layer of the mug 2400). In another embodiment, one or more heating elements may be located elsewhere within the mug or travel mug and may be in thermal communication with the outer surface 2410 of the mug or travel mug (e.g., heat energy may be conducted from a heat source located anywhere within the mug or travel mug to the outer surface).

[0330] 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 the liquid within the mug or travel mug) can be used to conduct heat to a hand warmer feature (e.g., heat energy from the heating or cooling system can be conducted to the outer surface 2410 of the mug or travel mug and used as a hand warmer feature). In one embodiment, when the mug 2400 is used, such as when liquid is poured into the mug 2400 (e.g., when the presence of liquid is sensed, as discussed in the embodiments herein), the hand warmer 2410 can be automatically activated (e.g., via the control circuitry of the mug 2400). In another embodiment, the hand warmer 2410 can be selectively actuated by the user (e.g., turned on, off, or adjusted to a selected temperature setpoint such as high, medium, low, or a specific temperature) via a user interface on the mug 2400 (e.g., user interface 695, 1710A), which transmits the user's instructions to the control circuitry of the mug 2400. In another embodiment, the hand warmer 2410 can be selectively actuated by a user via a user interface on an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone 1750A) to (e.g., turn on, off, or adjust to a selected temperature setpoint such as high, medium, low, or a specific temperature), which communicates with the mug 2400 via a cloud or Bluetooth connection (e.g., with the control circuitry of the mug 2400). In yet 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 actuate (e.g., automatically actuated via the control circuitry) the hand warmer 2410 if the sensed ambient temperature is below a predetermined setpoint or range. In one embodiment, the operation of the hand warmer 2410 may be powered by one or more power storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.). In one embodiment, the mug or travel mug may have electronic hand warmer features, one or more power storage elements (to power the hand warmer), and control circuitry (for turning the hand warmer on or off or controlling certain preset temperature setpoints, etc.). In this embodiment, a user interface may optionally be included, which may allow the user to select certain hand warmer operating modes, temperature modes, or other settings that affect the operation of the hand warmer features.

[0331] While the above-disclosed electronic hand warmer can be described in conjunction with mug 2400, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowl, plate, hot plate), including plates 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 this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0332] Frozen tableware

[0333] In one embodiment, a cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, beverage container, or other liquid container (e.g., mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600) may have: one or more thermoelectric elements configured to cool liquid within the cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, beverage container, or other liquid container; one or more radiators thermally coupled to the one or more thermoelectric elements; and an active cooling device (e.g., a fan, diaphragm, etc.) capable of moving air through the one or more radiators. This airflow can advantageously increase the productivity of the one or more thermoelectric elements and can produce a cooler beverage temperature within the cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, beverage container, or other liquid container. In one embodiment, the cooling fan may be a water-resistant or waterproof cooling fan, and the airflow may be directed to the location of the radiator. Using a water-resistant or waterproof cooling fan enables the formation of dishwasher-safe or water-safe cups, mugs, travel mugs, beer mugs, beverage containers, or other liquid containers. In another embodiment, a water-resistant or waterproof diaphragm may be used to generate the airflow. The cups, mugs, travel mugs, beer mugs, beverage containers or other liquid containers described in this paragraph may include any of the features described above or below (e.g., power storage elements, wireless communication, wireless power, user interface, electronic modules, etc.) of the plate 100; bowl; dinner plate; mug 400; travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100; beer mug 1600, etc.

[0334] Wand

[0335] You can use stick 1000 (see...) Figure 19The rod 1000 can actuate one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, and can swing on one or more of the plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers to turn heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 on or off, or set a desired temperature or turn other features on or off. For example, when multiple plates 100 (or bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers) are laid out and arranged on a work surface (e.g., a kitchen countertop) or table, a rod 1000 may pass over the plates 100 (or bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers) to turn heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 on or off, or to set operating parameters for one or more plates 100 (or bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers) as described below. One or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may have a receiver (e.g., an RF receiver) that can receive signals (e.g., RF signals) from the rod 1000 when the rod 1000 passes over it. In another embodiment, the rod 1000 may emit at a specific frequency or using a magnet or magnetic field that alters the state of the electronics of one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. This electronics may, for example, transmit instructions (e.g., via electronic modules 90, 490, 690) to one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers to open. In one embodiment, the rod 1000 and one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may form a sensing loop such that when the rod 1000 approaches a plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., within 3 to 6 inches, or less than 3 inches, or greater than 6 inches), the sensing loop is charged (e.g., RFID passive loop sensing). When the rod 1000 passes through the sensing loop, the RFID loop in one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers can be energized, changing the state of the electronic device from a first state to a second state to open one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, or to turn on the wireless receiver, which can then receive signals from the rod 1000 using a given command (such as temperature mode setting, etc.).

