Temperature-regulating containment system

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a temperature-regulating containment system for actively heating or cooling a liquid to a desired liquid temperature, the temperature-regulating containment system comprising: a container having an internal cavity defined by a sidewall upwardly extending from a bottom wall; a heating element disposed beneath the bottom wall; a chamber disposed beneath the bottom wall, the chamber adjustable between an unfilled condition and a filled condition in which the chamber is filled with a heat transfer medium; and a cooling element disposed beneath the chamber. When the liquid temperature is below the desired liquid temperature: the chamber adjusts to the unfilled condition, and the heating element provides heat to the bottom wall. When the liquid temperature is above the desired liquid temperature: the chamber adjusts to the filled condition, and the cooling element removes heat from the bottom wall.

I. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a temperature-regulating containment system for actively heating or cooling a liquid to a desired liquid temperature, and methods of making and using such a temperature-regulating containment system, whereby the temperature-regulating containment system comprises: a container having an internal cavity defined by a sidewall upwardly extending from a bottom wall, the internal cavity configured to contain the liquid which has a liquid temperature; a heating element disposed beneath the bottom wall, the heating element configured to provide heat to the bottom wall; a chamber disposed beneath the bottom wall, the chamber adjustable between an unfilled condition and a filled condition in which the chamber is filled with a heat transfer medium; and a cooling element disposed beneath the chamber, the cooling element configured to remove heat from the bottom wall; wherein when the liquid temperature is below the desired liquid temperature: the chamber adjusts to the unfilled condition, and the heating element provides heat to the bottom wall to heat the liquid to the desired liquid temperature; and wherein when the liquid temperature is above the desired liquid temperature: the chamber adjusts to the filled condition, and the cooling element removes heat from the bottom wall to cool the liquid to the desired liquid temperature.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 2BandFIG. 3, which illustrate a temperature-regulating containment system (1) for actively heating or cooling a liquid (2), the containment system (1) comprising (i) a container (3) having an internal cavity (4) defined by a sidewall (5) upwardly extending from a bottom wall (6), the internal cavity (4) configured to contain liquid (2) which has a liquid temperature (7); (ii) a heating element (8) disposed beneath the bottom wall (6), the heating element (8) configured to provide heat (9) to the bottom wall (6); (iii) a chamber (10) disposed beneath the bottom wall (6), the chamber (10) adjustable between an unfilled condition (11) and a filled condition (12) in which the chamber (10) is filled with a heat transfer medium (13); and (iv) a cooling element (14) disposed beneath the chamber (10), the cooling element (14) configured to remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 2C, the instant containment system (1) may be useful when the liquid temperature (7) is below a desired liquid temperature (15). Following, the chamber (10) can be adjusted to the unfilled condition (11), and the heating element (8) can provide heat (9) to the bottom wall (6) to heat the liquid (2) to the desired liquid temperature (15).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 2D, the instant containment system (1) may also be useful when the liquid temperature (7) is above a desired liquid temperature (15). Subsequently, the chamber (10) can be adjusted to the filled condition (12), and the cooling element (14) can remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6) to cool the liquid (2) to the desired liquid temperature (15).

As used herein, the term “heat” means energy, such as thermal energy, which when transferred to matter, can cause the matter to become warmer or hotter. Correspondingly, upon providing heat (9) to matter, the matter can increase in temperature. Conversely, upon removing heat (9) from matter, the matter can decrease in temperature, thereby becoming cooler or colder.

As used herein, a “desired liquid temperature” is typically a predetermined temperature, whereby “predetermined” means decided in advance. Of note, when the desired liquid temperature (15) is reached with use of the instant containment system (1), the applicable heating or cooling element (8)(14) can also function to maintain the desired liquid temperature (15) for a period of time, such as minutes or hours.

As shown in the example of the Figures, the instant containment system (1) or one or more components thereof can be portable, meaning physically configured to be easily carried by an individual during use.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 3,FIG. 4A, andFIG. 4B, the instant containment system (1) includes a container (3) having an internal cavity (4) configured to contain liquid (2), whereby the container (3) is formed from at least a sidewall (5) which upwardly extends from a bottom wall (6). Following, a sidewall inner surface (16) and a bottom wall inner surface (17) define the internal cavity (4) having an open end (18) opposite the bottom wall inner surface (17), which provides the internal cavity (4) with a closed end (19). Liquid (2) can be passed through the open end (18) for containment within the internal cavity (4).

