Patent Description:
Drinking a hot beverage is an important part of life for many people. A hot cup of coffee is a regular, and often cherished, part of the morning for many. A warm bottle of baby formula is often a necessity for infants. Drinkware, such as cups, mugs, travel mugs, and baby bottles, is often used to hold hot liquids for the consumer until the liquid is ready to drink. A common issue with many existing drinkware is the inability to keep the beverage at a desired temperature for a long period of time. In some instances, for example, a beverage that is too hot for consumption is prepared and poured into the drinkware. In these situations, the consumer waits until the beverage has sufficiently cooled to a temperature that is safe to drink. However, if the consumer waits too long or prefers to drink the beverage slowly over a long period of time, the liquid may cool down too much, resulting in a beverage that is no longer satisfying (or even potentially dangerous in the case of baby formula for infants).

Many types of drinkware are specifically designed to reduce the cooling rate of the hot liquid and to prolong the time over which the beverage cools enough to drink without the risk of burning, while remaining warm enough for a satisfactory drinking experience. These beverage containers are often formed from materials, such as ceramics or plastics, possessing insulative properties that aid in the temperature controlling process. While these materials may increase the time for which a beverage is safe and satisfying to drink, they are still incapable of maintaining the beverage at an elevated temperature for a prolonged period of time. Other types of drinkware, such as French presses made from glass or disposable coffee cups made from paper-based materials, possess few insulative properties and are subject to rapid cooling. It would therefore be desirable to develop a beverage warming apparatus that can be used in conjunction with existing drinkware to maintain the temperature of a liquid at a desired temperature for a prolonged period of time, ensuring that drinking the beverage remains safe and satisfying.

<CIT> describes a holder for a beverage container such as a beverage can in a motor vehicle ("cup holder") with lateral holding elements which can be moved into an adjustment space by a spring. The invention proposes designing the holding elements as heat conductors or providing them with heat conductors, so that heat or cold from a Peltier element arranged under a base of the holder can also be transmitted laterally over the base. the holding elements are transferred to a beverage container placed in the holder.

<CIT> describes a cup holder with a storage chamber for holding a liquid container. The storage chamber is limited by a base and partially by a casing. A tempering element is arranged in the casing of the storage chamber. A flexible holding unit is provided for safe position fixing of containers of different sizes. The tempering element is arranged in the flexible holding unit.

<CIT> describes an arrangement for accommodating an object in a motor vehicle having an air outlet arrangement for carrying away air entering at the inlet so cooled and/or heated air exits from device away from the accommodation chamber. The arrangement has at least one accommodation chamber with at least one opening for at least partly introducing the object into the chamber, an air inlet arrangement for cooled and/or heated air from the air conditioning and/or heating system to cool and/or heat the object and an air outlet arrangement for at least partly carrying away the air passed in by the inlet so that the cooled and/or heated air exits from the device away from the accommodation chamber.

The invention is set out in claim <NUM> and preferred features are set out in the dependent claims. The following disclosure describes various aspects of beverage container heating apparatuses and associated methods for using such apparatuses. Certain details are set forth in the following description and in <FIG> to provide a thorough understanding of various examples of the technology. Well-known structures, systems and methods often associated with beverage containers and related apparatuses, however, have not been shown or described in detail below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various examples and embodiments. Any dimensions, angles, and other specifications shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular examples or embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that additional embodiments of the invention may be practiced as long as they fall under the scope of the claims.

Examples and Embodiments of Beverage Container Heating Apparatuses and Associated Methods for Using Such Apparatuses.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a sleeve <NUM> (also known as "flexible band" and "flexible sleeve") configured in accordance with an example not falling under the scope of the current invention arranged around a beverage container <NUM> (also known as "container"). The beverage container <NUM> is formed from a container body <NUM> (also known as "body") and an inner cavity within the container body <NUM> may be configured to receive and hold a beverage (not shown) for consumption by a user. The body <NUM> may also include an exterior surface <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> is adapted to be circumferentially arranged around the exterior surface <NUM> such that an inner surface (not shown) of the sleeve <NUM> is in immediate contact with the exterior surface <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the beverage container <NUM> is a disposable cup having a lip portion <NUM> on which a lid can be coupled. The use of an open-mouthed cup, however, is merely an example. In other examples, the sleeve <NUM> may be arranged around a variety of other suitable beverage containers, such as a travel mug, a baby bottle, a French press, , or other suitable containers. In still other examples, the sleeve <NUM> may be arranged around a beverage container <NUM> not configured to be coupled to a lid, such as a mug or a cup. In general, the sleeve <NUM> may be arranged around any desired style/size/shape of beverage containers.

When the sleeve <NUM> is not arranged about the beverage container <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM> may be a rectangular structure having a first end portion 112a and a second end portion 112b located at opposing ends of the rectangular structure. The sleeve <NUM> may be formed from a flexible and partially stretchable material capable of conforming to the exterior surface <NUM> of beverage containers <NUM> of many different sizes and styles. When the sleeve <NUM> is engaged with the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM> is configured for stretching to ensure that the first end portion 112a and the second end portion 112b at least partially overlap such that the sleeve <NUM> completely wraps about the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM>.

For beverage containers <NUM> having an outer perimeter that is too large for the sleeve to completely surround, however, an optional gap <NUM> may be formed between the two end portions 112a and 112b. As will be discussed in greater detail in conjunction with <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> may include a securing mechanism (not shown) to attach the first end portion 112a to the second end portion 112b when the sleeve <NUM> is arranged around the beverage container <NUM>. In particular, when the sleeve <NUM> is wrapped around a large beverage container <NUM>, the securing mechanism is configured to span the gap <NUM> to ensure that the first and second end portions 112a, 112b remain securely attached to each other and that the inner surface of the sleeve <NUM> maintains contact with the exterior surface <NUM>. As noted previously, the sleeve <NUM> is adapted for stretching to fit around beverage containers <NUM> of many shapes and sizes (and may fit around many containers without forming of the gap <NUM>). In these examples, the securing mechanism may not be required to ensure that the sleeve <NUM> remains securely engaged with the exterior surface <NUM> of the respective container.

