Beverage containers with active temperature control

Abstract

An active temperature-controlled beverage container comprises an insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage inside, and a cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit includes a thermoelectric element having a first side that is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber, a solid fan operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit through one or more intake openings in the cover of the cooling or heating unit and to expel the air through one or more exhaust openings in the cover, an energy storage device, and a circuit that controls the operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid fan. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to extract heat from or transfer heat to the chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Incorporation by reference to priority applications) All applications related to foreign or domestic priority claims identified in the application data sheet submitted with this application are incorporated herein by reference under 37 CFR 1.57 and considered part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a beverage container, and more particularly to a beverage container that can receive a beverage inside and perform active temperature control.

Background Art

[0003] Many beverages (e.g., soda, beer, etc.) are packed in metal (e.g., aluminum) cans for individual consumption (e.g., at parties, picnics, outdoor events, etc.). These beverages are often consumed in a cooled state (e.g., by placing the cans in the ice of a refrigerator or cooler). However, once the cans are removed from the refrigerator or ice, the temperature of the cans and the beverages changes over time by receiving heat from the user's hand while holding the cans or being exposed to the surrounding air. Insulating sleeves made of flexible or deformable fabric or foam (typically called "koozies") are often used to hold cans (e.g., soda cans, beer cans, etc.) in order to insulate the beverage inside the container and keep it cold for a long time. However, such koozies do not keep the beverage cooled for an even longer period.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved, individual portable cooler capable of receiving a metal (e.g., aluminum) container (e.g., a can) inside for cooling metal cans and their contents (e.g., beverages). This individual portable cooler is sized to at least partially receive a single metal container (e.g., an aluminum soda can, beer can, etc.) within the cooler's chamber. The cooler can maintain the metal can and / or contents in a cooled state for an extended period (e.g., 1 / 2 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.). In one example, the cooler can maintain the metal can and / or contents at a desired temperature or temperature range.

[0005] It is equipped with an active temperature control that can accommodate a metal (e.g., aluminum) container (e.g., a can) inside for cooling the metal can and its contents.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an individual portable cooler container equipped with an active temperature control system is provided. In one example, the active temperature control system is operated to cool the chamber of the cooler container that receives a metal container or can.

[0007] In another embodiment, a cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The container has a container body having a chamber defined by a base and an inner circumferential wall of the container body. The container also has a temperature control system having one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, and a circuit configured to control the operation of one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. The chamber is sized to accommodate at least a portion of a metal container (e.g., an aluminum can) inside, and the temperature control system operates to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of the metal container and its contents (e.g., a beverage) at a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined temperature range for a long period of time (e.g., 1 / 2 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.). It is configured in this way.

[0008] Optionally, the container may have one or more batteries configured to power either or both of the circuit and one or more thermoelectric elements.

[0009] Optionally, the circuit may be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone).

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a container for active temperature control is provided. The container comprises an insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage inside, and a cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit comprises a thermoelectric element having a first side that is thermally in communication with at least a portion of the chamber, a module made of a thermal mass or phase change material that is thermally in communication with a second side of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first side, and an energy storage device and circuit configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element. The cooling or heating unit is operable to increase, decrease, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by activating the thermoelectric element to extract heat from the chamber and transfer it to the thermal mass or phase change material module.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a container system for active temperature control. The system comprises an insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage inside, and a cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit comprises a thermoelectric element having a first side that is thermally in communication with at least a portion of the chamber, a module of thermal mass or phase change material that is thermally in communication with a second side of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first side, and a power storage device and circuit configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element. The system also comprises a charging module for charging the cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by activating the thermoelectric element to draw heat from the chamber and transfer it to the module of thermal mass or phase change material.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a beverage container for active temperature control is provided. The container comprises an insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage inside, and a cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit comprises a thermoelectric element having a first side that is thermally in communication with at least a portion of the chamber, a solid fan operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit through one or more inlet openings in the cover of the cooling or heating unit and to expel the air through one or more outlet openings in the cover, and an energy storage device and circuitry configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid fan. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to draw heat from or transfer heat to the chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cooler container. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another cooler container. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another cooler container. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating communication between a cooler container and a remote electronic device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cooler container. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage container and cooling unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling unit shown in Figure 6, which is positioned on the charging module. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a beverage container and cooling unit arranged on a charging module. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a charging module used with a beverage container. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a beverage container and a cooling unit. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage container shown in Figure 10, illustrating its operating state. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a beverage container and a cooling unit. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the beverage container and its charging module shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the charging module used with the beverage container shown in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Figure 1 shows a cooler container assembly 100 ("cooler"). The cooler 100 has an insulated cylindrical container 10 having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and an opening (e.g., a central opening) passing through them. In one embodiment, the container 10 may have a double wall with an outer circumferential wall (e.g., an outer cylindrical wall) separated by a gap from an inner circumferential wall (e.g., an inner cylindrical wall). In one example, the gap may be filled with air. In another example, the gap may be filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In yet another example, the gap may be a vacuum. Advantageously, the inner circumferential wall is insulated from the outer circumferential wall (e.g., configured so that heat from the user's hands holding the cooler 100 is not transferred to the inner circumferential wall, preventing heat transfer to the metal can and the contents inside the cooler). In another implementation, the container 10 may have a single wall. In one implementation, the container 10 is made of an insulating material (e.g., plastic, other polymer materials, other non-metallic materials).

[0015] Cooler 100 can optionally have an inner liner 20 (the "liner"), and the liner 20 is in thermal communication with (e.g., in thermal contact with or in direct contact with) a beverage container inserted into the chamber of the liner 20. The liner 20 can optionally contact the inner peripheral wall (e.g., the inner cylindrical wall) of the vessel 10. The liner 20 can optionally extend substantially to the upper end of the vessel 10. The liner 20 can extend over substantially the same extent as the vessel 10. The liner 20 extends from an open upper end to a closed lower end and is provided with an opening (e.g., a central opening) that penetrates from the upper end to the lower end. Optionally, the opening at the lower end of the liner 20 is aligned with (e.g., has the same width, has the same diameter, etc.) the opening at the lower end of the vessel 10.

[0016] The liner 20 can be composed of a material having high heat conduction properties. In one example, the liner 20 is composed of aluminum. In another example, the liner 20 is composed of another material having a high heat conductivity. The liner 20 defines a chamber sized to receive at least a portion of a metal can (e.g., a soda can, a beer can, etc.) 200 therein. The chamber can have a nominal diameter of 65.5 mm ± 2 mm. However, the chamber can have other suitable dimensions for accommodating beverage containers of different sizes.

[0017] The cooler can optionally have a thermally conductive slug 30 (the "slug") disposed at the bottom of the chamber. In one example, the slug 30 can have a convex shape facing in the direction where the open end of the vessel 10 is located. In one embodiment, the convex shape of the slug 30, when inserted into the vessel 10, substantially mates with the concave base of the metal can 200, enabling the slug 30 to substantially contact the entire area of the concave base of the metal can 200, thereby advantageously promoting heat transfer between the slug 30 and the metal can 200 (e.g., the metal can 200 is cooled by heat transfer from the metal can 200 to the slug 30).

[0018] In one embodiment, the slag 30 is in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact, etc.) with at least a portion of the liner 20. In one example, the slag 30 and the liner 20 are separate components that are attached to each other. In another example, the slag 30 and the liner 20 are monolithic (e.g., manufactured or formed as a single member, a single seamless member). The slag 30 can be composed of a material having a high thermal conductivity. In one example, the slag 30 is composed of the same material as the liner 20. In one example, the slag 30 is made of aluminum.

[0019] At least a portion of the slag 30 can extend at least partially through an opening (e.g., a central opening) of the liner 20 and / or the vessel 10. Optionally, the slag 30 substantially seals an opening (e.g., a central opening) of the liner 20 and / or the vessel 10.

[0020] The lower end of the slag 30 can contact the upper surface of a thermoelectric element (e.g., a Peltier element) 40. In one example, the thermoelectric element 40 contacts the slag 30 but does not contact the liner 20. In another example, the thermoelectric element 40 contacts both the slag 30 and the liner 20. In another example, the slag 30 is excluded and the thermoelectric element 40 contacts at least a portion of the liner 20. The thermoelectric element 40 can be a plurality of thermoelectric elements. Optionally, the bottom surface of the thermoelectric element 40 can contact a heat sink 50. Optionally, the heat sink 50 can have one or more (e.g., a plurality of) fins.

[0021] The housing below the container 10 may have a cavity housing at least a portion of the thermoelectric element 40, a circuit, a battery 60 (e.g., multiple batteries, rechargeable battery), and a fan 70. The housing may have one or more ventilation openings 80 inside to allow airflow between the cavity and the environment outside the cavity. Optionally, the circuit may operate the thermoelectric element 40 and / or the fan 70 to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of the metal can and its contents (e.g., beverage) within a temperature setpoint (e.g., a user-selected temperature or a preset temperature) or temperature range. Optionally, the circuit may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with a remote electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet computer, smartwatch, etc.). For example, the circuit may receive a temperature setpoint from a remote electronic device and operate the thermoelectric element 40 and / or the fan 70 to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of the metal can and its contents (e.g., beverage) at the temperature setpoint, as further described below.

[0022] During operation, the user can insert a metal can 200 (e.g., a soda can, a beer can, etc.) into the chamber of the liner 20 so that the outer wall of the metal can 200 is close to (e.g., adjacent to, in contact with) the liner 20, in order to facilitate thermal communication between the liner 20 and the metal can 200. As described above, the metal can 200 can be inserted so that the slag 30 is in contact with the concave base of the metal can 200. In one embodiment, the circuit operates a thermoelectric element 40 (e.g., automatically when it detects the insertion of a metal can 200 into the chamber of the liner 20) to extract heat from the slag 30 and the liner 20 (e.g., via the slag 30 that is thermally in contact with the liner 20). The liner 20 and slag 30 extract heat from the metal can 200, which has extracted heat from its contents (e.g., beverage), thereby cooling the metal can 200 and / or the beverage. This heat is transferred by the thermoelectric element 40 to the heat sink 50 and dissipated. Optionally, the circuit operates a fan 70 to draw air through the heatsink 50 and dissipate heat from the heatsink 50. The air is drawn into the cavity through one or more vents 80 and reaches at least a portion of the heatsink 50, allowing heat to be removed from the heatsink, and the heated air can be expelled from the cavity by the fan 70 through one or more vents 80. Advantageously, the cooler 100 can keep the temperature of the metal can 200 for a longer period of time. It can rise, fall, or remain constant over a period of time (for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.).

