System and method for controlling and maintaining the temperature of a beverage in a drinking container
The receptacle system with inner and outer containers and a stand provides effective temperature control and visibility, addressing the issue of maintaining beverage temperature without bulkiness or obstructing view, enhancing user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022571763
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-05-22
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-05-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing beverage containers fail to maintain the desired temperature of beverages, often causing them to equilibrate with ambient temperature, and existing temperature control devices obstruct visibility or require bulky, unsuitable containers.
A receptacle system with an inner and outer receptacle, coupled to a stand, allows for temperature regulation by thermal transfer, while maintaining visibility and usability of the beverage, using magnetic attachments for modularity and condensation management.
Efficient temperature control of beverages in user-friendly containers, reducing condensation, and allowing fine-tuning of beverage temperature without obstructing view or degrading drinking experience.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for controlling and maintaining the temperature of a beverage in a drinking container. [Background technology]
[0002] Once the beverage is in the drinking container, the temperature of the beverage rises or falls to the ambient temperature rather than being maintained or altered to the desired beverage temperature. Devices have been developed to maintain the temperature of the beverage. Some devices maintain the temperature of the beverage by being placed in the contents of the drinking container. Other devices maintain the temperature through a beverage jacket (e.g., koozies, huggers, coozies). Other devices are specialized drinking containers that are themselves insulated to maintain the temperature of the beverage (e.g., tumblers or frozen glasses). Other devices include tabletop containers that can chill a bottle of wine. Summary of the Invention
[0003] An inventive aspect of the subject matter described in this specification may be embodied in a system comprising regulating a temperature of a beverage, the system including a receptacle system defining a recess for receiving a drinking vessel, the receptacle system including an outer receptacle and an inner receptacle removably coupleable to the outer receptacle, a cavity being defined between the outer receptacle and the inner receptacle, the receptacle system having an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion, the upper end portion defining an upper opening of the recess.
[0004] Each of these and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. For example, a stand for holding the receptacle system, the stand releasably attached to the receptacle system; the stand including an upper end opposite a lower end, the upper end of the stand proximate an attachment point with the receptacle system, the stand further including a reservoir proximate the upper end of the stand; the outer receptacle including a through hole disposed proximate the reservoir when the receptacle system is attached to the stand; the outer receptacle including one or more passages disposed between an inner surface of the outer receptacle and an inner surface of the inner receptacle, the passages terminating in the through hole; the stand including an upper end opposite a lower end, the upper end of the stand proximate an attachment point with the receptacle system, the stand further including a cavity proximate the upper end of the stand. The outer receptacle includes a protruding member that is at least partially disposed within the cavity when the receptacle system is attached to the stand. The protruding member of the outer receptacle and the cavity of the stand include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the receptacle system to the stand. The inner receptacle and the outer receptacle include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the inner receptacle to the outer receptacle.
[0005] Inventive aspects of the subject matter described herein may be embodied in a system for regulating the temperature of a beverage, the system comprising a receptacle system defining a recess for receiving a container of a beverage, the receptacle system including an outer receptacle including a through hole and a protruding member, and an inner receptacle removably coupled to the outer receptacle, the receptacle system including a top end portion, a bottom end portion, an inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion, the top end portion defining a top opening of the recess, and a gap between the outer receptacle and the inner receptacle. A cavity is defined and further includes a stand for holding the receptacle system, the stand releasably attached to the receptacle system, the stand including an upper end opposite a lower end, the upper end of the stand proximate to an attachment point with the receptacle system, and the stand further including: i) a cavity proximate to the upper end of the stand and corresponding to the protruding member for attaching the receptacle system to the stand; and ii) a reservoir proximate to the upper end of the stand and the through hole of the outer receptacle.
[0006] These and other embodiments may each optionally include one or more of the following features: For example, the outer receptacle includes one or more pathways disposed between an inner surface of the outer receptacle and an inner surface of the inner receptacle, the pathways terminating in the through holes; the protruding members are at least partially disposed within the cavities when the receptacle system is attached to the stand; the protruding members of the outer receptacle and the cavities of the stand include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the receptacle system to the stand; and the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the inner receptacle to the outer receptacle.
[0007] An inventive aspect of the subject matter described herein may be embodied in a method for adjusting the temperature of a beverage, the method including the steps of placing an inner receptacle in a chilled environment having a chilled temperature below room temperature; removing the inner receptacle from the chilled environment; attaching the inner receptacle to an outer receptacle, the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle forming a receptacle system; standing the receptacle system upright; pouring a beverage into a drinking container; and placing the drinking container in a recess defined by the receptacle system when the receptacle system is upright.
[0008] These and other embodiments may each optionally include one or more of the following features, such as releasably attaching the receptacle system to the stand, removing condensation that accumulates in a reservoir in the stand, and / or removing any other condensation that accumulates in the reservoir.
[0009] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other potential features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.
[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the disclosure are shown. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0011] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the temperature of a beverage including a receptacle releasably mounted to a stand. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 1A with the receptacle removed from the stand. [Figure 1C] 1B is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 1A, in which the receptacle holds a drinking vessel having a first shape. [Figure 2A]1C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 1A holding a drinking container having the first shape of FIG. 1C. [Figure 2B] 2B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 2A for holding a drinking container having a second shape. [Figure 2C] 2B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 2A for holding a drinking vessel having a third shape. [Figure 2D] 2B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 2A holding a drinking container having a fourth shape. [Figure 2E] 2B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 2A for holding a drinking container having a fifth shape. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a receptacle having a first shape defining a recess having a first shape. [Figure 3B] 4 is a schematic diagram of a receptacle having a second shape defining a recess having a second shape. FIG. [Figure 3C] 11 is a schematic diagram of a receptacle having a third shape defining a recess having a third shape. [Figure 3D] 11 is a schematic diagram of a receptacle having a fourth shape defining a recess having a fourth shape. FIG. [Figure 3E] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling beverage temperature for use with champagne flutes. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an elongated stand. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an elongated stand having a pointed end. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a substantially flat stand. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 1A, highlighting the condensation pathways. [Figure 6] FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the receptacle of FIG. 1A, with the lip visible. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the temperature of a beverage with the receptacle removed from the stand. [Figure 7B]FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 7A with the receptacle releasably attached to the stand. [Figure 8A] FIG. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of the rack of FIG. 8A in a folded position. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of the rack of FIG. 8A in a partially collapsed position. [Figure 9] FIG. 8B is a schematic partial rear view of the rack of FIG. 8A. [Figure 10] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of the system in which the rack of FIG. 8A carries three receptacles, a stand, and a drinking vessel. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the temperature of a beverage with a canister. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the temperature of a beverage involving a canister with a canister arm. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 11B showing the canister arm holding the receptacle. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the temperature of a beverage with a receptacle that holds a stemless drinking vessel. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of the system and drinking vessel of FIG. 12A, showing the drinking vessel removed from the receptacle. [Figure 13] 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling the temperature of a beverage. [Figure 14A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a front view of a further embodiment of a system for controlling the temperature of a beverage, the system including a receptacle system releasably mounted to a stand. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a schematic perspective view of the receptacle system of FIG. 14A. [Figure 15] FIG. 14B is a schematic exploded view of the receptacle system of FIG. 14A. [Figure 16] FIG. 14B is a schematic exploded view of the system of FIG. 14A. [Figure 17] FIG. 14B is a schematic cutaway view of the receptacle system of FIG. 14A. [Figure 18] FIG. 14B is a schematic side view of the stand of FIG. 14A. [Figure 19] FIG. 14B is a rear view of the receptacle system of FIG. 14A. [Figure 20] FIG. 14B is an exploded view of the system of FIG. 14A. [Figure 21] FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 14A including a drip tray. [Figure 22] 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling the temperature of a beverage. [Figure 23] FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 14A, in which the system holds a drinking vessel. [Figure 24] FIG. 14B is a schematic cutaway view of an outer receptacle of the receptacle system of FIG. 14A. [Diagram 25] FIG. 22 is a schematic side cutaway view of the drop tray of FIG. 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] In the following description, details are illustratively set forth to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter, but it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed embodiments are illustrative and do not encompass all possible embodiments.
[0013] As will be described in further detail, the inventors of the present disclosure have developed systems and methods for controlling and maintaining the temperature of a beverage within a drinking container that may allow for better and more convenient temperature control of the beverage, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the beverage by the user.
[0014] A user can pour a beverage into a drinking vessel and use the system to maintain and control the temperature of the beverage. In one embodiment of the system, the system includes a receptacle and a stand. A user may cool or warm the receptacle, for example by placing the receptacle in a freezer or microwave. After waiting until the receptacle reaches a certain temperature, the user can remove the cold or warm receptacle and use it to hold a drinking vessel containing a beverage. When the receptacle holds a drinking vessel, thermal energy is transferred from the drinking vessel to the cold receptacle or from the warm receptacle to the drinking vessel. The receptacle holds the drinking vessel and, by transferring thermal energy, cools or warms the drinking vessel to maintain and control the temperature of the beverage and extend the time the beverage is cold or hot. The receptacle may be releasably attached to the stand, allowing the receptacle to hold, for example, a stemmed wine glass. FIG. 1A depicts such a system in which a user can control the temperature of a beverage in a drinking container by placing the drinking container in a cold or warm receptacle.
