TEMPERATURE-REGULATION RECEPTACLE SYSTEM

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to trademark or copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all trademark and copyright rights. © 2023-2024 VoChill, Inc.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

One technical field of the present disclosure is devices and systems for regulating the temperature of beverages. Another technical field is techniques for controlling and maintaining the temperature of a drink within the bottom portion of a drinking vessel, such as the bottom portion of a whisky glass.

BACKGROUND

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

As a drink sits in a drinking vessel, the temperature of the drink rises or falls to ambient temperature instead of being maintained at, or changed to, a desired drinking temperature. Devices have been developed to maintain the temperature of a drink. One class of devices maintains a drink temperature by being inserted into the contents of the drinking vessel. To enjoy fine or costly beverages such as whisky, the standard means of cooling the beverage has been ice, often in large blocks or “rocks.” However, this method has the disadvantage of diluting the beverage as the ice melts. Another class maintains temperature through beverage jackets (e.g., Koozie, Hugger, and Coozie). Another class is a specialized drinking vessel thermally insulated to maintain the drink's temperature (e.g., a tumbler or frozen glass). Another class includes tabletop containers that may chill a bottle of wine.

SUMMARY

The appended claims may serve as a summary of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a temperature-regulation receptacle system of one example embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front exploded perspective view of the temperature-regulation receptacle system of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear exploded perspective view of the temperature-regulation receptacle system.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective view of the outside receptacle bottom.

FIG. 4B illustrates a rear elevation view of the outside receptacle bottom.

FIG. 4C illustrates a bottom plan view of the outside receptacle bottom.

FIG. 4D illustrates a top plan view of the outside receptacle bottom.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top perspective view of the condensation receptacle.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front elevation view of the condensation receptacle.

FIG. 5C illustrates a rear elevation view of the condensation receptacle.

FIG. 5D illustrates a top plan view of the condensation receptacle.

FIG. 5E illustrates a bottom plan view of the condensation receptacle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of a ring.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front perspective view of the thermal receptacle.

FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of the thermal receptacle.

FIG. 7C illustrates a rear view of the thermal receptacle.

FIG. 7D illustrates a bottom plan view of the thermal receptacle.

FIG. 7E illustrates a top plan view of the thermal receptacle.

FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of the outside receptacle top.

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear view of the outside receptacle top.

FIG. 8C illustrates a top plan view of the outside receptacle top.

FIG. 8D illustrates a bottom plan view of the outside receptacle top.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a rounded shelf.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are outlined in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other potential features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter. However, it should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and only exhaustive of some possible embodiments.

In an embodiment, a temperature-regulation receptacle system comprises a receptacle system that defines a recess for receiving a vessel, such as a stemless drinking vessel. Stemless glasses for whisky, mocktails, and water can be used. The receptacle system includes an outside receptacle, a condensation receptacle, and a thermal receptacle that is removably coupled to the outside receptacle and condensation receptacle. The receptacle system comprises a top-end portion, a bottom-end portion, an inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion, the top-end portion defining an opening of the recess, wherein at least a portion of the outer wall portion is continuous about the outside receptacle. The inner wall portion of the receptacle system extends between the top-end and bottom-end portions. The inner wall portion has a curved surface between the top end portion and the bottom end portion, and the curved surface contacts the vessel to transfer thermal energy between the receptacle system and the vessel to cool or warm the vessel.

These and other embodiments may each optionally include one or more of the following features. The inner wall may comprise two or more curved surfaces between the top-end and bottom-end portions. A first curved surface of the two or more curved surfaces has a first degree of curvature, and a second curved surface of the two or more curved surfaces has a second degree of curvature, the second degree of curvature differing from the first degree of curvature. The thermal receptacle further includes an egress positioned at the bottom end portion or in the bottom wall of the thermal receptacle. A cavity is defined between the outside receptacle and the thermal receptacle.

In one embodiment, a receptacle system defines a recess for receiving a vessel, such as a stemless drinking vessel. The receptacle system includes an outside receptacle, a condensation receptacle, and a thermal receptacle that is removably coupled to the outside receptacle and condensation receptacle. The receptacle system comprises a top-end portion, a bottom-end portion, an inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion, the top-end portion defining an opening of the recess, wherein at least a portion of the outer wall portion is continuous about the outside receptacle. The inner wall portion of the receptacle system extends between the top-end and bottom-end portions. The inner wall portion has a curved surface between the top end portion and the bottom end portion, and the curved surface contacts the vessel to transfer thermal energy between the receptacle system and the vessel to cool or warm the vessel.

In embodiments, a temperature-regulation receptacle system for controlling and maintaining the temperature of a drink within a drinking vessel can allow for better and more convenient temperature control of the drink and, thereby, better enjoyment of the drink by a user.