[0023] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the cooler container assembly 100A ("cooler"). Some of the features of cooler 100A are the same as those of cooler 100 in Figure 1. Therefore, the reference numerals indicating each component of cooler 100A are the same as the reference numerals identifying the corresponding components of cooler 100 in Figure 1, but with the letter "A" added to the numerals. Accordingly, the structure and description of the various features of cooler 100 in Figure 1 also apply to the corresponding features of cooler 100A in Figure 2, except as described below.

[0024] Cooler 100A differs from cooler 100 in that the bottom surface of the thermoelectric element 40A is in thermal contact (e.g., direct contact) with the heat transfer block 50A below the thermoelectric element 40A. The heat transfer block 50A may have a flat plate shape. However, other form factors may be employed for the heat transfer block 50A. In one embodiment, the heat transfer block 50A may have the same extent (e.g., the same contact area) as the thermoelectric element 40A. In another embodiment, the heat transfer block 50A may have a larger area than the thermoelectric element 40A. The heat transfer block 50A may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity (e.g., a metal such as aluminum or copper). In another embodiment, the heat transfer block 50A may have a phase change material (PCM) enclosed in a sealed container to reduce thermal fluctuations caused by the operation of the thermoelectric element 40A.

[0025] The cooler 100A optionally has a heat pipe 65A that is thermally in communication (e.g., thermally in contact, directly in contact) with at least a portion of the heat transfer block 50A in a portion of the heat pipe 65A. In one embodiment, the heat pipe 65A and the heat transfer block 50A are separate components mounted to each other. In another embodiment, the heat pipe 65A and the heat transfer block 50A are a single component (e.g., monolithic, molded or manufactured as a single seamless component). The heat transfer pipe 65A may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity (e.g., a metal such as aluminum or copper). In another embodiment, the heat transfer pipe 65A may be a hollow heat pipe having an internal wicking structure and a heat transfer fluid for rapid heat transfer. The heat pipe 65A optionally has thermal communication (e.g., thermally in contact, directly in contact) with at least a portion of the heat sink 68A located in another portion of the heat pipe 65A. The heat sink 68A optionally has one or more fins. In one embodiment, the heat transfer block 50A, the heat pipe 65A, and the heat sink 68A can be a single structure (e.g., monolithic, a single seamless member). In another embodiment, the heat transfer block 50A, the heat pipe 65A, and the heat sink 68A can be separate components that are in thermal communication with each other (e.g., in thermal contact, in direct contact). The cooler 100A may have a fan 70A that is close to at least a portion of the heat sink 68A (e.g., close to the fins).

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the heat pipe 65A may extend substantially parallel but spaced apart from at least a portion of the bottom surface of the vessel 10A and at least a portion of the outer surface of the vessel 10. However, the heat pipe 65A may be positioned at other locations along the bottom surface and / or sides of the vessel 10. Although not shown, the vessel 100A may have an external enclosure or container arranged around the vessel 10, the heat pipe 65A, the heat sink 68A, and the fan 70A. The external enclosure may define a housing and cavity beneath the vessel 10 that can accommodate the electronic components of the vessel 100A (e.g., circuits, batteries, sensors, etc.).

[0027] During operation, the user ensures that the outer wall of the metal can 200 is in close proximity to the liner 20A (for example, adjacent to it). A metal can 200 (e.g., a soda can, a beer can, etc.) can be inserted into the chamber of the liner 20A of the container 100A so as to facilitate thermal communication between the liner 20A and the metal can 200 (in contact with the liner 20A). As described above, the metal can 200 can be inserted so as to contact the concave base of the metal can 200. In one embodiment, the circuit operates a thermoelectric element 40A (e.g., automatically when it senses the insertion of the metal can 200 into the chamber of the liner 20A) to remove heat from the slag 30A and the liner 20A (e.g., via the slag 30A that is thermally in contact with the liner 20A). The liner 20A and the slag 30A then remove heat from the metal can 200, which has removed heat from its contents (e.g., beverage), thereby cooling the metal can 200 and / or the beverage. This heat is transferred by the thermoelectric element 40A to the heat transfer block 50A, which then transfers the heat to the heat pipe 65A. The heat pipe 65A then transfers this heat to the heat sink 68A for dissipation. Optionally, the circuit operates a fan 70A to draw air through the heat sink 68A and dissipate heat from the heat sink 68A. Although not shown, air can be drawn in through one or more vents in the sealed container outside the container 100A, reaching at least a portion of the heat sink 68A and removing heat from the heat sink 68A, and the heated air can be discharged from the sealed container by the fan 70A through one or more vents. Advantageously, the cooler 100A can raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of the metal can 200 for longer periods (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.).

[0028] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the cooler container assembly 100B ("cooler"). Some of the features of cooler 100B are the same as those of cooler 100 in Figure 1. Therefore, the reference numerals indicating each component of cooler 100B are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of cooler 100 in Figure 1, but with the prefix "B". Thus, the structure and description of the various features of cooler 100 in Figure 1 also apply to the corresponding features of cooler 100B in Figure 3, except as described below.

[0029] Cooler 100B differs from cooler 100 in that the thermoelectric element 40B and the heat sink 50B are located in a ring at the top of container 100B. The ring can be detachably attached to the top of container 100B (for example, the ring may have a threaded portion 90B that screws into a threaded portion 95B of container 100B). The threaded portion 95B may optionally be defined by one or more surfaces of liner 20B.

[0030] The container 100B may have an outer housing that defines a cavity below the container 10B that houses a fan 70B, one or more batteries 60B, and other electronic equipment (e.g., circuits, sensors, etc.). The outer housing may define a gap between the outer surface of the container 10B and the outer surface of the outer housing, which provides an air passage 80B toward the top of the container 100B.

[0031] When the ring is attached to the top of the container 100B, one side of the thermoelectric element 40B can be in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with at least a portion of the liner 20B (e.g., via screw connections 90B, 95B). The heat sink 50B can be in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with the opposite side of the thermoelectric element 40B. Although not shown, the thermoelectric element 40B can be powered via electrical contacts between the ring and the top of the container 100B, which are in contact with each other. The electrical contacts on the top of the container can optionally be connected to the circuit below the container 10B and / or the battery 60B via one or more wires.

[0032] During operation, the user ensures that the outer wall of the metal can 200 is in close proximity to the inner surface 22B of the liner 20B (for example, adjacent, contact) in order to facilitate thermal communication between the liner 20B and the metal can 200. A metal can 200 (e.g., a soda can, a beer can) can be inserted into the chamber of the liner 20B of the container 100B so that it touches the slug 30B. As described above, the metal can 200 can be inserted so that the slug 30B contacts the concave base of the metal can 200. A ring can be attached to the top of the container 100B before or after the can 200 is inserted into the chamber. In one embodiment, the circuit operates a thermoelectric element 40B (for example, automatically when it senses the insertion of the metal can 200 into the chamber of the liner 20B) to extract heat from the liner 20B (and from the slug 30B via the liner 20B). The liner 20B and slug 30B extract heat from the metal can 200, which has extracted heat from its contents (e.g., beverage), thereby cooling the metal can 200 and / or the beverage. This heat is transferred by the thermoelectric element 40B to the heat sink 50B. Optionally, the circuit operates a fan 70B to draw air in through one or more ventilation openings in the outer casing of the container 100B and direct the air along the airflow path 80B toward the top of the container 100B. The air flows through at least a portion of the heat sink 50B, dissipating heat from the heat sink 50B and exiting through one or more exhaust openings in the container 100B. In one embodiment, the exhaust opening is defined at the top of the container 100B as shown in Figure 3. However, in other embodiments, the exhaust opening may be located elsewhere on the container 100B. Advantageously, the cooler 100B can raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of the metal can 200 for longer periods (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.).

[0033] Referring to containers 100, 100A, and 100B, the circuit can optionally operate thermoelectric elements 40, 40A, and 40B to cool the metal can 200 and / or the beverage inside to a desired temperature (e.g., a temperature setpoint). In one embodiment, the desired temperature is a predetermined temperature (e.g., stored in memory within containers 100, 100A, and 100B communicating with the circuit). In another embodiment, the desired temperature is a user-selected temperature. Optionally, the user-selected temperature can be manually provided by the user via a user interface on containers 100, 100A, and 100B. In another embodiment, the user-selected temperature can be wirelessly provided by the user via a remote electronic device, as further described below. Optionally, containers 100, 100A, and 100B may have one or more sensors that communicate with a circuit, which operates one or both of the thermoelectric elements 40, 40A, 40B, and 40D and the fans 70, 70A, and 70B, at least in part, based on sensing information provided by one or more sensors. The sensors include temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of the liners 20, 20A, and 20B and / or the slags 30, 30A, and 30B and / or the beverage containers 200 and / or the ambient environment. The sensors also include pressure sensors, contact sensors, proximity sensors, load sensors, or other suitable sensors for sensing the presence of metal containers (e.g., metal cans) within the chambers of containers 100, 100A, and 100B.