<FIG> is a cross sectional view of the sleeve <NUM> of <FIG> when the sleeve <NUM> is positioned around the beverage container <NUM> (<FIG>). Referring to <FIG> together, the sleeve <NUM> in the illustrated example includes an inner layer <NUM> configured to be arranged adjacent to the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> also includes a middle layer <NUM> positioned adjacent to the inner layer <NUM> and an outer layer <NUM> positioned adjacent to the middle layer <NUM> such that the middle layer <NUM> is interposed between the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM>.

The inner layer <NUM> may include an inner, reflective surface <NUM> configured to be positioned adjacent to and facing the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM> when the sleeve <NUM> is wrapped around the container <NUM>. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the reflective surface <NUM> is positioned to reflect heat coming off of the exterior surface <NUM> back towards the beverage container <NUM>. The inner layer <NUM> may also include a heating element (not shown) arranged on the reflective surface <NUM> that is configured to generate and provide heat to the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM>.

The middle layer <NUM> may be formed from an insulating material configured to absorb and store heat given off by the heating element in the inner layer <NUM> ar d/or heat given off by the beverage container <NUM> that does not get reflected back towards the beverage container <NUM> by the reflective surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the middle layer <NUM> may be permanently arranged between the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM>. In these examples, the insulating material may be a naturally occurring material (e.g., wool), a manmade material, and/or may be biodegradable. The insulating material may have a thermal resistance (i.e., an R-value) and a thickness that enables the sleeve <NUM> to maintain the temperature of the liquid held in the cavity of the beverage container <NUM> for a desired period of time without the use of the heating element included in the inner layer <NUM>. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that the middle layer <NUM> may be composed of an insulating material having any desirable thermal resistance and thickness to maintain the temperature of a liquid retained within the beverage container <NUM> at or near a desired temperature for a desired period of time.

In other examples, the middle layer <NUM> may be a removable component that is slidably removable from the sleeve <NUM>. As will be described in further detail below, the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM> may be releasably coupled to each other along one edge of the sleeve <NUM> such that an opening is formed between the two layers. The middle layer <NUM> may be removably insertable into the opening and may be heatable using an external heating system when removed from the opening. In these examples, the insulating material may be a food safe material, may be a natural/vegetable-based material, may be sealed in a plastic wrapping, and/or may be waterproof. Further, in such examples the middle layer <NUM> may be composed of a material capable of being reheated a number of times using an external heating system.

Referring back to <FIG>, before beverage container <NUM> receives a liquid (not shown), the body <NUM> is typically at a lower temperature than the hot liquid. After the liquid is received within the body <NUM>, the liquid exchanges heat with the body <NUM> to establish a thermal equilibrium between the body <NUM> and the liquid. As more heat is transferred into the body <NUM>, the body <NUM> begins to heat up. The rate at which the temperature of the liquid and the temperature of the body <NUM> change is dependent on, among other things, the properties of the liquid (e.g., temperature, heat capacity, etc.), material properties of the body <NUM> (e.g., temperature, heat capacity, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, thickness, etc.), and properties of the medium surrounding the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM> (e.g., air temperature). In situations where the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM> is completely exposed to the open air, the heat transferred from the hot liquid to the body <NUM> will be transferred to the air until the temperature of the hot liquid and the temperature of the body <NUM> are equal to the temperature of the air (if the beverage container <NUM> is left undisturbed). However, in situations where the sleeve <NUM> is arranged around the exterior <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM>, the transference of heat from the hot liquid to the body <NUM> and from the body <NUM> to the air may be significantly slowed or stopped.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of a first example of an inner layer 214a of sleeve 200a, not falling under the scope of the current invention. The sleeve 200a, for example, may include a number of features similar to or identical to the features of sleeve <NUM> and inner layer <NUM> of <FIG>. Further, the sleeve <NUM> may include some or all of the features of the sleeves 200a and 200b described herein. The inner layer 214a in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, for example, may include a reflective surface 220a and a heating element 222a. When the sleeve 200a is arranged around a suitable beverage container (not shown), the inner layer 214a is configured to be positioned in contact with an exterior surface of the container such that the reflective surface 220a faces the exterior surface. The reflective surface 220a, for example, may completely cover the entire inward-facing surface of the inner layer 214a. In other examples, however, the reflective surface 220a may only cover a portion of the surface of the inner layer 214a.

When the sleeve 200a is positioned on a container (e.g., container <NUM> of <FIG>), the reflective surface 220a is configured to reflect at least some of the radiated heat from hot liquid within the container back toward an exterior surface of the container. By reflecting the heat, changes in temperature of the body of the container due to radiation of heat are expected to be reduced, thereby causing the temperature of the container body to remain at an elevated temperature for a longer period of time. As a result, changes in temperature between the hot liquid and the container body are also expected to be reduced. This is expected to result in the hot liquid remaining at an elevated temperature for a longer period of time, thus increasing the satisfaction of a consumer of the hot beverage.

