INSULATED BEVERAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

Various aspects of double walled beverage containers are disclosed. Such a beverage container can have transparent walls so that a beverage within the container can be viewed from outside of the container yet while a chamber between the double walls insulates the beverage. A valve can help generate and maintain a vacuum within the chamber to further insulate the beverage. The walls and/or bridge of the beverage container can be swapped with those of different designs so that a user can customize the beverage container. A module can be located within the chamber to provide a dynamic display and/or heat or cool the beverage. The module can be powered from outside of the beverage container.

Description

BACKGROUND

Vacuum insulated containers are used for keeping beverages and other consumables hot or cold. A double-walled container having a vacuum chamber between the two walls can keep a beverage cold or hot for hours by minimizing loss of heat through the double walls due to the intermediary vacuum chamber through which thermal energy is significantly inhibited in crossing. The dual walls are made from metal layers and the vacuum chamber is factory sealed. The result is that conventional vacuum insulated containers have inner and outer walls which are completely opaque.

SUMMARY

Metal walled, vacuum insulated beverage containers are robust but do not allow for the viewing of the beverage from the side of the container. This is unfortunate because people enjoying seeing their beverages. Moreover, factory sealing prevents customization of the beverage container. Furthermore, factory sealing prevents access to the chamber, which otherwise could accommodate various features.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure concern double-walled, insulated beverage containers with transparent walls which allow viewing of the beverage. A valve may be present to seal the insulation chamber and a pump may be used to generate a vacuum within the insulation chamber to enhance the thermal insulation performance of the insulation chamber. The valve allows the insulation chamber to be accessed and/or the walls or top of the beverage container to be swapped with other options to allow for customization of the beverage container. The valve can be used to re-develop the vacuum within the insulation chamber. The double walls can be formed from various materials, such as glass and/or plastic, which can provide various advantages over metal walls in addition to being transparent. The accessibility of the insulation chamber also allows placement of various components within the chamber, such as a heater, cooler, and/or dynamic graphic elements (e.g., a screen viewable through transparent walls). A nonmetal beverage container allows the beverage inside to be microwaved for convenient heating without removal of the beverage from the beverage container. Also, metal is an excellent conductor of heat, so the inner tubular vertical wall in a conventional metal vacuum insulated beverage container is a path for rapid heat conduction to atmosphere. Polymer and/or glass, as proposed herein for the inner tubular wall, are both more resistant to heat conduction than metal.

These and other aspects are presented herein, and it is noted that the inventive aspects of this disclosure is not necessarily limited to just those printed in this summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view for a beverage container.

FIG. 2 shows partial disassembly of the beverage container of FIG. 1 into a retainer and a container body.

FIG. 3 shows a disassembly of the container body of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the beverage container of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an outer shell of the beverage container of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an inner container of the beverage container of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a beverage container.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 7 in an open state.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the beverage container of FIGS. 7-8 with removal of a retainer from a retainer body.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the beverage container of FIGS. 7-9.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an outer shell of the beverage container of FIGS. 7-10.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an inner container of the beverage container of FIGS. 7-9.

FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of the beverage container of FIGS. 7-9.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a beverage container.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an outer shell of the beverage container of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an inner container of the beverage container of FIGS. 14-15.

FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of the beverage container of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 shows cross sectional view of a beverage container.

FIG. 19 shows disassembly of the beverage container of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 shows a cross sectional view of a beverage container and a pump.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show detailed cross sectional views of the beverage container and pump of FIG. 20.

FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 show a cross section of a beverage container with exchangeable tops.

FIG. 26 shows a cross section of a beverage container with a base having an integrated valve.

FIG. 27 shows a cross section of a beverage container with an accessory module.

FIG. 28 shows a cross section of a beverage container with an accessory module that receives power across an insulation chamber.

FIG. 29 shows a cross section of a beverage container with an accessory module that with a dynamic graphical display.

While the above-identified figures set forth embodiments of the present inventions, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the inventions by way of representation of possibilities and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the inventions. The figures may not be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present invention may include features, steps and/or components not specifically shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure uses multiple examples to demonstrate various inventive aspects. The inventive scope of this disclosure is not necessarily limited to any one of these embodiments, nor to all of them in just the manner shown and/or described. Rather, the inventive aspects demonstrated herein can be implemented in various other containers. One aspect or feature shown or described from one embodiment could be implemented on another embodiment in this disclosure even if not shown or described for that embodiment, or various embodiments not illustrated herein. The embodiments illustrated and/or discussed are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and the described and/or illustrated features can be mixed and matched between different embodiments, including between the different figures as illustrated, but including and excluding various features amongst the embodiments.

The present disclosure makes use of multiple embodiments to demonstrate various inventive aspects. The embodiments use similar reference numbers and/or descriptions of the components and aspects. An aspect (material, dimensions, functions, relationship to other aspects, etc.) of a component shown and/or described in connection with one embodiment can be present in a similar component of another embodiment even if not explicitly shown or described for the another embodiment, particularly but not exclusively for components of similar reference numbers. For the sake of brevity, such common aspects may not be repeated for each embodiment, but may nevertheless be applicable between embodiments.

For the purpose of facilitating discussion, the following embodiments are discussed in terms of containing a liquid beverage such as water, soda, beer, milk, coffee, and other drink options, however these and other teachings can apply to embodiments for containing any scoopable heat sensitive beverages such as soup, yogurt, and ice cream, amongst other foodstuffs.

FIG. 1 shows a beverage container 1. The beverage container 1 includes a retainer 2 and a container body 3. The retainer 2 can be a cap or lid. In various embodiments, the container 1 does not include a retainer 2. As further explained herein, the container body 3 can hold a beverage. The retainer 2 can retain the beverage within the container body 3 or can contain other structures with respect to the beverage container 1. In this embodiment, the retainer 2 includes an aperture 10 through which the beverage can be withdrawn from the container body 3. The aperture 10 can be a hole, tube (e.g., straw), and/or valve. A closure can interface with the aperture 10, such as a plug or cover, to seal and unseal the retainer 2 to allow removal of the beverage.