[0034] Batteries 60 and 60B can be rechargeable batteries. In one embodiment, batteries 60 and 60B can be recharged by placing containers 100, 100A, and 100B on a power base (not shown). In one embodiment, containers 100, 100A, and 100B may have electrical contacts at their bottoms that contact electrical contacts on the power base, thereby transferring power from the power base to batteries 60 and 60B. In another embodiment, batteries 60 and 60B can be recharged wirelessly via inductive coupling when containers 100, 100A, and 100B are placed on the base (for example, the circuitry of containers 100, 100A, and 100B includes a wireless power receiver that receives power from a wireless power transmitter in the power base). In another embodiment, the cooler container assemblies 100, 100A, and 100B have connectors to which a power cable can be connected, the other end of which can be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall socket). In one embodiment, the batteries 60 and 60B may be placed in a removable pack, allowing the batteries 60 and 60B to be swapped with another pack or recharged, thereby enabling the cooler containers 100 and 100A to be charged. The 100B can offer longer-lasting temperature control performance.

[0035] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the cooler container assembly 100C ("cooler"). Some of the features of cooler 100C are the same as those of cooler 100 in Figure 1. Therefore, the reference numerals indicating each component of cooler 100C are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of cooler 100 in Figure 1, but with the letter "C" added to the numerals. Thus, the structure and description of the various features of cooler 100 in Figure 1 also apply to the corresponding features of cooler 100C in Figure 5, except as described below.

[0036] The cooler 100C may have an insulated cylindrical container 10C (e.g., an outer container) having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and an opening (e.g., a central opening) passing through them. In one embodiment, the container 10C may have a double wall having an outer circumferential wall (e.g., an outer cylindrical wall) separated by a gap from an inner circumferential wall (e.g., an inner cylindrical wall). In one embodiment, the gap may be filled with air. In another embodiment, the gap may be filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In another embodiment, the gap may be a vacuum. Advantageously, the inner circumferential wall is insulated from the outer circumferential wall (e.g., heat from the user's hands holding the cooler 100C is not transferred to the inner circumferential wall, preventing heat transfer between the inner and outer circumferential walls). In another embodiment, the container 10C may have a single wall. In one embodiment, the container 10C is made of an insulating material (e.g., plastic, other polymer materials, other non-metallic materials).

[0037] The vessel 10C defines a chamber inside, and the inner circumferential liner 20C ("liner") can be positioned in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with the inner circumferential wall of the vessel 10C. The liner 20C can optionally extend substantially to the upper end of the vessel 10C (e.g., below the upper end, such as 70%, 80%, or 90% of the height of the inner circumferential wall, or a height in between). The liner 20C can have substantially the same extent as the vessel 10C. The liner 20C can extend from an open upper end to a closed lower end 21C. At least a portion of the liner wall 22C of the liner 20C can have a ribbed shape.

[0038] The liner 20C can be made of a material having high thermal conductivity. In one example, the liner 20C can be made of aluminum. In another example, the liner 20C can be made of another material having high thermal conductivity. The liner 20C defines a chamber sized to receive at least a portion of the beverage container 25. The beverage container 25 is in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the liner 20C. The beverage container 25 can be made of glass. However, the beverage container 25 may be made of another suitable material. In one embodiment, the beverage container 25 can protrude from the upper ends of the vessel 10C and the liner 20C. In one embodiment, the beverage container 25 can be positioned on the rim of the vessel 10C (e.g., the upper end wall of the beverage container 25 can be substantially aligned with the wall of the vessel 10C) and may have a lip or shoulder 26. In one embodiment, the beverage container 25 is removable from the vessel 10C, for example, so that it can be washed. In another embodiment, the beverage container 25 is not removable from the liner 20C.

[0039] Optionally, the cooler 100C may have a thermally conductive slag 30C ("slag") that penetrates an opening at the bottom of the vessel 10C (e.g., a central opening) and is in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with the liner 20C. In one embodiment, the slag 30C is in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with at least a portion of the liner 20C. In one example, the slag 30C and the liner 20C are separate components attached to each other. In another example, the slag 30C and the liner 20C are monolithic (e.g., manufactured or molded as a single piece, a single seamless piece). The slag 30C has high thermal conductivity. It can be made of a conductive material. For example, slag 30C can be made of the same material as liner 20C. For example, slag 30C can be made of aluminum.

[0040] At least a portion of the slag 30C may extend at least partially through the opening of the vessel 10C (e.g., the central opening). Optionally, the slag 30C may substantially seal the opening of the vessel 10C (e.g., the central opening).

[0041] The lower end of the slag 30C can contact the upper surface of the thermoelectric element (e.g., a Peltier element) 40C. In one example, the thermoelectric element 40C contacts the slag 30C but not the liner 20C. In another example, the slag 30C is excluded, and the thermoelectric element 40C contacts at least a portion of the liner 20C. The thermoelectric element 40C can consist of multiple thermoelectric elements. The bottom surface of the thermoelectric element 40C can optionally contact the heat sink 50C. Also optionally, the heat sink 50C can have one or more (e.g., multiple) fins.

[0042] The housing below the container 10 may have a cavity 90 that houses at least a portion of the thermoelectric element 40C, the circuit EM, the battery 60C (e.g., multiple batteries, rechargeable battery), and the fan 70C. The housing may have one or more ventilation openings 80C inside, including an intake opening 82 and an exhaust opening 84 (separated by a partition such as a flat structure 85) to allow airflow between the cavity 90 and the environment outside the cavity. Optionally, the circuit EM can operate the thermoelectric element 40C and / or the fan 70C to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of the beverage container 25 and its contents (e.g., beverage) within a temperature setpoint (e.g., a user-selected temperature, a predetermined temperature, etc.) or temperature range. Optionally, the circuit EM can communicate with a remote electronic device (e.g., used in a mobile phone, tablet computer, smartwatch, etc.) (e.g., perform wireless communication). For example, the circuit EM can receive a temperature setpoint from a remote electronic device and operate the thermoelectric element 40C and / or fan 70C to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of the beverage container 25 and its contents (e.g., beverage) to the temperature setpoint, as will be further described below.

[0043] During operation, the user can pour a beverage into the beverage container 25. If the beverage container 25 is removable, the user can pour a beverage into it before or after the container 25 is inserted into the container 10C, thereby bringing the container into thermal communication with the liner 20C. In one embodiment, the circuit operates a thermoelectric element 40C (for example, automatically when it senses the insertion of the beverage container 25 into the chamber of the liner 20C) to remove heat from the slag 30C and the liner 20C (for example, via the slag 30C that is thermally in contact with the liner 20C). The liner 20C and the slag 30C then remove heat from the beverage container 25, which has removed heat from its contents (e.g., the beverage), thereby cooling the beverage container 25 and / or the beverage. This heat is transferred by the thermoelectric element 40C to the heat sink 50C for dissipation. Optionally, the circuit operates a fan 70C to draw air through the heatsink 50C and dissipate heat from the heatsink 50C. The air can be drawn into the cavity 90 through one or more intake openings 82 to remove heat from at least a portion of the heatsink 50C, and the heated air can be exhausted from the cavity 90 by the fan 70 through one or more exhaust openings 84. Advantageously, the cooler 100C can raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of the beverage container 25 for a longer period (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.).

[0044] The ribbed portion 22C of the liner 20C is located at the main thermal interface between the liner 20C and the beverage container 25 (for example, near the top center of the container 25), from the (e.g., cold) slag 30C to the liner 20C. This provides a longer thermal bridge (e.g., a path) in the liner 20C. When the thermoelectric element 40C is not operating, this longer path causes the colder side of the thermoelectric element 40C to heat up slowly over time, thus preventing (e.g., preventing) the heating of the beverage. Thus, the ribbed portion 22C of the liner 20C makes it easier to maintain the cold beverage temperature in the beverage container 25 for a longer period of time.

[0045] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the beverage container assembly 100D ("container" or "beverage container"). Some of the features of container 100D are the same as those of container 100 in Figure 1. Therefore, the reference numerals used to specify the various components of container 100D are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of container 100 in Figure 1, except that the numerals are prefixed with "D". Thus, the structure and description of the various features of container 100 in Figure 1 also apply to the corresponding features of container 100D in Figure 6, except that they are described below.

[0046] The container 100D has an insulated cylindrical vessel 10D having a chamber 12D. In one embodiment, the vessel 10D is insulated by an insulating material within the walls 2D of the vessel 10D. In another embodiment, the vessel 10D is insulated through a vacuum within the walls 2D of the vessel 10D. For example, the walls of the vessel 10D can be a double-wall structure having an inner wall 11D separated from an outer wall 13D by a gap 14D, where the gap 14D is under vacuum. In another embodiment, the gap 14D is not under vacuum and is instead filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In one embodiment, the insulated vessel 10D can be made of glass. In another embodiment, the vessel 10D can be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In another embodiment, the wall 2D can be a single wall (i.e., not a double-wall structure) having a thickness that prevents heat transfer through the wall 2D (e.g., the wall 2D has an R value above a threshold).

[0047] The container 100D has a cooling or heating unit 200D (e.g., a cooling unit 200D). In one embodiment, the cooling unit 200D is removable from the container 10D. In one example, the cooling unit 200D can be removablely connected to the lower end of the container 10D via a connecting mechanism 210D. In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism 210D has one or more magnets 211D (e.g., on one or both of the container 10D and the cooling unit 200D) that enable the cooling unit 200D to magnetically connect to the lower end of the container 10D. In other embodiments, the connecting mechanism 210D may be another suitable mechanism (e.g., a key slot mechanism, a screw mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, etc.).

[0048] The cooling or heating unit 200D has a base 240D. In one embodiment, the base 240D may be made of glass. In another embodiment, the base 240D may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one embodiment, the vessel 10D is open at both ends, and when the vessel 10D is coupled to the cooling unit 200D, the base 240D defines the bottom of the chamber 12D. In another embodiment, the vessel 10D is closed at the bottom end of the vessel 10D (e.g., has a base), and when the vessel 10D is connected to the cooling unit 200D, the base 240D operably or directly contacts the base of the vessel 10D.

