Patent Publication Number: US-11647864-B2

Title: Thermal liquid container system with heat loss prevention lid

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/993,317, filed on Aug. 14, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/900,205, filed on Sep. 13, 2019. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/012,976, filed on Apr. 21, 2020. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present teachings relate to a thermal liquid container system, and more particularly to a liquid container system that can have liquids of an undesired temperature poured into the container and substantially immediately have the liquid dispensed from the container at a desired temperature. The present teachings additionally relate to beverage container lids, and more particularly to a beverage container lid including a heat loss protection unit. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     There are many thermal insulating liquid containers (e.g., beverage containers) on the market today. Such containers are typically structured and operable to minimize (i.e., slow down) the rejection and/or absorption of heat from the liquid (e.g., beverage) disposed within the container into or by the ambient environment. That is, such containers are structured and operable to slow down the cooling and/or warming of the liquid (e.g., beverage) by providing an insulating barrier between the hot or cold liquid and the ambient environment such that the rejection of the thermal energy within the liquid to the ambient environment, and/or the absorption of the thermal energy within liquid by the ambient environment is minimized. Such thermal insulating liquid (e.g., beverage) containers are relatively thermally inefficient and do not maintain the liquid (e.g., beverage) at a desirable drinking temperature for an extended period of time. For example, for hot beverages the desired drinking temperature can be approximately 98° F. to 160° F. (approximately 37° C. to 71° C.), and for cold beverages the desired drinking temperature can be approximately 32° F. to 50° F. (approximately 0° C. to 10° C.). 
     Such known thermal insulating liquid (e.g., beverage) containers are generally known to maintain the respective liquid beverage within the desired temperature range (e.g., desired drinking temperature range) only for a short period of time. For example, if a hot beverage is poured into a paper cup without any insulation, the temperature of the beverage may remain within the desired drinking temperature range for only approximately 5-30 minutes. Or, for example, if a hot liquid is poured into a known insulated beverage container, e.g., a double-walled vacuum tumbler, the beverage may remain the desired drinking temperature range for only approximately 30-90 minutes. 
     Various related technology patents are U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,876,634; 3,205,677; 3,603,106; 3,807,194; 3,995,445; 4,638,645; 6,634,417; 7,934,537; and US0083755. However, the manufacturing process disclosed in such patents has limited application. 
     Additionally, current known thermally insulated hot beverage mugs, e.g., thermally insulated coffee mugs, generally have three main disadvantages: 1) when customers want to fill or refill beverage such as a hot beverage, customers have to remove lid, which is not convenient; 2) the air and drinking holes are directly open to the ambient air which results in a lot of heat loss; and 3) the most common double-wall vacuum insulated hot beverage mugs have very good insulation which keeps the beverage very hot and generally prevents the consumer from immediately drinking the beverage. That is, the consumer must let the beverage cool before the beverage obtains a desired drinking temperature, e.g., 98° F. to 160° F. (approximately 37° C. to 71° C.). 
     SUMMARY 
     In various embodiments the present disclosure generally provides a heat loss protection lid for a thermal liquid container system, wherein the heat loss protection lid comprises a central body, a liquid ingress opening formed within the central body, a liquid dispensing opening formed within one of a peripheral edge of the central body or a lip formed around the peripheral edge of the central body. and a concealed air intake hole. 
     In various embodiments. the present disclosure provides a thermal liquid container system for dispensing a liquid from the system at a temperature within a desired temperature range, wherein the system comprises a main body, a phase change material (PCM) liner disposed within the main body having a PCM disposed therein, wherein the PCM has a selected melting temperature, a liquid reservoir defined by PCM liner, wherein the liquid reservoir is structured and operable to have a liquid disposed therein having a first temperature, and a removable liquid dispensing partition disposable within the liquid reservoir such that a temperature conditioning channel is formed between the PCM liner and the beverage dispensing partition. The thermal liquid container system additionally comprises a heat loss protection lid, wherein the heat loss protection lid comprises a central body, a liquid ingress opening formed within the central body; a liquid dispensing opening formed within one of a peripheral edge of the central body or a lip formed around the peripheral edge of the central body, and a concealed air intake hole. The temperature conditioning channel is structured and operable condition a temperature of the liquid passing therethrough to be within a desired temperature range determined by the selected PCM melting temperature. 
     This summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing various example embodiments of the present disclosure so as to provide a basic understanding of various aspects of the teachings herein. Various embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that the description and specific examples set forth herein are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way. 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram exemplarily illustrating a thermal liquid container system, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a block diagram of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  1    exemplarily illustrating a liquid being dispensed when a liquid reservoir of the container is filled with the liquid, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a block diagram of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  1    exemplarily illustrating the liquid being dispensed therefrom when the liquid reservoir of the container is approximately half filled with the liquid, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 C  is block diagram of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  1    exemplarily illustrating the liquid being dispensed therefrom when the liquid reservoir of the container is approximately one quarter filled with the liquid, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  1    exemplarily illustrating a dispensing liquid flow path when the container system is tilted, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a block diagram of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  1    including a steeping basket, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a block diagram of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  1    including a steeping basket that provides a beverage dispensing partition, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a block diagram of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  1    including one or more PMC heat sink, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a block diagram of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  1    including one or more PMC heat sink, in accordance with various other embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 C  is a lateral cross-sectional view of a PCM liner of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  1    including one or more PMC heat sink, in accordance with various other embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a block diagram of the thermal liquid container system in accordance with  FIG.  1    including an ‘L’ shaped beverage dispensing partition, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a block diagram of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIG.  6   , in accordance with various other embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a block diagram of a cross-section of a heat loss protection lid, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a block diagram of a cross-section of the heat loss protection lid shown in  FIG.  8 A  exemplarily illustrating a liquid heat loss barrier, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 C  is a block diagram of a cross-section of the heat loss protection lid shown in  FIG.  8 A  exemplarily illustrating a vapor heat loss barrier, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 D  is an enlarged view of a section of  FIG.  8 C  illustrating the vapor heat loss barrier, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 E  is a cross-sectional view a heat loss protection lid exemplarily illustrated in  FIG.  8 A , in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 F  is an isometric view of the heat loss protection lid shown in  FIG.  8 E , in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a cross-section of the heat loss protection lid, in accordance with various other embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a top view of the heat loss protection lid shown in  FIG.  9 A , in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9 C  is a side view of the heat loss protection lid shown in  FIG.  9 A , in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9 D  is an isometric bottom view of the heat loss protection lid shown in  FIG.  9 A , in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9 E  is an isometric view of an ingress opening cover of heat loss protection lid shown in  FIG.  9 A , in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the heat loss protection lid shown in  FIGS.  9 A through  9 E  removable connected to a beverage dispensing partition steeping basket that is removably disposable within a main body and phase change material liner of the thermal liquid container system shown in  FIGS.  1  through  7   , in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present teachings, application, or uses. Throughout this specification, like reference numerals will be used to refer to like elements. Additionally, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize their teachings. As well, it should be understood that the drawings are intended to illustrate and plainly disclose presently envisioned embodiments to one of skill in the art, but are not intended to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of final products and can include simplified conceptual views to facilitate understanding or explanation. As well, the relative size and arrangement of the components can differ from that shown and still operate within the spirit of the invention. 