The container body 3 includes the top end 4 and the bottom end 5. The container body 3 can generally be divided into 3 axial sections, each representing a respective third of the axial height of the container body 3. For example, the top end 4 can be a top third of the container body 3, the bottom end 5 can be a bottom third of the container body 3, and a middle section can be the middle third of the container body 3.

The container body 3 comprises an outer shell 7 and an inner container 8. In this and in various other embodiments, both of the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 are transparent with respect to light in the visible spectrum to allow the beverage inside of the container body 3 to be viewed from outside of the container body 3, particular from the side. While being transparent, the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 can still include coloration, shading, coatings, graphics, and patterns (any of which are referred to herein as visual elements), while still allowing viewing of the beverage from outside of the container body 3 through or past the visual elements. In some embodiments, the outer shell 7 may include the visual elements while the inner container 8 does not, or alternatively the inner container 8 may include visual elements while the outer shell 7 is not. The outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 may include respective visual elements which are different but complement one another, such as graphics which together form a pattern or picture or have two different colors that when radially overlapped create the visual effect of a third color. For example, the inner container 8 may include a background graphic while the outer shell 8 may include foreground characters.

A chamber 9 is formed between the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8. As further explained herein, a vacuum can be developed within the chamber 9 to thermally insulate the beverage within the inner container 8. The chamber 9 both radially surrounds the inner container 8 circumferentially and is axially below the inner container 8 on the lower end 5.

The container body 3 further includes a valve 6 which can be used to remove gas (e.g., air) from the chamber 9 to develop the vacuum and/or maintain the vacuum once developed.

FIG. 2 shows disassembly of the beverage container 1, with the retainer 2 having been dismounted from the container body 3. As shown, removal of the retainer 2 exposes a hold 12 within the container body 3. The hold 12 can be defined by the inner container 8 and can be configured for holding a beverage, such as by not including any seams or having all seams leak proof. The container body 3 includes a lip 13 which can define the top annular surface of the container body 3. The lip 13 can be the surface which a user's lips directly contact with sipping from the container body 3 (e.g., without the retainer 2). The lip 13 may define the opening into the hold 12.

The retainer 2 includes the bottom portion having a seal 17 which extends below the lip 13 into the hold 12. The seal 17 can be a ring, such as an O-ring or gasket to help seal the annular interface between the retainer 2 and an inner circumferential surface of the container body 3 below the lip 13 from the leakage of beverage pasts the annular interface.

FIG. 3 illustrates disassembly of the container body 3. The inner container 8 moves axially upward out an opening on the top end 4 of the outer shell 7. The inner container 8 is formed by an inner tubular sidewall 15 and an upper floor 16. The inner tubular sidewall 15 and the upper floor 16 can be a contiguous piece of a material with no seam therebetween. The entirety of the inner container 8 can be formed from a single piece of contiguous material with no seam. Alternatively, the inner tubular sidewall 15 and the upper floor 16 can be formed from different materials or two pieces of the same type of material joined together at an annular seam.

The outer shell 7 is formed from an outer tubular sidewall 18 and a lower floor 19. The outer tubular sidewall 18 and the lower floor 19 can be a contiguous piece of material with no seam therebetween. The entirety of the outer shell 7 can be formed from a single piece of contiguous material with no seam. Alternatively, the outer tubular sidewall 18 and the lower floor 19 can be formed from different materials or two pieces of the same type of material joined together at an annular seam.

The inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 can be connected together, but are not formed from a contiguous material. Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments, the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 are formed from different types of materials with different properties. In various embodiments, the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 are connectable and disconnectable from each other as the user desires, but are not permanently attached to each other (e.g., material must be broken to disassemble from a permanently attached state), such as by welding.

Fastening 14 can connect the inner container 8 to the outer shell 7. In this embodiment, the outer shell 7 includes fastening 14A formed on an interior of the outer tubular sidewall 18, and the inner container 8 includes fastening 14B formed on an exterior of the inner tubular sidewall 15. When the inner container 8 is received within the outer shell 7, the fastenings 14A and 14B can align with each other to interface to connect the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 together. The fastenings 14A and 14B (or any other fastening referenced herein) can be threading, snap fit, press fit, ridges and grooves, friction fit, latch, magnetic, or other mechanism which connect an inner annular part to an outer annular part. Threading, as referenced herein, can be full turn threading (i.e. a thread circles the who circumference at least once) or partial turn threading, such as quarter turn threading which requires only a quarter turn to secure.

FIG. 3 shows an aperture 21 in the lower floor 19 of the outer shell 7. The aperture 21 can be a hole extending through the outer shell 7. The valve 6 can reside at least partially within the aperture 21. Removal of the valve 6 from the aperture 21 would compromise the vacuum within the chamber 9. But the valve 6 can seal the aperture 21 to selectively let gas pass into and out of the chamber 9 to develop and/or maintain the vacuum condition within the chamber 9.

FIG. 3 also shows a seal 11. In this embodiment the seal 11 is a ring. The seal 11 can annularly seal the chamber 9 on the top end 4 to maintain the vacuum. Seal 11 can be a type of polymer, such as silicone, rubber, urethane, or other compressible and resilient polymer. The seal 11 can seal with both an outer circumferential surface of the inner tubular sidewall 15 and an inner circumferential surface of the outer tubular sidewall 18.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the beverage container 1. The side view of FIG. 4 indicates an axis in the axial direction. The axis is vertical and is oriented in an up-down orientation. The axis corresponds with the long axis of the beverage container 1 and the container body 3. The axis is coaxial with the beverage container 1 and the container body 3. The axis can be in the centerline of the beverage container 1 and the container body 3. Each of the inner tubular sidewall 15 and the outer tubular side wall 18 can be coaxial with this axis.

Directional references made herein to above, below, higher, upper, lower, height, taller, and shorter are assessed along the axis (or equivalent axis of a different tumbler).

