Temperature-controlled beverage container

Abstract

An actively heated beverage container includes a container having a chamber for receiving and holding a volume of liquid, a first heating element operable to heat a portion of the chamber, and a second heating or cooling element operable to heat another portion of the chamber, the second heating or cooling element being spaced apart from the first heating or cooling element. Operation of the first and second heating elements creates a circulatory flow within the volume of liquid in the chamber that mixes the liquid and spreads the temperature in the liquid within the chamber, thereby reducing thermal stratification of the liquid within the chamber and maintaining a substantially uniform temperature throughout the liquid volume.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Incorporation by reference to priority application) Any applications identified in the Application Data Sheet filed with this application as claiming foreign or domestic priority are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

[0002] The present invention relates to tableware, beverage and food containers such as plates, mugs, soup containers, lunch boxes, etc., and more particularly to tableware, beverage and food containers that are actively heated or cooled. [Background technology]

[0003] Tableware (e.g., plates, bowls), servingware (e.g., platters, serving dishes, hot plates), and beverage containers (e.g., cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, baby bottles, beverage bottles) are sometimes made of ceramic materials. When plates are placed in an oven to heat, food on the plate can be kept warm for a longer period of time than if the plate were not heated. For example, in some restaurants, plates are heated before or at the time food (e.g., steak) is placed on them. For example, the plate holding the steak can be placed in the oven to cook the steak, and then removed, keeping the food warm for a period of time. In some cases, the plate or bowl may be cooled to maintain a cooler temperature on the plate (e.g., salad, jacuzzi) for a longer period of time than if the plate were not cooled. However, such heating and cooling mechanisms are passive, relying on the heat transfer properties of the ceramic material, either by heat release in the case of a heating plate or by heat absorption by the plate in the case of a cooling plate.

[0004] However, technology for actively heating or cooling dishwasher-safe tableware or beverage or food containers is not readily available. Thus, there is a need for tableware (e.g., plates, bowls), serving tableware (e.g., platters, serving dishes, hot plates), beverage containers (e.g., cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, baby bottles, drinking bottles), and food containers (e.g., lunch boxes, soup containers) that can be actively heated or cooled during use. Summary 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 receptacle for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating system. The heating system includes one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receptacle 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 configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control the transfer of power from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The heating system also includes one or more sensors configured to sense parameters of the liquid and / or parameters of the heating system and communicate the sensed parameter information to the control circuitry. The control circuitry turns on, off, and / or operates the one or more heating elements at a given power setting based at least in part on the sensed parameter information.

[0006] According to another embodiment, an actively heated mug or travel mug is provided. The dynamically heated mug or travel mug includes a body having a receptacle for receiving and holding a liquid, the body having a vacuum-insulated chamber configured to reduce the rate at which thermal energy escapes from the mug or travel mug, and a heating system. The heating system includes one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receptacle 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 configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control the transfer of power 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 receptacle for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating system. The heating system includes one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receptacle of the body, one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receptacle of the body, and a control circuit electrically connected to the wireless power receiver. The control circuit is configured to charge one or more power storage elements and control the transfer of power from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating elements. The actively heated mug or travel mug further includes a user interface on the surface of the body, the user interface having one or more user-actuable controls electrically connected to the control circuit and for providing operating instructions to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to operate the one or more heating elements to actively heat at least a portion of the body and generally maintain the liquid in a heated state at a temperature setting selected by a user based at least in part on the instructions.

[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 receptacle for receiving and holding a liquid and a heating system. The heating system includes one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receptacle 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 is configured to charge the one or more power storage elements and control the transfer of power 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, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, the cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container having a body with a receptacle for receiving and holding 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 receptacle of the body, a control circuit configured to control operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, and one or more liquid level sensors configured to sense a liquid level in the receptacle and communicate the sensed liquid level to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to operate each of the one or more heating or cooling elements independently of one another, such that the control circuit can turn at least one of the one or more heating or cooling elements off or on, reduce power to the heating or cooling element, or increase power to the heating or cooling element, at least in part, based on the sensed liquid level. In another aspect, if the one or more heating or cooling elements are one or more thermoelectric elements, the control circuit 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, or travel mug has a body with a receptacle for receiving and holding a liquid, and a heating or cooling system. A heating or cooling system is provided for a liquid container, such as a baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. 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 receptacle of the body, and a control circuit configured to control operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements. The control or position of the one or more heating or cooling elements is configured to induce circulation of liquid within the receptacle of the body and maintain a substantially uniform liquid temperature within the volume of liquid within the receptacle.

[0011] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, comprising a body having a receptacle for receiving and holding 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 receptacle of the body, one or more power storage elements, a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source, and a control circuit electrically connected to the wireless power receiver. The control circuit is configured to control charging of the one or more power storage elements and control transmission of power 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. Additionally, one or more ultrasonic liquid sensors are configured to sense the level of the liquid in the receptacle via a change in frequency and communicate the sensed liquid level information to the control circuit. The control circuitry is configured to operate one or more heating or cooling elements to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the receptacle of the body based at least in part on the sensed liquid level, generally to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a user-selected temperature or a factory-preset beverage temperature.

[0012] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, having a body with a receptacle for receiving and holding a 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 receptacle of the body, and one or more power storage elements. A control circuit is configured to control charging of the one or more power storage elements and control transmission of power 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 operating information to the remote device or mobile electronic device and receive instructions from the remote device or mobile electronic device. A display screen is provided on a surface of the body, and the display screen is electrically connected to the control circuit.

[0013] According to another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is provided, the cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container having a body with a receptacle for receiving and holding 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 receptacle of the body, and one or more temperature sensors configured to sense the temperature of the liquid in the receptacle. A control circuit is configured to communicate with the one or more temperature sensors and control operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed temperatures. A wireless transmitter or transceiver configured to establish a communication connection with a remote mobile phone or tablet computer, transmit sensed temperature information or information related to the sensed temperature information to the mobile phone or tablet computer, and display the sensed temperature information on the mobile phone or tablet computer is provided.

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

[0017] According to one aspect, an actively heated or cooled portable container is provided. The container includes a portable body having a receptacle defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and holding a liquid, and a heating and cooling system housed within the portable body. The heating and cooling system includes a cooling element including a phase change material disposed within a chamber surrounding at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body 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 transition from a first 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 the inner bottom wall of the portable body. The heating and cooling system also includes control circuitry disposed within the portion of the portable body, the control circuitry configured to control 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 supply electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuit. The cooling element removes heat from a liquid held in the receptacle that is above a predetermined temperature to reduce 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 receptacle to maintain the temperature of the liquid at the predetermined temperature or to increase the temperature of the liquid above the predetermined temperature.

[0018] According to another aspect, an actively heated or cooled portable container is provided. The container includes a portable body having a receptacle defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and holding a liquid, and a heating and cooling system housed within the portable body. The heating and cooling system includes a means for passively cooling at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body to remove heat from the liquid in the receptacle 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, and control circuitry disposed within a portion of the portable body. The control circuitry is configured to control operation of the heating element, and one or more power storage elements are 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 control circuitry controls the heating element to apply heat to the liquid in the receptacle 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, an actively heated or cooled portable container is provided. The container has a portable body having a receptacle defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and holding a liquid, and an outer sidewall radially spaced from the inner sidewall and defining an annular-shaped chamber therebetween. The container also has a heating and cooling system housed within the portable body, the heating and cooling system including a cooling element having a heat sink disposed within the annular-shaped chamber in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the portable body, and a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or the inner bottom wall of the portable body. The heating and cooling system also includes a control circuit disposed in a portion of the portable body and configured to control operation of the heating element, and one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to provide electrical energy to one or both of the heating element and the control circuit. The cooling element removes heat from a liquid disposed in the receptacle, and the control circuit controls the heating element to add heat to the liquid in the receptacle to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature or to raise the temperature of the liquid above the predetermined temperature.

[0020] According to another aspect, an actively heated container is provided having a portable body with a receptacle defined by an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall for receiving and holding a liquid, and an outer sidewall radially spaced from the inner sidewall and defining an annular-shaped chamber therebetween. The container also includes an active heating system having one or more heating elements in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner sidewall or the inner bottom wall of the portable body, and control circuitry disposed in a portion of the portable body, the control circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more heating elements. The container also includes one or more power storage elements disposed in another portion of the portable body and configured to supply electrical energy to the control circuitry and one or both of the one or more heating elements. The control circuitry is configured to calculate a volume of liquid in the portable receptacle based on sensory information indicating the temperature of the liquid in the receptacle.

[0021] According to one aspect, a heated or cooled food container is provided. The food container has a lid movable between an open position and a closed position, an insulating body having a sidewall and a base defining a perimeter of the body, the sidewall and the base defining a chamber configured to be sealed by the lid when in the closed position, and a temperature control system having one or more heating or cooling elements disposed within the container configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber.

[0022] According to another aspect, an actively heated or cooled food container is provided. The food container has a lid movable between an open position and a closed position, and an insulated body having a sidewall and a base defining a perimeter of the body, the sidewall and the base defining a chamber configured to be sealed by the lid when in the closed position. The food container also includes an active temperature control system having one or more heating or cooling elements in thermal communication with one or both of the sidewall and the base and configured to heat or cool the one or both of the sidewall and the base, and one or more power storage elements configured to provide power to the one or more heating or cooling elements. A control circuit is configured to control the operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements. The active temperature control system also includes a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a remote electronic device to send information to the remote electronic device and / or receive information from the remote electronic device.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an actively heated or cooled beverage container is provided. The beverage container (e.g., a baby bottle) includes a container having a chamber configured to receive a liquid and a heating or cooling module. The heating or cooling module includes a first heating or cooling element operable to heat or cool a portion of the chamber and a second heating or cooling element operable to heat or cool another portion of the chamber, the second heating element being spaced apart from the first heating element. Operation of the first and second heating or cooling elements generates a circulatory flow in a volume of liquid within the chamber, mixing the liquid within the chamber and reducing thermal stratification of the liquid within the volume within the chamber.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an actively heated or cooled beverage container is provided. The beverage container (e.g., a baby bottle) includes a container having a chamber configured to receive a liquid, the container including an upper container and a lower container removably connected to the upper container, defining the chamber. The beverage container also includes a heating or cooling module disposed within the lower container. The heating or cooling element includes a first heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of the bottom of the chamber and a second heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of the side of the chamber, the second heating or cooling element being spaced apart from the first heating or cooling element. Operation of the first and second heating or cooling elements generates a circulatory flow within a volume of liquid within the chamber, mixing the liquid within the chamber and suppressing thermal stratification within the volume of liquid within the chamber.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an actively heated or cooled beverage container is provided. The beverage container (e.g., a baby bottle) includes a container having a chamber configured to receive a liquid, the container including an upper container and a lower container removably connected to the upper container, which define the chamber. The beverage container also includes a heating or cooling module disposed within the lower container. The heating or cooling element includes a first heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of the bottom of the chamber and a second heating or cooling element operable to heat a portion of the side of the chamber, the second heating or cooling element being spaced apart from the first heating or cooling element. The beverage container also includes one or more sensors operable to sense one or more of the presence of liquid in the chamber, the level of the liquid in the chamber, the type of liquid in the chamber, and the temperature of the liquid in the chamber. Operation of the first heating or cooling element and the second heating or cooling element generates a circulatory flow in a volume of liquid in the chamber, which mixes the liquid in the chamber and suppresses thermal stratification of the liquid in the volume of the chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a plate to be heated or cooled. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the heating or cooling plate of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the heated or cooled plate and charging base for the plate of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective bottom view of another embodiment of a heating or cooling plate similar to the plate of FIG. [Figure 3B] 3B is a schematic perspective top view of the heated or cooled plate and charging base for the plate of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a charging stand for storing a plurality of heated or cooled plates and a plurality of heated or cooled plates stored on the stand. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the charging stand of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective top view of another embodiment of a plate that can be heated or cooled. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a plate that can be heated or cooled. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled mug and charging base. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the heated or cooled mug of FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic exploded view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled mug. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the heated or cooled travel mug of FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic perspective view of the heated or cooled travel mug and associated charging base of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the heated or cooled travel mug of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a plate, bowl, or serving utensil that may be heated or cooled. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a plate, bowl, or serving utensil that may be heated or cooled. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a plate, bowl, or serving utensil that may be heated or cooled. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a wand for use with a plate, bowl, serving utensil, mug, cup, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container to be heated or cooled. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a plate, bowl, or serving utensil that may be heated or cooled. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a charging station for use with one or more plates, bowls, or serving utensils. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic front view of the charging station of FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of the charging station of FIG. 21 holding a plurality of plates, bowls or serving utensils. [Figure 24A]FIG. 24A is a schematic perspective view of the charging station of FIG. 23, showing one of the plates, bowls, or serving utensils removed from the charging station. [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a charging station including a resonantly coupled wireless power transmitter. [Figure 24C] FIG. 24C is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a charging station. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic exploded view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled plate. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional assembly view of the heating or cooling plate of FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a plate, bowl, or serving utensil that can be heated or cooled. [Figure 28] 28 is a schematic bottom perspective exploded view of the heated or cooled plate, bowl or serving dish of FIG. 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a plate, bowl, or serving utensil that can be heated or cooled. [Figure 30] 30 is a schematic bottom perspective exploded view of the heated or cooled plate, bowl or serving dish of FIG. 29. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic exploded view of one embodiment of a heated or cooled baby bottle liquid container. [Figure 32] 32 is a schematic cross-sectional assembly view of the heated or cooled baby bottle of FIG. 31. FIG. [Figure 32A] FIG. 32A is a schematic cross-sectional assembly view of another embodiment of a heated or cooled baby bottle. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a box diagram of one method of manipulating a plate, bowl, serving dish, mug, cup, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container to be heated or cooled. [Figure 34A]FIG. 34A is a schematic diagram illustrating counterclockwise circulation of liquid flow induced by a heating or cooling system in a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container. [Figure 34B] FIG. 34B is a schematic diagram illustrating clockwise circulation of liquid flow induced by a heating or cooling system in a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container. [Figure 34C] FIG. 34C is a schematic diagram illustrating counterclockwise circulation of liquid flow induced by a heating or cooling system within a cup, mug, travel mug, or liquid container, where operation (e.g., off, on) of one or more heating and cooling elements depends at least in part on the sensed liquid level. [Figure 34D] FIG. 34D is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cooled beverage container, such as a beer mug. [Figure 34E] FIG. 34E shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements. [Figure 34F] FIG. 34F shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements. [Figure 34G] FIG. 34G shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements. [Figure 34H] FIG. 34H shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements. [Figure 34I] FIG. 34I shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements. [Figure 34J] FIG. 34J shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements. [Figure 34K] FIG. 34K shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid container of FIG. 34G operating in a heating mode. [Figure 34L] FIG. 34L shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a liquid container having one or more heating or cooling elements. [Figure 34M] FIG. 34M shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid container of FIG. 34J operating in a cooling mode. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of a travel mug user interface displaying weather information. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram of a travel mug user interface showing the temperature of the liquid in the travel mug. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram illustrating communication between a travel mug and an electronic device (eg, a cell phone). [Figure 37A] FIG. 37A is a schematic diagram showing communication between a mug and an electronic device (eg, a cell phone). [Figure 38A] FIG. 38A shows one embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter within a table, counter, or bar for transmitting power to a travel mug placed thereon. [Figure 38B] FIG. 38B shows one embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter within a table, counter, or bar for transmitting power to a mug placed thereon. [Figure 38C] FIG. 38C shows one embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter within a table, counter, or bar for transmitting power to a bowl placed thereon. [Figure 38D] FIG. 38D shows one embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter within a table, counter, or bar for transmitting power to plates placed thereon. [Figure 38E] FIG. 38E shows one embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter within a table, counter, or bar for transmitting power to a beer mug placed on it. [Figure 38F] FIG. 38F shows one embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter within a table, counter, or bar for transmitting power to baby bottles placed thereon. [Figure 38G] FIG. 38G shows an embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter in a coffee or tea maker. [Figure 38H] FIG. 38H shows an embodiment of a wireless energy transmitter in a coffee or tea maker. [Figure 38I] FIG. 38I illustrates one embodiment of a liquid container with a liquid quality sensor. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a double-walled travel mug. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a double-walled travel mug. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram of an actively heated bread basket. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram of an actively heated tortilla warmer. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of a mug (eg, a travel mug) with an electric hand warmer. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a schematic block diagram illustrating communication between an electronic module within an actively heated / cooled beverage container, dish, or serving dish and a user interface thereon and / or on a remote electronic device. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat sink cooling mechanism. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a cooling mechanism. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a lid mechanism. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a kinetic generator. [Figure 49A] FIG. 49A shows the use of a removable insert to hold liquid. [Figure 49B] FIG. 49B shows the use of a removable insert to hold the liquid. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 50A] FIG. 50A is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 57] FIG. 57 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 60] FIG. 60 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 61] FIG. 61 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 62] FIG. 62 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 63] FIG. 63 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 64] FIG. 64 is a perspective partial view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 65] FIG. 65 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 66] FIG. 66 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 67] FIG. 67 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 68] FIG. 68 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 69A] FIG. 69A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 69B] FIG. 69B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 70A] FIG. 70A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 70B]FIG. 70B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 71A] FIG. 71A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 71B] FIG. 71B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 72A] FIG. 72A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 72B] FIG. 72B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container. [Figure 73] FIG. 73 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a beverage container and charging base system. [Figure 74A] FIG. 74A shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a beverage container assembly. [Figure 74B] FIG. 74B shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a beverage container assembly. [Figure 75A] FIG. 75A shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a beverage container assembly. [Figure 75B] FIG. 75B shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a beverage container assembly. [Figure 76A] FIG. 76A shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a beverage container and charging base system. [Figure 76B] FIG. 76B shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a beverage container and charging base system. [Figure 76C] FIG. 76C shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a beverage container and charging base system. [Figure 77] 77A-77C show an embodiment of a beverage container assembly. [Figure 78A] FIG. 78A shows an embodiment of a beverage container assembly. [Figure 78B] FIG. 78B shows an embodiment of a beverage container assembly. [Figure 79A] FIG. 79A shows an embodiment of a beverage container assembly. [Figure 79B] FIG. 79B shows an embodiment of a beverage container assembly. [Figure 80] FIG. 80 shows one embodiment of a food container. [Figure 81] FIG. 81 shows one embodiment of a food container. [Figure 82] FIG. 82 is a schematic diagram of a beverage container having a heating or cooling assembly operable to induce recirculation and / or mixing of liquid within the container to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 83] FIG. 83 is a schematic diagram of a beverage container having a heating or cooling assembly operable to induce recirculation and / or mixing of liquid within the container to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 84A] FIG. 84A is a schematic diagram of a beverage container having a heating or cooling assembly operable to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 84B] FIG. 84B is a schematic diagram of a beverage container having a heating or cooling assembly operable to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 85] FIG. 85 is a schematic illustration of a beverage container having a stirring element operable to induce mixing of a liquid within the container to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 86] FIG. 86 is a schematic illustration of a beverage container having a stirring element operable to induce mixing of a liquid within the container to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 87] FIG. 87 is a schematic illustration of a beverage container having a stirring element operable to induce mixing of a liquid within the container to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 88] FIG. 88 is a schematic diagram of a beverage container with acoustic and / or magnetic stirring and / or agitation of the liquid within the container to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 89A] FIG. 89A is a schematic illustration of a beverage container having a stirring element operable to induce mixing of a liquid within the container to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 89B]FIG. 89B is a schematic illustration of a beverage container having a stirring element operable to induce mixing of a liquid within the container to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid within the beverage container. [Figure 90A] FIG. 90A is a schematic front view of a beverage container. [Figure 90B] FIG. 90B is a schematic perspective bottom view of the beverage container of FIG. 90A. [Figure 90C] FIG. 90C is an exploded view of the beverage container of FIG. 90A. [Figure 90D] FIG. 90D is a cross-sectional side view of the beverage container of FIG. 90A with a cap on the container. [Figure 91] FIG. 91 is a perspective top view of the bottom container of the beverage container of FIG. 90A. [Figure 92] FIG. 92 is a schematic diagram of a circulating current of liquid formed in the bottom container of FIG. 91 to induce recirculation and / or mixing of the liquid in the beverage container to reduce thermal stratification of the liquid in the beverage container. [Figure 93] FIG. 93 is a schematic diagram of a heater assembly for the bottom container of FIG. 91 for use with a beverage container. [Figure 94] FIG. 94 is a perspective bottom view of the bottom vessel of FIG. 91 showing the probe heater. [Figure 95] FIG. 95 is a schematic diagram of the probe heater of FIG. 94 for use with a bottom vessel of a beverage container. [Figure 96] FIG. 96 is a schematic diagram of the probe heater of FIGS. 94-95 showing the location of the temperature sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a dish or serving dish that can be heated or cooled. In particular, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a plate 100, bowl, or serving dish that can be heated or cooled. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish has a peripheral wall 10 having a base 20 with sides 30a and a top surface 20a, which define a recess 30 for receiving food (e.g., a tray portion of the plate that holds food). In another embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish can be flat, having a substantially flat top surface (e.g., the tray portion for the food is not recessed). The wall 10 extends from an upper edge 12 to a lower edge 14. A bottom 40 of the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish defines a bottom surface 42 of the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish that is recessed relative to the edge 14. Bottom 19 defines recess 16 for plate 100, bowl, or serving dish, such that when plate 100, bowl, or serving dish is placed on a table or counter surface, edge 14, rather than bottom surface 42, contacts the table or counter surface. In another embodiment, bottom surface 42 is flush with bottom edge 14. In yet another embodiment, bottom surface 42 may protrude from the bottom of plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil relative to rim 14. Plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil may be similar in appearance (e.g., size and shape) to a conventional plate and may fit within the rack of a standard dishwasher.

[0029] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 , bottom 40 is attached to wall 10 such that a cavity 50 is defined between bottom 40 and base 20, with cavity 50 sized to accommodate several components, as described below. As shown in FIG. 2 , plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil can have a heating or cooling system 55 having a heating or cooling element 60, an insulating member 70, one or more electrical energy storage devices 80 electrically connected to the heating of cooling element 60, and an electronics module 90. Heating or cooling element 60, insulating member 70, electrical energy storage device 80, and electronics module 90 can be located (e.g., embedded) in the bottom of plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil. In another embodiment, heating or cooling system 55 can be housed in a module that is removably attachable to plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil. In this embodiment, heating or cooling element 60 and insulating member 70 can be part of a removable module, or can be located within the plate rather than as part of a removable module.