A user may pour a drink into a drinking vessel and use the temperature-regulation receptacle system to maintain and control the drink's temperature. For example, a user may cool or warm the receptacle by placing the entire receptacle or one or more parts and/or portions of the receptacle in a freezer or microwave. After waiting for the receptacle or the part of the receptacle to reach a temperature, the user may remove the cooled or warmed receptacle and use the receptacle to hold a drinking vessel containing a drink. As the receptacle holds the drinking vessel, thermal energy is transferred from the drinking vessel to the cooled receptacle or from the heated receptacle to the drinking vessel. By holding the drinking vessel and transferring thermal energy, the receptacle cools or warms the drinking vessel and maintains and controls the drink's temperature, prolonging the time the drink is cool or warm. The receptacle may be releasably attached to a receptacle or stand.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a receptacle system in one embodiment. In the example of FIG. 1, a receptacle system 100 can receive a vessel 102 using an outside receptacle 104 that includes a top portion: outside receptacle top 106, a bottom portion: outside receptacle bottom 108, and an inner portion 112 (FIG. 2). Receptacle system 100 may optionally include rounded shelf 116. Rounded shelf 116 may be removably attached to the outside receptacle top 106.

In an embodiment, components of the receptacle system 100 are curved and/or circular and are designed to form a recess 114 for receiving and holding a stemless drinking vessel, glass, or any other vessel for drinking. The recess 114 may be termed or characterized as an interior recess or central recess. In an embodiment, a center point or axis of recess 114 is coextensive with axial center points of the outside receptacle 104, condensation receptacle, and inner portion. One embodiment is structured using a recess 114 that is relatively shallow and capable of receiving the bottom portion or lower end of a vessel having a low center of gravity when a beverage is in the vessel. The recess can snugly fit vessel 102 or provide a margin or clearance space around the vessel's perimeter. However, the components may be any shape and accommodate any shaped vessel without departing from the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the outside receptacle top 106 comprises at least one side opening 115 formed in a circumferential wall or perimeter wall of the top-end portion. In an embodiment, the side opening 115 extends downwardly from about half to about two-thirds of the height of the circumferential or perimeter wall of the top-end portion and has a width equal to about one-fifth to one-third of the width of the top-end portion. These dimensions are not critical. The side opening 115 facilitates inserting and releasing vessel 102 in the interior recess 114 and provides a clearance area for finger or hand gripping when placing the vessel in the recess or removing the vessel from the recess. The side opening may also facilitate viewing vessel 102 and a drink within vessel 102.

FIG. 2 is a front exploded perspective view of a receptacle system 100. FIG. 3 is a rear exploded perspective view of the receptacle system 100. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, vessel 102 does not form a part of the receptacle system 100 but is shown for context so the system's relationship, in use, can be understood.

Referring first to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, vessel 102 can comprise a whisky glass, water glass, tea or coffee glass, or any other beverage cup, glass, container, or vessel that the system of this disclosure can accommodate, hold, and cool or warm based on the geometry and structure of the parts described in the following sections. In an embodiment, vessel 102 is a glass comprising a cylindrical base 103 integrally formed with a cylindrical barrel 105, the base having a first diameter larger than the second diameter of the barrel. In one embodiment, barrel 105 comprises a middle barrel portion thicker than the upper rim of the barrel and thicker than the bottom thickness of the base 103. Alternatively, base 103 can be heavier than barrel 105 and comprise at least a base portion of solid glass fused to the barrel. “Whisky,” in this context, includes, for purposes of this disclosure, single-malt whisky, blended whiskeys, bourbon, rye, sipping tequila, brandy, cognac, Calvados, and other spirits that typically have an important or valued aromatic component, higher proof or alcohol content than wines, and are enjoyed in smaller quantities, often less than four fluid ounces per serving.

In these specific embodiments, vessel 102 can be a whisky glass. Typically, a whisky glass comprises a base 103 wider than its barrel 105, a middle barrel portion or base 103 that is/are thicker or heavier than its barrel, and a relatively low center of gravity. In conventional use, a wide base 103 enables warming whisky in the glass by holding the base in one hand and, for those who prefer a cool beverage, enables placing a large ice cube (informally a “large rock”) in the glass more easily; at the same time, the barrel concentrates aromatics and directs them toward the human nose when the nose is placed near the rim. “Nosing” whisky in this manner can be as important to users as tasting, sipping, or drinking it. The foregoing characteristics of the typical whisky glass also limit the means of temperature control for the glass. The inventors of the present disclosure have discovered and conceived, in an inventive moment, a relatively squat or low receptacle system 100 that concurrently enables the effective cooling of a vessel 102 having the geometry of a whisky glass and stable seating or holding of glasses having heavier, wider bases 103. These issues do not arise with conventional stemless wine glasses, stemmed wine glasses, and other beverage vessels.