Orthogonal to the vertical axis is a radial direction. The radial direction projects out from the axis orthogonally. The radial direction can be 360° about the axis and is not necessarily a single ray projecting orthogonal to the axis in a single orientation. As such, radially can refer to being directionally outward-inward orthogonally from the axis. An aspect described as radial or radially can be along the radial direction. Radially inward can be towards the axis while radially outward can be away from the axis. Inner as used herein can refer to being radially closer to the axis while outer as used herein can refer to being radially further away from the axis.

Various FIGS. herein indicate such a vertical axis and a radial orientation relative to the vertical axis, particularly for cross sectional views. The structures of the beverage containers 1 can be symmetric about the vertical axis except where shown and/or noted not to be symmetric, such that even when only a cross sectional view of an embodiment is shown, the embodiment can be assumed to be symmetric about the axis. For example, the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 are coaxial with the vertical axis and generally symmetric about the axis.

All of the beverage container 1, including its component parts, can be symmetric around the axis, such that the two-dimensional view of the structure of FIG. 4 can represent the entire structure 360° around the axis (except for outlet aperture 10 and fastening 14 which can be asymmetric and/or offset from the axis).

The retainer 2 is formed from a retainer body. The retainer body can form most or the entirety of the retainer 2 in various embodiments. In this embodiment, the retainer body includes the ceiling, an outer ring, and a retainer lip, which are all formed from one contiguous piece of material (e.g., polymer) which can be molded (e.g., injection molded). In various other embodiments however, these components can be formed by different materials by the same material but formed separately and then joined.

In the view of FIG. 4, the inner container 8 is received within the outer shell 7 to form chamber 9. As shown, the valve 6 can seal the chamber 9 on the bottom end 5 while the seal 11 can be located radially between the inner tubular sidewall 15 and the outer tubular sidewall 18 to annularly seal between the inner tubular sidewall 15 and the outer tubular sidewall 18.

The valve 6 has an exterior flange to prevent the valve body from being sucked by the vacuum into the chamber 9 or otherwise being dislodged to compromise the vacuum in the chamber 9. The vacuum within the chamber 9 can result in an urging of the valve 6 through the aperture 21 due to higher pressure outside of the container body 3, which the outer flange of the valve 6 counteracts. As shown, the valve 6 also includes an inner flange within the chamber 9, which also helps to anchor the valve 6 within the aperture 21 and resistance dislodgment. As such, the valve 6 includes two flanges inside and outside of the chamber 9 and a narrower middle section between the two flanges, the narrower middle section of the valve 6 extending through the aperture 21, the two flanges being wider than the aperture 21. The valve 6 can be formed from soft polymer, such as silicone or rubber, which allows a flange is to be squished through the aperture by hand, but when seated, the flanges pinch the wall of the outer shell 7 (e.g., the lower floor 19 in this embodiment) to prevent dislodgment of the valve 6 and promote sealing of the valve 6 with the inner annular surface defining the aperture 21. The valve 6 is entirely supported by the outer shell 7 and not by any other structure of the container body 3. The valve 6 only contacts the outer shell 7 and does not contact any other structure. In this embodiment, the valve 6 only contacts the lower floor 19 and not any other structure of the container body 3, however in various other embodiments the valve 6 is supported by other structures. However, not all embodiments are so limited.

FIG. 4 shows the interfacing of the fastenings 14. In this embodiment the fastenings 14 are threading. In this embodiment, the fastenings 14 are located above the seal 11. Such an arrangement can be advantageous because the interfacing fastenings 14 and not subject to the vacuum of the chamber 9. Also the insulating benefits provided by the chamber 9 are not compromised by the fastenings 14 bridging across the chamber 9 if the fastenings 14 were alternatively below the seal 11.

It is noted that in some embodiments, sealing is provided by a dedicated seal 11, such as a polymer ring, while attachment between the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 is provided by dedicated fastenings 14A and 14B. However, in some embodiments, the seal and fastenings are integrated such that the fastening provides sealing (e.g., with tight, multi-turn threading) or the seal provides fastening (e.g., a polymer ring compressing to generate an interference fit).

FIG. 4 shows that the lip 13 is formed by the inner container 8. In this way, the inner container 8 extends above the outer shell 7 while the outer shell 7 extends lower than the inner container 8. A flange 23 of the inner container 8 that forms the lip 13 is radially directly above the top surface of the outer shell 7. The flange 23 can be a top portion of the inner container 8 that extends radially outward beyond the rest of the inner container 8. The lip 13 is formed by the flange 23 and thus the inner container 8. In some embodiments, when the container body 3 is assembled, the inner container 8 extends radially outward beyond the entirety of the outer shell 8, even though a majority of the inner container 8 (e.g., by weight, volume, and/or axial length) is contained inside of the outer shell 7. For example, the lip 13 may be the flange 23 of the inner container 8 which extends radially beyond the outer shell 7.

While the aperture 21 extends through the lower floor 19 of the outer shell 7 and is oriented axially, the aperture 21 could instead be located on the bottom end 5 of the outer shell 7 and orientated radially. For example, the aperture 21 and the valve 6 could be radially orientated through the outer tubular sidewall 18, the aperture 21 being above the lower floor 19 but below the upper floor 16 when the container body 3 is assembled.

As shown, the container body 3 includes a standoff 28. The container body 3 can rest on the standoff 28. The standoff 28 projects downward. When placed on a surface to rest (i.e. not being held by hand), the standoff 28 may be the only part of the container body 3 that makes contact with a resting surface (e.g., ground, table, counter, etc.). The standoff 28 may be a full ring that projects downward relative to the lower floor 19. The standoff 28 may be an annular pattern of interspaced structures (e.g., segments of a circle or bumps) that projects downward relative to the lower floor 19. As shown, the standoff 28 is formed from the outer shell 7. In various embodiments, the standoff 28 is formed from the same material that forms the outer tubular sidewall 18 and is contiguous with the outer tubular sidewall 18.