[0049] The cooling or heating unit 200D may have a base 240D, a thermoelectric element 40D (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, or multiple Peltier elements) in contact with the surface of the base 240D, a module 220D of thermal mass (having thermal capacity) or phase change material (PCM) that is in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with the thermoelectric element 40D, an energy storage device 60D (e.g., one or more energy storage devices, one or more batteries, or one or more rechargeable batteries), and a circuit EM. Continuing to refer to Figure 6, the circuit EM, the energy storage device 60D, the module 220D of thermal mass or PCM, and the thermoelectric element 40D are connected by a bottom cap or cover 2 Located within a 30D cavity, the base 240D defines the end of the cooling unit 200D. In one embodiment, the thermal mass or PCM module 220D may have a melting temperature close to the assumed bulk fluid temperature of the fluid intended to be used with the liquid or beverage (e.g., a melting temperature of about 5-6°C or about 5.5°C). In one embodiment, the PCM of module 220D may be a solid-liquid PCM. In another embodiment, the PCM of module 220D may be a solid-solid PCM.

[0050] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the cover 230D can be insulated. In one example, the cover 230D may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one example, the cover 230D may be a single wall. In another embodiment, the cover 230D may be a double-wall structure having an inner wall 231D separated from an outer wall 232D by a gap 233D, where the gap 233D is under vacuum. In another embodiment, the gap 233D is not under vacuum and is instead filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In another embodiment, the cover 230D may be a single wall (i.e., not a double-wall structure) of a thickness that prevents heat transfer through the cover 230D (e.g., the cover 230D has an R value above a threshold).

[0051] Optionally, the container 100D may have one or more sensors S that communicate with a circuit EM, which operates one or both of the thermoelectric elements 40D based at least in part on sensing information provided by one or more sensors S. In one embodiment, one or more sensors S may be positioned in close proximity to the base 240D. Sensor S includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the liquid in the chamber 12D. Sensor S includes a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a proximity sensor, a load sensor, or other suitable sensors that detect the presence of liquid in the chamber 12D of the container 100D.

[0052] During operation, when the cooling or heating unit 200D is operating as a cooling unit, the thermoelectric element 40D is activated (for example, by circuit EM via power from the energy storage device 60D) to extract heat from the liquid in the chamber 12D via the base 240D (for example, acting as a low-temperature side heat sink) and transfer the heat to the heat-absorbing thermal mass or phase change material module 220D (for example, by changing from a solid material to a liquid material, or by changing from one solid material to another). Advantageously, this allows the cooling unit 200D to cool the liquid in the container 10D (for example, a beverage) to (for example, 2-3°C). In one example, the cooling unit 200D can cool the liquid poured into the chamber 12D to a temperature of 8°C to about 6°C. When a beverage at a temperature of 2°C (e.g., cold coffee, iced tea, beer) to 18°C ​​(e.g., red wine) is poured into the chamber 12D, it can be cooled by approximately 2-3°C (e.g., to a temperature approximately 2-3°C lower than the temperature of the liquid being poured). In one embodiment, the cooling unit 200D is used to maintain the liquid (e.g., beverage) in the chamber 12D at the temperature at which it is poured. Module 220D of the cooling unit 200D can favorably maintain the liquid in a cooled state for approximately 2 hours at an ambient temperature of 25°C, or approximately 1 hour at an ambient temperature of 35°C. In another embodiment, the cooling unit 200D is used to cool a liquid (e.g., a beverage) in the chamber 12D to a temperature 3°C lower than the temperature at which the liquid is poured, and the module 220D of the cooling unit 200D is advantageously able to cool the liquid to 3°C and maintain that cooled state for about 1.3 hours at an ambient temperature of 25°C or about 0.75 hours at an ambient temperature of 35°C.

[0053] During operation, when the cooling or heating unit 200D operates as a heating unit, the thermoelectric element 40D extracts heat from the thermal mass or PCM module 220D (for example, via power from the energy storage device 60D by the circuit EM), (for example, by changing a liquid material into a solid material, or changing one solid material into another) The thermal mass or PCM module 220D is operated to transfer heat to the liquid in the chamber 12D via the base 240D so that it dissipates heat (for example, acting as a hot-side heat sink). Advantageously, this allows the heating unit to heat the liquid (for example, a beverage) in the container 10D.

[0054] Figure 7 shows a cooling unit 200D that is detached from the container 10D and detachably connected to the charging module 300D via a connection mechanism 210D (e.g., one or more magnets 211D of the cooling or heating unit 200D). In one embodiment, the charging module 300D optionally has one or more magnets 311D that can engage with the magnets 211D of the connection mechanism 210D. The charging module 300D may have a heat sink 50D and a fan 70D that draws air into the charging module 300D via one or more intake openings 82D and exhausts air from the charging module 300D via one or more exhaust openings 84D, and the charging module 300D may have a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) or be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall power source), and electrical contacts 320D between the charging module 300D and the cooling unit 200D may transmit power from the power source to one or more energy storage devices 60D (e.g., one or more batteries). When the cooling unit 200D is connected to the charging module 300D, the power supply can charge the energy storage device 60D by supplying power, and / or the circuit EM can operate the thermoelectric element 40D to extract heat from the module 220D and charge the thermal mass or PCM (e.g., to enable or absorb heat), and transfer the heat to the heatsink 50D. The fan 70D operates to dissipate heat from the heatsink 50D, allowing further heat to be removed from the module 220D (by the thermoelectric element 40D).

[0055] Advantageously, multiple cooling units 200D, each containing a thermal mass or PCM module 220D, can be charged by a charging module 300D and connected to the same container 10D (for example, connected one after the other if desired), providing a digital ice cube capable of keeping the liquid or beverage in the container 10D cool for an extended period. Thus, a user can replace one cooling unit 200D attached to a container 10D whose module 220D or energy storage device 60D has run out with another cooling unit 200D (for example, one that continues to cool the liquid or beverage in the container 10D).

[0056] In another embodiment, the cooling unit 200D and the container 10D are a single component (for example, the cooling unit 200D is not detachable). In this embodiment, the thermal mass or PCM module 220D may be charged on a stand, as will be further described below. Although the unit 200D has been described above as a cooling unit, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that it can also be operated as a heating unit by operating the thermoelectric element 40D in opposite polarity, and thus can be a heating or cooling unit.

[0057] Figure 8 shows schematic cross-sectional views of the container 100E, cooling unit 200E, and charging module 300E. Some of the features of the container 100E, cooling unit 200E, and charging module 300E are similar to those of the container 100D, cooling unit 200D, and charging module 300D in Figures 6-7. Therefore, the symbols used to specify the various components of the container 100E, cooling unit 200E, and charging module 300E are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the container 100D, cooling unit 200D, and charging module 300D in Figures 6-7, except that the symbols are denoted with "E" instead of "D". Thus, the structure and description of the various features of the container 100D, cooling unit 200D, and charging module 300D in Figures 6-7, based on the features of the container (e.g., cooler) 100 in Figure 1, also apply to the corresponding features of the container 100E, cooling unit 200E, and charging module 300E in Figure 8, except as described below. Figure 8 shows Although not specified, the charging module 300E may have a power source (e.g., an electrical connector to a wall outlet, a battery, a rechargeable battery, or one or more other energy storage devices).

[0058] The container 100E has a chamber 12E which may have the same structure as the vessel 10D (e.g., an insulated vessel, a single wall with a thickness or R value that prevents heat transfer through the wall, a double wall with a gap under vacuum or a gap filled with insulating material). The cooling unit 200E may be integrated with the vessel 10E (e.g., the cooling unit 200E may not be removable from the vessel 10E). In one embodiment, the cooling unit 200E has a base 240E defining the bottom of the chamber 12E, and in another embodiment, the vessel 10E is closed at the bottom end of the vessel 10E (e.g., has a base), and the base 240E of the cooling unit 200E is operably or directly in contact with the base of the vessel 10E.

[0059] The cooling unit 200E has thermoelectric elements 40E (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, or multiple Peltier elements) in contact with the surface of the base 240E. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric elements 40E are annular in shape (as shown in Figure 8) and provide heat transfer through the base 240E, but the portion of the base 240E aligned with the open space of the annular thermoelectric elements 40E is not heated by the thermoelectric elements 40E (e.g., not directly heated). In one embodiment, the annular thermoelectric elements 40E promote recirculation of the liquid in the chamber 12E (e.g., allows for the formation of a plume due to the temperature difference at the base 240E adjacent to the thermoelectric elements 40E compared to the base 240E not adjacent to the thermoelectric elements 40E), thereby advantageously preventing temperature layering of the liquid (e.g., beverage) in the chamber 12E of the container 10E and promoting substantially uniform cooling of the liquid in the chamber 12E.

[0060] Furthermore, the cooling unit 200E includes a heat spreader 260E that is thermally in communication with the thermoelectric element 40E, an energy storage device 60E (for example, one or more energy storage devices, one or more batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries), and a circuit EM. The cooling unit 200E also includes a second heat spreader 270E and a module 230E of thermal mass or PCM that is thermally in contact with the heat spreader 260E and the second heat spreader 270E.

[0061] Continuing to refer to Figure 8, the circuit EM, energy storage device 60E, thermal mass or PCM module 220E, heat spreader 260E, second heat spreader 270E, and thermoelectric element 40E are arranged within the cavity of the bottom cap or cover 230E, and the base 240E defines the end of the cooling unit 200E. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the cover 230E may be insulated. In one example, the cover 230E may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one example, the cover 230E may be a single wall. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the cover 230E may be a double-wall structure having an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall by a gap, the gap being under vacuum (e.g., similar to cover 230D). In another embodiment, the gap is not under vacuum and is instead filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In another embodiment, the cover 230E may be a single wall of a thickness that prevents heat transfer through the cover 230E (e.g., the cover 230E has an R value above a threshold) (i.e., not a double-wall structure). The cover 230E has a recessed wall 235E spaced apart from the bottom of the cover 230E to prevent (e.g., prevent) the recessed wall 235E from coming into contact with a surface (e.g., a table, counter) when the container 100E is placed on it. Advantageously, by preventing (e.g., preventing) heat transfer through the recessed wall 235E, it is prevented (e.g., prevent) the thermal mass or PCM module 220E from discharging (e.g., melting) due to heat transfer through the recessed wall 235E. As shown in Figure 8, a second heat spreader 270E can be in thermal communication with the recessed wall 235E. In one embodiment, the bottom cap or cover 230E can be insulated (as described above), except for the recessed wall 235E, allowing heat to be transferred through the recessed wall 235E.

