U.S. patent application number 13/287967 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for heated or cooled dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware.
Invention is credited to Clayton Alexander.
Application Number | 20120103562 13/287967 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45995358 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120103562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alexander; Clayton |
May 3, 2012 |
HEATED OR COOLED DISHWASHER SAFE DISHWARE AND DRINKWARE
Abstract
Heated or cooled dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware are
provided. The dishware and drinkware can be a plate or mug with a
dishwasher safe body having a food or beverage receiving portion
and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system can
have a heating or cooling element that heats or cools the receiving
portion of the body. The heating or cooling system can optionally
have a power storage element connected to the heating or cooling
element, a charging module operatively connected to the power
storage element, and/or a wireless power receiver operatively
connected to the charging module and configured to transmit power
thereto to charge the power storage device. The heating or cooling
system is operable to actively heat or cool at least a portion of
the body to maintain the solid or liquid food in a heated or cooled
state for an extended period of time.
Inventors: |
Alexander; Clayton;
(Westlake Village, CA) |
Family ID: |
45995358 |
Appl. No.: |
13/287967 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61409493 |
Nov 2, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 39/025 20130101;
H02J 7/00302 20200101; A47J 36/2466 20130101; F25D 2331/808
20130101; F25D 2331/812 20130101; F25D 31/005 20130101; A47J
36/2483 20130101; H02J 7/025 20130101; A47G 19/027 20130101; F25B
21/04 20130101; A47G 19/2288 20130101; H02J 50/12 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/64 |
International
Class: |
F25B 29/00 20060101
F25B029/00 |
Claims
1. A plate, mug, cup or serving dish, comprising: a dishwasher safe
body having a receiving portion for holding solid or liquid food;
and a heating or cooling system, the heating or cooling system
comprising a heating or cooling element configured to heat or cool
the receiving portion of the body, a power storage element
electrically connected to the heating or cooling element, the power
storage element configured to supply the heating or cooling element
with electricity for a desired period of time, and/or at a given
power setting, and a wireless power receiver configured to
wirelessly receive power from a power source, the wireless power
receiver being electrically connected to the power storage device
and configured to charge the power storage device, wherein the
heating or cooling element is operable to actively heat or cool at
least a portion of the body to maintain the solid or liquid food in
a heated or cooled state for an extended period of time.
2. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 1, wherein the
heating or cooling system is housed in the body.
3. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 1, further
comprising a charging circuit operatively connected to the wireless
power receiver and the power storage element, the charging circuit
configured to control a charging process of the power storage
element.
4. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 3, wherein the
power storage element is a rechargeable battery.
5. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 3, wherein the
power storage element is a capacitor.
6. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 1, wherein the
power source comprises a charging base configured to contact at
least a portion of the dishwasher safe body, the charging base
configured to wirelessly transmit power to the heating or cooling
element via inductive coupling.
7. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 1, wherein the
power source comprises a remote transmitter configured to
wirelessly transmit power to the heating or cooling element via
resonant inductive coupling over a distance of a few to several
meters.
8. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 3, further
comprising a user interface electrically connected to a control
circuit, the user interface actuatable by a user to control the
operation of the heating or cooling element.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. An actively heated or cooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish,
comprising: a dishwasher safe body having a receiving portion for
holding solid or liquid food; a heating or cooling system,
comprising a heating or cooling element configured to heat or cool
the receiving portion of the body; a wireless power receiver
electrically connected to the heating or cooling element, the
wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from
a power source; and a controller circuit electrically connected to
the wireless power receiver and the heating or cooling element,
wherein the controller circuit is configured to control the
operation of the heating or cooling element.
17. The heated or cooled plate or mug of claim 16, wherein the
heating or cooling system is housed in the body.
18. The heated or cooled plate or mug of claim 16, further
comprising one or more energy storage devices electrically
connected to the controller circuit, wireless power receiver and
heating or cooling element, the one or more energy storage devices
configured to supply power to the heating or cooling element.
19. The heated of cooled plate or mug of claim 18, wherein the one
or more energy storage devices comprises a rechargeable
battery.
20. The heated of cooled plate or mug of claim 18, wherein the one
or more energy storage devices comprises a capacitor.
21. The heated or cooled plate or mug of claim 16, further
comprising a user interface electrically connected to the
controller circuit, the user interface actuatable by a user to
control the operation of the heating or cooling element.
22. An actively heated or cooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish
device, comprising: a dishwasher safe body having a receiving
portion for holding solid or liquid food; a heating or cooling
system comprising a heating or cooling element housed in the body
and configured to heat or cool the receiving portion of the body;
an energy storage device electrically connected to the heating or
cooling element; and an electrical contact member interface on an
outer surface of the body that is configured to contact an
electrical contact element on a corresponding charging base, the
electrical contact member configured to receive power through the
electrical contact element and to transmit the power to the energy
storage device.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the heating or cooling system
is housed in the body.
24. The device of claim 22, further comprising a charging circuit
operatively connected to the electrical contact member and the
energy storage device, the charging circuit configured to control a
charging process of the energy storage device.
25. (canceled)
26. The device of claim 22, further comprising a charging circuit
operatively connected to the energy storage device, the charging
circuit configured to control a charging process of the energy
storage device.
27. The device of claim 22, further comprising a user interface
electrically connected to the control circuit, the user interface
actuatable by a user to control the operation of the heating or
cooling element.
28. The device of claim 22, further comprising a slot and key
mechanism to position the dishwasher safe body on a charging base
to align electrical contacts on an outer surface of the body with
corresponding electrical contacts on a surface of the charging
base.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/409,493 (Atty Docket
No. ALXNDR.001PR), filed Nov. 2, 2010, the entire contents of which
is hereby incorporated by reference and should be considered a part
of this specification.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The invention is directed to dishwasher safe dishware and
drinkware, such as plates and mugs, and more particularly to
actively heated or cooled dishwasher safe dishware and
drinkware.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Dishware (e.g., plates, bowls), serverware (e.g., platters)
and drinkware (e.g., cups) are sometimes made of ceramic materials.
Plates are sometimes heated by placing into an oven, so that the
food on the plate can be maintained warm for a longer time than if
the plate was not heated. For example, in some restaurants, plates
will be heated prior to food being placed thereon, or
simultaneously with the food (e.g., a steak) thereon. For example,
a plate holding a steak can be placed into an oven to cook the
steak, and once removed the plate maintains the food warm for a
while. In some instances, a plate or bowl might also be chilled to
maintain food thereon cold for a longer period of time (e.g.,
salad, gazpacho) than if the plate was not chilled. However, such
heating and cooling mechanisms are passive mechanisms that rely on
the release of heat, in the case of a heated plate, or the
absorption of heat, in the case of a chilled plate, by the plate
based on the heat transfer properties of the ceramic material.
[0006] However, technology for actively heating, or cooling,
dishwasher safe dishware or drinkware is not readily available.
Accordingly, there is a need for dishwasher safe dishware (e.g.,
plates, bowls) and drinkware (e.g., cups, mugs) that can be
actively heated or cooled during use.