[0015] As shown by way of example in FIG. 1A, the system may include a receptacle 100 releasably attached to a stand 102. The receptacle 100 and stand 102 may be made from one or more of a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, or combinations thereof, and may include a textured surface for ease of gripping. The receptacle 100 defines a recess 104 for receiving and holding a drinking vessel. The recess formed by the receptacle 100 may take on a variety of shapes and be contoured to define recesses for receiving a variety of drinking vessels having different shapes.
[0016] Generally, the receptacle 100 controls or maintains temperature by contacting a drinking vessel. By contacting the location where the drinking vessel contains the beverage, such as the bottom of the bowl of a wine glass, the receptacle 100 can efficiently allow for the transfer of thermal energy between the hot or cold receptacle 100 and the beverage.
[0017] The side opening 106 may allow a drinking vessel, such as a stemmed wine glass, to be easily received while still being securely held by the recess 104. A user may easily place a stemmed wine glass into the receptacle 100 by passing the stem of the wine glass through the side opening 106 and placing the bowl of the wine glass into the receptacle 100. The side opening 106 also allows a portion of the drinking vessel to be visible while the receptacle 100 holds the drinking vessel. As depicted in FIG. 1A, the side opening 106 may extend laterally from the inner wall portion 108 to the outer wall portion 110. Also, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1A, the side opening 106 may extend vertically from a top opening 112 defined by a top portion 116 of the receptacle 100 to a bottom opening 114 defined by a bottom portion 118 of the receptacle 100. Exterior wall portion 110 and interior wall portion 108 connect top end portion 116 and bottom end portion 118. Side opening 106 allows a user to view the beverage, but is not so large in size as to allow a drinking vessel to be dropped through receptacle 100 or to negate the temperature control and maintenance benefits of the system.
[0018] 1A is substantially C-shaped and defines a bottom opening 114 of the recess 104. The bottom opening 114 may be small enough to prevent a drinking vessel from falling through the bottom opening 114, but large enough to allow at least a portion of the stem of the drinking vessel to extend through the bottom opening 114.
[0019] The top portion 116, as shown in Fig. 1A, is also substantially C-shaped. As also illustratively shown in Fig. 1A, the top portion 116 defines a top opening 112 of the recess 104. The top opening 112 may enable the recess 104 to receive a drinking vessel. As shown in Fig. 1A, the top opening 112 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the bottom opening 114.
[0020] One problem that can occur when a user drinks a chilled beverage or uses other temperature control systems is the accumulation of condensation on the beverage container or temperature control system. When condensation accumulates, it can drip onto the user's hands, causing inconvenience to the user. Moisture can also accumulate and drip, for example, at the base of a wine glass. When a user drinks from a wine glass, the user may inadvertently splash moisture from the base of the wine glass onto themselves or onto unwanted locations, such as the user's dinner plate. The present system allows the user to enjoy a beverage with reduced or eliminated condensation accumulating in unwanted locations.
[0021] To reduce undesired user contact with condensation, the bottom portion 118 of the receptacle 100 includes a lip 120. The lip 120 is shown as the lowest point of the receptacle 100. When condensation accumulates in the system or drinking vessel, it may drip downward onto the lip 120. As shown in FIG. 1A, the lip 120 is located away from the side opening 106 where a user may grab the drinking vessel and away from where condensation may drip, for example, onto the stem of a wine glass. As shown in FIG. 1A, the lip 120 is formed as two or more peaks. The lip 120 is shaped to extend outwardly from the receptacle 100 or stand 102. The lip 120 reduces or eliminates condensation on the drinking vessel or on the user. The lip 120 may redirect condensation from the receptacle 100 to the stand 102 and further down to the support surface on which the stand 102 is placed. The system may alternatively be configured such that the lip 120 is shaped as a single peak, a ridge, multiple ridges, or a combination thereof. The lip 120 may also be part of the stand 102.
[0022] The system includes a stand 102 to hold the system upright, to enable use with a stemmed drinking vessel, or both. The stand 102 is elongated to allow the drinking vessel to be lifted off a support surface. Although the stand 102 is shown as elongated, it may be substantially flat. The receptacle 100 may also have a flat bottom portion such that the receptacle 100 would stand upright without the stand 102. As shown in FIG. 1A, the stand 102 holds the receptacle 100 upright with the top portion 116 substantially above the bottom portion 118. The stand 102 also has one or more stand prongs 122a and 122b. The stand prongs 122a and 122b extend radially outward from the receptacle 100 to provide a wide base and sturdiness to prevent the system or drinking vessel from tipping over. The stand 102 also has one or more feet 124a and 124b for contacting a surface. The feet 124a and 124b can contact a supporting surface, such as a tabletop or the ground, to hold the stand 102 upright.
[0023] The system shown in FIG. 1A offers many advantages over conventional systems. One advantage of this system is that a user can control and maintain the temperature of the beverage while using their own drinking vessel. The user does not have to drink from a large or inferior drinking vessel, such as a bulky insulated vessel that allows temperature control but reduces the drinking experience. Another advantage is that the drinking vessel and beverage can be viewed during use, as opposed to systems that obstruct visibility, such as koozies. Viewing the beverage enhances the user's experience, for example, by allowing the user to enjoy the color of the beverage. A further advantage of this system is that the user can fine-tune the temperature to their liking. For example, the user may simply lift the drinking vessel from the receptacle and hold or set the drinking vessel directly on a support surface to allow the beverage to warm slightly. If fine-tuning the temperature is desired, the vessel may be placed inside the receptacle. For example, if a tumbler is used instead of the system of FIG. 1A, the user cannot simply remove the beverage from the tumbler and place the beverage back into the tumbler. A further advantage of the system shown in FIG. 1A is that it reduces condensation dripping on the user's hands. The system is also advantageously configured to resist tipping over.
[0024] One advantage of the present system is that it may include releasably attachable components. For example, FIG. 1B shows the system of FIG. 1A with the receptacle 100 detached from the stand 102. If the system has a removable receptacle 100, a user may place only the receptacle 100 without the stand 102 in a cooled environment (such as a freezer or refrigerator) or a heated environment (such as an oven, microwave, or heat lamp). The cooled and heated environments may be any environment that is at a temperature below or above room temperature, respectively. A user may detach the stand 102 and place only the receptacle 100 in the cooled or heated environment, thereby saving space in the cooled or heated environment.
[0025] Removability using a common mounting geometry also allows for modularity, for example a system in which the stand 102 can be releasably attached to multiple receptacles having the same or different geometries. Removability allows one or more receptacles to be placed in a cooling or heating environment while another receptacle is in use, attached to the stand 102, or both. A user can remove a first receptacle from the stand and replace the first receptacle with a second receptacle that is cooled or heated. Thus, the user can enjoy a first beverage using the first receptacle, and when the user is ready to drink a second beverage, the user can use the second receptacle that is already chilled or warmed. The user can enjoy each beverage at a desired temperature. Removability also allows the stand to be kept at a temperature that is convenient for the user. Removability also allows for modularity in that the receptacle 100 can be used with multiple or various stands. The receptacle 100 may be attached to the stand 102 by mating parts such as pins and holes, magnets, hinges, joints, or any other attachment mechanism. If a system has multiple receptacles or stands, some or all of the receptacles and some or all of the stands may have a common attachment shape, allowing for a system with interchangeable modular parts. For example, all of the receptacles may have the same shaped holes and all of the stands may have the same shaped pins to connect to the holes. As a further example, all of the receptacles may have magnets with the same shaped contact surfaces and all of the stands may have magnets with the same shaped contact surfaces. Removability also allows the receptacle 100 to be used with different shaped stands, as described below. Removability also allows the stand 102 to be used with different shaped receptacles, as described below. In some systems, the receptacle 100 may be fixedly attached to the stand 102.
[0026] As an example of how the system may hold a drinking vessel, Figure 1C depicts the system of Figures 1A and 1B holding a drinking vessel 126 having a first shape. After the receptacle 100 is removed from the cooling or heating environment, the receptacle 100 may be releasably, but securely attached to the stand 102. The drinking vessel 126 may then be held by the receptacle 100, which may contact a lower portion of the drinking vessel 126 closest to the beverage liquid, thereby effectively maintaining and controlling the temperature of the beverage.
[0027] 1C, the top portion 116 and the bottom portion 118 are substantially C-shaped around the drinking vessel 126. The bottom opening 114 is small enough that the drinking vessel 126 will not fall through the bottom opening 114, but large enough that the stem of the drinking vessel 126 extends through the bottom opening 114.
[0028] While holding the drinking vessel 126, at least a portion of the receptacle 100 may contact the drinking vessel 126 while the recess 104 of the receptacle 100 receives the drinking vessel 126. Contact of the drinking vessel 126 by the receptacle 100 may efficiently transfer thermal energy to control and maintain the temperature of the drinking vessel 126. The side opening 106 allows a portion of the drinking vessel 126 to be visible while the system is holding the drinking vessel 126. The system need not have a side opening. Without the side opening 106, the system may be able to more efficiently control and maintain the temperature of the beverage by completely enclosing the drinking vessel. However, a system that allows the user to view the beverage while enjoying it may enhance the user's experience. For example, a user may enjoy watching the bubbles rise in a champagne. A user may enjoy watching the caramel color of their scotch or the deep red color of a Bordeaux. The side opening 106 also allows the stemmed drinking vessel 126 to be easily placed in and removed from the recess 104. The stand 102 may be elongated so that the drinking vessel 126 can be lifted off of a supporting surface, as shown in Figure 1C. For example, if the drinking vessel has a stem, the drinking vessel may need to be lifted off of a supporting surface.