     As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” can be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps can be employed. 
     When an element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to or with,” “connected to or with,” or “coupled to or with” another element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., it can be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to or with the other element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., or intervening elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., can be present. In contrast, when an element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., there can be no intervening elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). 
     As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, A and/or B includes A alone, or B alone, or both A and B. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., these elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be used only to distinguish one element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., from another element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section, etc., and do not necessarily imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
     Moreover, it will be understood that various directions such as “upper”, “lower”, “bottom”, “top”, “left”, “right”, “first”, “second” and so forth are made only with respect to explanation in conjunction with the drawings, and that components can be oriented differently, for instance, during transportation and manufacturing as well as operation. Because many varying and different embodiments can be made within the scope of the concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications can be made in the embodiments described herein, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting. 
     As used herein, it will be understood that a phase change material (PCM) is generally a substance with a high heat of fusion that melts and solidifies at a certain temperature and is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy. Heat is absorbed or released when the PCM changes from solid to liquid and vice versa, thus, PCMs are often classified as latent heat storage (LHS) units. When PCMs reach the temperature at which they change phase (their melting temperature) they absorb large amounts of heat at an almost constant temperature. The PCM continues to absorb heat without a significant rise in temperature until all the material is transformed to the liquid phase. When the temperature of the environment surrounding the liquid PCM falls to below the PCM melting temperature, the PCM solidifies, releasing its stored latent heat into the surrounding environment. A large number of PCMs are available in any required temperature range, e.g., from approximately 20° F. to 375° F. (approximately from −7° C. up to 190° C.). Many PCMs can store 5 to 14 times more heat per unit volume than sensible heat of conventional storage materials such as water, masonry or rock. 
     The present teachings relate to a thermal liquid container and heat loss protection lid, and more particularly to a liquid container that can have liquids of an undesired temperature poured into the container and substantially immediately have the liquid dispensed from the container at a desired temperature, and a lid that prevents heat loss through the air and drinking holes. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  through  3   , the present disclosure provides a thermal liquid container system  10  (e.g., a consumable beverage container or mug) that is structured and operable to quickly condition or adjust (e.g., change) a temperature of a liquid poured into the container system  10  to be within a desired temperature range when the liquid is discharged or dispensed, and further to dispense the liquid within the desired temperature range for an extended period of time (e.g., 1-24 hours). That is, the container system  10  is structured and operable to receive a liquid (i.e., have liquid poured into the container system  10 ) having an undesired temperature and substantially immediately dispense the liquid at a temperature within a desired temperature range. Additionally, the container system  10  is structured and operable to retain the received liquid at substantially the undesired temperature for an extended long of time (e.g., 1 to 12 hours) and dispense the liquid at a temperature within the desired temperature range for an extended period of time (e.g., 1-24 hours). Accordingly, the liquid can be poured into the container system  10  at an undesired temperature and be dispensed at a temperature within the desired temperature range substantially immediately thereafter and for an extended period of time (e.g., 1 to 24 hours) thereafter. It should be understood that although the container system  10  of the present disclosure can be any container system used to quickly adjust the temperature of any liquid as the liquid is being dispensed, and remain within the scope of the present disclosure, for simplicity and clarity the container system  10  will be illustrated and described herein as a beverage container system  10  used to quickly adjust the temperature of a liquid beverage to be within a desired drinking temperature range as the beverage is being dispensed, and be capable of doing so for an extended period of time (e.g., for approximately 1 to 24 hours). In such embodiments, example desired drinking temperature ranges can be approximately 37° C./98° F. to 71° C./160° F. for hot beverages, and approximately 0° C./32° F. to or to 12° C./54° F. for cold beverages. 
     Generally, the container system  10  comprises a main body  14  and a phase change material (PCM) liner  18  disposed (e.g., fixedly or removably) within the main body  14 . More specifically, the main body  14  is structured and formed to have at least one sidewall  22  and a bottom  26  that define a PCM liner receptacle  30  in which the PCM liner  18  is structured and formed to be disposed. The PCM liner  18  is a hollow body liner having at least one sidewall  34 , and in various instances a bottom  38 , that define a liquid or beverage reservoir  42  suitable for retaining various hot and/or cold liquids and beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soda, beer, water, etc.). The main body sidewall  22  and the PCM liner sidewall  34  can be structured and formed to have generally any radial (or lateral) cross-sectional shape and to define the beverage reservoir  42  having generally any lateral cross-sectional shape. For example, in various embodiments, the main body and PCM liner  18  sidewalls  22  and  34  can be structured and formed to have a cylindrical, square, oval, rectangular, triangular, etc., radial (or lateral) cross-sectional shape, and the beverage reservoir  42  can have any similar or dissimilar cylindrical, square, oval, rectangular, triangular, etc., radial (or lateral) cross-sectional shape. In various instances the PCM liner  18  can be fixedly connected to the main body  14  and disposed within the PCM liner receptacle  30 . In various alternative instances, the PCM liner  18  can be a removable module removably disposed within the PCM liner receptacle  30 . 
     The container system  10  further comprises a heat loss protection (HLP) lid or cap assembly  50  that is disposable over the open end of the container system  10  and is removably connectable to a top end of the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or a beverage dispensing partition  46  (described below), and at least partially covers the beverage reservoir  42 . The HLP lid  50  includes a beverage ingress opening  54  formed in a central body  50 A of the HLP lid  50  that allows a beverage (or liquid) to be poured into the beverage reservoir  42 , and a beverage dispensing opening  58  formed in or near a peripheral or circumferential edge of the central body  50 A, or in a lip or rim of the HLP lid  50  formed around and extending from the peripheral or circumferential edge of the central body  50 A. The dispensing opening  58  allows a beverage to be dispensed from the beverage reservoir  42 , as described further below. Still further, the container system  10  comprises an interior beverage dispensing partition  46  that is disposed, or is removably disposable, within the beverage reservoir  42 . The partition  46  has a predetermined length L such that when the partition  46  is disposed within the beverage reservoir  42  it does not contact the PCM bottom wall  38  and has a predetermined space X between a distal end  46 A of the partition  46  (or in various embodiments described below with regard to  FIG.  4 B , the bottom  94  of a partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) and the PCM bottom wall  38 , or the main body bottom  26  in the various instances where the PCM liner  18  does not have the bottom. The partition  46  is additionally has an outer diameter OD of a predetermined length such that when the partition  46  is disposed within the beverage reservoir  42  it is spaced a distance D from the PCM liner sidewall  34  inside diameter ID, thereby defining a beverage (or liquid) temperature conditioning channel  62  having the predetermined width of D. 