[0062] The cooling unit 200E optionally has one or more magnets 210E, for example, within a bottom cap or cover 230E, which enable the container 100E to connect to the charging module 300E, as further described below. The container 100E also has one or more (e.g., a pair) electrical contacts 250E, which can supply power to one or more of the circuit EM, energy storage device 60, and thermoelectric element 40E. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts 250E can extend in an annular manner around the container 10E (e.g., they can extend completely around the container 10E), enabling the electrical contacts 250E to contact the electrical contacts 350E of the charging module 300E regardless of the orientation of the container 100E when placed on the charging module 300E. This facilitates (e.g., makes simpler or easier) the connection of the container 100E to the charging module 300E.

[0063] Optionally, the container 100E may have one or more sensors S that communicate with a circuit EM, which operates one or both of the thermoelectric elements 40E at least partially based on sensing information provided by one or more sensors S. In one embodiment, one or more sensors S may be located close to the base 240E (for example, they may be located at the center of an annular thermoelectric element 40E). Sensor S may have temperature sensors that detect the temperature of the liquid in the chamber 12E. Sensor S may have pressure sensors, contact sensors, proximity sensors, load sensors, or other suitable sensors for sensing the presence of liquid in the chamber 12E of the container 100E.

[0064] Continuing to refer to Figure 8, the charging module 300E includes a fan 70E, a heat sink 50E adjacent to the fan 70E, and a heat pipe 55E that is thermally in communication with the heat sink 50E and the thermoelectric element 340E (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, or multiple Peltier elements). The charging module 300E also includes a thermal mass module 320E that is thermally in communication with the thermoelectric element 340E. In one embodiment, the thermal mass module 320E is a flexible bladder filled with a heat transfer fluid. Optionally, the charging module 300E includes an elastic member 310E such as a bellows or spring, and optionally, one or more magnets 330E.

[0065] In one embodiment, the user can place the container 100E on a charging module 300E (e.g., a coaster, a charging coaster) while in use, such as while drinking a beverage. When the container 100E is on the charging module 300E, the electrical contacts 250E of the container 100E are in contact with the electrical contacts 350E of the charging module 300E. The magnet 210E (or magnetic material) of the container 100E and the magnet 330E (or magnetic material) of the charging module 300E exert opposing forces (e.g., magnetic force) that hold the container 100E on the charging module 300E. Alternatively, optionally, a force (e.g., magnetic force) may be applied to cause the thermal mass module 320E to extend into the space above the bottom of the bottom cap or cover 230E (e.g., via the elastic member 310E), fill the space, and bring it into contact with the recessed wall 235E (e.g., without a gap between the thermal mass module 320E and the recessed wall 235E), thereby providing a dynamic thermal interface and good thermal contact between the thermal mass module 320E and the recessed wall 235E.

[0066] During operation, while the container 100E is on the charging module 300E, the thermoelectric element 340E can operate to cool the thermal mass module 320E or extract heat from the thermal mass module and transfer the heat to the heatsink 50E via the heat pipe 55E, and the fan 70E operates to dissipate heat from the heatsink 50E. The cooled thermal mass module 320E can then extract (e.g., cool, charge) the thermal mass or PCM module 220E via the recessed wall 235E and the second heat spreader 270. The thermoelectric element 40E extracts heat from the liquid in the chamber 12E and transfers the heat to the thermal mass or PCM module 220E via the heat spreader 260E. It can operate in this manner. Therefore, while the container 100E is on the charging module 300E (e.g., coaster, charging coaster), the thermal mass or PCM module 220E absorbs heat from the liquid in the chamber 12E, and heat is dissipated from module 220E by the thermal mass module 320E. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric element 40E does not operate while the container 100E is on the charging module 300E (only the thermoelectric element 340E in the charging module 300E is operating), and heat is passively extracted from the liquid in the chamber 12E by transfer via the base 240E, the thermoelectric element 40E (without operating it), the heat spreader 260E, the thermal mass or PCM module 220E, and the second heat spreader 270E. Advantageously, while the container 100E is on the charging module 300E, the cooling unit 200E can maintain the liquid in the chamber 12E of the container 10E in a cooled state for a long period (e.g., 5-6 hours). Alternatively, or in addition to this, the user can keep the container 100E on the charging module 300E, allowing the charging module 300E to charge (e.g., fully charge) the thermal mass or PCM module 220E.

[0067] In another embodiment, when the container 100E is not on the charging module 300E and the thermal mass or PCM module 220E is fully charged, the cooling unit 200E can maintain the liquid (e.g., beverage) in the chamber 12E of the container 10E at a cooled state. For example, the cooling unit 200E can cool an 8°C liquid poured into the chamber 12E to a temperature of about 6°C. Beverages with temperatures from 2°C (e.g., cold coffee, iced tea, beer, etc.) to 18°C ​​(e.g., red wine, etc.) can be cooled by only about 2-3°C (e.g., to a temperature about 2-3°C lower than the temperature of the liquid being poured) when poured into the chamber 12E. In one embodiment, the cooling unit 200E is used to maintain the liquid (e.g., beverage) in the chamber 12E at the temperature in which the liquid was poured. Module 220D of the cooling unit 200E can favorably maintain a cooled liquid for about 2 hours at an ambient temperature of 25°C, or about 1 hour at an ambient temperature of 35°C. In another embodiment, the cooling unit 200E is used to cool a liquid (e.g., a beverage) in a chamber 12E to a temperature 3°C lower than the temperature at which the liquid is poured. Module 220E of the cooling unit 200E can favorably cool the liquid by 3°C and maintain that cooled state for about 1.3 hours at an ambient temperature of 25°C, or about 0.75 hours at an ambient temperature of 35°C. Although unit 200E is described above as a cooling unit, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that unit 200E can also be operated as a heating unit by operating a thermoelectric element 40E of opposite polarity, and therefore unit 200E can be a heating or cooling unit.

[0068] As described above, in one embodiment, the container 100D and the cooling unit 200D can be integrated (for example, the cooling unit 200D is not detachable from the container 10D). Also, in one embodiment, the container 100E can be charged without using the charging module 300E. For example, the module 220D (of thermal mass or PCM) of the cooling unit 200D or the module 220E (of thermal mass or PCM) of the cooling unit 200E can be charged by placing the containers 100D and 100E upside down on the charging module 300F shown in Figure 9 (for example, this allows the support columns of the charging module 300F or the thermal mass module 320F (e.g., the low-temperature side heat sink) to extend into the chambers 12D and 12E and contact the bases of the chambers 12D and 12E (e.g., bases 240D and 240E)). The support column or thermal mass module 320F is thermally connected to one or more thermoelectric elements 340F (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, or multiple Peltier elements). In one implementation, the support column or thermal mass module 320F may optionally have one or more volumes (e.g., multiple volumes) of phase change material (PCM) (e.g., similar to the PCM described above), and through this PCM, the support column or thermal mass module 320F can function as a storage unit (e.g., a low-temperature storage unit). This allows for sequential (e.g., one after the other) cooling of containers 100D and 100E. One or more thermoelectric elements 340F are thermally connected to one or more heatsinks 50F (e.g., hot-side heatsinks). Optionally, the charging module 300F has one or more fans 70F capable of dissipating heat from one or more heatsinks 50F, along with heat dissipation through one or more fins of one or more heatsinks 50F. The charging module 300F may optionally have a power connector 58F that can be connected to a wall outlet. Alternatively, the charging module 300F can be powered by one or more batteries.

[0069] The support column or thermal mass module 320F may have an elongated body sized to extend into the chambers 12D, 12E of the containers 100D, 100E when the containers 100D, 100E are positioned upside down to cover the support column or thermal mass module 320F. In one embodiment, the charging module 300F is operable to charge the thermal mass or PCM modules 220D, 220E of the cooling units 200D, 200E when the containers 100D, 100E are positioned (upside down) on the support column or thermal mass module 320F. For example, one or more thermoelectric elements 340F can extract heat from the support column or thermal mass module 320F and transfer it to one or more heat sinks 50F, thereby dissipating the heat through the operation of the fins and / or one or more fans 70F of the heat sinks 50F. In one embodiment, the column or thermal mass module 320F may have one or more (e.g., multiple) heat pipes to facilitate heat transfer through the column or thermal mass module 320F. The cooled column or thermal mass module 320F can cool at least a portion of the containers 100D, 100E. For example, the cooled column or thermal mass module 320F can cool at least the base 240D, 240E by heat transfer. Optionally, the cooled column or thermal mass module 320F can charge the thermal mass or PCM modules 220D, 220E (for example, to transition the thermal mass or PCM from one state to another state, as described above, that can cool or maintain the beverage to a cooled drinking temperature when the liquid is poured into the chambers 12D, 12E). In one embodiment, the thermoelectric elements 40D and 40E of the cooling units 200D and 200E remain inactive, while the thermoelectric element 340F operates to charge the thermal mass or PCM modules 220D and 220E.In another embodiment, the thermoelectric elements 40D, 40E of the cooling units 200D, 200E operate to extract heat from the thermal mass or PCM modules 220D, 200E and transfer it to the support or thermal mass module 320F, and the thermoelectric element 340F operates to extract heat from the support or thermal mass module 320F and transfer it to the heat sink 50F.