[0336] In another embodiment, the stick 1000 can be used to transmit operational information or instructions to one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, the stick 1000 can be used to transmit one or more predetermined temperature setpoints or power settings. For example, the stick 1000 may have a user interface 1010 that allows a user to select a predetermined temperature setpoint or power setting, and transmit information to one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers when the stick 1000 swings over it. Additionally, the stick 1000 can be used to turn on or off restricted function modes (as described further below) on one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. More generally, the stick 1000 can perform data upload and / or download to and / or from one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0337] In one embodiment, the stick 1000 may transmit RF signals at a specific frequency to transmit instructions to one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. In other embodiments, the stick 1000 may transmit at other frequencies to one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0338] In another embodiment, the rod 1000 may communicate with one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers via IR or other types of optical transmission.

[0339] While the above-disclosed stick 1000 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, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowl, plate, hot plate, cup, and / or liquid container), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, travel mugs 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, 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, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0340] user interface

[0341] Figure 20Another embodiment of plate 1100, bowl, or dinner plate is shown. Plate 1100 is similar to the plates 100, 100', 800, 800' described above, and includes the same components (with the same numerical identifiers) and features disclosed in plates 100, 100', 800, 800', except as described below.

[0342] In one embodiment, the plate 1100, bowl, or dish (or mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may have a user interface 1110, which may include one or more soft-touch or touch switch buttons 1120 electrically connected to electronic modules 90, 490, 690 to operate heating or cooling systems 55, 455, 655. For example, one or more soft-touch or touch switch buttons 1120 may be actuated by a user (e.g., sensing electricity or resistance in the user's body when touched, such as capacitive touch sensing) to turn one or more heating elements 60, 460, 600 in the plate 1100, bowl, or dish (or mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) on or off. In another embodiment, one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons 1120 may be actuated to provide a predetermined temperature setpoint (e.g., low, medium, high, or a specific temperature setting) to one or more heating elements 60, 460, 600 in one or more plates 1100, bowls or plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, one or more soft-touch or touch switch buttons 1120 can be operated like a toggle switch, wherein a user can touch button 1120 once to turn on heating or cooling systems 55, 455, 655, a second touch to set the operation of heating or cooling elements 60, 60, 660 to a first level (e.g., low), a third touch to set the operation of heating or cooling elements 60, 60, 660 to a second level (e.g., medium), a fourth touch to set the operation of heating or cooling elements 60, 60, 660 to a third level (e.g., high), and a fifth touch to turn off 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 heating or cooling systems 55, 455, 655 and set the operation of heating or cooling elements 60, 60, 660 to a first level (e.g., low). The user interface controls on plates 1100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers can also be other suitable user interface mechanisms such as push-button switches, slide switches, rocker switches, control panels, or wheels.

[0343] With respect to one or more plates 1100, bowls, or dishes, one or more soft-touch or touch switch buttons 1120 may be located on the edge 1130 of the plate 1100, bowl, or dish. In one embodiment, the one or more soft-touch or touch switch buttons 1120 on the plate 1100, bowl, or dish may be a set of three soft-touch buttons on the edge 1130 of the plate 1100, bowl, or dish, and each may be backlit (e.g., with white light). The three soft-touch buttons 1120 may correspond to different operating levels (e.g., low, medium, high) or temperatures (e.g., 130°F, 165°F, 200°F), at which heating or cooling elements 60, 60' of the plate 1100, bowl, or dish operate when the button 1120 is actuated. In one embodiment, a plurality of soft-touch or touch-sensitive switch buttons 830 may be positioned along the periphery of a plate 800' or dish, each button 830 being associated with one of a plurality of heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D (e.g., different portions of the plate 800', bowl, or dish, such as a quarter circle, have individual heating or cooling elements 860A to 860D associated with them). Figure 17As shown. In one embodiment, the user interface 1110 on one or more plates 1100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may include one or more visual indicators 1140 (e.g., located on the edge 1130 of the plate 1100, bowl, or plate, or on the side or top of the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container) that can indicate the operating status or parameters of one or more plates 1100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, one or more visual indicators 1140 may display operating information such as charging level, power level, selected temperature, etc. The visual indicator 1140 may be one or more of LEDs, light bulbs, or digital screens; however, other suitable visual indicators may be used. In one embodiment, the user interface may be behind a colored translucent plastic layer, so that when the screen is dimmed, the user interface screen is not conspicuous because it is behind the plastic layer. When the screen is activated by electronic modules 90, 490, and 690, it emits light through a translucent plastic layer (e.g., colored, frosted, or polychrome plastic). The screen can be automatically activated when liquid is sensed in the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, or when food is sensed on the plate, bowl, or dinner plate, and can display one or more parameters (e.g., liquid temperature, food temperature, or a user-selected temperature mode). The user interface on the plate 1100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have one or more buttons (e.g., soft-touch buttons) that allow the user to switch between to change the operation of the heating or cooling systems 55, 455, and 655. For example, the user can switch between one or more buttons to change the power level or temperature setting of the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, and 660, or to switch between different operating functions of the plate 1100, bowl, dinner plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, a user can press and hold the button to increase the temperature setting of the plate 1100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. This increase can be made in predetermined temperature increments (e.g., 5°F increments) until a maximum temperature setting is reached. Continuing to press the button then allows the temperature setting to increase again from the minimum temperature setting. Once the user stops pressing the button, the operating temperature of the heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 in the plate 1100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container will be set.