     In various embodiments, the HLP lid  50  can be structured and operable to removably engage with the container body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  in a substantially liquid-tight manner. For example, in various embodiments, the HLP lid  50  can threadably and positively engage the body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or the dispensing partition  46 , via an inner and/or outer face of a retention collar  98 . Or, in other embodiments, the lid assembly  50  can comprise a seal or gasket, e.g., a rubber-like O-ring or any other type of liquid seal (not shown) disposed around or connected to an inner or outer face of a retention collar  98  such that HLP lid  50  is removably frictionally and/or compressively engageable with the body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or the dispensing partition  46 . Or, in yet other embodiments, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A through  9 D  the retention collar  98  can comprises an outer retention collar  98 A that is structured to threadably or frictionally/compressively engage the body  14  and/or PCM liner  18 , and an inner retention collar  98 B that is structured to threadably or frictionally/compressively engage the dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ). Importantly, the HLP lid  50  is structured such that when it is properly disposed on and secured to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) the central body  50 A of the HLP lid  50  and a proximal end  46 B of the dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) form a seal therebetween such that the only flow path for the beverage to be dispensed through the beverage dispensing opening  58  is for the beverage to flow around the dispensing partition distal end  46 A (or in various instances through the sieve/screen bottom  94  of the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ), through the conditioning channel  62  and out the dispensing opening  58  in the HLP lid  50 , as described in detail below. The dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) additionally partitions the beverage reservoir  42  into a main beverage retention chamber  66  defined by dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) and the conditioning channel  62  formed between the PCM liner  18  and the beverage dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ). 
     The PCM liner  18  is a hollow body having a PCM cavity  70  that is structured to retain a desired PCM  74  that thermally contacts a beverage within the temperature conditioning channel  62  such that thermal energy is exchanged between the beverage and the PCM  74  as the beverage is dispensed a consumer, thereby dispensing the beverage at a temperature within a desired temperature range, as described below. It is envisioned that the PCM liner  18  can be any one or more reservoir, bladder, compartment, cavity, container, housing, or other hollow structure that can be at least partially filled with the PCM  74 . Moreover, the PCM liner  18  is structured and formed to be airtight and leak-tight such that any beverage (or other liquid) that may be disposed within the main beverage retention chamber  66  and/or the conditioning channel  62  will not leak, migrate or otherwise enter the PCM cavity  70 , and similarly such that the PCM  74  will not leak, migrate or otherwise enter the main beverage retention chamber  66  and/or the conditioning channel  62 . The PCM liner  18  can be fabricated of any material suitable for retaining hot and/or cold beverages (or liquids), e.g., beverages (or liquids) ranging from approximately −7° C./20° F. to 94° C./200° F. For example, it is envisioned that the PCM liner  18  can be fabricated from stainless steel, glass, ceramics, suitable plastics, etc. 
     Generally, the container system  10  of the present disclosure is structured and operable such that when a person discharges or pours a beverage from the container system  10  (e.g., proceeds to consume the beverage), the beverage flows through the temperature conditioning channel  62 , whereby heat is exchanged between the beverage and a phase change material  74 , thereby very quickly reducing or increases the beverage temperature to a temperature within the desired drinking temperature range which is substantially equal to the melting temperature of the PCM  74 . For example, in various embodiments, the container system  10  is structured and operable to allow a person who desires to drink a hot liquid (e.g., a hot consumable beverage) within a desired drinking temperature range (e.g., approximately 53° C./127° F. 58° C./136° F.) to pour a hot beverage that has a temperature greater/higher than an upper limit of a desired drinking temperature range (e.g., greater/higher than 55° C./136° F.) into the beverage reservoir  42  of the container system  10 , whereafter the liquid can be consumed substantially instantly at a temperature within the desired drinking temperature range (e.g. 53° C./127° F. to 55° C./136° F.). More particularly, substantially immediately, or within a very short time (e.g., 1-30 seconds) after the hot beverage is poured into the beverage reservoir  42 , the beverage can be discharged from the main beverage retention chamber  66  via the conditioning channel  62  whereby as the hot beverage flows through temperature conditioning channel  62  heat is extracted from beverage by a PCM  74  substantially instantly reducing the beverage temperature to a temperature substantially equal to the PCM melting temperature which is selected to be within the desired drinking temperature range. 
     More specifically, when a beverage (e.g., a hot beverage such as coffee), is poured into or disposed within the beverage reservoir  42 , and then the beverage is dispensed through the conditioning channel  62 , the thermal energy (i.e., the heat) from hot beverage is transferred (i.e., rejected to and absorbed by) the PCM  74 , causing the PCM  74  to change phase from a substantially solid form to a liquid form, whereby the PCM  74  stores the thermal energy (i.e., the heat). Note the PCM  74  is preselected to have melting temperature that is within a desired drinking temperature range for the respective beverage. Therefore, when the hot beverage is poured into the beverage reservoir  42 , and when the beverage is dispensed through the conditioning channel  62 , the PCM absorbs thermal energy (e.g., heat) from the hot beverage, such that the temperature of the hot beverage is quickly reduced to, or approximate to, the respective melting temperature of the respective PCM  74  (i.e., within the desired drinking temperature range). Thereafter, when the temperature of the beverage cools such that the temperature of the beverage in the main beverage chamber  66  is reduced to a temperature below the melting temperature of PCM  74 , as the beverage is dispensed and flows through the conditioning channel, the PCM  74  releases (i.e., rejects) the stored thermal energy (i.e., the heat) back into beverage to heat the beverage and dispense the beverage at or near the melting temperature of the PCM  74 , and therefore within the desired drinking temperature range. That is, the heat stored in the PCM  74  is rejected to and absorbed by the beverage as it flows through the conditioning channel  62 , thereby quickly heating the beverage to within the particular desired drinking temperature range. In this way, a hot beverage disposed within the beverage reservoir  42  can be dispensed having a temperature within the desired drinking temperature range (e.g., a temperature within the range of approximately 53° C./127° F. to 55° C./136° F.), for many hours (e.g., approximately 1 to 24 hours). 
     Similarly, in various other embodiments, the heat exchanging liquid container system  10  can be configured, via selection of the PCM  74 , to allow a person who desires to drink a cold or cool liquid (e.g., a cold or cool consumable beverage) within a desired drinking temperature range (e.g., approximately 1° C./34° F. to 12° C./54° F.) to pour a beverage that has a temperature higher than an upper limit of a desired drinking temperature range (e.g., higher than 6° C./43° F.) into the beverage reservoir  42  of the container system  10 , whereafter the liquid can be consumed substantially instantly at a temperature within the desired drinking temperature range (1° C./33° F. to 13° C./54° F.). More particularly, in such instances the PCM  74  is selected to have a melting temperature within the desired temperature range (e.g., a melting temperature of 4° C./39° F.), and prior to use, the container system  10  is stored in a refrigerated or cold environment (e.g., an electric freezer or a cooler filled with ice) having a temperature below the PCM melting temperature (e.g., below 4° C./39° F.) such that the PCM  74  obtains its melting temperature (e.g., below 4° C./39° F.) and is converted to its solid state. Subsequently, when the container system is to be used, it is removed from the refrigerated or cold environment whereafter a beverage having a temperature greater than the melting temperature of the PCM  74  (e.g., greater than the desired drinking temperature) can be poured into the beverage reservoir  42 . Substantially immediately, or within a very short time (e.g., 1-30 seconds) thereafter the beverage can be dispensed from the main beverage retention chamber  66  via the conditioning channel  62  whereby as the beverage flows through temperature conditioning channel  62  heat is extracted from beverage by a PCM  74  substantially instantly reducing the beverage temperature to a temperature substantially equal to the PCM melting temperature. It is envisioned that in such cooling embodiments, the container system  10  can be utilized to cool beverages to approximately the desired temperature for several hours (e.g., 1.0 to 24 hours) depending on the ambient environment temperature, and that contain system  10  can be refilled several times with a single charging of the container system  10  (i.e., cooling the container system until the PCM  74  changes completely to its liquid phase). 