[0070] In one embodiment, the charging module 300F (e.g., a cooling rack) may be a device that is placed on or stored on a counter (e.g., a kitchen counter, a cafe counter) and has multiple support columns or thermal mass modules 320F and one or more containers 100D, 100E arranged on the charging module 300F to keep them in a cooled state ready for use.

[0071] Figures 10-11 show cross-sectional views of a beverage container assembly 100G ("container" or "beverage container"). Some of the features of container 100G are similar to those of container 100D in Figure 6. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of container 100G are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of container 100D in Figure 6, except that the numerals are denoted with "G" instead of "D". Thus, the structure and description of the various features of container 100D in Figure 6 also apply to the corresponding features of container 100G in Figures 10-11, except as described below.

[0072] The container 100G has an insulated vessel 10G having a chamber 12G. In one embodiment, the vessel 10G is insulated by an insulating material within the wall 2G of the vessel 10G. In another embodiment, the vessel 10G is insulated by a vacuum within the wall 2G of the vessel 10G. For example, the wall of the vessel 10G can be a double-wall structure having an inner wall 11G separated from an outer wall 13G by a gap 14G, where the gap 14G is under vacuum. In another embodiment, the gap 14G is not under vacuum and is instead filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam, air, etc.). In one embodiment, the insulated vessel 10G can be made of glass. In another embodiment, the vessel 10G can be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In another embodiment, the wall 2G can be a single wall (i.e., not a double-wall structure) of a thickness that prevents heat transfer through the wall 2G (e.g., the wall 2G has an R value above a threshold).

[0073] The container 100G has a cooling or heating unit 200G (e.g., a cooling unit 200G). In one embodiment, the cooling unit 200G is removable from the container 10G. In one example, the cooling unit 200G can be removablely connected to the lower end of the container 10G via a connecting mechanism (e.g., a magnet, a press-fit connection, a twist-lock mechanism, a screw connection). The cooling or heating unit 200G may have a cover 230G with one or more openings 235G on its surface (e.g., a side), and the cover 230G encloses the components of the cooling or heating unit 20G. In another embodiment, the container 10G may be a single component (e.g., a monolithic seamless component) having the cooling unit 200G.

[0074] The cooling or heating unit 200G optionally has a base 240G. In one embodiment, the base 240G may be made of glass. In another embodiment, the base 240G may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one embodiment, the vessel 10G is open at both ends, and when the vessel 10G is connected to the cooling unit 200G, the base 240G defines the bottom of the chamber 12G. In another embodiment, the vessel 10G is closed at the bottom end of the vessel 10G (e.g., has a base), and when the vessel 10G is connected to the cooling unit 200G, the base 240G operably or directly contacts the base of the vessel 10G.

[0075] The cooling or heating unit 200G may include a base 240G, a thermoelectric element 40G (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, or multiple Peltier elements) in contact with the surface of the base 240G, a thermal mass (not shown) having a heat capacity (e.g., phase change material (PCM)) that is in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with the thermoelectric element 40G, an energy storage device 60G (e.g., one or more energy storage devices, one or more batteries, or one or more rechargeable batteries), and a circuit EM. The cooling or heating unit 200G may also include a fan 270G that can operate to remove heat from the cooling or heating unit 200G (e.g., remove heat from the thermoelectric element 40G). The fan 270G may be a solid fan (e.g., an active cooling chip). One suitable fan 270G is an active cooling chip manufactured by Frore Systems (e.g., Airjet® Mini active cooling chip). The fan 270G can be positioned in close proximity to the thermoelectric element 40G (e.g., thermally in contact, operably in contact, or directly mechanically in contact). As shown in Figure 10, the fan 270G can be positioned between the thermoelectric element 40G and the energy storage device 60G. The energy storage device 60G can be positioned between the fan 270G and the circuit EM (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). During operation, the fan 270G is operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit 200G through one or more of the openings 235G in the cover 230G, remove heat from the thermoelectric element 40G, the energy storage device 60G, and / or the circuit EM, and expel the air through one or more of the openings 235G in the cover 230G.

[0076] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the cover 230G can be insulated. In one example, the cover 230G may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one example, the cover 230G may be a single wall of a thickness that prevents heat transfer through the cover 230G (e.g., the cover 230G has an R value above a threshold). In another embodiment, the cover 230G may be a double-wall structure (e.g., the gap between the walls may be under vacuum, filled with air, or filled with an insulating material such as foam).

[0077] Optionally, the container 100G may have one or more sensors S that communicate with a circuit EM, which operates one or both of the thermoelectric element 40G and the fan 270G at least partially based on sensing information provided by one or more sensors S. In one embodiment, one or more sensors S may be located close to the base 240G. Sensor S includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the liquid in the chamber 12G. Sensor S may include a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a proximity sensor, a load sensor, or other suitable sensors that detect the presence of liquid in the chamber 12G of the container 100G.

[0078] During operation, when the cooling or heating unit 200G operates as a cooling unit, the thermoelectric element 40G operates to extract heat from the liquid in the chamber 12G through the base 240G (for example, acting as a cold-side heat sink) (for example, by a circuit EM using power from the energy storage device 60G). The heat can be removed by the fan 270G by passing air through the cooling or heating unit 200G as described above. Optionally, the thermal mass (e.g., PCM) in the cooling or heating unit 200G can also absorb heat from the thermoelectric element 40G. Advantageously, this allows the cooling unit 200G to cool the liquid (e.g., beverage) in the container 10G (for example, by only 2-3°C). In one example, the cooling unit 200G can cool the liquid poured into the chamber 12G from 8°C to about 6°C. Beverages with temperatures ranging from 2°C (e.g., cold coffee, iced tea, beer) to 18°C ​​(e.g., red wine) can be cooled by only about 2-3°C (for example, to a temperature about 2-3°C lower than the temperature of the liquid being poured) when poured into Chamber 12G.

[0079] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a beverage container assembly 100H ("container" or "beverage container"). Some of the features of container 100H are similar to those of container 100D in Figure 6. Therefore, the reference numerals used to specify the various components of container 100H are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of container 100D in Figure 6, except that the numerals are denoted with "H" instead of "D". Thus, the structure and description of the various features of container 100D in Figure 6 also apply to the corresponding features of container 100H in Figure 12, except that described below.

[0080] The container 100H has an insulated vessel 10H having a chamber 12H. In one embodiment, the vessel 10H is insulated by an insulating material within the wall 2H of the vessel 10H. In another embodiment, the vessel 10H is insulated through a vacuum within the wall 2H of the vessel 10H. For example, the wall of the vessel 10H may be a double-wall structure having an inner wall 11H separated from the outer wall 13H by a gap 14H under vacuum. In another embodiment, the gap 14H is not under vacuum and is instead filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam, air). In one embodiment, the insulated vessel 10H may be made of glass. In another embodiment, the vessel 10H may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In another embodiment, the wall 2H may be a single wall (i.e., not a double-wall structure) of a thickness that prevents heat transfer through the wall 2H (e.g., the wall 2H has an R value above a threshold).

[0081] The container 100H has a cooling or heating unit 200H. In one embodiment, cooling Alternatively, the heating unit 200H is removable from the vessel 10H. In one example, the cooling or heating unit 200H can be removablely connected to the lower end of the vessel 10H via a connection mechanism (e.g., magnet, press-fit connection, twist-lock mechanism, screw connection). The cooling or heating unit 200H may have a cover 230H (e.g., a cap) that encloses the components of the cooling or heating unit 200H. In another embodiment, the vessel 10H may be a single component (e.g., a monolithic seamless component) having the cooling or heating unit 200H.

[0082] The cooling or heating unit 200H optionally has a base 240H. In one embodiment, the base 240G may be made of glass. In another embodiment, the base 240H may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one embodiment, the vessel 10H is open at both ends, and when the vessel 10H is connected to the cooling unit 200H, the base 240H defines the bottom of the chamber 12H. In another embodiment, the vessel 10H is closed at the bottom end of the vessel 10H (e.g., has a base), and when the vessel 10H is connected to the cooling or heating unit 200H, the base 240H operably or directly contacts the base of the vessel 10H.

[0083] The cooling or heating unit 200H may include a base 240H, a thermoelectric element 40H (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, or multiple Peltier elements) in contact with the surface of the base 240H, an insulating body 42H arranged around the thermoelectric element 40H, a heat sink 260H thermally communicating with the thermoelectric element 40H, a thermal mass 220H (e.g., a phase change material or PCM) having heat capacity and thermally communicating with (e.g., thermally contacting, directly contacting) the heat sink 260H, an energy storage device 60H (e.g., one or more energy storage devices, one or more batteries, or one or more rechargeable batteries), and a circuit EM. The thermal mass 220H can be housed in a container 280H. The container 280H can also house the heat sink 260H and surround the insulating body 42H and the thermoelectric element 40H. In one embodiment, the vessel 280H may be a double-walled vessel having an inner wall 281H, an outer wall 282H, and, in one example, a gap between the walls 281H and 282H under vacuum. In another example, the gap may be filled with insulating material or air. The cooling or heating unit 200H may have a wireless charging coil 65H. The wireless charging coil 65H may be positioned between the vessel 280H and the cover 230H (for example, adjacent to the base 240H).

[0084] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the cover 230H can be insulated. In one example, the cover 230H may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one example, the cover 230H may be a single wall of a thickness that prevents heat transfer through the cover 230H (e.g., the cover 230H has an R value above a threshold). In another embodiment, the cover 230H may be a double-wall structure (e.g., the gap between the walls may be under vacuum, filled with air, or filled with an insulating material such as foam).

[0085] Optionally, the container 100H may have one or more sensors S that communicate with a circuit EM, which operates the thermoelectric element 40H at least in part on sensing information provided by one or more sensors S. In one embodiment, one or more sensors S include temperature sensors. In the embodiment shown in the figure, one or more sensors S may have a temperature sensor S1 located in or on the base 240H and operable to sense the temperature of the liquid in the chamber 12H. In the embodiment shown in the figure, one or more sensors S include a temperature sensor S2 located in or on the thermal mass 220H (e.g., in or on the PCM) and operable to sense the temperature of the thermal mass 220H (e.g., the temperature of the PCM). Optionally, one or more sensors S may be pressure sensors, contact sensors, proximity sensors, load sensors, or sensors that sense the presence of liquid in the chamber 12H of the container 100H. Includes other suitable sensors.