SUMMARY
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment, a plate, mug, cup or
serving dish can be provided, comprising a dishwasher safe body
having a receiving portion for holding solid or liquid food and a
heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system can have a
heating or cooling element configured to heat or cool the receiving
portion of the body. A power storage element is electrically
connected to the heating or cooling element, the power storage
element configured to supply the heating or cooling element with
electricity for a desired period of time, and/or at a give power
setting. A wireless power receiver is configured to wirelessly
receive power from a power source, the wireless power receiver
being in communication with the power storage device and configured
to charge the power storage device. The heating or cooling element
is operable to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the body
to maintain the solid or liquid food in a heated or cooled state
for an extended period of time.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment, a travel mug is
provided comprising a dishwasher safe body having a receiving
portion for holding solid or liquid food and a heating or cooling
system. The heating or cooling system can have a heating or cooling
element configured to heat or cool the receiving portion of the
body. A power storage element is electrically connected to the
heating or cooling element, the power storage element configured to
supply the heating or cooling element with electricity for a
desired period of time. A charging circuit is electrically
connected to the power storage element, the charging circuit
configured to control a charging process of the power storage
element. A wireless power receiver is configured to wirelessly
receive power from a power source, the wireless power receiver
connected to the charging circuit and configured to transmit power
thereto to charge the power storage element. The heating or cooling
element is operable to actively heat or cool at least a portion of
the receiving portion of the body to maintain the solid or liquid
food in a heated or cooled state for an extended period of
time.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or
cooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish is provided. The actively
heated or cooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish comprises a
dishwasher safe body having a receiving portion for holding solid
or liquid food. A heating or cooling element is configured to heat
or cool the receiving portion of the body. A wireless power
receiver is electrically connected to a heating or cooling element,
the wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power
from a power source. A controller circuit is housed in the body and
is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver and the
heating or cooling element, wherein the controller is configured to
control the operation of the heating or cooling element.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or
cooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish is provided. The actively
heated or cooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish comprises a
dishwasher safe body having a receiving portion for holding solid
or liquid food. A heating or cooling system can be housed in the
body, or removably coupled to a bottom surface of the body, and
configured to heat or cool the receiving portion of the body. The
heating or cooling system can include a heating or cooling element
electrically connected to a wireless power receiver, the wireless
power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power
source.
[0011] In still another embodiment, the plate, mug, cup or serving
dish can also have a user adjustable thermostat disposed thereon or
on a charging base on which the plate or mug can be placed. The
thermostat can advantageously be adjusted by a user to control the
heating or cooling element within the plate, mug, cup or serving
dish in order to maintain the heating or cooling element within the
plate, mug, cup or serving dish at a specified temperature or
within a specified temperature range.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled
plate, mug, cup or serving dish is provided. The actively heated or
cooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish comprises a dishwasher safe
body having a receiving portion for holding solid or liquid food. A
heating or cooling system can be housed in the body, or removably
coupled to a bottom surface of the body, and configured to heat or
cool the receiving portion of the body. The heating or cooling
system can include a heating or cooling element electrically
coupled to an electrical contact on an outer surface of the body
(e.g., electrical posts that protrude from the body or electrical
pads on a surface the body) configured to electrically connect to
an electrical connector (e.g. in a charging base) that can be
connected to a power source (e.g., wall outlet). The actively
heated or cooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish can optionally
have one or more power storage elements electrically connected to
the heating or cooling element and electrical contact, the power
storage elements configured to store power transmitted from the
power source and to supply power to the heating or cooling element
to heat or cool the receiving portion of the body for a desired
period of time via a control circuit within the plate, mug, cup or
serving dish.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one
embodiment of a heated or cooled plate.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the heated or cooled
plate of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
heated or cooled plate of FIG. 1 and a charging base for the
plate.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective bottom view of another
embodiment of a heated or cooled plate that is similar to the plate
of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a schematic perspective top view of the heated or
cooled plate of FIG. 3A and a charging base for the plate.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a charging stand
for storing multiple heated or cooled plates, and a plurality of
heated or cooled plates stored on the stand.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the charging stand
of FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective top view of another
embodiment of a heated or cooled plate.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a heated or cooled plate.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one
embodiment of a heated or cooled mug and its charging base.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the heated or cooled
mug in FIG. 8
[0024] FIG. 9A is a schematic exploded view of another embodiment
of a heated or cooled mug.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of
one embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the
heated or cooled travel mug of FIG. 10.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the heated or
cooled travel mug of FIG. 12 and its associated charging base.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of
another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of
another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the heated or
cooled travel mug of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of heated or cooled dishware
or serverware. In particular, FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of a
heated or cooled plate 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the
plate 100 has a circumferential wall 10 with a side surface 30a and
a base 20 having a top surface 20a, where the side surface 30a and
top surface 20a define a recess 30 that can hold food (e.g.,
receiving portion of the plate that holds food). In another
embodiment, the plate 100 can be flat with a generally flat top
surface (e.g., where the food receiving portion is not recessed).
The wall 10 extends from a top edge 12 to a bottom edge 14. A
bottom portion 40 of the plate 100 defines a bottom surface 42 of
the plate 100, which is recessed relative to the edge 14 and
defines a recess 16 of the plate 100, such that the edge 14, not
the bottom surface 42, contacts a table or counter surface when the
plate 100 is placed on the table or counter surface. In another
embodiment, the bottom surface 42 can be flush with the bottom edge
14, not recessed relative to the edge 14. In still another
embodiment, the bottom surface 42 can protrude from the bottom of
the plate 100 relative to the edge 14.
[0032] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the bottom portion 40
attaches to the wall 10 so that a cavity 50 is defined between the
bottom portion 40 and the base 20, where the cavity 50 is sized to
house several components, as described below. As shown in FIG. 2,
the plate 100 can include a heating or cooling system 55, which can
include a heating or cooling element 60, an insulative member 70,
one or more electrical energy storage devices 80 electrically
connected to the heating of cooling element 60, and an electronic
module 90. The heating or cooling element 60, insulative member 70,
electrical storage devices 80 and electronic module 90 can be
disposed (e.g., embedded) in a bottom section of the plate 100. In
another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 can be housed
in a module that is removably attachable to the plate 100. In this
embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 and insulating member
70 can be a part of the removable module or can be disposed in the
plate, and not part of the removable module.
[0033] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 can be
heater or heating wire that is disposed adjacent a bottom surface
20b of the base 20 (e.g., adhered or otherwise secured to the
bottom surface 20b), where the heater wire can heat up and transfer
heat to the top surface 20a of the base 20 via conduction through
the base 20 (e.g., to raise the temperature of the base 20 above
ambient temperature to maintain food on the plate 100 warm, such as
at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range).
The insulative member 70 can be plate-like and disposed proximate
the heating or cooling element 60 so that the heating or cooling
element 60 is interposed between the insulative member 70 and the
base 20. In one embodiment, the insulative member 70 can be a
ceramic plate. However, in other embodiments, the insulative member
70 can be made of other suitable materials that are thermally
insulative. In still other embodiments, the insulative member 70
can be excluded.