[0029] The system as shown allows for the use of a drinking vessel 126 designed for use with a particular beverage. The drinking vessel 126 is designed for red wine. A user may wish to enjoy a beverage from a drinking vessel designed for a particular beverage. For example, a user may enjoy using a champagne flute for champagne, as the champagne flute itself creates a long path for the champagne bubbles to rise. A user may also wish to enjoy a beverage in a glass other than a champagne flute, such as drinking a martini from a coupe. For example, many wine glasses are shaped differently to direct the flow of a particular wine to a part of the user's tongue or to affect the aromas the user smells. The drinking vessel may also have aesthetic qualities, such as thin glass or decorative glass, that cannot be compared to a bulky insulated vessel. The system is advantageous in that a user may enjoy a temperature-controlled beverage from a drinking vessel designed specifically for that beverage.
[0030] The system also allows the temperature of the beverage to be controlled without introducing foreign objects into the beverage itself. Such foreign objects may reduce the enjoyment of the beverage by adding weight to the drinking vessel, changing the feel of the drinking vessel, affecting the taste or smell of the beverage, causing unnecessary contact with the foreign object by the user's lips or face, and reducing the aesthetics of the drinking vessel containing the beverage. The system allows the user to enjoy drinking from the drinking vessel 126 while controlling and maintaining the temperature of the beverage without the foreign object compromising the enjoyment of the beverage. A further advantage of the system is that the user can fine-tune the temperature to suit their preferences. For example, the user may simply lift the drinking vessel from the receptacle and hold or set the drinking vessel directly on a support surface to allow the beverage to warm slightly. Systems that use foreign objects placed within the beverage contents may make it difficult for the user to fine-tune the temperature of the beverage since the user would have to reach into the beverage contents.
[0031] Although the drinking vessel 126 is shown having a first shape, the system may be used with a variety of drinking vessels having different shapes. The system may hold drinking vessels of different shapes, such as red wine glasses, Bordeaux glasses, Burgundy glasses, white wine glasses, stemmed wine glasses, stemless wine glasses, round wine glasses, wine glasses with squared edges, champagne flutes, pint glasses, whiskey glasses, martini glasses, coupes, glasses of any of a variety of shapes, cans, bottles, or other containers used to hold beverages. As described herein, the receptacle 100 may be shaped to provide surface-to-surface contact with a number of differently shaped drinking vessels. Another way in which the system may be used with drinking vessels of different shapes is by having multiple receptacles that define different recesses for receiving a variety of differently shaped drinking vessels.
[0032] 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E provide examples of how the system of FIGS. 1A-1C may be used with drinking vessels of different shapes. The receptacle 100 may define a recess shown in FIG. 2A that can receive a variety of different drinking vessels, such as drinking vessel 126 having a first shape of FIG. 1C. The recess may also receive drinking vessel 128 having a second shape shown in FIG. 2B, drinking vessel 130 having a third shape shown in FIG. 2C, drinking vessel 132 having a fourth shape shown in FIG. 2D, and drinking vessel 133 having a fifth shape shown in FIG. 2E. Drinking vessels 126, 128, 130, and 132 are wine glasses. Drinking vessel 133 is a coupe glass. The receptacle 100 may be shaped to allow a larger surface area of the interior wall portion 108 to contact drinking vessels of a variety of different shapes and sizes. Since the transfer of thermal energy depends on how much of the surface of the drinking vessel is in close contact with the beverage, increasing the contact area allows for more efficient temperature control. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 2A-2E, the inner wall portion 108 is specially formed with a multi-container contour to contact a large surface area of a variety of different shaped drinking vessels in the vicinity where the beverage is contained.
[0033] An example of a multi-container profile is depicted in Figures 2A-2E. At the top portion 116, the top slope 134 has a top slope. "Slope" in this disclosure means a mathematical numerical descriptor. When the receptacle is upright and holding a drinking vessel, the top slope may have a magnitude such that the top slope 134 is approximately perpendicular to the support surface on which the system stands. The top slope 134 contacts the drinking vessel 128 in Figure 2B and contacts the drinking vessel 130 in Figure 2C.
[0034] The inner wall portion 108 may also have a curved surface 136. The curved surface 136 may better accommodate drinking vessels with wide bowls, squared edges, or both. The curved surface 136 connects the top slope 134 and the middle slope 138. Although the curved surface 136 is shown as having a smooth surface, it may be serrated or may include a combination of smooth and serrated surfaces to better hold the drinking vessel or to accommodate other drinking vessels. The serrated surface may reduce the contact area, but the serrated surface may prevent slipping. The curved surface 136 contacts the drinking vessel 130 in FIG. 2C and the drinking vessel 133 in FIG. 2E. The middle slope 138 may have a middle slope that is smaller in magnitude than the top slope of the top slope 134. The middle slope 138 accommodates drinking vessels that may curve inward toward the bottom of the bowl of the drinking vessel. The intermediate slope 138 contacts the drinking vessel 130 of FIG. 2C and the drinking vessel 133 of FIG. 2E. The intermediate slope 138 is connected to the bottom slope 140 at the bottom portion 118. The bottom slope 140 may have a bottom slope that is greater than the middle slope of the intermediate slope 138 and a bottom slope that is less than the top slope of the top slope 134. The bottom slope 140 allows, for example, a larger surface area of the receptacle to contact the narrow drinking vessel. The bottom slope 140 contacts the drinking vessel 126 of FIG. 2A, the drinking vessel 128 of FIG. 2B, the drinking vessel 130 of FIG. 2C, the drinking vessel 132 of FIG. 2D, and the drinking vessel 133 of FIG. 2E.
[0035] Thus, the present system is advantageous over other systems because it can control the temperature of a variety of drinking vessels of different shapes. Figures 2A-2E provide five examples of how a receptacle having one shape can hold drinking vessels of different shapes to provide adequate surface area contact to provide heat transfer. The system may also be configured such that the inner wall portion 108 includes a convex contour, a concave contour, or both to provide surface contact area for a particular drinking vessel.
[0036] An additional benefit of the present system, which can be seen in Figures 2A-2E, is the inner cavity 142. The inner cavity 142 allows for efficient and long-term temperature control, insulation, or a combination thereof. For example, the inner cavity 142 can carry and contain a liquid solution. When placed in a freezer, the liquid solution can freeze, thereby increasing the time and degree of temperature control and maintenance of the beverage.
[0037] As shown by Figures 2A-2E, an inner cavity 142 may be defined between the inner wall portion 108 and the outer wall portion 110, and between the top portion 116 and the bottom portion 118. The top portion 116, the bottom portion 118, the inner wall portion 108, and the outer wall portion 110 define the top, bottom, inner, and outer boundaries of the inner cavity 142, respectively. The boundaries surround the inner cavity 142. The inner cavity 142 may contain and carry air or a gas. The inner cavity 142 may include a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber within the inner cavity 142 may be less than 600 Torr, less than 100 Torr, or less than 600 Torr. -1 Less than 10 Torr -2 Less than 10 Torr -3 Less than 10 Torr -4The inner cavity 142 may have a pressure of less than 100 Torr. The inner cavity 142 may contain and support a solid material such as styrofoam or plastic coated wood. The inner cavity 142 may contain and support a liquid solution such that the inner cavity 142 is partially or completely filled. The liquid solution may include water, a gel such as an alcohol gel, a solute, or a combination thereof. The liquid solution in the inner cavity 142 may have a freezing point at or above the temperature of a domestic freezer, for example. The inner cavity 142 may extend the temperature retention of the receptacle, thereby extending the time that the temperature of the beverage is controlled. The inner cavity 142 may include an expansion region to allow room for the solution to expand so that the frozen solution does not exert enough pressure on the boundaries of the inner cavity 142 to damage the receptacle. Although the inner cavity 142 is shown in Figures 2A-2E, the system may include a receptacle(s) without the inner cavity 142. Although only a portion of the system is shown in Figures 2A-2E, the internal cavity may extend around the receptacle to contain the drinking vessel, or may be contained within a portion or portions of the receptacle.
[0038] One advantage of the present system is that multiple receptacles can be used to hold drinking vessels of different shapes. Figures 3A-3E depict multiple receptacles of different shapes that define differently shaped recesses. Each receptacle may be releasably attached to the same stand via a common attachment feature. For example, each receptacle may be attached to any one or more stands by mating parts such as pins and holes, complementary features, magnets, hinges, joints, or other attachment mechanisms. All receptacles and stands in the system may share a common attachment feature to allow modularity and interchangeability. In addition to accommodating multiple different drinking vessels, multiple receptacles allow one or more receptacles to be heated or cooled while other receptacles are being used. For example, a user may be using one receptacle to cool a drinking vessel while another receptacle is in the user's freezer. Each receptacle may be used with each stand shown in other figures of this disclosure, for example, and may be releasably attached to various stands. FIG. 3E illustrates a system having a stand 102 and a receptacle 143. The receptacle 143 is releasably attached to the stand 102 and holds a champagne flute 135. Although FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate multiple receptacles having different shapes, the system may include multiple receptacles having the same shape, such as the receptacles shown in the other figures. A system having multiple receptacles of the same shape may be beneficial, for example, because a user may have a chilled receptacle for each additional wine glass. Additionally, as previously discussed, the receptacles may accept many different types of drinking vessels.