In an embodiment, the outside receptacle top 106 comprises an annular cradle or receptacle capable of receiving and holding vessel 102 in a stable, upright position. The outside receptacle bottom 108 can comprise an annular ring, circular disk, or other floor or plate to provide a rigid and stable surface for mounting the outside receptacle top 106. In an embodiment, a ring 110 may be coupled between the outside receptacle top 106 and the outside receptacle bottom 108. Ring 110 may comprise a thin annular or circular sheet as described elsewhere herein. The outside receptacle bottom 108 can also comprise tabs 332 and 334 or other fasteners for connecting and securing the outside receptacle bottom 108 to the outside receptacle top 106 and ring 110. In an embodiment, ring 110 can comprise a decorative structure between the outside receptacle top 106 and the outside receptacle bottom 108. In some embodiments, ring 110 can be omitted, and the outside receptacle top 106 can directly join the outside receptacle bottom 108. The inner portion 112 includes a thermal receptacle 214 and condensation receptacle 216, as further described below.

In an embodiment, the inner portion 112 has an overall height between 5% and 25% of the height of vessel 102 from its base or bottom to its rim or top. Conversely, when vessel 102 is in the inner portion 112, the perimeter walls of the inner portion 112 contact only base 103 or a base portion of the vessel 102 and do not contact the upper walls of a barrel 105 of the vessel. Typically, the height of the inner portion 112 will be coextensive with the level of a beverage or fluid in the vessel. In the case of whisky and other beverages that are typically placed in the vessel and consumed in small quantities, the foregoing geometry contributes efficiency by avoiding needless thermal transfer between the inner portion and an empty portion of the vessel 102 or with portions of the vessel that will never be used to hold a beverage. Furthermore, when viewed via FIG. 1 or side elevations, the outside receptacle, inner portion 112, and outside receptacle bottom 108 are elongated horizontally and lack upwardly curved or cuplike portions; structures with these forms contribute efficiency by forming a receptacle system that focuses thermal transfer on the lower quarter, or less, of a vessel that typically holds a beverage or fluid only in the lower 25% or less of the vessel.

With the receptacle system 100, a user can control the temperature of a drink or other liquid in vessel 102 by placing the vessel in recess 114 of the outside receptacle 104. For example, the receptacle system 100 can be chilled or warmed, causing the thermal receptacle to retain or maintain a temperature that is cooler or warmer than the ambient temperature. By placing a vessel in recess 114, thermal transfer can occur between the receptacle system 100 and a fluid, liquid, or beverage in vessel 102, causing the fluid to cool or warm as needed.

In an embodiment, receptacle system 100 comprises an outside receptacle top 106, a thermal receptacle 214, a condensation receptacle 216, an outside receptacle bottom 108, and a ring 110. The thermal receptacle 214 may be removably coupled to the outside receptacle top 106, condensation receptacle 216, and outside receptacle bottom 108. The outside receptacle top 106 and outside receptacle bottom 108 may be integrally formed as one piece or separate pieces that form the outside receptacle 104, as described above in FIG. 1. The outside receptacle 104 may also include a ring 110 that is placed between the outside receptacle top 106 and the outside receptacle bottom 108. FIG. 2 shows these parts are generally round or circular to accommodate and retain vessel 102, typically with a round shape or at least a round base. FIG. 3 illustrates the same assembly sequence in a rear perspective view format.

During the use of the receptacle system 100, condensation may form on the thermal receptacle 214, e.g., when the temperature of the thermal receptacle 214 differs from that of room temperature. To reduce unwanted user contact with condensation, the thermal receptacle 214 and other components of the receptacle system 100 may funnel such condensation into the condensation receptacle 216.

Condensation may also form on the outside receptacle 104, specifically, the outside receptacle top 106. To reduce unwanted user contact with condensation, the receptacle system 100 may also funnel such condensation into the condensation receptacle 216 and/or the outside receptacle bottom 108. Specifically, the condensation that forms on the outside receptacle top 106, particularly in bottom region 818 of the outside receptacle top 106, may be captured by the condensation receptacle 216 and/or a reservoir in the outside receptacle bottom 108. As the condensation forms on bottom region 818, the condensation may be directed by gravity or capillary action toward the outside receptacle bottom 108. The condensation may then become deposited within the outside receptacle bottom 108.

When assembled, the outside receptacle 104 surrounds the inner portion 112, comprising the condensation receptacle 216 and the thermal receptacle 214. At least parts of the inner portion 112 may be releasably attached to the outside receptacle 104. The inner portion 112 holds the vessel 102 when the receptacle system 100 is assembled. The outside receptacle 104 may be disassembled for storage, cooling the thermal receptacle 214, and/or cleaning thermal receptacle 214 and vessel 102. In an embodiment, the outside receptacle bottom 108 comprises a fixed tab 332, movable tab 334, and button 330. Fixed tab 332 and movable tab 334 may interface with outside receptacle top 106. When button 330 is pressed, movable tab 334 may move away from receptacle top 106 so that outside receptacle 104 may be disassembled and inner portion 112 may be removed from outside receptacle 104. In other embodiments, the outside receptacle bottom 108 may be coupled to the outside receptacle top 106 with magnets, a press fit, or a twist-to-unlock interface.