[0030] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 can be a heater wire or wire positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 20b of the base 20 (e.g., glued or otherwise secured to the bottom surface 20b), which can heat and transfer heat via conduction through the base 20 to the top surface 20a of the base 20 (e.g., to raise the temperature of the base 20 above ambient temperature and keep food on the plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil warm, e.g., at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range). In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 can include a drive transistor adapted for switching high current from the electrical energy storage element 80 to one or more low-resistance heating or cooling elements 60. The insulating member 70 can be plate-shaped and positioned adjacent 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 can be a ceramic plate. However, in other embodiments, the insulating member 70 can be made of other suitable materials that are thermally insulating. In yet other embodiments, the insulating member 70 may be omitted.

[0031] Continuing with reference to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the one or more energy storage devices 80 are batteries, such as rechargeable batteries. For example, the one or more energy storage devices 80 may be lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries or lithium polymer (Li-poly) batteries. However, in other embodiments in which the energy storage device 80 is a battery, the battery may be of 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, the one or more energy storage devices 80 may be capacitors. The one or more energy storage devices 80 may be electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 60 and configured to provide power to the heating or cooling element 60 to heat or cool at least a portion of the plate 100, bowl, or servingware.

[0032] The electronic module 90 can be mounted on the top surface 44 of the base 40 and can be electrically connected to one or more energy storage devices 80. In one embodiment, the electronic module 90 includes a wireless power receiver 92, control circuitry 94 (e.g., a controller circuit, a microcontroller, etc.), and a power supply 96 for charging the one or more energy storage devices 80. The electronic module 90 may include one or more of a charger 96 (e.g., charging circuitry) for charging the heating or cooling element 60. In other embodiments, the electronic module 90 may have different or additional electronics. The electronic module 90 may have a microcontroller unit (MCU) with capacitive sensing and graphic control capabilities. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 92 is electrically connected to a battery charger 96, which is connected to one or more energy storage devices 80 and electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 60 via the controller circuitry 94. The control circuitry may also be used to manage the charging of the one or more energy storage devices 80. In another embodiment, if the energy storage device 80 is omitted (as described further below), the wireless power receiver 92 may be electrically connected directly to the heating or cooling element 60. The control circuitry 94 may operate to manage the power transmitted to the heating or cooling element 60.

[0033] In one embodiment, the base 40 can be removably attached to the plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil to allow access to the heating or cooling system 55 within the cavity 50. For example, the base 40 can be mechanically connected to the plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil (e.g., using screws, a threaded interface between the base 40 and the plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil, a press-fit connection, etc.). The base 40 can be removable to allow replacement of the one or more energy storage devices 80 and maintenance of the heating or cooling system 55. In one embodiment, the base 40 can be a waterproof lid that can be removably (e.g., threaded or screwed) attached to the plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil to access the heating or cooling system 55. In another embodiment, the base 40 can be a waterproof lid that can be removably (e.g., threaded or screwed) attached to the plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil to access the one or more energy storage devices 80. In yet another embodiment, energy storage device 80 may be disposed within a pack that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap-fit, screw-on, etc.) to the bottom of plate 100, bowl, or servingware, with electrical contacts on the pack connecting with a set of electrical contacts on the bottom of plate 100, bowl, or servingware, for example, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 and described below. In yet another embodiment, one or more energy storage devices 80 may be sealed within the body of plate 100 and not removable (e.g., heating or cooling system 55 and electronics of plate 100 may be non-removably sealed within the plate). This configuration (e.g., non-removably sealed energy storage element 80) may be incorporated into plates 100′, 800, 800′, 1100, 1300, 1400, mug 400, and travel mug 600, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or any other beverage container, dish, or servingware device described below.

[0034] Continuing to refer to FIG. 3 , the charging base 200 can have a protrusion or ridge 220 having a top surface 222 and a bottom surface 224. The wireless power transmitter 240 can be attached to the bottom surface 224. The protrusion 220 is preferably shaped and sized to at least partially fit into the recess 16 of the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish, with the top surface 222 adjacent the bottom surface 42 of the bottom portion 40. Advantageously, the protrusion 220 at least partially fits into the recess 16 to generally align the electronic module 90 over the wireless power transmitter 240 to facilitate wireless power transfer between the wireless power transmitter 240 and the wireless power receiver 92. In another embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish has a protrusion and the charging base 200 has a recess, and the protrusion fits at least partially into the recess when the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish is connected to the charging base 200. The wireless power transmitter 240 can be electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a wall outlet, via a power cord (not shown).

[0035] In one embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 240 is an inductive coil, and the wireless power receiver 92 may also be an inductive coil. Thus, in one embodiment, the charging base 200 can wirelessly transmit power from the wireless power transmitter 240 to the wireless power receiver 92 via inductive coupling. However, the transmission of power from the wireless power transmitter 240 to the wireless power receiver 92 is not limited to inductive coupling. In other embodiments, other forms of short-range wireless energy transfer (e.g., microwave energy) can be used. In yet other embodiments, long-range wireless energy transmission can be used to transmit power to the wireless power receiver 92 without using a charging base, as described further below.

[0036] In one embodiment, heating or cooling system 55 is advantageously embedded or housed within the body of plate 100, bowl, or servingware, such that no portion of heating or cooling system 55 is exposed or accessible to a user while holding plate 100, bowl, or servingware. Thus, plate 100, bowl, or servingware can advantageously be exposed to water or other liquids, for example, in a sink or dishwasher, without exposing heating or cooling system 55 to the water or liquid, thereby preventing damage to heating or cooling system 55. Furthermore, having all components of plate 100, bowl, or servingware embedded or housed within the body allows plate 100, bowl, or servingware to maintain the aesthetic appearance of a traditional plate.

[0037] 3A-3B show another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100''', bowl or serving utensil. The heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or serving dish is similar to the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or serving dish and has the same components and features as those disclosed for the heated or cooled plate 100, except as described below. Accordingly, the various components of the heated or cooled plate 100''', bowl, or serving dish may be incorporated into any suitable container. The symbols used to designate the elements are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or serving dish of Figures 1-3, except that an "a" is added to the symbol.

[0038] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a plate 100′″, a bowl or a server The servingware may have one or more corrosion-resistant electrical contacts 46''' on an exterior surface of the plate 100''', bowl, or servingware, such as the bottom surface 42''' of the bottom 40''' of the plate 100''', bowl, or servingware. The electrical contacts may be connected to corresponding electrical contacts on the charging base 200''' (e.g., on the top surface 222''' of the protrusion 220''' of the charging base 200'''). When a plate 100''', bowl, or serving utensil is placed on the charging base 200''', power is transferred from the charging base 200''' to the energy storage device 80'''. The heating or cooling element 60''' and / or electronic module 90''' within the plate 100''', bowl, or serving utensil is connected through the electrical contacts 46''', 246'''. In one embodiment, the plate 100''', bowl, or serving utensil is connected through the electrical contacts 46''', 246'''. Electrical contacts on serving utensils, such as plates, bowls, or In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the electrical contacts 46''' of the plate 100''', bowl or serving utensil can be connected to one or more contacts on the bottom surface 42''' of the bottom 40''' of the plate 100''', bowl or serving utensil. The electrical contacts on the plate 100''', bowl or serving utensil and charging base 200''' may be pads that can contact corresponding contacts, for example, pin contacts 246''' on the top surface 222''' of the charging base 200'''. However, the electrical contacts on the plate 100''', bowl or serving utensil and charging base 200''' may be other suitable electrical contacts. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the plate 100′″ can have a variety of configurations. , plate 100'', bowl or serving dish (e.g., plate 100' The charging base 200 has a slot 48''' sized and shaped to receive a pin or key 248''' on the charging base 200'''. The slot 48''' and the pin or key 248''' are adapted to fit within the plate 100''', bowl or server. The electrical contacts 46'' on the Bing tableware easily align with the electrical contacts 246'' on the charging base 200'' Holds 100's of plates, bowls or serving utensils However, in another embodiment, the slot may be formed on charging base 200''' and the pin or key may be formed on the bottom of plate 100''', bowl, or serving utensil. This configuration of electrical contacts and slot / key arrangement is compatible with plates 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mug 400, and travel mug 600. , cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or any other drinking container, dish, or serving dish, such as a liquid container described below.

[0039] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 can be housed in a non-waterproof module that can be removably attached to the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish (e.g., connected by screws to the plate 100 or via a pin / slot assembly that screws into the bottom of the plate 100) to heat or cool the plate 100. In this embodiment, when cleaning the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish, the heating or cooling module can be detached from the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish before cleaning the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish (e.g., when placing it in the dishwasher). The heating or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding charging station for later use, such as when reconnected to the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish to heat or cool food on the plate 100. The above embodiment can be applied to other forms of dishware (e.g., mugs, cups, serving dishes).

[0040] In another embodiment, charging base 200 can be omitted, and power can be transmitted to wireless power receiver 92 via a remote power transmitter using long-range wireless energy transmission, as described further below. In this embodiment, if plate 100, bowl, or servingware to be heated or cooled also does not have an energy storage device, such as energy storage device 80, heating or cooling element 60 is electrically connected to wireless power receiver 92 via control circuitry 94 operable to control the amount of power provided to heating or cooling element 60. If plate 100, bowl, or servingware is out of range of wireless power transmission during operation, heating or cooling element 60 will consume power and then shut down. For example, in this embodiment, if plate 100, bowl, or servingware is not on a charging base, such as charging base 200, or is out of range of power transmission from a remote wireless power transmitter, heating or cooling element 60 in plate 100, bowl, or servingware will consume power and then shut down.

[0041] 4 and 5 show an embodiment of a charging stand 300 that can be stored in a cabinet, such as a kitchen cabinet, on a countertop, or in a pantry. The charging stand 300 can have multiple charging bases 220', which Each is attached to the rear wall 320 of the charging stand 300 by a connection support 230'. The charging stand 300 also has a pair of arms 310 on both sides of the charging base 220'. Each arm 310 has a surface 312 that can contact at least a portion of the wall 10 of the plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil and that serves to support the plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil on the charging base 220'. Each of the wireless power transmitters 240 has a wireless power transmitter disposed therein. The wireless power transmitter may be connected to a heating or cooling plate disposed on the charging base 220'. The charging stand 300 can transmit power to a wireless power receiver in the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish. The charging stand 300 can connect the wireless power transmitter in the charging base 220' to a power source. For efficient connection, the stand may have a power cord (not shown) for connecting to, for example, a wall outlet.

[0042] In another embodiment, charging stand 300 can be omitted, and plates 100 can be stacked on top of each other, with a single charging base (e.g., charging base 200 in FIG. 3 ) at the bottom of the stack. In this embodiment, each plate 100, bowl, or serving dish can have a repeater circuit that takes input power from wireless power receiver 92 (inside plate 100) and energizes a wireless power transmitter (not shown) mounted directly beneath the inside bottom surface 20 b of the same plate 100. In this embodiment, when another plate is stacked on top of this plate 100, the top plate can receive power from the wireless power transmitter located within plate 100, the bowl, or serving dish directly below it. In this way, when several plates are stacked on top of each other, each plate wirelessly receives power from the plate below it and transmits power to the plate above it. In one embodiment, the energy storage device is excluded from the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish (or mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container described below), so that the wireless power receiver can be electrically connected to a heating or cooling element, allowing a stack of plates 100 to be positioned on a single stand.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100'. The plate 100, bowl or serving dish to be heated or cooled is The heated or cooled plate 100' is similar to the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or serving dish, and has the same components and features as those disclosed for the heated or cooled plate 100, except as described below. The reference numerals used to designate the various components of the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or serving dish of FIGS. 1-3 are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl or serving dish of FIGS. 1-3, except for the addition of an "a" to the reference numeral.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 100', bowl or serving dish to be heated or cooled is The serving dish is traced or attached to at least a portion of the top surface 20a' of the base 20' of the plate 100'. The heating or cooling element 60' may include a trace pattern laid down. A trace pattern is screen printed on the top surface 20a' to connect the heating or cooling element 60' to the energy storage device 80', the wireless power receiver 92', and / or the control circuitry 94'. The plates 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, and mag 400 may have connecting portions (not shown) for electrically connecting the plates 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, and mag 400. , and can be incorporated into any other beverage container, dish, or serving dish, such as a travel mug 600, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container described below.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100″. The heated or cooled plate 100″, bowl, or serving dish is similar to the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or serving dish and includes the same components and features as those disclosed for the heated or cooled plate 100, except as described below. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the heated or cooled plate 100″, bowl, or serving dish are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the heated plate 100, bowl, or serving dish in FIGS. 1-3, except for the addition of the letter “a” to the reference numeral.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 50'' in the plate 100'', bowl or serving dish to be heated or cooled is separated by an insulating member 70 from the base 40. and a second cavity 50b between the insulating member 70 and the base 20. The energy storage device 80 and the electronic module 90 are disposed in the first cavity 50a. The insulating member 70 is positioned against a ledge 10a defined between the bottom 40 and the base 20, thereby spacing the insulating member 70 from the heating or cooling element 60 and defining the second cavity 50b. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cavity 50b is under vacuum, which advantageously insulates the energy storage device 80 and the electronic module 90 from the heating or cooling element 60. Furthermore, having the second cavity 50b under vacuum advantageously maintains the temperature of the top surface 20a of the base 20 for a longer period of time because the vacuum in the second cavity 50b prevents heat transfer through the bottom of the plate 100''. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 can be electrically connected to one or more energy storage devices 80 via connectors (not shown) (e.g., trace lines printed on the sidewalls of the first and second cavities 50a, 50b) extending between the first and second cavities 50a, 50b. This vacuum configuration also includes plates 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mag 400, and and may be incorporated into a travel mug 600, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or any other beverage container, dish, or serving dish, such as a liquid container described below.

[0047] 8-9 show a heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container having a circumferential wall 412 with side surfaces 412a, a handle 414, and a base 420 with a top surface 420a, where the side surfaces 412a and the top surface 420a define a cavity 418 that can hold a liquid or solid (e.g., coffee, soup, ice cream). The heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has a bottom portion 419 that defines a recess 450 between a bottom rim 416a and the base 420. A bottom member (e.g., a plate) 440 can be positioned against a ledge 419a of the bottom member 419 to define a cavity 450a between the bottom member 440 and the bottom portion 420. In the illustrated embodiment, a heating or cooling system 455 can be disposed (e.g., embedded) within the cavity 450a. Heating or cooling system 455 can have heating or cooling element 460, insulating member 470, one or more energy storage devices 480, and electronic module 490, which can be arranged and connected in the same manner as described above in connection with heating or cooling plate 100. In another embodiment, insulating member 470 can be omitted.

[0048] The heating or cooling element 460 can be positioned adjacent 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 can be positioned within the wall 412 and behind the side 412 of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460 can be a heater wire or heating wire. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460 can be a resistive heater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element 460 can include other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 can have a drive transistor that supports large switching currents flowing from the electrical energy storage element 480 to one or more low-resistance heating or cooling elements 460.

[0049] The electronic module 490 may be mounted on the top surface 444 of the bottom member 440 and may include one or more of a wireless power receiver 492, a control circuit 494 (e.g., a controller circuit, a microcontroller, etc.), and a charger 496 (e.g., a charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy storage devices 480. The electronic module 490 may include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphic control capabilities. The control circuit 494 may operate to manage the power transmitted to the heating or cooling element 460. The control circuit 494 may also operate to control the power transmitted to the one or more energy storage devices 480. The wireless power receiver 492 may also be used to manage the charging of the mug 480. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 492 is electrically connected to a charger 496, which is electrically connected to the energy storage device 480, which is electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 460. In another embodiment, if the energy storage device is omitted (as described further below), the wireless power receiver 492 may be electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 460. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 is located entirely in the base 419 such that no portion of the system 455 is visible (i.e., the appearance of the mug 400 is similar to that of 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.

[0050] 8 and 9 , the bottom portion 440 can be axially spaced from the bottom edge 416a to define a recess 416 in the bottom of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. A charging base 500 for a heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has a raised portion 520 having an upper surface 522, the raised portion 520 sized and shaped to fit at least partially within the recess 416 when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the charging base 500. Thus, the bottom surface 442 of the bottom member 440 is adjacent to the upper surface 522 of the raised portion 520. The charging base can have a wireless power transmitter 540 attached to the bottom surface 524 of the raised portion 520, the wireless power transmitter 540 positioned on the bottom surface 524 to be generally aligned with the electronic module 490 when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is attached. The water bottle or liquid container is positioned on the charging base 500 to facilitate wireless power transfer (e.g., via short-range wireless energy transmission such as inductive coupling, as described 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 that fits into the recess when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is connected to the charging base 500. The wireless power transmitter 540 may be electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a wall outlet, via a power cord (not shown).

[0051] In one embodiment, bottom member 440 can be removably attached to mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to provide access to heating or cooling system 455 within cavity 450a. For example, bottom member 440 can be mechanically connected to mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., using screws, a threaded interface between bottom member 440 and mug 400, or a press-fit connection). Bottom member 440 may be omitted to allow for replacement of one or more energy storage devices 480 and maintenance of heating or cooling system 455. In one embodiment, bottom member 440 can be a waterproof lid that can be removably attached (e.g., screwed or threaded) to mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access heating or cooling system 455. In another embodiment, bottom member 440 may be a waterproof lid that can be removably attached (e.g., screwed or threaded) to mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access one or more energy storage devices 480. In yet another embodiment, energy storage device 480 may be in a puck that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap-fit, screwed) to the bottom of mug 400, with electrical contacts on the puck connecting with a set of electrical contacts on the bottom of mug 400.

[0052] In another embodiment, charging base 500 can be omitted and power can be transmitted to wireless power receiver 492 via a remote power transmitter using long-range wireless energy transmission, as described further below. In this embodiment, if mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to be heated or cooled also does not have an energy storage device, such as energy storage device 480, heating or cooling element 460 can be configured to 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. If the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is out of range of a wireless power supply during operation, the heating or cooling element 460 will consume power and then shut off. For example, in this embodiment, if the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is not on a charging base, such as charging base 500, or is out of range of a power supply from a remote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 460 in the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container will consume power and then shut off.

[0053] The one or more energy storage devices 480 can advantageously power the heating or cooling element 460 for an extended period of time before their power charge decreases, thereby advantageously maintaining 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 other embodiments, the energy storage device 480 can power the heating or cooling element 460 for more than 60 minutes. In other embodiments, the power level or desired temperature can be selected by a user (e.g., via a switch) to extend or shorten the duration for which the heating or cooling element 460 operates, as described further below.

[0054] As noted above, in one embodiment, heating or cooling system 455 is advantageously embedded in the body of mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., embedded in bottom 419 of mug 400), which allows mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to be held while no portion of heating or cooling system 455 is exposed or accessible to a user. Thus, mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can advantageously be exposed to water or other liquids, for example, in a sink or dishwasher, without exposing heating or cooling system 455 to the water or liquid, thereby reducing damage to heating or cooling system 455. Furthermore, being embedded in the body of mug 400 can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, similar to that of a conventional mug.

[0055] In another embodiment, heating or cooling system 455 can be housed in a non-waterproof module that can be removably attached to mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., threadably connected to mug 400 or connected via a pin and slot assembly that screws into the bottom of mug 400) to heat or cool mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, when cleaning mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, the heating or cooling module can be disconnected from mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container before mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is cleaned (e.g., placed in the dishwasher). The heating or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding charging station for later use when reconnected to mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to heat or cool the contents of mug 400.

[0056] In another embodiment, mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have one or more corrosion-resistant electrical contacts (not shown) on an exterior surface of mug 400, such as bottom surface 442 of bottom portion 440 of mug 400, which may be sized and shaped to contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on charging base 500 when mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on charging base 500. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts on mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may protrude from a surface of mug 400, such as an electrical post. In another embodiment, the electrical contacts on mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may There may be one or more contact pads (not shown) on the bottom surface 442 of the bottom portion 440 of the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container that can contact corresponding contact pads (not shown) on the top surface 522 of the charging base 500. However, the electrical contacts on the mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container and charging base 500 may have other suitable configurations.

[0057] FIG. 9A shows another embodiment of a mug 400', cup, water bottle or liquid container that can be heated or cooled. 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 has the same components and features as those disclosed for the heated or cooled mug 400, except as described below. Thus, the heated or cooled mug 400', cup, water bottle The reference numerals used to designate the various components of the or liquid container are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container of Figures 8-9, except that an "a" is added to the reference numeral.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, a mug 400', cup, water bottle or liquid to be heated or cooled. The vessel may have a heating or cooling element 460' as shown schematically in Figure 9A. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' is the heating or cooling element shown in FIGS. 460. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' may be a resistive heater. However, in other embodiments, Alternatively, the heating or cooling element 460' may have other suitable mechanisms. The heat or cooling element 460' can be an active cooling element or a passive cooling element. For example, if heating or cooling element 460' is a passive cooling element, heating or cooling element 46 0′ has one or more Peltier elements in contact with or in close proximity to the bottom surface 420b of the base 420. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' may have a thermoelectric system. is an active cooling element, the heating or cooling element 460' is attached to the bottom surface 420b of the base 420. In yet another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' may have a cooling fluid circulation system having channels (not shown) disposed in contact with or in close proximity to the mag 4. 00', extending inside the bottom portion 419 of a cup, water bottle or liquid container (or other tableware) The heating or cooling element 460' may be a FREON® cooling system with extension channels (not shown). However, the heating or cooling element 460' may have other suitable active cooling configurations. The embodiment shown is for use with a mug 400' that can be heated or cooled, but The cooling element 460' is designed to cool the plate 100, bowl or serving dish and travel utensil. The heating or cooling element 460' may be incorporated into any dish, beverage container, or servingware (described below), such as a cup 600, a cup, a water bottle, or a liquid container. In some embodiments, the dish, beverage container, or servingware may have a heat sink (e.g., one or more fins) that dissipates heat generated by the heating or cooling element. In one embodiment, the heat sink may be incorporated into the body of the dish, beverage container, or servingware. In another embodiment, the heat sink may be removably attached to the dish, beverage container, or servingware. The heating or cooling element 460' may be incorporated into the dish, beverage container, or servingware. or to maintain a liquid or solid food in a serving dish at a hot or cold temperature (e.g., to raise or lower the temperature of a dish, beverage container, or serving dish receptacle above or below ambient temperature to keep the food hot or cold, e.g., at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range).