While the reflective surface 220a may prolong the time period at which the hot liquid remains at an elevated temperature, the temperature of the liquid may still eventually decrease to a temperature that is no longer satisfying for a consumer to drink. To help further prevent this temperature decrease from occurring, the inner layer 214a may also include a heating element 222a. The heating element 222a, for example, may be a strip (or strips) of heat tape arranged adjacent in a desired pattern on the sleeve 200a. In one embodiment, for example, the heat tape may be a polyamide flexible membrane heater film configured to generate heat and provide the generated heat to an exterior surface of a container to which the sleeve 200a is attached. The heating element 222a may be activated/controlled via a control signal from control circuitry and power from a power source. The heating element 222a, for example, may be coupled to a battery (not shown) and various control circuitry (not shown) during formation of the sleeve 200a itself. In some embodiments, the heating element 222a may be arranged adjacent to the reflective surface 220a such that the heating element 222a is interposed between the exterior surface of the beverage container and the reflective surface 220a when the sleeve is engaged with the container. It will be appreciated, however, that the arrangement shown in <FIG> is merely one example. In other examples, the heating element 222a may be formed from heat foil or other suitable materials, and may have a variety of different arrangements on the sleeve 200a. In general, the heating element 222a may be formed from any desired flexible heating component capable of generating heat while the sleeve 200a is wrapped about an exterior surface of a beverage container. By generating and providing additional heat to the corresponding exterior surface of a beverage container to which the sleeve 200a is engaged, the heating element 222a is expected to significantly extend the time period over which the hot liquid within the beverage container remains at an elevated temperature. More specifically, by generating and providing additional heat to the exterior surface, the amount of heat radiated from the exterior surface of the container may be offset by the heat provided to the exterior surface by the heating element 222a. Because of this, the liquid and the body <NUM> may reach an equilibrium point where the amount of heat lost by the liquid (e.g., by transferring it into the body of the container or through evaporation of the liquid) is equal to the heat transferred to the liquid from the container body. In this way, the liquid may stay at or near a constant, elevated temperature for an extended period of time, substantially prolonging the time period for which consumption of the beverage is a satisfying experience for the user.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of a second example an inner layer 214b of a sleeve 200b, not falling under the scope of the current invention. In addition to the heating element 222b and reflective surface 220b, which are substantially equivalent to the heating element 222a and the reflective surface 220a described above in connection with <FIG>, the inner layer 214b also includes a temperature sensor <NUM> and a pressure sensor <NUM>. These components are both operably coupled to control circuitry located in the outer layer (not shown).

When the sleeve 200b is arranged around the exterior surface of a suitable beverage container (e.g., beverage container <NUM> of <FIG>), the temperature sensor <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM> are positioned adjacent to the heating element 222b such that the two sensors are interposed between the exterior surface of the beverage container and the reflective surface 220b. The temperature sensor <NUM> is configured to measure the temperature of the exterior surface of the beverage container and provide the measured temperature to the control circuitry. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the sleeve 200b is adapted to provide the measured temperature to a user of the sleeve 200b so that the user may monitor the temperature the hot beverage.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, the sleeve 200b may also use the temperature sensor <NUM> to automatically monitor the temperature of the exterior surface of the beverage container and the control circuitry may be programmed to activate the heating element 222b when the measured temperature reaches or approaches a desired temperature. In this way, a beverage that is initially too hot for safe consumption may be allowed to cool to a desired temperature, at which point the heating element 222b may be activated to maintain the temperature of the liquid at that desired temperature for an extended period of time.

Pressure sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure a pressure that is exerted upon the pressure sensor <NUM> and to provide the measured pressure to the control circuitry (not shown). For example, the pressure sensor <NUM> may be configured to record a first or initial pressure when the sleeve 200b is not arranged around the beverage container <NUM> and a second, higher pressure when the sleeve 200b is engaged with a beverage container. In this way, the pressure sensor <NUM> may function as an automatic power button such that the control circuitry may be configured to activate the control circuitry and powered components of the sleeve 200b when the pressure sensor <NUM> determines that the sleeve 200b is engaged with the beverage container, and likewise may turn the powered components of the sleeve 200b off when the pressure sensor <NUM> determines that the sleeve 200b is no longer engaged with the beverage container.

The use of temperature sensor <NUM> and pressure sensor <NUM>, however, is optional. In some embodiments, for example, the inner layer 214b may include only the temperature sensor <NUM>, may include only the pressure sensor <NUM>, may include a different sensor, or any combination thereof. In general, inner layer 214b may include any desired combination of sensor(s).

<FIG> is a perspective view of the sleeve <NUM> of <FIG> with the removable middle layer <NUM> partially removed from the sleeve <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG> together, as previously mentioned, the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM> may be releasably coupled to each other along a top edge 128a, such that the two layers form an opening configured to receive the removable middle layer <NUM>. The middle layer <NUM> may be formed from an insulating material heatable using an external heating element, such as a microwave or hot water bath. When the sleeve <NUM> is to be used to keep a beverage at an elevated temperature for a long period of time, a user may remove the middle layer <NUM> from the sleeve <NUM>, heat up the middle layer <NUM> using an external heating element, reinsert the middle layer <NUM> into the sleeve <NUM>, and then arrange the sleeve <NUM> around the exterior surface <NUM> of a beverage container <NUM>. The warmed insulation material acts as a second heat source by providing additional heat to the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM>, and reduces the amount of heat transferred from the body <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM> to the sleeve <NUM>. The removable insulating material may therefore be used to further prolong the time period for which a hot beverage within a beverage container stays at a desired temperature.

The inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM> may each be formed from rectilinear structures having top, left, bottom, and right edges. During construction of the sleeve <NUM>, the left, bottom, and right edges of the inner layer <NUM> may each be coupled to the respective left, bottom, and right edges of the outer layer <NUM> using a fixed or permanent attachment mechanism (e.g., sewing the edges together, applying an adhesive along the edges, etc.). The coupled or fixed edges of the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM> form the left edge 128b, bottom edge 128c, and right edge 128d of the sleeve <NUM>. The top edge of the inner layer <NUM> may be coupled to the top edge of the outer layer <NUM> using a releasable attachment mechanism (e.g., a zipper, snaps, hook and loop apparatus, etc.). The releasably coupled edges of the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM> form the top edge 128a.

When the top edge 128a of the sleeve <NUM> is opened (i.e., the releasable attachment mechanism is disengaged and the top edge of the inner layer <NUM> is separated from the top edge of the outer layer <NUM>), an opening may be formed between the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM>. In this arrangement, the sleeve <NUM> includes a pouch-like structure and the opening may be configured to receive the removable middle layer <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, for example, the middle layer <NUM> is shown partially removed from the opening such that a top edge <NUM> of the middle layer <NUM> is positioned over the top edge 128a of the sleeve <NUM> and is no longer enclosed within the opening between the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM>. If desired, a user of the sleeve may continue to remove the middle layer <NUM> from the opening until a bottom edge (not shown) of the middle layer <NUM> is no longer positioned within the opening. At his point, the user may use an external heat source, such as a microwave or a hot water bath, to heat the middle layer <NUM> to a desired temperature. After being heated, the middle layer <NUM> may then be reinserted into the opening such that the entirety of the middle layer <NUM> is enclosed within the opening and the top edge <NUM> of the middle layer <NUM> is positioned below the top edge 128a of the sleeve <NUM>. The releasable enclosure mechanism may then be used to secure the top edge of the inner layer <NUM> to the top edge of the outer layer <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> can then be releasably secured about the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM>.