[0039] Another advantage of the system is that it can be used in different settings. For example, the system may have different stands for different applications, such as for outdoor use. Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C collectively depict multiple stands with which different receptacles having a common mounting configuration may be used. For example, each of the depicted stands may be used with and releasably attached to receptacles shown in other figures of this disclosure.
[0040] An elongated stand may be used, for example, to hold and cool a stemmed wine glass on a support surface. FIG. 4A depicts the stand 102 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C that may be used with a stemmed wine glass. The stand 102 as shown is elongated. The stand 102 is operable to hold a receptacle upright. The depicted embodiment has two stand prongs 122a and 122b, each having a foot 124a and 124b. The feet 124a and 124b may contact a surface, such as a tabletop or the ground, thereby holding the stand 102 upright.
[0041] For outdoor use, or for use with a soft, penetrable support surface, such as soil, the stand may be configured to be inserted into the support surface. For example, FIG. 4B depicts stand 144. Stand 144 as shown is elongated and has a prong 146. Prong 146 may be securely inserted into a soft support surface, such as soil, sand, or grass. Stand 144 may have two stand prongs 148a and 148b. When attached to a receptacle, stand 144 may thereby hold the receptacle upright on a soft surface. For example, a user may want to cool a beverage while sitting on the ground outdoors.
[0042] The stand may be configured to use minimal space for use with stemless drinking vessels, such as stemless wine glasses, mugs, or whiskey glasses. For example, FIG. 4C depicts stand 150. Stand 150 as shown is substantially flat. Stand 150 is shown with one foot 152. Stand 150 may hold a receptacle upright. Stand 150 may have two stand prongs 154a and 154b. The receptacle may be configured to be substantially flat at the bottom to hold, for example, a stemless wine glass, coffee cup, or snifter upright without the stand, but stand 150 may be attached to a receptacle to hold a stemless wine glass (or various other drinking vessels). Foot 152 may contact a surface, such as a table top or the ground, thereby holding stand 150 upright.
[0043] Different stands, such as those illustrated by way of example in Figures 4A-4C, allow the system to be more versatile than other systems. Different stands allow the system to be used with different drinking vessels and in different environments. A user may wish to use a drinking vessel with a stem, such as a wine glass, or a drinking vessel without a stem, such as a whiskey glass. A user may wish to use a drinking vessel while seated at a table or while sitting on the ground at a picnic.
[0044] As discussed above, the system may include a lip to channel condensation away from undesirable locations. The system may also include a condensation path to channel condensation. For example, FIG. 5 depicts the system of FIGS. 1A-1C with an enhanced condensation path 156. As shown by way of example in FIG. 5, the condensation path 156 may be formed in part or in whole by the contours of the receptacle 100 and stand 102. For example, the interior wall portion 108 slopes downwardly toward the lip 120.
[0045] The condensation path 156 allows moisture that collects on the drinking vessel or system to flow to a desired location, such as the foot 124a or 124b, or a location on the receptacle 100. The location on the receptacle 100 for the moisture to flow to is away from where a user would grab the drinking vessel at the side opening 106 and away from where condensation would drip, for example, onto the base of a wine glass. As highlighted in FIG. 5, the condensation path 156 extends from the receptacle 100 to the stand 102. The condensation path 156 includes a lip 120. The lip 120 may be shaped to protrude downwards so that condensation drips off the lip 120 and away from the user's hand, as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the condensation path 156 includes the lip 120 and terminates at the feet 124a and 124b.
[0046] Condensation pathways 156 may be formed differently. For example, the system may include condensation pathways formed in part or in whole by grooves in the surfaces of the interior wall portion 108, the stand 102, or both. Condensation pathways 156 are yet another advantage that the system may have, as they prevent unwanted moisture from migrating to undesirable locations.
[0047] As mentioned above, lip 120 provides benefits such as reducing or eliminating moisture contact with a user's hands. Figure 6 depicts a side view of receptacle 100 of Figure 5 so that lip 120 is visible.
[0048] Another advantage of the system is that it can also be used to efficiently control the temperature of a beverage in a drinking vessel, such as a pint glass. A further advantage is that it allows the user to view the pint glass and the beverage while the system controls and maintains the temperature of the beverage. A further advantage of the system is that it allows the user to fine-tune the temperature according to preference. For example, the user may simply lift the drinking vessel from the receptacle and hold or set the drinking vessel directly on a support surface to allow the beverage to warm slightly. The stand may also have additional features to improve insulation and increase the time the beverage is maintained at a desired temperature. For example, the stand may have a vacuum chamber to improve insulation. The stand may also be securely and releasably attached to the receptacle by complementing the shape of the receptacle and thus covering the receptacle. FIG. 7A depicts an example of a system for controlling the temperature of a beverage that includes a receptacle 158 and a stand 160. The receptacle 158 is shown detached from the stand 160. The receptacle 158 is shaped to define a recess 162 for receiving a drinking vessel 164, such as a pint glass. An inner wall portion 166 slopes inwardly from a top portion 168 to a bottom portion 170. An outer wall portion 172 slopes inwardly from the top portion 168 to the bottom portion 170. The receptacle 158 complements the shape of the drinking vessel 164, allowing a larger surface area of the receptacle 158 to contact the drinking vessel, allowing for efficient transfer of thermal energy.
[0049] The illustrated receptacle 158 defines a side opening 174 to allow a portion of the drinking vessel 164 to be visible while the system is holding the drinking vessel 164. Alternatively, the receptacle may completely cover the pint glass. The side opening 174 also allows the drinking vessel 164 to be more easily received by the recess 162 by providing more space for a user to grasp the drinking vessel 164. As depicted in FIG. 7A, the side opening 174 extends laterally from the inner wall portion 166 to the outer wall portion 172. As described above in this disclosure, an interior cavity may be defined between the inner wall portion 166 and the outer wall portion 172, and between the top portion 168 and the bottom portion 170.
[0050] The stand 160 also defines a stand side opening 176 such that the drinking vessel 164 is visible as it is held by the receptacle 158 when the receptacle 158 is releasably attached to the stand 160. The stand 160 includes a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber may be contained between a stand inner wall portion 178, a stand outer wall portion 180, an upper stand portion 182, and a lower stand portion 184. The vacuum chamber may be less than 600 Torr, 10 -1 Less than 10 Torr -2 Less than 10 Torr -3 Less than 10 Torr -4 The receptacle 158 has a pressure of less than 100 Torr. The vacuum chamber provides better insulation of the drinking vessel 164 when the receptacle 158 holds the drinking vessel 164 and is releasably attached to the stand 160. The stand 160 and receptacle 158 may also include an outer textured sleeve to make it easier for a user to grip, for example, when removing the receptacle 158 from the freezer. The outer textured sleeve may be releasably attachable.
[0051] A system such as that configured for pint glasses or other glasses may include releasably attachable functionality and modularity. As discussed above, releasably attachable components may save space, for example, in a freezer and add versatility to the system. FIG. 7B illustrates the system for controlling the temperature of beverages of FIG. 7A in which the receptacle 158 is releasably attached to the stand 160. In the illustrated example, the receptacle 158 and the stand 160 are releasably attached by being complementary in shape such that the receptacle 158 fits securely within the stand 160. As shown by FIG. 7B, the stand 160 covers the receptacle 158, thereby improving insulation and extending the duration of temperature control. Also, as shown by FIG. 7B, the drinking vessel 164 is visible due to a side opening 174 and a stand-side opening 176.
[0052] Figures 7A and 7B use a pint glass as an example. The receptacle 158 and stand 160 depicted in Figures 7A and 7B may be complementary in shape to releasably attach and fit any drinking vessel. To provide longer term temperature control and maintenance, the system may have a receptacle without a side opening and a stand without a side opening.
[0053] The present system provides a further advantage over conventional systems in that it may include a rack for ease of transport. Other systems may be bulky and therefore difficult to transport and store. FIG. 8A depicts a rack 186 that is part of an exemplary system. The rack 186 has a tray 188 that is used to carry one or more receptacles releasably attached to the stand, one or more drinking vessels, or a combination thereof. The tray 188 has hands 190a, 190b, and 190c, respectively, for receiving receptacles releasably attached to the stand, drinking vessels, or a combination thereof. Each hand 190a, 190b, 190c is substantially C-shaped as shown in FIG. 8A. Alternatively, the hands may be formed, for example, as two straight lines. The hands 190a, 190b, 190c can engage under a receptacle, drinking vessel, or both, and lift the receptacle, drinking vessel, or both, when a user applies an upward force to the hands 190a, 190b, 190c. The rack 186 may include any number of hands for carrying any number of one or more receptacles, one or more drinking vessels, or combinations thereof releasably attached to the stand.