In an embodiment, the outside receptacle top 106 comprises drain opening 320. Drain opening may be formed as a may be formed as a rectangular, square, circular, or elliptical slot. Condensation may accumulate within the receptacle system 100 in condensation receptacle 216. When receptacle system 100 is turned such that drain opening 320 is pointed downwards, accumulated condensation may be directed (e.g., due to gravitational force), out of condensation receptacle 216 and receptacle system 100 through drain opening 320. In this embodiment, condensation may be removed from receptacle system 100 without requiring disassembly of receptacle system 100.

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4D illustrate a front perspective, rear elevation, bottom view, and top view of an outside receptacle bottom. The outside receptacle bottom 108 provides a base for supporting the other components of the receptacle system 100. In an embodiment, the outside receptacle bottom 108 comprises curved indentation 402, an outer wall 408, and a bottom 410. In an embodiment, indentation 402 is positioned around the outer wall 408 of the outside receptacle bottom 108 and may be elongated and laterally arcuate or curved. Indentation 402 may extend around a majority of the outer diameter of the outer wall 408. Alternatively, the indentation 402 may comprise angled linear slots or use another form. Indentation 402 may provide clearance space for a finger or hand grip when picking up receptacle system 100. In other embodiments, the outside receptacle bottom 108 may comprise two or more indentations 402. In other embodiments, indentation 402 may be omitted. The outer wall 408 and bottom 410 form a cavity 406 or void. The cavity 406 may hold the condensation receptacle 216 and thermal receptacle 214. Alternatively, or in addition, cavity 406 may include material for absorbing condensation or may form a reservoir that holds condensation.

The outside receptacle bottom 108 may include openings 420 and 422. Openings 420 and 422 may pass entirely through bottom 410 and receive feet 530 and 532 of condensation receptacle 216. Openings 420 and 422 may match the shapes and positions of feet 530 and 532 so that feet 530 and 532 snugly fit openings 420 and 422 when the condensation receptacle is placed inside cavity 406. In an embodiment, openings 420 and 422 are positioned on opposite sides of the outside receptacle bottom 108 and may be elongated and laterally arcuate or curved. Alternatively, the openings 420 and 422 may comprise a plurality of circular holes, angled linear slots, or other forms.

In an embodiment, the outside receptacle bottom 108 comprises a fixed tab 332 and movable tab 334 that couple the outside receptacle bottom 108 to the outside receptacle top 106. Fixed tab 332 and movable tab 334 may be integral with outside receptacle bottom 108. The outside receptacle bottom 108 may comprise flexible region 424 below movable tab 334. Flexible region 424 may comprise a portion of the outside receptacle bottom 108 with a reduced thickness, allowing the flexible region 424 to bend. The outside receptacle bottom 108 may comprise button 330. In an embodiment, when button 330 is pressed, flexible region 424 bends to hinge movable tab 334. When movable tab 334 hinges, it may decouple the outside receptacle bottom 108 from the outside receptacle top 106.

In an embodiment, the outside receptacle bottom 108 comprises a plurality of tabs 440. The plurality of tabs 440 may connect and secure ring 110 to the outside receptacle bottom 108. The plurality of tabs 440 may pass through and protrude from openings 608 in ring 110 to contact the outside receptacle top 106. The plurality of tabs 440 may align the outside receptacle top 106 with the outside receptacle bottom 108. In other embodiments, the plurality of tabs 440 may couple the outside receptacle bottom 108 to the outside receptacle top 106.

In an embodiment, the outside receptacle bottom 108 may include optional absorptive material similar to the condensation receptacle 216. The absorbent material, when present, may absorb any condensation that is not absorbed by the condensation receptacle. Further, the outside receptacle bottom 108 may include material on its base or, in general, may be formed of or include material that protects the material of a surface the receptacle system 100 is placed on, such as a table, as well as preventing the unintended movement of the receptacle system 100. For example, the outside receptacle bottom 108 may include a layer of polypropylene, cork, neoprene, or a plurality of individual feet of non-skid material. Alternatively, or in addition, the outside receptacle bottom 108 may comprise a material that exhibits a high level of friction with other surfaces. In some examples, the outside receptacle bottom 108 can include feet, portions, surfaces, or other elements formed from one or more of thermoplastics, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPU (thermoplastic urethane), silicone, rubber, foam rubber, cork, cork/rubber composite, vinyl foam, polyethylene foam, neoprene, urethane, felt/natural and synthetic fiber, low-durometer coating, and/or High Coefficient of Friction (COF) coatings/materials. In some examples, the outside receptacle bottom 108 is formed from any combination of thermoplastics, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPU (thermoplastic urethane), silicone, rubber, foam rubber, cork, cork/rubber composite, vinyl foam, polyethylene foam, neoprene, urethane, felt/natural and synthetic fiber, low-durometer coating, and/or High Coefficient of Friction (COF) coatings/materials.

