Abstract:
In one embodiment, a beverage container comprises a vessel having an interior that is adapted to hold a beverage. The vessel has a closed bottom end and an open top end. The bottom end defines a cavity that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the vessel. A cooling element is configured to be coupled to the vessel and to fit within the cavity. A base comprises a bottom member and a stem extending vertically upward from the bottom member. The base includes a connector that is configured to be coupled to the cooling element or vice versa.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This invention is a continuation in part application and claims the benefit of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/389,733, filed Mar. 14, 2003, the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to the filed of cooling beverages, and in particular to the use of removable cooling elements that may be integrated into various beverage containers. Such cooling elements are removable to permit them to be placed into a refrigerator freezer and reused.  
           [0003]    One common method to cool beverages is with ice cubes. Another way to frost a glass in a freezer. However, there are many problems associated with these methods. For example, ice cubes dilute the beverage and can alter the taste of the beverage. Ice cubes may also be contaminated when touched by a human hand, such as when placing them into the beverage. As another example, when frosting a glass in the freezer, the frost can be contaminated by other products in the freezer, causing an odor. As a further example, the beverage may be contaminated by the water used to make the ice.  
           [0004]    Hence, this invention is related to devices and techniques for cooling beverages which greatly reduces or eliminates such drawbacks.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the invention provides a beverage container that comprises a vessel having an interior for holding a beverage. The vessel has a closed bottom end and an open top end, with the bottom end defining a cavity that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the vessel. The beverage container also includes a cooling element that is configured to fit within the cavity. The beverage container further includes a base comprising a bottom member and a stem extending vertically upward from the bottom member. The base includes a connector that is configured to be coupled to the bottom end of the vessel and to enclose the cooling element within the cavity. In this way, a beverage held within the vessel may be cooled by the cooling element that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the vessel. As such, the beverage may be cooled without contamination from the cooling element. Further, the cooling element may easily be removed and replaced with a fresh cooling element whenever needed.  
           [0006]    In one aspect, the connector comprises a threaded end on the stem. The cavity may also include a threaded section so that the threaded end may be screwed up into the cavity using the threaded section. In this way, the exterior of the beverage container may contain a smooth morphology to make the container more aesthetically pleasing. At the same time the beverage container may easily be separated into its component parts for cleaning, replacement of the cooling element, or the like. As an alternative, the stem may include a female section to mate with a corresponding male section.  
           [0007]    In another aspect, the cavity may be generally cylindrical in geometry and extend vertically upward into the interior of the vessel. With such a configuration, the cooling element may comprise a cylinder that is filled with a cooling substance. Other shapes include cubed, hemispherical, curved, and the like. In a further aspect, both the connector and the vessel may be constructed of various materials, such as glass, hard plastics, glass coated with a hard plastic, crystal, ceramic, acrylic and the like.  
           [0008]    The beverage containers of the invention may be configured into a wide variety of shapes while still providing a suitable cooling element. For example, the vessel may be in the shape of a mug, a wine glass, a martini glass, a tumbler, a stein glass, a margarita glass, a champagne glass, ordinary drinking glasses (such as water glasses), beer glasses, including pint glasses, and the like. In some embodiments, the beverage containers may be reinforced at the juncture of the cavity and the exterior of the vessel to prevent the vessel from premature breakage.  
           [0009]    In one particular embodiment, the bottom end of the vessel may define a generally hemispherical cavity that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the vessel. With such configuration, a generally hemispherical cooling element may be provided to fit within the cavity. In this way, the base may be coupled to the bottom end of the vessel to enclose the cooling element within the cavity. The use of a generally hemispherical cooling element is advantageous in that it maximizes the surface area available for heat transfer. Such a cooling element is also particularly useful in beverage containers that have the shape of a tumbler, mug, or the like because the generally hemispherical cavity fits nicely within the interior of the vessel. Conveniently, the vessel may include threads while the bottom end of the base also includes threads to permit the base to be screwed into the vessel. The threads on the base may be either male or female to correspond with female or male threads on the vessel.  
