A drinking vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable handheld drinking vessel (10) which includes a wirelessly operable electrical circuitry comprising a receiving coil (18) operable to receive energy by induction and an electrical thermal exchange element (20) operably connected to the receiving coil and operably associated with an inner container (14) of the drinking vessel to enable temperature regulation of said inner container and a drink contained therein.

Description

[0001] A DRINKING VESSEL

[0002] This application claims priority from UK patent application no.: GB 2410526.4 the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a drinking vessel, such as a cup. In particular, although not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a portable hand-held drinking vessel, such as a cup, which uses an integrated wirelessly operable electrical circuitry to heat or cool a liquid contained in the vessel (i.e. actively heated and / or actively cooled drinking vessel). Suitably, the disclosure relates to a drinking vessel, such as a cup, which is operable to receive energy by wireless charging, in particular a drinking vessel operable to receive energy by wireless inductive charging, to provide an electrical power supply to the vessel and to permit active heating and / or active cooling of a liquid contained in the vessel (e.g. active heating and / or active cooling of the part of the vessel containing a drink). Suitably, the disclosure relates to a drinking vessel system comprising a drinking vessel, such as a cup, operable to receive energy by wireless charging to permit active heating and / or active cooling of a liquid contained in the vessel and a base unit for wirelessly transmitting energy to the drinking vessel to provide an electrical power supply to the vessel, for example by wireless inductive charging. Suitably, the disclosure relates to a method of actively heating and / or actively cooling a liquid in a drinking vessel (e.g. cup), and / or actively maintaining a liquid at a set temperature in a drinking vessel, wherein the drinking vessel is operable to receive energy by wireless charging to permit heating or cooling of the vessel.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Drinking vessels have been used for many years. A problem associated with such vessels is how to maintain the drink at a preferred drinking temperature to permit continued personal enjoyment of the drink over a prolonged period. Vacuum flasks comprising two walls with a vacuum defined there between are known. The vacuum environment between an inside wall and an outside wall reduces transfer of thermal energy (temperature transfer) by conduction to that occurring only through the wall section of the container at a mouth of the flask, whilst the use of highly reflective materials about the flask limit transfer by thermal radiation. Suitably, vacuum flaks manufactured of glass are typically more efficient than vacuum flasks manufactured from stainless steel. However, glass flasks tend to be fragile. Suitably, vacuum flasks whether made from glass or stainless steel are typically heavy and cumbersome. Further, vacuum flasks do not include active heating and / or cooling means. Suitably, a hot drink stored in a vacuum flask may be prepared at a higher temperature than the preferred drinking temperature. For example, coffee is usually brewed using water at a temperature of approximately 90 to 95°C to optimise extraction of coffee from the grounds without scalding the grounds. However, coffee at temperature of from 45 to 60°C typically represents a preferred drinking temperature. Accordingly, a hot drink in the flask is typically at a higher temperature than the preferred drinking temperature. Still further, a vacuum flask is used to store a drink, and it is typically not configured to permit a drink to be drunk directly from the flask (i.e. a vacuum flask is not regarded as a drinking vessel). Suitably, the drink must be decanted from the flask into an associated cup and allowed to cool before consumption. Suitably, this is time consuming and inconvenient for a user who would prefer easy and direct access to a drink that is at a preferred drinking temperature. Corresponding issues may well be realized with other drinks; for example, yoghourt drinks are likely to curdle (clumping of protein molecules) when maintained above a particular temperature. Furthermore, cleaning a vacuum flask can be difficult, especially if staining, curdling or drying of a drink product has occurred, given that the mouth of the flask tends to be dimensionally small with respect to the size of the flask.

[0007] Suitably, an alternative to a vacuum flask includes a stainless steel tumbler. Suitably, a stainless steel tumbler may include a vacuum lining to prevent heat loss but the tumbler is typically comparatively heavy, expensive and typically requires a lid that either needs to be removed prior to use or otherwise has a complicated and expensive / delicate valveseal. Suitably, a further alternative to a vacuum flask comprises the provision of a complex premium drink container. However, such premium drink containers, such as the well- known Contico® and Zojirushi® branded products, typically may have similar dimensions of a vacuum flask rather than those of a convenient easily portable handsized mug, may be relatively expensive, and may require and include a spill-proof lid. Both the Contico® and Zojirushi® branded products are commonly used by car commuters due to the tall, cup-holder friendly design and spill proof lids. However, the spill proof lids cause problems, since removal of the lid requires a two-handed operation, which is not particularly useful for a driver of a vehicle.

[0008] Suitably, such alternatives to vacuum flasks may also be relatively difficult to clean. It is well known that these types of containers, due to the nature of their tannin & caffeine- rich drink products readily cause stains and need to be thoroughly cleaned. The cleaning of which may be further complicated by their valve / lid systems, which may not be dishwasher-safe and require separate removal and separate cleaning. Furthermore, such drink containers, are not typically capable of actively heating and / or actively cooling the drink and / or actively maintaining the drink at a preferred drinking temperature to permit continued personal enjoyment of the drink over a prolonged period.

[0009] More recently, attention has focussed on actively heated drink containers. Suitably, an actively heated drink container using wireless charging has been proposed, for example as disclosed in JP2015231473A. Suitably, such drink containers comprise a doublewalled drink container, such as a cup or tumbler. Suitably, a wireless power receiving coil and a heat exchange element are positioned between the walls of the double-walled container to enable heating and / or cooling of a liquid contained therein. Suitably, the inner and outer sidewalls of the drink container are permanently sealed together. Suitably, such a configuration is required to allow the drink container to be washed without water contacting and damaging the electrical components. Although such drink containers powered by wireless charging allow a liquid to be actively heated and / or actively cooled, and the electrical components may be protected when the container is washed, various technical compromises must be made. Suitably, as the inner and outer containers are permanently sealed together to prevent water contacting the electrical components when the container is washed, it is not possible to access the electrical components of the container thereby preventing easily accessible servicing and / or repair of such electrical components.

[0010] Suitably, to facilitate the use of standard techniques, for example welding or adhesives, to form a permanent seal between two elements typically requires that each element is formed from an identical, or at least compatible, material. Accordingly, such heated drinks containers are typically formed from a single material, such as a ceramic material. However, to optimise both heat transfer efficiency from the heater element to the inner container and wireless induction charging of the power receiving coil it is desirable to form the inner and outer containers from different materials. For example, it is desirable to form the inner container from a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity, for example a metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel. Whereas, it is desirable to form the outer container from a material which does not block and / or interfere with electromagnetic fields. Suitably, materials having a relatively high thermal conductivity, e.g. metals and metal alloys, which are highly desirable for forming the inner container typically block or interfere with electromagnetic signals and such materials are therefore less suitable for forming the outer container. Accordingly, a compromise is typically made, whereby a single material, such as a ceramic material, is used to form both the inner and outer containers. Such a single material permits adequate transfer of electromagnetic signals and exhibits acceptable, albeit possible not the highest or most desirable, thermal conductivity.

[0011] Suitably, the present invention aims to solve the aforementioned technical problems associated with an actively heated drinking vessel for maintaining a drink at a constant temperature and / or heating and / or cooling a drink to a specific temperature.

[0012] Suitably, the present invention aims to provide an improved drinking vessel that enables a drink to be actively heated and / or actively cooled, and / or maintained at a constant temperature for a prolonged period, thereby allowing the drink to be consumed directly from the vessel over a period, away from a kitchen or dinner table, such as within a car, a train or at a desk or other work environment.

[0013] Suitably, the present invention aims to provide an improved actively heated and / or actively cooled drinking vessel comprising, in normal use, an integrated wirelessly operable temperature regulation circuitry which optimises the efficiency of heat transfer from an integrated heat exchange element to a liquid contained in the drinking vessel.

[0014] Suitably, the present invention aims to provide an improved actively heated and / or actively cooled drinking vessel comprising, in normal use, an integrated wirelessly operable temperature regulation circuitry which optimises charging efficiency of the wireless circuitry.

[0015] Suitably, the present invention aims to provide an improved actively heated and / or actively cooled drinking vessel comprising a wirelessly operable temperature regulation circuitry which, in normal use, may be cleaned with water without water contacting the electrical circuitry, but the electrical circuitry is easily accessible to permit servicing and / or repair thereof.