[0034] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the one or more energy
storage devices 80 can in one embodiment be batteries, such as
rechargeable batteries. For example, the one or more energy storage
devices 80 can be lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries or lithium polymer
(Li-poly) batteries. However, in other embodiments where the energy
storage devices 80 are batteries, the batteries can be other
suitable types (e.g., lead acid, nickel cadmium, nickel metal
hydride). In another embodiment, the one or more energy storage
devices 80 can be capacitors. The one or more energy storage
devices 80 can be electrically connected to the heating or cooling
element 60 and configured to supply power to the heating or cooling
element 60 to heat or cool at least a portion of the plate 100.
[0035] The electronic module 90 can be attached to a top surface 44
of the bottom portion 40 and electrically connected to the one or
more energy storage devices 80. In one embodiment, the electronic
module 90 can include one or more of a wireless power receiver 92,
control circuitry 94 (e.g., controller circuit) and a charger 96
(e.g., charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy
storage devices 80. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver
92 is electrically connected to the battery charger 96, which is
connected to the one or more energy storage device 80 that are then
electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 60 through
a controller circuit 94. The control circuitry can also be used to
manage the charging of the one or more energy storage devices 80.
In another embodiment, where the energy storage devices 80 are
excluded (as discussed further below), the wireless power receiver
92 can be electrically connected directly to the heating or cooling
element 60. The control circuitry 94 can operate to manage the
power delivered to the heating or cooling element 60.
[0036] In one embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be removably
attached to the plate 100 to allow access to the heating or cooling
system 55 in the cavity 50. For example, the bottom portion 40 can
be mechanically coupled to the plate 100 (e.g., with screws, a
threaded interface between the bottom portion 40 and the plate 100,
a press-fit connection, etc.). The bottom portion 40 can be removed
to allow the replacing of the one or more energy storage devices 80
and the servicing of the heating or cooling system 55. In one
embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be a water resistant lid that
can be removably attachable (e.g., threaded on or screwed) to the
plate 100 for accessing the heating or cooling system 55. In
another embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be a water resistant
lid that can be removably attachable (e.g., threaded on or,
screwed) to the plate 100 for accessing the one or more energy
storage devices 80. In yet another embodiment, the energy storage
devices 80 can be in a pack that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap
fit, screwed down) onto the bottom of the plate 100, where the
pack's electrical contacts connect with a set of electrical
contacts on the bottom of the plate 100.
[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 3, a charging base 200 can
have a protruding or raised section 220 with a top surface 222 and
a bottom surface 224. A wireless power transmitter 240 can be
attached to the bottom surface 224. The protruding section 220 is
preferably shaped and sized to at least partially fit into the
recess 16 in the plate 100, such that the top surface 222 is
adjacent the bottom surface 42 of the bottom portion 40.
Advantageously, the protruding section 220 fits at least partially
into the recess 16 so as to generally align the electronic module
90 over the wireless power transmitter 240 to facilitate wireless
power transmission between the wireless power transmitter 240 and
the wireless power receiver 92. In another embodiment, the plate
100 can have a protruding portion and the charging base 200 a
recessed portion, where the protruding portion fits at least
partially within the recessed portion when the plate 100 is coupled
to the charging base 200. The wireless power transmitter 220 can be
electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a
wall outlet, via a power cord (not shown).
[0038] In one embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 240 can be
an induction coil and the wireless power receiver 92 can also be an
induction coil. Therefore, in one embodiment, the charging base 200
can wirelessly transmit power from the power transmitter 240 to the
wireless power receiver 92 via induction coupling. However,
transmission of power from the wireless power transmitter 240 to
the wireless power receiver 92 is not limited to inductive
coupling. In other embodiments, other forms of short-distance
wireless energy transfer can be used (e.g., microwave energy). In
still other embodiments, further discussed below, long-distance
wireless energy transfer can be used to transmit power to the
wireless power receiver 92, without the use of a charging base.
[0039] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 is
advantageously embedded or housed in the body of the plate 100 so
that no portion of the heating or cooling system 55 is exposed or
can be contacted by a user while holding the plate 100. Therefore,
the plate 100 can advantageously be exposed to water or other
liquids, e.g., in a sink or in a dishwasher, without exposing the
heating or cooling system 55 to said water or liquids, thereby
inhibiting damage to the heating or cooling system 55.
Additionally, by having all components embedded or housed in the
body of the plate 100, the plate 100 can be aesthetically pleasing
as it looks like a conventional plate.
[0040] FIGS. 3A-3B shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled
plate 100'''. The heated or cooled plate 100''' is similar to the
heated or cooled plate 100 and can have the same components as the
heated or cooled plate 100, except as noted below. Thus, the
reference numerals used to designate the various components of the
heated or cooled plate 100''' are identical to those used for
identifying the corresponding components of the heated or cooled
plate 100 in FIGS. 1-3, except that a "'''" has been added to the
reference numerals.
[0041] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the plate
100''' can include one or more corrosion resistant electrical
contacts 46''' on an outer surface of the plate 100''', such as the
bottom surface 42''' of the bottom portion 40''' of the plate
100''', where the electrical contacts are sized and shaped to
contact corresponding electrical contacts 246''' on the charging
base 200''' (e.g., on the top surface 222''' of the protruding
section 220''' of the charging base 200'''), when the plate 100'''
is placed on the charging base 200''' so that power is transmitted
from the charging base 200''' to the energy storage devices 80''',
heating or cooling element 60''' and/or electronic module 90''' in
the plate 100''' through the electrical contacts 46''', 246''. In
one embodiment, the electrical contacts of the plate 100''' can
protrude from a surface of the plate 100''', such as electrical
posts. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3A, the electrical
contacts 46''' of the plate 100''' can be one or more contact pads
on the bottom surface 42''' of the bottom portion 40''' of the
plate 100''', which can contact corresponding contacts, such as the
pin contacts 246''') on the top surface 222''' of the charging base
200''. However, the electrical contacts on the plate 100''' and
charging base 200''' can have other suitable configurations. As
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the plate 100''' can have a slot 48''' on
bottom surface of the plate 100''' (e.g., formed on the bottom
surface 42''' of the bottom portion 40''' of the plate 100''') that
is sized and shaped to receive a pin or key 248''' on the charging
base 200'''. The slot 48''' and pin or key 248''' provide a
"clocking" aspect of the plate 100''' that allows the electrical
contacts 46''' of the plate 100''' to readily align with the
electrical contacts 246''' of the charging base 200'''. However, in
another embodiment, the slot can be formed on the charging base
200''' and the pin or key can be formed on the bottom of the plate
100''. This configuration of electrical contacts and slot/key
arrangement can also be incorporated into other drinkware, dishware
or serverware devices, such as the mug 400 and travel mug 600
discussed below.