     As described above, the outer diameter OD of the beverage dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) is selected to have a length, relative to an inner diameter ID of the PCM liner  18  such that the temperature conditioning channel  62  will have the width D. The width D is selected to regulate or control the volume and flow rate of a beverage flow F flowing from the main beverage retention chamber  66  through the conditioning channel  62  and allowed to be dispensed, and thereby regulate or control the rate of thermal energy exchange between the beverage in the beverage flow F and the PCM  74 . As one skilled in the art will readily understand, the smaller the volume of beverage flow F in thermal contact with the PCM  74  (i.e., the smaller the width D of the conditioning channel  62 ) the higher the rate of thermal energy exchange between the beverage flow F and the PCM  74 , and more specifically, the faster the temperature of beverage flow F will be conditioned, or adjusted, to approximate the melting temperature of the PCM  74 . In various embodiments, only the PCM liner  18  includes only the sidewall  34  (i.e., is absent the bottom  38 ) such that is structured and formed to define the PCM cavity, such that only the PCM liner sidewall  34  is fillable with the PCM  74 . While in other embodiments, wherein the PCM liner  18  includes the bottom  38 , the PCM liner sidewall  34  and bottom  38  are structured and formed to define the PCM cavity  70  and are fillable with the PCM  74 . 
     Additionally, in various embodiments, the main body  14  can be a hollow body structured and formed to include an interior hollow space that defines an insulation cavity  78  that can be at least partially filled with thermal insulation. The thermal insulation can be any suitable thermal insulation, for example, in various embodiments the insulation cavity  78  can be at least partially filled with any desired thermal insulating material, gas or liquid, or can be absent a material, gas or liquid. For example, in various instances, the insulation cavity  78  can be absent or void of air, or mostly absent or void of air (e.g., a vacuum or reduced air), or in other instances the insulation cavity  78  can be at least partially filled with fiberglass, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, cellulose, mineral wool, or any other presently and future known thermal insulation material. The thermal insulating function provided by the thermal insulation within insulation cavity  78  will reduce and retard the rejection of thermal energy (e.g., heat loss) from the PCM  74  to the ambient environment such that the PCM will remain at its respective phase change temperature (also referred to herein as the melting temperature) for an extended period of time. 
     Similarly, in various embodiments, the dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) can be a hollow body structured and formed to include an interior hollow space that defines an insulation cavity  82  that can be at least partially filled with thermal insulation. The thermal insulation can be any suitable thermal insulation, for example, in various embodiments the insulation cavity  82  can be at least partially filled with any desired thermal insulating material, gas or liquid, or can be absent a material, gas or liquid. For example, in various instances, the insulation cavity  82  can be absent or void of air, or mostly absent or void of air (e.g., a vacuum or reduced air), or in other instances the insulation cavity  82  can be at least partially filled with fiberglass, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, cellulose, mineral wool, or any other presently and future known thermal insulation material. The dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) and the thermal insulating within the insulating cavity  82  provide a barrier between the beverage within the retention chamber  66  and the beverage within the conditioning channel  62 . The dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) and the thermal insulating within the insulating cavity  82  additionally provide a barrier between the beverage within the retention chamber  66  and the PCM  74  within the PCM liner sidewall  34 . Accordingly, barrier provided by the dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) and the thermal insulating within the insulating cavity  82  significantly reduces or substantially prevents the rejection of thermal energy from the beverage within the retention chamber  66  to the beverage within the conditioning channel  62  and to the PCM  74  within the PCM liner sidewall  34 . Therefore, the temperature of the beverage within the retention chamber  66  will be maintained at or near its initial temperature and the decrease of the temperature within the retention chamber  66  will be retarded for an extended period of time (e.g., 1-12 hours). 
     In operation, when the container system  10  is tilted, or when a suction is applied to the dispensing opening  58  to dispense or draw the beverage from the container system  10 , the beverage flow F is generated through the conditioning channel  62 . Accordingly, the beverage flow F will flow from within the retention chamber  66 , through the conditioning channel  62  thermally contacting the PCM  74  and exit the conditioning channel  62  at a conditioning channel egress end  62 A which is fluidly connected to the lid dispensing opening  58 . As one skilled in the art will readily understand, when the beverage in beverage flow F flows through the conditioning channel  62  the beverage thermally contacts the PCM  74  within the PCM liner  18 . More particularly, when the beverage in beverage flow F is at a temperature that is greater than the melting temperature of the PCM  74 , as the beverage flows through the conditioning channel  62  thermal energy is transferred from the beverage in the beverage flow F to the PCM  74  (i.e., the PCM  74  absorbs thermal energy (heat) from the beverage), thereby cooling the beverage in the beverage flow F to a temperature within the desired temperature range (e.g., a temperature approximate the melting temperature of the PCM  74 ). The PCM  74  stores the absorbed thermal energy and conversely, after the temperature of the beverage within the retention chamber  66  cools to a temperature that is lower than the melting temperature of the PCM  74 , as the beverage flow F flows through the conditioning channel  62  thermal energy stored in the PCM  74  is transferred from the PCM  74  to the beverage in beverage flow F (i.e., the PCM  74  rejects the stored thermal energy (heat) and the beverage in beverage flow F absorbs the stored thermal energy (heat) from the PCM  74 ), thereby heating the beverage in beverage flow F to a temperature within the desired temperature range. In this way, when the beverage exits the conditioning channel  62 , the beverage will have a temperature within the desired drinking temperature range (e.g., approximately 53° C./127° F. to 58° C./136° F. for hot liquids, and 1° C./33° F. to 6° C./42° F. for cold liquids). 
     In the embodiments where the PCM liner  18  include the bottom  38 , as one skilled in the art will readily understand that, due to the volume of the beverage within retention chamber  66  and the barrier provided by the dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ), when the container system  10  is in an upright orientation (i.e., the beverage is not being dispensed and not flowing through the conditioning channel  62 ) the thermal energy exchange rate between the beverage and the PCM  74  within the PCM liner bottom  38  (e.g., the rate of absorption of heat by the PCM  74 ) will be considerably slower than the thermal energy exchange rate between the beverage flowing through the conditioning channel  62  and the PCM  74  within the PCM liner sidewall  34  when the beverage is flowing through the conditioning channel and being dispensed. More specifically, when a suction is applied to the dispensing opening  58  and/or the container is tilted to dispense the beverage, the beverage within beverage flow F will begin to flow through the conditioning channel  62  and along the sidewall  34  of the PCM liner  18 , thereby thermally contacting the PCM  74  within the PCM liner  18 . However, as described above, the width D of the conditioning channel  62  will regulate the volume and flow rate of beverage allowed to be dispensed, and thereby regulate the rate of thermal energy exchange between the beverage in beverage flow F and the PCM  74 . Hence, the temperature of the beverage in beverage flow F flowing through the conditioning channel  62  as it is being dispensed will be conditioned, or adjusted, to be within the desired drinking temperature range much faster than when the beverage is static within the reservoir  42  and not being dispensed. (i.e., not flowing through the conditioning channel  62 ). 