[0054] The rack 186 has a first arm 192 attached to a first tray side 194. The first arm 192 may be attached to the first tray side 194 by a hinge, joint, mating parts such as a pin and hole, or a complementary feature, magnet, or any other attachment mechanism. The rack 186 has a second arm 196 attached to a second tray side 198. The second arm 196 may be attached to the second tray side 198 by a hinge, joint, mating parts such as a pin and hole, or a complementary feature, magnet, or any other attachment mechanism. The first arm 192 and the second arm 196 are attached such that the first arm 192 and the second arm 196 can be folded, as described below. The first arm 192 and the second arm 196 have movable secondary arms 200a, 200b that further attach the first arm 192 and the second arm 196, respectively, to the tray 188. The rack 186 may also have two rack feet 202a and 202b for standing the rack 186 upright on a support surface. The rack feet 202a and 202b are attached to the tray 188 and are foldable underneath the tray 188. The rack feet 202a and 202b may be attached to the tray 188 by mating parts such as hinges, joints, pins and holes, or complementary shapes, magnets, or any other attachment mechanism. The rack 186 includes a rack handle 201 to allow a user to more easily carry the rack 186.
[0055] In settings where one or more drinking vessels, receptacles, stands, or combinations thereof are used, storage space may be limited. For example, a restaurant or bar may require a large number of receptacles and drinking vessels and may require a rack to carry the receptacles to the tables. However, the restaurant may only have limited storage space. Thus, a rack that can transport the system but store in a small amount of space is desirable. The rack 186 may be foldable when not in use for transport, thereby further saving the user space. For example, FIG. 8B depicts the rack 186 of FIG. 8A in a folded position. FIG. 8C depicts the rack 186 of FIG. 8A in a partially folded position.
[0056] As an example of how the rack 186 of Figures 8A-8C may be folded to save space, Figure 9 illustrates how the first arm 192 and the second arm 196 may be folded. Figure 9 is a partial rear view of the rack depicted in Figures 8A-8C. The second arm 196 may have a track 204, allowing the wheels 206 of the first arm 192 to slide within the track 204, thereby folding the rack. The wheels 206 do not need to rotate to slide within the track 204. The wheels 206 are cylindrical pins. The wheels may rotate on an axle, may have a low friction surface, or both.
[0057] FIG. 10 shows a system with the rack 186 of FIG. 8C. The system is shown with the rack 186 carrying three receptacles 100a, 100b, and 100c releasably attached to three stands 102a, 102b, and 102c. Each receptacle 100a, 100b, and 100c is shown holding a drinking vessel 126a, 126b, or 126c. The system is modular since any of the three receptacles 100a, 100b, and 100c can be releasably attached to any of the three stands 102a, 102b, or 102c. Once the user has lifted the rack, for example by the rack handle 201, the user may lift and carry the system.
[0058] In an exemplary system, the system includes a canister for holding wine bottles and a number of stands for mounting receptacles. A user may wish to maintain the temperature of the bottles while viewing and sharing them at a restaurant. The canister may be configured to accept any type of bottle or drinking vessel. The system can simultaneously control and maintain the temperature of the wine in the wine bottle and the wine poured into the wine glass. A user may wish to easily transport one or more receptacles, stands, drinking vessels, bottles, or combinations thereof. FIG. 11A illustrates an exemplary system that is easily portable and allows simultaneous temperature control of drinking vessels and bottles. Each receptacle 100a, 100b, and 100c is shown releasably attached to a stand 208a, 208b, and 208c, respectively. The stands 208a, 208b, and 208c are attached to a canister 210. The canister 210 has a fourth stand attached to the rear side of the canister, not visible in Figure 11 A. The stands 208a, 208b, and 208c may alternatively be releasably attached to the canister 210. The canister 210 is operable to receive a wine bottle 212 in a canister recess 214 defined by the canister 210.
[0059] To maintain and control the temperature of the wine bottle 212, the canister 210 may be insulated to prevent thermal energy from transferring to the canister recess 214. For example, the canister 210 may include a canister inner cavity. The canister inner cavity may include a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber within the canister inner cavity may be maintained at a pressure of less than 600 Torr, 10 -1 Less than 10 Torr -2 Less than 10 Torr -3 Less than 10 Torr -4 The canister 210 may have a pressure of less than 100 Torr. For example, the canister inner cavity may be filled with a thermal material, including a solid, gas, liquid, or combinations thereof, to maintain and control the temperature of the wine bottle 212. The canister inner cavity or canister recess 214 may be filled with ice to control and maintain the temperature of the wine. A user may place the canister 210 in a cooling or heating environment prior to use.
[0060] The canister 210 may include a removable inner sleeve. The removable inner sleeve may function to allow a user to store only the removable inner sleeve in a heating or cooling environment to save space in the heating or cooling environment. The removable inner sleeve may be a portion of the canister 210 or may include any portion. For example, the inner sleeve may include an inner cavity and a vacuum chamber.
[0061] One advantage of the system of FIG. 11A is that it allows a user to simultaneously control the temperature of the wine in the wine bottles and the wine in the drinking vessel held by the receptacles 100a, 100b, and 100c. The receptacles 100a, 100b, and 100c are releasably attached to stands 208a, 208b, and 208c attached to the canister 210, so that a receptacle that warms over time can be replaced with a cold receptacle. Thus, the system allows the temperature of the beverage to be controlled and maintained over time. Furthermore, the system can accommodate different drinking vessels using receptacles with different shapes. For example, the system can be used when a user wants to enjoy one type of wine in one glass and a second type of wine in a second glass. The system with the canister is configured to allow any number of receptacles and stands to be used. Also, stands of different lengths and extendable stands can be used for different sized tables. There may be more or fewer stands and receptacles, and the canister may be shaped to accommodate multiple bottles.
[0062] A user may wish to enjoy the mobility of a freestanding container and stand, but still enjoy the benefits of a canister, including the ease of transport and simultaneous temperature control of the bottle. Each freestanding container and stand pair may be moved independently by each user while holding the drinking container, thereby allowing each user to temperature control the drinking container and place the drinking container within reach. Such mobility may be desirable on a large table where it may be difficult for all users to reach one location. FIG. 11B is an exemplary system including a canister 215 with freestanding receptacles 100a, 100b, and 100c, stands 102a, 102b, and 102c, and drinking containers 126a, 126b, and 126c. The receptacles 100a, 100b, and 100c are releasably attached to the stands 102a, 102b, and 102c, respectively. Canister arms 217a, 217b are attached to the canister 215 to securely hold the receptacle and stand. Additional canister arms are attached to the front and rear of the canister 215, but are not visible at the angle shown in FIG. 11B. The canister arms 217a, 217b fit under the receptacles 100a, 100b and stands 102a, 102b. The canister arms 217a, 217b may be shaped to fit securely around the stands and receptacles to retain the receptacles and stands, while not encroaching into recesses and preventing the receptacles 100a, 100b from holding the drinking vessels 126a, 126b. A canister handle 219 is attached to the canister 210. While the canister arms 217a and 217b hold the receptacles 100a and 100b securely, a user can lift the canister, or canister handle 219, thereby lifting the receptacles 100a and 100b, the stands 102a and 102b releasably attached thereto, and the drinking vessels 126a and 126b held by the receptacles 100a and 100b. Thus, the system allows a user to carry multiple receptacles, stands, drinking vessels, and bottles.The system may include canister arms that are releasably attached to the stands and receptacles to hold the stands and receptacles securely. The canister arms may be attached to the stands by mating parts such as pin and hole, magnets, hinges, joints, or any other attachment mechanism. Figure 11B shows the system while the canister arms 217a and 217b are not holding the stands 102a and 102b and the receptacles 100a and 100b. Figure 11C shows the system of Figure 11B while the canister arms 217a and 217b are holding the stands 102a and 102b and the receptacles 100a and 100b. The stand 102c and the receptacle 100c are held by the canister arms, which are not visible. By lifting the canister handle 219, a user can carry the system and the drinking vessels 126a, 126b, and 126c held by the system.
[0063] Beverages are often enjoyed using stemless drinking vessels, such as whiskey glasses and stemless wine glasses. Similar to beverages poured into stemmed drinking vessels, beverages poured into stemless drinking vessels are often poured in such a way that the entire drinking vessel is not completely filled. For example, wine and whiskey are typically poured to fill less than the entire drinking vessel, or to fill less than two-thirds, half, or one-third of the drinking vessel. Filling less than the entire drinking vessel allows the user to swirl the beverage in the glass and better smell the beverage's complex aromas. Additionally, filling the drinking vessel with less drinking liquid exposes the beverage to more oxygen, which may allow the beverage's flavors to develop. In an exemplary system, the system may be used to hold the stemless drinking vessel and contact the bottom of the drinking vessel to allow viewing of the drinking vessel, the beverage therein, or both, while allowing efficient temperature control and maintenance. The system may include a receptacle that covers the bottom of a drinking vessel in which some, most, or all of the beverage may be contained. The system may also cover most or all of the drinking vessel. FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary system in which a receptacle 216 defines a recess 218 and holds a drinking vessel 220. The drinking vessel 220 is a stemless wine glass. The receptacle 216 is shown covering and contacting the bottom of the drinking vessel 220 in which the beverage will most likely be contained. The system may still provide visibility to the drinking vessel 220, or additionally provide visibility to some or all of the beverage contained therein, thereby enhancing the user's enjoyment of the beverage. The increased contact area with the bottom of the drinking vessel 220 in which the beverage is contained allows for better heat transfer, thereby allowing for better temperature control and maintenance. The receptacle 216 has a top portion 222, a bottom portion 224, an inner wall portion 226, and an outer wall portion 228. The top portion 222 is shown defining a top opening 230 of the recess 218. The receptacle 216 is shown upright without a stand. The receptacle 216 includes a bottom opening 221. The bottom opening 221 allows condensation to drip through the opening rather than pooling at the bottom of the receptacle 216.