In an embodiment, ring 110 may comprise a flexible tab (not shown). When the receptacle system 100, particularly the outside receptacle top 106, is coupled with the outside receptacle bottom 108, the ring 110 may be coupled with the flexible tab to the outside receptacle top 106. Specifically, the flexible tab may be positioned within an indentation in the outside receptacle top 106 (not shown). As a result, the outside receptacle top 106 may be coupled snugly or tightly to the outside receptacle bottom 108 so that the outside receptacle bottom 108 supports the receptacle system 100, including standing the receptacle system 100 upright. The outside receptacle bottom 108 is releasably attached to the outside receptacle top 106 to form the outside receptacle 104.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective view of the condensation receptacle. FIG. 5B illustrates a front elevation view of the condensation receptacle. FIG. 5C illustrates a rear elevation view of the condensation receptacle. FIG. 5D illustrates a top plan view of the condensation receptacle. FIG. 5E illustrates a bottom plan view of the condensation receptacle. Referring first to FIG. 5A, in an embodiment, the condensation receptacle 216 comprises bottom 510 and sidewall 512. Bottom 510 may have an upper surface 511 and a lower surface 513. The condensation receptacle 216 may also comprise an indentation 504 on upper surface 511 of bottom 510 for aligning with the thermal receptacle 214 and/or funneling condensation from the thermal receptacle 214 into a condensation receptacle 216. Indentation 504 can be cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, or structured as an open slot or polyhedron.

The condensation receptacle 216 may include opening 506, allowing viewing of vessel 102 through the condensation receptacle 216 and thermal receptacle 214. The opening 206 may be formed to follow the perimeter of side opening 115 such that opening 506 and side opening 115 are aligned when receptacle system 100 is assembled. In some examples, the opening 206 may be formed as a U-shaped, square, or rectangular slot. The opening 506 also facilitates the removal and insertion of vessel 102. The opening 506 can provide finger space for manual removal and serves as an area of no contact with vessel 102 to allow removing the vessel with less force than a continuous or uninterrupted perimeter wall.

The condensation receptacle 216 may include a second opening 508. The second opening, 508, may be a U-shaped, rectangular, square, circular, or elliptical slot. The second opening 508 may have the same shape as drain opening 320. The second opening 508 may be positioned such that second opening 508 and drain opening 320 are aligned when receptacle system 100 is assembled. The second opening 508 facilities draining condensation from the condensation receptacle 216. When receptacle system 100 is turned such that the second opening 508 and the drain opening 320 are pointed downwards, accumulated condensation may be directed by gravity or capillary action out of condensation receptacle 216 and receptacle system 100 through the second opening 508 and the drain opening 320. When receptacle system 100 is assembled, condensation receptacle 216 may be pressed into outside receptacle top 106 as a gasket. This may facilitate the formation of a seal such that accumulated condensation may be directed through the second opening 508 and the drain opening 320 instead of other directions.

The condensation receptacle 216 may include ridges 520. Ridges may be linear, arcuate, circular, or other shapes. In an embodiment, ridges 520 may be radially arranged around the perimeter of upper surface 511 of bottom 510. Ridges may extend from upper surface 511 up to sidewall 512. In an embodiment, ridges 520 may separate bottom 510 and sidewall 512 from thermal receptacle 214 when the receptacle system 100 is assembled. Separating bottom 510 and sidewall 512 from thermal receptacle 214 may create space where condensation can accumulate. Separating bottom 510 and sidewall 512 from thermal receptacle 214 may also create a thermal barrier between the condensation receptacle 216 and the thermal receptacle 214 to further reduce or minimize condensation on one or both of the condensation receptacle 216 and/or thermal receptacle 214.

In an embodiment, the condensation receptacle 216 may include feet 530 and 532. In an embodiment, feet 530 and 532 are positioned on opposite sides of the lower surface 513 of bottom 510 and may be elongated and laterally arcuate or curved. Alternatively, feet 530 and 532 may comprise a plurality of circular holes, angled linear slots, or other forms. In an embodiment, when the condensation receptacle 216 is placed inside the outside receptacle bottom 108, feet 530 and 532 may fit through openings 420 and 422. Feet 530 and 532 may provide a non-slip surface on the underside of receptacle system 100.

In some examples, the condensation receptacle 216 is formed from any combination of thermoplastics, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPU (thermoplastic urethane), silicone, rubber, foam rubber, cork, cork/rubber composite, vinyl foam, polyethylene foam, neoprene, urethane, felt/natural and synthetic fiber, low-durometer coating, and/or High Coefficient of Friction (COF) coatings/materials. The condensation receptacle 216 may be configured to provide a thermal barrier between the outside receptacle 104 and the thermal receptacle 214 to further reduce or minimize condensation on one or both of the outside receptacle 104 and/or thermal receptacle 214.