[0042] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 can
be housed in a non-water proof module that can be removably
attached to the plate 100 (e.g., threadably coupled to the plate
100, or coupled via a pin/slot assembly where the module twists
into the bottom of a plate 100) to heat or cool the plate 100. In
this embodiment, when the plate 100 is to be washed, the heating or
cooling module can be decoupled from the plate 100 before the plate
100 is washed (e.g., placed in the dish washing machine). The
heating or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding
charging station for use at a later time when it can again be
coupled to a plate 100 to heat or cool food on the plate 100. The
embodiment described above can apply to other forms of dishware
(e.g., mug, cup, serving dish).
[0043] In another embodiment, the charging base 200 can be excluded
and power can be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 92 via
a remote power transmitter using long-distance wireless energy
transmission, as further discussed below. In this embodiment, where
the heated or cooled plate 100 also does not have energy storage
devices, such as the energy storage devices 80, the heating or
cooling element 60 is electrically connected to the wireless power
receiver 92 via the control circuit 94, which is operable to
control the amount of power that is provided to the heating or
cooling element 60. During operation, if the plate 100 is out of
range of the wireless power transmission, the heating or cooling
element 60 will lose power and shut off. For example, in this
embodiment if the plate 100 is not on a charging base, such as the
charging base 200, or out of the range of power transmission from a
remote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element
60 in the plate 100 will lose power and shut off.
[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 show one embodiment of a charging stand 300
that can be stored in a cabinet, such as a kitchen cabinet, or on a
countertop or in a pantry. The charging stand 300 can have a
plurality of charging bases 220', each of which is attached to a
rear wall 320 of the charging stand 300 by a connecting support
230'. The charging stand 300 can also have a pair of arms 310 on
either side of the charging base 220', each arm 310 having a
surface 312 that can contact at least a portion of the wall 10 of
the plate 100 and helps support the plate 100 on the charging base
220'. Each of the charging bases 220' can have a wireless power
transmitter, such as the wireless power transmitter 240, disposed
therein, which can transmit power to a wireless power receiver in
the heated or cooled plate 100 that is placed on the charging base
220'. The charging stand 300 can have a power cord (not shown) to
connect the stand to, for example, a wall outlet, in order to
electrically connect the wireless power transmitters in the
charging bases 220' with the power source.
[0045] In another embodiment, the charging stand 300 can be
excluded, and the plates 100 can be stacked on top of each other,
with a single charging base at the bottom of the stack (e.g., the
charging base 200 in FIG. 3) In this embodiment, the electronic
module 90 in each plate 100 can include a repeater circuit that
takes the power coming in from the wireless power receiver 92
(inside the plate 100) and then energizes a wireless power
transmitter (not shown) which would be mounted just underneath
bottom surface 20b inside the same plate 100. In this embodiment,
when another plate is stacked on top of this plate 100, the top
plate can receive power from the wireless power transmitter which
is located in the plate 100 directly beneath it. In this manner,
when a number of plates were stacked on top of each other, each
plate would wirelessly receive power from the plate beneath it, and
transmit power to the plate above it. In one embodiment, the energy
storage devices are excluded from the plate 100 (or mug 400 or
travel mug 600 discussed below), so the wireless power receiver can
be electrically connected to the heating or cooling element. This
allows a stack of plates 100 to be positioned on one stand.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate
100'. The heated or cooled plate 100' is similar to the heated or
cooled plate 100 and can have the same components as the heated or
cooled plate 100, except as noted below. Thus, the reference
numerals used to designate the various components of the heated or
cooled plate 100' are identical to those used for identifying the
corresponding components of the heated or cooled plate 100 in FIGS.
1-3, except that a "'" has been added to the reference
numerals.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled plate
100' has a heating or cooling element 60' that includes a trace
pattern that is traced or laid onto at least a portion of the top
surface 20a' of the base 20' of the plate 100'. For example, the
trace pattern can be screen printed onto the top surface 20a' and
have a connecting portion (not shown) that electrically connects
the heating or cooling element 60' to the energy storage devices
80, wireless power receiver 92, and/or control circuitry 94.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate
100''. The heated or cooled plate 100'' is similar to the heated or
cooled plate 100 and can have the same components as the heated or
cooled plate 100, except as noted below. Thus, the reference
numerals used to designate the various components of the heated
plate 100'' are identical to those used for identifying the
corresponding components of the heated plate 100 in FIGS. 1-3,
except that a "''" has been added to the reference numerals.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 50'' in the heated
or cooled plate 100'' can be subdivided by the insulative member 70
into a first cavity 50a between the bottom portion 40 and the
insulative member 70 and a second cavity 50b between the insulative
member 70 and the base 20. The energy storage devices 80 and
electronic module 90 are disposed in the first cavity 50a. The
insulative member 70 is positioned against a ledge 10a defined
between the bottom portion 40 and the base 20 so that the
insulative member 70 is spaced from the heating or cooling element
60, thereby defining the second cavity 50b. In the illustrated
embodiment, the second cavity 50b is under a vacuum, which
advantageously further thermally insulates the energy storage
devices 80 and electronic module 90 from the heating or cooling
element 60. Additionally, having the second cavity 50b under a
vacuum advantageously allows the top surface 20a of the base 20 to
maintain its temperature for a longer period of time, as the vacuum
in the second cavity 50b inhibits heat transfer through the bottom
of the plate 100''. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or
cooling element 60 can be electrically connected to the one or more
energy storage devices 80 via a connector (not shown) that extends
between the first and second cavities 50a, 50b (e.g., a trace line
printed on the side wall of the first and second cavities 50a,
50b).
[0050] FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a heated or cooled mug 400 with a
circumferential wall 412 having a side surface 412a, a handle 414
and a base 420 having a top surface 420a, where the side surface
412a and top surface 420a define a cavity 418 that can hold a
liquid or solid (e.g., coffee, soup, ice cream). The heated or
cooled mug 400 can have a bottom portion 419 that defines a recess
450 between a bottom edge 416a and the base 420. A bottom member
(e.g., plate) 440 can be positioned against a ledge 419a of the
bottom portion 419, so as to define a cavity 450a between the
bottom member 440 and the base 420. In the illustrated embodiment,
a heating or cooling system 455 can be disposed (e.g., embedded) in
the cavity 450a. The heating or cooling system 455 can include a
heating or cooling element 460, an insulative member 470, one or
more energy storage devices 480 and an electronic module 490, and
these components can be arranged and connected in the same manner
described above in connection with the heated or cooled plate 100.
In another embodiment, the insulative member 470 can be
excluded.
[0051] The heating or cooling element 460 can be disposed adjacent
a bottom surface 420b of the base 420 so as to conduct heat through
the base 420 to a top surface 420a of the base 420. In one
embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460 can also be disposed
within the wall 412 and behind a side surface 412 of the mug 400.
In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460 can be a
heater wire or heating wire. In another embodiment, the heating or
cooling element 460 can be a resistive heater. However, in other
embodiments, the heating or cooling element 460 can include other
suitable mechanisms.
[0052] The electronic module 490 can be attached to a top surface
444 of the bottom member 440 and include one or more of a wireless
power receiver 492, control circuitry 494 (e.g., controller
circuit) and a charger 496 (e.g., charging circuit) for charging
the one or more energy storage devices 480. The control circuitry
494 can operate to manage the power delivered to the heating or
cooling element 460. The control circuitry 494 can also be used to
manage the charging of the one or more energy storage devices 480.