[0016] Suitably, the present invention aims to provide an improved actively heated and / or actively cooled drinking vessel comprising a wirelessly operable temperature regulation circuitry which allows the exterior of the drinking vessel to be modified, for example constructed from different materials and / or the use of different design elements, e.g. advertising material and logos, in a relatively inexpensive and straightforward manner.

[0017] Suitably, the present invention aims to provide a portable hand-held drinking vessel, such as a cup.

[0018] Suitably, the invention aims to provide a reusable and dishwasher-proof drinking vessel. Suitably, the invention aims to provide a drinking vessel that is, at least in part, formed from recyclable materials, suitably closed-loop recyclable materials.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In accordance with a first aspect there is provided a drinking vessel comprising: an inner container (e.g. inner vessel) for receiving and holding a liquid, the inner container comprising a bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom; an outer container (e.g. outer sleeve) comprising a base and a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, the outer container being dimensioned to allow the outer container to receive the inner container; a wirelessly operable electrical circuitry comprising a receiving coil operable to receive energy by induction and an electrical thermal exchange element operably connected to the receiving coil and operably associated with the inner container to enable temperature regulation of said inner container; the inner container and outer container comprising mechanical engagement means, the mechanical engagement means having a disengaged configuration to permit the inner container to be movable with respect to and disengaged from (e.g. separated from) the outer container and an engaged configuration to prevent movement of the inner container with respect to the outer container and to engage the inner container within the outer container, wherein in the engaged configuration a fluid-tight seal is formed between the inner and outer containers and the inner and outer containers together define a fluid-tight chamber between said inner and outer containers, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry being positioned within said fluid-tight chamber.

[0021] Suitably, a drink in the drinking vessel may be actively heated and / or actively cooled by the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry. Suitably, a drink in the drinking vessel may be actively maintained at a substantially constant temperature (e.g. a preferred drinking temperature) for a prolonged period.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the drinking vessel is actively heated by the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry. Suitably, the inner container includes an opening to allow a liquid to be received within and dispensed from (e.g. drunk from) the inner container. Suitably, the upper part of the sidewall of the inner container forms a rim which defines the opening (i.e. the opening is at a position distal from the bottom of the inner container). Suitably, the opening of the inner container is dimensioned to allow a liquid to be drunk directly from the vessel. Suitably, the inner container (e.g. inner vessel) of the drinking vessel in normal use is used to receive and dispense a liquid therefrom.

[0023] Suitably, the outer container includes an opening to allow the inner container to be received within the outer container. Suitably, the upper part of the sidewall of the outer container forms a rim which defines the opening (i.e. the opening is at a position distal from the base of the outer container). Suitably, the opening in the outer container is dimensioned to allow the inner container, suitably substantially the entire inner container, to be received by and within the outer container. Suitably, the outer container of the drinking vessel in normal use defines the outer surface of the drinking vessel, e.g. the outer surface of the vessel which may be held by a user.

[0024] Suitably, the inner container includes the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry. Suitably, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry is attached, such as affixed, to the inner container. Suitably, the receiving coil of the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry is attached, such as affixed, to the inner container, suitably the bottom of the inner container. Suitably, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry is not affixed to the outer container. Suitably, in normal use when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration the receiving coil of the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry may be biased towards the base of the outer container, suitably the receiving coil may contact the base of the outer container.

[0025] Suitably, the electrical thermal exchange element of the wirelessly operable circuitry is operably associated with the sidewall of the inner container. Suitably, the electrical thermal exchange element is attached, such as affixed, to the inner container, suitably the sidewall of the inner container. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, when the outer and inner containers are separated (i.e. disengaged configuration), then the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry is exclusively associated with, e.g. attached and / or affixed to, the inner container and it is not associated with, e.g. not attached and / or affixed to, the outer container. Suitably, such a modular design and attachment of the wireless electrical circuitry exclusively to the inner container, allows simple, inexpensive and straightforward modifications to the outer container (e.g. outer sleeve of the drinking vessel) without having to replace and / or remanufacture the more expensive and complex heating and / or cooling elements of the drinking vessel. For example, an outer container constructed of one material may simply be replaced by another outer container constructed of different material and / or an outer container bearing a particular design logo may be replaced with another outer container bearing a different bespoke design logo for a different consumer. Moreover, such a modular design and configuration permits easy access to the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry which may be required for servicing or repair.

[0026] Suitably, the removable outer container (e.g. removeable outer sleeve of the drinking vessel) permits user servicing and / or replacement without compromising the integrity of the inner container (e.g. inner vessel), thereby enabling easier cleaning and safer user interaction.

[0027] Suitably, a drink in the drinking vessel may be drunk directly from the vessel. Suitably, the drinking vessel is portable. Suitably, the drinking vessel is dimensioned so that it may be held by a user (i.e. hand-held).

[0028] Suitably, the fluid-tight chamber is a water-tight chamber. Suitably, the fluid-tight chamber is filled with air. Suitably, the fluid tight chamber extends between the bottom of the inner container and the base of the outer container. Suitably, the fluid tight chamber extends between the sidewall of the inner container and the sidewall of the outer container. Suitably, the fluid tight chamber extends between the bottom of the inner container and the base of the outer container and between the sidewall of the inner container and the sidewall of the outer container. Suitably, when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration the receiving coil of the wirelessly operable circuitry is positioned in the fluid tight chamber, suitably positioned in the fluid tight chamber formed between the bottom of the inner container and the base of the outer container.

[0029] Suitably, the electrical thermal exchange element of the wirelessly operable circuitry is operably associated with the sidewall of the inner container. Suitably, when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration the electrical thermal exchange element of the wirelessly operable circuitry is positioned in the fluid tight chamber formed between the sidewall of the inner container and the sidewall of the outer container. Suitably, when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration the electrical thermal exchange element of the wirelessly operable circuitry is operably associated with the sidewall of the inner container, such as attached to the sidewall of the inner container, and positioned in the fluid tight chamber formed between the sidewall of the inner container and the sidewall of the outer container.

[0030] In an embodiment, access to the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry may only be achieved by separating the inner container from the outer container. Suitably, in normal use the inner container (e.g. inner vessel) remains sealed to the outer container and is food-safe.

[0031] Suitably, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry does not include any exposed electrical contacts. Suitably, such an arrangement permits the inner container to be cleaned, such as washed with water, when the inner container is separated from the outer container.

[0032] Suitably, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry enables the active heating and / or active cooling of a liquid (i.e. a drink such as coffee) contained within the inner container. Suitably, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry permits a liquid (i.e. a drink such as coffee) to be maintained at an essentially constant temperature for a prolonged period, for example at a preferred drinking temperature, for example a temperature of from 45 to 60°C for a hot beverage, such as coffee.

[0033] In an embodiment, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry enables the active heating of a liquid (e.g. a drink such as coffee) contained within the inner container.

[0034] Suitably, the mechanical engagement means of the drinking vessel allows the inner container to be releasably engaged with the outer container. Suitably, the inner and outer containers are separable.

[0035] Suitably, the mechanical engagement means is in the engaged configuration when the drinking vessel is in normal use. Suitably, in normal use the wall of the outer container represents the outer wall of the drinking vessel. Suitably, in normal use the base of the outer container represents the base of the drinking vessel. Suitably, in normal use the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry is integrated within the drinking vessel. Suitably, in normal use the inner and outer container together form a double-walled drinking vessel.

[0036] Suitably, when the mechanical engagement means is in the engaged configuration (i.e. during normal use), the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry of the drinking vessel is positioned within the fluid-tight chamber defined between the inner and outer containers. Such a configuration enables the drinking vessel to be washed without water contacting and damaging the electrical components of the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry. Suitably, the wirelessly operable drinking vessel is dishwasher proof.

[0037] Suitably, when the mechanical engagement means is in the disengaged configuration, it is possible to separate the inner container from the outer container to provide access to the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry. Such a configuration allows the wirelessly operable heating system to be easily serviced and / or repaired, if required.