The middle layer <NUM> may be formed, for example, from an insulating material configured to absorb and retain heat given off by the heating elements (not shown) in the inner layer <NUM>, heat given off by the beverage container <NUM> that does not get reflected back towards the beverage container by the reflective surface (not shown) of the inner layer <NUM>, and/or heat provided to the middle layer <NUM> by an external heating system. The insulating material may have a thermal resistance (i.e., an R-value) and a thickness designed to allow the sleeve <NUM> to maintain the temperature of the liquid retained within the beverage container <NUM> for a period of time without the use of a powered heating element included in the inner layer <NUM>. The insulating material may also be a food safe material to ensure that exposure of the middle layer <NUM> to external heating mechanisms that may also be used to prepare food (e.g., a microwave) or direct exposure to a user of the sleeve <NUM> handling the middle layer <NUM> does not result in the transference of harmful contaminants to the external heating mechanism or the user. In some examples, the insulating material may be formed from a natural, vegetable-based, and/or biodegradable material that allows a consumer to purchase a replacement middle layer <NUM> in the event that the original middle layer <NUM> is damaged or no longer usable without worrying about the environmental impact of purchasing such a replacement. In other examples, however, the insulating material may be composed of different suitable materials. In general, the middle layer <NUM> may be formed from any desirable material capable of being heated using an external heating system when the middle layer <NUM> is removed from the sleeve <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an outer layer <NUM> of a sleeve <NUM> configured in accordance with an example not falling under the scope of the current invention. The sleeve <NUM> (like sleeves 200a. and 200b described above) may include a number of features similar to or identical to the features of sleeve <NUM> of <FIG>. Further, the sleeve <NUM> may include some or all of the features of the sleeve <NUM> described below. As best seen in <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> comprises a plurality of electrical components. The components may include, for example, a processor <NUM>, at least one sensor <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, a light source <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM>, an image sensor <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and/or a stabilizer <NUM>. The components of the outer layer <NUM> are configured to enhance functionality of the sleeve <NUM> when the sleeve <NUM> is arranged around a suitable beverage container.

The processor <NUM> (also known as "control circuit") can be electrically coupled to the heating element, temperature sensor, and pressure sensor(s) included in an inner layer (not shown) of the sleeve <NUM>. In some examples, for example, the sleeve <NUM> may include an inner layer and/or a middle layer including some or all of the features of sleeves 200a and 200b described above with reference to <FIG>. For example, when the sleeve <NUM> is arranged around a beverage container and is being used to insulate and provide heat to the container, the temperature sensor and pressure sensor provide temperature and pressure measurements to the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include a memory circuit configured to store predetermined values (e.g., predetermined temperatures and pressures) and the processor may be configured to compare the measurements from the sensors to the predetermined temperatures and pressures to change the operating mode of the sleeve <NUM>. As previously discussed, the processor <NUM> may be configured to turn the sleeve <NUM> on when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor changes from a first pressure (i.e., the beverage container <NUM> is not pressing against the pressure sensor) to a second, different pressure (i.e., the beverage container <NUM> is pressing against the sensor), and may be configured to turn the sleeve off when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor changes from the second pressure to the first pressure or a third, different pressure less than the second pressure. In other examples, it will also be appreciated that the sleeve <NUM> may include inner and middle layers (not shown) having different components and/or features.

The processor <NUM> may also be configured to adjust the amount of heat produced by a heating element, such as heating elements 222a and 222b of <FIG>, based on the temperature measured by a temperature sensor included in the inner layer. As previously discussed, when a hot liquid is first received within beverage container <NUM>, the temperature of the exterior surface <NUM> of the beverage container <NUM> may increase. A temperature sensor coupled to the processor <NUM> and arranged against the exterior surface <NUM> can be configured to measure the temperature of the exterior surface <NUM> and provide the measured temperature to the processor <NUM>. Without using a heating element to provide more heat to the beverage container <NUM>, the temperature of the container and, therefore, the liquid will cool. As it cools, the temperature sensor may continue to measure and report the temperature of the exterior surface <NUM> to processor <NUM>, which may compare the temperature measurements to a predetermined temperature.

When the measured temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, the processor <NUM> can be configured to send a control signal to a heating element, turning the heating element on so that it begins to provide head to the beverage container <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may continue to receive temperature measurements from the temperature sensor while the heating element provides heat to the exterior surface <NUM>. If the temperature measurements continue to decrease past the predetermined temperature, the processor <NUM> may adjust the control signal sent to the heating element so that the heating element increases the amount of heat provided to the beverage container <NUM>. If the temperature begins to increase to an unsafe temperature or a temperature that may cause an unsatisfactory experience for the consumer, the processor <NUM> can be configured to change the control signal sent to the heating element such that the heating element decreases the amount of heat provided to the beverage container <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may also be coupled to a power source <NUM> configured to store and provide power to the other electrical components of the sleeve <NUM>. The power source <NUM>, for example, may be a battery configured to be replaced when all of the stored power is used or it may be a rechargeable battery. In examples where the power source <NUM> comprises a rechargeable battery, the sleeve <NUM> may also include a port configured to receive a power cord or may include a wireless charging apparatus adapted to recharge the battery. However, the use of a power source <NUM> to power the electrical components of the sleeve <NUM> is merely an example. In other examples, the sleeve <NUM> may include a port configured to receive a power cord such that the sleeve <NUM> receives power directly from the power cord. It is appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art may incorporate a variety of types of power sources to provide power to the electrical components of the sleeve <NUM>.