In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 492 is electrically
connected to the battery charger 496, which is electrically
connected to the energy storage devices 480 that in turn are
electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 460. In
another embodiment, where energy storage devices are excluded (as
discussed further below), the wireless power receiver 492 can be
electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 460. In
one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 is completely
disposed in the bottom portion 419 so that no part of the system
455 is visible (i.e., the mug 400 looks like a conventional mug).
In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 can be
housed in a module that is removably attachable to the mug 400.
[0053] With continued reference to FIGS. 8-9, the bottom portion
440 can be axially spaced from the bottom edge 416a so as to define
a recess 416 at the bottom of the mug 400. A charging base 500 for
the heated or cooled mug 400 can include a raised portion 520 with
a top surface 522, where the raised portion 520 is sized and shaped
to fit at least partially within the recess 416 when the mug 400 is
placed on the charging base 500, so that a bottom surface 442 of
the bottom member 440 is adjacent the top surface 522 of the raised
portion 520. The charging base can include a wireless power
transmitter 540 attached to a bottom surface 524 of the raised
portion 520, where the wireless power transmitter 540 is arranged
on the bottom surface 524 so as to generally align with the
electronic module 490 when the mug 400 is positioned on the
charging base 500 to facilitate wireless power transmission between
the wireless power transmitter 540 and the wireless power receiver
492 (e.g., via short distance wireless energy transfer, such as
inductive coupling, as discussed above). In another embodiment, the
mug 400 can have a protruding portion at its bottom and the
charging base 500 can have a corresponding recessed portion, where
the protruding portion fits within the recessed portion when the
mug 400 is coupled to the charging base 500. The wireless power
transmitter 540 can be electrically connected to a power source
(not shown), such as a wall outlet, via a power cord (not
shown).
[0054] In one embodiment, the bottom member 440 can be removably
attached to the mug 400 to allow access to the heating or cooling
system 455 in the cavity 450a. For example, the bottom member 440
can be mechanically coupled to the mug 400 (e.g., with screws, a
threaded interface between the bottom member 440 and mug 400, a
press-fit connection). The bottom member 440 can be removed to
allow the replacing of the one or more energy storage devices 480
and the servicing of the heating or cooling system 455. In one
embodiment, the bottom member 440 can be a water resistant lid that
can be removably attachable (e.g., threaded on or screwed) to the
mug 400 for accessing the heating or cooling system 455. In another
embodiment, the bottom member 440 can be a water resistant lid that
can be removably attachable (e.g., threaded on or screwed) to the
mug 400 for accessing the one or more energy storage devices 480.
In yet another embodiment, the energy storage devices 480 can be in
a pack that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap fit, screwed down)
onto the bottom of the mug 400, where the pack's electrical
contacts connect with a set of electrical contacts on the bottom of
the mug 400.
[0055] In another embodiment, the charging base 500 can be excluded
and power can be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 492 via
a remote power transmitter using long-distance wireless energy
transmission, as further discussed below. In this embodiment, where
the heated or cooled mug 400 also does not have energy storage
devices, such as the energy storage devices 480, the heating or
cooling element 460 is electrically connected to the wireless power
receiver 492 via the control circuit 494, which is operable to
control the amount of power that is provided to the heating or
cooling element 460. During operation, if the mug 400 is out of
range of the wireless power transmission, the heating or cooling
element 460 will lose power and shut off. For example, in this
embodiment if the mug 400 is not on a charging base, such as the
charging base 500, or out of the range of power transmission from a
remote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element
460 in the mug 400 will lose power and shut off.
[0056] The one or more energy storage devices 480 can
advantageously supply power to the heating or cooling element 460
for a prolonged period of time before its power charge diminishes,
thereby advantageously maintaining the contents of the mug 400
(e.g., soup, coffee, ice cream) hot or cold, for a prolonged period
of time. In one embodiment, the energy storage devices 480 can
power the heating or cooling element 460 for at least 15 minutes.
In another embodiment, the energy storage devices 480 can power the
heating or cooling element 460 for between about 30 minutes and
about 60 minutes. However, in another embodiment, the energy
storage devices 480 can power the heating or cooling element 460
for greater than 60 minutes. In another embodiment, the power
level, or desired temperature, can be selected by the user (e.g.,
via a switch) which will extend or shorten the duration of time
that the heating or cooling element 460 will run for, as further
discussed below.
[0057] As discussed above, in one embodiment, the heating or
cooling system 455 is advantageously embedded in the body of the
mug 400 (e.g., embedded in the bottom portion 419 of the mug 400)
so that no portion of the heating or cooling system 455 is exposed
or can be contacted by a user while holding the mug 400. Therefore,
the mug 400 can advantageously be exposed to water or other
liquids, e.g., in a sink or in a dishwasher, without exposing the
heating or cooling system 455 to said water or liquids, thereby
inhibiting damage to the heating or cooling system 455.
Additionally, by being embedded in the body of the mug 460, the mug
460 can be aesthetically pleasing as it looks like a conventional
mug.
[0058] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 can
be housed in a non-water proof module that can be removably
attached to the mug 400 (e.g., threadably coupled to the mug 400,
or coupled via a pin/slot assembly where the module twists into the
bottom of a mug 400) to heat or cool the mug 400. In this
embodiment, when the mug 400 is to be washed, the heating or
cooling module can be decoupled from the mug 400 before the mug 400
is washed (e.g., placed in the dish washing machine). The heating
or cooling module can then be placed on a corresponding charging
station for use at a later time when it can again be coupled to a
mug 400 to heat or cool the contents of the mug 400.
[0059] In another embodiment, the mug 400 can include one or more
corrosion resistant electrical contacts (not shown) on an outer
surface of the mug 400, such as the bottom surface 442 of the
bottom portion 440 of the mug 400, where the electrical contacts
are sized and shaped to contact corresponding electrical contacts
(not shown) on the charging base 500 when the mug 400 is placed on
the charging base 500. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts
of the mug 400 can protrude from a surface of the mug 400, such as
electrical posts. In another embodiment, the electrical contacts of
the mug 400 can be one or more contact pads (not shown) on the
bottom surface 442 of the bottom portion 440 of the mug 400 that
can contact corresponding contact pads (not shown) on the top
surface 522 of the charging base 500. However, the electrical
contacts on the mug 400 and charging base 500 can have other
suitable configurations.
[0060] FIG. 9A shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled mug
400'. The heated or cooled mug 400' is similar to the heated or
cooled mug 400 and can have the same components as the heated or
cooled mug 400, except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals
used to designate the various components of the heated or cooled
mug 400' are identical to those used for identifying the
corresponding components of the heated or cooled mug 400 in FIGS.