[0038] Suitably, the use of a mechanical engagement means to releasably engage the inner and outer containers together allows the inner and outer containers to be formed from different materials, as it is not necessary to use essentially compatible / identical materials for the inner and outer containers to enable the containers to be joined together using standard techniques, for example by welding and use of adhesives. Suitably, the inner container may comprise a different material than the outer container.

[0039] Suitably, the inner container comprises a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity (K, watt per metre kelvin) to maximise efficiency of heat transfer from the electrical thermal exchange element to a liquid contained in the inner container. Suitably, the inner container, suitably at least the inner container sidewall, comprises, suitably consists essentially of, a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity, for example a material having a thermal conductivity at 25 °C of from 2 to 50, suitably 5 to 50, suitably 5 to 40, suitably 5 to 30, suitably 5 to 25, watt per metre kelvin. Suitably, the inner container, suitably at least the inner container side wall, comprises, suitably consists essentially of, a metal or metal alloy, for example aluminium, an aluminium alloy or stainless steel. Suitably, the entire inner container is formed from a single such material. Suitably, such materials are typically resistant to household cleaning products and detergents.

[0040] Suitably, the inner container bottom is single walled. Suitably, the inner container sidewall is single walled. Suitably, both the inner container bottom and the inner container sidewall are single walled. Suitably, the inner container bottom and inner container sidewall may be of one-piece construction.

[0041] Suitably, at least a portion of the outer container, suitably at least the base of the outer container comprises, suitably consists essentially of, a material that does not prevent or interfere with electromagnetic induction. Suitable materials include rigid materials comprising polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, an epoxy resin, resin impregnated fibre materials, natural fibres (e.g. bamboo, hemp), starch-based materials, coffee husk-based materials, sugar cane-based materials, wood, glass, silicone, and ceramic materials. Suitably, the entire outer container comprises, is formed from, a single such material that does not prevent or interfere with electromagnetic induction. Suitably, such materials typically also exhibit relatively high thermal resistance (i.e. thermal conductivity at 25 °C of less than 0.5, suitably less than 0.4, suitably less than 0.3, suitably less than 0.25, watt per metre kelvin). Suitably, such materials are cool to touch and provide thermal insulation thereby improving efficiency of the drink container. Suitably, such materials are typically resistant to household cleaning products and detergents.

[0042] Suitably, the outer container base is single walled. Suitably, the outer container sidewall is single walled. Suitably, both the outer container base and the outer container sidewall are single walled.

[0043] Suitably, the outer container base and the outer container sidewall are single walled and the inner container bottom and inner container sidewall are single walled. Suitably, when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration, i.e. during normal use, the inner and outer containers form a double-walled drinking vessel wherein the fluid tight chamber is formed between the inner and outer containers.

[0044] Suitably, the outer container base and the outer container sidewall may be of one-piece construction. Suitably, the outer container base may be formed from a different material than the outer container sidewall (e.g. two-piece construction).

[0045] In an embodiment, the outer container base is formed from a different material than the outer container sidewall. Suitably, the sidewall of the outer container may be formed from rigid materials comprising polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, resin impregnated fibre materials, and ceramic materials, or from semi-rigid materials such as card or paper, or even from a metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel. Suitably, the sidewall of the outer container is formed from a recyclable material, such as a polymeric material (e.g. polypropylene), card, paper or fibre materials, as defined herein. Suitably, the sidewall of the outer container is formed from a closed loop recyclable material. Suitably, the base may be formed from a material that does not prevent or interfere with electromagnetic induction, such as rigid materials comprising polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, an epoxy resin, resin impregnated fibre materials, natural fibres (e.g. bamboo, hemp), starch-based materials, coffee husk-based materials, sugar cane-based materials, wood, glass, silicone, and ceramic materials. Suitably, the base comprises polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, resin impregnated fibre materials, and ceramic materials.

[0046] Suitably, a further benefit of forming the outer container base and outer container sidewall from different materials is that it may provide a degree of design freedom in that the external appearance of the outer container (i.e. the appearance of the outer wall of the drinking vessel) may be easily modified to include bespoke deigns and / or advertising for a particular use. For example, in a special catering / marketing event, the outer container sidewall can be changed to be bespoke for such an event. Whilst stainless steel and aluminium can be painted, etched, printed or otherwise decorated, it can be expensive to do so.

[0047] Suitably, at least a portion of the drinking vessel, suitably a portion of the outer container, is formed from a recyclable material, for example closed loop recyclable materials (i.e. the container or at least a portion thereof can be recreated from its original parts with little or no additional material resources being used).

[0048] Suitably, the mechanical engagement means is located proximal to the rim of the inner container and proximal to the rim of the outer container.

[0049] Suitably, the mechanical engagement means comprises at least one of mutually engaging screw-threads, ratchet or detent system. Although mechanical engagement means, for example snap-fit and push-fit connections are contemplated, mechanical engagement means comprising mutually engaging screw threads has been found to be particularly beneficial.

[0050] Suitably, the mechanical engagement means comprises a screw thread associated with the inner container and a mutually engaging screw thread associated with the outer container. Suitably, the screw thread of the inner container is associated near a region of the rim (i.e. proximal to the rim) of the inner container. Suitably, the mutually engaging screw thread of the outer container is associated near a region of the rim (i.e. proximal to the rim) of the outer container.

[0051] Suitably, the screw thread of the inner container is associated with said outer face of the inner container sidewall (outer face when considering the inner container in isolation). Suitably, the mutually engaging screw thread of the outer container is associated with said inner face of the outer container sidewall (inner face when considering the outer container in isolation). Suitably, the screw thread of the inner container is associated with said outer face of the inner container sidewall near the rim of the inner container and the mutually engaging screw thread of the outer container is associated with said inner face of the outer container sidewall near the rim of the outer container.

[0052] Suitably, the screw thread associated with the inner container may be formed directly on the surface of the inner container wall. Suitably, the mutually engaging screw thread associated with the outer container may be formed directly on the surface of the outer container wall. Alternatively, the screw thread associated with the inner container, the mutually engaging screw thread associated with the outer container, or both such screw threads, may be formed on a sleeve for association with the respective inner and / or outer containers.

[0053] Suitably, mechanical engagement means comprising mutually engaging screw threads has been found to be particularly beneficial as it typically provides a reliable and consistent water-tight seal in normal use, especially where the inner and outer containers comprise different materials, particularly a watertight seal that can withstand high temperatures and detergents used in dishwashers. Suitably, said mutually engaging screw threads are typically durable and resistant to wear, especially where the inner and outer containers comprise different materials. Suitably, said mutually engaging screw threads may be constructed from recyclable and sustainable materials. Suitably, the mechanical engagement means may further include a compressible seal, for example a compressible sealing ring. Suitably, when present, the seal may be associated with either the inner or outer container. Suitably, when the mechanical engagement means is in the engaged configuration the compressible seal, when present, is compressed at a joint between the inner and outer containers. Suitably, this facilitates formation of the fluid-tight (e.g. water-tight) chamber between said inner container wall and said outer container wall. Suitably, the seal may be a sealing ring associated with the rim of the inner container. Suitably, the outer container may include a mutual detent to receive the sealing ring when the mechanical engagement means is in the engaged configuration. Suitably, the rim of the inner container may include a lip to receive and retain the sealing ring when the mechanical engagement means is in the disengaged configuration. Suitably, the seal comprises a silicone, rubber, thermoplastic polymeric material, suitably a silicone material.

[0054] Suitably, a further benefit of detachable inner and outer containers is that a degree of design freedom is provided in that the external appearance of one container, suitably the outer container, in accordance can be unique. The outer container can be replaced being relatively inexpensive and may include bespoke deigns and / or advertising for a particular use. For example, in a special catering / marketing event, the outer container can be changed to be bespoke for such an event. Whilst stainless steel and aluminium can be painted, etched, printed or otherwise decorated, it can be expensive to do so.

[0055] Suitably, when the outer and inner containers are in the engaged configuration, the receiving coil of the wireless system associated with the inner container is positioned proximal to base of the outer container, suitably proximal to the inner base surface of the outer container (inner base surface when considering the outer container in isolation). Suitably, the receiving coil is biased towards the inner base surface of the outer container by a resilient element positioned between the bottom of the inner container and the receiving coil. Suitably, such arrangement(s) allow the drinking vessel to be conveniently placed on a base unit (e.g. stood on a suitable charging stand) and optimise energy received by the receiving coil. Suitably, the base of the drinking vessel may be configured or shaped to cooperate with a mutual configuration or shape of a base unit (i.e. charger).