Regarding configuration, as to particular embodiments, the container (3) can be formed from a generally cylindrical sidewall (5), thus having a generally circular cross section through a horizontal plane. The diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall (5) can be the same or different along the height of the generally cylindrical sidewall (5), depending upon the embodiment. As but one illustrative example shown in the Figures, the diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall (5) can inwardly taper toward the bottom wall (6).

Regarding material, at least the bottom wall (6) of the container (3) can be formed from a thermally-conductive material, such as metal. As but one non-limiting example, the bottom wall (6) can be formed from copper or copper plated with tin. As to particular embodiments, the sidewall (5), which can be (i) coupled, directly coupled, connected, or adjacent to the bottom wall (6) at a liquid-tight junction or (ii) integrated with the bottom wall (6), can also be formed from a thermally-conductive material as described above.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 1G, andFIG. 3, the containment system (1) can further include an outer shell (20) coupled to the container (3), whereby the outer shell (20) surrounds at least the sidewall (5). As to particular embodiments, an insulating element (21) can be disposed between the container (3) and the outer shell (20) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 3) to thermally insulate the container (3) and reduce heat transfer therebetween, consequently permitting the liquid (2) to remain at the desired liquid temperature (15) for an increased period of time relative to an embodiment of the containment system (1) without the insulating element (21).

As but one non-limiting example, the insulating element (21) can comprise a vacuum (22). For example, a vacuum (22) can exist in an annular gap (23) between the container (3) and the outer shell (20), the vacuum (22) functioning to thermally insulate the container (3), consequently permitting the liquid (2) to remain at the desired liquid temperature (15) for an increased period of time relative to an embodiment of the containment system (1) without the vacuum (22).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 5AthroughFIG. 6C, the containment system (1) further includes a heating element (8) disposed beneath the bottom wall (6), whereby the heating element (8) is configured to provide heat (9) to the bottom wall (6). Thus, the heating element (8) is in thermal communication with the bottom wall (6) and can correspondingly provide heat (9) to the bottom wall (6) and subsequently, to the liquid (2) contained within the internal cavity (4) via transfer through the bottom wall (6) to heat the liquid (2) to the desired liquid temperature (15).

It is herein to be understood that when a component of the containment system (1) is in thermal communication with the bottom wall (6) of the container (3), the component is also in thermal communication with the liquid (2) contained within the internal cavity (4). Thus, when heat (9) is provided to the bottom wall (6), for example by the heating element (8), heat (9) is provided to the liquid (2) contained within the internal cavity (4). And, when heat (9) is removed from the bottom wall (6), for example by the cooling element (14), heat (9) is removed from the liquid (2) contained within the internal cavity (4).

As to particular embodiments, the heating element (8) can include an electrically-conductive path having a sufficient amount of resistance to generate heat (9) upon travel of electricity, whereby the electrically-conductive path can take the form of a wire, ribbon, strip, etched path, or the like, depending upon the embodiment.

As to particular embodiments, the heating element (8) and/or the electrically-conductive path can be generally planar or flat, as shown in the examples of the Figures.

As to particular embodiments, the heating element (8) can be configured as a flexible heating element (8).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 3, the heating element (8) can be coupled, directly coupled, connected, or adjacent to a bottom wall outer surface (24) disposed opposite the bottom wall inner surface (17) which defines a portion of the internal cavity (4).

As to particular embodiments, the heating element (8) can be connected to the bottom wall outer surface (24) by adhesion, for example via a thermally conductive adhesive, disposing the heating element (8) adjacent to the bottom wall outer surface (24) (not shown).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 3,FIG. 5A,FIG. 5B, andFIG. 5E, as to other particular embodiments, the heating element (8) can be connected or adhered to a component which itself disposes adjacent to the bottom wall outer surface (24), thereby positioning the heating element (8) proximate the bottom wall outer surface (24). As but one illustrative example, the heating element (8) can be connected or adhered to an overlaying layer (25) which overlays or is directly adjacent to the bottom wall outer surface (24). Specifically, the heating element (8) can be connected or adhered to an overlaying layer outer surface (26), whereby the opposing overlaying layer inner surface (27) can be directly adjacent to the bottom wall outer surface (24). As but one illustrative example, the overlaying layer (25) can be formed from a thermally-conductive material, such as steel, thus allowing heat (9) to transfer therethrough from the heating element (8) to the bottom wall (6).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 3, as to particular embodiments, the overlaying layer (25) can overlay the bottom wall outer surface (24) and a sidewall outer surface (28) such that the overlaying layer (25) is configured as an open-ended vessel (29) which contains the above-described container (3).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 3,FIG. 5AthroughFIG. 5E,FIG. 10A, andFIG. 10B, the containment system (1) further includes a cooling element (14) disposed beneath the bottom wall (6), whereby the cooling element (14) is configured to remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6). Thus, the cooling element (14) is in thermal communication with the bottom wall (6), and can correspondingly remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6) and subsequently, from the liquid (2) contained within the internal cavity (4) via transfer through the bottom wall (6) to cool the liquid (2) to the desired liquid temperature (15).