     As described above, the dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) is spaced a distance D from the PCM liner  18 , thereby defining the beverage temperature conditioning channel  62  having the predetermined width of D. More particularly, the channel width D and length L are computationally predetermined using advanced heat transfer modeling, and verified by the experimental data, to ensure that the beverage will be dispensed through the dispensing opening  58  in the HLP lid  50  at approximately the desired drinking temperature. More specifically, the channel width D and length L are computationally predetermined using advanced heat transfer modeling, and verified by the experimental data, to produce a volume and flow rate of the beverage flow F through the conditioning channel  62  that will allow the necessary thermal exchange between the beverage flow F and the PCM  74  within the PCM liner sidewall  34  to ensure the beverage is dispensed at a temperature within the desired drinking range. In various exemplary embodiments, the width D of the conditioning channel  62  can be between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm, e.g., 0.9 mm. 
     The PCM  74  properties are also accurately predetermined by advanced heat transfer modeling and experimental investigation to accurately control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed. As described above, initially, after the beverage is poured into the container system  10 , when the beverage flows through the conditioning channel  62  and contacts the PCM liner sidewall  34 , thermal energy is transferred from the beverage to the PCM  74 , whereby the PCM  74  changes phase from solid to liquid to store the thermal energy. Using different PCMs  74  with different phase change temperatures (i.e., melting temperatures), the container system  10  can be configured to dispense a beverage at different dinking temperatures. For example, if one person likes to drink coffee at 63° C./145° F., a corresponding PCM  74  and/or channel width D and/or channel length L will be implemented such that a beverage poured into the container system  10  at a temperature higher than 63° C./145° F. will be dispensed at approximately 63° C./145° F. However, if another person likes to drink coffee at 55° C./131° F., a different PCM  74  and/or channel width D and/or channel length L will be implemented such that a beverage poured into the container system  10  at a temperature higher than 55° C./131° F. will be dispensed at approximately 55° C./131° F. 
     As described above, in various embodiments, the HLP lid  50  and the dispensing partition  46  are structured such that seal is formed between the partition proximal end  46 B and an underside of the lid central body  50 A that blocks the beverage from flowing around the partition proximal end  46 B and forces the beverage to flow through the beverage conditioning channel  62  in order to be dispensed through the dispensing opening  58 . As one skilled in the art would readily understand, because only the beverage ingress opening  54  allows for air to enter the main retention chamber  66  (thereby providing an air inlet hole), and only the dispensing opening  58  allows for the beverage to exit as the beverage is being dispensed, a closed interconnected path is formed between the ingress opening  54  and the dispensing opening  58 . Hence, when the container system  10  is tilted, or a consumer draws on (e.g., applies a suction to) the HLP lid  50  at the dispensing opening  58 , a negative pressure is produced within the conditioning channel  62  (similar to drawing on a straw inserted into beverage filled glass). Moreover, when the container system  10  is tilted or a consumer draws on the dispensing opening  58  the volume of the beverage in the entire conditioning channel  62  increases substantially uniformly (e.g., the level of the beverage in the entire conditioning channel  62  rises uniformly) due to the hydrostatic pressure difference, regardless of the level of the beverage within the main retention chamber  66 , as exemplarily illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A through  2 C . Therefore, when the container system  10  is tilted or a consumer draws on the dispensing opening  58  the beverage will fill the entire conditioning channel  62  and will contact the entire length of a portion of the inner surface of the PCM liner sidewall  34  as the beverage is dispensed out the dispensing opening  58 . Hence, the entire volume of the beverage flowing through the conditioning channel  62  will thermally exchange heat with the PCM  74  within the PCM liner  18 , thereby significantly increasing the heat transfer rate and conditioning the beverage temperature to the desired drinking temperature substantially instantly. 
     As described above, in various instances, the container system  10  can be used dispense cold beverages at a desired drinking temperature (e.g., 1° C./34° F. to 6° C./43° F.). In such instances, the PCM  74  must be selected to have a melting temperature equivalent to the desired drinking temperature, and PCM  74  must be transitioned to its solid state. This can be done either by placing container system  10  in a refrigerated or cold environment having a temperature below the PCM melting temperature such that the PCM  74  obtains its melting temperature and is converted to its solid state. For example, the container system  10  can be cooled (e.g., frozen) by placing it in an electric freezer, or in a cooler full of ice, or using a thermal electric cooling device, or any other suitable means for cooling the PCM  74  to its respective melting temperature. Once the PCM  74  is cooled to its melting temperature (i.e., the PCM  74  is converted to its solid phase) one can pour a beverage at any temperature above PCM  74  melting temperature (e.g., room temperature or higher) into the beverage reservoir  42  and the beverage can substantially immediately be dispensed via the conditioning channel  62  and dispensing opening  58  at the desired drinking temperature. 
     For example, if the PCM  74  is water, the container system  10  can be placed in an electric freezer until the PCM  74  (water) in the PCM liner  18  changes phase from liquid (water) to solid (ice). Thereafter, the container system  10  can be removed from the freezer, and a beverage (e.g., beer) at room temperature is pour into the beverage reservoir  42  via the ingress opening  54  in the HLP lid  50 . Subsequently, when a consumer or draws on the dispensing opening  58 , and/or tilts the container system  10 , the beverage at room temperature starts to flow from the bottom portion of the main retention chamber  66 , through the conditioning channel  62 . As the beverage in beverage flow F flows through the conditioning channel  62  the PCM  74  will absorb heat from the beverage and very quickly cool the beverage within the beverage flow F such that beverage is dispensed out the dispensing opening  58  at substantially the desired drinking temperature. Because the PCM  74  in PCM liner  18  is thermally protected by both insulated main body  14  and the insulated beverage dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ) the PCM  74  can remain in its solid state, at its melting temperature for many hours. 
     As described above, the PCM  74  is selected, via advanced heat transfer modeling and experimental investigation, to have a melting temperature corresponding to a desired drinking temperature. For example, if a desired drinking temperature for a particular beverage is 4° C./39° F. (or 55° C./131° F. for a hot beverage), a corresponding PCM  74  will be selected that has a melting temperature of 4° C./39° F. (or 55° C./131° F. for a hot beverage). Similarly, if a desired drinking temperature for a particular beverage is 2° C./35° F. (or 58° C./136° F. for a hot beverage), a corresponding PCM  74  will be selected that has a melting temperature of 2° C./35° F. (or 58° C./136° F. for a hot beverage). 
     In various embodiments wherein the PCM liner  18  includes the bottom  38 , one skilled in the art will readily recognize that when a beverage is disposed within the beverage reservoir  42  a lower portion of the beverage (identified as the modified temperature zone in  FIG.  1   ) will contact the PCM liner bottom  38  and thermally exchange heat with the PCM  72  therewithin, thereby modifying (e.g., reducing) the temperature of the beverage in the modified temperature zone. Hence, there will be a difference in the temperature between the beverage in the modified temperature zone and the beverage with the upper portion of the beverage in the beverage reservoir  42  (identified as the high temperature zone in  FIG.  1   ). When such a temperature difference exists, the temperature difference can produce a difference in density and buoyancy forces between the beverage in the modified temperature zone and the beverage in the high temperature zone. When a beverage is poured into the container system  10 , this difference in density and buoyancy forces between the beverage in the high temperature zone and the beverage in modified temperature zone, in various instances, will prevent natural convection mixing of the beverage in the modified temperature zone with the beverage in the high temperature zone. 