[0056] Suitably, the receiving coil may comprise an inductive coil having a power input of greater than or equal 5, suitably greater than or equal to 10, watts.

[0057] Suitably, the receiving coil may comprise an inductive coil having a power input of less than or equal 25, suitably less than or equal to 20, watts. In an embodiment, the receiving coil may comprise an inductive coil having a power input of 15 watts.

[0058] Suitably, the electrical thermal exchange element comprises a self-limiting and selfregulating thermal exchange element. Suitably, this allows the construction of a simplified system in that no additional circuitry to control heat supply in relation to temperature control is required.

[0059] In accordance with an embodiment, the electrical thermal exchange element comprises an electrical heater element operable to heat the inner container. Suitably, the electrical heater element comprises one or more positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters. Suitably, said PTC heater(s) may comprise a PTC rubber material, a PTC ceramic material (for example flex foils using a ceramic composition), a PTC printed assembly, or a combination thereof. Suitably, the PTC heater(s) comprises a flexible material to allow it to conform with and be associated with (e.g. attached to) the inner container, suitably the outer surface of the inner container wall (outer surface when considering the inner container in isolation).

[0060] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the electrical thermal exchange element comprises an electrical cooling element operable to cool the inner container. Suitably, electrical cooling element comprises a Peltier circuit operable to cool a liquid within the inner container. Suitably, the Peltier circuit comprises a flexible material to allow it to conform with and be associated with (e.g. attached to) the inner container, suitably the outer surface of the inner container wall (outer surface when considering the inner container in isolation). In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the electrical thermal exchange element comprises both an electrical heating element, as defined herein, operable to heat the inner container and an electrical cooling element, as defined herein, operable to cool the inner container.

[0061] Suitably, the electrical thermal exchange element is associated with the sidewall of the inner container to maximise thermal conduction between the electrical thermal exchange element and the inner container (and a drink contained within the inner container). Suitably, the electrical thermal exchange element is attached to the sidewall of the inner container, suitably an outer surface of said sidewall (outer surface when considering the inner container in isolation). Suitably, the electrical thermal exchange element may be attached to said sidewall of the inner container by an adhesive support. Suitably, the electrical thermal exchange element may include a self-adhesive support so that it can be easily attached directly to the sidewall of the inner container.

[0062] Suitably, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry of the drinking vessel may further include an electronic data tag operably connected to the receiving coil. Suitably, the electronic data tag may be used to store data, for example data associated with an outlet that supplies drinks.

[0063] Suitably, the drinking vessel may further include a lid to cover the aperture (i.e. opening) of the inner container. Suitably, the lid is provided with an aperture to enable a drink product to be consumed or decanted directly from the drinking vessel without requiring removal of the lid. Suitably, the lid may be provided with a removeable popup cover. Suitably, the lid may be releasably attachable to the inner container by mutual screw threads on the lid and inner container.

[0064] According to a second aspect, there is provided a drinking vessel system comprising a drinking vessel as defined in the first aspect and a base unit for receiving the drinking vessel, wherein the base unit is operable with an electrical power supply and the base unit comprises a transmitter coil operably connectable to said electrical power supply such that the transmitter coil is operable to provide induced energy to the receiving coil of the drinking vessel thereby providing an induced electrical power supply to the electrical circuitry of the drinking vessel.

[0065] Suitably, the base unit is provided with an electrical cable operable to receive electrical power from a device, a mains charger, or a vehicle power supply connector and the base unit is operable in conformance with USB power delivery specifications. Suitably, the electrical cable comprises a connector selected form a USB power port, a plug to mate with a cigar lighter port and a mains compatible plug.

[0066] Suitably, the base unit is provided with a microcontroller unit that is operable to support a number of available voltages under the USB power delivery specifications.

[0067] According to a third aspect, there is provided use of a drinking vessel as defined in the first aspect or a drinking vessel system as defined in the second aspect to actively heat and / or actively cool a drink contained in the drinking vessel, and / or to maintain a drink contained in the drinking vessel at a substantially constant temperature.

[0068] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of actively heating and / or actively cooling a drink in a drinking vessel, and / or maintaining a drink in a drinking vessel at a substantially constant temperature, the method comprising: providing a drinking vessel as defined in the first aspect; providing a drink in the inner container of the drinking vessel; and operating the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry of the drinking vessel. Suitably, the step of operating the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry of the drinking vessel may be achieved by associating the drinking vessel with a base unit of the drinking vessel system of the second aspect and applying electric power to the base unit.

[0069] The disclosure further relates to the following embodiments:

[0070] Embodiment 1. A drinking vessel comprising: an inner container for receiving and holding a liquid, the inner container comprising a bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom; an outer container comprising a base and a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, the outer container being dimensioned to allow the outer container to receive the inner container; a wirelessly operable electrical circuitry comprising a receiving coil operable to receive energy by induction and an electrical thermal exchange element operably connected to the receiving coil and operably associated with the inner container to enable temperature regulation of said inner container; the inner container and outer container comprising mechanical engagement means, the mechanical engagement means having a disengaged configuration to permit the inner container to be movable with respect to and disengaged from the outer container and an engaged configuration to prevent movement of the inner container with respect to the outer container and to engage the inner container within the outer container, wherein in the engaged configuration a fluid-tight seal is formed between the inner and outer container and the inner and outer container define a fluid-tight chamber between said inner and outer containers, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry being positioned within said fluid-tight chamber.

[0071] Embodiment 2. The drinking vessel of embodiment 1, wherein the drinking vessel is in the form of a cup, mug or tumbler.

[0072] Embodiment s. The drinking vessel of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the fluid- tight chamber is a water-tight chamber.

[0073] Embodiment 4. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the mechanical engagement means comprises mutually engaging screw threads.

[0074] Embodiment 5. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the mechanical engagement means comprises a screw thread associated with an outer face of said inner container sidewall and a mutually engaging screw thread associated with an inner face of said outer container sidewall. Embodiment 6. The drinking vessel of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein the mutually engaging screw threads comprise a screw thread associated with the inner container and positioned near a region of the rim of the inner container and a mutually engaging screw thread associated with the outer container and positioned near a region of the rim of the outer container.

[0075] Embodiment 7. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the mechanical engagement means includes a compressible seal, the compressible seal being compressed at ajoint between the inner and outer containers when the mechanical engagement means in is the engaged configuration.

[0076] Embodiment 8. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the inner container comprises, preferably formed from, a material having a thermal conductivity at 25 °C of from 2 to 50watt per metre kelvin.

[0077] Embodiment 9. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the inner container comprises, preferably is formed from, a metal or metal alloy.

[0078] Embodiment 10. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the inner and outer containers are formed from different types of materials.

[0079] Embodiment 11. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein at least a portion of the outer container, suitably the entire outer container, is formed from a recyclable material, for example closed loop recyclable materials, such as rigid materials comprising polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, resin impregnated fibre materials, and ceramic materials, or from semi-rigid materials such as card.

[0080] Embodiment 12. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element comprises an electrical heater element operable to heat the inner container. Embodiment 13. The drinking vessel of embodiment 12, wherein the electrical heater element comprises one or more positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters.

[0081] Embodiment 14. The drinking vessel of embodiment 13, wherein the PTC heater comprises one or more PTC rubber materials.

[0082] Embodiment 15. The drinking vessel of embodiment 13, wherein the PTC heater comprises one or more flex foils using a ceramic based composition.

[0083] Embodiment 16. The drinking vessel of embodiment 13, wherein the PTC heater comprises one or more printed PTC heaters.

[0084] Embodiment 17. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element comprises one or more Peltier elements operable to cool the inner container.

[0085] Embodiment 18. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element comprises a self-limiting and self-regulating electrical thermal exchange element.

[0086] Embodiment 19. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element is attached to the sidewall of the inner container.

[0087] Embodiment 20. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the receiving coil is positioned in proximity to the base surface of the outer container.