8-9, except that a "'" has been added to the reference
numerals.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled mug 400'
can have a heating or cooling element 460', which is shown
schematically in FIG. 9A. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling
element 460' can be a heater wire or heating wire, such as the
heating or cooling element 460 shown in FIGS. 8-9. In another
embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' can be a resistive
heater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling
element 460' can include other suitable mechanisms. In one
embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460' can be an active
cooling element or a passive cooling element. For example, where
the heating or cooling element 460' is a passive cooling element,
the heating or cooling element 460' can include a thermoelectric
system with one or more Peltier elements in contact with, or in
proximity to, the bottom surface 420b of the base 420. In another
embodiment, where the heating or cooling element 460' is an active
cooling element, the heating or cooling element 460' can include a
chilled fluid circulation system with channels (not shown) disposed
in contact with, or in proximity to, the bottom surface 420b of the
base 420. In still another embodiment, the heating or cooling
element 460' can be a FREON.RTM. cooling system with an expansion
channel (not shown) inside a bottom portion 419 of the mug 400' (or
other dishware device). However, the heating or cooling element
460' can include other suitable active cooling arrangements. Though
the illustrated embodiment is for a heated or cooled mug 400', the
heating or cooling element 460' can be incorporated into any
dishware, drinkware or serverware device, such as the plate 100 and
travel mug 600 (discussed below). In some embodiments, the
dishware, drinkware or serverware device can include a heat sink
(e.g., one or more fins) to dissipate heat generated by the heating
or cooling element. In one embodiment, the heat sink can be
incorporated into the body of the dishware, drinkware or serverware
device. In another embodiment, the heat sink can be removably
attached to the dishware, drinkware or serverware device. The
heating or cooling element 460' can be operated to maintain liquid
or solid food in the dishware, drinkware or serverware device warm
or cool (e.g., to raise or lower the temperature of the receiving
portion of the dishware, drinkware or serverware device above or
below ambient temperature to maintain the food warm or cool, such
as at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature
range).
[0062] FIGS. 10-12 show one embodiment of a travel mug 600, such as
a travel coffee mug, that incorporates some of the same features
described above with respect to the mug 400. In the illustrated
embodiment, the travel mug 600 has an outer circumferential wall
610, a handle 612 and a bottom portion 640, where the bottom
portion 640 can, in one embodiment, be removably attached to the
distal end of the outer circumferential wall 610. In the
illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600 has an inner
circumferential wall 620 that extends from a proximal portion 622
to a base 626 and has a distal portion 624 adjacent the base 626.
The inner circumferential wall 620 defines a chamber C (e.g.,
receiving portion) for holding a liquid (e.g., coffee, tea).
[0063] The inner circumferential wall 620 can attach at its
proximal portion 622 to a proximal end 612a of the outer
circumferential wall 610. As shown in FIG. 10, the inner
circumferential wall 620 is shaped relative to the outer
circumferential wall 610 so as to define an annular gap 628 between
the inner circumferential wall 620 and the outer circumferential
wall 610. Additionally, the base 626 of the inner circumferential
wall 620 is spaced apart from the bottom portion 640 so as to
define a cavity 630 therebetween, where the cavity 630 is in
communication with the annular gap 628. A cover 670 can be
removably disposed over the opening O in the inner circumferential
wall 620 to substantially seal the opening O.
[0064] With continued reference to FIGS. 10-11, the travel mug 600
can have a heating or cooling system 655 disposed in the cavity
630. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system can include a
heating or cooling element 660, one or more energy storage devices
680 and an electronic module 690, where these components can be
arranged and connected in the same manner described above in
connection with the heated or cooled plate 100 and heated or cooled
mug 400. The heating or cooling element 660 can be disposed
adjacent the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall
620. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element
660 can be wrapped around the distal portion 624 and in contact
with an outer surface 620a of the inner circumferential wall 620 at
the location of the distal portion 624 so as to conduct heat
through the distal portion 624 of the inner circumferential wall
620 and into the liquid in the chamber C. The electronic module 690
can be attached to a top surface 644 of the bottom portion 640 and
can include one or more of a wireless power receiver 692, control
circuitry 694 (e.g., controller circuit) and a charger 696 (e.g.,
charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy storage
devices 680. The control circuitry 694 can operate to manage the
power delivered to the heating or cooling element 660. The control
circuitry can also be used to manage the charging of the one or
more energy storage devices 680. In another embodiment, an
insulative member, such as the insulative member 70, 470 discussed
above, can be disposed between the base 626 of the inner
circumferential wall 620 and the electronic module 690 to thermally
isolate the heating or cooling element 660 from the electronic
module 690.
[0065] In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 692 is
electrically connected to the battery charger 696, which is
electrically connected to the energy storage devices 680 that in
turn are electrically connected to the heating or cooling element
660. In another embodiment, where energy storage devices 680 are
excluded, the wireless power receiver 692 can be electrically
connected to the heating or cooling element 660. In one embodiment,
the heating or cooling system 655 is completely disposed in the
cavity 630 so that no part of the system 655 is visible (i.e., the
travel mug 600 looks like a conventional travel mug).
[0066] In one embodiment, the bottom portion 640 can be removably
attached to the travel mug 600 to allow access to the heating or
cooling system 655 in the cavity 630. For example, the bottom
portion 640 can be mechanically coupled to the travel mug 600
(e.g., with screws, a threaded interface between the bottom portion
640 and travel mug 600, a press-fit connection). The bottom portion
640 can be removed to allow the replacing of the one or more energy
storage devices 680 and the servicing of the heating or cooling
system 655. In one embodiment, the bottom portion 640 can be a
water resistant lid that can be removably attachable (e.g.,
threaded on or screwed) to the travel mug 600 for accessing the
heating or cooling system 655. In another embodiment, the bottom
portion 640 can be a water resistant lid that can be removably
attachable (e.g., threaded on or screwed) to the travel mug 600 for
accessing the one or more energy storage devices 680. In yet
another embodiment, the energy storage devices 680 can be in a pack
that is attached (e.g., threaded snap fit, screwed down) onto the
bottom or side of the travel mug 600, where the pack's electrical
contacts connect with a set of electrical contacts on the bottom or
side of the travel mug 600.
[0067] With continued reference to FIGS. 10-12, a charging base 700
for the travel mug 600 can include a recessed portion 710 with a
base 720, where the recessed portion 710 is sized and shaped to at
least partially receive the distal portion of the travel mug 600
therein, so that a bottom surface 642 of the bottom portion 640 is
adjacent the base 720 when the travel mug 600 is placed on the
charging base 700. The charging base 700 can include a wireless
power transmitter (not shown) attached to a bottom surface of the
base 720, in a similar manner as discussed above in connection with
the charging base 200, 500. The wireless power transmitter is
arranged on the bottom surface of the base 720 so as to generally
align with the electronic module 690 when the travel mug 600 is
positioned on the charging base 700 to facilitate wireless power
transmission between the wireless power transmitter and the
wireless power receiver 692 (e.g., via short distance wireless
energy transfer, such as inductive coupling, as discussed above).
In another embodiment, the travel mug 600 can have a recessed
portion, and the charging base 700 a corresponding protruding
portion that can at least partially fit within the recessed portion
of the travel mug 600 when the travel mug 600 is coupled to the
charging base 700. The wireless power transmitter can be
electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a all
outlet, via a power cord (not shown).