The outer layer <NUM> may also include at least one sensor <NUM> coupled to the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> is configured to change the state of the sleeve <NUM> based on one or more measurements recorded by the sensor(s) <NUM>. In some examples the sensor <NUM> may be a fingerprint sensor arranged on an exterior surface of the outer layer <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be configured to capture an image of a user's finger when the user positions her/his finger on top of the fingerprint sensor. The image may be provided to the processor <NUM>, which is configured to compare the captured fingerprint image to a predetermined fingerprint image by calculating a difference between the captured fingerprint image and the predetermined fingerprint image. If the calculated difference is less than a predetermined difference threshold, the processor <NUM> may determine that finger positioned over the fingerprint sensor belongs to the owner of the sleeve <NUM> and the processor <NUM> can be configured to transition the sleeve <NUM> to a desired state. If the calculated difference is greater than the predetermined threshold, the processor <NUM> may determine that the finger positioned over the sensor belongs to someone other than the owner of the sleeve <NUM> and the processor <NUM> can be configured to transition the sleeve to a powerless state.

In other examples, the sensor(s) <NUM> may include other suitable types of sensors in addition to, or in lieu of, the fingerprint sensor. For example, in some examples the sensor <NUM> may include a global positioning sensor (GPS) configured to track the location of the sleeve <NUM> in the event that the location of the sleeve <NUM> is unknown to the owner. The sensor <NUM> may also include one or more accelerometers configured to measure the orientation of the beverage container <NUM> and may be configured to detect if the beverage container <NUM> is not oriented properly. In general, the outer layer <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> may include any desired number or types of sensors configured to measure various desired characteristics of the sleeve <NUM>, the beverage container <NUM>, a user of the sleeve <NUM>, and/or the external environment.

In some examples, the outer layer <NUM> may also include a light source <NUM> positioned on an exterior surface of the outer layer <NUM> to communicate a current status of the sleeve <NUM> and/or a beverage within the container <NUM>. In some examples, for example, the light source <NUM> may be configured to turn on when the sleeve <NUM> is in a powered state and turn off when the sleeve <NUM> is in a powerless state. The light source <NUM> may also be configured to have a variable brightness and/or color to convey a status regarding the temperature of the beverage within the beverage container <NUM> and/or the amount of power remaining within the power source <NUM>. In situations where the sleeve <NUM> is utilized in a retail environment, the light source <NUM> may be used, for example, to convey that the container needs a refill. In other examples, the light source <NUM> may be used as a mood indicator or may be used to illuminate a feature on the exterior surface of the sleeve <NUM>, such as a logo. In additional examples, the outer layer <NUM> may include any desired number of light sources <NUM> and each light source <NUM> may perform one or more functions.

In some examples, the outer sleeve <NUM> may also include a transceiver <NUM> operably coupled to the processor <NUM> and configured to establish a wireless connection between the processor <NUM> and one or more external control devices (e.g., a cell phone-not shown). The transceiver <NUM>, for example, may be configured to receive a status signal from the processor <NUM> and transmit the received status signal to the external control device over the established wireless connection. In some examples, the status signal may include a temperature measurement collected by the temperature sensor included with the inner layer of the sleeve <NUM>, and/or the status signal may include information from the power source <NUM> indicating the amount of power remaining within the power source <NUM>. The status signal, for example, may be displayed by an application on the external control device so that the user of the external control device can review the status signal remotely.

In some examples, the transceiver <NUM> may also be configured to receive a control signal from the external control device. A user of an external control device connected to the sleeve <NUM> over a wireless connection, for example, may use an application on the external control device to set a desired temperature for the liquid within the beverage container <NUM>. The external control device may also generate a control signal that includes the desired temperature and may transmit the control signal over the wireless connection. The transceiver <NUM> may be further configured to receive the control signal and provide the received signal (or the desired temperature) to the processor <NUM>, which may then adjust the amount of heat provided to the beverage container <NUM> based on the desired temperature. This, however, is merely an example. In other examples the transceiver <NUM> may be configured to receive an "On" (or "Off") signal generated by an external control device and the processor <NUM> may be configured to transition the sleeve <NUM> to a powered-on state (or powered-off state), respectively, in response to receiving the signal from the external control device. In general, the transceiver <NUM> may be configured to receive any desired signal from the external control device.

The transceiver <NUM> may be further configured to establish a wireless connection using any desired wireless communication scheme. In some examples, for example, the transceiver <NUM> may be a Bluetooth transceiver configured to communicate with an external communication device using a Bluetooth connection. In other examples, the transceiver <NUM> may be a Wi-Fi transceiver configured to communicate with the external communication device using a Wi-Fi connection. It will be appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art may replace the transceiver <NUM> with any desired type of transceiver such that the transceiver is capable of forming a wireless connection with one or more external control devices using any desired wireless communication scheme.

In some examples, the outer layer <NUM> may also include an image sensor <NUM> configured to capture images or videos. The image sensor <NUM> may function as a secondary camera for an external control device wirelessly connected to the image sensor <NUM> using the transceiver <NUM> or may be used as a stand-alone image sensor.

A display <NUM> may be arranged along the exterior surface of the outer layer <NUM> and adapted to display a status of the sleeve <NUM>, such as the battery life, or a status of the liquid within the beverage container <NUM>, such as the temperature measured by a temperature sensor. In some examples, for example, the display <NUM> may be coupled to the image sensor <NUM> and configured to display images and/or videos captured by the image sensor. In other examples, the display <NUM> may be used to display a logo. The display <NUM> may be a flexible display capable of conforming to the curved surface of the outer layer <NUM> when the sleeve <NUM> is arranged around a beverage container having a curved exterior surface.