[0059] 10-12 illustrate one embodiment of a travel mug 600, such as a travel coffee mug, that incorporates some of the same features described above with respect to mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In the illustrated embodiment, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has a perimeter wall 610, a handle 612, and a bottom 640, which in one embodiment is removably attachable to a distal end of perimeter wall 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has an inner peripheral wall 620 extending from a proximal portion 622 to a base 626 and a distal portion 624 adjacent the base 626. The inner peripheral wall 620 defines a chamber 620c (e.g., a receptacle) for holding a liquid (e.g., coffee, tea). The travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be sized to fit into a cup holder having a standard diameter in an automobile. Additionally, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a height that allows the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to fit into a drawer (e.g., the top drawer) of a dishwasher rack, allowing the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to be placed upside down in a dishwasher that generally washes vertically. In one embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can hold approximately 16 ounces of liquid. However, other sizes that hold liquid may be employed.

[0060] The inner circumferential wall 620 can be attached at its proximal portion 622 to the proximal end 612a of the outer circumferential wall 610. As shown in FIG. 10 , the inner circumferential wall 620 is molded to the outer circumferential wall 610 to define an annular gap 628 between the inner circumferential wall 620 and the outer circumferential wall 610. Further, the base 626 of the inner circumferential wall 620 is spaced from the bottom 640 to define a cavity 630 therebetween, the cavity 630 communicating with the annular gap 628. A cover 670 can be removably positioned over the opening O in the inner circumferential wall 620 to substantially seal the opening O.

[0061] 10-11 , the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a heating or cooling system 655 disposed within the cavity 630. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system can include a heating or cooling element 660, one or more energy storage devices 680, and an electronics module 690, which can be arranged and connected in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the heated or cooled plate 100, bowl, or serving utensil, and the heated or cooled mug 400, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. The heating or cooling element 660 can be disposed adjacent to the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall 620. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be wrapped around the distal portion 624 and contact the outer surface 620a of the inner circumferential wall 620 at the distal portion 624 such that heat is conducted through the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall 620 to the liquid in the chamber 620c. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 can have a drive transistor to accommodate large switching currents from the electrical energy storage element 680 to one or more low resistance heating or cooling elements 660 .

[0062] The electronic module 690 can be mounted on the top surface 644 of the bottom portion 640 and can include one or more of a wireless power receiver 692 (e.g., capable of receiving power from an inductively coupled transmitter in a charging base or charging pad), a control circuit 694 (e.g., a controller circuit, microcontroller, etc.), and a charger 696 (e.g., a charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy storage devices 680. The electronic module 690 can include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphic control capabilities. The control circuit 694 can operate to manage power transmitted to the heating or cooling element 660. The control circuit can also be used to manage the charging of the one or more energy storage devices 680. In another embodiment, an insulating member, such as the insulating members 70, 470 described above, can be disposed between the base 626 of the inner circumferential wall 620 and the electronic module 690 to thermally isolate the heating or cooling element 660 from the electronic module 690.

[0063] In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 692 is electrically connected to a charger 696, and the charger 696 is electrically connected to the energy storage device 680, which is electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 660. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 680 is omitted and the wireless power receiver 692 can be electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 660. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 is located entirely within the cavity 630 such that no portion of the system 655 is visible (i.e., the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container appears similar to a conventional travel mug).

[0064] In one embodiment, bottom portion 640 can be removably attached to travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to allow access to heating or cooling system 655 within cavity 630. For example, bottom portion 640 can be mechanically connected to travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., with screws, a threaded interface between bottom portion 640 and travel mug 600, a press-fit connection, etc.). Bottom portion 640 can be omitted to allow for replacement of one or more energy storage devices 680 and maintenance of heating or cooling system 655. In one embodiment, bottom portion 640 can be a waterproof lid that can be removably attached (e.g., screwed or threaded) to travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access heating or cooling system 655. In another embodiment, base 640 can be a waterproof lid that can be removably attached (e.g., screwed or threaded) to travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access one or more energy storage devices 680. In yet another embodiment, energy storage device 680 can be located in a pack that attaches (e.g., by a threaded snap fit, screw-on) to the bottom or side of travel mug 600, and electrical contacts on the pack can connect with a set of electrical contacts on the bottom or side of travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0065] 10-12, a charging base 700 for a travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a recessed portion 710 with a base 720, the recessed portion 710 being sized and shaped to at least partially receive a distal portion of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container therein. Thus, when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the charging base 700, a bottom surface 642 of the bottom portion 640 is adjacent to the base 720. The charging base 700 can have a wireless power transmitter (not shown) attached to the bottom surface of the base 720 in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the charging bases 200, 500. The wireless power transmitter is disposed on the bottom surface of the base 720 so as to be generally aligned with the electronic module 690 when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is positioned on the charging base 700 to facilitate wireless power transfer between the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver 692 (e.g., via short-range wireless energy transmission such as inductive coupling, as described above). 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 that can fit at least partially 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 connected to the charging base 700. The wireless power transmitter may be electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a wall outlet, via a power cord (not shown).

[0066] In another embodiment, charging base 700 can be omitted, and power can be transmitted to wireless power receiver 692 via a remote power transmitter using long-range wireless energy transmission, as described further below. In this embodiment, if travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container does not have an energy storage device, such as energy storage device 680, heating or cooling element 660 can be powered by the power supplied to heating or cooling element 660. The travel mug 600 is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 692 via a control circuit 694 operable to control the amount of power supplied to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. If the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is out of range of a wireless power supply during operation, the heating or cooling element 660 will consume power and then shut off. For example, in this embodiment, if the mug 600 is not on a charging base, such as charging base 700, or is out of range of a power supply from a remote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 660 in the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container will consume power and then shut off. In yet another embodiment, the travel mug 600 or plate 100, bowl or servingware or mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container can have one or more energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660, and the electronics module 90, 490, 690 can switch to battery power (e.g., via control circuitry 94, 494, 694) when the travel mug 600, plate 100, bowl or servingware or mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container is out of range of a remote wireless power transmitter, thereby allowing the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 to continue heating or cooling the contents of the travel mug 600, plate 100, bowl or servingware or mug 400, cup for a predetermined period of time.

[0067] Similar to the above embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be a heater wire or heating wire in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be a resistive heater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element 660 can have other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be an active or passive cooling element. For example, if the heating or cooling element 660 is a passive cooling element, the heating or cooling element 660 can have a thermoelectric system with one or more Peltier elements. In another embodiment, if the heating or cooling element 660 is an active cooling element, the heating or cooling element 660 can have a cooling fluid circulation system having a channel (not shown) disposed in contact with or in close proximity to the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall 620. In yet another embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be a FREON® cooling system having an extended channel inside the bottom portion of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (or other tableware device). However, the heating or cooling element 660 can have other suitable active cooling configurations.

[0068] The one or more energy storage devices 680 can advantageously power the heating or cooling element 660 for an extended period of time before running low on charge power, thereby advantageously maintaining the contents of the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., coffee, soft drink) hot or cold for an extended period of time (e.g., while the user is engaged in work). 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 between about 30 minutes and about 60 minutes. However, in another embodiment, the energy storage device 680 can power the heating or cooling element 660 for a period of time greater than 60 minutes.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has a user interface 695 that is electrically connected to the electronics module 690 via one or more electrical wires (not shown). In one embodiment, the electrical wires may have a trace pattern screen printed on the inner surface 610a of the inner perimeter wall 610 that extends between the user interface 695 and the electronics module 690. In another embodiment, the electrical wires may comprise one or more standard electrical wires. The user interface 695 may be actuated by a user to achieve desired control of the heating or cooling system 655. The travel mug 600 may have one or more user selection members 695a, such as buttons, that control the heating or cooling element 660. For example, one of the user selection members 695a may be used to turn off power to the heating or cooling element 660 (e.g., if the user does not want the contents of the travel mug 600 to continue heating or cooling). In another embodiment, one or more of the user selection members 695a may be used to control the heating or cooling element 660 so that the liquid in the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is at a desired temperature. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the user selection members 695a may be used to set a timer that determines when power to the heating or cooling element 660 is turned off. However, the user selection members 695a may also 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 by the user selection members 695a. A higher power setting results in a shorter time before the power storage element 680 of the heating or cooling element 660 is unable to power the heating or cooling element 660. Also, the lower the power setting, the longer the time before the power storage element 680 of the heating or cooling element 660 is unable to power 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 adjusted by the user to any of several temperature settings to control the heating or cooling element 660 within the travel mug 600 (or other tableware or beverage container) to maintain the contents at a particular temperature or within a particular temperature range.

[0070] As noted above, in one embodiment, heating or cooling system 655 is advantageously housed within the body of travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., housed within cavity 630), thereby allowing travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to be held while no portion of heating or cooling system 655 is exposed or accessible to a user. Thus, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can advantageously be exposed to water or other liquids, for example, in a sink or dishwasher, without exposing heating or cooling system 655 to the water or liquid, thereby preventing damage to heating or cooling system 655. Furthermore, being housed within the body of travel mug 600 allows travel mug 600 to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance similar to a conventional travel mug. In another embodiment, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have one or more electrical contacts (e.g., electrical posts, contact pads) on the exterior surface of travel mug 600, as described above in connection with mug 400. The electrical contacts are sized and shaped to contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on the charging base 700 when the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container is placed on the charging base 700.

[0071] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 can be housed in a non-waterproof module that can be removably attached to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., threadably connected to the travel mug 600 or connected via a pin and slot assembly, where the module screws into the bottom of the travel mug 600) to heat or cool the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, when cleaning the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, the heating or cooling module can be disconnected from the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container before cleaning the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., placing it in the dishwasher). The heating or cooling module can then be placed in a corresponding charging station for later use, such as reconnecting to the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to heat or cool food on the travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0072] FIG. 13 shows a travel mug 600', cup, water bottle or liquid container that can be heated or cooled. 6 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug 600', cup, water bottle or The liquid container is similar to the heated or cooled travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container, and has the same components and features as those disclosed for the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except as described below. Accordingly, the following terms will be used to designate the various components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container: The reference numerals used to identify the corresponding components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container of FIGS. 10-12 are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container of FIGS. 10-12, except for the addition of an "a" to the reference numeral.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, a heated or cooled travel mug 600', cup, water bottle or The liquid container includes a heating or cooling element 660' having a trace pattern traced or laid on at least a portion of the inner surface 620b' of the distal portion 624' of the inner peripheral wall 620'. For example, the trace pattern may be a heating or or cooling element 660′ to the energy storage device 680 or wireless power receiver 692. The heating or cooling element configuration may have an electrical connection (not shown) and may be incorporated into any other beverage container, dish, or serving dish, such as plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mug 400, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container described below.

[0074] 14-15 illustrate another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug 600'', cup, water bottle, or liquid container. 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 has the same components and features as those disclosed for the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except as described below. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600'', cup, water bottle, or liquid container are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600'', cup, water bottle, or liquid container of FIGS. 10-12, except for the addition of the letter "a" to the reference numerals.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, a cavity 630″ within the cup, water bottle, or liquid container of the travel mug 600″ to be heated or cooled can be divided by the base 614″ and adjacent top wall 616″ 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″ and the annular gap 628″ of the outer cylindrical wall 610″. An energy storage device 680 and an electronic module 690 are disposed within the first cavity 630a″. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cavity 630b″ is under vacuum, advantageously further insulating 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 heat for a longer period of time because the vacuum in the second cavity 630b'' prevents heat transfer through the outer cylindrical wall 610'' and base 614'', thereby maintaining the liquid in chamber C warm for a longer period of time. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be electrically connected to the one or more energy storage devices 680 and the electronic module 690 using connectors (e.g., one or more wires or trace lines printed on the side walls 620a'', 610a'' of the inner and outer circumferential walls 610'' and 620'') (not shown) extending between the first and second cavities 630a'' and 630b''. This vacuum configuration also supports plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 1100, 1300, 1400, mugs 400, cups, and baby bottles 15. 00, a water bottle, or any other beverage container, dish, or serving dish, such as a liquid container described below.

[0076] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 is embedded in or housed within the body of the dishware (e.g., plate 100, mug 400, travel mug 600, etc.). In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 can be housed within a closed, water-resistant or waterproof compartment, such as cavity 50, 450, 630, disposed within a recess in the dishware. For example, in one embodiment, the compartment can be disposed within the recess such that the surface of the compartment is flush with the surrounding surface of the dishware. In another embodiment, the compartment can protrude from the surface of the dishware. In one embodiment, the water-resistant or waterproof compartment can be removably disposed within a recess in the dishware (e.g., the compartment can be removably attached to a dish, beverage container, or servingware). In another embodiment, the water-resistant or waterproof compartment can be secured within the recess (e.g., attached to the dish within the recess via adhesive, screws, etc.).

[0077] As noted above, in one embodiment, power can be transmitted wirelessly from a wireless power transmitter, such as wireless power transmitter 240, 540, to a wireless power receiver, such as power receiver 92, 492, 692, via short-range wireless energy transmission, such as inductive coupling. In another embodiment, the wireless power receiver 92, 492, 692 of the tableware and beverage containers to be heated or cooled, such as mug 400, plate 100, bowl or serving dish and travel mug 600, can receive power from a remote transmitter via long-range wireless energy transmission, thereby eliminating the need to transmit power to the tableware and beverage containers to be heated or cooled using a charging base.

[0078] In one embodiment, the remote transmitter can be located on a wall or ceiling of a home or restaurant, or can be located outside the home or restaurant. The transmitter can wirelessly transmit power to the wireless power receiver 92, 492, 692 over a distance of several meters using resonant inductive coupling. In one embodiment, the induction coil in the remote transmitter can have a capacitive plate attached to each end of the coil wire. When electricity flows through the coil, the coil can resonate at a resonant frequency that is the product of the coil's inductance and the plate's capacitance. A wireless power receiver, such as the wireless power receiver 92, 492, 692, can have a similar induction coil with the same resonant frequency as the induction coil in the remote transmitter, so that energy is transmitted from the transmitter to the wireless power receiver 92, 492, 692. Thus, heated or cooled tableware or beverage containers, such as the mug 400, plate 100, bowl or serving dish and travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, can be powered wirelessly without using a charging base. In use, a user can charge one or more energy storage devices, such as energy storage device 80, 480, 680, via a charging base and / or remote transmitter. Once charged, the tableware or beverage container can be heated or cooled via its heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660, potentially keeping food or liquid within the container hot or cold for extended periods of time. Furthermore, because the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 is disposed in (e.g., embedded in) the body of the tableware or beverage container, such as mug 400, plate 100, bowl or serving dish or travel mug 600, the tableware and beverage container can be exposed to water (e.g., in a sink or dishwasher) while preventing damage to the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655. In another embodiment, as described above, the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 can be housed within a closed, water-resistant or waterproof compartment that is fixed or removably attachable to the dishware (e.g., mug 400, plate 100, etc.).

[0079] In one embodiment, the dish or beverage container (e.g., plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) includes an electronic module 90, 400 that senses the orientation of the dish or beverage container and controls the operation of the dish or beverage container. The electronics module 90, 490, 690 may have an orientation sensor (e.g., a gyro) in communication with the electronics module 90, 490, 690. For example, the gyro may sense when the plate 100, bowl, or servingware is tipped on its side, or when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 is turned upside down (e.g., when loaded into a dishwasher), and communicate a signal to the electronics module 90, 490, 690 to interrupt power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660, thereby powering off the heating or cooling element. However, other suitable devices (e.g., sensors) other than a gyro may be used to sense the orientation of the dish, beverage container, or servingware, such as the plate 100, mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600. In another embodiment, a dish or beverage container (e.g., plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container) can have one or more accelerometer sensors that can sense changes in speed or movement or orientation of the dish or beverage container.

[0080] In one embodiment, an orientation (or tilt) sensor can sense when the plate 100, bowl, or servingware is tilted more than a predetermined amount from the horizontal axis (e.g., an angle greater than 45°), and the electronics module 90 turns off power to the heating or cooling system 55 (e.g., to the heating or cooling element 60) and disables the user interface buttons (described further below) on the plate 100, bowl, or servingware. The plate 100, bowl, or servingware can then be placed in a dishwasher for cleaning. The user interface buttons can be turned on again when the plate 100, bowl, or servingware is placed back on a charging station, such as the charging stand 300.

[0081] In another embodiment, the orientation (or tilt) sensor can sense when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 is tilted more than a predetermined amount from an upright vertical axis (e.g., an angle greater than 135°), and the electronics module 490, 690 turns off power to the heating or cooling system 455, 655 (e.g., to the heating or cooling element 460, 660) and disables user interface buttons and sensors (such as liquid or level sensors, described 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 placed in a dishwasher for cleaning. The user interface buttons are enabled when the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 is returned to the correct orientation, and the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600 can be reactivated by selecting the "ON" button thereon or by placing the mug 400, cup, water bottle, liquid container, or travel mug 600. When the liquid container or travel mug 600 is removed and placed back on the associated charging stand 500, 700, operation of the electronic module 490, 690 is reset.

[0082] The orientation sensor or tilt sensor features disclosed above have been described in relation to the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, but may also be used with the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700, travel mug 1800, travel mug 1900, travel mug 2000, travel mug 2100, travel mug 2200, travel mug 2300, travel mug 2400, travel mug 2500, travel mug 2600, travel mug 2700, travel mug 2800, travel mug 2900, travel mug 3000, travel mug 3100, travel mug 3200, travel mug 3300, travel mug 3400, travel mug 3500, travel mug 3600, travel mug 3700, travel mug 3800, travel mug 3900, travel mug 400, travel mug 4100, travel mug 4200, travel mug 4300, travel mug 4400, travel mug 4500, travel mug 4600, travel mug 4700, travel mug 4800, travel mug 4900, travel mug 500, travel mug 5100, travel mug 5200, travel mug 5300, travel mug 5400, travel mug 5500, travel mug 5600, travel mug 5700, travel mug 5800, travel mug 5900, travel mug 600, travel mug 6100, travel mug 6 It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention are applicable to any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or servingware (e.g., bowls, servingware, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), including Bell Mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, and tortilla warmer 2300, and that such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and servingware are within the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention.

[0083] (Automatic shut-off) In one embodiment, the electronic symbols on the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 The electronics module 90, 490, 690 (or bowl, serving dish, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may automatically turn off power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 (e.g., via control circuitry 94, 494, 694) when a predetermined level of one or more electrical energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 (e.g., batteries) is detected. For example, if the charge or electrical energy storage level of one or more electrical energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 falls below a predetermined percentage of the amount corresponding to a full charge, the electronics module 90, 490, 690 may cut off power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 960 to prevent damage to the electrical energy storage device 80, 480, 680 or other components of the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, serving dish, cup, water bottle, or liquid container). In one embodiment, the predetermined power level of the electrical energy storage device 80, 460, 660 at which power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 is cut off may be below about 30%, although in other embodiments the predetermined power level may be higher or lower (e.g., 20%).

[0084] While the auto-shutoff feature has been described above in connection with the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, the auto-shutoff feature may also be used with plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 1000, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowls, serving dishes, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers).

[0085] (Shutdown by timer) In another embodiment, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 of the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, serving dish, water bottle, or liquid container) can automatically turn off power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 (e.g., via the control circuitry 94, 494, 694) after a predetermined period of time during which the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 has been operating (e.g., continuously or intermittently). For example, in one embodiment, the predetermined period of time can be three hours. In another embodiment, the predetermined period of time can be twenty minutes. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined period of time can be five hours. However, the predetermined period of time can be longer or shorter.

[0086] While the timer-based shutoff has been described above in relation to the plate 100, the mug 400, or the travel mug 600, the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or servingware (e.g., bowls, servingware, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid vessels), including 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and that such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and servingware are within the scope of the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention.

[0087] (Food detection based action) In one embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish may have one or more sensors (such as sensors 820A-820D of FIG. 16) that sense when food is placed on the plate, bowl, or serving dish, send a signal to the electronic module 90 (e.g., send a signal to the controller circuit 94), and 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, upon receiving a signal that food has been placed on the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish, The heat or cooling element 60 can be turned on. In one embodiment, the sensor can be a weight sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can be a pressure sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can be a liquid sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can be a proximity sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can be an optical sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can be a near-field sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can sense a change in resonant frequency when food is placed on the plate, bowl, or serving dish. For example, a component of the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish can transmit or broadcast a signal at a standard frequency, and the sensor can sense a change or shift in the frequency of the signal (e.g., ultrasonic detection). In one embodiment, the frequency can be above or below the inductive coupling frequency (e.g., above or below about 100-120 kHz). For example, in one embodiment, the broadcast frequency of the signal can be about 40-50 kHz. In an embodiment where the sensor is an optical sensor, the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish can act as an optical filter, and an optical signal can be transmitted through the plate, bowl, or serving dish. In such an embodiment, the sensor senses a modulated signal relative to the set optical signal that would indicate the presence of food on the plate 100. In another embodiment, the sensor may be a temperature sensor (such as sensors 820A-820D of FIG. 16) that detects a change in temperature (due to the placement of food on the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish) and thereby senses the presence of food on the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish. Note that any combination of the above sensing techniques may be used to enhance the detection of food on the plate 100, bowl, or serving dish.

[0088] Similarly, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 (or cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may have a sensor, or a combination of the above sensors, that detects the presence of liquid 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 electronics module 490, 690 may place the mug 400 or travel mug 600 in standby mode and activate the liquid sensor. In one embodiment, the liquid sensor may be located on the inside bottom surface of the mug 400 or travel mug 600 or a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the mug 400 or travel mug 600 (e.g., ½ inch or 1 inch from the bottom along the inside surface, or other location). When liquid is poured into the mug 400 or travel mug 600, the liquid sensor can sense the liquid (e.g., via temperature, weight, pressure, electrical conductivity, electrical continuity, sensing a change in electrical resistance between two conductors, a change in frequency detection, an optical sensor, or any combination of the above sensors) and turn on the heating or cooling system 455, 655 (e.g., after the liquid has been sensed for a predetermined period of time, such as 2 seconds, or substantially simultaneously with sensing, such as 0.1 seconds or 0.1 milliseconds after sensing). In one embodiment, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 can have a visual indicator or screen (e.g., a digital screen) that is activated (e.g., displays an illuminated logo, temperature mode, the temperature of the liquid, etc.) when the heating or cooling system 455, 655 is turned on. In another embodiment, the visual indicator can be an illuminated logo or icon, or a simple indicator light that notifies the user that the heating or cooling system 455, 655 has been activated. When powered on, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 may operate the heating or cooling element 460, 660 at a predetermined temperature selected by the user (e.g., the temperature selected by the user the last time the mug 400 or travel mug 600 was used, or a new temperature selected by the user).The user may adjust the power level setting or temperature setting via one or more buttons (e.g., soft touch, touch switch, dial, push button, touchpad, etc.) on the user interface of the mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container. can be changed. In another embodiment, the power level or temperature setting can be adjusted using a dial, switch, gesture sensor, or any other type of user interface mechanism in communication with electronics module 490, 690. In one embodiment, a user interface display on mug 400 or travel mug 600 can alert the user if the liquid in mug 400 or travel mug 600 is too hot to consume or is above or below a predetermined temperature (e.g., a user-preferred temperature or a temperature selected by the user).