The hold 12 extends axially from just below the opening defined by the lip 13 to the upper floor 16. The hold 12 extends radially from the axis to the inner tubular sidewall 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber 9 directly radially surrounds the hold 12 360 degrees around the hold 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber 9 directly axially overlaps the hold 12 from below. In this embodiment, the chamber 9 is radially wider than the hold 12. Such vacuum insulation provided by the chamber 9 thermally insulates the hold 12 and any beverage within the hold 12, whether held directly within the hold 12 by the inner tubular sidewall 15 and the upper floor 16.

With the inner container 8 received within the outer shell 7, and annular sealing on the top end 4 and closure of the aperture 21 (if present), the chamber 9 is not accessible and is closed. In some embodiments, closure requires that the vacuum can be developed and maintained in the chamber 9, whereas in some other embodiments closure requires only that air not be able to readily exit from the chamber 9 through a gap even if an airtight seal is not made to seal the chamber 9 (in which case the vacuum condition is not be present in the chamber 9 even though the chamber 9 is closed).

FIG. 5 shows the outer shell 7 and FIG. 6 shows the inner container 8 as separate from each other.

It is worthwhile to briefly discuss thermal conduction. Thermal conduction is the flow of thermal energy through directly contacting mediums. Such mediums can be solids, liquids, or gasses. Thermal energy will only conduct along a thermal gradient, in which one medium is at a higher temperature than the other, such that thermal energy only conducts from the higher temperature medium to the lower temperature medium. Thermal energy does not conduct directly between materials that are not in direct contact or which are the same temperature (although heat may conduct indirectly through bridging material that is in direct contact, and convection and radiation are other heat transfer possibilities).

A chamber can create a gap to prevent thermal conduction, and removal of gas from the chamber 9 can prevent or minimize convection in which gas transfers thermal energy between separated structures. The chamber 9 surrounds the hold 12 radially, and axially on the bottom side. The chamber 9 insulates hold 12 by reducing or eliminating direct thermal conduction and convection radially and axially. The cylindrical gap of the chamber 9 between the inner tubular sidewall 15 and the outer tubular sidewall 18 prevents radial thermal conduction and convection from the outer tubular sidewall 18. Likewise, an axial gap of the chamber 9 between the upper floor 16 and the lower floor 19, and the absence or scarcity of gas within the axial gap, inhibits conduction and convection across the axial gap.

To limit thermal radiation, a coating may be applied to inner container 8 or the outer shell 7 and/or the materials that form these structures may be formulated to reflect thermal radiation to minimize thermal radiation to or from the beverage within the hold 12. If such a coating is applied, the coating is ideally applied to the outer surfaces of the inner container 8 or the inner surface of the outer shell 7 which form the chamber 9 to avoid wear and tear of these surfaces being exposed to the beverage and/or the environment outside of the container body 3. The coating or additive may create a UV reflective, low emittance surface that is transparent to some or all visible light. Such a coating or material additive may be indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO), cerium oxide (CeO2), boron-doped diamond coatings, titanium dioxide (TiO2), amongst other options.

Due to the chamber 9, and possibly the coating and/or additive, heat transfer may be limited to occurring (e.g., via conduction, convection and/or radiation) through the lip 13 and/or the fastening 14 where the inner tubular sidewall 15 comes in contact with the outer tubular sidewall 18. Limiting thermal conduction to the lip 13 and/or the fastening 14 substantially reduces thermal conduction to keep beverages in the hold 12 at their desired temperature.

Features of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, and of various other embodiments referenced and/or shown herein, address various problems with vacuum insulated beverage containers. Vacuum insulated containers have traditionally be metal walled containers in which the vacuum chamber is factory sealed in an oven to evacuate as much gas as possible and then melt polymer and/or metal over an aperture to permanently seal the chamber when hot. This means that the beverage cannot be viewed through the metal sidewalls, which is unfortunate because viewing the beverage is part of the overall drinking experience, and many beverages are formulated to enhance these aesthetics. Moreover, the vacuum chamber is sealed under high heat and high vacuum to remove nearly all gas before permanently sealing the vacuum chamber with molten polymer or metal melting and sealing under very high heat, which cannot be redone outside of a factory setting with expensive equipment. The present disclosure concerns transparent sidewalls, including for the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8, to allow the beverage within the hold 12 to be viewed. But transparent materials are unsuitable for traditional sealing of the chamber in a factory. Polymer materials would melt under processing (e.g., forming a vacuum in a factory setting which use ovens), and are often thought of as unsuitable for containing hot beverages such as coffee. Glass is capable of withstanding high heat, but is not robust enough for what users would expect of a vacuum insulated container which are generally shatter proof whereby the vacuum insulation implies that the beverage will be consumed over a long period of time and likely on the go. The present disclosure addresses these problems by use of different transparent materials with different properties in various embodiments. For example, the inner container 8 that contacts the beverage can be formed from glass (e.g., low-thermal-expansion borosilicate glass), which is stable at high temperatures. The outer shell 7 can be formed by polymer, such as harder, structural plastic such as polyethylene, polyester, acrylic, polycarbonate, or other structural polymer, to provide shatter resistance such as for drop protection. As such, the chamber 9 is defined by different transparent materials that serve different purposes on the inside and outwardly of the container body 3. In various embodiments, both of the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 are formed from polymer. Various other embodiments, both of the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 are formed from glass.

Generally, the container body 3 would not be factory sealed (although development of a vacuum in the chamber 9 in the factory is a possibility), but the valve 6 allows the vacuum to be developed in the chamber 9 and later reestablished in case of breach of the vacuum or if washing is desired. Also, the valve 6 allows mixing and matching of different combinations of inner containers 8 and outer shells 7, which may have different colors, patterns, and/or shapes, and reestablishment of the vacuum within the chamber 9. The use of a pump to develop the vacuum within the chamber 9 is further discussed herein. The fastening 14 allows disconnection and reconnection between inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 by the user for these purposes mentioned, including cleaning within the chamber 9. It is noted that condensation, biological growth, and residue can accumulate on the surfaces that define the chamber of non-vacuum double walled beverage containers (or if the vacuum is imperfect in the chamber 9), such that the connection and disassembly allowed by the fastenings 14 allows for cleaning and thus longer, more enjoyable use.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a container 1. The beverage container 1 can be similar to the other beverage containers 1 shown and/or described herein except to the extent shown or described to be different in a particular way. The beverage container 1 includes a retainer 2 and a container body 3. The container body includes a top end 4 and a bottom end 5.