As to particular embodiments, the cooling element (14) can be a thermoelectric cooler, such as a Peltier device (30) which operates according to the Peltier effect. Typically, a Peltier device (30) includes a warmable face (31) opposite a coolable face (32). When an electric current flows through the Peltier device (30), heat transfers from the coolable face (32) to the warmable face (31), thus decreasing the temperature of (or cooling) the coolable face (32) and increasing the temperature of (or warming) the warmable face (31).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 3, the Peltier device (30) can be disposed beneath the bottom wall (6) such that the coolable face (32) is proximate the bottom wall (6) while the warmable face (31) is distal from the bottom wall (6). Said another way, the coolable face (32) can be oriented toward the bottom wall (6) or closer to the bottom wall (6), and the warmable face (31) can be oriented away from the bottom wall (6) or farther from the bottom wall (6). Accordingly, during use of the containment system (1), the coolable face (32) can be upwardly-directed while the warmable face (31) can be downwardly directed. Following, the coolable face (32) can be in thermal communication with the bottom wall (6), and can correspondingly remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6) and subsequently, from the liquid (2) contained within the internal cavity (4) via transfer through the bottom wall (6) to cool the liquid (2) to the desired liquid temperature (15).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 3,FIG. 5AthroughFIG. 5E, andFIG. 10AthroughFIG. 11E, the containment system (1) can further include a heat sink (33) coupled, directly coupled, connected, or adjacent to the Peltier device (30). Specifically, the heat sink (33) can be coupled, directly coupled, connected, or adjacent to the warmable face (31) of the Peltier device (30) such that the heat sink (33) is in thermal communication with the warmable face (31). Correspondingly, the heat sink (33) can function to dissipate heat (9) transferred to the warmable face (31) from the coolable face (32), thus allowing the warmable face (31) to draw additional heat (9) from the coolable face (32) to further decrease the temperature of (or cool) the coolable face (32). Consequently, the temperature of the bottom wall (6) can be further decreased (or cooled) and subsequently, the liquid (2) contained within the internal cavity (4) can be cooled to the desired liquid temperature (15).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 11E, the heat sink (33) can include one or more fluid flow paths (34) disposed within a heat sink body (35) formed from a thermally-conductive material, such as aluminum or copper. The fluid flow paths (34) can be configured to allow a fluid medium (36), such as air, to flow therethrough, whereby heat (9) from the relatively warmer heat sink body (35) can be transferred to the relatively cooler fluid medium (36) which upon flowing, can transfer the heat (9) away from the heat sink (33) and the containment system (1). Preferably, the heat sink body (35) and fluid flow paths (34) can be configured to maximize the surface area of the heat sink body (35) which contacts the fluid medium (36) to increase the amount of heat (9) which can be transferred away from the heat sink (33) and the containment system (1).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 11E, the fluid flow paths (34) can be defined by fins (37) of the heat sink body (35), whereby the fins (37) and correspondingly, the fluid flow paths (34), radially outwardly and upwardly extend from an interior fluid flow channel (38) in spaced apart relation. Correspondingly, from proximate an interior fluid flow channel bottom portion (39), a fluid medium (36) can flow upward and outward through the interior fluid flow channel (38) and the fluid flow paths (34) toward the ambient environment (40) to transfer heat (9) from the heat sink body (35) to the ambient environment (40).