[0068] In another embodiment, the charging base 700 can be excluded
and power can be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 692 via
a remote power transmitter using long-distance wireless energy
transmission, as further discussed below. In this embodiment, where
the travel mug 600 also does not have energy storage devices, such
as the energy storage devices 680, the heating or cooling element
660 is electrically connected to the wireless power receiver 692
via the control circuit 694, which is operable to control the
amount of power that is provided to the heating or cooling element
660. During operation, if the travel mug 600 is out of range of the
wireless power transmission, the heating or cooling element 660
will lose power and shut off. For example, in this embodiment if
the mug 600 is not on a charging base, such as the charging base
700, or out of the range of power transmission from a remote
wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 660 in
the travel mug 600 will lose power and shut off. In still another
embodiment, the travel mug 600, or plate 100 or mug 400 can include
one or more energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 electrically
connected to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 and the
electronic module 90, 490, 690 can switch to battery power (e.g.,
via the control circuit 94, 494, 694) when the travel mug 600,
plate 100 or mug 400 is out of range of power transmission from the
remote wireless power transmitter so that the heating or cooling
element 60, 460, 660 can continue to heat or cool the contents of
the travel mug 660, plate 100 or mug 400 for a period of time.
[0069] As with the embodiments discussed above, the heating or
cooling element 660 can in one embodiment be a heater wire or
heating wire. In another embodiment, the heating or cooling element
660 can be a resistive heater. However, in other embodiments, the
heating or cooling element 660 can include other suitable
mechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660
can be an active cooling element or a passive cooling element. For
example, where the heating or cooling element 660 is a passive
cooling element, the heating or cooling element 660 can include a
thermoelectric system with one or more Peltier elements. In another
embodiment, where the heating or cooling element 660 is an active
cooling element, the heating or cooling element 660 can include a
chilled fluid circulation system with channels (not shown) disposed
in contact with, or in proximity to, the distal portion 624 of the
inner circumferential wall 620. In still another embodiment, the
heating or cooling element 660 can be a FREON.RTM. cooling system
with an expansion channel inside the bottom portion of the travel
mug 600 (or other dishware device). However, the heating or cooling
element 660 can include other suitable active cooling
arrangements.
[0070] The one or more energy storage devices 680 can
advantageously supply power to the heating or cooling element 660
for a prolonged period of time before its power charge diminishes,
thereby advantageously maintaining the contents of the travel mug
600 (e.g., coffee, soft drink) hot or cold, for a prolonged period
of time (e.g., while a user is commuting to work). In one
embodiment, the energy storage devices 680 can power the heating or
cooling element 660 for at least 15 minutes. In another embodiment,
the energy storage devices 680 can power the heating or cooling
element 660 for between about 30 minutes and about 60 minutes.
However, in another embodiment, the energy storage devices 680 can
power the heating or cooling element 660 for greater than 60
minutes.
[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600 includes a
user interface 695 that is electrically connected to the electronic
module 690 via one or more electrical lines (not shown). In one
embodiment, the electrical lines can include trace patterns screen
printed on an inner surface 610a of the inner circumferential wall
610 and extend between the user interface 695 and the electronic
module 690. In another embodiment, the electrical lines can include
one or more standard electrical wires. The user interface 695 can
include one or more user selection members 695a, such as buttons,
which the user can actuate to effect a desired control of the
heating or cooling system 655. For example, one of the user
selection members 695a can be used to turn off the heating or
cooling element 660 (e.g., if the user does not want to continue to
heat or cool the contents of the travel mug 600). In another
embodiment, one or more of the user selection members 695a can be
used to control the heating or cooling element 660 to provide a
desired temperature for the liquid in the travel mug 600. In still
another embodiment, at least one of the user selection members 695a
can be used to set a timer for when power to the heating or cooling
element 660 is to be turned off. However, the user selection
members 695a can be used to control other parameters of the
operation of the heating or cooling element 660. For example, the
heating or cooling element 660 could have multiple power settings
that can be set with the user selection members 695a. When set to a
higher power setting the heating or cooling element 660 will run
for a shorter period of time before the power storage element 680
can no longer power the heating or cooling element 660. When set to
a lower power setting, the heating or cooling element 660 will run
for a longer period of time before the power storage element 680
can no longer power the heating or cooling element 660. In another
embodiment, the temperature level can be selected by a user via an
adjustable thermostat on the user interface 695. The thermostat can
advantageously be adjusted to one of multiple temperature settings
by the user to control the heating or cooling element 660 within
the travel mug 660 (or other dishware or drinkware device) in order
to maintain its contents at a specified temperature or within a
specified temperature range.
[0072] As discussed above, in one embodiment, the heating or
cooling system 655 is advantageously housed in the body of the
travel mug 600 (e.g., housed in the cavity 630) so that no portion
of the heating or cooling system 655 is exposed or can be contacted
by a user while holding the travel mug 600. Therefore, the travel
mug 600 can advantageously be exposed to water or other liquids,
e.g., in a sink or in a dishwasher, without exposing the heating or
cooling system 655 to said water or liquids, thereby inhibiting
damage to the heating or cooling system 655. Additionally, by being
housed in the body of the travel mug 660, the travel mug 660 can be
aesthetically pleasing as it looks like a conventional travel mug.
In another embodiment, the travel mug 600 can include one or more
electrical contacts (e.g., electrical posts, contact pads) on an
outer surface of the mug 600, as discussed above in connection with
the mug 400, where the electrical contacts are sized and shaped to
contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on the
charging base 700 when the travel mug 600 is placed on the charging
base 700.
[0073] In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 can
be housed in a non-water proof module that can be removably
attached to the travel mug 600 (e.g., threadably coupled to the
travel mug 600, or coupled via a pin/slot assembly where the module
twists into the bottom of a travel mug 600) to heat or cool the
travel mug 600. In this embodiment, when the travel mug 600 is to
be washed, the heating or cooling module can be decoupled from the
travel mug 600 before the travel mug 600 is washed (e.g., placed in
the washing machine). The heating or cooling module can then be
placed on a corresponding charging station for use at a later time
when it can again be coupled to a travel mug 600 to heat or cool
food on the travel mug 600.
[0074] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled
travel mug 600'. The heated or cooled travel mug 600' is similar to
the heated or cooled travel mug 600 and can have the same
components as the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except as noted
below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various
components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600' are identical to
those used for identifying the corresponding components of the
heated or cooled travel mug 600 in FIGS. 10-12, except that a "'"
has been added to the reference numerals.
[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled travel
mug 600' has a heating or cooling element 660' that includes a
trace pattern that is traced or laid onto at least a portion of the
inner surface 620b' of the distal portion 624' of the inner
circumferential wall 620'. For example, the trace pattern can be
screen printed onto the inner surface 620b' and have a connecting
portion (not shown) that electrically connects the heating or
cooling element 660' to the energy storage devices 680 or wireless
power receiver 692.