In still other examples, the outer layer <NUM> may also include a stabilizer <NUM> (e.g., a gyroscope) configured to prevent the beverage container from accidentally tipping over when the sleeve <NUM> is attached thereto. Additional electrical components, such as a speaker, may also be included in the outer layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a sleeve <NUM> having a securing mechanism 548a configured in accordance with an example not falling under the scope of the current invention The securing mechanism 548a, for example, may be used to secure the sleeve <NUM> when it is arranged around a beverage container (e.g., beverage container <NUM>). As previously discussed in connection with <FIG>, a gap <NUM> may be formed between opposing end portions 512a and 512b of the sleeve <NUM> when the sleeve <NUM> is engaged with a beverage container having a circumference larger than the length of the sleeve <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the securing mechanism 548a includes a first part 550a coupled to the first end portion 512a and a second part 552a coupled to the second end portion 512b. The first and second parts 550a, 552a may be formed from a flexible material, such as fabric, configured to span across the gap <NUM>. In some examples, the flexible material may have an adjustable length or may be stretchable and a user of the sleeve <NUM> may be able to adjust the length of the securing mechanism 548a such that the sleeve <NUM> fits around beverage containers having outer circumferences with different sizes.

The first and second parts 550a, 552a of the securing mechanism 548a may each include half of a connection means that may be configured to connect the two parts to each other. In some examples, such as the example shown in <FIG>, the connection means is a snap system. In these examples, the half of the snap system included with the first part 550a is configured to receive the half of the snap system included with the second part 552a, forming a secure connection between the two halves and securely fastening the first and second parts 550a, 552a of the securing mechanism 548a, and therefore the first and second end portions 512a, 512b, to each other.

<FIG> is an isometric view of an alternative securing mechanism 548b that includes a hook and loop system, not falling under the scope of the current invention. In examples that include the securing mechanism 548b, a user of the sleeve <NUM> may position the first part 550b adjacent to the second part 552b and may press the two parts together so a secure connection between the two halves of the attachment means is formed.

<FIG> is an isometric view of an alternative securing mechanism 548c that includes a buckle system, not falling under the scope of the current invention. In examples that include the securing mechanism 548c, a user of the sleeve may position the second part 552c through the first part 550c such that the buckle receives the strap and the prong fits within a hole formed in the strap a secure connection between the two halves of the attachment means is formed.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a sleeve <NUM> configured in accordance with another example not falling under the scope of the current invention, arranged around the beverage container <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> includes a gripping mechanism <NUM> positioned to receive at least a portion of a hand of a user of the sleeve <NUM>. The gripping mechanism <NUM> may include, for example, a plurality of finger sleeves <NUM> sized and shaped to receive a user's fingers <NUM> (shown individual as 658a-e) when the flexible sleeve is engaged with the beverage container <NUM>. The finger sleeves <NUM>, for example, comprise projections or protrusions extending outwardly away from the sleeve <NUM> and include an open end positioned to receive at least a portion of a user's finger and a closed end opposite the open end. In some examples, such as the example shown in <FIG>, the gripping mechanism <NUM> may include five separate finger sleeves, with each sleeve positioned to receive a single finger of a user's hand. In these examples the first finger sleeve 656a (not shown) may be positioned to receive the user's thumb 658a, the second finger sleeve 656b may be positioned to receive the user's pointer finger 658b, the third finger sleeve 656c may be positioned to receive the user's middle finger 658c, the fourth finger sleeve 656d may be positioned to receive the user's ring finger 658d, and the fifth finger sleeve 656e may be positioned to receive the user's pinkie finger 658e. The five finger sleeves 656a-e may be arranged on the exterior surface of the outer layer <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> and may be positioned and oriented such that gripping the beverage container <NUM> when the sleeve <NUM> is arranged around the container <NUM> is a comfortable experience for the user.

The use of five finger sleeves 656a-e, however, is merely an example. In other examples, the gripping mechanism <NUM> may include fewer than five finger sleeves. For example, in examples that only include four finger sleeves, the gripping mechanism <NUM> may not include a finger sleeve 656a positioned to receive a user's thumb 658a and may only include the finger sleeves 656b-e each positioned to receive a respective one of the user's fingers 658b-e. In other examples, gripping mechanism <NUM> may include finger sleeves positioned to receive more than one finger. For example, the gripping mechanism <NUM> may include a first finger sleeve 656a positioned to receive a user's thumb 658a, a second finger sleeve 656b positioned to receive the user's pointer finger 658b and middle finger 658c, and a third finger sleeve 656c positioned to receive the user's ring finger 658d and pinkie finger 658e. In general, the gripping mechanism <NUM> may include any desired number of finger sleeves <NUM> that may be positioned around the exterior surface of the sleeve <NUM> in any desired position so that the sleeves <NUM> may each receive any desired number of fingers <NUM>.

Each finger sleeve <NUM> may be formed from a flexible material. In some examples the material may be an insulating material configured to keep the fingers <NUM> at a comfortable temperature, regardless of the temperature of the air surrounding the sleeve <NUM>. In other examples, however, the finger sleeves <NUM> may be composed of different materials and/or have a different arrangement.