     For example, for a given beverage, if the temperature of the beverage in modified temperature zone is higher than that in the high temperature zone, the density of the beverage in the modified temperature zone is lower than that in the high temperature zone. Therefore, the density difference and the resulting difference in buoyancy forces result in mixing of the beverage in modified temperature zone with that in the high temperature zone, via the natural convection. However, if the temperature of the beverage in the modified temperature zone is lower than that in the high temperature zone, the density of the beverage in the modified temperature zone is higher than that in the high temperature zone. Therefore, the density difference and the resulting difference in buoyancy forces do not result in mixing of the beverage in modified temperature zone with that in the high temperature zone, via the natural convection. Therefore, the hot beverage in the high temperature zone will generally retain its original temperature for a longer time and not mix, via natural convection mixing, the cooler temperature beverage in the modified temperature zone. 
     It is important to recognize that, as described above, the PCM liner  18  is disposed between the insulation filled main body and the insulation filled beverage dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ). Hence, the PCM  74  disposed within the PCM liner is well insulated. For example, if the hot liquid is poured into the beverage reservoir  42 , heat rejection from the beverage to the PCM liner sidewall  34  is significantly minimized due to the insulation filed beverage dispensing partition  46  (or, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 ). In this way, the temperature of the beverage within the beverage reservoir  42 , i.e., within the main retention chamber  66 , is well insulated and the heat transfer rate from beverage to the PCM  74  within the sidewall  34  of the PCM liner  18  is significantly minimized. Additionally, the insulated main body  14  disposed around the PCM line  18  provides insulation between the PCM  74  within the PCM liner  18  and the ambient environment, which significantly minimized the heat transfer between the ambient environment and the PCM  74 . Accordingly, the structure of the container system  10  can ensure that when a beverage flows through the conditioning channel  62 , the beverage can be dispensed substantially immediately at a desired drinking temperature. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , in various embodiments, the container system  10  can further comprise a steeping basket  86  for steeping such things a tea and coffee or any other dried or ground matter used to make a beverage. The steeping basket  86  is disposable (fixedly or removably) within the main beverage retention chamber  66  and generally comprises one or more sidewall  90 , a mesh or filter or other type of sieve bottom  94  connected to a distal end of the sidewall  90  and a top lip  102  disposed around and extending from a proximal end of the sidewall  90 . In various embodiments, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , the lip  102  is structured and operable to support or hang the steeping basket  86  from the proximal end  46 B of the beverage dispensing partition  46  such that the steeping basket sidewall  90  and sieve bottom  94  are suspended within the main beverage retention chamber  66 . More particularly, the lip  102  is structured to be disposed between the dispensing partition proximal end  46 B of the beverage dispensing partition  46  and the underside of the lid central body  50 A and to form a seal. Importantly, in various embodiments, when the HLP lid  50  is properly disposed on and secured to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or the dispensing partition  46  the lid central body  50 A, the steeping basket top lip  102 , and the proximal end  46 B of the dispensing partition  46  form a seal therebetween such that the only flow path for the beverage to be dispensed through the beverage dispensing opening  58  is for the beverage to flow F to flow around the dispensing partition distal end  46 A, through the conditioning channel  62  and out the dispensing opening  58  in the HLP lid  50 , as described in detail below. 
     In use, a dried or ground matter such as tea or coffee can be placed in the steeping basket  86  and the steeping basket placed into the main retention chamber  66 . Thereafter, hot water can be poured into the beverage reservoir  42  such that the hot water is poured over the dried or ground matter, flows over, across and through a dried or ground matter and through the sieve bottom  94 , thereby filling the beverage reservoir  42  with hot water will turn to a beverage (e.g., tea or coffee) as a dried or ground matter steeps in the hot water. Subsequently, the beverage can be dispensed through the conditioning channel  62  and dispensing opening  58  at a temperature within the desired temperature range as described above. 
     In various embodiments, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , the sidewall of  90  of the steeping basket  86  is structured and operable to provide the beverage dispensing partition  46  (i.e., the beverage dispensing partition  46  comprises the sidewall  90  of the steeping basket  86 ), herein referred to as the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 . In various instances such embodiments, the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  can be removably connected to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18 . For example, in various instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  can be threadingly engaged with and connected to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18 . Alternatively, in various other instances the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  can be frictionally or compressively engaged with and connected to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18 . In such embodiments wherein the steeping basket  86  is structure and operable to provide the beverage dispensing partition  46 , the HLP lid  50  can be removably engageable with and connectable to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 . Importantly, when the HLP lid  50  is properly disposed on and secured to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  the lid central body  50 A and the steeping basket top lip/dispensing partition proximal end  102 / 46 B form a seal therebetween such that the only flow path for the beverage to be dispensed through the beverage dispensing opening  58  is for the beverage to flow F to flow through the sieve bottom  94  of the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 , around the distal end  46 A of the steeping basket sidewall/beverage partition  90 / 46 , through the conditioning channel  62  and out the dispensing opening  58  in the HLP lid  50 , as described in detail above. In such embodiments, the beverage temperature conditioning channel  62 , formed and defined by the steeping basket sidewall/beverage partition  90 / 46  functions to condition the temperature of the beverage with the beverage flow F, as described in detail above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B and  5 C  in various embodiments the container system  10  can comprise one or more heat sink  106  disposed within the PCM cavity  70  of the PCM liner  18 . The heat sink(s)  106  are mounted to or connected to the inner wall  18 A and provide a thermally conductive conduit from the inner wall  18 A into the interior of the PCM liner  18  and into the PCM  74 , thereby increasing the heat transfer rate from the beverage flowing through the conditioning channel  62  and the PCM  74 . In various instances the heat sink(s)  106  comprise fins or other forms fabricated from a high thermally conductive metal, e.g., aluminum or copper, that are disposed longitudinally, as exemplarily shown in  FIG.  5 A , and/or laterally, as exemplarily shown in  FIG.  5 B , within the PCM cavity  70 . In various other instances the heat sink(s) can have a folded fin configuration such as that exemplarily illustrated in  FIG.  5 C . Furthermore, it is envisioned that in various embodiments the heat sink(s)  106  can comprise foams or heat pipes, e.g., oscillating heat pipe, that transfer heat from one location to another location, and/or distribute heat throughout a plane (e.g., throughout a heat sink fin) very quickly and efficiently. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7    in various embodiments the container system  10  can have a PCM liner  118  disposed only in the bottom of the reservoir  42 , wherein the PCM liner  118  comprises a PCM cavity  170  at least partially filled with a PCM  174 . In such embodiments, beverage dispensing partition  46  can comprise a sidewall  46 C and an annular bottom  46 D extending from the distal end of the partition sidewall  46 C, such that the beverage temperature condition channel  62  has an ‘L’ shape and passes beneath the annular bottom  46 D and along the sidewall  46 C. More particularly, the conditioning channel  62  is formed between the partition annular bottom  46 D and the PCM liner  118 , and between the partition sidewall  46 C and the main body sidewall  22 , as shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   . In such embodiments, when a hot beverage flows through the beverage ingress opening  54  into the beverage reservoir  42 , the thermal energy can be exchanged between the hot beverage and the PCM  74  as the beverage flows through the conditioning channel  62 , thereby dispensing the beverage at a temperature within a desired temperature range. 