[0344] As discussed above, one or more buttons (e.g., button 1120) can be pressed to switch between different functions, one of which may be the temperature setting of the plate 1100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. Switching the button again can cause the electronic modules 90, 490, 690 to display the charging level of one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 in the plate 1100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container on the user interface. Switching the button again can cause the electronic modules 90, 490, 690 to display Bluetooth pairing mode, or (e.g., by pressing and holding the button) allow the user to pair the plate 1100, bowl, 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 plate 1100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, and transmit instructions (e.g., temperature setting, power setting, on or off, etc.) to the plate 1100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0345] In one embodiment, once activated by a user, one or more soft touch or touch switch buttons (e.g.) Figure 20 The button 1120 may illuminate or glow to indicate that the associated heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 is in operation. For example, the soft-touch or touch switch button may be backlit (e.g., having one or more LEDs or electroluminescent or OLEDs). Similarly, the soft-touch or touch switch button may not illuminate or glow when the associated heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 is not in operation. In another embodiment, when a user presses one or more soft-touch or touch switch buttons (or any other type of button, control panel, or switch), the electronic modules 90, 490, 690 may additionally (or optionally) generate an audible sound (e.g., from and incorporated into one or more plates 1100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers).

[0346] While the user interface disclosed above can be described in conjunction with plate 1100, 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, tableware, or server equipment (e.g., bowls, plates, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), including plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 900, 1300, 1400, travel mugs 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, etc., and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and server equipment.

[0347] Actuation

[0348] In one embodiment, when one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers are removed from their associated charging stations, such as charging station 1700 described below, the electronic module 90 may actuate or turn on 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. For example, in one embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may have sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, magnets, current removal detectors, etc.) that communicate with electronic modules 90, 490, 690, wherein when a plate 100, bowl, plate, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is removed from a charging holder, the proximity sensor sends a signal to electronic modules 90, 490, 690, and electronic modules 90, 490, 690 turn on power to heating or cooling elements 60, 60', 460, 660, at least in part, based on said signal. In another embodiment, when removed from the charging holder, electronic modules 90, 490, 690 can place one or more plates 100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers into standby mode without turning on one or more heating or cooling elements 60, 60', 460, 660, which can then be turned on, for example, via user-actuated one or more soft touch buttons (such as buttons 830, 1120) as described in the above embodiments, using a wireless remote control or mobile electronic device, or a stick 1000, or a liquid or food sensor.

[0349] While the actuation functions disclosed above may be described in conjunction with plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can also be applied to any liquid container, drinking vessel, tableware, or serving appliance (e.g., bowl, plate, hot plate, cup, and / or liquid container), including plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, travel mugs 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, etc., and the scope of this disclosure and the invention is to be understood to cover such liquid containers, drinking vessels, tableware, and serving appliances.

[0350] charging station

[0351] Figures 21 to 24A An embodiment of a charging station 1700 or charging stand is shown. In one embodiment, the charging station 1700 may have a user interface 1710 that communicates with electronic modules 90, 490, 690 in one or more dishes 100, 1100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, the user interface 1710 on the charging station 1700 may be actuated by the user to set one or more operating parameters of one or more dishes 100, 1100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, such as a predetermined temperature setpoint or power setting mode selected by the user.