[0089] The heating or cooling system 455 or 655 of the mug 400 or travel mug 600 may be configured to power off when the liquid sensor (or combination of sensors) senses that the liquid in the mug 400 or travel mug 600 has been consumed to a predetermined level or has been consumed completely. When liquid is refilled into the mug 400 or travel mug 600 and the sensor (or combination of sensors) senses the poured liquid, the mug 400 or travel mug 600 may resume operation as described above.

[0090] Additionally, mug 400 or travel mug 600 may have one or more liquid level sensors that detect the level of liquid in mug 400 or travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. The one or more liquid level sensors may be of the types discussed above (e.g., temperature, weight, pressure, electrical conductivity, electrical continuity, sensing a change in electrical resistance between two conductors, frequency detection such as ultrasonic frequency detection, a change in frequency, an optical sensor, or any combination thereof), and may communicate the sensed information to electronic module 490, 690, which may send the information to one or more indicators on mug 400 or travel mug 600 (e.g., visual or audio indicators, such as using sound or vibration) to indicate to the user the amount of liquid remaining in 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 level sensor(s) can be used in combination with an orientation sensor (e.g., a gyro) so that the liquid level in the mug 400 or travel mug 600 is measured only when the mug 400 or travel mug 600 is in an upright position. This approach advantageously avoids inappropriate liquid level readings when a user tilts the mug about a vertical axis to drink from it. In one embodiment, one or more level sensors can communicate a signal to the electronic module 490, 690, enabling the electronic module 490, 690 to determine whether the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container has been tilted. Thus, the one or more level sensors can operate as an orientation sensor to detect the orientation of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0091] In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (such as beer mug 1600 or baby bottle 1500) can have one or more level sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors, as described above). In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (such as beer mug 1600 or baby bottle 1500) can have multiple level sensors (e.g., positioned at various vertical positions on a sidewall, such as sidewall SW in FIG. 34A). In one embodiment, the one or more level sensors can communicate level information to an electronic module (such as electronic module EM, see FIG. 44), which can operate one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., see HC in FIG. 44) based at least in part on the sensed level information. For example, in one embodiment, the electronics module may turn on, turn off, or adjust power to at least one of the one or more heating or cooling elements based at least in part on the sensed liquid level information.

[0092] In one embodiment, as described further below, when one or more heating or cooling elements are positioned vertically on a 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, etc.), the electronics module can turn off each of the heating or cooling elements when the liquid level drops below the vertical position of the heating or cooling element (see FIGS. 34A-34C). This advantageously allows the heating or cooling element to operate more efficiently, since operation is stopped when the liquid level drops below the level of the heating or cooling element.

[0093] In one embodiment, liquid level sensing in a cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved via a sensed electrical characteristic of the heating or cooling element (e.g., when the heating or cooling element is located below or exposed above the liquid level, the control circuit can be configured to recognize a difference in the electrical characteristic of the heating or cooling element to determine whether the heating or cooling element is located below or above the liquid level). In this embodiment, the heating or cooling element can be used to set a general liquid level in the cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. This detection method is also useful for detecting whether liquid is in close proximity to the heating or cooling element (e.g., if a user places their cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container on its side or partially on its side, the control circuit can sense that the liquid is not in thermal contact with the heating or cooling element and turn off or reduce power to the heating or cooling element).

[0094] While the above operations based on sensing the presence of food (solid or liquid) have been described in relation to the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1500, and the like may also be used in conjunction with the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1500, and the like. 600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowls, serving dishes, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), and that such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and serving dishes are within the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention.

[0095] (Adjusting power levels to heating / cooling elements based on food heat absorption) In one embodiment, plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600 (or bowl, serving dish, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) can have a temperature sensor (such as sensors 820A-820D in FIG. 16 ) in communication with electronics module 90, 490, 690 (e.g., in communication with control circuit 94, 494, 694). The temperature sensor can sense the temperature of food placed on plate 100, bowl, or serving dish, or the temperature of liquid poured into mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. The temperature sensor can be an infrared sensor, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a diode-type sensor, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensor, or any other suitable type of temperature sensor.

[0096] For plate 100, bowl, or serving ware, a sensor (such as sensors 820A-820D of plate 800 in FIG. 16) can sense the temperature of food placed on plate 100, bowl, or serving ware and communicate the sensed temperature to electronic module 90, which can then modulate power to heating or cooling element 60 to communicate the sensed temperature with a user-selected temperature for plate 100, bowl, or serving ware. Based on the difference from the setpoint, the amount of energy provided by heating or cooling element 60 to the plate, bowl, or serving utensil can be varied (e.g., increased or decreased). In one embodiment, if the temperature of the food, when placed on the plate, bowl, or serving utensil, exceeds the user-selected temperature setpoint, electronics module 90 can control heating or cooling element 60 not to operate (or cut off power if heating or cooling element 60 is operating). This can advantageously extend the operating time of one or more electrical energy storage devices 80 (e.g., between charging events) and enable longer operating time of heating or cooling system 55 (e.g., between charging events of one or more electrical energy storage devices 80). In another embodiment, electronics module 90 can control the operation of heating or cooling element 60 to actively reduce or increase the temperature of the food to the user-selected temperature setpoint. As the temperature of the food on plate 100, bowl, or serving ware decreases or increases, electronic module 90, based at least in part on feedback from the food temperature sensor to electronic module 90, can control the operation of heating or cooling element 60 (e.g., adjust the power level to increase or decrease the amount of energy provided by heating or cooling element 60) to provide energy to the food to maintain the temperature of the food at or within a predetermined temperature range about the user-selected temperature setpoint. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can be located generally in the center of the food-receiving surface of plate 100, bowl, or serving ware, or multiple sensors can be located throughout the food-receiving surface of the plate, bowl, or serving ware and the average temperature of the food can be used (e.g., sensors 820A-820D on surface S of plate 800 in FIG. 16 or sensor 920 on surface S of plate 900 in FIG. 18).In another embodiment, as described below, if the plate 100, bowl, or servingware has multiple heating or cooling elements 60 (e.g., heating or cooling elements 860A-860D in FIG. 16 or heating or cooling element 960 in FIG. 18) that provide energy to different sections (e.g., quadrants) of the plate 100, bowl, or servingware, multiple temperature sensors can be provided, each associated with one of the different sections of the plate 100, bowl, or servingware. In yet another embodiment, the temperature sensor can be positioned in communication with the food-receiving surface of the plate 100, bowl, or servingware, even if the sensor is not positioned on the food-receiving surface (e.g., the sensor can be positioned on the underside of the heated portion of the plate 100, bowl, or servingware).

[0097] For 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, communicate the sensed temperature to the electronic module 490, 690, and modulate power to the heating or cooling element 460, 660 to vary (e.g., increase or decrease) the amount of energy provided by the heating or cooling element 460, 660 to the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container 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. In one embodiment, when liquid (e.g., coffee, tea) is poured into the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, if the liquid exceeds a user-selected temperature setpoint, the electronics module 490, 690 can control the heating element 460, 660 to not activate (or cut off power if the heating element 460, 660 is activated), which can advantageously extend the operating time of one or more electrical energy storage devices 480, 680 (e.g., between charging events) and enable a longer operating time of the heating or cooling system 455, 655 (e.g., between charging events of one or more electrical energy storage devices 480, 680).

[0098] In another embodiment, the electronic module 490, 690 can control the operation of the heating or cooling element 460, 660 to actively reduce the temperature of the liquid to a user-selected temperature setpoint. As the temperature of the liquid in the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container decreases, the electronic module 490, 690 can control the operation of the heating or cooling element 460, 660 (e.g., adjust the power level up or down to increase or decrease the amount of energy provided by the heating or cooling element 460, 660) to provide energy to the liquid to maintain the temperature of the liquid at or within a predetermined temperature range about the user-selected temperature setpoint, based at least on feedback to the electronic module 490, 690 from the liquid temperature sensor. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can be located on the liquid-receiving surface of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. For example, in one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be located on the inside side of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, a predetermined distance (e.g., 1 inch or other distance) from the bottom. In another embodiment, the temperature sensor may be located on the bottom 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 to be 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 inside surface of the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., the sensor is located below or integrated into the surface).

[0099] While the power level adjustment to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 based on the heat absorption of the food (solid or liquid) described above has been described in connection with the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, it is also possible to adjust the power level to the plate 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 130 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 110, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 140, 140

[0100] (Thermal protection switch) In one embodiment, the plate 100 (or bowl or serving dish), mug 400, and travel mug 600 (or cup, water bottle, or liquid container) may have a thermal protection switch (e.g., as part of the controller circuitry 94, 494, 694). In use, if the temperature of the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 of the plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., the temperature of the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660) rises above a predetermined temperature (e.g., a predetermined high temperature limit), the thermal protection switch opens a circuit electrically connecting the electronics module 90, 490, 690 and the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660, and turns off power to the heating or cooling element.

[0101] While the thermal protection switch (or circuit) disclosed above has been described in connection with the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, it is understood that the plate 100', 800, 800', It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or servingware (e.g., bowls, servingware, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid vessels), including 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and servingware.

[0102] (Battery maintenance) In one embodiment, if the one or more electrical energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 are batteries, the plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have smart battery features to maximize the life of the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680. For example, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 can operate the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 to deplete the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 at specific intervals. In one embodiment, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 (e.g., charging circuitry 96, 496, 696) can monitor cell balancing of the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 during operation, as well as the discharge rate of the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680. The charging circuit 96, 496, 696 may also monitor one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 to determine if they are all consuming energy approximately equally and if the battery levels are unsafe.

[0103] The charging circuitry 96, 496, 696 can also control the charging of the plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to prevent the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 from overcharging and can halt the charging process when the battery charge reaches full capacity. In another embodiment, if the plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is left unused on the charging station for a period of time and the battery level decreases over time, the charging circuitry 96, 496, 696 can sense the low battery level and cause the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 to be charged to a predetermined full charge level. The charging circuitry 96, 496, 696 can also sense the discharge rate of the one or more batteries 80, 480, 680. If the discharge rate exceeds an acceptable rate or may cause long-term damage to one or more batteries 80, 480, 680, the electronic module 90, 490, 690 may provide a visual indicator, an audio indicator, and / or reduce power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660.

[0104] While the smart battery features (e.g., maintenance) disclosed above have been described in relation to the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, the smart battery features (e.g., maintenance) may also be used in relation to the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, and the like. 600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowls, serving dishes, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), and that such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and serving dishes are within the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention.

[0105] (isolated heating area) 16 shows another embodiment of a plate 800, bowl, or serving dish. The plate 800, bowl, or serving dish is similar to the plates 100, 100' described above. and as disclosed for plates 100, 100', except as described below. It has the same components (having the same reference numerals) and features as those of the first embodiment.

[0106] In one embodiment, the plate 800, bowl or serving utensil may have multiple heating or cooling elements 860A-860D, each of which may cover a specific area 810A-810D of the plate 800, bowl or serving utensil that is isolated from one another (e.g., 1 / 4, 1 / 2 of the flat portion of the plate on which food is placed, 17 ) and are operated by electronics module 90 independently of other heating or cooling elements 860A-860D based on input from a user (e.g., via a user interface on plate 800, bowl, or servingware, as further described below). For example, multiple heating or cooling elements 860A-860D can be arranged in a grid, with each heating or cooling element 860A-860D capable of heating an area of ​​plate 800, bowl, or servingware associated with a portion of the grid. For example, a user can operate a user interface, such as user interface 830 of plate 800′ shown in FIG. 17 , to operate the heating or cooling elements 860A-860D independently of other heating or cooling elements 860A-860D based on input from a user (e.g., via a user interface on plate 800′, bowl, or servingware, as further described below). Through the switch, heating or cooling elements 860A-860D can be turned on and off within a particular area (e.g., a quarter area) of plate 800, bowl, or serving utensil. Plate 800' is similar to plates 100, 100', and 800 described above and has the same configurations shown for plates 100, 100', and 800, except as described below. In one embodiment, the plate 800, 800', bowl or serving dish has the same components (having the same numbers) and features as the plate 800, 800', as further described below. 800', any area of ​​the bowl or serving dish (e.g., 1 / 4 area) is heated Alternatively, a visual indication 830 of whether cooling elements 860A-860D are on or off (or in cooling or heating mode) may be provided (e.g., on the rim or edge of plate 800, 800′, bowl, or serving dish, as shown in FIG. 17 ) via one or more light sources or visual indicators (e.g., electroluminescent, OLED, or any other type of planar or sliding illuminator, or edge-lit or digital screen) in communication with electronic module 90. In another embodiment, the area of ​​the plate 800, 800', bowl, or serving dish that is being actively heated or cooled may be heated using one or more of the light sources described above. It can be used to illuminate.

[0107] In one embodiment, one area of ​​a plate 800, 800', bowl or serving utensil Areas 810A-810D are areas for plates 800, 800', bowls or serving utensils. The associated heating or cooling elements 860A-860D are turned on to heat the area (e.g., the area is to receive hot food such as steak), and the plates 800, 800', Another area of ​​the bowl or serving dish (e.g., 1 / 4, 1 / 2, etc. area) may be plate 800, 800', an area of ​​the bowl or serving dish (e.g., an area may be a salad, As described above, the plate 800, 800', bowl or serving dish is turned off. , Plate 800, 800', Detects the temperature of food placed in a bowl or serving dish The plate 800, 800', bowl or simmer may have a plurality of temperature sensors 820A-820D for measuring the temperature of the plate 800, 800', bowl or simmer. The temperature sensors 820A-820D are associated with one of the areas 810A-810D of the serving utensil. The temperature sensors 820A-820D can communicate the sensed temperatures to the electronic module 90 (e.g., to the control circuitry 94), and the electronic module 90 can determine whether a hot food item (e.g., a steak) or a cold food item (e.g., a salad) is being served on the plate 800, 800′, bowl 810′, or other serving utensils based at least in part on the temperatures sensed by the temperature sensors 820A-820D of the areas 810A-810D. The electronic module 90 may determine whether a particular region of a bowl or servingware is being heated by a hot food item. The electronic module 90 may turn on a heating element 860A-860D associated with that region 810A-810D if a hot food item is being placed thereon, and may keep the heating element 860A-860D off if a cold food item is being placed thereon. In another embodiment, the electronic module 90 may determine whether a particular region of a bowl or servingware is being heated by a hot food item. ... determine whether a particular region of a bowl or servingware is being heated by a hot food item. The electronic module 90 may determine whether a particular region of a bowl or servingware is being heated by a hot food item. The electronic module 90 may determine whether a particular region of a bowl or servingware is being heated by a hot food item. The electronic module 90 may determine whether a particular region of a bowl or servingware is being heated by a hot food item. The electronic module 90 may determine whether a particular region of a bowl or servingware is being heated by a cold food item. The electronic module 90 may determine whether a particular region of a bowl or servingware is being heated by a hot food item. The electronic module 90 may determine whether a particular region of a bowl or servingware is being heated by a hot food item. At least one operating parameter of the heating or cooling system 55 (e.g., one or more heating or cooling elements 860A-860D) can be controlled, e.g., associated with a particular region 810A-810D of a plate 800, 800′, bowl, or serving utensil. The attached one or more temperature sensors 820A-820D can communicate temperature information to electronics module 90, and control circuitry 94 can calculate an average of the sensed temperatures. The electronics module can then control operation of heating or cooling elements 860A-860D based at least in part on the average sensed temperature (e.g., increasing power to heating or cooling elements 860A-860D if the average temperature is below a user-selected temperature setpoint or range near the setpoint; maintaining power to heating or cooling elements 860A-860D if the average temperature is within a user-selected temperature setpoint range; or maintaining power off to heating or cooling elements 860A-860D if the average temperature is above a user-selected temperature setpoint range).

[0108] 18 shows another embodiment of a plate 900, bowl, or servingware. Plate 900 is similar to plates 100, 100', 800, and 800' described above and has the same components (having the same reference numerals) and features as disclosed for plates 100, 100', 800, and 800', except as described below.

[0109] In one embodiment, the plate 900, bowl, or serving dish can have multiple heating or cooling elements 960 that are multiple thermoelectric elements (e.g., Peltier elements), with each thermoelectric element 960 associated with a different region 910 (e.g., a quarter, half, etc. region) of the plate 900, bowl, or serving dish. The electronics module 90 can control the power delivery to, and polarity to, each thermoelectric element 960 (e.g., Peltier element) to control whether the thermoelectric element 960 operates as a heating device or a cooling device for heating or cooling the particular region 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or serving dish associated with the thermoelectric element 960. As described above, each of the regions 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or serving dish can have a separate temperature sensor 920 for sensing the temperature of food placed on that region 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or serving dish. The temperature information can be communicated to the electronics module 90, which can operate the thermoelectric elements 960 to heat or cool particular regions 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or serving ware based at least in part on the sensed temperature information. For example, when a hot food item (e.g., a steak) is placed on one or more regions 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or serving ware, the electronics module 90 can control the operation of the thermoelectric elements 960 associated with the one or more regions 910 to operate as heating elements that heat the one or more regions 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or serving ware and maintain the hot food at a particular temperature (or within a user-selected temperature range). Additionally, when a cold food item (e.g., a salad) is placed on another area 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or serving utensil, the electronic module 90 can control the operation of the electronic element 960 associated with that area 910 to operate as a cooling element to cool that area 910 of the plate 900, bowl, or serving utensil, maintaining the cold food item at a particular temperature (e.g., the initial sensed temperature of the cold food item).In another embodiment, a Peltier-type cooling system can be used in combination with a heating system (e.g., one or more heating elements) to heat or cool all or part of the plate. In another embodiment, the multiple heating or cooling elements can be multiple heating elements.

[0110] The isolated heating zones disclosed above have been described in connection with plates 800, 800', and 900, but may also be used with plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, and 1 400, 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 present invention does not include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowls, serving dishes, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid vessels) that may be used with such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and serving dishes. Those skilled in the art will understand that tableware is included.

[0111] In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, and / or liquid container can have one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., Peltier elements, heater wires, etc.) as described above, such as a plurality of heating or cooling elements HC. The one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., a plurality of heating or cooling elements HC) can be disposed along or around (e.g., integrated into) the sidewall SW of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, and / or liquid container, as shown in FIGS. In one embodiment, one or more heating or cooling elements HC may be positioned along or around the sidewall of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container in two or more locations (e.g., having multiple heating or cooling elements on two opposite sides or positioned around the periphery).

[0112] In one embodiment, as described above, one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., multiple heating or cooling elements HC) can operate independently of one another (e.g., each heating or cooling element, such as a Peltier element, can be operated to heat or cool depending on a selected operating mode).

[0113] In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container can have multiple thermoelectric elements along a sidewall SW (see FIGS. 34A-34C). A control circuit can be used to turn on or off the multiple thermoelectric elements all together or independently. The control circuit can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric elements all together or independently so that the thermoelectric elements 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, depending on the polarity of the power transmitted to the thermoelectric elements.

[0114] In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container can have one thermoelectric element along a sidewall SW. A control circuit can be used to turn the thermoelectric element on or off. The control circuit can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric element, so that the thermoelectric element can be used to actively heat or actively cool the liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, depending on the polarity of the power transmitted to the thermoelectric element.

[0115] In another embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container can have one or more thermoelectric elements that can be used to actively cool the liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600 and one or more heating elements (e.g., heater wires) that can be used to actively heat 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.

[0116] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element HC is a cup, mug 400, travel mug 60 0, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., performed by an electronic module such as electronic modules 690, 2090, 2190 disclosed herein), which can promote a more uniform temperature (e.g., even temperature, constant temperature) throughout the liquid. For example, the heating or cooling element HC can be selectively operated to induce a counterclockwise flow C (i.e., convection current) as shown in FIG. 34A. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element HC can be selectively operated to induce a clockwise flow C (i.e., convection current) as shown in FIG. 34B. Advantageously, the circulation or "waterfall effect" of the liquid flow C, in which the liquid circulates between an upper and lower portion of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, etc.), can induce natural convection heat transfer within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, thereby allowing for more uniform heating or cooling of the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container. In one embodiment, the circulation of the liquid as described above advantageously causes the liquid at the bottom and the liquid at the top of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container to be at substantially the same temperature (e.g., less than 15°F different in temperature, less than 10°F different in temperature, less than 5°F different in temperature, less than 3°F different in temperature, less than 1°F different in temperature), resulting in a substantially uniform temperature of the liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container.

[0117] In one embodiment, the circulation effect can be induced, facilitated, promoted, or created simply by strategic placement of a heating or cooling element HC, or multiple heating or cooling elements HC. For example, in one embodiment, one or more cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements) can be used to actively cool the liquid in a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, and positioned near the top of the container. Thus, the liquid cooled by the one or more cooling elements HC will descend, displacing warmer liquid at the bottom, which will then rise, repeating the cycle and advantageously uniforming the temperature of 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. In yet another example of another embodiment, one or more cooling elements HC (e.g., thermoelectric elements) may be used and positioned along the sidewalls of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container to actively cool the liquid within the cup, mug 400. The travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container cycles as the liquid cooled by the one or more cooling elements HC descends along the sidewalls, causing the warmer liquid at the bottom to be displaced by the sidewalls, causing the warmer liquid to rise. This advantageously allows for uniform temperature of liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container.In yet another example, one or more heating elements HC (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heater wires, etc.) are used near the base of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container to actively heat the liquid therein, causing the liquid heated by the one or more heating elements HC to rise to the top, displacing the cooler liquid at the top, which then causes the cooler liquid to circulate downward. Again, advantageously, the temperature of 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 can be made uniform. In yet another embodiment, one or more heating elements HC (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heater wires, etc.) can be used to actively heat 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. The heating elements are positioned along or around the sidewall near the bottom of the vessel, and the liquid heated by one or more heating elements rises to the top, displacing the cooler liquid that was at the top, which in turn causes the cooler liquid to fall, thereby repeating the cycle and advantageously uniforming the temperature of 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.