In an embodiment, a condensation receptacle 216 may include an absorbent and/or insulating material such as, but not limited to, cork, neoprene, felt, another material comprised of natural or unnatural fibers, and/or any combination thereof. The condensation receptacle 216 may be positioned within a cavity between the outside receptacle 104 and the thermal receptacle 214. The condensation receptacle 216 may be configured to collect, absorb, and/or capture condensation at the inner surface of the thermal receptacle 214, the inner surface of the outside receptacle 104, or both.

In an embodiment, the condensation receptacle 216 may comprise a pass-through opening (not shown) formed as a U-shaped, square, or rectangular slot or opening to receive a flexible tab (not shown) on the ring 110 and/or outside receptacle top 106. The pass-through opening may comprise a slightly outwardly projecting wall capable of snugly engaging a corresponding protrusion of the outside receptacle top. The engagement of these parts can form a tight, snap-fit arrangement to hold the parts together while enabling disassembly for cleaning or inspection.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a ring. In an embodiment, a ring 110 is placed between the outside receptacle top 106 and the outside receptacle bottom 108 when the receptacle system 100 is assembled. While the term “decorative ring” can be used as a convenient label, the ring also may have functions and need not be solely ornamental. The ring 110 may comprise two semicircles, 602 and 604, or a single continuous ring of material. In some embodiments, the decorative ring may include a plurality of openings, e.g., 608, or alternatively, the openings, e.g., 608, may take the form of indentations for connecting and securing the ring 110 to the outside receptacle bottom 108 and/or outside receptacle top 106.

In an alternative embodiment, the ring 110 may include a flexible tab to interface with indentations and a protrusion of the outside receptacle top 106. The flexible tab may include a stem portion corresponding to the indentation and protrusion of the outside receptacle top 106. In one or more embodiments, the outside receptacle top 106 includes an indentation to receive the flexible tab. The indentation consists of a first indentation that receives a stem of the flexible tab and a protrusion received in a corresponding opening or indentation in the flexible tab. The flexible tab may be located on the ring 110 or as a part of the outside receptacle bottom 108. The flexible tab may include a contacting member or a pass-through whole that interfaces with the protrusion and is supported by a stem that may be inserted in the first indentation. The protrusion may be which is received in an opening or indentation in the flexible tab of ring 110 and may be circular or any other geometric shape. The flexible tab may connect ring 110 to the outside receptacle top 106 in the bottom region 818 of the outside receptacle top 106. The outside receptacle top 106 may include two or more indentations for receiving two or more flexible tabs, positioned in any configuration about the outside receptacle top 106 and ring 110.

In an embodiment, the ring 110 may include a flexible tab (not shown). The flexible tab may be flexible or rotatable, and when a force is exerted on the flexible tab (e.g., by a user), the flexible tab may bend in such a way as to secure the ring 110 and the outside receptacle top 106 together. A continuing force applied by a user to the flexible tab may facilitate the separation of the outside receptacle top 106 and the thermal receptacle 214. That is, the continuing force a user applies to the flexible tab may decouple and facilitate overcoming any coupling forces between thermal receptacle 214 and outside receptacle 104 such that separation of thermal receptacle 214 and outside receptacle 104 is facilitated. Alternatively, in some examples, the thermal receptacle 214 is permanently coupled to the outside receptacle 104, and the flexible tab may not facilitate the coupling of the thermal receptacle 214 and outside receptacle 104.

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, FIG. 7D, and FIG. 7E illustrate thermal receptacle 214. The thermal receptacle 214 may be similar in shape to the outside receptacle top 106 and the condensation receptacle 216. The thermal receptacle 214 controls or maintains the temperature of vessel 102 and/or a liquid, such as a drink contained by vessel 102, by contacting the drinking vessel 102. By contacting the drinking vessel 102, the thermal receptacle 214 may efficiently transfer thermal energy between the thermal receptacle 214, the vessel 102, and the liquid and/or drink.

The thermal receptacle 214 is detachable from the outside receptacle top 106 and outside receptacle bottom 108. The thermal receptacle 214 may be placed in an external device that functions as a cooling environment, such as but not limited to a freezer or refrigerator. Alternatively, the thermal receptacle 214 may be placed in an external device that functions as a heating environment, such as but not limited to an oven, microwave, or heat lamp. The thermal receptacle 214 may be placed in the external device without the outside receptacle top 106, condensation receptacle 216, ring 110, and outside receptacle bottom 108. The cooling and heating environments may be any environment where the temperature is below or above room temperature. In some embodiments, other components of the temperature-regulation receptacle system 100, such as the condensation receptacle 216, outside receptacle top 106, and outside receptacle bottom 108, may also be detached and placed in the cooling or heating environment.