[0064] The receptacle 216 may hold drinking vessels of many different shapes. The system may include any other features. For example, the system may include any one or more of an internal cavity, a multi-container contour, both, or additionally or alternatively other features as described elsewhere in this disclosure. The receptacle is shown without side openings in FIG. 12A, but may include side openings. The receptacle 216 may also be releasably attached to a stand.
[0065] Figure 12B depicts the system and drinking vessel 220 of Figure 12A when the receptacle 216 is not holding the drinking vessel 220. The inner wall portion 226, the recess 218, and the top opening 230 are visible.
[0066] Disclosed herein is a method for controlling the temperature of a beverage. The method enhances a user's enjoyment of the beverage by allowing for beverage visibility, saving space, and efficiently controlling the beverage temperature. FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for controlling the temperature of a beverage. The method may use components and systems as described elsewhere in this disclosure. For example, the method may use a receptacle, stand, receptacle and stand, or system as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-12B. After initiating temperature control at step 900, the method includes sealing a liquid solution in an inner cavity of the receptacle at step 901. The sealing of the solution allows for better and longer heat transfer. The method includes selecting whether a hot or cold beverage is desired at step 902. If a hot beverage is selected, the method includes placing the receptacle in a heated environment at step 903. The heated environment may be any environment where the temperature is at or above room temperature, such as an oven, microwave, or heat lamp. The method includes removing the receptacle from the heated environment at step 904. If a cold beverage is selected, the method includes placing the receptacle in a cooled environment at step 905. The cooled environment may be any environment that is at or below room temperature, such as a freezer or refrigerator. The method includes removing the receptacle from the cooled environment at step 906.
[0067] The method includes, at step 907, attaching the receptacle to a stand. The method includes, at step 908, erecting the receptacle. The receptacle may be erected at step 908 by placing the stand releasably attached to the receptacle on a surface. The receptacle may be erected at step 908 by erecting the receptacle without the stand on a supporting surface, such as a tabletop or an outdoor ground. The receptacle may be erected at step 908 by inserting the stand having a prong releasably attached to the receptacle into the ground. The method includes, at step 909, pouring the beverage into the drinking vessel. The method includes, at step 910, placing the drinking vessel in a recess defined by the receptacle. The method may further include fine-tuning the temperature of the beverage. For example, the method may include lifting the drinking vessel out of the recess defined by the receptacle to slightly warm or cool the beverage. The method includes terminating the control of temperature in step 911.
[0068] 14A and 14B show a further embodiment of a receptacle, shown as receptacle system 1400, and a stand, shown as stand 1402. Receptacle system 1400 can be releasably attached to stand 1402.
[0069] 15, the receptacle system 1400 may include an outer receptacle 1404 and an inner receptacle 1406. The inner receptacle 1406 may be removably coupled to the outer receptacle 1404. The outer receptacle 1404 may include a through hole 1410 and a protruding member 1602, as shown in FIG.
[0070] 14A and 14B, the receptacle system 1400 defines a recess 1405 similar to the recess 104 of FIG. 1A. Similar to that described with respect to the receptacle 100, the receptacle system 1400 includes a side opening 1420 that extends laterally from an inner wall portion 1422 to an outer wall portion 1423. The side opening 1420 may also extend vertically from a top opening 1424 defined by a top portion 1426 of the receptacle system 1400 to a bottom opening 1428 defined by a bottom portion 1430 of the receptacle system 1400. The outer wall portion 1423 and the inner wall portion 1422 connect the top portion 1426 and the bottom portion 1430.
[0071] Because the inner receptacle 1406 is removable from the outer receptacle 1404, the inner receptacle 1406 may be placed in a cooled environment (such as a freezer or refrigerator) or a heated environment (such as an oven, microwave, heat lamp, etc.) without the outer receptacle 1404 and / or the stand 1402. The cooled and heated environments may be any environment where the temperature is below or above room temperature, respectively. A user may save space in a cooled or heated environment by removing the receptacle system 1400 from the stand 1402 and the inner receptacle 1406 from the outer receptacle 1404 and placing only the inner receptacle 1406 in the cooled or heated environment. In some embodiments, the receptacle system 1400 including the outer receptacle 1404 and the inner receptacle 1406 may be placed in a cooled or heated environment.
[0072] 15, the inner receptacle 1406 can include an inner surface 1502 disposed opposite the inner wall portion 1422. The outer receptacle 1404 can include an inner surface 1504 opposite the outer wall portion 1423. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, when the inner receptacle 1406 is coupled to the outer receptacle 1404, the inner surface 1502 of the inner receptacle 1406 is positioned opposite the inner surface 1504 of the outer receptacle 1404. 17, when the inner receptacle 1406 is coupled to the outer receptacle 1404, a cavity 1702 is defined between the inner receptacle 1406 and the outer receptacle 1404, and in particular between the inner surface 1502 of the inner receptacle 1406 and the inner surface 1504 of the outer receptacle 1404. The cavity 1702 may collect condensation from the receptacle system 1400 as described further herein.
[0073] 15, the inner surface 1504 of the outer receptacle 1404 may include a bottom inner surface 1554. In some examples, the bottom inner surface 1554 may have a "bottom slope." Specifically, slope as described herein refers to a mathematical numerical descriptor. The bottom slope may be of a magnitude such that when the receptacle system 1400 is placed on a surface (the stand 1402 is placed on the surface and coupled to the receptacle system 1400), the bottom slope is "pitched" or "angled" relative to the surface on which the receptacle system 1400 is placed. The bottom inner surface 1554 may have a slope that is pitched toward the stand 1402.
[0074] 18, the stand 1402 may include an upper end 1802 located opposite a lower end 1804. When the receptacle system 1400 is coupled with the stand 1402, the upper end of the stand 1402 is proximate an attachment point between the receptacle system 1400 and the stand 1402.
[0075] The stand 1402 may further include a cavity 1810 and a reservoir 1812. The cavity 1810 is disposed proximate to the top end 1802 of the stand 1402. The cavity 1810 corresponds to the protruding member 1602 of the outer receptacle 1404 as shown in FIG. 16 . That is, when the receptacle system 1400 is coupled to the stand 1402, at least a portion of the protruding member 1602 is disposed within the cavity 1810. The reservoir 1812 is disposed proximate to the top end 1802 of the stand 1402 and is further disposed proximate to the cavity 1810. The reservoir 1812 corresponds to the through hole 1410 of the outer receptacle 1404. That is, when the receptacle system 1400 is coupled to the stand 1402, the reservoir 1812 is positioned proximate to the through hole 1410 of the outer receptacle 1404.
[0076] 14B, 15, 17, and 18, for example, when the temperature of the inner receptacle 1406 differs from the temperature of room temperature (the temperature of the environment that contains the receptacle system 1400), condensation may form on the inner receptacle 1406. To reduce unwanted user contact with the condensation, the receptacle system 1400 and stand 1402 may channel such condensation to the reservoir 1812. Specifically, condensation that forms on the inner receptacle 1406, and in particular on the inner surface 1502 of the inner receptacle 1406, may be trapped in the cavity 1702 between the inner receptacle 1406 and the outer receptacle 1404. That is, if condensation forms on the inner surface 1502 of the inner receptacle 1406, it may be directed toward the bottom end portion 1430 of the receptacle system 1400 and then (e.g., by gravity) toward the bottom inner surface 1554 of the outer receptacle 1404. In some embodiments, the condensation may remain within the cavity 1702 (e.g., on the inner surface 1502 of the inner receptacle 1406 and / or the bottom inner surface 1554 of the outer receptacle 1404). In this manner, condensation that may come into contact with a user of the receptacle system 1400 and the stand 1402, as well as the surface on which the stand 1402 is placed, may be minimized and / or prevented.
[0077] In some embodiments, because the bottom inner surface 1554 slopes toward the stand 1402, the condensation may be further directed (e.g., by gravity) toward the rear end portion 1660 of the outer receptacle 1404, as shown in FIG. 16 . As the condensation is directed toward the rear end portion 1660 of the outer receptacle 1404, the condensation may further exit through the through-holes 1410 of the outer receptacle 1404. Because the reservoir 1812 is disposed proximate to the through-holes 1410 of the outer receptacle 1404, as the condensation exits through the through-holes 1410, the condensation may be directed into the reservoir 1812. The reservoir 1812 may collect / retain such condensation. In this manner, condensation that may come into contact with users of the receptacle system 1400 and stand 1402, as well as the surface on which the stand 1402 is placed, may be minimized and / or prevented.
[0078] 15 and 24, in some examples, the outer receptacle 1404 may further include a channel 2402. The channel 2402 may be positioned between the inner surface 1504 of the outer receptacle 1404 and the inner surface 1502 of the inner receptacle 1406, and more specifically, may include a channel positioned on (or contained by) the bottom inner surface 1554. The channel 2402 may be a conduit or contour that promotes the movement of condensation in a particular direction. The channel 2402 may terminate at the through hole 1410 of the outer receptacle 1404. As such, the channel 2402 may facilitate directing condensation toward the rear end portion 1660 of the outer receptacle 1404 and further direct the condensation from the through hole 1410 of the outer receptacle to eventually exit the reservoir 1812.