[0118] In one embodiment, the effect of circulation can be induced, promoted, encouraged, or created by operating one or more of the plurality of heating or cooling elements HC. For example, in one embodiment, circulation C can be induced, promoted, encouraged, or created by operating one of the plurality of heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., located on top of a cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, water bottle, or liquid container). In another embodiment, circulation can be induced, promoted, encouraged, or created by operating two of the plurality of heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., located on top of a cup, mug, travel mug, baby bottle, beer mug, water bottle, or liquid container). In yet another embodiment, circulation can be induced, promoted, encouraged, or created by operating two or more heating or cooling elements HC (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, as shown in Figures 34A-34C, 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., disposed in a panel disposed on or integrated into the sidewall of the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container). However, in other embodiments, a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container may have fewer or more than four heating or cooling elements HC. In one embodiment, one or more heating or cooling elements HC may be preferably disposed on the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container and operated in a manner that induces, promotes, encourages, or creates such circulation of fluid.

[0119] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be spaced apart (e.g., vertically spaced apart) along the sidewall of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be positioned adjacent to one another. In yet another embodiment, each heating or cooling element HC can be in contact with at least one adjacent heating and cooling element. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling elements HC can be arranged in a panel (e.g., a panel of Peltier elements) or cluster (e.g., a cluster of Peltier elements).

[0120] In one embodiment, the electronics module of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container operates one or more heating and cooling elements HC (e.g., Peltier elements, resistive coil heaters, etc.) to heat and cool the liquid as described above (and see FIG. 44 herein). As will be further described below, the circulating flow C can be generated, promoted, facilitated, or generated based at least in part on liquid level information sensed by one or more liquid level sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors). For example, when an electronic module (e.g., electronic module 490, 690, 2090, 2190, EM, etc.) operates two or more heating or cooling elements HC on top 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 circulation of circulating flow C (even if there are more than two heating or cooling elements HC in, for example, the side wall SW of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container), when the liquid level falls below a first HC1 of the two or more heating and cooling elements HC, the electronic module can turn off a first heating and cooling element HC1. Optionally, the electronic module can turn on, operate, or power on another heating or cooling element HC2 below the second of the two heating and cooling elements HC, thereby continuing operation of the two or more heating and cooling elements HC to create the above-mentioned circulatory flow.

[0121] FIG. 34E illustrates one 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, etc.). The liquid container can include one or more power storage elements PS (e.g., batteries), an electronic module EM, and one or more heating or cooling elements HC, as described in embodiments herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid container LC can include a cooling element HC3 that can be in thermal communication with at least a portion (e.g., on one side) of a peripheral sidewall SW (e.g., along at least a portion of the height of the holding chamber) that defines the liquid-retention chamber, and a heating element HC4 that can be in thermal communication with at least another portion (e.g., on the opposite side) of the peripheral sidewall SW. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling element HC3 can be taller than the heating element HC4. In another embodiment, the heights of the heating element and the cooling element can be the same. In another embodiment, the heating element can be taller than the cooling element. The liquid container LC can have a sensor LS disposed at the bottom of the liquid-retention chamber. In one embodiment, the sensor LS can be a liquid level sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor. In other embodiments, the liquid level sensor can be any other type of sensor disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, the sensor LS can be a liquid quality sensor (e.g., a pH sensor), a temperature sensor, a tilt sensor, etc., as described herein.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling element HC3 is operated (e.g., by the electronics module EM) to cool at least a portion of the wall SW with which it is in thermal communication, and the heating element HC4 is operated to heat at least a portion of the wall SW with which it is in thermal communication. In one embodiment, the cooling element HC3 optionally operates at a higher power level than the heating element HC4. Advantageously, operation of the heating and cooling elements HC3, HC4 induces, promotes, encourages, or creates circulation C of the liquid within the chamber. In one embodiment, one or more cooling elements on one side of the liquid container can create a liquid downward effect (the coldest liquid within the body of liquid descends) along that side wall SW of the liquid container. On the opposite side wall, one or more heating elements can create a liquid upward effect (the hottest liquid within the body of liquid ascends). The downward movement of liquid on one side of the liquid container and the upward movement of liquid along the opposite side of the liquid container creates 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 less buoyant particles, or this circulation effect can be used to maintain a substantially uniform temperature of the liquid within the liquid container.

[0123] FIG. 34F shows another embodiment of a liquid container LC2 (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. The liquid container LC2 has a perimeter of a liquid-holding chamber. The heating or cooling element HC has one or more (eg, multiple) heating or cooling elements HC in thermal communication with at least a portion of the side wall SW, and a heating or cooling element HC4 in thermal communication with another portion (eg, the opposite side) of the side wall SW.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the heating or cooling elements HC, a cooling element HC5, is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to cool the portion of the sidewall SW in thermal communication with it, and a heating element HC4 is operated to heat the portion of the sidewall SW in thermal communication with it. The cooling element HC5 is at least partially disposed below the liquid level. When the liquid level drops (e.g., due to consumption of the liquid by a user), the heating and cooling elements HC are activated (e.g., by the electronic module EM, based at least in part on the liquid level sensed by the liquid level sensor LS) such that only the one or more cooling elements HC5 that are at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal communication with the liquid are activated. Advantageously, operation of the heating and cooling elements HC5, HC4 induces, promotes, encourages, or generates circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0125] 34G illustrates another embodiment of a 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 liquid container LC. Liquid container LC3 can have a cooling element HC3 that can be in thermal communication with at least a portion (e.g., one side) of a circumferential sidewall SW (e.g., along at least a portion of the height of the holding chamber) that defines the liquid holding chamber. Unlike liquid container LC, liquid container LC3 does not have any other heating or cooling elements in other portions (e.g., the opposite side) of the holding chamber.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling element HC3 is operated (e.g., by the electronic module EM) to cool the portion of the wall SW with which it is in thermal communication. As shown in FIG. 34G, the operation of the cooling element HC3 in this embodiment is independent of the sensed liquid level, as the cooling element HC3 can continue to operate regardless of changes in the liquid level. The orientation and placement of the cooling element HC3 along the sidewall of the liquid container can induce a liquid downward effect on the side of the liquid container, which can induce, promote, encourage, or create circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0127] 34H shows another embodiment of a liquid container LC4 (e.g., cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) that is similar to liquid container LC2, except as described below. Liquid container LC4 has one or more (e.g., multiple) cooling elements HC in thermal communication with at least a portion of the peripheral sidewall SW of the liquid retention chamber. Unlike liquid container LC2, liquid container LC4 does not have a heating element in another portion (e.g., the opposite side) of the retention chamber.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, cooling element HC5 of the one or more cooling elements HC is operated (e.g., by electronic module EM) to cool the portion of the side wall SW that is in thermal communication with it. The cooling element HC5 is at least partially located below the liquid level. When the liquid level drops (e.g., due to liquid consumption by a user), the cooling elements HC are operated (e.g., by electronic module EM, based at least in part on the liquid level sensed by liquid level sensor LS) such that only one or more cooling elements HC5 that are at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal communication with the liquid are activated. Advantageously, operation of the cooling element HC5 induces, promotes, encourages, or creates circulation C of the liquid in the chamber.

[0129] 34I illustrates another embodiment of a liquid container LC5 (e.g., cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle). The liquid container LC5 can have a liquid-retention chamber H having a thermally conductive wall SW′. The liquid container LC5 can also have a heating or cooling element HC6 in thermal communication with at least a portion of the liquid-retention chamber H.

[0130] In the illustrated embodiment, the heating and cooling element HC6 operates (e.g., by electronic module EM) to cool the liquid-retention chamber H around its periphery, advantageously inducing, promoting, facilitating, or creating circulation C of the liquid within the chamber, as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid level sensor can optionally be omitted, and the heating and cooling element HC can operate independently of the liquid level within the chamber. In another embodiment, only a portion of the sidewall SW′ of the liquid-retention chamber H is thermally conductive (e.g., a thermally conductive band or belt can be wrapped around the periphery of the liquid-retention chamber H, or, in another example, some areas of the liquid-retention chamber H can be thermally conductive and other areas can be thermally non-conductive). In one embodiment, the cooling element HC6 can operate to cool at least a portion of the sidewall SW′ around the periphery of the liquid chamber, thereby reducing the temperature of the liquid closest to the sidewall. In this embodiment, the liquid flowing along the sidewall will be cooler than the remaining liquid within the body and will descend downward along the sidewall of the liquid-retention chamber H. This can advantageously create a circulation effect that circulates the liquid within liquid container LC5. This circulation effect can be used to agitate or mix the liquid within the liquid container to prevent more buoyant particles from separating from less buoyant particles, or this circulation effect can be used to maintain a substantially uniform temperature of the liquid within liquid container LC5. In another embodiment (not shown), one or more heating elements can be added to the above embodiment in thermal contact with the base or bottom of liquid retention chamber H. In this embodiment, the heating element can be operated at the base to heat at least a portion of the liquid near the center of the liquid chamber, thereby further assisting the rise of the hotter liquid to the center of the body of the liquid (which can further enhance the circulation effect).

[0131] FIG. 34J illustrates another embodiment of a liquid container LC6 (e.g., cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle) that is similar to liquid container LC7, except as described below. Liquid container LC6 has one or more (e.g., multiple) heating elements HC in thermal communication with at least a portion of the peripheral sidewall SW of the liquid retention chamber. Unlike liquid container LC7, liquid container LC6 activates all heating elements HC7 that are at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal contact with the liquid in the retention chamber. As the liquid level drops, the number of activated heating elements HC8 decreases.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, heating elements HC7, HC8 of one or more heating elements HC are operated (e.g., by electronic module EM) to heat portions of sidewall SW with which they are in thermal communication. Advantageously, operation of heating elements HC7, HC8 induces, promotes, encourages or creates circulation C of liquid within the chamber, as shown in the figure.

[0133] FIG. 34K illustrates a liquid container LC3 (e.g., 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 in thermal communication with at least a portion (e.g., one side) of a peripheral wall SW defining a liquid-retention chamber (e.g., along at least a portion of the height of the retention chamber) is operated (e.g., by electronic module EM) to heat the portion of the side wall SW with which it is in thermal communication. As shown in FIG. 34K, the heating element HC3 continues to operate regardless of changes in liquid level, and thus, operation of the heating element HC3 in this embodiment is independent of the sensed liquid level. Advantageously, operation of the heating element HC3 induces, promotes, encourages, or creates circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0134] FIG. 34L shows a liquid container LC4 (e.g., cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle). 1 illustrates another embodiment of a liquid container LC7, which is similar to liquid container LC4 except as described below. Liquid container LC7 has one or more (e.g., multiple) heating elements HC in thermal communication with at least a portion of the peripheral sidewall SW of the liquid retention chamber.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiment, heating element HC9 of the one or more heating elements HC is operated (e.g., by electronic module EM) to heat the portion of sidewall SW with which it is in thermal communication. As shown in FIG. 34L, heating element HC9 is proximate to the bottom of the holding chamber of liquid container LC7, and changes in liquid level do not alter the operation of heating element HC9. Advantageously, operation of heating element HC9 induces, promotes, encourages, or creates circulation C of the liquid within the chamber.

[0136] FIG. 34M shows 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. The liquid container LC6 activates all cooling elements HC7 that are at least partially below the liquid level or in thermal contact with the liquid in the holding chamber. As the liquid level drops, the number of operating heating and cooling elements HC8 decreases.

[0137] In one embodiment, circulation or mixing of liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle or liquid container may be achieved using dynamic motion, such as a diaphragm that moves in and out, similar to the cone of an audio speaker (e.g., a diaphragm attached to, embedded in, or otherwise incorporated into a body such as a sidewall of the container). In another embodiment, circulation or mixing of liquid within the 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 sonic vibrations (e.g., a small speaker or piezoelectric speaker attached 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, circulation or mixing of liquid within the 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 motion, such as a piston or shaft moving in and out, causing separation of the liquid and thereby mixing the liquid. In another embodiment, circulation or mixing of the liquid within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container can be achieved using dynamic motion, such as one or more rotating mixer blades or arms (e.g., attached to or 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, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can optionally have a single heating or cooling element (e.g., a single thermoelectric element) located in its bottom portion (e.g., base). A mechanical, kinematic, or acoustic mixing mechanism can then be operated (e.g., by a control unit or electronic module) to circulate or mix the liquid in the liquid receptacle so as to achieve a uniform temperature throughout the liquid volume.

[0138] In another embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements), such as heating or cooling element HC, 60, 460, 1660, disposed along the sidewall SW, that move along at least a portion of the length of the sidewall SW as the liquid level changes. In one embodiment, the one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements) can be mounted on a track attached to a surface (e.g., inner surface, outer surface) of the liquid receptacle. The one or more heating or cooling elements can be positioned slightly below the liquid level. The heating or cooling element may be attached to a float member that floats on the liquid surface and remains at least partially submerged, such that when a user drinks and the liquid level drops, the one or more heating or cooling elements move along the sidewall SW (e.g., downward) while remaining at least partially submerged below the liquid surface. In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container, as described above, has at least one heating or cooling element (e.g., a thermoelectric element) that moves along the sidewall SW (e.g., on a track) and can be moved using an electromagnet or motor, or can be moved manually along the track. If the heating or cooling element is a thermoelectric element, a control circuit can be used to turn the thermoelectric element on or off. The control circuitry can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric element, allowing the thermoelectric element to be used to actively heat or actively cool a liquid in a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, depending on the polarity of the power transmitted to the thermoelectric element.

[0139] In another embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heater coils, etc.), such as heating or cooling element HC, 60, 460, 1660, operably connected to one or more heat pipes that exchange thermal energy with one or more portions of the liquid receptacle of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. For example, one heat pipe may direct thermal energy to or from the base portion, another heat pipe may direct thermal energy to or from the middle portion, and another heat pipe may direct thermal energy to or from the top portion of a cup mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, a valve member (e.g., an electromagnetic assembly) may be actuated to transfer thermal energy from a heating or cooling element to a particular heat pipe or heat pipes, thereby transferring thermal energy to or from a desired portion of the liquid receptacle. In one embodiment, a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can 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 described above. For example, a valve can be actuated to thermally connect the heating or cooling element to a particular heat pipe, and the valve can be deactivated to thermally disconnect the heating or cooling element from the heat pipe.In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., thermoelectric elements, heater coils, etc.) thermally connected to one or more heat pipes that exchange thermal energy with one or more portions of the liquid receptacle of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. If the heating or cooling element is a thermoelectric element, a control circuit can be used to turn the thermoelectric element on or off. The control circuitry can also reverse the polarity of the thermoelectric element, allowing the thermoelectric element to be used to actively heat or actively cool a liquid in a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container, depending on the polarity of the power transmitted to the thermoelectric element.

[0140] The features disclosed above may be used in a travel mug, mug, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., a mug 400, and travel mug 600, etc.), but also plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1 600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowls, serving dishes, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), and that such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and serving dishes are within the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention.

[0141] (Generating electricity using heating or cooling elements) In one embodiment, one or more heating or cooling elements HC can generate electricity (e.g., by an electronics module such as electronics module 490, 690, 2090, 2190, EM, etc.) that can be used to charge one or more power storage devices (e.g., power storage device 480, 680, 2080, 2180, PS, etc.). In another embodiment, one or more thermoelectric elements in 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 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 convert the thermal energy into electricity. This electricity can be used to recharge one or more power storage elements PS, or can be used to directly power a particular feature (such as a thermostat or a BLUETOOTH® radio or a WiFi radio or an indicator light or an indicator display that displays the temperature of the liquid, or any of the features described herein. In another embodiment, one or more thermoelectric elements in the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle or liquid container can receive thermal 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 convert the thermal energy into electricity.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 such electricity to charge one or more power storage devices (e.g., power storage element PS, battery, capacitor, etc.) disclosed herein, 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., maintaining the liquid at a predetermined or preselected temperature or temperature range for a longer period of time).

[0142] In another embodiment, a control circuit within the 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 (such as those disclosed herein, e.g., 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 thermoelectric elements that are not used (i.e., not powered on to actively heat or cool the liquid) can be used to generate electricity (e.g., from the thermal energy of the liquid) and can be used to charge one or more power storage elements (e.g., power storage element PS, battery, capacitor, etc.). In another embodiment, the electricity generated by the thermoelectric elements that are not in use can be used to directly or indirectly transfer power to one or more thermoelectric elements that are in use (i.e., powered on to actively heat or cool a liquid).

[0143] In another embodiment, a control circuit within the 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 multiple 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 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 at a temperature 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 power storage elements, such as a PS) until the user-selected or factory-selected liquid temperature is reached. At this point, one or more thermoelectric elements can be used by the control circuit to maintain the liquid temperature (i.e., input power and output heat, controlled by the control circuit). This embodiment uses the thermoelectric elements to generate electricity to actively heat the liquid in the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container, with the dual use of the thermoelectric elements 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 if the liquid becomes too hot. This allows one or more power storage elements to be charged or additionally charged, thereby extending the duration for which the liquid is maintained at the temperature setpoint.

[0144] In another embodiment, one or more thermoelectric generators can be used independent of the heating or cooling element HC and can be used to generate electricity to charge one or more energy storage devices within a cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0145] In another embodiment, the cup, mug, bowl, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container can have a port to which an external electronic device (e.g., a cell phone, radio, fitness monitoring device, PDA, etc.) can be connected, and the electricity generated by the thermoelectric element can be used to power or charge the external electronic device. In a similar embodiment, the external electronic device (e.g., a cell phone, radio, fitness monitoring device, PDA, etc.) can be electrically connected using wireless power (to the port) such that the external electronic device can receive power from the cup, mug 400, bowl B, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0146] In another embodiment, a generator need not be provided 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 cell phone, radio, fitness monitoring device, PDA, etc.) for powering or charging 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 the electricity used for transmission to the external electronic device.

[0147] The generation of electricity by the heating or cooling element HC disclosed above has been described in relation to the mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (such as beer mug 1600 or baby bottle 1500), but the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, 00, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowls, serving dishes, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), and that such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and serving dishes are within the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention.

[0148] (Refrigerated beverage containers (e.g., beer mugs)) 34D illustrates one embodiment of a chilled beverage container 1600. In the illustrated embodiment, the chilled beverage container 1600 may be a beer mug 1600. The beer mug 1600 may have a body 1612 having a peripheral wall 1612a, an inner surface 1612b, a handle 1614, and a base 1620 having a top surface 1620a, where the inner surface 1612b and the top surface 1620a define a cavity 1618 that may hold a liquid (e.g., beer, soft drinks, water, etc.). The beer mug 1600 may have a cooling system 1655 that may be disposed (e.g., embedded) in the cavity 1650a between the peripheral wall 1612a and the inner surface 1612b. The cooling system 1655 can include one or more cooling elements 1660 (e.g., Peltier elements) disposed against the exterior 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 electronics module 1690. These components can also be arranged and connected in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the heated or cooled plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600. In one embodiment, one or more heat sinks can be thermally attached to the one or more cooling elements 1660 (heat sinks not shown). In another embodiment, an active cooling system (e.g., a fan, diaphragm cooler, etc.) can be used to actively cool the heat sinks (not shown). In another embodiment, the insulating member 1670 can be omitted. In another embodiment, one or more power storage devices or elements 1680 can be omitted.

[0149] The electronics module 1690 may be mounted to the top surface 1644 of the base member 1640 of the mug 1600 and may include one or more of a wireless power receiver 1692, control circuitry 1694 (e.g., a controller circuit, microcontroller, etc.), and, in embodiments in which the mug 1600 includes an energy storage device(s) 1680, optionally a charger 1696 (e.g., a charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy storage devices 1680. The electronics module 1690 may include an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphic control capabilities. The control circuitry 1694 may operate to manage power transmitted to one or more cooling elements 1660, which, in one embodiment, may be controlled independently of one another as described 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 charger 1696, which is electrically connected to an energy storage device 1680, which is electrically connected to a cooling element 1660. In another embodiment, if the energy storage device 1680 is omitted (as described above), the wireless power receiver 1692 can be electrically connected to the cooling element 1660 (and can be controlled by a control circuit to maintain a particular temperature set point). In one embodiment, the cooling system 1655 is disposed entirely within the body 1612 such that no part of the system 1655 is visible (i.e., the mug 1600 appears similar to a conventional mug). In another embodiment, the cooling system 1655 is disposed entirely within the body 1612 such that no part of the system 1655 is visible (i.e., the mug 1600 appears similar to a conventional mug). 5 may be housed in a module that is removably attachable to mug 1600. In another embodiment, a portion of the cooling system may be located within the body and a portion of the cooling system may be located outside the body (e.g., a heat sink, etc.).

[0150] As described herein, the wireless power receiver 1692 may receive power from a wireless power transmitter (e.g., in a charging base on which the mug rests, or in a table, bar, counter, or desk incorporating a wireless power transmitter, etc.). If a charging base is used, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the charging base may extend into or be positioned proximate to the bottom of the mug 1600.

[0151] In one embodiment, the bottom member 1640 can 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 can be mechanically connected to the mug 1600 (e.g., screws, a threaded interface between the bottom member 1640 and the mug 1600, a press-fit connection, etc.). The bottom member 1640 can be removed to allow replacement of the one or more energy storage devices 1680 and maintenance of the cooling system 1655. In one embodiment, the bottom member 1640 can be a water-resistant lid that can be removably attached (e.g., screwed or threaded) to the mug 1600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access the cooling system 1655. In another embodiment, the bottom member 1640 can be a water-resistant lid that can be removably attached (e.g., screwed or threaded) to the mug 1600 to access the one or more energy storage devices 1680. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage device 1680 may be in a puck that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap-fit, screw-on) onto the bottom of the mug 1600, with the electrical contacts of the puck connecting with a set of electrical contacts on the bottom of the mug 1600.

[0152] In another embodiment, the mug 1600 may have one or more corrosion-resistant electrical contacts (not shown) on an exterior surface of the mug 1600, such as the bottom surface 1642 of the bottom portion 1640 of the mug 1600, which are sized and shaped to contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) (e.g., on the charging base when the mug 1600 is placed in the charging base). In one embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mug 1600 may protrude from a surface of the mug 1600, such as electrical posts. In another embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mug 1600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may be one or more contact pads (not shown) on the bottom surface 1642 of the bottom portion 1640 of the mug 1600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container that can contact corresponding contact pads (not shown) on the charging base. However, the electrical contacts on the mug 1600 and associated charging base may adopt other suitable configurations.