           [0010]    The angle of the threads may be in the range from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees, in some cases from about 65 degrees to about 75 degrees, and in some case about 70 degrees.  
           [0011]    To connect or disconnected the two parts, they may be twisted relative to each other by about ¼ to about one turn, and more preferably from about ¼ to about ½ turn.  
           [0012]    Another feature of the invention is that it may include one or more trays having a plurality of holding regions for holding the cooling element. In this way, the tray may be placed into a freezer to simultaneously cool multiple elements.  
           [0013]    In one aspect, the tray may include a plurality of recesses that are integrally formed in the tray to define the holding regions. The recesses may be in the shape of the cooling element so that they may easily fit within the recesses. For example, the recesses may be semi-cylindrical, hemispherical, pyramid shaped, cube shaped and the like.  
           [0014]    In another embodiment, the invention provides a beverage container that comprises a vessel having an interior for holding a beverage. The vessel has a closed bottom end and an open top end, and the bottom end defines a cavity that is fluidly sealed from the interior of the vessel. A cooling element is configured to be coupled to the vessel and to fit within the cavity. The container also includes a base that comprises a bottom member and a stem extending vertically upward from the bottom member. The base includes a connector that is configured to be coupled to the cooling element. In this way, the cooling element sits between the vessel and the base to connect the two elements. In this way, the cooling element may be constructed of a material that may interface with glass or another fragile material that is used to construct the vessel and the base. The base, vessel and cooling element may be connected to each other by a snap fit, by screwing, by a lock twist and the like. Such connectors may include male and female components that can be used on any of the interconnecting parts.  
           [0015]    In one aspect, the connector may comprise a male threaded end on the stem, and the cooling element may include a female threaded section. The male threaded end on the stem is configured to be screwed into the female threaded section of the cooling element. Further, the threads on the female threaded section of the cooling element may have an angle in the range from about 65 degrees to about 75 degrees, and more preferably about 70 degrees.  
           [0016]    This permits the base to be coupled to the cooling element with a single twist (about a half a turn). The cooling element may also include a male threaded section, and the vessel may include a female threaded section at the bottom end. The male threaded section of the cooling element is configured to be screwed into the female threaded section of the vessel. The male threaded section of the cooling element may have threads with an angle in the range from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees, in some cases from about 65 degrees to about 75 degrees, and in some case about 70 degrees.  
           [0017]    In another aspect, the base and the vessel are constructed of glass, and the cooling element is constructed of a material that is different from glass, such as an acrylic. The acrylic may have a durometer of about 30 to about 40, and more preferably about 35. This material provides a stable connection while still being soft enough to be coupled to the glass base and vessel. The material used may also be resistant to expanding and contracting when heated or cooled, such as when the container (or any of the components) are placed in the freezer or refrigerator or the dishwasher. In some cases, the glasses may be partially of completely made of a disposable platic. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the container of FIG. 1.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of a container according to the invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a container according to the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4A is an exploded cross sectional side view of the container of FIG. 4.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 is a side view of still another embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 is a side view of one particular embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 is a side view of a further embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10 is a side view of yet a further embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11 is a side view of still a further embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 is a top view of one embodiment of a tray for holding cooling elements according to the invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of a tray for holding cooling elements according to the invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 15 is a front view of the container of FIG. 14.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of a vessel of the container of FIG. 15.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cooling element of the container of FIG. 14.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 18 is a side view of the cooling element of FIG. 17.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 18A is a cross sectional side view of the cooling element of FIG. 18.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 18B is a bottom view of the cooling element of FIG. 17.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 19 is a side view of a base of the beverage container of FIG. 14.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 20 is a front view of another embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the beverage container of FIG. 20.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a vessel of the container of FIG. 20.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 23 is a front view of the vessel of FIG. 22.