[0079] In some embodiments, the inner receptacle 1406 may be removably coupled to the outer receptacle 1404 by one or more coupling means. For example, the inner receptacle 1406 may "clip-in" to the outer receptacle 1404 via one or more tabs 1560 of the inner receptacle 1406 that mate with one or more tab interlocking members 1562 of the outer receptacle 1404. For example, the inner receptacle 1406 may be removably coupled to the outer receptacle 1404 using any type of coupling member, such as a screw or other interlocking member. In some embodiments, the inner receptacle 1406 is permanently coupled to the outer receptacle 1404.
[0080] 17 , in some embodiments, the inner receptacle 1406 and the outer receptacle 1404 include corresponding magnetic members to removably couple the inner receptacle 1406 to the outer receptacle 1404. For example, the inner surface 1504 of the outer receptacle 1404 may include a first set of magnetic members 1752 and the inner surface 1502 of the inner receptacle 1406 may include a second set of magnetic members 1750. The first set of magnetic members 1752 of the inner surface 1504 may correspond to the second set of magnetic members 1750 of the inner surface 1502. That is, when the inner receptacle 1406 is positioned proximate to the outer receptacle 1404, the corresponding sets of magnetic members 1750 and 1752 may be positioned proximate to one another such that the magnetic members 1750 and 1752 exert a magnetic coupling between the inner receptacle 1406 and the outer receptacle 1404. In this manner, the inner receptacle 1406 is removably coupled to the outer receptacle 1404 via magnetic forces between the first set of magnetic members 1752 on the inner surface 1504 and the second set of magnetic members 1750 on the inner surface 1502.
[0081] In some embodiments, the inner receptacle 1406 may at least partially include or be formed of a magnetic material. Additionally, the outer receptacle 1404 may include a magnetic member to removably couple the inner receptacle 1406 to the outer receptacle 1404. For example, an inner surface 1504 of the outer receptacle 1404 may include a magnetic member. When the inner receptacle 1406 is placed proximate to the outer receptacle 1404, the magnetic member of the outer receptacle 1404 magnetically couples with the magnetic material of the inner receptacle 1406. In this manner, the inner receptacle 1406 is removably coupled to the outer receptacle 1404 via a magnetic force between the magnetic member of the outer receptacle 1404 and the magnetic material of the inner receptacle 1406.
[0082] In some embodiments, the outer receptacle 1404 may at least partially include or be formed of a magnetic material. Additionally, the inner receptacle 1406 may include a magnetic member for releasably coupling the inner receptacle 1406 to the outer receptacle 1404. For example, an inner surface 1502 of the inner receptacle 1406 may include a magnetic member. When the inner receptacle 1406 is placed proximate to the outer receptacle 1404, the magnetic member of the inner receptacle 1406 magnetically couples with the magnetic material of the outer receptacle 1404. In this manner, the inner receptacle 1406 is releasably coupled to the outer receptacle 1404 via a magnetic force between the magnetic member of the inner receptacle 1406 and the magnetic material of the outer receptacle 1404.
[0083] 18 and 19, in some examples, the protruding member 1602 of the outer receptacle 1404 and the cavity 1810 of the stand 1402 may include corresponding magnetic members to couple the receptacle system 1400 to the stand 1402. For example, a surface 1902 of the protruding member 1602 may include a first set of magnetic members. However, other surfaces of the protruding member 1602 may additionally include magnetic members. Furthermore, magnetic members may be included within the protruding member 1602. With reference to FIG. 20, in some examples, a surface 2002 of the cavity 1810 may include a second set of magnetic members, while other surfaces of the cavity 1810 may additionally include magnetic members. The first set of magnetic members of the protruding member 1602 may correspond to the second set of magnetic members of the cavity 1810. That is, corresponding sets of magnetic members may be positioned proximate to one another such that when the receptacle system 1400 is coupled to the stand 1402, and specifically, when the protruding members 1602 are disposed within the cavity 1810, the magnetic members exert a magnetic coupling between the protruding members 1602 and the cavity 1810. In this manner, the receptacle system 1400 is removably coupled to the stand 1402 via magnetic forces between a first set of magnetic members of the protruding members 1602 and a second set of magnetic members of the cavity 1810.
[0084] In some embodiments, the protruding member 1602 of the outer receptacle 1404 may at least partially include or be formed of a magnetic material. Additionally, the cavity 1810 of the stand 1402 may include a magnetic member for releasably coupling the outer receptacle 1404 to the stand 1402. For example, the surface 2002 of the cavity 1810 may include a magnetic member. When the protruding member 1602 is disposed within the cavity 1810, the magnetic member of the cavity 1810 exerts a magnetic coupling with the magnetic material of the protruding member 1602. In this manner, the receptacle system 1400 is releasably coupled to the stand 1402 via a magnetic force between the magnetic member of the cavity 1810 and the magnetic material of the protruding member 1602.
[0085] In some embodiments, the cavity 1810 of the stand 1402 may at least partially include or be formed of a magnetic material. Additionally, the protruding member 1602 of the outer receptacle 1404 may include a magnetic member for releasably coupling the outer receptacle 1404 to the stand 1402. For example, the surface 1902 of the protruding member 1602 may include a magnetic member. When the protruding member 1602 is disposed within the cavity 1810, the magnetic member of the protruding member 1602 exerts a magnetic coupling with the magnetic material of the cavity 1810. In this manner, the receptacle system 1400 is releasably coupled to the stand 1402 via a magnetic force between the magnetic member of the protruding member 1602 and the magnetic material of the cavity 1810.
[0086] 17, the inner receptacle 1406 may include an inner cavity 1770 similar to the inner cavity 142 as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2E. The inner cavity 1770 may allow for efficient and long-term temperature control, insulation, or a combination thereof. For example, the inner cavity 1770 may carry and contain a liquid solution. When placed in a freezer, the liquid solution may freeze, thereby increasing the time and degree of temperature control and maintenance of the beverage.
[0087] An inner cavity 1770 may be defined between the inner wall portion 1422 and the inner surface 1502 of the inner cavity 1770, and between the top portion 1426 and the bottom portion 1430. The inner cavity 1770 may contain and carry air or a gas. The inner cavity 1770 may include a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber within the inner cavity 1770 may be less than 600 Torr, 10 -1 Less than 10 Torr -2 Less than 10 Torr -3 Less than 10 Torr -4The inner cavity 1770 may have a pressure of less than 100 Torr. The inner cavity 1770 may contain and support solids such as styrofoam or plastic coated wood. The inner cavity 1770 may contain and support a liquid solution such that the inner cavity 1770 is partially or completely filled. The liquid solution may include water, a gel such as an alcohol gel, a solute, or a combination thereof. The liquid solution within the inner cavity 1770 may have a freezing point at or above the temperature of a household freezer, for example. The inner cavity 1770 may extend the temperature retention of the receptacle, thereby increasing the time that the temperature of the beverage is controlled. The inner cavity 1770 may include an expansion region to allow room for the solution to expand so that the frozen solution does not exert enough pressure on the boundaries of the inner cavity 1770 to damage the receptacle.
[0088] In some examples, the outer receptacle 1404 may additionally include inner cavities similar to the inner cavities 1770 and 142 .
[0089] 21 and 25, the receptacle system 1400 may further include a drip tray 2102. The drip tray 2102 may be coupled to the bottom portion 1430 of the receptacle system 1400. The drip tray 2102 may be removably coupled to the receptacle system 1400 or may be permanently coupled to the receptacle system 1400. In some embodiments, the drip tray 2102 is additionally coupled to the stand 1402 at the top end 1802 of the stand 1402. In some embodiments, the drip tray 2102 is coupled only to the stand 1402 (instead of being coupled to the receptacle system 1400). The drip tray 2102 may include a cavity 2502 disposed between an inner surface 2504 of the drip tray 2102 and the outer wall portion 1423 at the bottom portion 1430 of the receptacle system 1400.
[0090] The cavity 2502 can collect / contain condensation that may form on the outer wall portion 1423 of the outer receptacle 1404. Specifically, condensation may accumulate on the outer wall portion 1423, for example, when the temperature of the outer receptacle 1404 differs from room temperature (the temperature of the environment that includes the receptacle system 1400). To reduce undesired user contact with the condensation, the condensation may be directed (e.g., by gravity) toward the bottom end portion 1430 of the receptacle system 1400. In some embodiments, the condensation may overcome capillary forces that may "hold" or "retain" the condensation at the bottom end portion 1430 of the outer receptacle 1404. Once the condensation overcomes such capillary forces, the condensation may "drop" into the cavity 2502 of the drip tray 2102. In some embodiments, the cavity 2502 may hold such condensation. In some embodiments, the drip tray 2102 can direct such condensation to the reservoir 1812 of the stand 1402. Specifically, condensation captured by the cavity 2502 can be guided (e.g., due to gravity) to the reservoir 1812. In this manner, condensation that may come into contact with users of the receptacle system 1400 and stand 1402, as well as the surface on which the stand 1402 is placed, can be minimized and / or prevented.
[0091] Disclosed herein is a method for controlling the temperature of a beverage. The method enhances a user's enjoyment of the beverage by enabling beverage appreciation, saving space, and efficiently controlling the temperature of the beverage. FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 2200 for controlling the temperature of a beverage. The method may use components and systems as described elsewhere in this disclosure. For example, the method may use a receptacle system 1400 and / or a stand 1402 as described with respect to FIGS. 14-21 and 23-25.