The thermal receptacle 214 includes an outer surface 712 and an inner surface 713. The inner surface 713 surrounds reservoir 716, where vessel 102 may be inserted; thus, vessel 102 contacts the inner surface 713 to facilitate thermal transfer. The outer surface 712 contacts either the condensation receptacle 216 or the surface of the inner wall 814 of the outside receptacle 104. The inner surface 713 may comprise two or more curved surfaces 710 and 718 with first and second degrees of curvature or a continuously changing curved surface. The first and second curved surfaces, 710 and 718, can have the same or differing degrees of curvature. The inner surface 713 may have more or fewer curved surfaces and may be shaped to correspond to vessel 102.

The thermal receptacle 214 also includes an opening 702, corresponding to the side opening 115. The thermal receptacle may include an egress 708 in the bottom serving as a weep hole. The egress 708 may extend through the bottom of the thermal receptacle 214 to the condensation receptacle 216 to pass condensation to the condensation receptacle 216 and/or the outside receptacle bottom 108. Generally, any curves or indentations of the outside receptacle top 106 have corresponding curves and/or indentations in the thermal receptacle 214 and/or condensation receptacle 216. Alternatively, both the outside receptacle top 106 and thermal receptacle 214 may be of a different shape, having more or fewer curves and/or angles as required for aesthetic reasons or for holding vessels 102 of different shapes and/or sizes.

Specifically, the condensation that forms on the thermal receptacle 214, and in particular, the inner surface 120 of the thermal receptacle 214 as well as the vessel 102, may be directed (e.g., due to gravitational force), captured in the reservoir 716, and funneled through egress 608 to the condensation receptacle 216 and/or the outside receptacle bottom 108.

The thermal receptacle 214 may also comprise a notch 720. Notch 720 may align with a particular ridge from among the ridges 520. When receptacle system 100 is assembled, the ridge from ridges 520 may fit within notch 720 to reduce relative motion between thermal receptacle 214 and condensation receptacle 216. Notch 720 may be linear or curved. In some embodiments, notch 720 may be omitted.

The thermal receptacle 214 may be formed from a solid or substantially solid material. In some examples, the thermal receptacle 214 may be at least partially hollow and/or include a cavity. The thermal receptacle 214 may be configured to allow for efficient and long-lasting temperature control, insulation, or a combination thereof, of vessel 102 and/or the liquid contained by the vessel. For example, the thermal receptacle 214 or its inner cavity may contain a liquid solution. When frozen, the liquid solution may freeze or chill, increasing the time and degree of drink temperature control and maintenance.

The inner cavity of the thermal receptacle 214 may be defined between an inner surface 713 and the outer surface 712 of the thermal receptacle. The inner cavity 714 of the thermal receptacle 214 may allow for longer temperature retention of the receptacle, thereby increasing the time the temperature of a drink is controlled. The inner cavity 714 of the thermal receptacle 214 may contain and carry air or gasses. The inner cavity 714 of the thermal receptacle 214 may include an evacuated chamber. The evacuated chamber in the inner cavity 714 of the thermal receptacle 214 may have a pressure less than 600 Torr, less than 10⁻¹ Torr, less than 10⁻² Torr, less than 10⁻³ Torr, or less than 10⁻⁴ Torr. The inner cavity 614 of the thermal receptacle 214 may contain and carry solids, such as Styrofoam or plastic-coated wood. The inner cavity 714 of the thermal receptacle 214 may contain and carry a liquid solution such that the inner cavity 714 of the thermal receptacle 214 is partially or completely filled. The liquid solution may include water, gel such as alcohol gel, a solute, or a combination thereof. A liquid solution in the inner cavity 714 of the thermal receptacle 214 may have a freezing point greater than or less than the temperature of household freezers. For example, in a non-limiting example, the freezing point may be less than −18 degrees Celsius, or it may have a higher freezing point than water (greater than 0 degrees Celsius) or any other freezing point. The inner cavity 714 of the thermal receptacle 214 may include an expansion area, allowing room for a solution to expand such that a frozen solution does not exert sufficient pressure on the boundaries of the inner cavity 614 to damage the receptacle.

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, and FIG. 8D illustrate the outside receptacle top 106. The outside receptacle top 106 comprises an annular, circumferential perimeter wall 809 with an opening 806 formed as opposite downwardly angled wall portions 811 and a horizontal portion 813 joining the angled wall portions. The wall portions 811 and horizontal portion 813 thus form an opening that is spaced apart from the top surface 812 of the outside receptacle top 106. The spacing of the opening 806 from the top surface 812 allows the user to view vessel 102 or a fluid in the vessel. However, because the horizontal portion 813 has a linear dimension of about one-third of the diameter of the outside receptacle top 106, the opening 806 does not negatively impact the temperature control and maintenance benefits of the receptacle system 100. The opening 806 may have any specific geometric shape and is not limited to those shown in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, and FIG. 8D.