[0153] Mug 1600 can operate in a manner similar to that described above in connection with mug 400 or travel mug 600. In one embodiment, if mug 1600 has a power storage device 1680, electronics module 1690 can store received energy (wirelessly via wireless power receiver 1692 or via a direct electrical connection as described above) in power storage device 1680 for powering one or more cooling elements 1660. In another embodiment, if power storage device 1680 is omitted, received energy or power can be sent to cooling element 1660.

[0154] As described herein, the active cooling system described in the above embodiments can be incorporated into a chilled beverage container, such as a beer mug 1600. The active cooling system 1655 can have one or more cooling elements 1660 (e.g., Peltier elements) on the walls 1612b (e.g., side walls) of the beer mug body 1612 that can cool the liquid in the receiving cavity 1618 of the mug. In some embodiments, the mug 1600 can have one or more The mug 1600 may have one or more power storage elements 1680 capable of powering the cooling elements 1660. The mug 1600 may optionally have a wireless power receiver 1692 capable of wirelessly receiving power from a power source as described in embodiments herein, and a control circuit 1694 capable of operating the one or more cooling elements 1660 and charging the one or more power storage elements 1680. The mug 1600 may also incorporate any of the sensors described herein (e.g., liquid level sensor, temperature sensor, tilt sensor). The one or more cooling elements 1660 may operate together or individually and independently of one another as described herein (e.g., to induce circulation of liquid flow, to maintain the liquid at a predetermined or preselected temperature or temperature range). In one embodiment, the one or more cooling elements 1660 may be operated to maintain the liquid in the mug at 60°F or below. In another embodiment, the one or more cooling elements 1660 may be operated to maintain the liquid in the mug at 50°F or below, e.g., about 45°F. In another embodiment, the one or more cooling elements 1660 may be operated to maintain the liquid in the mug at 40° F. or below. In one embodiment, the beer mug 1600 may have a user interface that allows the user to turn the cooling system on or off, or to set a temperature setpoint or cooling operating mode (e.g., high, medium, low) for a particular liquid, or to set an approximation of the liquid's temperature setpoint. In another embodiment, the beer mug may be controlled via a wireless remote or via a mobile electronic device (e.g., a cell phone or tablet).

[0155] The above-disclosed cooling beverage container has been described in relation to the beer mug 1600, but it may also be used in relation to the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, etc. , beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowls, serving dishes, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers).

[0156] (wireless power transmitter) As described in embodiments herein, a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., a cooled beverage container such as a beer mug 1600, a baby bottle 1500) can have an active heating or cooling system. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system can have a wireless power receiver that can receive power from a power source (e.g., via induction), use the received power to store energy in one or more power storage devices PS (see FIG. 44), and provide power to one or more heating or cooling elements HC (e.g., the elements can be operated to provide both heating and cooling). In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system can omit the power storage device PS, and power can be transmitted from the wireless power receiver to one or more heating or cooling elements HC (or to an electronics module EM that can control the flow of power to the heating or cooling elements HC).

[0157] In one embodiment, the power source can be one or more wireless power transmitters 1800 (e.g., and inductive power pads) that can be attached to, coupled to, embedded in, or otherwise incorporated into a tabletop, countertop, bartop, desktop, or any other support surface 1850. As shown in Figures 38A-38F, a user can, during use, actively heat or cool a bowl B, plate 100, 100', 100'', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cup, mug, etc. 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle or liquid container (e.g., beer mug 1600, cooling drink container, baby bottle 1500) The desk top or support surface 1850 and the wireless power transmitter 1800 therein can be placed on a table top, counter top, bar top, etc. The desk top or support surface 1850 and the wireless power transmitter 1800 therein can be used to actively heat or cool bowls B, plates 100, 100', 100'', 800, 80 Wireless power can be provided to a wireless power receiver in a 0', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., a cooled beverage container such as a beer mug 1600, a baby bottle 1500). As described above, if the heating or cooling system has one or more power storage devices, the transmitted wireless power can be used to store energy in the one or more power storage devices (e.g., to charge a battery). In embodiments in which a power storage device is excluded from the heating or cooling system, 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.

[0158] In another embodiment, the transmitted wireless power is 00'', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, Cup, Mug 4 00, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., a cooled beverage container such as a beer mug 1600, a baby bottle 1500), the electronic module can be omitted. This embodiment of the tableware can have a wireless power receiver and one or more heating or cooling elements, but no other circuitry or only very minimal circuitry, to keep manufacturing costs low. In another embodiment, the transmitted wireless power is used to directly power one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., HC, see FIG. 44) in a bowl B, a plate 100, 100', 100''. , 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, Cup, Mug 400, The wireless power transmitter 1800 can be used to power one or more heating or cooling elements in a label mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, or 2400, a water bottle, or a liquid container (e.g., a cold drink container such as a beer mug 1600, or a baby bottle 1500). These tableware can also have simple circuits that can limit power to one or more heating or cooling elements, or simple thermostat circuits that can maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature or temperature range. Thus, the wireless power transmitter 1800 can be incorporated into tables (indoors or outdoors), counters or bars in cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, or bars, as well as desk tables (e.g., at work or school). Such a wireless power transmitter 1800 can also be incorporated into cup holders (e.g., in movie theaters, automobiles, etc.).

[0159] In one embodiment, if the liquid container is a coffee cup incorporating an active heating or cooling system, the wireless power transmitter can be attached to, connected to, embedded in, or incorporated into a saucer plate associated with the coffee cup and on which the coffee cup can be placed, according to the methods described herein. The saucer plate can be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet) and can provide power to the heating or cooling system within the coffee cup. In one embodiment, the saucer plate can have one or more power storage elements that can be charged and provide power to the coffee cup via electrical contacts or wireless power. In another embodiment, the saucer plate can adopt a different shape, such as a disk shape, or a cradle shape, or any other suitable shape on which a coffee cup can be placed. These embodiments can have all of the same features and / or functionality as the saucer plate (described above).

[0160] In another embodiment, the wireless power transmitter is mounted in a cup holder (e.g., in a car, truck, bus, boat, airplane) that can receive a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container. The cup holder may be connected to, attached to, embedded in, or otherwise incorporated into a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container such that the wireless power transmitter can transmit power to the wireless power receiver in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container when the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, water bottle, or liquid container is placed in or supported by the cup holder.

[0161] 38G-38H, a wireless power transmitter may be attached to, connected to, embedded in, or otherwise incorporated into a container receiving area 1810 of a coffee maker CM (e.g., a single-serve coffee maker, a coffee maker with a carafe, etc.). When a cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is placed on the receiving area RA of the coffee maker CM, it rests above the wireless power transmitter 1810A, and the wireless power transmitter 1810A may transmit power to a wireless power receiver within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. As described above, wireless power can be used to store energy in one or more power storage devices (e.g., 680, 2080, 2180) in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container, or in embodiments in which a power storage device is excluded in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container, wireless power can be transmitted directly to the heating or cooling element. In one embodiment, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can use power received from the wireless power transmitter to preheat the liquid-receiving area of ​​the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe before or simultaneously with the arrival of liquid into the receiving area from the coffee maker. Such implementation of a wireless power transmitter to a coffee maker can advantageously provide a mechanism for a preheating system within the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container.In an embodiment in which the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container has one or more power storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.), when the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is removed from the receiving area of ​​the coffee maker, an electronics module (e.g., electronics module EM of FIG. 44 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 that exclude a power storage element, when the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container is removed from the receiving area of ​​the coffee maker, the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container will slowly cool over time according to the heat dissipation characteristics of the material of the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. A thermally conductive material (e.g., a phase change material, etc.) can be used to extend the time the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container remains hot. In one embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have an inductively coupled receiver and a heating or cooling element (e.g., a heating or cooling element HC, such as a Peltier element, a resistive heater, etc.). In another embodiment, other circuitry, such as temperature sensors (e.g., temperature sensors 820A-820D, 920, or Sl-Sn in FIG. 44) and electronics modules (e.g., electronics module 90, EM in FIG. 44) that can regulate the temperature of the heating or cooling element, may be integrated into the cup,. It can be placed inside a mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle or liquid container.

[0162] In another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a wireless power receiver, a thermostat circuit, a temperature sensor, and one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., a heater coil). In this embodiment, when the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, 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 carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can use the thermostat circuit to control the preheating process at a user-selected or predetermined temperature or temperature range. This embodiment can have a user interface or can exclude a user interface and rely on a factory-set temperature or temperature range. In another embodiment, instead of using a thermostat circuit, as in the above embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a wireless power receiver, a power limiting device (i.e., a current limiter, a voltage limiter, or a wattage limiter), and a heating or cooling element (e.g., a heater coil). In this embodiment, when a cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, 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 carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can use its power-limiting device to control the preheat temperature at a user-selected or predetermined temperature or temperature range. This embodiment can have a user interface or can exclude a user interface and rely on a factory-set predetermined temperature or temperature range. In another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a wireless power receiver and one or more heating or cooling elements. In this embodiment, a user can select the preheat temperature or preheat temperature range (e.g., "low," "medium," or "high") of the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container via a user interface located on the coffee maker.In this embodiment, the coffee maker can limit or control the power level of its wireless power transmitter (based on a user-selected temperature or temperature range) to control the amount of power transmitted to the wireless power receiver in the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. In this embodiment, the coffee maker can use a voltage limiter, amperage limiter, or wattage limiter, or slowly modulate or pulse the power, or use pulse-width modulation (PWM) (e.g., pulsing power at a high frequency) to adjust the power level provided by the wireless power transmitter in the coffee maker to the wireless power receiver in the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. This adjusts the power provided to one or more heating or cooling elements (e.g., heater coils) of the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, 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-holding portion of the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container to a specific temperature or temperature range (e.g., low, medium, high). This embodiment advantageously allows a user to select a preheat temperature or preheat temperature range for the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container directly on the coffee maker, and the manufacturing cost of the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container may be reduced due to the reduced number of components in the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. This embodiment may have a user interface on the coffee maker (as described above) or may exclude a user interface and rely on a factory-set predetermined temperature or temperature range. In another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container may have a temperature sensor, a wireless transmitter that transmits data, one or more heating or cooling elements, and a wireless power receiver. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor transmits sensed temperature information to a computer. A wireless power transmitter may be transmitted to the coffee maker, which may then adjust the power level transmitted to the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container based at least in part on the sensed information received from the temperature sensor. In this embodiment, the coffee maker may adjust power to the wireless power transmitter to control the temperature of at least a portion of the liquid receptacle of the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. While the machine described in the above embodiment contemplates a coffee maker, the above embodiment may operate with a tea maker, or coffee and tea maker, or other hot or cold liquid dispenser.

[0163] As described above, a cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a user-selected temperature setpoint or mode (e.g., low, medium, high). As described herein, such user-selected temperature setpoint or range, in one embodiment, can be provided via a user interface on the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container. In one embodiment, the base of the coffee maker can have a user interface (e.g., a temperature setpoint selector such as a dial) that allows a user to preset the temperature of the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container placed on the base or receiving area. In other embodiments, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container can have a preselected temperature setpoint (e.g., a factory preset temperature, etc.). In yet another embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, coffee carafe, water bottle, or liquid container need not have a preselected (e.g., factory) or user-selected temperature setpoint. Alternatively, the amount of heat provided by the heating or cooling element may be controlled by amperage, voltage, or wattage via an inductive transmitter. In this embodiment, the coffee maker may have a potentiometer that controls the amperage (or voltage or wattage) provided to the base or receiving area of ​​the coffee maker to set the temperature of a cup, mug, or travel mug placed in the receiving area. While the machine described in the above embodiment contemplates a coffee maker, the above embodiment may operate with a tea maker, or coffee and tea maker, or other hot or cold liquid dispenser.

[0164] While the wireless power transmitters disclosed above have been described in connection with cups, mugs, travel mugs, coffee carafes, water bottles or liquid containers, the plates 100', 800, 800', 9 100, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowls, serving dishes, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers).

[0165] In another implementation, the receiving area RA of the beverage dispenser (e.g., coffee maker) CM has a power transmitter 1810A having one or more (e.g., multiple, two, three) electrical contacts that can interface with corresponding electrical contacts in a beverage container (e.g., mug, cup) placed in the receiving area RA. The electrical contacts can be circular or ring-shaped (e.g., continuous ring) contacts. In one example, the electrical contacts include two circular or ring-shaped spaced apart points. In another example, the electrical contacts include three circular or ring-shaped spaced apart points. In one example, at least one (e.g., two) of the one or more (e.g., two, three) electrical contacts is used to transmit power to electronics in the beverage container. In another example, at least one (e.g., one) of the one or more (e.g., three) electrical contacts is used to transmit power to electronics in the beverage container. The receiving area RA may be used to communicate or transfer data and / or instructions (e.g., temperature setpoints for operation) between the beverage dispenser (e.g., coffee maker) CM and the beverage container while the beverage container is placed therein. Advantageously, the circular or ring-shaped electrical contacts allow transmission of power, data, and / or instructions between the beverage dispenser (e.g., coffee maker) CM and the beverage container regardless of the orientation of the beverage container on the receiving area RA. In another implementation, as described above, wireless power is supplied to the beverage container by the beverage dispenser (e.g., coffee maker) CM while the beverage container is placed therein. Additionally or alternatively, data and / or instructions are transferred wirelessly between the beverage dispenser (e.g., coffee maker) CM and the beverage container while the beverage container is placed therein.

[0166] (wireless control) In one embodiment, the operation of the plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can be controlled wirelessly (e.g., via WiFi, BLUETOOTH®, ZIGBEE®, IR, or RF communications). For example, the electronics module 90, 490, 690 can have a communications transceiver (e.g., WiFi, BLUETOOTH®, ZIGBEE®, IR transceiver, or RF transceiver) that enables the plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to send information to and receive information and / or commands from a remote device. In one embodiment, the plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have an IP address and be linked to a user via a WiFi network. Thus, the plate 100, bowl, serving dish, 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, the plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container can have a near-field communication (NFC) pad, allowing a user to use their mobile electronic device to connect to the plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container via BLUETOOTH® (e.g., via a BLUETOOTH® link using a BLUETOOTH® chip) or other wireless communication means.

[0167] In one embodiment, the remote device may be a wireless remote control device. In another embodiment, the remote device is a mobile electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop, notebook, etc.) that can communicate via the cloud or that can be paired or synchronized (e.g., via BLUETOOTH®) with the plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., a cooler, baby bottle, etc.). With respect to a plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container, the mobile electronic device can be paired with either the plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container to control the operation of the individual plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container, or can be paired with multiple plates 100, bowls, serving dish, mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container to simultaneously control the operation of multiple plates 100, bowls, serving dish, mug 400, cup, water bottle or liquid container.

[0168] In one embodiment, a mobile application (e.g., an IPHONE™, ANDROID™, BLACKBERRY™, or WINDOWS™) ) Mobile Application) can be installed on a mobile electronic device to enable the mobile electronic device to communicate with one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers (e.g., via the cloud or via a BLUETOOTH® connection).

[0169] The wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can receive operational data from one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, and the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can communicate via the cloud or be paired (e.g., via BLUETOOTH®). For example, the charge level of one or more batteries 80, 480, 680; the heating / cooling state or temperature of the plate 100, bowl, or servingware, or different areas of the plate 100, bowl, or servingware, or the cup, liquid container, mug 400, or travel mug 600; the ambient temperature; and / or the heating or cooling state or temperature of the plate 100, bowl, or servingware, or different areas of the plate 100, bowl, or servingware, or the cup, liquid container, mug 400, or travel mug 600. The diagnostic information of the cooling system 55, 455, 655 can be communicated to a wireless remote control or a mobile electronic device. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device can receive information from one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., via the cloud, via a near-field communication system, via WiFi, or via BLUETOOTH®). For example, the mobile electronic device can receive information about how many cups of coffee a user has consumed in a day. Additionally, using a liquid level sensor (described above), the mobile electronic device can receive information from the cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles, or liquid containers regarding the volume (e.g., ounces) of liquid (e.g., coffee, tea, water, milk, formula, beer, soft drinks) consumed by the user (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). Thus, 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 a user's coffee, beer, water (etc.) consumption and track user behavior. Users can use such information to track information about their habits (e.g., time of day they drink coffee, number of cups of coffee consumed in a day, type of coffee drink or tea they prefer, etc.). The information may also be used to limit the user's consumption (e.g., of coffee) by communicating such habit information to the user via the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., set by the user via a user interface on the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container, or as further described herein via a mobile application or website, or stored on the cloud based on user-compiled information, e.g., over a week, month, etc.).For example, a cup, mug, or travel mug can activate an alarm (e.g., a visual alarm, an audible alarm) to notify a user when their coffee consumption limit has been reached that day, and such beverage limit information can be communicated from the cloud to the cup, mug, baby bottle, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container. Similarly, an alarm (e.g., a visual alarm, an audible alarm, etc.) can be activated when the number of beers consumed in a chilled beverage container (e.g., a beer mug) reaches a pre-selected limit (e.g., selected by a user, bartender, etc.) from the cloud or a near-field wireless communication system via an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a desktop computer, etc.), or can be selected via a user interface on the chilled beverage container (e.g., beer mug 1600, etc.).

[0170] As above, one or more plates 100, bowls, serving utensils, mugs 400, Information collected by the label mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container can be transmitted to a cloud-based data collection / storage system and accessed by a 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 cell phone, PDA, tablet computer, etc., connects to a router and can be used to send commands to and receive information from one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cup, baby bottle 1500, water bottle, or liquid container. Thus, in one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a desktop computer) can communicate with one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, baby bottles 1500, water bottles or liquid containers without using the internet.

[0171] In one embodiment, information stored in the cloud can be communicated by a user to a social networking site, for example, to share information with the user's social network (e.g., progress in reducing coffee consumption, or sharing the user's favorite coffee or tea beverages, or the user's daily coffee or tea drinking habits, etc.).

[0172] (RFID tag) In one embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can have an RFID tag. In this embodiment, user data can be transmitted via the RFID tag to an RFID reader at a coffee shop, tea shop, coffee cafe, cafe, grocery store, food and beverage outlet, or other retailer. The RFID tag can communicate specific data, such as the user's preferred coffee or tea beverage, or the user's drinking habits, or the coffee and / or tea beverage purchases the user has made, or other retailers the user has visited, or the temperature at which the user prefers to carry their coffee or tea beverage. In another embodiment, the RFID tag can receive information from the retailer (e.g., the RFID tag can receive information about the specific coffee or tea beverage purchased, such as the origin of the coffee or tea beverage's ingredients), and such information can be displayed to the user (e.g., via a visual display on the cup, mug, travel mug, carafe, water bottle, or liquid container). In another embodiment, the RFID tag in the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can be used to pay for the beverage, food, or merchandise the user selects to purchase. In this embodiment, the RFID tag in the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can communicate with an RFID reader at a coffee shop, tea shop, coffee cafe, cafe, grocery store, food and beverage outlet, or other retail establishment and can communicate the user's identification information, account information, credit card information, bank account information, or credit account information (e.g., a coffee shop credit account or a coffee shop prepaid account, or other suitable type of credit account or prepaid account, etc.). In this embodiment, a user can use their cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container to pay for food, beverages, or other items. In another embodiment, the RFID tag in the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can be used as part of a customer loyalty rewards program.For example, a coffee shop, tea shop, coffee cafe, grocery store, food and beverage outlet, or other retail store may reward a user with a free cup of coffee or tea for every 10 cups of coffee or tea that the user purchases. Each time a user purchases a cup of coffee or tea, the RFID tag is read by the RFID reader. The information can be communicated to the customer, or the purchase data can be stored on an RFID tag or in other data storage circuitry in the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container, or in a cloud-based data storage system, or in a local or remote data storage system. While the above describes an example of offering a free cup of coffee or tea drink for every 10 cups of coffee or tea drink purchased, other reward programs may be employed (e.g., food, beverages, merchandise, reward points, reward dollars, dollars, currency, etc. may be applied to the customer in exchange for a total amount of coffee or tea drink consumed or purchased by the customer, or a particular type of coffee or tea drink purchased by the customer, or a reward points system, or other beverages purchased, or a total dollar amount consumed, or the customer's number of purchases per day, month, or year, or any other suitable reward program may be employed). In one embodiment, reward points, or reward dollars, or other reward program information may be displayed on the 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, or cell phone, or tablet, or in the cloud, or on the user's dashboard, or on a website, or cell phone or tablet application, or the like. In another embodiment, an RFID tag in the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container may communicate information to an RFID reader in a coffee shop, tea shop, coffee cafe, cafe, grocery store, food and beverage outlet, or other retail establishment for the purpose of accumulating data that can be used to calculate the approximate or exact amount of unused paper or disposable cups, the number of trees saved, etc. In this embodiment, for example, a user may conserve (i.e., avoid) disposable cups by using their own cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container to consume purchased beverages.This user data may be collected and transmitted via the RFID tag and ultimately displayed on a display screen of the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container, or on the user's mobile electronic device, or cell phone, or tablet, or on the user's internet dashboard, or on a website, or on a cell phone or tablet application, or on a social media website or app, or on an in-store or exterior screen of a coffee shop, tea shop, coffee cafe, cafe, grocery store, food and beverage outlet, or other retail store (e.g., displaying the total or approximate number of trees saved, or the total number of disposable cups saved or unused, or the total carbon footprint offset, or other suitable green or eco-friendly information). In this embodiment, the information may be for a single user (e.g., how many discarded cups an individual user saved), or the data collection may be cumulative and include data for a group of users, all users, etc. (e.g., the total or approximate number of disposable cups saved, or the number of trees saved, or the carbon footprint offset, for all users of the RFID tag-enabled cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container described above). In another embodiment, user data can be collected and displayed directly on the screen of the user's cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container, or on the screen of the user's cell phone or mobile electronic device via BLUETOOTH® pairing (e.g., the number of discarded cups saved by the user personally, or the number of trees saved, or the total carbon footprint offset), and in this embodiment, the use of transmitted user data (e.g., RFID tags) is not required.Although the embodiment described in this paragraph uses RFID tags and RFID readers to communicate data, other suitable methods of wireless communication may be used to transmit such data (e.g., a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container may communicate such data via a WiFi connection, or via BLUETOOTH® radio, or via ZIGBEE® radio, or via near field communication (NFC), or via any other suitable RF, infrared, or ultrasonic transmitter or receiver). In one embodiment, communication is via multiple stages. This allows data to arrive at a desired location (e.g., a BLUETOOTH® radio in a 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 a cellular or WiFi connection to the Internet).