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 24 is a front view of another embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the beverage container of FIG. 24.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a base of the container of FIG. 24.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a vessel of the container of FIG. 24.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 28 is a front view of the vessel of FIG. 27.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a beverage container according to the invention.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 30 is a front view the beverage container of FIG. 29.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 31 is a front view of a base of the container of FIG. 29. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0052]    The invention provides various beverage containers that may be used with removable and reusable cooling elements. The containers each include a vessel for holding the liquid and a cavity for holding the cooling element. The cavity is sealed from the interior of the vessel but also extends up into the vessel to provide a cooling effect. The cavity may have a variety of shapes or styles configured to maximize heat transfer away from the liquid or to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Such shapes may include cylindrical, hemispherical, pyramid shaped, arcuate, square, triangular, ice cube shaped and the like. The cavity may conveniently have a shape that is similar to the cooling element, although that is not necessary. The wall thickness may also be minimized to maximize heat transfer. The cooling element may contain any substance that can be cooled and serve to absorb heat. Examples include water, gels, Blue Ice® coolant, any non-toxic re-freezable substance, and the like. Alternatively, the cooling element may be a solid substance, such as a metal rod, a piece of ice, or the like. On one alternative, the cooling element may be constructed of a glow-in-the-dark material. The cooling element may be held in the cavity by a base that has one or more connectors to connect the base to the vessel. Examples of connectors include threads, clips, snaps, screws, press fits and the like. The base may be screwed, twisted, locked or snapped into place. One advantage of using threads is that the vessel may be coupled to the base utilizing relatively few threads. In this way, the two components may be locked together using a single twist. The components may be coupled by a ¼ turn all the way to a full turn, or even greater. Further, such threads permit the two components to be easily unscrewed, even when the vessel is filled with liquid so that the cooling element may easily be replaced. Few threads also reduce the changes of having the vessel or the base break. Further, with few threads, the beverage container remains symmetrical when assembled, while still being easy to fit together. This configuration also facilitates the speed at which the container may be assembled and disassembled, and facilitates ease of use.  
         [0053]    Hence, the invention provides a removable cooling element for cooling beverages that may be placed into a regular refrigerator freezer between uses. The removable device when frozen may be placed into an upper portion of the vessel, and a bottom portion may then be attached to the upper portion. The device easily fits into the vessel, which may be constructed of a wide variety of materials, such as glass, plastic or the like. The base of the beverage container may be tubular, cubical, semicircular, pyramidal, or the like, and may be connected to the bottom of the vessel by a stem or end portion that attaches to the bottom of the vessel and seals in the cooling element. When threads are used, they may be constructed of a hard plastic, acrylic or the like, or glass with a hard plastic or acrylic coating. As another example, one of the threaded elements may be a hard plastic while the other is made of glass, or both may be of a hard plastic. The vessels may be made of glass, plastic, acrylic, ceramic, crystal, earthen ware, a disposable plastic, or the like. As one specific example, the male threading may be on the base or stem and may be constructed from a hard plastic, acrylic or glass with a hard plastic or acrylic coating on a glass stem. Alternatively, female threads could be used as well. Such materials serve to seal the cooling device into the integrated vessel and base to cool the beverage without ever contacting it. As such, the cooling device may be replaced even while the fluid is in the vessel to provide additional cooling.  
         [0054]    In one aspect, the bottom end of the cooling element may include a slot so that a tool may be used to turn the cooling element in case it gets lodged into the vessel. The slot may be sized to receive a coin (such as a quarter or a dime), a screwdriver or the like.  
         [0055]    Alternatively, both the base and the vessel may be coupled to the cooling element. In this way, the cooling element serves as a connector to connect the base to the vessel without coming into contact with each other. This arrangement permits the base and the vessel to be constructed of a fragile material, such as glass, and still be coupled to each other. Further, this arrangement permits the cooling element to easily be removed and placed in a cooler to cool the cooling element.  
         [0056]    The cooling element may also be made of a hard plastic or acrylic, and the re-freezable substance may be of any color. In some cases, the cooling element could be made of a fluorescent or a glow in the dark material or any other easily identifiable material. Similarly, the vessel may also be of any color.  
         [0057]    When the cooling device is removed, it may be washed and then kept in the freezer in an appropriate cooling tray or bucket. The tray may have regions that are shaped to hold the particular cooling element. Because the removable cooling element is never in contact with the interior of the vessel, it is always hygienic.  