In some embodiments, a portion of the outside receptacle top 106 is continuous about the thermal receptacle 214 and/or condensation receptacle 216. The outside receptacle top 106 includes an inner wall 814 and an outer wall 816, with the inner wall 814 continuous about the thermal receptacle 214. Specifically, a bottom region 818 below the opening 806 of the outside receptacle top 106 is continuous and surrounds the thermal receptacle 214. In contrast, above this, region 820, which forms part of the side opening 115, allows for viewing vessel 102. In other words, the outside receptacle top 106, as well as the thermal receptacle 214 and condensation receptacle 216, are contiguous at the bottom region 818 around the perimeter of the receptacle system 100 and are independent of any breaks about the circumference of the receptacle system 100 and the outer wall 816 and the inner wall 814.

In some embodiments, the outside receptacle 104 may include indentations on the top surface 812 such as relatively short arcuate linear channels that can accept and hold another object, such as a cigar or other smoking article. One, two, or more such indentations can be provided. Such an embodiment with one or more cigar rests or indentations is appropriate when vessel 102 is used with whisky, as users commonly enjoy whisky and cigars together. The indentations may have any specific geometric shape. In embodiments where outside receptacle 104 includes top surface indentations, thermal receptacle 214 may also include multiple curved indentations. Generally, any curves or indentations of the outside receptacle top 106 have corresponding curves and/or indentations in the thermal receptacle 214 and/or condensation receptacle 216. The indentations can be omitted in other embodiments.

The outside receptacle top 106 may also include an indentation for receiving a flexible tab from the ring 110. By placing the flexible tab in the indentation and having the flexible tab receive a protrusion in an opening of the flexible tab, the receptacle system 100 may be held together when used and easily taken apart for cleaning, storage, or other purposes. In some embodiments, the flexible tab may be releasable from the corresponding indentation by pressing the protrusion.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of a rounded shelf 116. Rounded shelf 116 may comprise a relatively short semi-cylindrical channel 902 that can accept and hold another object, such as a cigar or other smoking article. Such an embodiment with one or more cigar rests or shelves is appropriate when vessel 102 is used with whisky, as users commonly enjoy whisky and cigars together. Rounded shelf 116 may have any specific geometric shape and is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 9.

Rounded shelf 116 may also comprise hooked tabs 904. Hooked tabs 904 may interface with the top surface 812 of the outside receptacle top 106. Hooked tabs 904 may hold rounded shelf 116 in place on top of outside receptacle top 106 when a downward force is applied to the semi-cylindrical channel 902. The downward force may be provided by the weight of a smoking article, such as a cigar. Rounded shelf 116 may comprise 2 hooked tabs 904, as shown in FIG. 9. In other embodiments, rounded shelf 116 may comprise a single hooked tab or more than two hooked tabs. Hooked tabs 904 may be removably attached to the top surface 812 of the outside receptacle top 106. In other embodiments, rounded shelf 116 may be removably attached to the outside receptacle top 106 with other attachment features, such as magnets, screws, or bolts. In other embodiments, rounded shelf 116 may be permanently coupled to the outside receptacle top 106 or formed integrally with the outside receptacle top 106. In other embodiments, rounded shelf 116 may be omitted.

In some examples, the outside receptacle bottom 108 may also include magnetic members (not shown) that correspond to the magnetic members of the outside receptacle top 106 to removably couple the outside receptacle top 106 to the outside receptacle bottom 108. In some examples, the outside receptacle bottom 108 may be formed at least partially or wholly from a magnetic metal, a magnetic-based material, a composition of magnetic material and other non-magnetic material, or any combination thereof. When the outside receptacle top 106 is positioned proximate to the outside receptacle bottom 108, the corresponding sets of magnetic members and/or the magnetic material of the outside receptacle top 106 and outside receptacle bottom 108 may be positioned proximate to one another such that the magnetic members apply a magnetic coupling between the outside receptacle top 106 and outside receptacle bottom 108. As such, the outside receptacle top 106 is removably coupled to the outside receptacle bottom 108 via magnetic force. This allows them to be easily secured together or un-secured without using flexible tab 706 or in addition to flexible tab 706.

Further, the thermal receptacle 214 may also, at least partially, include a magnetic material or be formed from a magnetic material. When the outside receptacle 104 includes magnetic embers (not shown) or is made of magnetic material, the thermal receptacle 214 may be removably coupled to the outside receptacle 104. For example, the surface of the inner wall 814 of the outside receptacle top 106 may include magnetic members. When the thermal receptacle 214 is positioned proximate to the outside receptacle 104, the magnetic members of the outside receptacle top 106 may apply a magnetic coupling with the magnetic material of the thermal receptacle 214. As such, the thermal receptacle 214 is removably coupled to the outside receptacle 104 via magnetic forces between the magnetic members of the outside receptacle 104 and the magnetic material of the thermal receptacle 214.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.