[0088] Embodiment 21. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the drinking vessel further includes a lid to cover said aperture of the inner container.

[0089] Embodiment 22. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry is exclusively associated with, such as attached only to, the inner container. Embodiment 23. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the receiving coil is associated with, such as attached to, the bottom of the inner container.

[0090] Embodiment 24. The drinking vessel of embodiment 23, wherein the receiving coil includes biasing means to bias the receiving coil towards the base of the outer container when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration.

[0091] Embodiment 25. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element is associated with, such as attached to, the sidewall of the inner container.

[0092] Embodiment 26. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the fluid tight chamber extends between the bottom of the inner container and the base of the outer container and between the sidewall of the inner container and the sidewall of the outer container when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration.

[0093] Embodiment 27. The drinking vessel of embodiment 26, wherein the receiving coil is positioned in the fluid tight chamber formed between the bottom of the inner container and the base of the outer container when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration.

[0094] Embodiment 28. The drinking vessel of embodiment 26 or 27, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element is positioned in the fluid tight chamber formed between the sidewall of the inner container and the sidewall of the outer container when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration.

[0095] Embodiment 29. The drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the inner and outer containers together form a double-walled drinking vessel when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration. Embodiment 30. A drinking vessel system comprising a drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 29 and a base unit for receiving the drinking vessel, wherein the base unit is associated with an electrical power supply and the base unit comprises a transmitter coil operably connected to said electrical power supply such that the transmitter coil is operable to provide induced energy to the receiving coil of the drinking vessel and provide an induced electrical power supply to the electrical circuitry of the drink container.

[0096] Embodiment 31. A drinking vessel system of embodiment 30, wherein the base unit is provided with an electrical cable operable to receive electrical power from a device, a mains charger, or a vehicle power supply connector and the base unit is operable in conformance with USB power delivery specifications.

[0097] Embodiment 32. A drinking vessel system of embodiments 30 or 31, wherein the base unit is provided with a microcontroller unit that is operable to support a number of available voltages under the USB power delivery specifications.

[0098] Embodiment 33. A drinking vessel system of any one of embodiments 30 to 32, wherein the electrical cable comprises a connector selected form a USB power port, a plug to mate with a cigar lighter port and a mains compatible plug.

[0099] Embodiment 34. Use of a drinking vessel of any one of embodiments 1 to 29 or a drinking vessel system of any one of embodiments 30 to 33 to heat and / or cool a drink contained in the drinking vessel, and / or to maintain a drink contained in the drinking vessel at a substantially constant temperature.

[0100] It is to be understood, that any technical feature(s) of the disclosure, and all preferred variants thereof, may be independently combined with any other particular technical feature(s), and all preferred variants thereof. Also, it will be understood that the preferred features of each aspect of the disclosure are regarded as preferred features of every other aspect of the disclosure. Suitably, the term “comprising” or any cognate word specifies the presence of stated features, steps, or integers or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, integers, components or groups thereof. The expressions “consists of’ or “consists essentially of’ or cognates may be embraced within “comprises” or any cognate word. The expression “consists essentially of’ permits inclusion of substances not materially affecting the characteristics of the invention to which it applies. The expression “consists of’ or cognates means only the stated features, steps, integers components or groups thereof are present to which the expression refers.

[0101] Suitably, the term “drinking vessel” means a vessel for holding a drink and from which a user may conveniently drink directly therefrom. Suitably, the drinking vessel may be a cup, mug, tumbler or the like. Suitably, the drinking vessel is portable and dimensioned to be hand-held.

[0102] Suitably, the terms “active heating” and “active cooling” in relation to the drinking vessel means the drinking vessel includes means to enable heating and cooling, respectively, of a drink contained in the vessel.

[0103] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0104] An embodiment of portable hand-held drink container, in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0105] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the drinking vessel system of the invention;

[0106] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a drinking vessel in accordance with the invention in, respectively, perspective and exploded views;

[0107] Figure 3a shows a side view of an outer container of a drinking vessel in accordance with the invention; Figure 3b shows a perspective view of an internal screw thread 13a formed on an inner wall of the outer container;

[0108] Figure 4 shows a side view of an inner container of a drinking vessel in accordance with the invention;

[0109] Figures 5a and 5b show, respectively, a plan view and a side view of the electrical thermal exchange element;

[0110] Figures 6a and 6b show an exemplary quadrilateral base unit for supporting a drinking vessel in accordance with one aspect of the invention, in perspective and from one side; Figure 6c shows an exemplary inductive transmitter power coil juxtaposed in relation to Figure 6b;

[0111] Figure 6d shows the basic components of the power base power supply associated with a base unit;

[0112] Figure 7a shows a simple power transfer arrangement for power transfer;

[0113] Figures 8a and 8b show an alternative, second base unit in perspective view and in component spaced-apart view; and,

[0114] Figures 9a and 9b show an optional lid for a drinking vessel in accordance with the present invention in perspective view and in component spaced-apart view.

[0115] With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a heated cup (i.e. drinking vessel) 10 together with power supply base unit 11 and optional lid 12. Heated cup comprises an outside wall 13 associated with an outer container, an inside wall 14 associated with an inner container, each comprising separate elements - although the specific fastening between the two elements is not shown in this Figure - operably containing a liquid 15.

[0116] It can be seen that the lower part of the cup, upon the outside of the inside wall element 14, has a heater section 20 having one or several heater elements. Said heater element(s) is conveniently formed from positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater elements, as shall be discussed in detail below. A convenient size of drinking vessel is one of the metric / US 350ml / 12oz international cup sizes, which is a typical size for many drink container support holders as fitted to many brands and types of automobiles, restaurant and diner establishments, vending machines and other places, typically dimensioned with a height of 170mm, a base diameter of 70mm and an aperture diameter of 95mm. The power transfer base unit or charger base 11 provides a standing area for the drinking vessel and which accepts the base 17 of the container and provides a degree of stability. An electrical power input cable (11c) conveniently provides electrical energy - such as from a mains supply and voltage reduction or from a low voltage vehicular electrical supply. As will be realized, whilst this transmits the power to the cup 10, the cup comprises a lower section associated with the base 16 which is provided with a corresponding inductive power receiver circuit 18, which is resiliently urged toward the inside surface of the base 17 of the external wall element by means of resilient element 18R - this assist in ensuring maximum power transfer. The resilient element is conveniently formed of polyurethane foam - in tests this has been provided as an element of 3mm thickness which is retained in a compressed state of 3mm, permitting further compression in the event that detent / bayonet-style fastener are employed as opposed to a screw-thread as between the first and second elements of the container 10. Whilst the main purpose of the resilient element 18R is to maintain down pressure on the receiver circuit so that it is in intimate contact with the lowest inside surface of the external wall element 14, to ensure maximum power transfer efficiency. The resilient element is preferably treated to provide good thermal conduction and reduce thermal losses arising from the energy conversion whereby to ensure a most efficient heating process as possible.

[0117] Referring to Figure 2, from the top of the cup assembly, there is shown in a linearly expanded fashion: lid 12 with an external screw thread 12a being generally indicated, which operably associates with a mutual screw thread on an inside rim of an insert cup portion 14, noting that the corresponding mutual screw thread is not detailed in this Figure. Next, a heater element 20 is shown, which is securely attached with an enveloping protective material / sheet / film 20a, to ensure good thermal contact between the externally facing inside face of the inner wall element 14 and encapsulation of componentry. The outer wall 13 of the cup 10 is conveniently provided by polypropylene (PP), conveniently sourced as a recycled product. Item 13’ comprises an optional polypropylene sleeve insert which is provided with a screw-thread / attachment detent mechanism to enable mechanical association with a mutual screw thread 14a on the metallic internal container 14 (see Figures 2 and 4), thereby forming a perfect seal and strong bond between the outside wall 13 (associated with an outer container) and inside wall 14 (associated with an inner container). Sleeve insert 13’ is configured to bond with the wall of external container 13 by means of an adhesive or, conveniently, by high frequency welding, to form a permeant bond therewith. The purpose of the sleeve insert is to allow the outer (PP) wall 13 to screw threadedly seal directly with the metal inner wall 14 of the inner container which includes a mutually engaging screw thread 14b (as shown in Figures 2 and 4), thereby defining in normal use a water-tight chamber that houses the electrical circuitry. The provision of the sleeve insert also facilitates a simple removal and / or replacement of the outer wall of the cup 10, thereby permitting easy serviceable access to the electrical componentry. Suitably, the provision of the sleeve insert permits a change of the outer wall 13 at will by the user for multiple designs and personalisation options. It will be appreciated that the provision of the sleeve 13’ is optional and a screw thread 13a may be provided on the inner surface of outside wall 13 to mutual engage with screw thread 14a on the outer surface of metal inner wall 14 as shown in Figures 3b and 4, respectively.