The container body 3 is formed by an outer shell 7 and an inner container 8. The outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 can be transparent as previously described, and formed from different types of materials. Radially and axially between the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 is a chamber 9. A vacuum can be developed and/or maintained in the chamber 9 via the valve 6. The container body 3 further includes a bridge 26. As further shown herein, the bridge 26 connects with both of the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 such that these elongate, tubular components which are nested and together define the chamber 9 nevertheless do not contact one another. The bridge 26 can be formed from polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyester, acrylic, or other structural polymer.

FIG. 8 shows the beverage container 1 of FIG. 7 but in an open state. In particular, the retainer 2 includes a lid 25 which has been opened relative to a retainer base 24, both of which are components of the retainer 2. As shown, the lid 25 can pivot relative to the retainer base 24, such as via a hinge. Opening of the lid 25 exposes an aperture 10 of the retainer 2, which allow the beverage to be consumed from within the beverage container 1.

FIG. 9 shows the beverage container 1 of FIGS. 7-8 but with the retainer 2 having been removed from the container body 3. The retainer 2 can be mounted on the container body 3 by fastening 22. In this embodiment, fastening 22 can be threading on the exterior of the bridge 26 and on the interior of the retainer 2 which interface to selectively connect and disconnect the retainer 2 from the container body 3, however other fastening means are possible such as press fit, snap fit, tab and groove, bayonet, latch, magnetic, or other options of fastening.

In this embodiment, the bridge 26 defines the lip 13 of the container body 3. Even with removal of the retainer 2, the container body 3 can be used to contain a beverage within the inner container 8 while a vacuum is maintained within the chamber 9 by the bridge 26 on the top end 4 and the valve 6 on the bottom end 5 sealing the chamber 9 to thermally insulate the beverage and to facilitate its consumption. As such, in this embodiment, the retainer 2 does not support or maintain the vacuum within the chamber 9.

FIG. 10 shows the container body 3 with the bridge 26 removed from the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8. In some embodiments, the outer shell 7 must be removed from the bridge 26 before the inner container 8 can be disconnected from the bridge 26.

In this embodiment, the bridge 26 includes insert ring 27. The insert ring 27 projects downward as a lower part of the bridge 26. The insert ring 27 inserts between the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 on the top end 4. As further shown herein, the insert ring 27 both supports structural connection on the top end 4 between the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 and seals the chamber 9 on the top end 4.

FIG. 11 shows the outer shell 7 and FIG. 12 shows the inner container 8 as separate from each other.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the container 1 of FIGS. 7-12. The inner container 8 is formed from the inner tubular sidewall 15 and the upper floor 16. The outer shell 7 is formed from outer tubular sidewall 18 and lower floor 19. An aperture 21 in located in the lower floor 19 of the outer shell 7 to accommodate valve 6. A standoff 28 is formed by the outer shell 7 on the bottom end 5 and creates clearance for the valve 6 when the container body 3 is resting on a surface so that the valve 6 does not contact the surface.

As shown, the insert ring 27 is disposed radially between the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8. A seal 11 is formed as part of the insert ring 27. The seal 11 can be the entirety of the insert ring 27 in various other embodiments (e.g., the threading or other fastening itself provides an annual seal, or the structural material of the insert ring 27 also seals with each of the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8), but in the present embodiment the seal 11 is a lower part of the insert ring 27. The seal 11 can be formed from a different type of material than the rest of the bridge 26. For example, the bridge 26 can generally be formed from a harder, structural plastic such as polyethylene, polyester, acrylic, polycarbonate, or other structural polymer while the seal 11 can be formed from a flexible and resilient material such as silicone, rubber, or urethane, amongst other possibilities. The seal 11 is a ring, such as an O-ring, which forms two annular seals with the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 respectively.

The insert ring 27 includes fastenings 14A and 14B which fixes the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 with respect to each other. The fastening 14A on the outer shell 7 faces radially inward to interface with complementary fastening 14B on the inner container 8 which faces radially outward. In this embodiment, the fastenings 14A and 14B overlap radially. These fastenings 14A and 14B can be threading. In some embodiments, the threading of fastening 14B can thread in one direction while the threading of fastening 14A can thread in the opposite direction to allow one fastening 14A or 14B to be selectively removed. Alternatively, both can tighten or loosen in the same direction.

FIG. 14 shows a beverage container 1. The beverage container 1 and components can be similar to any of the other beverage containers referenced herein except to the limited extent shown or described to be different. The beverage container 1 includes a retainer 2 and a container body 3. The container body 3 includes a top end 4 and a bottom end 5. The retainer 2 can be mounted to the top end 4. In this various embodiments, as shown, the retainer 2 press fits into an opening on the top end 4 of the container body 3, in the manner of a stopper or a cork. The container body 3 includes an outer shell 7 and an inner container 8. The inner container 8 defines a hold 12 which is configured to contain a beverage. A chamber 9 is located radially and axially between the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8. The valve 6 is located on the bottom end 5 of the outer shell 7, extending through an aperture in the outer shell 7.

FIG. 15 is a disassembly view of the outer shell 7 and shows the inner container 8. The view of FIG. 15 shows the retainer 2 having been removed from the opening defined by the lip 13. As further shown herein, fastening 14A on the inner circumference of the outer shell 7 can interface with the fastening 14B on the outer circumference of the inner container 8. The fastenings 14A and 14B can be complementary threading which can connect together by relative rotation in a first direction and can disconnect by relative rotation in a second direction.

The fastenings 14A and 14B are located on respective necks of the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8. The fastenings 14A and 14B can be threading, snap fit, press fit, ridges and grooves, friction fit, latch, magnetic, or other mechanism.