         [0058]    Such a system provides a variety of advantages. For example, as just described, the beverage is hygienically cooled using a reusable cooling device that never contacts the beverage. The cooling elements fit neatly into a tray and take up little room in the freezer, usually less than an ordinary ice tray.  
         [0059]    Further, the beverage container may be separated into parts to facilitate washing. For example, the stem may be separated from the vessel and separately placed into a dishwashing machine with a reduced risk of being broken.  
         [0060]    The beverage container or insert may also come in an assortment of colors to make identification of the container simple, thus resulting in less chance of the spreading of germs by drinking from another&#39;s glass. Different colors may also be used for the cooling element, the fluid within the cooling element and the cavity used to hold the cooling element, including fluorescent or glow in the dark materials.  
         [0061]    Another feature is that the extension into the interior of the vessel takes up extra volume. In this way, restaurants and bars may increase their profits per drink.  
         [0062]    The beverage also does not get diluted with melting ice, and there is no contamination from the ice/odors or impurities in the water. This is also true with frosted glasses, where the frost can have odors or contamination from the water used to make frost.  
         [0063]    Also, since no ice cubes are placed into the beverage, there is no chance of contamination from a person&#39;s hand used to place the ice into the beverage. In fact, no human contact with the beverage is ever experienced.  
         [0064]    Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a beverage container  10  will be described. Container  10  comprises a base  12  and a vessel  14  having an open top end  16  and a closed bottom end  18 . Formed in bottom end  18  is a cavity  20  that extends up into the interior  22  of vessel  14 . Cavity  20  is cylindrical in geometry and is sized to receive a cylindrical cooling element  24 . The bottom of cavity  20  has threads  26  for receiving a threaded end  28  of a stem  30  that is part of base  12 . In this way, cooling element  24  containing a cooling substance  25  may be inserted into cavity  20 , and threaded end  28  of stem  30  may be screwed into threads  26  to completely seal cooling element  24  within cavity  20 . One advantage of using internal threads within cavity  20  is that a continuous smooth surface is provided at the interface between vessel  14  and stem  30 . As such, container  10  has the appearance of a traditional wine glass, except for the presence of cooling element  24  that extends into interior  22 . However, this has the advantage of reducing the volume of interior  22  so that restaurants and bars can reduce the amount of beverages served while still charging the same amount.  
         [0065]    Another advantage is that the cooling element  24  is almost entirely exposed to interior  22  to maximize heat transfer. Further, since cooling element  24  is sealed from the beverage, no contamination of the beverage by a coolant occurs. Container  10  is also aesthetically pleasing and can be fashioned in essentially any shape or configuration, including conventional shapes and designs as described hereinafter.  
         [0066]    In use, cooling element  24  is placed into a cold location, such as a refrigerator or freezer. When ready to pour a beverage, cooling element  24  is removed and placed into cavity  20 . Threaded end  28  is then screwed into cavity  20  until it is unable to turn and a smooth surface at the joint is formed. A beverage is then poured into vessel  14  where it is cooled by cooling element  24 . At any time, base  12  may be unscrewed and cooling element  24  replaced with another one.  
         [0067]    Referring now to FIG. 3 another embodiment of a beverage container  40  will be described. Container  40  is essentially identical to container  10  except that container  40  is a martini glass and has a different shaped vessel  42 . As such, container  40  is labeled with the same reference numerals for elements that are the same as those used with container  10 . When stem  30  is screwed into cavity  20 , vessel  42  has a conical shape that is continuous at the interface between vessel  42  and stem  30 .  
         [0068]    [0068]FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate a beverage container  50  in the shape of a mug. Container  50  comprises a vessel  52  having an open top  54  and a closed bottom  56  to form an interior  58 . Extending up onto the interior  58  is a hemispherical cavity  60  to hold a hemispherical cooling element  62 . This shape maximizes the coolable surface wherein interior  58  to maximize cooling. Conveniently, a handle  64  may be coupled to vessel  52 .  