[0173] In another embodiment, the data described in the above paragraph can be transmitted to a coffee shop, tea shop, coffee cafe, cafe, grocery store, food and beverage outlet, or other retailer 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 a drink, food, or product via use of 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 point information, or identification information, or any other information, as outlined in the above paragraph). In another embodiment, the QR code can be displayed on the user's 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 embodiment described in this paragraph uses a QR code, other embodiments can use another graphic, symbol, or barcode instead of a QR code.

[0174] In one embodiment, the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can display the temperature of the liquid in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., as sensed by one or more temperature sensors in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container). In one embodiment, the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can display the liquid level in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., as sensed by one or more liquid level sensors in the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container). In another embodiment, the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can display the temperature of food on the plate 100, 800, 900 or serving dish, or the temperature of food or soup in a bowl (e.g., as sensed by one or more temperature sensors 820A-820D, 920).

[0175] A wireless remote control or mobile electronic device is used by a user to communicate instructions to one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers, and the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device may communicate (e.g., via the cloud), paired or associated (e.g., via BLUETOOTH, near field communication systems, WiFi, etc.). For example, a user may operate the wireless remote control or mobile electronic device to control one or more plates 100, 100′, bowls or servingware, cups, water bottles or liquid containers. Cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container, or plate 100, 100', bow By turning on or off one or more heating or cooling elements 60, 60' in a set of plate 100, 100', bowl or serving dish, or a set of plate 100, 100', bowl or serving dish, cup, mug, travel mug, Advantageously, for example, by a catering company, a large number of plates can be prepared at the same time (by turning on or off multiple heating or cooling elements 60, 60' associated with different areas of the plate). Manipulate plates, cups, mugs, serving utensils, etc. to create plates, 100's, bows, etc. or serving dish, or temperature set points in different areas of a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle or liquid container, or plate, bowl or serving dish, or to provide a temperature set point for the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., how long one or more of the heating or cooling elements 60, 60' will operate). The user can set a time period (regarding whether the heating or cooling period will last) or, as further described below, set features for limited functionality modes. However, a wireless remote control or mobile electronic device can be used to provide commands to one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers to control any operating parameters (e.g., temperature mode). Such functionality advantageously allows a user to remotely control one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., cooled beverage containers such as beer mugs 1600). For example, if a user leaves an actively heated or cooled travel mug in their car, the user can remotely turn off the travel mug's operation via their smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or the like.

[0176] While the wireless communication via the cloud, BLUETOORH®, WiFi, or short-range communication systems disclosed above have been described in connection with mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container (such as beer mug 1600 or baby bottle 1500), plates 100′, 800, 800′, 900, 1 It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowl, serving dish, hot plate), including 100, 1300, 1400, bread basket 2200, and tortilla warmer 2300, and that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and serving dishes.

[0177] In one embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers have color-mixing LED indicators as visual indicators that can be individually tuned to different colors, allowing a user to identify the particular plate 100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container that is paired with an individual remote control or mobile electronic device. In another embodiment, each of the one or more plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers can have a digital display that displays an identifier (e.g., name, numeric identifier, symbol, unique marking) to each user. In another embodiment, the plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may be sold in multi-piece sets or as individual, unique units with permanent identifier markings (e.g., logos, stickers, numbers, letters, icons, housing shapes, housing colors, colored portions of the housing, luminescent colored lights, names, or any other suitable identifier markings, etc.) so that individual users can pair with their own unique plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. In another embodiment, all of the individually marked plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may be controlled together or as a group via a wireless remote or mobile electronic device.

[0178] As described above, one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., beer mugs 1600, coffee carafes, baby bottles 1500) may have a user interface, such as a digital screen, that displays operational information (e.g., temperature, liquid level, battery charge level) as well as other information that may be communicated (e.g., from the cloud or via BLUETOOTH® from a mobile electronic device) to the one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. 35-37 illustrate one embodiment of a travel mug 1700A having a user interface 1710A. The travel mug 1700A can have a structural arrangement and heating or cooling system similar to those described herein with respect to the mug 400, travel mug 600, 2000, 2100, and 2400. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 1710A can be a digital screen (e.g., an LCD screen, etc.). The user interface 1710A can display operational information for the travel mug 1700A (e.g., temperature (“Temp”), liquid level, battery charge level) (e.g., operational information communicated to the user interface 1710A from an electronic module) and, optionally, information wirelessly communicated to the travel mug 1700A from an electronic device, such as a mobile electronic device 1750A (see FIG. 37) or from the Internet via a WiFi connection. As noted above, in one embodiment, information can be communicated via the cloud. 37, the mobile electronic device 1750A can communicate with the travel mug 1700A, for example, via a BLUETOOTH® connection, and the mobile electronic device 1750A can be paired with one or more travel mugs 1700A. In one embodiment, the travel mug 1700A can receive information (e.g., from the cloud, via BLUETOOTH®), such as time, date, financial information (e.g., stock information, etc.), weather information such as the day's expected high and low temperatures, personal information (e.g., appointments from a calendar, birthday reminders, information from social networking sites), and display the information on the user interface 1710A. In one embodiment, as described above, a user can input commands (e.g., to change a beverage temperature setpoint, change heating or cooling system settings, e.g., between various power modes, sleep mode, on mode, or off mode, etc.) via the user interface 1710A.

[0179] In one embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., a digital screen) can enter a sleep mode to conserve energy (e.g., battery power), for example, if no movement of the travel mug 1700A (or a plate, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container having a user interface) is detected after a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., a digital screen) can be “wake-up” by moving or shaking the travel mug 1700A (or a plate, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container having a user interface), which can cause a motion sensor (e.g., a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, such as those disclosed above) to send a signal to the electronic module to power on the user interface 1710A. In another embodiment, the user interface 1710A (e.g., a digital screen) can be “wake-up” via a gesture sensor (such as those described herein), where a user can wave their hand in front of or near the sensor to send a signal to the electronic module to power on the user interface 1710A. In other embodiments, sensors other than gesture sensors can be used to sense user movement (e.g., a user approaching travel mug 1700A, or a plate, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, etc.), such as a motion sensor, infrared sensor, etc. In yet another embodiment, user interface 1710A (e.g., a digital screen) can “wake up” via a contact sensor that can sense when a user touches travel mug 1700A (or a plate, cup, mug, baby bottle, water bottle, or liquid container, etc.) and communicates a signal to the electronic module to power on user interface 1710A. In yet another embodiment, user interface 1710A (e.g., a digital screen) can “wake up” via a push button switch or other type of switch.

[0180] While communication with the user interface disclosed above has been described in connection with the travel mug 1700A, it should be understood that the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or servingware (e.g., bowls, servingware, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid vessels), including 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, travel mug 600, 2000, 2100, 2400, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and that such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and servingware are within the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention.

[0181] FIG. 37A shows a mug 400 paired with a mobile electronic device 1750A. The mobile electronic device 1750A can wirelessly communicate with the mug 400 to send information (e.g., to set the operating temperature of one or more heating and cooling elements HC of the mug 400) and / or receive information (e.g., sensed liquid temperature, sensed liquid level, battery charge level). As noted above, in one embodiment, information can be communicated via the cloud. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, the mobile electronic device 1750A can communicate with the mug 400 via a BLUETOOTH® connection, for example, and the mobile electronic device 1750A can be paired with one or more mugs 400. The mug 400 can include a wireless power receiver, one or more energy storage devices, one or more heating or cooling elements, one or more temperature sensors, control circuitry, and a wireless transceiver, as disclosed in embodiments herein. In another embodiment, the transceiver is omitted and the mug 400 can have a user interface for setting the temperature to which the heating or cooling element heats the liquid in the mug 400. In another embodiment, the transceiver and user interface are omitted and the mug 400 can have a factory-set temperature or temperature range at which one or more heating or cooling elements operate.

[0182] In another embodiment, mug 400 may also have a motion sensor (e.g., a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, a gyro, etc.). While the heating or cooling element is operating, if the motion sensor does not detect motion of mug 400 for a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes), which may be stored in memory in communication with the electronics module of mug 400, the heating or cooling element is turned off (e.g., the electronics module stops supplying power to the heating or cooling element). In another embodiment, the automatic power-off period may be adjusted by a user (e.g., via a remote mobile device). In another embodiment, motion or movement sensed by the motion sensor may cause one or more heating or cooling elements to be powered on.

[0183] In another embodiment, one or more of the plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles or liquid containers (such as beer mugs 1600 or baby bottles 1500) have gesture sensors that enable a user to control the operation of the plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles or liquid containers (such as beer mugs 1600 or baby bottles 1500) with one or more gestures (e.g., with the user's face, eyes, arms, hands or fingers).

[0184] While the wireless control disclosed above has been described in relation to the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, it may also be used with the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, beer mug 1600, or is applicable to any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowls, serving dishes, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers), including baby bottles 1500, bread baskets 2200, and tortilla warmers 2300, and the present disclosure Those skilled in the art will recognize that the scope of the present invention includes such liquid containers, beverage containers, eating utensils and serving utensils.

[0185] In one embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, cups, water bottles or liquid containers (e.g., cooler drink containers, baby bottles 1500, etc.) can communicate (e.g., via WiFi or ZIGBEE® or the cloud or BLUETOOTH®, etc.) with one or more electronic devices (e.g., mobile electronic devices such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, or electronic watch or desktop computer). In one embodiment, one or more cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles or liquid containers (e.g., cooled beverage containers such as beer mugs 1600, baby bottles 1500, etc.) may send an alert (e.g., a visual signal, an audible signal, a text message) to an electronic device when the liquid level in the cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, water bottles or liquid containers rises and reaches a predetermined level or set point (as sensed by one or more liquid sensors), thereby allowing a person (which may be the user or a different person) with the electronic device to know when to refill the liquid (e.g., water, coffee, tea, beer, alcohol, etc.) in the one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles or liquid containers (e.g., cooled beverage containers such as beer mugs, baby bottles, etc.). In one example, this advantageously allows a user or their assistant to refill beverages in one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers in an efficient manner and without undue interruption to the use of the cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, when used in a conference room environment, beverages can be refilled without undue interruption to the meeting. In another embodiment, in an environment such as a bar or restaurant, a waiter / waiter or bartender can advantageously refill beverages efficiently without having to continually monitor the user of the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container to see if a refill is needed (e.g., water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, alcohol such as beer, etc.).

[0186] 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 alert can be sent to a mobile electronic device (e.g., a user, a third party, etc.), and the mobile electronic device can access a navigation application to identify the nearest location (e.g., a coffee shop, convenience store, restaurant, etc.) where the user can refill the liquid in the cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0187] In one embodiment, one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers can communicate with an automobile or vehicle, such that one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., refrigerated beverage containers, baby bottles, etc.) can communicate with the automobile or vehicle (e.g., via BLUETOOTH®) to provide information described in the above embodiments (e.g., volume or level of liquid remaining, temperature of the liquid, battery charge level). The automobile or vehicle's communication system can be used to provide the above information to a user via the vehicle's user interface. In one embodiment, a user can also control the operation of one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, or liquid containers via the vehicle's user interface (e.g., via touch controls or voice-activated controls). In one embodiment, when the liquid level in a cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container falls below a predetermined level, the vehicle's user interface can display a nearby location (e.g., a coffee shop) where the user can refill the liquid in the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container. It can provide information about shopping malls, convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc.

[0188] The liquid or food level based warning notices disclosed above have been described in connection with cups, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottles or liquid containers, but are not limited to plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 130 1400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or servingware (e.g., bowls, servingware, hot plates, cups, and / or liquid containers).

[0189] (Detecting the density of liquids) In one embodiment, one or more cups, mugs, travel mugs, liquid containers, or water bottles (e.g., beverage containers or baby bottles) can have one or more quality sensors (such as sensor LS shown in FIG. 34E) that can sense the quality of the liquid contained therein, such as the strength, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, etc., of the liquid (e.g., of a coffee or tea beverage). In one embodiment, the one or more quality sensors can be visual sensors, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, pH sensors, chlorine sensors, fluoride sensors, taste sensors, or other suitable types of sensors. In one embodiment, the one or more beverage quality sensors sense the quality of the beverage (e.g., strength, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, sodium content, chlorine content, fluoride content, etc.) and transmit the sensed information to an electronic module, which can communicate the information to a user via a user interface of the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., beverage container or baby bottle). Alternatively, the information can be communicated wirelessly to an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, desktop computer, etc.) via the cloud or a wireless connection (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, WiFi, or ZIGBEE®) as described above. The beverage quality information can be communicated on a display screen or in the form of an audio message, a text message, a visual message, a meter, a visual signal (e.g., a shining or flashing light), an auditory signal, or other suitable signal. In one embodiment, one or more quality sensors can be used to communicate information regarding the strength of the coffee. In another embodiment, one or more quality sensors can be used to inform a user when the steeping of a tea bag is complete. In another embodiment, one or more beverage quality sensors can be used to determine whether milk or formula has gone bad in a baby bottle or liquid container and communicate that information to a user. In another embodiment, one or more beverage quality sensors can be used to determine whether milk or formula in a baby bottle or liquid container is suitable for drinking and communicate that information to a user.

[0190] FIG. 38I illustrates one embodiment of a liquid container LC8 (e.g., cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, baby bottle 1500, beer mug 1600, water bottle, etc.). The liquid container LC8 can have one or more quality sensors capable of sensing the quality of the liquid contained therein, such as strength, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, etc. (e.g., of a coffee or tea beverage). In one embodiment, the one or more quality sensors can be visual sensors, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, pH sensors, chlorine sensors, fluoride sensors, taste sensors, or other suitable types of sensors. In one embodiment, the one or more beverage quality sensors sense the quality of the beverage (e.g., strength, flavor, acidity, caffeine, calories, sugar, sodium content, chlorine content, fluoride content, etc.) and transmit the sensed information to an electronic module, which then determines whether the cup, mug, travel ... The information may be communicated to the user via a user interface UI1 on the travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., beverage container or baby bottle), or the information may be communicated wirelessly to an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, desktop computer, etc.) via a cloud or wireless connection (e.g., BLUETOOTH® or WiFi or ZIGBEE®) as described above. The beverage quality information may be communicated on the display screen UI1 or in the form of an audio message, a text message, a visual message, a meter, a visual signal (e.g., a luminous or flashing light), an auditory signal, or other suitable signal.

[0191] In one embodiment, the liquid container LC8 (e.g., a water bottle) can have a liquid quality sensor, a wireless power receiver, one or more power storage elements PS, as described above, and can omit a heating or cooling system. In another embodiment, the wireless power receiver can be replaced with a power generator, as described further below. In one embodiment, the liquid container LC8 can have one or more solar panels SP on its exterior surface to collect solar energy that can be used to power one or more quality sensors, a visual display, etc.

[0192] While the quality sensor disclosed above has been described in relation to a mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, water bottle, or liquid container, it may also be used in relation to a plate 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, baby bottle 1500, bottle It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention are applicable to any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowl, serving dish, hot plate), including the Amag 1600, bread basket 2200, and tortilla warmer 2300, and that such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and serving dishes are within the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention.

[0193] In one embodiment, the cup, mug, travel mug, water bottle, or liquid container can have a timer function that can be set and / or activated by the user or a third party (e.g., coffee shop employee, etc.). The timer function can alert the user that the tea bag is finished steeping. The alert can be an audible sound, a notification on a display screen, a notification or audible sound on the user's mobile electronic device or cell phone, or any other suitable means of notifying the user.

[0194] (vacuum sealed mug) FIG. 39 illustrates one embodiment of a travel mug 2000, such as a travel coffee mug, that may incorporate some of the same features as those described above with respect to mug 400, cup, travel mug 600, 1700A, water bottle, or liquid container. In the illustrated embodiment, travel mug 2000 has a perimeter wall 2010, a handle 2012, and a bottom portion 2040, which, in one embodiment, may be removably attached to a distal end of perimeter wall 2010. In the illustrated embodiment, travel mug 2000 has an inner perimeter wall 2020 that extends from a proximal portion 2022 to a base 2026. Inner perimeter wall 2020 defines a chamber 2018 (e.g., a receiving portion or cavity) for holding a liquid (e.g., coffee, tea). Travel mug 2000, in one embodiment, may be sized to fit into a standard diameter cup holder (e.g., in an automobile, theater). Additionally, the travel mug 2000 may be sized (e.g., height, etc.) to fit into a rack drawer (e.g., top drawer) of a dishwasher so that the travel mug 2000 can be placed upside down in the dishwasher for cleaning in a generally vertical position. In one embodiment, the travel mug 2000 can hold approximately 16 ounces of liquid, although other liquid capacities (e.g., 12 ounces, 24 ounces, etc.) may be employed.

[0195] The inner peripheral wall 2020 can be attached at its proximal portion 2022 to the proximal end 2012a of the outer peripheral wall 2010. The inner peripheral wall 2020 can be molded to the outer peripheral wall 2010 to define an annular gap 2028 between the inner peripheral wall 2020 and the outer peripheral wall 2010. Additionally, a base 2026 of the inner peripheral wall 2020 can be spaced from a bottom portion 2040 to define a cavity 2030 therebetween, which can be surrounded or separated by a wall across the annular gap 2028. A cover 2070 can be removably positioned over the opening in the inner peripheral wall 2020 to substantially seal the cavity or the top of the liquid receptacle 2018.

[0196] Travel mug 2000 may have a heating or cooling system 2055 (e.g., a system having one or more Peltier elements that can operate in heating and cooling modes to selectively provide heating and cooling to the liquid in travel mug 2000) similar to the heating or cooling systems disclosed herein for mug 400, travel mug 600, plate 100, etc., although for simplicity, the heating element of the heating or cooling system has been omitted from FIG. 39. In one embodiment, heating or cooling system 2055 may have one or more energy storage devices 2080 and electronics module 2090, and these components may be arranged and connected in a manner similar to that described above in connection with heating or cooling plate 100, bowl or serving utensils and heating or cooling mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. One or more heating or cooling elements (not shown) may be positioned adjacent to the inner wall 2020 (e.g., along at least a portion of the height of the inner wall 2020), such as in contact with the outer surface 2020a of the inner circumferential wall 2020, to provide heating or cooling to the liquid within the chamber or cavity 2018.

[0197] The electronic module 2090 can be attached to the bottom portion 2040 and can have one or more of a wireless power receiver 2092 (e.g., which can receive power from an inductively coupled transmitter in a charging base such as the charging base 700 or a charging pad such as one embedded in a table described herein), a control circuit 2094 (e.g., a controller circuit, a microcontroller, etc.), and a charger 2096 (e.g., a charging circuit) that charges the one or more energy storage devices 2080. The electronic module 2090 can have an MCU with capacitive sensing and graphic control capabilities. The control circuit 2094 can operate to manage power transmitted to one or more heating or cooling elements. The control circuit 2094 can also be used to manage the charging of the one or more energy storage devices 2080.

[0198] In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 2092 is electrically connected to a charger 2096, which is electrically connected to an energy storage device 2080 that is electrically connected to the heating or cooling element. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 2080 is omitted and the wireless power receiver 2092 can be electrically connected to the heating or cooling element.

[0199] In one embodiment, bottom portion 2040 can be removably attached to travel mug 2000 to allow access to heating or cooling system 2055 within cavity 2030. For example, bottom portion 2040 can be mechanically connected to travel mug 2000 (e.g., with screws, with a threaded interface between bottom portion 640 and travel mug 600, with a press-fit connection). Bottom portion 2040 can be removed to allow for replacement of one or more energy storage devices 2080 and maintenance of heating or cooling system 2055. In one embodiment, bottom portion 2040 can be removably (e.g., threaded or screwed) attached to travel mug 2000, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access heating or cooling system 2055. In another embodiment, the bottom portion 2040 may be a water-resistant lid that can be removably attached (e.g., screwed or threaded) to the travel mug 2000, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to access one or more energy storage devices 2080. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage device 2080 is disposed in a puck that attaches (e.g., by a threaded snap fit or threaded) to the bottom or side of the travel mug 2000, such that electrical contacts on the puck connect with a set of electrical contacts on the bottom or side of the travel mug 2000, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0200] 39 , travel mug 2000 is a double-walled unit having an inner wall 2020 and an outer wall 2010. In one embodiment, travel mug 2000 can be vacuum sealed such that a vacuum is created in gap 2028. In another embodiment, travel mug 2000 need not be vacuum sealed, but can have a double-walled structure separated by gap 2028. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more spacers 2098 interconnect base 2026 of inner wall 2020 and inner surface 2010a of outer wall 2010. In one embodiment, one or more spacers 2098 are constructed of a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum, copper). One or more spacers 2098 can advantageously provide a thermal bridge for transferring heat from cavity 2018 to outer wall 2010a. In one embodiment, inner wall 2020 and surface 2010a are part of a single component (e.g., a monolithic component) that can be inserted into the body of travel mug 2000.

[0201] A temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor, thermostat, etc.) can be connected to the exterior wall 2010a and can be in thermal communication with one or more spacers 2098, thereby providing a temperature reading of the temperature within the cavity 2018. The temperature sensor can be in communication with the electronics module 2090, which can communicate the sensed temperature information as described herein (e.g., communicate the temperature information to a user interface of the travel mug 2000, communicate the temperature information to an electronic device such as a mobile electronic device via the cloud or a near-field communication system). This embodiment advantageously allows temperature information to be obtained from the cavity 2018 within the double-walled travel mug 2000 (e.g., a vacuum-sealed mug) without having to run wires through a vacuum chamber within the gap 2028.

[0202] In another embodiment, one or more spacers 2098 can instead (or in addition) act as a sound bridge to enable sensing of the volume or level of liquid within cavity 2018. For example, a sound generator (e.g., an ultrasonic generator) can be connected to the exterior wall 2010 adjacent one of the one or more spacers 2098 to generate a signal (e.g., a vibration signal) that can be transmitted through the spacer 2098 to the liquid within cavity 2018. A microphone (e.g., an ultrasonic microphone) can be connected to the exterior wall 2010 adjacent another of the one or more spacers 2098 to communicate a signal to electronics module 2090, which can determine the volume (or level) of liquid within cavity 2018 based on a comparison of the frequency of the signal generated by the sound generator with the frequency received by the microphone. In another embodiment, an ultrasonic sensor can be used, with a speaker and microphone used as part of a single sensor device connected to the exterior wall of the vacuum-sealed chamber that is positioned proximate to or acoustically connected to the spacer 2098.