As compared to the other embodiments shown herein, the lower floor 19 is formed as a separate piece from the outer tubular sidewall 18. The lower floor 19 can be received within the bottom opening of the outer shell 7. The lower floor 19 can thread into the bottom opening of the outer shell 7 to connect the lower floor 19 to the outer tubular sidewall 18. In contrast, the upper floor 16 is contiguous with the inner tubular sidewall 15 of the inner container 8.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the beverage container 1 in an assembled state. The inner container 8 is formed from the inner tubular sidewall 15 and the upper floor 16. The outer shell 7 is formed from outer tubular sidewall 18 and lower floor 19. An aperture 21 is located in the lower floor 19 of the outer shell 7 to accommodate valve 6. A standoff 28 is formed by the outer shell 7 on the bottom end 5 and creates clearance for the valve 6 when the container body 3 is resting on a surface so that the valve 6 does not contact the surface.

The retainer 2 is pressed fit into the opening on the top end 4 of the container body 3. In this case, no threading attaches the retainer 2 to the container body 3. Such connection can instead be threading, snap fit, ridges and grooves, friction fit, latch, magnetic, or other mechanism, although threading is a possibility in various other embodiments. Retainer 2 does not include an aperture in this embodiment, and is similar to a stopper or plug, and accordingly requires removal for consumption of the beverage from within the hold 12 and insertion of the retainer 2 into the opening on the top end 4 to retain the beverage within the hold 12. The retainer 2 may instead include an aperture and any other feature that facilitates beverage consumption (e.g., a straw).

As shown in the cross-section, the valve 6 is inserted through an aperture 21 and the outer shell 7. As previously mentioned and as shown in this cross-sectional view, the lower floor 19 is a separate piece from the outer tubular sidewall 18. The lower floor 19 can be in the shape of a disc. Fastening 20 is located on the outer circumference of the lower floor 19 which is complementary to fastening on the inner circumference of the bottom end 5 of the outer tubular sidewall 18. The fastening 20 can be threading, snap fit, press fit, ridges and grooves, friction fit, latch, magnetic, or other mechanism. Interfacing of the fastening 20 of the lower floor 19 and the outer tubular sidewall 18 secures the lower floor 19 to the outer tubular sidewall 18. Such interfacing between the lower floor 19 and the outer tubular sidewall 18 can also generate an annular seal to seal the vacuum within the chamber 9. In some embodiments, a seal is pinched directly radially between the lower floor 19 and the outer tubular sidewall 18 to seal the chamber 9. The seal can be any type of seal referenced herein, such as an O-ring or interference between structural materials that form the outer tubular sidewall 18 and the lower floor 19. In some embodiments, a sealing ring can be located directly above the lower floor 19 while the outer tubular sidewall 18 includes an annular shoulder that is narrower on its upper side and wider on its lower side such that the sealing ring is pinched axially by the lower floor 19 and the shoulder to generate an annular seal to support the vacuum in the chamber 9.

Removal of the lower floor 19 allows for removal of the inner container 8 from within the outer shell 7. For example, following removal of the lower floor 19 from out of the outer shell 7, the inner container 18 can be rotated to disengage the fastening 14A and 14B until the inner container 9 is unsecured and can be moved through the bottom opening of the outer shell 7. Some or all surfaces of the components can be cleaned and/or replaced. The same or different inner container 8 can be inserted into the bottom opening of the same or different outer shell 7 and the fastening 14A and 14B reengaged to secure the inner container 8 to the outer shell 7. The lower floor 19 can then be inserted into the bottom opening of the outer tubular sidewall 18 to engage fastening 20. The vacuum within the chamber 9 can then be redeveloped as discussed elsewhere herein.

It is noted that the standoff 28 is formed by the outer tubular sidewall 18 and is not formed by the lower floor 19. As such the lower floor 19 may not contact the ground surface when the beverage container 1 is placed on a surface. This protects the seal made by the lower floor 19 as the vertically orientated outer tubular sidewall 18 is better able to handle axial forces than the horizontally orientated lower floor 19 without straining or otherwise impacting the lower annular seal developed with the lower floor 19.

Seal 11 seals the chamber 9 on the top end 4. More specifically, the seal 11 is a ring which is located radially inside of the outer shell 7 but is not located directly radially outward of the inner container 8. Instead, the seal 11 is axially pinched between the inner container 8 and outer shell 7. Seal 11 annularly seals the chamber 9 above the interfacing of the fastenings 14A, B. Accordingly, the fastenings 14A and 14B are exposed to the vacuum within the chamber 9. It is noted that the seal 11 arrangement can be alternatively designed per any other design shown and/or referenced herein.

It is noted that the embodiment of FIGS. 14-17 is in the form of a bottle, with a tapered top end 4 and a cylindrical middle portion and bottom end 5.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment. This embodiment can be similar to the embodiments previously shown, particularly in reference to the common reference numbers. However, the embodiment of FIG. 18 is different to the extent shown.

The inner container 8 is formed from the inner tubular sidewall 15 and the upper floor 16. The outer shell 7 is formed from outer tubular sidewall 18 and lower floor 19. An aperture 21 in located in the lower floor 19 of the outer shell 7 to accommodate valve 6. A standoff 28 is formed by the outer shell 7 on the bottom end 5 and creates clearance for the valve 6 when the container body 3 is resting on a surface so that the valve 6 does not contact the surface.

A notable difference between the embodiment of FIG. 18 and the previous embodiments is that, in FIG. 18, the inner container 8 is indirectly connected to the outer shell 7 via seal 11 (whereas in various other embodiments the inner container 8 is directly connected to the outer shell 7). As such, the seal 11 functions as fastening 14. The seal 11, in various embodiments, can be an axially elongate ring that can undergo compression to annularly squeeze radially between the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 to fix the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 together. As such, the seal 11 may allow the inner container 8 to be press fit into the outer shell 7 while the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 do not contact each other, with the seal 11 being compressed to create fastening retention friction. A narrowing of the inner surface of the inner container 8, as shown, can retain the seal 11, and restricts movement of the seal 11 downward along the inner container 11. A widening of the outer shell 7 can retain the seal 11, and restrict movement of the seal upward along the outer shell 7.