Additionally, a liquid fluid medium (36), such as water, can flow through the fluid flow paths (34) and the interior fluid flow channel (38), either upwardly or downwardly, which may be useful for cleaning and/or washing the heat sink (33).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 5AthroughFIG. 5E,FIG. 10A, andFIG. 10B, as to particular embodiments, the containment system (1) can further include a fan (41) fluidicly coupled to the interior fluid flow channel (38), the fan (41) functioning to facilitate movement or flow of the fluid medium (36), such as air, upward and outward through the interior fluid flow channel (38) and the fluid flow paths (34) toward the ambient environment (40), thereby transferring heat (9) from the heat sink body (35) to the ambient environment (40).

As to particular embodiments, the fan (41) can be disposed proximate the interior fluid flow channel bottom portion (39). As but one non-limiting example, the fan (41) can be disposed, either partially or entirely, within the interior fluid flow channel bottom portion (39) such that a heat sink body internal wall (42) which defines the interior fluid flow channel (38) surrounds the fan (41). As but a second non-limiting example, the fan (41) can be disposed beneath the interior fluid flow channel bottom portion (39), as shown in the examples of the Figures.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 11E, as to particular embodiments, the heat sink body internal wall (42) which defines the interior fluid flow channel (38) can have a generally conical shape such that the heat sink body internal wall (42) inwardly tapers toward an interior fluid flow channel top portion (43) or outwardly tapers toward the interior fluid flow channel bottom portion (39).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 11E, as to particular embodiments, the heat sink body (35) can further include a heat storage element (44) disposed proximate a heat sink upper portion (45), whereby the heat storage element (44) may be useful for storing heat (9), for example heat (9) transferred from the warmable face (31) of the Peltier device (30), and consequently, may preclude the heat sink (33) from heating too rapidly.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 2A,FIG. 2B,FIG. 3,FIG. 5AthroughFIG. 5E, andFIG. 7AthroughFIG. 9, the containment system (1) further includes a chamber (10) disposed beneath the bottom wall (6) and above the cooling element (14) or between the bottom wall (6) and the cooling element (14), whereby the chamber (10) can be coupled, directly coupled, connected, or adjacent to the bottom wall (6) and/or the cooling element (14), depending upon the embodiment.

As to particular embodiments, the chamber (10) can be disposed within or formed by a component which itself disposes adjacent to the bottom wall outer surface (24), thereby positioning the chamber (10) proximate the bottom wall outer surface (24). As but one illustrative example, the chamber (10) can be disposed within or integrated with the overlaying layer (25) which overlays or is directly adjacent to the bottom wall outer surface (24). Specifically, the chamber (10) can have a chamber upper portion (46) which is defined by the overlaying layer outer surface (26). Further, the overlaying layer outer surface (26) can define chamber sidewalls (47) which extend between the chamber upper portion (46) and a chamber lower portion (48), which can be closed by a removable chamber lid (49).

As to particular embodiments having an overlaying layer (25) configured as an open-ended vessel (29) which contains the container (3), the chamber (10) can be disposed within or formed by the open-ended vessel (29).

The chamber (10) is adjustable between an unfilled condition (11) and a filled condition (12) in which the chamber (10) is filled with a heat transfer medium (13) which can thermally communicate with the bottom wall (6) and the cooling element (14). Thus, when the chamber (10) is in the filled condition (12), the heat transfer medium (13) functions to thermally couple the bottom wall (6) and the cooling element (14), meaning that heat (9) can transfer between the bottom wall (6) and the cooling element (14). Conversely, when the chamber (10) is in the unfilled condition (11) and void of the heat transfer medium (13), the bottom wall (6) is thermally uncoupled from the cooling element (14), meaning that heat (9) is precluded from transferring between the bottom wall (6) and the cooling element (14).

As to particular embodiments, a vacuum (22) can be generated within the chamber (10) when the chamber (10) is adjusted to the unfilled condition (11). The vacuum (22) which exists within the chamber (10) can function to thermally uncouple the bottom wall (6) and the cooling element (14); thus, the vacuum (22) precludes heat (9) from transferring between the bottom wall (6) and the cooling element (14).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 2A,FIG. 2B, andFIG. 5AthroughFIG. 5E, as to particular embodiments, a reservoir (50) can be fluidicly coupled to the chamber (10), for example via a conduit (51), such that the heat transfer medium (13) can be transferred between the chamber (10) and the reservoir (50) to provide the unfilled and filled conditions (11)(12) of the chamber (10).