[0076] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled
travel mug 600''. The heated or cooled travel mug 600'' is similar
to the heated or cooled travel mug 600 and can have the same
components as the heated or cooled travel mug 600, except as noted
below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various
components of the heated or cooled travel mug 600'' are identical
to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the
heated or cooled travel mug 600 in FIGS. 10-12, except that a "''"
has been added to the reference numerals.
[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 630'' in the
heated or cooled travel mug 600'' can be subdivided by a base 614''
of the outer cylindrical wall 610'' and an adjacent top wall 616''
into a first cavity 630a'' between the bottom portion 640'' and the
top wall 616'' and a second cavity 630b'' between the base 614'' of
the outer cylindrical wall 610'' and the annular gap 628''. The
energy storage devices 680 and electronic module 690 are disposed
in the first cavity 630a''. In the illustrated embodiment, the
second cavity 630b'' is under a vacuum, which advantageously
further thermally insulates the energy storage devices 680 and
electronic module 690 from the heating or cooling element 660.
Additionally, having the second cavity 630b'' under a vacuum
advantageously allows the inner surface 620b of the inner
circumferential wall 620 to maintain its temperature for a longer
period of time, and therefore maintain the temperature of the
liquid in the chamber C for a longer period of time, as the vacuum
in the second cavity 630b'' inhibits heat transfer through the
outer cylindrical wall 610'' and base 614''. In the illustrated
embodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be electrically
connected to the one or more energy storage devices 680 and the
electronic module 690 with a connector (e.g., one or more wires, or
a trace line printed on the side wall 620a'', 610a'' of the inner
and outer circumferential walls 610'', 620) (not shown) that
extends between the first and second cavities 630a'', 630b''.
[0078] In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55, 455,
655 is embedded or housed in the body of the dishware device (e.g.,
plate 100, mug 400, travel mug 600, etc.). In another embodiment,
the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 can be housed in a
closed water-resistant or water-proof compartment, such as the
cavity 50, 450, 630 disposed in a recess of the dishware device.
For example, in one embodiment the compartment can be disposed in
said recess such that a surface of the compartment is flush with
the surrounding surface of the dishware device. In another
embodiment, the compartment can protrude from a surface of the
dishware device. In one embodiment, the water resistant or
water-proof compartment can be removably disposed in said recess of
the dishware device (e.g., the compartment can be removably
attachable to the dishware, drinkware or serverware device). In
another embodiment, the water resistant or water-proof compartment
can be fixed within said recess (e.g., attached to the dishware
device within the recess via an adhesive, screws, etc.).
[0079] As discussed above, in one embodiment power can be
transmitted wirelessly from a wireless power transmitter, such as
the power transmitter 240, 540, to a wireless power receiver, such
as the power receiver 92, 492, 692, via short-distance wireless
energy transfer, such as inductive coupling. In another embodiment,
the wireless power receiver 92, 492, 692 of the heated or cooled
dishware and drinkware, such as the mug 400, plate 100 and travel
mug 600, can receive power from a remote transmitter via
long-distance wireless energy transmission, so that a charging base
need not be used to transmit power to the heated or cooled dishware
and drinkware.
[0080] In one embodiment, the remote transmitter can be disposed on
a wall or ceiling of a home or restaurant, or can be disposed
outside the home or restaurant. The transmitter can wirelessly
transmit power over a distance of a few to several meters to the
wireless power receiver 92, 492, 692 using resonant inductive
coupling. In one embodiment, an inductive coil in the remote
transmitter can have a capacitance plate attached to each end of
the coil wire. As electricity travels through the coil, the coil
can resonate with a resonant frequency that is a product of the
inductance of the coil and the capacitance of the plates. The
wireless power receiver, such as the wireless power receiver 92,
492, 692, can have a similar inductive coil with the same resonant
frequency as the inductive coil in the remote transmitter, so that
energy can be transmitted from the transmitter to the wireless
power receiver 92, 492, 692. Accordingly, the heated or cooled
dishware or drinkware, such as the mug 400, plate 100 and travel
mug 600 can be powered wirelessly without the use of a charging
base.
[0081] In use, a user can charge the one or more energy storage
devices, such as the energy storage devices 80, 480, 680, via the
charging base and/or the remote transmitter. Once charged, the
dishware or drinkware can be heated or cooled via the heating or
cooling element 60, 460, 660 thereof to maintain food or liquids
therein warm or chilled, as the case may be, for a prolonged period
of time. Additionally, since the heating or cooling system 55, 455,
655 is disposed (e.g., embedded) in the body of the dishware or
drinkware, such as the mug 400, plate 100 or travel mug 600, the
dishware and drinkware can be exposed to water (e.g., in a sink or
dishwasher) while inhibiting damage to the heating or cooling
system 55, 455, 655. In another embodiment, as discussed above, the
heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 can be housed in a closed
water resistant or water-proof compartment, where said compartment
is fixed or removably attachable to the dishware device (e.g., mug
400, plate 100, etc.).
[0082] In one embodiment, the dishware or drinkware device (e.g.,
mug 400, plate 100, travel mug 600) can include a gyro that senses
the orientation of the dishware or drinkware device, and
communicates with the electronic module 90, 490, 690 to control the
operation of the dishware or drinkware device. For example, the
gyro can sense when the plate 100 has been turned on its side or
when the mug 400 or travel mug 600 have been turned upside down
(e.g., when loading into a dishwasher) and communicates a signal to
the electronic module 90, 490, 690 to discontinue power to the
heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660, thereby turning the
heating or cooling element off. However, other suitable devices
(e.g., sensors) other than a gyro can be used to sense the
orientation of the dishware, drinkware or serverware device, such
as the plate 100, mug 400 or travel mug 600.
[0083] Though the embodiments above are described in connection
with dishware and drinkware, such as mugs, plates and travel mugs,
one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the heating or
cooling element 60, 460, 660 can also be incorporated into
dinnerware, serverware (e.g., serving platters, bowls, tureens,
Chafing Dishes, trays) and bakeware (e.g., casserole dishes).
Additionally, the drinkware, dishware, serverware, etc. can be made
of a ceramic material or other suitable materials (e.g., plastic or
glass).
[0084] Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain
features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which
various changes and modifications can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the
heated or cooled dishware and drinkware need not feature all of the
objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus,
for example, those of skill in the art will recognize that the
invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves
or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught
herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as
may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of
variations of the invention have been shown and described in
detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within
the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of
skill in the art based upon this disclosure. For example, one of
skill in the art will recognize that the passive or active cooling
elements described above for FIG. 9A can be incorporated into any
of the other embodiments disclosed for the drinkware or dishware
(e.g., plate 100, mug 400, travel mug 600). Additionally, one of
skill in the art will recognize that a vacuum chamber can also be
incorporated into all embodiments described above, such as the mug
400, the plate 100' and the travel mug 600', in a manner similar to
that described above in connection with the plate 100'' or travel
mug 600''. It is contemplated that various combinations or
subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of
embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various
features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined
with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes
of the discussed heated or cooled dishware, drinkware and/or
serverware.
* * * * *