     In various embodiments, the ‘L’ shaped dispensing partition  46  can be a hollow body structured and formed to include an interior hollow space that defines an insulation cavity  182  that can be at least partially filled with thermal insulation. The thermal insulation can be any suitable thermal insulation, for example, in various embodiments the insulation cavity  182  can be at least partially filled with any desired thermal insulating material, gas or liquid, or can be absent a material, gas or liquid. For example, in various instances, the insulation cavity  182  can be absent or void of air, or mostly absent or void of air (e.g., a vacuum or reduced air), or in other instances the insulation cavity  182  can be at least partially filled with fiberglass, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, cellulose, mineral wool, or any other presently and future known thermal insulation material. The dispensing partition  46  and the thermal insulating within the insulating cavity  182  provide a barrier between the beverage within the retention chamber  66  and the beverage within the conditioning channel  62  and the PCM  174  within the PCM liner  118 , and thereby significantly reduce or substantially prevent the rejection of thermal energy from the beverage within the retention chamber  66  to the beverage within the conditioning channel  62  and to the PCM  174  within the PCM liner  118 . Therefore, the temperature of the beverage within the retention chamber  66  will be maintained at or near its initial temperature and the decrease of the temperature within the retention chamber  66  will be retarded for an extended period of time (e.g., 1-12 hours). 
     Alternatively, as exemplarily shown in  FIG.  7   , in various embodiments, the ‘L’ shaped dispensing partition can be a solid wall, as opposed to the hollow insulated partition exemplarily shown in  FIG.  6   . In such instances the beverage would pass through the conditioning channel  62 , as described above, such that the beverage is dispensed at a temperature within a desired temperature range. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  8 A through  9 D , as described above, the container system  10  comprises the heat loss protection (HLP) lid  50  that is removably connectable to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or the beverage dispensing partition  46  and/or the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 . The HLP lid  50  includes the beverage ingress opening  54  formed in the central body  50 A that allows a beverage to be poured into the beverage reservoir  42 , and a beverage dispensing opening  58  formed in a lip or rim of the HLP lid  50  that allows a beverage to be dispensed from the beverage reservoir  42 . In various embodiments, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A through  9 D , the HLP lid  50  additionally includes a hidden, concealed, or non-obvious air intake hole  146  that allows air to enter the main beverage retention chamber  66  as the beverage is being dispensed through the conditioning channel  62  and dispensing opening  58 , as described above. That is, the air hole  146  is concealed from the sight of, and not readily viewable or obvious to, the consumer. The HLP lid  50  is structured and operable to removably engage with the container body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or the beverage dispensing partition  46  and/or the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  in a substantially liquid-tight manner. As described above, in various embodiments, the HLP lid  50  comprises an outer retention collar  98 A that is structured to threadably or frictionally/compressively engage the body  14  and/or PCM liner  18 , and an inner retention collar  98 B that is structured to threadably or frictionally/compressively engage the dispensing partition  46 , or the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 . Importantly, the HLP lid  50  is structured such that when it is properly disposed on and secured to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or dispensing partition  46  and/or the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  the central body  50 A of the HLP lid  50  and a proximal end  46 B of the dispensing partition  46  or the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  form a seal therebetween such that the only flow path for the beverage to be dispensed through the beverage dispensing opening  58  is for the beverage to flow around the distal end  46 A of the dispensing partition, or through the sieve bottom  94  and around the distal end  46 A of the of the sidewall  90  of the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 , through the conditioning channel  62  and out the dispensing opening  58 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  8 A,  8 B,  8 C,  8 D,  8 E and  8 F , in various embodiments the beverage ingress opening  54  comprises an opening formed generally in the center of in the central body  50 A. In such embodiments, the HLP lid  50  additionally includes a heat loss protection unit  138  that is fixedly or removably connected to HLP lid central body  50 A such that the heat loss protection unit  138  is suspended from an underside of the central body  50 A and disposed adjacent the beverage ingress opening  54 . The heat loss protection unit  138  is structured to form a reservoir  138 C having a flat base  138 A with a circumferential lip  138 B extending at an angle (e.g., a 45° to 90° angle) from a peripheral or circumferential edge of the base  138 A. Additionally, in such embodiments, the HLP lid  50  further comprises a collar  142  that is disposed in or integrally formed around the periphery of the beverage ingress opening  54 . The collar  142  extends from the underside of the central body  50 A such that the collar  142  extends into an interior space of the reservoir  138 C of the heat loss protection unit  138  defined by the lip  138 B. More particularly, the heat loss protection unit  138  has a radius that is greater than a radius of the ingress opening collar  138 , and a distal end  138 B 1  of the lip  138 B of the heat loss protection unit  138  extends toward the underside of central body  50 A beyond a distal end  142 A of the collar  142  such that the distal end  142 A of the collar  142  and the distal end  138 B 1  of the heat loss protection unit lip  138 B extend past or beyond each other and overlap. 
     The beverage ingress opening  54  allows a user to pour a beverage into the main beverage retention chamber  66  without removing the HLP lid  50 . Moreover, since the heat loss protection unit  138  is disposed beneath the beverage ingress opening  54 , when the beverage passes through the beverage ingress opening  54 , as the beverage is poured through the beverage ingress opening  54  the beverage will fill and the heat loss protection unit reservoir  138 C, then overflow over the HLP unit lip  138 B, and subsequently enter the main beverage retention chamber  66 . Accordingly, when filling, or refilling, the respective main beverage retention chamber  66 , some of beverage will be retained within the HLP unit reservoir  138 C. Because the ingress opening collar  142  extending into the HLP unit reservoir  138 C, the distal end  142 A of ingress opening collar will be submerged in the beverage retained within the HLP unit reservoir  138 C, such that the beverage retained within the HLP unit reservoir  138 C will form a liquid interface, barrier, or wall  150  between main beverage retention chamber  66  and the ambient environment around the container system  10 . Importantly, the liquid barrier  150  directly blocks thermal energy exchange between the beverage retained within the main beverage retention chamber  66  and the ambient environment (e.g., blocks steam from flowing between a hot beverage within the main beverage retention chamber  66  and the ambient air outside of the container system  10 ), which results in the reduction of heat loss. However, if a pressure difference between main beverage retention chamber  66  and the ambient environment is developed as the beverage is dispensed via the dispensing opening  58 , the force of the pressure difference can easily break the liquid barrier  150 , thereby providing the air hole  146  as the space or gap between the distal end  142 A of the collar  142  and the distal end  138 B 1  of the HLP unit lip  138 B, to balance the pressure to allow the beverage to be smoothly and evenly dispensed. For example, if a consumer drinks from the container system  10  the resulting pressure difference (i.e., air is needed to flow into the main beverage retention chamber  66 ), the ambient air from outside can easily flow through the liquid barrier  150  into the main beverage retention chamber  66  and balance the pressure. As described above, the air hole  146  provided by the breaking of the liquid barrier  150  is not readily viewable or readily obvious to the consumer. 