[0352] Regarding one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes, the user can actuate one or more buttons on the charging station 1700, which holds multiple plates 100, 1100 (e.g., ...). Figure 23 As shown, there are charging brackets, such as those suspended from the base surface of the charging station, that hold plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes in a stacked manner. The user can set a desired operating temperature or power level for each of the multiple plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes (e.g., either individually for each plate 100, bowl, or dish, or all plates 100, bowls, or dishes at once using a single command), said command (e.g., via wireless communication such as RF, or via electrical contacts on the charging station 1700 that mate with corresponding electrical contacts on the plates, bowls, or dishes, such as...). Figure 3AThe contact portion 46''' in the charging station 1700 is transmitted from the user interface 1710 to the electronic module 90 in one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes. Subsequently, when one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes are removed from the charging station 1700 (as shown in FIG. 24), the electronic module 90 can automatically turn on the heating or cooling elements 60, 60' in one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes to a pre-selected temperature or power setting (e.g., low, medium, high) previously selected by the user via the interface 1710 when one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes were on the charging station 1700 (e.g., stored in a memory such as a flash memory on the electronic modules 90, 490, 690).

[0353] In another embodiment, when one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes are positioned on the charging station 1700, a user can actuate one or more buttons on the charging station 1700 to instruct at least one of the plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes not to be turned on when the plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes are removed from the charging station 1700. This allows the heating or cooling system 55 in the one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes to remain off or in standby mode when they are removed from the charging station 1700. The user can then (e.g., via actuating one or more soft-touch buttons on the plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes, using a wireless remote control or mobile electronics, or via a stick, as described above) turn on the heating or cooling elements 60, 60' in the one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes respectively. In another embodiment, the user interface button 1710 on the charging station 1700 can be used to place one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes in a given mode (e.g., temperature mode or power level mode) or activate other features within one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes. In another embodiment, the user interface 1710 on the charging station 1700 can be used to transmit certain information (e.g., user's username, preferences, icon selection, ambient temperature, etc.) to one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes. In another embodiment, when one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes are not on the charging station 1700, the user can actuate one or more buttons 1710 on the charging station 1700 (e.g., one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes are on a workbench or table, and the user can open one or more of the plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes from the charging station 1700 via an RF transmitter in the charging station 1700). In this embodiment, the charging station 1700 operates as a wireless remote control to control one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes. The buttons or interface 1710 on the charging station 1700 can be soft-touch buttons, touch switches, push-button switches, slide switches, control panels, or any other device controlled by a user interface. The charging base 1700 and its functionality described in this paragraph can also be used in other embodiments of the invention, such as one or more bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0354] The user interface 1710 on the charging station 1700 may have one or more visual indicators 1720 (e.g., one visual charging indicator for each plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish) that display the charging status or charging level (e.g., battery power percentage) of one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes positioned on the charging station 1700. For example, the charging station 1700 may have multiple visual indicators 1720, each associated with a plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish positioned on the charging station 1700, and displaying the charging status or charging level of the battery 80 of the associated plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish. One or more visual indicators 1720 may also display a user-selected temperature setpoint or power level for one or more plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes on the charging station 1700. Charging stations for mugs 400 or travel mugs 600 may have similar user interfaces and one or more visual indicators.

[0355] In one embodiment, a charging station 1700 or charging stand (e.g., capable of holding four or more, or fewer plates) that can hold multiple dishes 100, 1100, bowls, or plates can charge the dishes 100, 1100, bowls, or plates via one or more direct electrical connections between the charging station 1700 and the dishes 100. In another embodiment, as described above, the charging station 1700 or charging stand can charge the dishes 100, 1100, bowls, or plates via inductive coupling. In one embodiment, the charging station may have inductive coupling posts 1740 (e.g., a vertically oriented inductive coupling system) in which one or more inductive coupling transmitters 1730 are inductively coupled to multiple dishes 100, 1100, bowls, or plates positioned on the charging station 1700 or charging stand. In one embodiment, the multiple inductive coupling transmitters 1730 may be a linear array to cooperate with multiple dishes 100, 1100, bowls, or plates.