[0086] Figure 13 shows a charging module 300H (e.g., a cooling rack) for charging a thermal mass 220H and / or an energy storage device 60H. Some of the features of charging module 300H are similar to those of charging module 300F in Figure 9. Thus, the designations used to specify the various components of charging module 300H are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of charging module 300F in Figure 9, except that the designations are prefixed with "H" instead of "F". Therefore, the structure and description of the various features of charging module 300F in Figure 9, as well as how it operates, also apply to the corresponding features of charging module 300H in Figure 13, except those described below.

[0087] The charging module 300H has a support column or thermal mass module 320H that extends into the chamber 12H, and the container 100H is positioned upside down such that the upper end of the support column or thermal mass module 320H contacts the base 240H. In one embodiment, the support column or thermal mass module 320H is made of metal, thereby enabling it to function as a heat sink for the container 100H.

[0088] The support column or thermal mass module 320H is thermally connected to one or more thermoelectric elements 40H (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, or multiple Peltier elements). In one embodiment, the support column or thermal mass module 320H optionally has one or more volumes (e.g., multiple volumes) of phase change material (PCM) (e.g., similar to the PCM described above), through which the support column or thermal mass module 320H can function as a storage unit (e.g., a refrigerated storage unit), thereby allowing the support column or thermal mass module 320H to sequentially (e.g., one after the other) cool multiple containers 100H. Optionally, the charging module 300H has one or more fans capable of operating to dissipate heat from the charging module 300H. The charging module 300H may have a wireless power transmitter 382H on or near the top surface of the support column or thermal mass module 320H. The wireless power transmitter 382H is operable to wirelessly transmit power to the wireless power receiver 65H of the cooling or heating unit 200H when the container 100H is inverted on the support or thermal mass module 320H, for example, to charge the energy storage device 60H and / or supply power to the thermoelectric element 40H. The charging module 300H may optionally have a power connector that can be connected to a wall outlet (for example, a fan, to power the wireless power transmitter 382H). Alternatively, the charging module 300H may be powered by one or more batteries.

[0089] The support column or thermal mass module 320H may have an elongated body sized to extend within the chamber 12H of the container 100H when the container 100H is inverted and positioned to cover the support column or thermal mass module 320H. In one embodiment, the charging module 300H is operable to charge the thermal mass 220H or PCM of the cooling or heating unit 200H while the container 100H is positioned (upside down) on the support column or thermal mass module 320H. For example, one or more thermoelectric elements 40H can operate while the container 100H is inverted on the support column or thermal mass module 320H to extract heat from the thermal mass 220H via the heat sink 260H and transfer the heat to the support column or thermal mass module 320H. This charges the thermal mass 220H (e.g., PCM) (e.g., solidify, freeze, or transition from one state to another, from which the liquid can absorb heat and cool or maintain the beverage at a drinking temperature when it is later poured into the chamber 12H), allowing the container 100H to act as a cooling energy reservoir and cool the beverage when it is removed from the support or thermal mass module 320H and the beverage is placed in the chamber 12H. The heat is passively or optionally transferred to the support or thermal mass module 320H located in the base 325H of the charging module 300H. By operating a fan to remove heat, it can be dissipated from the support column or thermal mass module 320H through one or more fins.

[0090] Figure 14 shows a charging module 300H' (e.g., a cooling rack) for charging a thermal mass 220H and / or a power storage device 60H. Some of the features of charging module 300H' are similar to those of charging module 300H in Figure 13. Therefore, the symbols used to specify the various components of charging module 300H' are indicated by the symbols followed by a single quote (''). Except for one aspect, it is the same as that used to identify the corresponding components of the charging module 300H in Figure 13. Therefore, the structure and description of the various features of the charging module 300H in Figure 13, as well as how it operates, also apply to the corresponding features of the charging module 300H' in Figure 14', except that which are described below.

[0091] The charging module 300H' differs from the charging module 300H in that it has a heat transfer plate P on or near the top of the support or thermal mass module 320H' that is operably or directly in contact with the base 240H. The thermoelectric element 40H operates (the container 100H is positioned upside down on the support or thermal mass module 320H') to the thermal mass 220H (for example, When charging the PCM (for example, by solidifying or freezing), heat is removed from the thermal mass 220H via the heat sink 260H and transferred to the heat transfer plate P. Then, heat is transferred from the heat transfer plate P (for example, heat is removed from the thermal mass 220H) along the heat pipe HP to the heat sink 50H'. In one embodiment, the charging module 300H' optionally allows air A to flow through the heat sink 50H' to dissipate heat. It has an operational fan at 70H', and air is expelled from the base at 325H'.

[0092] In one embodiment, before drinking the beverage using container 100H, container 100H can be placed (upside down) on charging modules 300H, 300H', thereby the charging module Joule 300H, 300H' charges the energy storage device 60H as described above (for example, (Via wireless power transmitter 382H). Alternatively, or in addition to this, as described above, the thermoelectric element 40H is connected to the container 100H on the charging module 300H, 300H'. At some point, the circuit EM can operate and charge the thermal mass 220H. During charging, the thermoelectric element 40H extracts heat from the thermal mass (e.g., PCM) 220H. When the thermal mass (e.g., PCM) 220H reaches a desired setpoint temperature (e.g., a freezing setpoint) (e.g., measured by the temperature sensor S2), the cooling or heating unit 200H operates to maintain the thermal mass (e.g., PCM) 220H at the above desired setpoint temperature (e.g., until container 100H is used). When container 100H is ready for use, container 100H is removed from the charging modules 300H, 300H', and the cooled beverage is placed in the chamber. The liquid is poured into chamber 12H. Circuit EM determines the current liquid temperature (e.g., via temperature sensor S1). To maintain the temperature of the beverage, the thermoelectric element 40H operates using power from the energy storage device 60H. Depending on the setpoint temperature of the liquid, the required polarity and power of the thermoelectric element 40H are determined (e.g., circuit EM determines whether the liquid in chamber 12H needs to be heated or cooled to reach the setpoint). If cooling of the liquid is required, the thermoelectric element 40H operates to remove heat from the liquid and transfer it to the thermal mass (e.g., PCM) 220H via the heat sink 260H. If heating of the liquid is required, the thermoelectric element 40H operates to remove heat from the thermal mass (e.g., PCM) 220H and transfer it to the liquid in chamber 12H. This process continues until the liquid reaches the desired setpoint temperature.

[0093] In one embodiment, the charging module 300H (e.g., a cooling rack) is placed on or stored on a counter (e.g., a kitchen counter, a cafe counter) having a plurality of support columns or thermal mass modules 320H and one or more containers 100H placed on the charging module 300H to maintain them in a cooled state ready for use. It can be made into a device that can do so.

[0094] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a control system (e.g., embedded) used in the apparatus described herein (e.g., cooler container assemblies 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100G). In the embodiment shown in the figure, a circuit EM (e.g., a control circuit, a microcontroller unit MCU, a computer processor, etc.) can receive sensing information from one or more sensors S1 to Sn (e.g., a temperature sensor, a battery charge sensor, a load sensor, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, etc.). The circuit EM can be housed in the lower cavity of containers 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10G. Circuit EM can receive and / or transmit information from one or more heating or cooling elements HC, such as thermoelectric elements 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40G (e.g., to operate the thermoelectric elements in heating and / or cooling modes, to turn off the power, to turn on the power, to change the power output, etc.), and optionally receive and / or transmit information from one or more energy storage devices PS (e.g., batteries 60, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60G, etc.) (e.g., to charge the batteries, to manage the power supplied to the thermoelectric elements by the batteries, etc.).

[0095] Optionally, the circuit EM may have a wireless transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver to communicate with one or more of the following (for example, to transmit information such as sensed temperature or to receive information such as user commands or temperature setpoints): (a) a user interface UI1 on the unit (for example, on the body of the container 10), (b) an electronic device ED (for example, a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, or electronic clock), (c) via the cloud CL, or (d) via a wireless communication system such as WiFi, a broadband network, and / or Bluetooth BT. The electronic device ED may have a user interface UI2 that can display information related to the operation of the cooler container assemblies 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100G, receive information (for example, commands) from the user, and communicate the information to the cooler container assemblies 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100G.