         [0069]    Bottom  56  includes internal threads  66  to mate with threads  68  on a base  70  having an outer edge  72 . After cooling element  62  is placed into interior  58 , base  70  is screwed into bottom  56  until edge  72  is flush with vessel  52  as shown in FIG. 4. Hence, container  50  has the shape of a traditional mug while also containing a cooling element that is configured to maximize heat transfer. In addition, container  50  includes all of the benefits of the other containers described herein.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIGS. 5-10 describe various other embodiments of beverage containers that are constructed in a manner similar to the other containers described herein. As such, the containers in FIGS. 5-10 are labeled with similar elements followed by “a” through “g”. FIG. 5 illustrates a white wine glass  70 , and FIG. 6 illustrates a champagne glass  80 . FIG. 7 illustrates a Stein glass  90 , and FIG. 8 illustrates another wine glass  100 . FIG. 9 illustrates a margarita glass  110 , and FIG. 10 illustrates another martini glass  120 . FIG. 11 illustrates a tumbler  130  that is similar to mug  50  of FIG. 4 without a handle. Other types of glasses include red wine glasses, brandy snifter glasses, along with essentially any other type of glass or beverage container.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a tray  140  having a plurality of recessed regions  141  that may be semi-cylindrical in geometry for holding a set of cylindrical cooling elements  142 . In this way, multiple cooling elements  142  may simultaneously be placed into a freezer while using minimal space. When a beverage container needs a new cooling element, it may simply be removed from tray  140  and placed into the cavity as previously described. The old cooling element may then be placed onto tray  140  which is placed into the freezer. Further, it will be appreciated that tray  140  may have any shape of indentation needed to match the shape of the cooling element, including any of the shapes described herein.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative tray  150  having a plurality of hemispherical recesses  152  for receiving hemispherical cooling elements. Tray  150  may be used in a manner similar to tray  140 .  
         [0073]    Although some embodiments are described in the context of a martini glass, it will be appreciated that similar techniques may be used for any of the other beverage containers described herein. For example, tumbler  50  could be modified so that cooling element  62  included internal and external threads in a manner similar to connector  214 .  
         [0074]    Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, another embodiment of a beverage container  200  will be described. Container  200  comprises a base  202  and a vessel  204  having an open top end  206  and a closed bottom end  208  (see also FIG. 16) to permit vessel  204  to hold a beverage. Formed in bottom end  208  is a cavity  210  that extends up into an interior  212  of vessel  204 . Cavity  210  is cylindrical in geometry at its base and hemispherical at its top to be able to receive a cooling element  214  (see FIGS. 17 and 18). The bottom of cavity  210  has female threads  216  for receiving corresponding male threads  218  on cooling element  214 , although the male/female relationship of the threads may be swapped.  
         [0075]    The top of cavity  210  is curved or rounded to maximize the amount of heating or cooling area in contact with the beverage. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes could be used as well. For example, it could be stepped, square, rectangular, or the like. When element  214  is screwed into cavity  210 , the top end of element  214  comes into contact with the top end of cavity  210  to maximize heat transfer in a manner similar to that described with other embodiments. Also, additional support material may be included in the region where the outer walls of vessel  204  intersect cavity  210 . In this way, vessel  204  is made more durable so that it will resist breaking when connection to base  202 .  
         [0076]    One particular feature of cooling element  214  is that it also functions as a connector to connect vessel  204  to base  202 . More specifically, base  202  includes a stem  220  (see FIG. 19) having a threaded top end  222 . Element  214  also includes female threads  224  at its bottom end for receiving the threaded top end  222  of base  202 , although the male/female relationship of the threads could be swapped. As best shown in FIG. 15, this arrangement permits vessel  204  to be coupled to base  202  without coming into contact with each other. This allows vessel  204  and base  202  to be constructed of relatively fragile materials, such as glass, ceramics, porcelain, china, and the like, and then connected to each other using a softer material as a connector. For example, connector  214  may be constructed of a plastic, acrylic, or the like. In this way, the more fragile materials used to construct base  202  and vessel  204  may be screwed into connector  214  without breaking. In some cases, the entire beverage container could be constructed of the same material, such as plastic, acrylic or the like. One exemplary material for constructing connector  214  is an acrylic material having a durometer in the range from about 30 to about 40, and more preferably about 35. Such a material has a small coefficient of thermal expansion so that it does not excessively shrink or expand due to changes in temperature. Further, the material is hard enough so that a stable connection is provided between base  202  and vessel  204 . At the same time, the material is soft enough to prevent breakage of the vessel  204  or the base  202 .  