[0092] The inner receptacle 1406 is placed (2202) in a cooling environment having a cooling temperature. The cooling temperature is equal to or less than the room temperature of the environment containing the receptacle system 1400. The inner receptacle 1406 is removed (2204) from the cooling environment. The inner receptacle 1406 is attached (2206) to the outer receptacle 1404. The inner receptacle 1406 and the outer receptacle 1404 form the receptacle system 1400. The receptacle system 1400 is placed upright (2208). The receptacle system 1400 is releasably attached (2210) to the stand 1402. A beverage is poured (2212) into the drinking vessel. With the receptacle system 1400 in the upright position, the drinking vessel is placed (2214) into the recess 1405. For example, FIG. 23 illustrates a drinking vessel 2300 placed in recess 1405 of receptacle system 1400 when in an upright position.
[0093] The above disclosed subject matter is considered to be illustrative, and not limiting, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of the present disclosure shall be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be limited or restricted by the foregoing detailed description. [Appendix 1] 1. A system for regulating the temperature of a beverage, comprising: a receptacle system defining a recess for receiving a drinking vessel, the receptacle system comprising: An outer receptacle; an inner receptacle removably matable to the outer receptacle; A cavity is defined between the outer receptacle and the inner receptacle; The receptacle system includes a top portion, a bottom portion, an inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion, the top portion defining a top opening of the recess. [Appendix 2] 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a stand for holding the receptacle system, the stand being releasably attached to the receptacle system. [Appendix 3] 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the stand includes an upper end opposite a lower end, the upper end of the stand proximate an attachment point with the receptacle system, and the stand further includes a reservoir proximate the upper end of the stand. [Appendix 4] The outer receptacle is a receptacle system mounted on the stand. 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a through hole positioned adjacent to the reservoir. [Appendix 5] the outer receptacle includes one or more passages located between an inner surface of the outer receptacle and an inner surface of the inner receptacle, the passages terminating in the through hole. The system described in [Appendix 6] 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the stand includes an upper end opposite a lower end, the upper end of the stand proximate an attachment point with the receptacle system, and the stand further includes a cavity proximate the upper end of the stand. [Appendix 7] 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the outer receptacle includes a protruding member, the protruding member being at least partially disposed within the cavity when the receptacle system is attached to the stand. [Appendix 8] 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the protruding member of the outer receptacle and the cavity of the stand include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the receptacle system to the stand. [Appendix 9] 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the inner receptacle to the outer receptacle. [Appendix 10] 1. A system for regulating the temperature of a beverage, comprising: a receptacle system defining a recess for receiving a drinking vessel, the receptacle system comprising: an outer receptacle including a through hole and a protruding member; an inner receptacle removably coupled to the outer receptacle; the receptacle system includes an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion, the upper end portion defining an upper opening of the recess; A cavity is defined between the outer receptacle and the inner receptacle; Further comprising a stand for holding the receptacle system, the stand being releasably attached to the receptacle system; The stand includes an upper end opposite a lower end, the upper end of the stand proximate an attachment point with the receptacle system, and the stand further includes: i) a cavity proximate the upper end of the stand corresponding to the protruding member for attaching the receptacle system to the stand; and ii) a reservoir proximate the upper end of the stand and the through hole of the outer receptacle. [Appendix 11] 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the outer receptacle includes one or more passages disposed between an inner surface of the outer receptacle and an inner surface of the inner receptacle, the passages terminating in the through holes. [Appendix 12] 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the protruding member is disposed at least partially within the cavity when the receptacle system is attached to the stand. [Appendix 13] 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the protruding member of the outer receptacle and the cavity of the stand include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the receptacle system to the stand. [Appendix 14] 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the inner receptacle to the outer receptacle. [Appendix 15] 1. A method for regulating the temperature of a beverage, comprising: placing the inner receptacle in a cooling environment having a cooling temperature below room temperature; removing the inner receptacle from the cooling environment; attaching the inner receptacle to an outer receptacle, the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle forming a receptacle system; erecting the receptacle system; pouring a beverage into a drinking container; and placing the drinking vessel in a recess defined by the receptacle system when the receptacle system is upright. [Appendix 16] 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of releasably attaching the receptacle system to a stand. [Appendix 17] 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising removing condensation accumulated in a reservoir of the stand. [Explanation of symbols]
[0094] 100, 158, 216 Receptacles Stands 102, 160, 1402 104 Recess 106 Side opening 108 Inner wall part 112 Top opening 114 Bottom opening 116 Upper end part 118 Lower end part 120 Lip 122a, 122b Stand prongs 124a, 124b, 152 feet 126, 130, 164, 220 drinking containers 134 Top slope 136 Curved Surface 138 Intermediate slope 140 Bottom slope 146 Point 154a, 154b Stand protrusions 156 Condensation Path 186 racks 190a, 190b, 190c Hand 192 First Arm 196 Second Arm 1400 Receptacle System 1404 Outer Receptacle 1406 Inner Receptacle 1405 Recess 1422 Inner wall part 1426 Upper end part 1502 Inner surface 1602 Protruding member 1770 inner cavity 1810 hollow 1812 Reservoir
Claims
1. 1. A system for regulating the temperature of a beverage, comprising: a receptacle system defining a recess for receiving a drinking vessel, the receptacle system comprising: an outer receptacle including a through hole for venting condensation to a reservoir and one or more pathways for facilitating movement of the condensation in a particular direction to the reservoir; an inner receptacle removably matable to the outer receptacle; A first cavity is defined between the outer receptacle and the inner receptacle; the receptacle system comprises an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion, the upper end portion defining an upper opening of the recess; a side opening extending laterally from the inner wall portion to the outer wall portion and extending vertically from the top opening to a bottom opening defined by the bottom portion of the receptacle system.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an elongated stand for holding said receptacle system, said stand being removably attached to said receptacle system.
3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the stand includes an upper end opposite a lower end, the upper end of the stand proximate an attachment point with the receptacle system, and the stand further includes the reservoir proximate the upper end of the stand.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the through hole of the outer receptacle is positioned adjacent to the reservoir when the receptacle system is attached to the stand.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the one or more passages of the outer receptacle are disposed between an inner surface of the outer receptacle and an inner surface of the inner receptacle, the passages terminating at the through holes.
6. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the stand includes an upper end opposite a lower end, the upper end of the stand proximate an attachment point with the receptacle system, and the stand further includes a second cavity proximate the upper end of the stand.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the outer receptacle includes a protruding member, the protruding member being at least partially disposed within the second cavity when the receptacle system is attached to the stand.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the protruding member of the outer receptacle and the second cavity of the stand include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the receptacle system to the stand.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the inner receptacle to the outer receptacle.
10. 1. A system for regulating the temperature of a beverage, comprising: a receptacle system defining a recess for receiving a drinking vessel, the receptacle system comprising: an outer receptacle including a through hole for venting condensation to a reservoir, one or more pathways for facilitating movement of the condensation in a particular direction to the reservoir, and a protruding member; an inner receptacle removably coupled to the outer receptacle; the receptacle system includes an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion, the upper end portion defining an upper opening of the recess; A first cavity is defined between the outer receptacle and the inner receptacle; further comprising an elongated stand for holding the receptacle system, the stand being removably attached to the receptacle system; the stand includes an upper end opposite a lower end, the upper end of the stand being proximate to an attachment point with the receptacle system, the stand further including: i) a second cavity proximate to the upper end of the stand and corresponding to the protruding member for attaching the receptacle system to the stand; and ii) the reservoir proximate to the upper end of the stand and the through hole of the outer receptacle; a side opening extending laterally from the inner wall portion to the outer wall portion and extending vertically from the top opening to a bottom opening defined by the bottom portion of the receptacle system.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more passages of the outer receptacle are disposed between an inner surface of the outer receptacle and an inner surface of the inner receptacle, the passages terminating in the through holes.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the protruding member is at least partially disposed within the second cavity when the receptacle system is attached to the stand.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the protruding member of the outer receptacle and the second cavity of the stand include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the receptacle system to the stand.
14. The system of claim 10 , wherein the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle include corresponding magnetic members for coupling the inner receptacle to the outer receptacle.
15. 1. A method for regulating the temperature of a beverage, comprising: placing the inner receptacle in a cooling environment having a cooling temperature below room temperature; removing the inner receptacle from the cooling environment; mounting the inner receptacle on an outer receptacle including a through hole for venting condensation to a reservoir and one or more pathways for facilitating movement of the condensation in a particular direction to the reservoir, the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle forming a receptacle system, the receptacle system including a side opening extending laterally from an inner wall portion to an outer wall portion and extending vertically from a top opening to a bottom opening defined by a bottom portion of the receptacle system; erecting the receptacle system; pouring a beverage into a drinking container; and placing the drinking vessel in a recess defined by the receptacle system when the receptacle system is upright.
16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising the step of removably mounting the receptacle system to a stand.
17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of removing condensation that has accumulated in a reservoir of the stand.
18. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a drip tray including a third cavity for collecting the condensation, the drip tray coupled to the bottom portion of the receptacle system.
19. 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a drip tray including a third cavity for collecting the condensation, the drip tray coupled to the bottom portion of the receptacle system.
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