As previously discussed in connection with the example shown in <FIG>, the outer layer <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> may include a fingerprint sensor <NUM>. In examples that include the gripping mechanism <NUM>, for example, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be arranged within finger sleeve <NUM> such that the finger <NUM> of the user may be positioned over the fingerprint sensor <NUM> when the corresponding finger <NUM> is received within the sleeve <NUM>. In these examples, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be configured to capture the fingerprint image of the user's finger <NUM> when the finger sleeve <NUM> receives the finger <NUM> and may be configured to provide the fingerprint image to the processor <NUM> (not shown) as discussed above in connection with <FIG>. The fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be positioned within any of the finger sleeves 656a-e and may be configured to capture a fingerprint image of any respective finger 658a-e.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an example of a portion of the sleeve <NUM> arranged about the beverage container <NUM>. As previously described, the sleeve <NUM> may include an inner layer <NUM>, middle layer <NUM>, and outer layer <NUM>. Finger sleeves 656a-e may be arranged on an exterior surface of the outer layer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, for example, the first finger sleeve 656a, which may be positioned to receive a user's thumb 658a, is positioned on a first side of the sleeve <NUM> while finger sleeves 656b-e, which may be positioned to receive a user's fingers 658b-e, are positioned on a second side opposite the first side. Separating the first finger sleeve 656a from the other finger sleeves 656b-e is expected to allow a user's fingers 658a-e to comfortably fit into the finger sleeves 656a-e such that utilizing the gripping mechanism <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is a convenient and effective way for the user to hold the beverage container <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a sleeve 600a arranged about the beverage container <NUM>, not falling under the scope of the current invention. The sleeve 600a can include a number of features similar to the features of the sleeve <NUM> described above. In this example, however, the sleeve 600a includes a gripping mechanism 654a having additional finger sleeves <NUM> positioned for engagement with a user's fingers (not shown). For example, the sleeve 600a a first plurality of finger sleeves 656b-e that are positioned to receive fingers <NUM> (<FIG>) of the user's first hand (e.g., the user's right hand), while the sleeve 600a further includes a second plurality of finger sleeves 656f-i that are positioned to receive fingers <NUM> of the user's second hand (e.g., the user's left hand). In the arrangement shown in <FIG>, the first and second sets of finger sleeves <NUM> are positioned on opposing sides of the sleeve 600a. The sleeve 600a is configured such that the first plurality of finger sleeves 656b-e may receive fingers <NUM> from the user's first hand at the same time that the second plurality of finger sleeves 656f-i receive fingers <NUM> on the user's second hand so that the user may use both hands to hold the beverage container <NUM> (<FIG>).

<FIG> is a perspective view of a sleeve <NUM> arranged around a beverage container <NUM> in accordance with still another example not falling under the scope of the current invention. The sleeve <NUM> includes a gripping mechanism <NUM> positioned to receive at least a portion of a hand <NUM> belonging to a user of the sleeve <NUM>. The gripping mechanism <NUM> may include a hand sleeve <NUM> positioned to receive multiple of the user's fingers 758a-e when the user is holding onto the sleeve <NUM> and the beverage container <NUM>. In some examples such as the example shown in <FIG>, the gripping mechanism <NUM>, the hand sleeve <NUM> may be positioned to receive a user's pointer finger 758a, middle finger 758b, ring finger 758c, and pinkie finger 758e but may not be positioned to receive the user's thumb 758a. However, this is merely an example. In other examples, the hand sleeve <NUM> may be positioned to receive any number of fingers <NUM>. The hand sleeve <NUM> may be formed from a flexible material. In some examples, the material may be an insulating material configured to keep the fingers <NUM> at a comfortable temperature regardless of the temperature of the air surrounding the sleeve <NUM>. In examples that include a fingerprint sensor, such as the fingerprint sensor <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, the sensor may be positioned within the hand sleeve <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a sleeve <NUM> configured in accordance with yet another example not falling under the scope of the current invention engaged with the beverage container <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> includes a gripping mechanism <NUM> configured to be grasped by a hand (not shown) of a user of the sleeve <NUM>. The gripping mechanism <NUM> may include a handle <NUM> coupled to the exterior face of the sleeve <NUM> and formed from a rigid material configured to be grabbed by the user's hand. In examples that include a fingerprint sensor, such as the fingerprint sensor <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, the fingerprint sensor may be positioned on a surface of the handle <NUM>.

In the previously illustrated examples, the beverage container <NUM> is heated using a flexible sleeve that wraps around the exterior surface of the beverage container <NUM>. In other examples, however, the beverage container <NUM> can be heated using a heating apparatus having a different configuration. <FIG>, for example, is an isometric view of the beverage container <NUM> received within a heating apparatus <NUM> configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The heating apparatus <NUM> includes an upper portion <NUM> configured to receive the beverage container <NUM> and a base portion <NUM> coupled to the upper portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion <NUM> has a generally frusto-conical shape. In other embodiments, however, the upper portion <NUM> can be cylindrical or can be any other suitable shape that allows the beverage container <NUM> to be securely received therein. In some embodiments, the upper portion <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> are formed as a single component. In other embodiments, however, the upper portion <NUM> and base portion <NUM> are different components operably coupled together.

The upper portion <NUM> and base portion <NUM> can be formed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. Further, in some embodiments the upper portion <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> can be formed from the same material, while in other embodiments the upper portion <NUM> and base portion <NUM> may be composed of different materials. In some embodiments, for example, the upper portion <NUM> can be formed from a material having insulative properties while the base portion <NUM> may be formed from a material without insulative properties. In other embodiments, both the upper portion <NUM> and base portion <NUM> can be formed from insulating materials.

The upper portion <NUM> includes an exterior surface <NUM> and an interior surface <NUM>. The interior surface <NUM> at least partially defines a cavity <NUM> sized and shaped to securely receive the beverage container <NUM> therein. The exterior surface <NUM> can be formed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The exterior surface <NUM> can further include a gripping mechanism. In some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the exterior surface <NUM> can be rough so that a user can securely grasp the exterior surface. In other embodiments, the exterior surface <NUM> can include other suitable gripping mechanisms, such as gripping mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>), gripping mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>) or gripping mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>). The gripping mechanism is an optional component that may not be included in some embodiments.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, the heating apparatus <NUM> includes heating elements disposed within the cavity <NUM> that are configured to generate heat that can be used to heat up the liquid within the beverage container <NUM>. However, if care is not taken, hot air within the cavity <NUM> can escape from the cavity <NUM> by passing between the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface of the beverage container <NUM>, thus removing heat from the heating apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the upper portion <NUM> can include a lip portion <NUM> that is shaped such that, when the beverage container <NUM> is received within the cavity <NUM>, the lip portion <NUM> is directly adjacent to the beverage container <NUM>. In this way, the lip portion <NUM> can at least partially limit the amount of heat that is lost from the beverage container due to heated air escaping from the cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lip portion <NUM> can be removable from the upper portion <NUM> so that the inner cavity <NUM> can be more easily accessible. In other embodiments, however, the lip portion <NUM> can be integrally formed as part of the upper portion <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> is securely coupled to the upper portion <NUM> and includes a plurality of electrical components <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG>). In some embodiments, for example, the electrical components <NUM> can include the components described in connection with <FIG>, such as processor <NUM>, one or more sensors <NUM>, power source <NUM>, light source <NUM>, transceiver <NUM>, image sensor <NUM>, display <NUM>, and/or stabilizer <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> can also include a power button <NUM>, which can be used to turn the heating apparatus <NUM> on and off. The base portion <NUM> may also include a port (not shown) for receiving a cable (not shown) that can be used to charge the power source <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or interface with the electrical components <NUM>.