[0118] A significant feature of the power transfer base unit or charger base 11 is that not only does it provide a standing area for a drinking vessel and which accepts the base 17 of cup 10 it also provides a degree of stability, conveniently having a guide or similar such as an upstanding periphery or ledge element that assists in centralization of base and cup and ensures correct orientation of the respective power transmitter and receiver elements, to maximize power transfer. A protective top surface 11T provides a thin (<0.5mm) yet durable support glass surface for the base 17 of the cup; the glass sheet is provided with, on its underside, an induction transmitter coil. Not only has the glass been found to be provide little absorption of the energy to be transferred, it provides a hard surface which can easily be cleaned. Applicants have selected Gorilla® glass by Corning® which is an ion-exchange glass treated to be particularly damage resistant and this type of glass is widely available and known from smartphones etc. and suitably rugged, having a thickness of 0.4mm, although it will be appreciated that the thickness can be varied upon application. An electrical power input cable (not shown in this figure) conveniently provides electrical energy - such as from a mains supply and voltage reduction or from a low voltage vehicular electrical supply. The induction transmitter coil, conveniently closely adhesively attached to the underside of the glass, is conveniently, in turn, connected to an electrical control circuit 1 IE. In the alternative there is provided a resilient element to assist in ensuring that the coil abuts the underside of the glass. Surface mounted LEDs may be provided to illuminate through the cups outer wall (PP) 13 to show a user when it is in operation; they may also be used to assist in centralization of the container upon the base unit.

[0119] The cup is operatively associated with a base unit 16, the cup or drinking vessel 10 having a base (bottom) wall 17 and supporting an inductive electrical energy transfer coil 18. Inductive coil 18 is placed to inductively couple electrical energy from a corresponding coil 19 mounted in the power base unit 16, which is arranged to receive electrical power from a domestic wall socket (not shown) or a car outlet socket - commonly referred to as a cigarette light socket or a USB socket (also not shown). Operation shall be discussed in greater detail below.

[0120] Inductive coupling is a widely used wireless power technology, and virtually the only one so far which is used in commercial products. It is used in inductive charging stands for cordless appliances used in wet environments such as electric toothbrushes and shavers, to reduce the risk of electric shock. Another application area is "transcutaneous" recharging of biomedical prosthetic devices implanted in the human body, such as cardiac pacemakers and insulin pumps, to avoid having wires passing through the skin. It is also used to charge electric vehicles such as cars and to either charge or power transit vehicles like buses and trains.

[0121] Applications of low power inductive charging are generally supportive of small consumer electronic devices such as cell phones, handheld devices, some computers, and similar devices which normally charge at power levels below 100 watts (100W). High power inductive charging generally refers to inductive charging of batteries at power levels above 1000 watts (IkW). The technology is presently topical with regard to the potential automotive use and employ resonant primary and secondary coils also known as resonant inductive coupling i.e. where electrodynamic coupling is provided with strongly coupled magnetic resonance. The shorter the distance between the respective transmitting and receiving coils, the more efficient the energy transfer. Applicants have selected a thermal inductive alloy that will not pose a problem with consumer regulations and associated standards.

[0122] The wireless transmission of energy is common to those skilled in the art.

[0123] Radio waves are energy, and people use them to send and receive cell phone, TV, radio and WiFi signals every day. The radio waves spread in all directions until they reach antennae that are tuned to the right frequency. A similar method for transferring electrical power would be both inefficient and dangerous. For example, a toothbrush's daily exposure to water makes a traditional plug-in charger potentially dangerous. Ordinary electrical connections could also allow water to seep into the toothbrush, damaging its components. Because of this, most toothbrushes recharge through inductive coupling, as shall be discussed below.

[0124] Figure 3a shows an outer wall 13 of the outer container of the drinking vessel. This can be manufactured from on the one hand of card or a rigid plastics material such as recycled polypropylene and, on the other hand could be manufactured from a bright annealed and / or polished stainless steel. Provision can be made for decoration, being company details, adverts, patterns, designs or otherwise. If made from a metal such a stainless steel, the base should be manufactured from a distinct material to enable transfer of power whilst in proximity to the base unit power system.

[0125] Figure 3b shows an internal screw thread 13a formed on an inner wall of the outer container. The internal screw thread 13a of the outer container is mutually engageable with an external screw thread 14a formed on an outer wall of the inner container as shown in Figure 4 to form a watertight seal between the inner and outer containers.

[0126] Figure 4 shows an outer wall 14 of the inner container of the drinking vessel which includes an external screw thread 14a. The outer wall can be manufactured from on the one hand of card or a rigid plastics material such as recycled polypropylene and, on the other hand could be manufactured from a bright annealed and / or polished stainless steel. It will be appreciated that a simple low-cost cup can be provided, which can be manufactured from waterproof card or plastics, whether formed from moulded or rolled sheet material. Equally a more durable finish can be provided if at least the inner walls of the container are manufactured aluminium, stainless steels or other materials such as fibre reinforced plastics, moulded plastics. In developmental testing, it has been found that card of 240gsm suitably made waterproof using ceramic powders, as is known, to receive a PTC heater and remain ridged once bonded. It is also known that cellulose fibre can be combined with bonding agents together with a mineral-containing layer(s), the mineral-containing layer comprising a basis weight of about 35 to about 1500 g / m2, in the form of rolls and sheets that are unblended within the composite comprising at least 10% by weight of the entire composite structure, a density of the mineral containing layer of between 0.3 to 1.50 g / m3, with particle size being between 0.04mm and 1.3mm, and contain organic minerals e.g. diatomaceous earth, ground calcium carbonate, mica, silica, glass, clays, zeolites, slate, etc., and combinations thereof. The mineral containing layer containing a prescribed amount of a thermo-formable bonding agent that is sufficient to enable a pliable composite structure to be formed. The composite bonding agent can also comprise thermoplastic polymers. Indeed, polyethylene or similar resin coated papers, sometimes referred to as “synthetic paper” can also be employed, to provide additional strength yet remain highly flexible. Flow overwrap techniques can be employed to create a protective outer wall of sleeve or cup, which techniques can also be used to form an outer sleeve for injection moulded material, thus encapsulating the inner wall, heater, and outer wall.

[0127] The fibre composite structure can be treated to provide a substantial moisture resistance or moisture barrier. The mineral-containing and fibre-containing layers therefore provide neutral biodegradable and biodegradable content. The composite structure can have recycled and recyclable content. The fibre structure can also be poly-coated for moisture resistance. Fibre-based recyclable waterproof containers and methods for the construction thereof are available from a number of suppliers, including Smart Planet Technologies Inc and Plastiroll Oy Ltd (W alkie). Details of more permanent metal sheets that have been formed from stainless steel (such as 304 grade - as is commonly used in the food industry or 316 grade - a marine grade) or an alloy of aluminium are available; they can be provided in thicknesses of 0.15 - 1 ,5mm and can provide a more readily received product in the market place in respect of a re-usable drinks container than waterproofed paper and card containers - although cellulose based products are more readily recycled.

[0128] The use of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) flexible heaters, such heaters' thin construction and low design mass permit heat to be transferred more efficiently than foil imprinted heaters: For example, the low mass of the PTC heaters enable heating up times to be minimal whilst a high temperature capability permits a higher wattage rating for faster heat-up times. A further advantage, especially in a fully flexible card version of the invention, is that the flexible PTC heaters, unlike heaters with printed or wired circuits, do not produce high EMF or cause cracks and breakages of the internal heater conductor when bent - which is the main cause of most heater failures. This means that accidental squeezing will not result in failure. It is known that ultra-thin flexible heaters deliver their excellent performance even under critical operating temperatures from as low as -200°C and can safely operate up to 210°C (higher temperatures depend on the application). The thickness of flexible heaters can be less than 0.22mm (0.0087 inches) and each typically weighs only 0.04g / cm2 (0.009oz / in2).