Following, to achieve the unfilled condition (11) of the chamber (10), the heat transfer medium (13) can be transferred from the chamber (10) to the reservoir (50) for storage within the reservoir (50). In contrast, to achieve the filled condition (12) of the chamber (10), the heat transfer medium (13) can be transferred from the reservoir (50) to the chamber (10), whereby the heat transfer medium (13) can displace air in the chamber (10), the air egressing from the chamber (10) via a port (52) (as shown in the examples ofFIG. 8A,FIG. 8C, andFIG. 8D) which can include a hydrophobic membrane to allow passage of air and preclude passage of the heat transfer medium (13).

It is herein to be understood that the heat transfer medium (13) is a flowable medium capable of flowing between the chamber (10) and the reservoir (50). As but one non-limiting example, the heat transfer medium (13) can comprise or consist of a liquid, such as mineral oil or the like.

Again referring primarily toFIG. 2A,FIG. 2B, andFIG. 5AthroughFIG. 5E, as to particular embodiments, a pump (53) can be operatively coupled to the chamber (10) and the reservoir (50), whereby the pump (53) can facilitate transfer of the heat transfer medium (13) between the chamber (10) and the reservoir (50).

Regarding spatial relationships, the cooling element (14) disposes beneath the chamber (10) and, in this way, the chamber (10) can function to thermally uncouple or thermally couple the bottom wall (6) and the cooling element (14) when in the unfilled and filled conditions (11)(12), respectively. However, the heating element (8) can dispose either above the chamber (10) or beneath the chamber (10), depending upon the embodiment.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 5AthroughFIG. 6C, as to particular embodiments wherein the heating element (8) disposes above the chamber (10) or above a majority of the chamber (10), such as in embodiments whereby the heating element is connected or adhered to an overlaying layer outer surface (26) and the overlaying layer outer surface (26) defines the chamber upper portion (46), the heating element (8) can include a through-hole (54), for example a centrally-located through-hole (54), permitting the chamber upper portion (46) to extend through the through-hole to directly contact the overlaying layer outer surface (26). Following, when the chamber (10) is in the filled condition (12), the heat transfer medium (13) can directly contact the overlaying layer outer surface (26) for unimpeded thermal communication. Thus, in this embodiment, both the heating element (8) and the chamber (10) are in direct thermal communication with the overlaying layer outer surface (26).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 13AthroughFIG. 13E, as to other particular embodiments, the heating element (8) can dispose beneath the chamber (10) or beneath a majority of the chamber (10). As to these particular embodiments, the chamber (10) can be divided into discrete first and second chambers (54)(55), whereby the heating element (8) can dispose beneath the first chamber (54) and the cooling element (14), for example the Peltier device (30), can dispose beneath the second chamber (55). The first chamber (54) can function to thermally uncouple or thermally couple the heating element (8) and the bottom wall (6) when in the unfilled and filled conditions (11)(12), respectively; and, the second chamber (55) can function to thermally uncouple or thermally couple the cooling element (14) and the bottom wall (6) when in the unfilled and filled conditions (11)(12), respectively.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 1G, andFIG. 12AthroughFIG. 12D, the containment system (1) can further include a power source (56) operatively and/or electrically coupled to one or more powerable components of the containment system (1), whereby a powerable component can be any component requiring power to perform its intended function, including but not limited to: the heating element (8), the cooling element (14), the fan (41), and the pump (53).

As to particular embodiments, the power source (56) can be removable or configured to removably couple to the container (3), which may be useful when cleaning and/or washing the containment system (1).

As to particular embodiments, the power source (56) can be rechargeable and for example, can be charged by a charger (57).

As to particular embodiments, the power source (56) can be removable and rechargeable.

As to particular embodiments, the power source (56) can be configured as a battery, such as a rechargeable battery.

As to particular embodiments, the power source (56) can be disposed beneath the container (3). Further, as to particular embodiments, the power source (56) can be disposed beneath the heat sink (33).

As to particular embodiments, the power source (56) can be housed in a housing (58).

As to particular embodiments, the housing (58) can be removable or configured to removably couple to the container (3), which may be useful when cleaning and/or washing the containment system (1).

As to particular embodiments, the housing (58) can be disposed beneath the container (3). Further, as to particular embodiments, the housing (58) can be disposed beneath the heat sink (33).