The development of the vacuum within the chamber 9 further secures the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 due to significantly greater pressure outside of the chamber 9 pushing inward to constantly urge the inner container 8 into the outer shell 7 to maintain sealing of the chamber 9. As such, the vacuum of the chamber 9 itself can affix the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 and maintain the vacuum within the chamber 9.

One potential advantage of such a design is that the thickness and compressibility of the seal 11 can allow the outer shell 7 to flex (which as previously described can be formed from more flexible polymer material), such as due to being dropped or squeezed or due to thermal expansion due to temperature differential, and such distortion is taken up by the seal 11 sufficient to not cause the inner container 8, which may be formed from more brittle glass material, to flex to a breaking point. As such, the seal 11 buffers dimensional changes in the outer shell 7 to not resist causing the inner container 8 to fracture.

It is noted that the seal 11 is located between two angled portions of the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7, such that the angled sections are neither horizontal nor vertical. These angled sections represent widening or wedge-shaped which further facilitates the press fitting of the inner container 8 into the outer shell 7 and the compression of the seal 11 therebetween.

FIG. 19 shows disassembly of the beverage container 1 of FIG. 18. In particular, the inner container 8 is partially removed out of the outer shell 7. Seal 11 can be retained on the circumferential exterior of the inner container 8 due to elastic compression fit of the seal 11 around the inner container 8.

It is noted in this and in various other embodiments that the top end of the inner container 8 is wider than the top end of the outer shell 7. Such difference in size can facilitate the vacuum within the chamber 9 pulling the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 together.

Otherwise, if the top end of the inner container 8 is narrower than the top end of the outer shell 7, then the vacuum within the chamber 9 pulls the inner container 8 toward the chamber 9 and apart from the outer shell 7, potentially compromising the vacuum within the chamber 9 unless other fastening holds the inner container 8 relative to the outer shell 7.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a beverage container 1 similar to that of the embodiments of the previous FIGS., and in particular similar to that of FIGS. 1-7. FIG. 20 further demonstrates pump 29 for generating the vacuum within the chamber 9. It is noted that the pump 29 can take various forms for moving gas, and all such forms are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The particular type of pump 29 of the illustrated embodiment is that of a positive displacement pump, in particular a piston-type, however other types of positive displacement pump options are possible such as a diaphragm pump.

The pump 29 includes a cylinder 30 inside of which a plunger 21 can be reciprocated. The pump 29 can be operated by the hand of the user while in various other versions the pump 29 can be operated by electric motor. The plunger 31 is attached to handle 32 for operation by hand to reciprocate the plunger 31. Inside of the cylinder 30 is a chamber 33. The open space of the chamber 33 can be made larger or smaller in volume based on the position of the plunger 31 within the cylinder 30. More specifically, the plunger 31 can be reciprocated back and forth to increase and decrease the volume of the chamber 33 to move gas into and out of the chamber 33. The gas moves into the chamber 33 from suction port 34 and moved out of the chamber 33 via the outlet port 35.

The suction port 34 in this embodiment is in the form of a needle. The needle is shown extending through the internal channel of the valve 6 to open into the chamber 9. As such, the suction port 34 can provide a flow channel between the chamber 9 of the beverage container 1 and the chamber 33 of the pump 29. Removal of the suction port 34 from the valve 6 allows the valve 6 to close to prevent gas passage from atmosphere into the chamber 9. As previously mentioned, the valve 6 may include a central channel through soft and resilient material (e.g., silicone, rubber, etc.) which is compressed (e.g., by the outer shell 7 as the valve 6 extends through the aperture 21) which can be penetrated by needle but otherwise collapses in the absence of the needle to seal the valve 6. As such, the valve 6 is opened by insertion of a needle through the valve 6 and the valve 6 is closed by withdrawal of the needle from within the channel of the valve 6. Other valve options are possible, such as a flapper valve, duck bill valve, or ball valve, amongst other options. The illustrated collapsed tube valve has advantages of being robust and inexpensive.

The pump 29 can develop the vacuum within the chamber 9 by withdrawal of gas from the chamber 9 when the container body 3 is assembled, particularly when the seal 11 seals the top end 4 of the outer shell 7 to the inner container 8 and the valve 6 seals to the aperture 21 in the lower floor 19 of the outer shell 8 but otherwise provides a channel to the chamber 33 of the pump 29.

It is noted that the pump 29 may not be able to remove all of the gas from the chamber 9 because heat is not used in the manner of ovens typically employed in manufacturing of metal vacuum insulated containers. Instead, it is intended that the user generate the vacuum within the chamber 9 at home, at a beverage serving establishment, or otherwise outside of a factory setting and thus without industrial equipment. The user may operate the pump 29 only by hand, and thus may only generate the level of suction possible by a hand operated pump 29, which is less than an industrial pump of factory setting (particularly without high temperature heating of the beverage container during factory sealing which further removes air from the chamber). Nevertheless, the pump 29 can reduce the pressure within the chamber 9 below that of the atmospheric pressure, thus creating a vacuum condition which inhibits the conduction and convection of heat across the gap formed by the chamber to insulate the beverage within the hold 12. The pressure of the vacuum may be generated in the chamber 9 to be less than half of ambient pressure. The pressure of the vacuum may be generated in the chamber 9 to be less than a third of ambient pressure. The pressure of the vacuum may be generated in the chamber 9 to be less than a quarter of ambient pressure. The pressure of the vacuum may be generated in the chamber 9 to be less than 10% of ambient pressure.

The vacuum within the chamber 19 can be eliminated by introduction of gas back into the chamber 9. This can be done by opening the valve 6. For example, the valve 6 may be opened by insertion of a needle through the valve 6 to allow the flow of higher pressure gas outside of the chamber 9, such as atmospheric gas, through the needle and into the chamber 9. The vacuum condition in the chamber 9 may alternatively be terminated by breaking of another seal, such as annular seal 11, such as via the process of separating the outer shell 7 from the inner container 8.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 show the pump 29 being used to develop the vacuum within the chamber 9. In FIG. 21, the plunger 31 is moving further out of the cylinder 30 (i.e. rightward) to increase the open volume within the chamber 33. The expansion of the open volume within the chamber 33 pulls gas from inside of the chamber 9 through the outlet port 35 into the chamber 33. This flow opens the first valve 36. The first valve 36 can be a check valve, such as a flapper valve, amongst other options such as ball check valve. This flow also closes the second valve 37. The second valve 37 can also be a check valve such as a flapper valve, amongst other options such as ball check valve.