[0096] (Other embodiments) In embodiments of the present invention, the container for active temperature control may be one of the following: Article 1: A beverage container that performs active temperature control, An insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage inside, A cooling or heating unit, A thermoelectric element having a first side that is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber, A module of thermal mass or phase change material that is in thermal communication with the second side of the thermoelectric element, which is on the opposite side of the first side, Energy storage device, A circuit that controls the operation of the thermoelectric element, A cooling or heating unit having, It has, The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to extract heat from or transfer heat to the chamber. A beverage container characterized by the following features. Paragraph 2: The container according to Paragraph 1, characterized in that the cooling or heating unit is removable from the insulated container body. 3. The container according to any of the above paragraphs, wherein the cooling or heating unit has an insulated cover defining a cavity for housing the thermoelectric element, the module of the thermomass or phase change material, the energy storage device, and the circuit. Paragraph 4: The container according to Paragraph 3, characterized in that the insulated cover is a double-walled vacuum insulated cover. Clause 5: The container according to any of the above clauses, characterized in that the insulated container body is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated container body. Clause 6: The container according to any of the above clauses, further comprising a heat spreader at least partially embedded in the module of a thermal mass or phase change material, wherein the cooling or heating unit further comprises a heat spreader. Item 7: The container according to any of the above items, characterized in that the thermoelectric element is annular in shape. Clause 8: The container according to any of the above clauses, characterized in that the circuit communicates wirelessly with a remote electronic device. Paragraph 9: A container system that performs active temperature control, An insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage inside, A cooling or heating unit, A thermoelectric element having a first side that is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber, A module of thermal mass or phase change material that is in thermal communication with the second side of the thermoelectric element, which is on the opposite side of the first side, Energy storage device, A circuit that controls the operation of the thermoelectric element, A cooling or heating unit having, A charging module for the aforementioned cooling or heating unit, It has, The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to extract heat from or transfer heat to the chamber. A system characterized by the following features. Clause 10: The system according to Clause 9, characterized in that the cooling or heating unit is removable from the bottom end of the insulated container body. Clause 11: The system according to Clause 9 or 10, characterized in that the cooling or heating unit can be connected to the charging module upside down when removed, the heatsink of the charging module is in thermal communication with the base of the heating or cooling unit, the fan of the charging module is operable to dissipate heat from the heatsink, and the thermoelectric element is operable to transfer heat from the module of thermal mass or phase change material to the heatsink, thereby charging the module of thermal mass or phase change material. Clause 12: The cooling or heating unit is the system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 11, having an insulated cover defining a cavity for housing the thermoelectric element, the module of the thermomass or phase change material, the energy storage device, and the circuit. Clause 13: The system according to Clause 11, characterized in that the insulated cover is a double-walled vacuum insulated cover. Clause 14: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 13, characterized in that the insulated vessel body is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated vessel body. Clause 15: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 14, wherein the cooling or heating unit further comprises a heat spreader at least partially embedded in the module of the thermal mass or phase change material. Clause 16: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15, characterized in that the thermoelectric element is annular in shape. Clause 17: The system according to any one of Clauses 12 to 16, wherein the insulated cover has recessed walls spaced apart from the edges of the cover, and when the cover is in contact with the surface, the recessed walls do not come into thermal contact with the surface and prevent heat transfer through the recessed walls. Clause 18: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 17, wherein the charging module comprises a flexible bladder for a heat transfer fluid and a thermoelectric element operable to heat or cool the heat transfer fluid, wherein when the container is placed on the charging module, the flexible bladder is configured to extend into a recess of the cover and to contact the wall of the recess, and when the container is on the charging module, the thermoelectric element of the charging module is operable to heat or cool the module of a thermal mass or phase change material in the cooling or heating unit. Clause 19: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 17, wherein the charging module comprises a column having a thermal mass or phase change material or one or more heat pipes, a thermoelectric element in thermal communication with the column, a heat sink in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element, and a fan capable of operating to dissipate heat from the heat sink, wherein the column is configured to receive the chamber of the container when the container is placed upside down on the column, and the thermoelectric element of the charging module is capable of operating to heat or cool the module of the thermal mass or phase change material in the cooling or heating unit when the container is placed upside down on the column. Clause 20: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 19, characterized in that the circuit communicates wirelessly with a remote electronic device. Paragraph 21: A beverage container that performs active temperature control, An insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage inside, A cooling or heating unit, A thermoelectric element having a first side that is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber, A solid fan capable of drawing air into the cooling or heating unit through one or more intake openings in the cover of the cooling or heating unit and discharging the air through one or more exhaust openings in the cover, Energy storage device, A circuit that controls the operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid-state fan, A cooling or heating unit having, It has, The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to extract heat from or transfer heat to the chamber. A beverage container characterized by the following features. Paragraph 22: The container according to Paragraph 21, wherein the cooling or heating unit is removable from the insulated container body. Paragraph 23: The container according to paragraph 21 or 22, characterized in that the cover defines a cavity for housing the thermoelectric element, the solid fan, the energy storage device, and the circuit. Paragraph 24: The container according to any one of paragraphs 21 to 23, characterized in that the insulated cover is a double-walled vacuum insulated cover. Paragraph 25: The container according to any one of paragraphs 21 to 24, characterized in that the insulated container body is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated container body. Clause 26: The container according to any one of Clauses 21 to 25, characterized in that the circuit wirelessly communicates with a remote electronic device.

[0097] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in various other embodiments. Example For example, the above disclosure relates to a metal container inserted into containers 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E, but it does not have to be a metal container and can be made of other materials (for example, plastic used in plastic water bottles, etc.). Also, although the above components (for example, batteries 60, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, thermoelectric elements 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, fans 70, 70B, 70C, 70D, 70E, etc.) have been described singly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this disclosure also intends for the use of multiple components. In addition, although the figures show cross-sectional views, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the form factors of containers 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E can be defined in one embodiment by rotating the cross-section shown in the figures around a central axis (for example, containers 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E may have a cylindrical shape). Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications in the systems and methods described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. These embodiments and their variations are included in the technical scope and essence of the present invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0098] Any features, materials, properties, or groups described in relation to a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described elsewhere in this specification, provided they do not conflict. All features disclosed herein (including the appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any disclosed method or process may be combined in any way, except in any combination in which at least some of the disclosed features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not limited to the details of any embodiment described above. The protection also extends to any novel features or any novel combination of features disclosed herein (including the appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel steps or any novel combination of any steps of any disclosed method or process.

[0099] Furthermore, several features described herein in the context of individual embodiments may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features are described above as functioning in a particular combination, one or more features from a combination described in the claims may, in some cases, be excluded from that combination, and that combination may be described in the claims as a subcombination or a variation of a subcombination.

[0100] Furthermore, while the operations are shown in the figures and described herein in a specific order, such operations do not need to be performed in the specific order or sequence shown, or not all operations need to be performed, in order to achieve the desired result. Other operations not shown in the figures and described may be incorporated into exemplary methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or in between any of the operations described. Furthermore, operations may be rearranged or rearranged in other embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in some embodiments, the actual steps performed in the processes shown in the figures and / or described may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, some of the above steps may be omitted, and other steps may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the particular embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form further embodiments, which are within the technical scope of this disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the embodiments above does not require such separation in all embodiments, and the components and systems described may generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged in multiple products.

[0101] For the purposes of this disclosure, several aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not all advantages are necessarily achieved according to any particular embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, for example, this disclosure may be embodied or implemented to achieve one or a group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0102] Conditional language such as “can,” “may,” and “may,” unless otherwise specifically stated or understood differently in the context in which they are used, generally intends to indicate that some embodiments include some features, elements, and / or steps, while others do not. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are somehow required in one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps should be included in or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0103] Linking language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," is understood in context to indicate that an item, term, etc., may be one of X, Y, or Z, unless otherwise specifically stated. Therefore, such linking language is not intended to imply in any embodiment that at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z are required.

[0104] As used herein, terms of degree such as “approximately,” “about,” “roughly,” and “substantially” describe values, quantities, or characteristics close to those described above, which are still capable of performing the desired function or achieving the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “roughly,” and “substantially” may refer to quantities that are less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the stated quantities. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “roughly parallel” and “substantially parallel” may refer to values, quantities, or characteristics that are less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degrees from exactly parallel.

[0105] The technical scope of this disclosure is not limited by any specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, but may be defined by claims presented or hereafter presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification. The language of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims, and is not limited to the examples described herein or shown in the procedures of this application, which are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims

1. A beverage container system that performs active temperature control, An insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage inside, A cooling or heating unit, A base that is in thermal communication with the aforementioned chamber, A thermoelectric element having a first side that is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber via the base, A heat spreader that is in thermal communication with the second side of the thermoelectric element, A heat mass housed in an insulated cap, positioned around the heat sink, and in thermal communication with the heat sink, Energy storage device, A circuit that controls the operation of the thermoelectric element, One or more sensors, including a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the beverage in the chamber and a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heat mass, A cooling or heating unit having, It has, The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to extract heat from or transfer heat to the chamber. A system characterized by the following features.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling or heating unit is removable from the insulated container body.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulated cover defines a cavity for housing the thermoelectric element, the heat spreader, the thermal mass, the energy storage device, and the circuit.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the insulated cap is a double-walled vacuum insulated cap.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulated vessel body is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated vessel body.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the circuit wirelessly communicates with a remote electronic device.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling or heating unit further comprises a wireless power receiver that receives power from a wireless power transmitter and either operates the thermoelectric element or charges the energy storage device or both.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermoelectric element is annular in shape.

9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a second heat spreader which is in thermal communication with the heat mass, is disposed within the insulated cap, and is located on the opposite side of the heat spreader.

10. The insulated cap has a recessed wall spaced apart from the distal end of the insulated cap, and when the container body is placed on the surface that contacts the insulated cap, the recessed wall The system according to claim 1, characterized by having a recessed wall that suppresses heat loss from the heat mass inside the insulated cap via the wall.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned thermal mass is a phase change material.

12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a charging module having a fan, a heat sink, a heat pipe that is in thermal communication with the heat sink and the thermoelectric element, and a thermomass module that is in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element, wherein the charging module is operable to cool the thermomass in the insulated cap when the device body is placed on the charging module and the insulated cap is in contact with the charging module.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the thermal mass module is a flexible bladder filled with a heat transfer fluid, and the thermal mass module extends into a recess in the insulated cap and is in thermal contact with the thermal mass in the insulated cap.

14. A beverage container that performs active temperature control, An insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage inside, A cooling or heating unit, A thermoelectric element having a first side that is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber, A solid fan capable of drawing air into the cooling or heating unit through one or more intake openings in the cover of the cooling or heating unit and discharging the air through one or more exhaust openings in the cover, Energy storage device, A circuit that controls the operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid-state fan, A cooling or heating unit having, It has, The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to extract heat from or transfer heat to the chamber. A beverage container characterized by the following features.

15. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the cooling or heating unit is removable from the insulated container body.

16. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the insulated cover defines a cavity for housing the thermoelectric element, the solid fan, the energy storage device, and the circuit.

17. The container according to claim 16, characterized in that the insulated cap is a double-walled vacuum insulated cap.

18. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the insulated container body is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated container body.

19. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the circuit communicates wirelessly with a remote electronic device.

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