[0203] In another embodiment, the spacer 2098 is omitted and a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor, thermostat) or ultrasonic sensor is connected to the exterior surface of the base 2026, with one or more wires connecting to the airtight seal between the double-walled unit (if the travel mug is vacuum sealed) or or placed on outer wall 2010 with a non-hermetic seal (if the travel mug is not vacuum sealed), which can provide temperature and / or liquid level or volume information from cavity 2018 to electronic module 2090.

[0204] 40 illustrates another embodiment of travel mug 2100. Travel mug 2100 is similar to travel mug 2000 and can have many of the same features. Accordingly, similar features in travel mug 2100 and travel mug 2000 have similar reference numbers, except that the reference numbers for features in travel mug 2100 are prefixed with "21" instead of "20." Therefore, the following discussion will focus on the features of travel mug 2100 that differ from travel mug 2000.

[0205] The travel mug 2100 may be a dual-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 that may contact one or more portions 2110c of the base 2110b of the outer wall 2110. A temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor, thermostat, etc.) 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 be in communication with the electronic module 2190, which may communicate the sensed temperature information as described herein (e.g., to a user interface of the travel mug 2100, to an electronic device such as a mobile electronic device via the cloud or a BLUETOOTH® connection). 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 having to run wires through a 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., a monolithic piece) that is inserted into the body of the travel mug 2100.

[0206] In another embodiment, contact between one or more portions 2126c of the inner wall 2120 and one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110 can instead (or in addition) function as a sound bridge to enable sensing of the volume or level of liquid in the cavity 2118. For example, a sound generator (e.g., an ultrasonic generator) can be connected to the outer surface of the outer wall 2110 adjacent one of the contacting one or more portions 2126c of the inner wall 2126 and one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110b to generate a signal (e.g., a vibration signal) that is transmitted to the liquid in the cavity 2118. A microphone (e.g., an ultrasonic microphone) can be connected to the outer surface of the outer wall 2110 adjacent another of the contacting one or more portions 2126c of the inner wall 2126 and one or more portions 2110c of the outer wall 2110b to communicate the signal to the electronic module 2190. This allows the volume (or level) of liquid in cavity 2118 to be determined based on a comparison of the frequency of the signal produced by the sound generator with the frequency received by the microphone.

[0207] In yet another option (not shown), one or more portions 2126c can have openings defined by edges that can be connected (e.g., welded) to one or more portions 2110c of outer wall 2110b, thereby allowing a temperature sensor or liquid volume / level sensor to be attached to the outer surface of outer wall 2110b, so that the signal only needs to pass through a single wall.

[0208] While the temperature and / or liquid sensing disclosed above has been described in connection with the travel mugs 2000, 2100, the plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 130 0, 1400, Cup, Mug 400, Travel Mug 600, 1700A, 2400, Beer It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and scope of the present invention are applicable to any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowl, serving dish, hot plate), including mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, bread basket 2200, tortilla warmer 2300, and that such liquid containers, beverage containers, dishes, and serving dishes are within the scope of the present disclosure and the present invention.

[0209] (Breadbasket) 41 shows a bread basket 2200 that can have many of the features described above with respect to the plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, and 2100. In particular, the bread basket 2200 or bread warmer device can have a heating system (not shown) having one or more heating elements, an electronics 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 can have a heating system (e.g., one or more heating elements), one or more power storage elements (e.g., batteries or capacitors), and a thermostat circuit (or can exclude the thermostat circuit). In this embodiment, one or more power storage elements of the bread basket or bread warmer can be charged via inductive coupling or other wireless power configuration, or via electrical contacts on the bread basket or bread warmer, or via a connecting cable, or one or more power storage elements can be removable and charged on a charging station. In another embodiment, the storage element can be omitted. In this embodiment, the bread warmer or bread basket can receive power via wireless power or via electrical contacts or a connecting cable, and the power can be used to activate one or more heating elements in the bread warmer or bread basket. This embodiment can be used to preheat the bread basket or bread warmer, or an electrical connection can be maintained to actively heat the bread basket or bread warmer while bread is being served. Also, optionally, a thermostat circuit can be used in this embodiment. The operation of the heating system within the bread basket 2200 or bread warmer may be similar to that disclosed herein with respect to other embodiments (e.g., plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, beer mug 1600, etc.).

[0210] (tortilla warmer) 42 illustrates a tortilla warmer 2300 having a container 2310 and a cover 2320, which may have many of the features described above with respect to the plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, and 2100. In particular, the tortilla warmer 2300 may have a heating system (not shown) having one or more heating elements, an electronics 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., batteries or capacitors), and a thermostat circuit (or may exclude the thermostat circuit). In this embodiment, one or more power storage elements within the tortilla warmer can be charged via inductive coupling or other wireless power configuration, or via electrical contacts on the tortilla warmer or via a connecting cable, or the one or more power storage elements can be removably charged on a charging station. In another embodiment, the power storage element can be omitted. In this embodiment, the tortilla warmer can receive power via wireless power or via electrical contacts or a connecting cable, and the power can be used to power the tortilla warmer. One or more heating elements within the tortilla warmer 2300 may be activated. In this embodiment, this may be used to preheat the tortilla warmer, or an electrical connection may be maintained so that the tortilla warmer continues to be actively heated while the tortillas are being served. A thermostat circuit may also optionally be used in this embodiment. Operation of the heating system in the tortilla warmer 2300 may be similar to that disclosed herein with respect to other embodiments (e.g., plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, beer mug 1600, etc.).

[0211] (electric hand warmer) FIG. 43 illustrates one embodiment of a mug 2400 that includes an electric hand warmer 2410. The mug 2400 can have some or all of the features similar to those described above for the mug 400 or travel mug 600, 1700A, or 2100, including a heating or cooling system with one or more heating or cooling elements, an electronics module (with a wireless power receiver, control circuitry, and optionally a charging circuit), and optionally one or more power storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the hand warmer 2410 can have one or more heating elements 2412 on the exterior surface 2414 of the mug 2400 or on the handle (not shown) of the mug 2400, and the one or more heating elements 2412 (e.g., heater wire, thermoelectric element, resistance heater, etc.) can be activated (e.g., selectively activated or automatically activated) to heat the exterior surface 2414 of the mug 2400. Thus, the user's hands can be warmed while holding the mug 2400. One or more heating elements 2412, in one embodiment, may be distributed around a portion of the circumference of mug 2400 and may be attached to, connected to, embedded in, or otherwise incorporated into outer surface 2414 of mug 2400 (e.g., disposed beneath the outer layer of 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 outer surface 2402 of the mug or travel mug (e.g., thermal energy may be conducted to the outer surface from a heat source located anywhere within the mug or travel mug).

[0212] In one embodiment, heat generated from a heating or cooling system within the mug (i.e., a heating or cooling system that actively heats or cools a liquid within the mug or travel mug) can be used to conduct heat to the hand warmer element (e.g., thermal energy from the heating or cooling system is conducted to the exterior surface 2402 of the mug or travel mug, which functions as a hand warmer element). The hand warmer 2410, in one embodiment, can be automatically activated (e.g., via control circuitry of the mug 2400) 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 described in embodiments herein). In another embodiment, the hand warmer 2410 can be selectively activated (e.g., turned on, off, or to a selected temperature setpoint, such as high, medium, low, or a specific temperature) by a user via a user interface (e.g., user interface 695, 1710A, etc.) of the mug 2400, which communicates the user's commands to the control circuitry of the mug 2400. In yet another embodiment, hand warmer 2410 can be selectively activated (e.g., turned on, off, or to a selected temperature setpoint such as high, medium, low, or a particular temperature) by a user via a user interface of an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as cell phone 1750A) that communicates with mug 2400 (e.g., communicates with control circuitry in mug 2400) via a cloud or BLUETOOTH® connection. In yet another embodiment, a temperature sensor on mug 2400 (e.g., on the exterior surface of mug 2400) can sense the environmental temperature and activate hand warmer 2410 (e.g., automatically activated via control circuitry) if the sensed environmental temperature falls below a predetermined setpoint or range. In some embodiments, 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 an electric hand warmer element, one or more power storage elements (to power the hand warmer), and control circuitry (to turn the hand warmer on or off, or to control a particular pre-set temperature set point, etc.). This embodiment may optionally have a user interface that allows a user to select a particular operating mode or temperature mode for the hand warmer, or other settings that affect the operation of the hand warmer element.

[0213] The electric hand warmer disclosed above has been described in relation to the mug 2400, but it can also be used with plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, cups, mugs, etc. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure and the technical scope of the present invention include any liquid container, beverage container, dish, or serving dish (e.g., bowl, serving dish, hot plate), including the mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, 2400, beer mug 1600, baby bottle 1500, bread basket 2200, and tortilla warmer 2300.

[0214] (Cooling dish) 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, etc.) can have one or more thermoelectric elements configured to cool a liquid in the cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, beverage container, or other liquid container; one or more heat sinks thermally coupled to the one or more thermoelectric elements; and an active cooling device (fan, diaphragm, etc.) capable of moving air through the one or more heat sinks. This airflow can advantageously increase the productivity of the one or more thermoelectric elements and achieve a cooler beverage temperature in the cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, beverage container, or other liquid container. In one embodiment, the cooling fan can be waterproof or water-resistant and can direct the airflow toward the heat sink. Using a waterproof or water-resistant cooling fan can create a dishwasher-safe or water-resistant cup, mug, travel mug, beer mug, beverage container, or other liquid container. In another embodiment, a water-resistant or waterproof partition can be used to create the airflow. The cups, mugs, travel mugs, beer mugs, beverage containers, or other liquid containers described in this paragraph can have any of the features described above or below (e.g., power storage elements, wireless communication, wireless power, user interfaces, electronic modules, etc.) of plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, 1700A, 2000, 2100, beer mug 1600, etc.

[0215] (Wand) In one embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers can be activated by a wand 1000 (see FIG. 19 ) that can be waved over one or more plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers to turn heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 on or off, set a desired temperature, or turn other elements on or off. For example, if multiple plates 100 (or bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers) are arranged and positioned on a counter (e.g., kitchen counter) or table, passing the wand 1000 over the plates 100 (or bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers) can turn heating or cooling elements 60, 460, 660 on or off, as described below. The wand 1000 may be configured to turn off or set operating parameters for one or more plates 100 (or bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers). One or more plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may have receivers (e.g., RF receivers) that can receive signals (e.g., RF signals) from the wand 1000 as the wand 1000 passes over them. In another embodiment, the wand 1000 may communicate an instruction to one or more plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers (e.g., via the electrical module 90, 490, 690), for example, to turn on by transmitting a signal at a particular frequency or by using a magnet or magnetic field that changes a state in the electronics of the one or more plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. In one embodiment, the wand 1000 and one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers may form an inductive loop (e.g., RFID passive loop sensing, etc.) that is charged when the wand is in close proximity (e.g., within 3-6 inches, or less than 3 inches, or more than 6 inches, etc.) to the plate 100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container. The RFID loops in one or more plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers may be energized when the wand 1000 passes over them, causing the state of the electronics to change from a first state to a second state, turning on the one or more plates 100, bowls, serving dishes, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, or turning on a wireless receiver to receive a signal from the wand 1000 with a given command (e.g., temperature mode setting, etc.).

[0216] In another embodiment, the wand 1000 can be used to communicate operational information or commands to one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, the wand 1000 can be used to communicate one or more predetermined temperature setpoints or power settings. For example, the wand 1000 can have a user interface 1010 for a user to select a predetermined temperature setpoint or power setting, such that when the wand 1000 is waved over one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers, the selected information can be communicated to the one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. Additionally, the wand 1000 can be used to turn on or off limited functionality modes (described further below) in one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers. More generally, the wand 1000 can perform data uploads and / or data downloads to one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles or liquid containers.

[0217] In one embodiment, the wand 1000 can transmit RF signals at a particular frequency to send commands to one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. In other embodiments, the wand 1000 can transmit signals at other frequencies to one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers.

[0218] In another embodiment, the wand 1000 may illuminate one or more plates 100, bowls, serving utensils, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, etc. via IR or other types of optical transmission. The device can communicate with a water bottle, a water bottle, or a liquid container.

[0219] While the wand 1000 disclosed above has been described in connection with the plate 100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, it is also possible to use the wand 100 with plates 100', 800, 800', 900, 110, etc. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125

[0220] (User Interface) 20 shows another embodiment of a plate 1100, bowl or serving dish. Plate 1100 is similar to plates 100, 100', 800, and 800' described above. Except as noted below, plates 100, 100', 800, and 800' include the same components (having the same reference numerals) and features as disclosed.

[0221] In one embodiment, the plate 1100, bowl, or servingware (or mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container) can have a user interface 1110 having one or more soft-touch buttons or touch switch buttons 1120 electrically connected to the electronics module 90, 490, 690 for operating the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655. For example, the one or more soft-touch buttons or touch switch buttons 1120 can be activated by a user (e.g., sensing the electricity or resistance of the user's body when touched, such as by capacitive touch sensing) to turn on or off one or more heating elements 60, 460, 600 of the plate 1100, bowl, or servingware (or mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container). In another embodiment, one or more soft-touch buttons or touch switch buttons 1120 can be actuated to provide a predetermined temperature set point (e.g., low, medium, high, or a specific temperature setting) to one or more heating elements 60, 460, 600 within one or more plates 1100, bowls, or serving utensils, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, one or more soft-touch buttons or touch switch buttons 1120 may operate like a toggle switch, allowing a user to touch the button 1120 once to turn on the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655, touch the button 1120 twice to set the operation of the heating or cooling element 60, 60, 660 to a first level (e.g., low), touch the button 1120 three times to set the operation of the heating or cooling element 60, 60, 660 to a second level (e.g., medium), touch the button 1120 four times to set the operation of the heating or cooling element 60, 60, 660 to a third level (e.g., high), and touch the button 1120 five times to turn off the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660. In another embodiment, a single touch of the soft touch button or touch switch button 1120 can turn on the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 and set the operation of the heating or cooling element 60, 60, 660 to a first level (e.g., low).The user interface control on the plate 1100, bowl, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle or liquid container may be a push button switch, a slide switch, a rocker switch, a dial or a wheel or other suitable user interface mechanism.

[0222] With respect to one or more plates 1100, bowls or servingware, one or more soft touch buttons or touch switch buttons 1120 may be located on the rim 1130 of the plate 1100, bowl or servingware. The one or more soft-touch buttons or touch switch buttons 1120 on the plate 1100, bowl, or servingware may be a set of three soft-touch buttons on the rim 1130 of the plate 1100, bowl, or servingware, each of which may be backlit (e.g., with white light). The three soft-touch buttons 1120 may be configured to operate at different levels of operation (e.g., low, high, low, high) that the heating or cooling elements 60, 60′ of the plate 1100, bowl, or servingware will operate at when the buttons 1120 are activated. , medium, high) or temperatures (e.g., 130°F, 165°F, 200°F). In one embodiment, multiple soft touch buttons or touch switch buttons 830 may be located around the perimeter of the plate 800' or serving dish, with each button The tank 830 is associated with one of a plurality of heating or cooling elements 860A-860D (e.g., a plate 800', bowl, or serving utensil), as shown in FIG. (Different regions, such as quarters, have separate heating or cooling elements 860A-860D associated with each region.) In one embodiment, the user interface 1110 on one or more plates 1100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers can have one or more visual indicators 1140 (e.g., located on the rim 1130 of the plate 1100, bowl, or servingware, or located on the side or top of the cup, mug 400, travel mug 600, water bottle, or liquid container) that can indicate the operating conditions or parameters of the one or more plates 1100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers. For example, the one or more visual indicators 1140 can display operating information such as charge level, power level, selected temperature, etc. The visual indicators 1140 can be one or more of an LED, a glowing light, or a digital screen, although other suitable visual indicators may be employed. In one embodiment, the user interface may be positioned behind a tinted, translucent layer of plastic to obscure the user interface screen when the screen is dimmed. The screen is illuminated through the translucent plastic layer (e.g., tinted, matte, or tinted plastic) when activated by the electronic module 90, 490, 690. The screen may be automatically activated when liquid is detected in the mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, or when food is detected on the plate, bowl, or servingware, and may 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, servingware, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container may have one or more buttons (e.g., soft-touch buttons) that a user can toggle to change the operation of the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655.For example, a user may toggle one or more buttons to change the power level or temperature setting of the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 or to change between different operating functions of the plate 1100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. In another embodiment, a user may press and hold a button to increase the temperature setting of the plate 1100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container, which may increase in predetermined temperature increments (e.g., 5°F) until the maximum temperature setting is reached. Thereafter, if the button continues to be pressed, the temperature setting may begin increasing again from the minimum temperature setting. When the user stops pressing the button, the operating temperature of the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 in the plate 1100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container is set.

[0223] As described above, pressing one or more buttons (e.g., button 1120) can activate a plate 1100, a bowl, a serving dish, a mug 400, a travel mug 600, a cup, a water bottle, or may switch between different functions, such as setting the temperature of a liquid container. Toggling the button again may cause the electronic module 90, 490, 690 to display on a user interface the charge level of one or more batteries 80, 480, 680 in the plate 1100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container. Toggling the button again may cause the electronic module 90, 490, 690 to display a BLUETOOTH® pairing mode or allow the user to pair the plate 1100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container to a desired mobile electronic device (e.g., by pressing and holding the button). Once paired, the mobile electronic device can receive information from the plate 1100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container (e.g., information about temperature, battery charge level, liquid level, etc.) and send instructions (e.g., temperature setting, power setting, on or off, etc.) to the plate 1100, bowl, serving dish, mug 400, travel mug 600, cup, water bottle, or liquid container.

[0224] In one embodiment, one or more soft-touch or touch-switch buttons (such as button 1120 in FIG. 20) may illuminate or light up when activated by a user to indicate that the associated heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 is operational. For example, the soft-touch or touch-switch buttons may be backlit (e.g., using one or more LEDs or electroluminescent or OLED). Similarly, soft-touch or touch switch buttons can be turned off or not lit when the associated heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 is not operating. In another embodiment, the electronics module 90, 490, 690 can additionally (or optionally) generate an audible sound (e.g., from a piezo speaker integrated into one or more plates 1100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers) when a user presses one or more soft-touch or touch switch buttons (or any other type of button, dial, or switch).

[0225] While the user interface disclosed above has been described in relation to the plate 1100, mug 400, or travel mug 600, the user interface may also be used with plates 100, 100', 800, 800', 900, 1100, 1300, 1400, travel mugs 1700A, 2000, 2100, and 2200. 1000, 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, 1000D, 1000E, 1000F, 1000G, 1000H ...

[0226] (Activation) In one embodiment, electronic module 90 can control the heating or cooling system 55 of one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers to activate or turn on when they are removed from an associated charging station, such as charging station 1700 described below. For example, in one embodiment, one or more plates 100, bowls, servingware, mugs 400, travel mugs 600, cups, water bottles, or liquid containers can have sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, magnets, current removal detectors, etc.) in communication with electronic module 90, 490, 690, where the proximity sensors send a signal to electronic module 90, 490, 690 when the plate 100, bowl, servingware, or liquid co...

Claims

1. 1. An actively heated or cooled beverage container, comprising: a container having a chamber configured to receive a liquid, the container having an upper container and a lower container removably connected to the upper container, the upper container defining the chamber; a heating or cooling module disposed within the lower vessel, a first heating or cooling element operable to heat a bottom portion of the chamber; a second heating or cooling element operable to heat a side portion of the chamber, the second heating or cooling element being spaced apart from the first heating or cooling element; and Operation of the first heating or cooling element and the second heating or cooling element creates a circulatory flow within the volume of liquid within the chamber that mixes the liquid within the chamber and inhibits thermal stratification of the liquid within the volume of liquid within the chamber. a heating or cooling module; A beverage container comprising:

2. 2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the beverage container is a baby bottle, and further comprises a cap removably connected to the upper container, the cap being connected to a nipple.

3. 10. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the first heating or cooling element rotates through an angle between about 180 degrees and 270 degrees.

4. 10. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a probe that projects into the volume of liquid in the chamber.

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

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

7. 1. An actively heated or cooled beverage container, comprising: a container having a chamber configured to receive a liquid, the container having an upper container and a lower container removably connected to the upper container, the upper container defining the chamber; a heating or cooling module disposed within the lower vessel, a first heating or cooling element operable to heat a bottom portion of the chamber; a second heating or cooling element operable to heat a side portion of the chamber, the second heating or cooling element being spaced apart from the first heating or cooling element; one or more sensors operable to sense one or more of the presence of liquid in the chamber, the level of the liquid in the chamber, the type of liquid in the chamber, and the temperature of the liquid in the chamber; and Operation of the first heating or cooling element and the second heating or cooling element creates a circulatory flow within the volume of liquid within the chamber that mixes the liquid within the chamber and inhibits thermal stratification of the liquid within the volume of liquid within the chamber. a heating or cooling module; A beverage container comprising:

8. 8. The beverage container according to claim 7, wherein the beverage container is a baby bottle, and further comprises a cap removably connected to the upper container, the cap being connected to a nipple.

9. 8. The beverage container of claim 7, wherein the first heating or cooling element rotates through an angle between about 220 and 240 degrees.

10. 8. The beverage container of claim 7, wherein the one or more sensors include one or more temperature sensors.

11. 1. An actively heated or cooled beverage container, comprising: a container having a chamber configured to receive a liquid; A heating or cooling module, a first heating or cooling element operable to heat or cool a portion of the chamber; a second heating or cooling element operable to heat or cool another portion of the chamber, the second heating element being spaced apart from the first heating element; and Operation of the first heating or cooling element and the second heating or cooling element creates a circulatory flow within the volume of liquid within the chamber that mixes the liquid within the chamber and inhibits thermal stratification of the liquid within the volume of liquid within the chamber. a heating or cooling module; A beverage container comprising:

12. 12. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the container comprises an upper container having an outer sidewall and a lower container having an outer sidewall, the upper container being removably connected to the lower container.

13. 13. The beverage container of claim 12, wherein the heating or cooling module is located within the lower container.

14. 2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the beverage container is a baby bottle, and further comprises a cap removably connected to the upper container, the cap being connected to a nipple.

15. 12. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the first heating or cooling element is arc-shaped and rotates through an angle of less than 360 degrees.

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

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

18. (a) sensing the level of liquid in the chamber; (b) detecting the presence of liquid in the chamber; (c) detecting the type of liquid in the chamber.

20. The beverage container of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of sensors operable to perform the count.

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

20. a plurality of annular electrical contacts disposed at a base of the container; Power to the first and second heating elements is supplied through at least two of the electrical contacts, and data collected by one or more sensors within the vessel is transmitted through at least one of the electrical contacts.

12. The beverage container of claim 11.

Images