         [0077]    Connector  214  also includes a tapered end  225  that serves as a buffer between base  202  and vessel  204  so that the two pieces never come into direct contact. This also helps to prevent base  202  and vessel  204  from breaking. Conveniently, the taper of end  225  matches the angle of vessel  204  so that a smooth, continuous surface is provided along the exterior of container  206 . For instance, the angle of taper, alpha, may be in the range from about 35 to about 45 degrees.  
         [0078]    The use of glass to construct vessel  204  and base  202  is important because many establishments, such as restaurants demand containers made of glass. Also, glass is aesthetically pleasing and easy to wash using conventional dishwashers. Container  200  is easy to assemble and reuse simply by screwing and unscrewing the pieces.  
         [0079]    Another important feature of container  200  is the amount of pitch used with threads  218  and  224 . The pitch is selected such that it takes about a half a turn to insert and remove connector  214  and to connect and remove base  202  to and from connector  214 . By requiring only a single twist to connect the components, the chances of breakage are reduced. Further, it is relatively easy to connect and disconnect the pieces since it may be done with a single twist. In one aspect, the angle, beta, of threads  218  and  224  may be in the range from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees, in some cases from about 65 degrees to about 75 degrees, and in some case about 70 degrees. This minimizes the number of threads to minimize the amount of turning required. It also provides sufficient threads so that the components are securely held together. However, the pitch may be configured so that the pieces separate when turned about ¼ turn to about one turn or more.  
         [0080]    Cooling element  214  includes an open interior  226  for holding a cooling substance similar to other embodiments. In this way, cooling element  214  may be removed and placed in a freezer for cooling. Also similar to other embodiments, a tray may be used to hold multiple cooling elements  214 .  
         [0081]    As shown in FIG. 18B, cooling element  214  has a bottom end  230  that may include one ore more slots  232 , detents or the like. This provides an easy way to disengage or remove cooling element from vessel  204 . Examples of tools that may be used to engage slots  232  include coins (such as a quarter), a screw driver, a fingernail, a knife, or the like.  
         [0082]    Referring to FIGS. 20-23, another embodiment of a beverage container  300  will be described. Container  300  comprises a base  302  and a vessel  304  having an open top end  306  and a closed bottom end  308  (see also FIGS. 22 and 23) to permit vessel  304  to hold a beverage. Formed in bottom end  308  is a cavity  310  that extends up into an interior  312  of vessel  304 . Cavity  310  is cylindrical in geometry at its base and hemispherical at its top to receive a cooling element  314  (see FIG. 21) that is similar to cooling element  214  in other embodiments. The bottom of cavity  310  has threads  316  for receiving corresponding threads cooling element  314 .  
         [0083]    Cavity  310  has a top  311  that is curved or rounded to maximize the amount of heating or cooling area in contact with the beverage. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes could be used as well. For example, it could be stepped, square, rectangular, pyramid shaped or the like. When element  314  is screwed into cavity  310 , the top end of element  314  comes into contact with the top end  311  of cavity  310  to maximize heat transfer in a manner similar to that described with other embodiments. Also, additional support material may be included in the region where the outer walls of vessel  304  intersect cavity  310 . In this way, vessel  304  is made more durable so that it will resist breaking when connection to base  302 .  