When the beverage container <NUM> is positioned within the cavity <NUM>, heating elements disposed within the cavity <NUM> can be used to heat the beverage container <NUM> so that liquid within the beverage container <NUM> is kept at an elevated temperature for a prolonged period of time. <FIG> is an isometric view of the apparatus <NUM> having the upper portion <NUM> removed for purposes of illustration to show a plurality of heating elements <NUM> carried by pressure arms <NUM>. In some embodiments, the heating elements <NUM> can include the heat tape previously described in connection with <FIG>. In other embodiments, the heating elements <NUM> can include a different type of heating component, such as silicone heaters. The heating elements <NUM> are coupled to inner surfaces of the pressure arms <NUM> and are positioned in a generally circular arrangement such that the heating elements <NUM> at least partially define the cavity <NUM> and are positioned to face the exterior surface of the beverage container (not shown) when the beverage container is positioned within the cavity <NUM>. The heating elements <NUM> can be coupled to the electrical components <NUM> (<FIG>) such that the electrical components <NUM> can act as control circuitry for the heating elements <NUM>.

The pressure arms <NUM> are operably coupled to a circular holder <NUM> positioned immediately adjacent to the base portion <NUM>. <FIG>, for example, shows an isometric view of one of the pressure arms <NUM> coupled to the circular holder <NUM> and <FIG> show an isometric view of one of the pressure arms <NUM> (removed from the circular holder <NUM> for purposes of illustration). Referring to <FIG> together, each of the pressure arms <NUM> has a generally U-shaped configuration and includes first and second leg portions 922A and 922B coupled together such that a gap <NUM> is formed therebetween. Each of the first leg portions 922A include the heating elements <NUM> formed on an inner facing surface of the first leg portions 922A and each of the second leg portions 922B is coupled to an outer perimeter of the circular holder <NUM> such that the pressure arms <NUM> are arranged about the holder <NUM> in a circular arrangement with the individual heating elements <NUM> facing the cavity <NUM> (<FIG>). In some embodiments, when a beverage container is positioned within the cavity <NUM>, the beverage container can rest on an upper surface of the circular holder <NUM>. In other embodiments, the pressure arms <NUM> are configured to suspend the beverage container <NUM> (<FIG>) above and out of contact with the circular holder <NUM>.

The pressure arms <NUM> are formed from a single, unitary component such that first and second leg portions 922A and 922B are integrally coupled together at an upper portion of the pressure arms <NUM>. With this arrangement, when the beverage container <NUM> is inserted into the cavity <NUM>, the beverage container <NUM> can push the first leg portions 922A toward the second leg portions 922B and decrease the size of the gap <NUM>. However, the pressure arms <NUM> can be formed from a generally stiff material such that the pressure arms <NUM> are biased to return to their original shape after the beverage container <NUM> is removed from the cavity <NUM>. Further, when the beverage container <NUM> is positioned within the cavity' <NUM>, the stiffness of the pressure arms <NUM> can cause the first leg portions 922A to each apply a force on the beverage container <NUM>. In this way, the heating apparatuses <NUM> can be pressed into the exterior surface of the beverage container <NUM> so that contact, and accordingly the amount of heat transferred from the heating apparatuses <NUM> to the beverage container <NUM>, can be maximized. Further, pressure exerted by the first leg portions 922A onto the beverage container <NUM> can help to keep the beverage container <NUM> remain securely positioned within the cavity <NUM> so that the beverage container does not inadvertently become dislodged from the heating apparatus <NUM> during use.

The ability of the pressure arms <NUM> to elastically deform when a beverage container <NUM> is inserted into the heating apparatus <NUM> allows the heating apparatus <NUM> to accommodate differently-sized beverage containers <NUM>. For example, paper cups typically used for hot cups of coffee are often sold in small, medium, and large size variants that are each sized to hold a different amount of a beverage (e.g., <NUM> (<NUM> ounces), <NUM> (<NUM> ounces), <NUM> (<NUM> ounces)). However, such differently-sized beverage containers <NUM> can have different heights and widths and the angles of the sidewalls that form the exterior surface of the beverage containers <NUM> can have different orientations. When these differently -sized beverage containers <NUM> are inserted into cavity <NUM>, the heating apparatus <NUM> is configured such that the beverage container <NUM> received therein pushes the first leg portions 922A toward the second leg portions 922B and the beverage container <NUM> is securely received within the cavity <NUM>. Because of this arrangement, the apparatus <NUM> is expected to be usable with and securely receive beverage containers having a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Claim 1:
A heating apparatus having a cavity (<NUM>) configured to receive a beverage container, the heating apparatus comprising:
a generally rigid upper portion (<NUM>) at least partially defining the cavity;
a base portion operably (<NUM>) coupled to the upper portion;
a plurality of heating elements (<NUM>) disposed within the upper portion to at least
partially define the cavity,a plurality of pressure arms (<NUM>) disposed within the upper portion, wherein each of the pressure arms comprises-a first leg portion (922A); and
a second leg portion (922B) integral with the first leg portion,
wherein each pressure arm comprises a generally U-shaped configuration and the first leg portion (922A) and the second leg portion (922B) are arranged such that a gap (<NUM>) is defined therebetween;
wherein individual heating elements (<NUM>) are carried by inner surfaces of corresponding first leg portions (922A) of each pressure arm,
wherein each of the plurality of heating elements is positioned such that, when the beverage container is received within the heating apparatus, the heating elements are adjacent to and engage an exterior surface of the beverage container.