[0129] Flexible heaters, commonly referred to as “ultra-thin flexible heaters” can be provided with a self-adhesive backing so that they are extremely easy to affix to an outside wall of the inside container element and install, by the simple removal of a removable foil, the adhesive is exposed and can be placed upon the inside container. It has been found that delamination does not occur, in part due to the proximity of the outer wall element of the cup, which prevents such delamination, although where a high wattage density is employed in a particular style of container, it may be expedient to provide a reflective foil and / or insulation to enable safe handling of the cup. Flexible Heaters do not have abrupt protruding lead-out areas, hence they allow the pressure plates to fully cover the heaters without having to cut or trim the clamping metal to incorporate the lead-out area. Flexible Heaters can be made with complex shapes and geometries: Cut-out holes and notches can also be designed in to meet exact application specifications. Figure 5a shows a plan view of a temperature control element 20 in the shape of a frusto-conical wrap. Figure 5b shows the temperature control element 20 being sandwiched by first and second walls 13, 14 of the containers. A protective sleeve made from a recyclable polymer (recyclable) that will act as a cover over the PTC heater, RX spacer and RX unit may be provided. Once heat is applied to the material during assembly it will shrink to form a bond with the stainless steel therefore further protecting the components from any water damage during dish washer or cleaning application. It will also form a visible barrier preventing the user from seeing the components. This means that the user can easily remove the outer PP sleeve by twisting the sleeve loose and then able to replace with another sleeve of the user’s choosing without a visual insight of components and heater whilst maintaining an aesthetically pleasing finish.

[0130] Conductive heating elements such as PTC flex foils use a unique heating technology with strong ceramic characteristic. That means that the heating power varies depending on the ambient temperature. The warmer the object gets the less heating power is produced by the heater. This self-regulation leads to a natural temperature control that prevents overheating and is particularly convenient in that no further sensors and circuitry are required when provided in heating container in accordance with the present invention. Indeed, the self- regulation, optimizes power consumption at every point on the foil surface in view of this self-limiting characteristic. The PTC heater employed has been selected such that it is sufficiently flexible to wrap around the outside wall of the inside wall element of the container. It is sufficiently thin with adhesive surface to one side allow for the full wrap and perfect adhesion to the Stainless-Steel vessel. Indeed, the PTC heater has been developed to work at very low direct power input which means that other electrical energy sources such as batteries or capacitors are not required, benefitting the product in a low overall weight we do not require whatsoever. Furthermore, the heaters require no maintenance, and the materials used are once again recyclable. Alternative heaters can be provided by resistive heaters fabricated from conducting PTC rubber materials where the resistivity increases exponentially with increasing temperature. Such a type of heater will produce high power when it is cold and rapidly heat up itself to a constant temperature. Due to the exponentially increasing resistivity, the heater can never heat itself above this temperature. Above this temperature, the rubber acts as an electrical insulator. The temperature can be chosen during the production of the rubber and selected temperatures between 60°C and 80°C (141°F and 176°F) are easily and repeatably realizable. Accordingly, resistive heaters can also be provided as a self-limiting and self-regulating heaters.

[0131] Indeed, at temperatures higher than a specific temperature, what is believed to be a quantum mechanical tunnelling effect current ceases and the PTC rubber acts as an electrical insulator and no electrical current can flow through it. This temperature can be adjusted between 0°C and 80°C (32°F and 176°F) during the production of the PTC rubber. Hence, PTC rubber is a PTC material with very strong PTC characteristics. In fact, PTC rubber has the strongest PTC effect of all known materials, over a wide temperature range.

[0132] PTC rubber can be rolled into thin sheets and laminated with copper. The copper is in turn connected to a voltage to provide the electrical field inside the material necessary to trigger the tunnelling effect. The sheets can be formed into any shape and size. PTC rubber sheets can be used as thin flexible PTC heaters. These heaters will provide high power when they are cold and rapidly heat up themselves to a constant temperature and remain there virtually unaffected by changes in the ambient conditions. They can conveniently be designed to be powered with a low voltage system, such as by a 12V DC car battery, a standard 5 V DC USB feed and equally by a 240V AC domestic power source. An additional cooling fan can be provided to ensure that the base unit does not become too hot in use - not only for reason of a better user’s experience - this could also greatly reduce any unnecessary heat gain which can cause issues with, inter alia, forcing components to fail prematurely and the surfaces uncomfortably hot to touch. It is also well known that Peltier circuits can be provided. Peltier circuits can, upon operation of an electrical current whereby to enable a system in accordance with the invention to reduce a temperature. The cooling effect is proportional to current, but the internal heating due to I2R losses is proportional to the square of the current. Starting at no current, increasing current causes an increased amount of cooling. However, at some point, the resistive heating due to increasing current outweighs the additional cooling power of the higher current.

[0133] Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown an exemplary quadrilateral base unit 22 for supporting cup 10. A pattern or shaped definition could be provided to assist in location of the cup upon the base to optimize a transfer of power, there being shown a lead 11c with a USB connector 24 for association with a USB power port as are readily available from electrical component chargers and computing devices alike, preferably being a USB-C port, which operates at 12V, to be connected to a portable or static power-bank cell system, for use in a car, although a plug to mate with a so-called cigar-lighter port could also be provided. Figure 6b shows another base in profile, whilst Figure 6c shows an exemplary inductive power coil 26 operable to transfer electrical power as discussed above .

[0134] Inductive coupling is the oldest and most widely used wireless power technology, and virtually the only one so far which is used in commercial products. It is used in inductive charging stands for cordless appliances used in wet environments such as electric toothbrushes and shavers, to reduce the risk of electric shock. Another application area is "transcutaneous" recharging of biomedical prosthetic devices implanted in the human body, such as cardiac pacemakers and insulin pumps, to avoid having wires passing through the skin. It is also used to charge electric vehicles such as cars and to either charge or power transit vehicles like buses and trains.

[0135] Referring now to Figure 7a, there is shown a basic diagram of inductive coupling between a transmitter coil 71 and a receiver coil 72, the coils having a diameter D which coils are separated by a distance Z, with magnetic forces being indicated. The coils are tightly coupled, with Z« D. Inductive coupling uses magnetic fields that arise from the flow of current through a conductor. Employing the conductor as a wire and forming the wire into a coil amplifies the magnetic field and by increasing the number of coils, the bigger the field will be. By the positioning of a second coil of wire in the region of the magnetic field created, then the first field can induce a current in the wires of the second coil and this is the basis employed in recharging, for example, an electric toothbrush, where there are three basic steps: Current from the wall outlet flows through a coil, or primary winding, inside the charger, creating a magnetic field. Upon placement of a toothbrush in the charger, the magnetic field from the primary coil induces a current in another coil, or secondary winding, of the toothbrush, which connects to the device’s battery charging system.

[0136] Nonetheless, such devices produce small magnetic fields and accordingly, chargers hold devices at the distance necessary to induce a current, which can only happen if the coils are close together. A larger, stronger field could induce current from farther away, but the process would be extremely inefficient given that the magnetic field initially generated is omni-directional. On the one hand the use of a larger magnetic field would waste a lot of energy, on the other hand the power input supply would be compromised. The heating element has been developed to receive input power from a USB-C port (Universal Serial Bus, generation C) as conveniently provided by a computer device or other power adapter from a mains power supply or vehicle. Applicant has determined that to provide a heating element sufficient to maintain a 350ml / 12oz international cup size container requires around 11 watts of power for normal steady state operation and consumes more than this at initial power up when the element is cold. Assuming the heater system is 75% efficient, the input current required from a 5 V USB source is just under three amperes at 2.93A. USB-C devices may optionally provide bus power currents of 1.5A and 3.0A (at 5V) in addition to baseline bus power provision. Considering the 3.0 A limit - given that the 1.5 A limit would practicably be unusable - and allowing for anticipated variations in specification it would not be unexpected, if the invention were to be implemented in a simplistic fashion, that over current warnings would arise from host devices. This would clearly an undesirable characteristic. Accordingly, there is provided a power controller, in the form of a micro-controller unit (50) (MCU) DC to DC boost converter as exemplified in Figure 6d. The converter has been configured to accept a wide input voltage range and provide a nominal 12V output. The MCU monitors the input current and regulates the output voltage to the induction power transfer coils to maintain the input current within the required limits. The Wireless Power system must be tolerant of the voltage variation this system produces. USB-C devices may optionally provide or consume bus power currents of 1.5A and 3.0A (at 5V) in addition to baseline bus power provision. USB-C host devices acting as power sources can either advertise increased USB current through the configuration channel, or they can implement the full USB Power Delivery specification using both BMC-coded configuration line and legacy BFSK-coded VBUS line.