As to particular embodiments, the housing (58) can include one or more vents (59), which may be useful for channeling air from the ambient environment (40) to the fan (41) for directed upward and outward flow through the interior fluid flow channel (38) and the fluid flow paths (34) toward the ambient environment (40) to transfer heat (9) from the heat sink body (35) to the ambient environment (40).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 12C, as to particular embodiments, the housing (58) can include one or more first electrical connections (60) which function to electrically couple the power source (56) to the charger (57) to recharge the power source (56).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 12B, as to particular embodiments, the housing (58) can include one or more second electrical connections (61) which function to electrically couple the power source (56) to one or more powerable components of the containment system (1).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 4AandFIG. 4B, the containment system (1) can further include one or more sensors (62) configured to sense a parameter of the liquid (2) and/or a parameter of the containment system (1) and communicate sensed parameter information to control circuitry which functions to control one or more controllable components of the containment system (1), whereby a controllable component may be a powerable component as described above, based at least in part on the sensed parameter information.

As to particular embodiments, the sensor (62) can be a temperature sensor (62) configured to sense the liquid temperature (7), whether directly or indirectly. Regarding the latter, the temperature sensor (62) can be connected to an outer surface of a container wall (5)(6), such as sidewall outer surface (28), whereby the temperature sensor (62) senses the temperature of the sidewall outer surface (28) which can serve as a surrogate for the liquid temperature (7). Of note, in this embodiment, the temperature sensor (62) does not contact the liquid (2) within the internal cavity (4).

Following, the sensed temperature information can be communicated to the control circuitry, which may result in operation of the heating element (8) if the liquid temperature (7) is determined to be below a desired liquid temperature (15) or operation of the cooling element (14) if the liquid temperature (7) is determined to be above a desired liquid temperature (15).

As to particular embodiments, the containment system (1) can include a plurality of temperature sensors (62) disposed in spaced apart relation along a height of the container (3). By determining the difference between the sensed temperature information provided by at least two sensors (62) in generally vertical spaced apart relation, the level of the liquid (2) can be determined, such as via use of a liquid volume algorithm.

For example, when liquid (2) is present in the internal cavity (4), if there is substantially no difference between the sensed temperature information provided by upper and lower temperature sensors (63)(64), the level of the liquid (2) may likely be above the upper temperature sensor (63). However, if the sensed temperature information provided by the upper temperature sensor (63) indicates a lesser temperature than that provided by the lower temperature sensor (64), the level of the liquid (2) may likely be below the upper temperature sensor (63) and above the lower temperature sensor (64) or between the upper and lower temperature sensors (63)(64).

Additionally, when no liquid (2) is detected via the plurality of temperature sensors (62), the containment system (1) can be configured to power off.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 5AthroughFIG. 5E, the control circuitry which, stated again, functions to control one or more controllable components of the containment system (1) based at least in part on the sensed parameter information, can include at least one controller or microcontroller (65) which can receive, process, and transform a sensor signal generated by a sensor (62).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 1G, as to particular embodiments, the containment system (1) can further include a display surface (66) operatively coupled to the control circuitry, whereby the display surface (66) can be configured to display the liquid temperature (7) or information, such as a message, notification, or visual indication, related to the liquid temperature (7).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 1G, as to particular embodiments, the display surface (66) can be located on the containment system (1).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 1G, as to particular embodiments, the containment system (1) can further include a user interface (67) operatively coupled to the control circuitry and having one or more user-actuatable controls (68) to provide operating instructions to the control circuitry. For example, a user-actuatable control (68) may be used to select a desired liquid temperature (15) of the liquid (2) within the internal cavity (4) and correspondingly, one or more controllable components of the containment system (1) will operate to achieve the desired liquid temperature (15).

Again referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 1G, as to particular embodiments, the user interface (67) and correspondingly, the one or more user-actuatable controls (68), can be located on the containment system (1). Thus, the one or more user-actuatable controls (68) can be actuated locally to control one or more controllable components of the containment system (1).

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1A, as to particular embodiments, the containment system (1) can further include a wireless transceiver (69) operatively coupled to the control circuitry, the transceiver (69) configured to establish a communication connection with a remote device (70), such as a mobile electronic device like a mobile phone or tablet computer.

As to particular embodiments, the transceiver (69) can be configured to transmit information, for example the liquid temperature (7) or information related to the liquid temperature (7), to the remote device (70), whereby the liquid temperature (7) or information related to the liquid temperature (7) can subsequently be displayed on the remote device (70). Thus, as to this particular embodiment, the display surface (66) can be located on the remote device (70).