     Alternatively, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIGS.  8 C and  8 D , if a consumer removes the HLP lid  50  to fill the main beverage retention chamber  66  with a beverage, then subsequently secures the HLP lid  50  to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  and/or dispensing partition  46  and/or the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  the HLP unit reservoir  138 C may not contain any beverage. However, in such instances, because condensation or steam from the beverage disposed within the main beverage retention chamber  66  will form on an underside of the HLP lid  50 , a liquid-vapor barrier  154 , interface or wall will be formed between the distal end  142 S of the ingress opening collar  142  and the surface of the base  138 A of the HLP unit reservoir  138 C. Because a gap distance S between the distal end  142 S of the ingress opening collar  142  and the surface of the base  138 A of the HLP unit reservoir  138 C (shown in  FIG.  8 D ) is very small (e.g., 1/16- 3/16 of an inch, or 1.5-4.8 mm), several condensate droplets will fill to the gap S due to the capillary forces developed by the liquid tension and the structure of HLP unit  138 , thereby forming the liquid-vapor barrier  154 . Accordingly, thermal energy exchange between the beverage retained within the main beverage retention chamber  66  and the ambient environment is blocked (e.g., steam flowing between a hot beverage within the main beverage retention chamber  66  and the ambient air outside of the container system  10  is blocked), which results in the reduction of heat loss. However, if a pressure difference between main beverage retention chamber  66  and the ambient environment is developed as the beverage is dispensed via the dispensing opening  58 , the force of the pressure difference can easily break the liquid-vapor barrier  154 , thereby providing the air hole  146 , to balance the pressure to allow the beverage to be smoothly and evenly dispensed. For example, if a consumer drinks from the container system  10  the resulting pressure difference (i.e., air is needed to flow into the main beverage retention chamber  66 ), the ambient air from outside can easily flow through the liquid-vapor barrier  154  into the main beverage retention chamber  66  and balance the pressure. As described above, the air hole  146  provided by the breaking of the liquid-vapor barrier  154  is not readily viewable or readily obvious to the consumer. 
     As described above, the HLP unit  138  can be fixedly or removably connected to HLP lid central body  50 A. For example, in various embodiments, it is envisioned that the HLP unit  138  and the HLP lid central body  50 A can be structured such that the HLP unit  138  is snap connectable to and removable from the HLP lid central body  50 A 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  9 A,  9 B,  9 C and  9 D , in various embodiments, the beverage ingress opening  54  of the HLP lid  50  comprises an off-center opening formed near an outer periphery of the HLP lid central body  50 A directly opposite and diametrically across the central body  50 A from the dispensing opening  58 . In such embodiments, the HLP lid  50  additionally includes an ingress opening cover  158  that is movably connected to the HLP lid central body  50 A and is structured and operable to be moveable (e.g., pivotally or slidingly) between an Open and Closed position. When the ingress opening cover  158  is in the Open position the ingress opening  54  is exposed and accessible to allow a beverage to be poured therethrough and into the main beverage retention chamber  66 . When the ingress opening cover  158  is in the Closed position, the ingress opening  54  is covered and inaccessible. Moreover, when the ingress opening cover  158  is in the Closed position, the ingress opening is substantially sealed, except for the hidden, concealed, or non-obvious air hole  146  (described below), such that thermal energy exchange between the beverage retained within the main beverage retention chamber  66  and the ambient environment is blocked (e.g., steam flowing between a hot beverage within the main beverage retention chamber  66  and the ambient air outside of the container system  10  is blocked), which results in the reduction of heat loss. 
     In such embodiments, the ingress opening cover  158  and/or the beverage ingress opening  54  is/are structured such that small gap defining the air hole  146  is provided between an edge of the ingress opening cover  158  and an edge of the beverage ingress opening  54  along a small portion of an interface between the between the edge of the ingress opening cover  158  and the edge of the beverage ingress opening  54 . For example,  FIGS.  9 A,  9 B,  9 C,  9 D and  9 E  exemplarily illustrate the HLP lid  50  wherein the ingress opening cover  158  comprises a flip-up cover pivotally connected to the HLP lid central body  50 A. In such embodiments, the flip-up ingress opening cover  158  generally comprises a front face  162 , a hinged rear portion  166  structured to pivotally connect the flip-up ingress opening cover  158  with the HLP lid central body  50 A, a lift tab  172  extending from a top portion of the front face  162  structured to assist the user in easily moving the flip-up ingress opening cover  158  between the Open and the Closed positions, and a sealing lip  176  formed along a bottom edge of the front face  162  structured to contact and mate with an edge of the beverage ingress opening  54  and to form a seal along a significant portion (e.g., 90%-95%) of the interface between the between the peripheral edge of the ingress opening cover sealing lip  176  and the edge of the beverage ingress opening  54 . As best shown in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 E , the sealing lip  176  includes a discontinuous portion  176 A (e.g., a flat or concave portion) that provides a small gap between the front face sealing lip  176  and the peripheral edge of the ingress opening  54 , thereby defining the air hole  146 . As best shown in  FIG.  9 A , the lift tab  172  extends from the front face  162  such that the air hole  146  is generally hidden or concealed such that the air hole  146  is not readily viewable or obvious to the consumer. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 B and  10   , as described above, in various embodiments, the steeping basket sidewall  90  can be structured and operable to provide the beverage dispensing partition  46  (i.e., the beverage dispensing partition  46  comprises the sidewall  90  of the steeping basket  86 ). As further described above, in various instances of such embodiments, the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  can be removably connected to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18 . 
     Alternatively, as exemplarily illustrated in  FIG.  10   , in various instances, the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  can be removably engageable with the HLP lid  50  such that the HLP lid  50  and partition steeping basket  46 / 86  are combinable to create a HLP lid and partition steeping basket unit  50 / 46 / 86  that is removable and separable from the main body  14  and PCM liner  18 . In such instances, the HLP lid and partition steeping basket unit  50 / 46 / 86  can be inserted into the beverage reservoir  42  whereafter the HLP lid  50  can be removably connectable to the main body  14  and/or PCM liner  18  as described above. For example, in various embodiments, the partition steeping basket  46 / 86  can be threadingly, or frictionally or compressively removably connectable to HLP lid  50  inner retention collar  98 B to form the HLP lid and partition steeping basket unit  50 / 46 / 86 . Thereafter, the HLP lid and partition steeping basket unit  50 / 46 / 86  can be inserted into the beverage reservoir and the HLP lid  50  outer retention collar  98 A can be threadingly, or frictionally or compressively removably connectable to main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  the thereby form the container system  10  described herein. In such instances, when HLP lid and partition steeping basket unit  50 / 46 / 86  disposed within the beverage reservoir  42  and coupled to the main body  14  and/or the PCM liner  18  the only flow path for the beverage to be dispensed through the beverage dispensing opening  58  is for the beverage to flow F to flow through the sieve bottom  94  of the partition steeping basket  46 / 86 , around the distal end  46 A of the steeping basket sidewall/beverage partition  90 / 46 , through the conditioning channel  62  and out the dispensing opening  58  in the HLP lid  50 , as described in detail above. In such embodiments, the beverage temperature conditioning channel  62 , formed and defined by the steeping basket sidewall/beverage partition  90 / 46  functions to condition the temperature of the beverage with the beverage flow F, as described in detail above. Although HLP lid  50  is exemplarily illustrated in  FIG.  10    as the HLP lid shown in, and described in regards to,  FIGS.  9 A through  9 E , it should be understood HLP lid  50  shown in, and described in regards to,  FIG.  10    can embodiment of the HLP lid  50  disclosed herein. 
     The description herein is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of that which is described are intended to be within the scope of the teachings. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Such variations and alternative combinations of elements and/or functions are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the teachings.