[0137] Specifically, the micro-controller unit, takes advantage of full USB - such as USB-C or subsequent Power Delivery (PD) characteristics. It is therefore able to determine if power delivery is available and negotiate an appropriate voltage and current suitable for the power conversion and heater characteristics. If power delivery is not available, the MCU will be able to determine the current limit of the connected USB-C, which will be either 1.5 A or 3.0 A at 5V. Knowing the current limit supported by the connected USB-C the micro-controller unit will, if necessary, limit its input current so as not to overload the source and cause over-current errors. The boost controller is able to support a number of the available voltages under the USB-C Power Delivery specification. In contrast, for fixed voltage adapter sources such as mains and vehicle, the micro-controller unit can be programmed with a suitable current limit for the adapter. The micro-controller unit is able to identify such adapters based on the voltage they supply and the lack of USB-C negotiation.

[0138] Suitably the Smart Power Controller typically limits the current to no more than 3.0A to the heater power system, thus preventing unwanted over- current error messages.

[0139] If only a lower non-PD current limit of 1 ,5A at 5 V is available from the USB-C source, the micro-controller unit does not enable its output to the heater power system as there is insufficient power available for operation. The micro-controller unit will conveniently provide a status indicator that the system cannot drive the heater current, such as an indicator light in the power base.

[0140] Figures 8a and 8b show a third base unit 11 in perspective view and in component spaced-apart view, showing a circular base element 28 having upstanding walls and an aperture (not indicated) through which power lead 23 emanates, with the lead 23 having a power port 24 at a distal end thereof. A thin cover 27 manufactured from a non- conductive material, such as an easily cleaned waterproof plastics or glass material that permits coil 26 to be attached to or abutted thereto by spacer 29 which may enclose additional circuitry. It will also be appreciated that the base unit could also be configured as a power-bank, with the spacer 29 being replaced by a number of electrical cells such as lithium-ion electrical cells, and the lead 23 could also be replaced with a socket member in a side of the base.

[0141] Figure 9a shows an optional lid in perspective view. Per Figure 9b, the lid may be provided with a removable or pop-up cover 31, which locates with respect to the main body portion 30 of the screw-fit lid. The mechanism for permitting a user to drink through the cover 31 is indicated by numeral 32. Conveniently these elements are removable for disassembly and cleaning. The skilled person would be aware of the many various materials in addition to stainless steel or aluminium such as carbon fibre, graphene, polycarbonates, PET plastics, and various metallic alloys.

[0142] It will be appreciated that the lid assembly can be manufactured from several materials. Conveniently for longevity and looks, a mirror-finish metal could be employed, but this has significant costs associated with it in terms of material cost and finish process costs. It has been found convenient to use a plastic base material such as polypropylene for the lid, in common with the outer wall which benefits from high thermal resistance (thermal conductivity K (or XX0.2 W / mK) and is highly resistant to many commonly used bleaches and can be recycled. Whilst virgin polypropylene pellets can be used - since they are widely available, recycled polypropylene is also readily available, polypropylene pellets (99.7% purity) made from recycled oil is of a class of product that has safely passed food-safe testing regulations worldwide. Incidentally, the cup lid and outer wall can be reground back to a pellet that can be injection moulded and reused again and again to create, for example, another cup lid or outer sleeve.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A drinking vessel comprising: an inner container for receiving and holding a liquid, the inner container comprising a bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom; an outer container comprising a base and a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, the outer container being dimensioned to allow the outer container to receive the inner container; a wirelessly operable electrical circuitry comprising a receiving coil operable to receive energy by induction and an electrical thermal exchange element operably connected to the receiving coil and operably associated with the inner container to enable temperature regulation of said inner container; the inner container and outer container comprising mechanical engagement means, the mechanical engagement means having a disengaged configuration to permit the inner container to be movable with respect to and disengaged from the outer container and an engaged configuration to prevent movement of the inner container with respect to the outer container and to engage the inner container within the outer container, wherein in the engaged configuration a fluid-tight seal is formed between the inner and outer container and the inner and outer container define a fluid-tight chamber between said inner and outer containers, the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry being positioned within said fluid-tight chamber.

2. A drinking vessel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wirelessly operable electrical circuitry is exclusively associated with, such as attached only to, the inner container.

3. A drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving coil is associated with, such as attached to, the bottom of the inner container.

4. A drinking vessel as claimed in claim 3, wherein the receiving coil includes biasing means to bias the receiving coil towards the base of the outer container when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration.

5. A drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element is associated with, such as attached to, the sidewall of the inner container.

6. A drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid tight chamber extends between the bottom of the inner container and the base of the outer container and between the sidewall of the inner container and the sidewall of the outer container when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration.

7. A drinking vessel as claimed in claim 6, wherein the receiving coil is positioned in the fluid tight chamber formed between the bottom of the inner container and the base of the outer container when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration.

8. A drinking vessel as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element is positioned in the fluid tight chamber formed between the sidewall of the inner container and the sidewall of the outer container when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration.

9. A drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner and outer containers together form a double-walled drinking vessel when the inner and outer containers are in the engaged configuration.

10. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking vessel is in the form of a cup, mug or tumbler.

11. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid-tight chamber is a water-tight chamber.

12. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical engagement means comprises mutually engaging screw threads.

13. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical engagement means comprises a screw thread associated with an outer surface of said inner container sidewall and a mutually engaging screw thread associated with an inner surface of said outer container sidewall.

14. The drinking vessel as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the mutually engaging screw threads comprise a screw thread associated with the inner container and positioned near a region of the rim of the inner container and a mutually engaging screw thread associated with the outer container and positioned near a region of the rim of the outer container.

15. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical engagement means includes a compressible seal, the compressible seal being compressed at ajoint between the inner and outer containers when the mechanical engagement means in is the engaged configuration.

16. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner container comprises, preferably formed from, a material having a thermal conductivity at 25 °C of from 2 to 50watt per metre kelvin.

17. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner container comprises, preferably is formed from, a metal or metal alloy.

18. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner and outer containers are formed from different types of materials.

19. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the outer container, suitably the entire outer container, is formed from a recyclable material, for example closed loop recyclable materials, such as rigid materials comprising polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, resin impregnated fibre materials, and ceramic materials, or from semi-rigid materials such as card.

20. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element comprises an electrical heater element operable to heat the inner container.

21. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element comprises one or more Peltier elements operable to cool the inner container.

22. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical thermal exchange element comprises a self-limiting and self-regulating electrical thermal exchange element.

23. The drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking vessel further includes a lid to cover said aperture of the inner container.

24. A drinking vessel system comprising a drinking vessel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a base unit for receiving the drinking vessel, wherein the base unit is operable with an electrical power supply and the base unit comprises a transmitter coil operably connectable to said electrical power supply such that the transmitter coil is operable to provide induced energy to the receiving coil of the drinking vessel thereby providing an induced electrical power supply to the electrical circuitry of the drinking vessel.

25. A drinking vessel system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the base unit is provided with an electrical cable operable to receive electrical power from a device, a mains charger, or a vehicle power supply connector and the base unit is operable in conformance with USB power delivery specifications.

26. Use of a drinking vessel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23 or a drinking vessel system as claimed in claim 24 or 25 to heat and / or cool a drink contained in thedrinking vessel, and / or to maintain a drink contained in the drinking vessel at a substantially constant temperature.

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