As to particular embodiments, the transceiver (69) can also be configured to receive operating instructions from the remote device (70), for example instructions to operate one or more controllable components of the containment system (1) to achieve the desired liquid temperature (15). Accordingly, as to this particular embodiments, the user interface (67) and correspondingly, the one or more user-actuatable controls (68), can be located on the remote device (70). Thus, the one or more user-actuatable controls (68) can be actuated remotely to control one or more controllable components of the containment system (1).

As to particular embodiments, the remote device (70) can comprise a program or application (71) associated with the containment system (1), whereby the application (71) can include information related to the liquid temperature (7), such as recommended temperatures for specific liquid types. Additionally, the application (71) can function to store temperature preferences of a user, for example the user's temperature preferences for specific liquid types.

Now referring primarily toFIG. 1AthroughFIG. 1GandFIG. 14AthroughFIG. 14C, the containment system (1) can further include a lid (72) configured to sealably engage with the container (3), whereby the lid (72) can include at least one opening (73) through which liquid (2) can flow, allowing a user to drink the liquid (2) contained within the internal cavity (4) without having to disengage the lid (72) from the container (3).

Now regarding production, a method of making the instant temperature-regulating containment system (1) can include providing a container (3) having an internal cavity (4) defined by a sidewall (5) upwardly extending from a bottom wall (6), the internal cavity (4) configured to contain liquid (2) which has a liquid temperature (7); disposing a heating element (8) beneath the bottom wall (6), the heating element (8) configured to provide heat (9) to the bottom wall (6); disposing a chamber (10) beneath the bottom wall (6), the chamber (10) adjustable between an unfilled condition (11) and a filled condition (12) in which the chamber (10) is filled with a heat transfer medium (13); and disposing a cooling element (14) beneath the chamber (10), the cooling element (14) configured to remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6). When the liquid temperature (7) is below a desired liquid temperature (15), the chamber (10) can be adjusted to the unfilled condition (11), and the heating element (8) can provide heat (9) to the bottom wall (6) to heat the liquid (2) to the desired liquid temperature (15). Further, when the liquid temperature (7) is above a desired liquid temperature (15), the chamber (10) can be adjusted to the filled condition (12), and the cooling element (14) can remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6) to cool the liquid (2) to the desired liquid temperature (15).

The method of making the containment system (1) can further include providing additional components of the containment system (1) as described above and in the claims.

Now regarding utilization, a method of using the instant temperature-regulating containment system (1) to achieve a desired liquid temperature (15) of a liquid (2) can include obtaining the containment system (1) described above; containing liquid (2) within the internal cavity (4); adjusting the chamber (10) to one of (i) the unfilled condition (11) or (ii) the filled condition (12); and operating one of (i) the heating element (8) to provide heat (9) to the bottom wall (6) to heat the liquid (2) to the desired liquid temperature (15) or (ii) the cooling element (14) to remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6) to cool the liquid (2) to the desired liquid temperature (15).

The method of using the containment system (1) can further include utilizing additional components of the containment system (1) as described above and in the claims.

As to particular embodiments, the method of using the containment system (1) to cool the liquid (2) contained within the internal cavity (4) to the desired liquid temperature (15) can include a first step of adjusting the chamber (10) to the filled condition (12) and operating the cooling element (14) to remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6) to decrease the liquid temperature (7). If the desired liquid temperature (15) is not achieved because operation of the cooling element (14) cannot provide further cooling of the liquid (2), a second step can ensue, whereby the cooling element (14) can be powered off and the chamber (10) can be adjusted to the unfilled condition (11) while the heat sink (33) continues to dissipate heat (9). Following dissipation of a desired amount if heat (9), for example when the heat sink (33) equilibrates with ambient temperature, the first step can be repeated, namely the chamber (10) can again be adjusted to the filled condition (12) and the cooling element (14) can again be operated to remove heat (9) from the bottom wall (6) to decrease the liquid temperature (7). If the desired liquid temperature (15) is still not achieved, the second step can be repeated, particularly the cooling element (14) can again be powered off and the chamber (10) can again be adjusted to the unfilled condition (11) while the heat sink (33) continues to dissipate heat (9). The first and second steps can continually repeat until the desired liquid temperature (15) is achieved.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a temperature-regulating containment system and methods for making and using such a temperature-regulating containment system.