[0356] The charging station 1700 may have a plurality of inductively coupled transmitters 1730, for example, in the shape of an inclined flange 1732, wherein each transmitter 1730 may be coupled to a corresponding dish 100, 1100, bowl, or plate (e.g., plate) on the charging station 1700. Figures 23 to 2At least a portion of the lower side (e.g., the lower side of the edge) of the plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish shown in Figure 4 is inductively coupled to the plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish. However, in other embodiments, the inductively coupled emitter 1730 may have other shapes and be inductively coupled to other areas of the respective plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish (e.g., the edge of the plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish; the bottom of the plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish; a cylindrical recess / protrusion within the plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish; or other portions of the plate 100, 1100, bowl, or dish). In another embodiment, the inductively coupled charging station or charging bracket may be horizontally oriented such that the plurality of plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes may be vertically oriented similarly to how plates are placed in a dishwasher. In another embodiment, the inductively coupled charging station may be integrated into the dishwasher such that the plates 100, 1100, bowls, or dishes can be charged while they are in the dishwasher. The charging station and charging station functions described in this paragraph can also be used in other embodiments of the invention, such as one or more bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0357] Figure 24B Another embodiment of the charging station '1700' is shown. Charging station 1700' may be similar to charging stations 200, 300, 500, 700, and 1700, except as described below. Charging station 1700' may include a resonant-coupled wireless power transmitter 1770 (e.g., a resonant-coupled wireless power transmitter) that can transmit power to one or more (e.g., multiple) dishes 100, 800, 900, 1100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers without using repeater circuitry in the dishes 100, 800, 900, 1100, bowls, plates, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, such that power transmission 1772 is radiated through units stacked on charging station 1700'. The resonant-coupled wireless power transmitter 1770 may optionally be located at the base of charging station 1700'.

[0358] Figure 24CAnother embodiment of the charging station 1700″ is shown, which may be similar to charging stations 200, 300, 500, 700, 1700, 1700″ except as described below. Charging station 1700″ may include a wireless power transmitter 1770″ that can transmit power to one or more (e.g., multiple) dishes 100, 800, 900, 1100, bowls,...

Claims

1. A drinking vessel, comprising: A body having an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall, the inner sidewall and the inner bottom wall together defining a chamber configured to receive and contain liquid, and a bottom chamber between the inner bottom wall and the outer bottom wall; Multiple sensors are in contact with the inner sidewall along its length, and the sensors are configured to sense the temperature in the chamber. as well as Temperature control system, including: One or more heating elements are configured to actively heat at least a portion of the chamber. One or more power storage elements, and The circuit is configured to control the operation of the one or more heating elements to heat the liquid in the chamber to a predetermined temperature setting or a user-selected temperature setting. The circuit utilizes one or more algorithms stored in a memory within the circuit to determine the liquid level in the chamber based on the temperature sensed by the sensor and transmitted to the circuit by the sensor.

2. The drinking vessel container according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of sensors include negative temperature coefficient thermistors, i.e., NTC thermistors.

3. The drinking vessel according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit is configured to automatically cut off power to the one or more heating elements when the sensor determines that the liquid in the chamber has fallen below a predetermined level or has been completely depleted.

4. The drinking vessel container of claim 1, further comprising one or more indicator lights configured to communicate with the circuitry, the one or more indicator lights being configured to illuminate when the one or more heating elements are operated to indicate to a user the operation of the temperature control system, the one or more indicator lights comprising concealed, upright LEDs.

5. The drinking vessel according to claim 4, wherein, The one or more indicator lights are configured to enter a sleep mode when the motion sensor does not detect movement of the subject after a predetermined period of time, and are configured to wake up when the subject is moved such that the motion sensor detects movement of the subject.

6. The drinking vessel according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more heating elements are one or more resistance heaters that are in thermal communication with the inner wall.

7. The drinking vessel according to claim 1, wherein, The user interface on the main body is configured to alert the user when the beverage in the room is above a predetermined temperature and is too hot to drink.

8. The drinking vessel container according to claim 1, wherein, The alarm signal is a visual alarm signal.

9. The drinking vessel container according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit is further configured to communicate wirelessly with an electronic device, and is operable to send information to the electronic device and receive instructions from the electronic device, including the temperature setting selected by the user.

10. The drinking vessel container of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrical contact rings on the outer bottom wall.

11. The drinking vessel container of claim 1, further comprising a second sidewall spaced apart from the inner sidewall to define an annular chamber between the inner sidewall and the second sidewall.

12. The drinking vessel container according to claim 11, wherein, The annular chamber is filled with a phase change material.

13. The drinking vessel container according to claim 11, further comprising an outer side wall, wherein the second side wall and the inner side wall are radially disposed inside the outer side wall.

14. The drinking vessel container according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more heating elements are arranged around at least a portion of the inner sidewall.

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