         [0084]    One particular feature of cooling element  314  is that it also functions as a connector to connect vessel  304  to base  302 . More specifically, base  302  includes a stem  320  (see FIGS. 20 and 21) having a threaded top end  322 . Element  314  also includes threads at its bottom end for receiving the threaded top end  322  of base  302 . As best shown in FIG. 20, this arrangement permits vessel  304  to be coupled to base  302  without coming into contact with each other. This allows vessel  304  and base  302  to be constructed of relatively fragile materials, such as glass, ceramics, porcelain, china, and the like, and then connected to each other using a softer material as a connector. For example, connector  314  may be constructed of a plastic, acrylic, or the like. In this way, the more fragile materials used to construct base  302  and vessel  304  may be screwed into connector  314  without breaking. Also, connector  314  accommodates expansion and contraction of the other pieces during heating or cooling. In some cases, the entire beverage container could be constructed of the same material, such as plastic, acrylic or the like. One exemplary material for constructing connector  314  is an acrylic material having a durometer in the range from about 30 to about 40, and more preferably about 35. Such a material has a small coefficient of thermal expansion so that it does not excessively shrink or expand due to changes in temperature. Further, the material is hard enough so that a stable connection is provided between base  302  and vessel  304 . At the same time, the material is soft enough to prevent breakage of the vessel  304  or the base  302 .  
         [0085]    Connector  314  also includes a tapered end  325  (see FIG. 20) that serves as a buffer between base  302  and vessel  304  so that the two pieces never come into direct contact. This also helps to prevent base  302  and vessel  304  from breaking. Conveniently, the taper of end  325  matches the angle of vessel  304  so that a smooth, continuous surface is provided along the exterior of container  300 .  
         [0086]    Another important feature of container  300  is that it takes about a half a turn to insert and remove connector  314  and to connect and remove base  302  to and from connector  314  similar to other embodiments. However, the pitch may be configured so that the pieces separate when turned about ¼ turn to about one turn or more.  
         [0087]    Referring to FIGS. 24-28, another embodiment of a beverage container  400  will be described. Container  400  comprises a base  402  and a vessel  404  having an open top end  406  and a closed bottom end  408  (see FIGS. 27 and 28) to permit vessel  404  to hold a beverage. Formed in bottom end  408  is a cavity  410  that extends up into an interior  412  of vessel  404 . Cavity  410  is cylindrical in geometry at its base and hemispherical at its top to receive a cooling element  414  (see FIG. 25) that is similar to cooling element  214  in other embodiments. The bottom of cavity  410  has threads  416  for receiving corresponding threads cooling element  414 .  
         [0088]    Cavity  410  has a top  411  that is curved or rounded to maximize the amount of heating or cooling area in contact with the beverage. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes could be used as well. For example, it could be stepped, square, rectangular, pyramid shaped or the like. When element  414  is screwed into cavity  410 , the top end of element  414  comes into contact with the top end  411  of cavity  410  to maximize heat transfer in a manner similar to that described with other embodiments. Also, additional support material may be included in the region where the outer walls of vessel  404  intersect cavity  410 . In this way, vessel  404  is made more durable so that it will resist breaking when connection to base  402 .  
         [0089]    One particular feature of cooling element  414  is that it also functions as a connector to connect vessel  404  to base  402 . More specifically, base  402  includes a stem  420  (see FIGS. 24 and 26) having a threaded top end  422 . Element  414  also includes threads at its bottom end for receiving the threaded top end  422  of base  402 . As best shown in FIG. 24, this arrangement permits vessel  404  to be coupled to base  402  without coming into contact with each other. This allows vessel  404  and base  402  to be constructed of relatively fragile materials, such as glass, ceramics, porcelain, china, and the like, and then connected to each other using a softer material as a connector. For example, connector  414  may be constructed of a plastic, acrylic, or the like. In this way, the more fragile materials used to construct base  402  and vessel  404  may be screwed into connector  414  without breaking. Also, connector  414  accommodates expansion and contraction of the other pieces during heating or cooling. In some cases, the entire beverage container could be constructed of the same material, such as plastic, acrylic or the like. One exemplary material for constructing connector  414  is an acrylic material having a durometer in the range from about 30 to about 40, and more preferably about 35. Such a material has a small coefficient of thermal expansion so that it does not excessively shrink or expand due to changes in temperature. Further, the material is hard enough so that a stable connection is provided between base  402  and vessel  404 . At the same time, the material is soft enough to prevent breakage of the vessel  404  or the base  402 .  
         [0090]    Connector  414  also includes a tapered end  425  (see FIG. 24) that serves as a buffer between base  402  and vessel  404  so that the two pieces never come into direct contact. This also helps to prevent base  402  and vessel  404  from breaking. Conveniently, the taper of end  425  matches the angle of vessel  404  so that a smooth, continuous surface is provided along the exterior of container  400 .  
         [0091]    Another important feature of container  400  is that it takes about a half a turn to insert and remove connector  414  and to connect and remove base  402  to and from connector  414  similar to other embodiments. However, the pitch may be configured so that the pieces separate when turned about ¼ turn to about one turn or more.  
         [0092]    [0092]FIGS. 29-31 illustrate another embodiment of a beverage container  500  will be described. Container  500  comprises a base  502  and a vessel  504  having an open top end  506  and a closed bottom end  508  to permit vessel  504  to hold a beverage. Formed in bottom end  508  is a cavity  510  that extends up into an interior  512  of vessel  504 . Cavity  510  is cylindrical in geometry at its base and hemispherical at its top to receive a cooling element  514  (see FIG. 30) that is similar to cooling element  214  in other embodiments. The bottom of cavity  510  has threads  516  for receiving corresponding threads cooling element  514 .  
         [0093]    Cavity  510  has a top  511  that is curved or rounded to maximize the amount of heating or cooling area in contact with the beverage. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes could be used as well. For example, it could be stepped, square, rectangular, pyramid shaped or the like. When element  514  is screwed into cavity  510 , the top end of element  514  comes into contact with the top end  511  of cavity  510  to maximize heat transfer in a manner similar to that described with other embodiments. Also, additional support material may be included in the region where the outer walls of vessel  504  intersect cavity  510 . In this way, vessel  504  is made more durable so that it will resist breaking when connection to base  502 .  
         [0094]    One particular feature of cooling element  514  is that it also functions as a connector to connect vessel  504  to base  502 . More specifically, base  502  includes a stem  520  (see FIG. 31) having a threaded top end  522 . Element  514  also includes threads at its bottom end for receiving the threaded top end  522  of base  502 . As best shown in FIG. 29, this arrangement permits vessel  504  to be coupled to base  502  without coming into contact with each other. This allows vessel  504  and base  502  to be constructed of relatively fragile materials, such as glass, ceramics, porcelain, china, and the like, and then connected to each other using a softer material as a connector. For example, connector  514  may be constructed of a plastic, acrylic, or the like. In this way, the more fragile materials used to construct base  502  and vessel  504  may be screwed into connector  514  without breaking. Also, connector  514  accommodates expansion and contraction of the other pieces during heating or cooling. In some cases, the entire beverage container could be constructed of the same material, such as plastic, acrylic or the like. One exemplary material for constructing connector  514  is an acrylic material having a durometer in the range from about 30 to about 40, and more preferably about 35. Such a material has a small coefficient of thermal expansion so that it does not excessively shrink or expand due to changes in temperature. Further, the material is hard enough so that a stable connection is provided between base  502  and vessel  504 . At the same time, the material is soft enough to prevent breakage of the vessel  504  or the base  502 .  
         [0095]    Connector  514  also includes a tapered end  525  (see FIG. 30) that serves as a buffer between base  502  and vessel  504  so that the two pieces never come into direct contact. This also helps to prevent base  502  and vessel  504  from breaking. Conveniently, the taper of end  525  matches the angle of vessel  504  so that a smooth, continuous surface is provided along the exterior of container  500 .  
         [0096]    Another important feature of container  500  is that it takes about a half a turn to insert and remove connector  514  and to connect and remove base  502  to and from connector  514  similar to other embodiments. However, the pitch may be configured so that the pieces separate when turned about ¼ turn to about one turn or more.  
         [0097]    The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.