FIG. 22 shows the reversing of the direction of the plunger 31 to decrease the volume of the chamber 33 (i.e. leftward). This reversal in flow closes the first valve 36 but opens the second valve 37 to expel the gas within the chamber 33 out of the outlet port 35. The actions depicted in FIGS. 21-22 can be repeated to incrementally withdraw gas from within the chamber 9 into the pump 29 and out into the atmosphere, thus developing the vacuum in the chamber 9.

To relieve the vacuum within the chamber 9, the suction port 34 can be disconnected from the rest of the pump and the needle inserted through the valve 6 which opens the valve 6 and allows atmospheric gas to flow through the needle and into the chamber 9.

FIGS. 23-25 demonstrate an embodiment in which the retainer 2, which helps seal the chamber 9, can be exchanged for retainers of different configurations. The embodiment of FIGS. 23-25 is similar to that of FIGS. 7-13 in that the retainer 2 interfaces with each of the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7. The inner container 8 and the outer shell 7 of the embodiment of FIGS. 23-25 can be similar to that of FIGS. 7-13. As shown, the retainer 2 includes an insert ring 27 which extends downward from a body of the retainer 2 into the annular gap that is directly radially between the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7.

The retainer 2 of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-13 had a single sealing ring for the seal 11, located on the end of the insert ring 27 and which developed annular seals with both of the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7, the retainer 2 of the embodiment of FIGS. 23-25 includes two seals 11A and 11B. The two seals 11A and 11B are rings. The two seals 11A and 11B can be formed from polymer, such as silicone, rubber, or other material referenced herein. The two seals 11A and 11B are preferably soft and resilient such that they can be compressed (axially in this particular embodiment) between the bridge 26 and the top surfaces of the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7. The two seals 11A and 11B can be retained on the bridge 26. The two seals 11A and 11B can be located on radially opposite sides of the insert ring 27. The two seals 11A and 11B can contact the insert ring 27.

The seal 11A is located within an annular cavity 38 radially between ring 39 and insert ring 27. The seal 11A being within such an annular cavity can help retain the seal 11A on the bridge 26 when the bridge 26 is separated from the inner container 8. The seal 11B is located circumferentially around the insert ring 27. The seal 11B can be exposed on an outer circumferential side of the bridge 26. Alternatively, another ring, part of the bridge 26 and similar to ring 39, can cover the seal 11B by being radially outward from the seal 11B and circumferentially surrounding the seal 11B. The seal 11B can be retained on the insert ring 27 by being stretched around the insert ring 27.

The insert ring 27 includes fastening 14A and 14B located on radially outward and inward, respectively, sides of the insert ring 27. The fastening 14A and 14B can interface with complementary fastening 14A and 14B of the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8, respectively, to fix the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 to the bridge 26 (and thus indirectly fix the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 together even through the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 do not contact each other in this embodiment). The fastening 14A and 14B can be threading, such that both of the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 are rotated into fixation relative to the bridge 26, however other options are possible such as snap fit, press fit, ridges and grooves, friction fit, latch, magnetic, or other mechanism.

The retainer 2 of FIG. 23 is of a sipping style, ideal for coffee or tea type beverages which are typically sipped. The beverage can be sipped through the aperture 10. While the aperture 10 is ideal for sipping some beverages, it may not be ideal for consuming other beverages, such as soda or water which are typically consumed at a faster rate than mere sipping. Instead of a user buying different containers for each use preference, the embodiment of FIGS. 23-25 includes the ability to swap the retainer 2 for different types, while still using the same inner container 8 and/or outer shell 7.

FIG. 24 shows a cup-type retainer 2 having been mounted on the top of the container body 3 in place of the sipping retainer 2 of FIG. 23. The seal rings 11A and 11B, insert ring 27, and fastening 14A and 14B can be similar to that of the retainer 2 of FIG. 23B, with the main body of the retainer 2 being different to form the cup-type, open face beverage container 1 shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 25 shows a chug-type retainer 2 having been mounted on the top of the container body 3 in place of the sipping retainer 2 of FIG. 23 and/or the retainer 2 of FIG. 24. The seal rings 11A and 11B, insert ring 27, and fastening 14A and 14B can be similar to that of the retainer 2 of FIG. 23B and/or the retainer 2 of FIG. 24, with the main body of the retainer 2 being different to form a gulp-type, beverage container 1 having a spout 60 with sealable lid 25 mounted on the spout 60 via fastening 59. The fastening 59 can be any type referenced herein, such as threading, snap fit, press fit, etc. The lid 25 is removable from the spout 60 to allow drinking of the beverage. Such a retainer 2 is ideal for water or sports drink which is typically cold and consumed quickly.

While three different retainers 2 have been shown in FIGS. 23-25, even more retainers can be mounted on the inner container 8 and the outer shell 7, such as the travel mug type of FIGS. 7-13 amongst other options.

FIG. 26 shows a beverage container 1 that is some ways is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 and/or 20, especially but not necessarily limited to the top end 4 of the beverage container 1. For example, the tops of the outer shell 7 and the inner container 8 directly contact each other for fixation via fasteners 14A and 14B, but the top end 4 could be of any other type of combination of embodiments shown herein. However one notable optional variation shown in the embodiment of FIG. 26 is that the outer shell 7 includes a flange which extends inward to cover the top annular surface of the inner container 8 such that the lip 13 is formed by only the outer shell 7. The outer shell 7 forming the lip 13, and covering the inner container 8, can be advantageous because the outer shell 7 can be more impact resistant, as previously mentioned, thus making the lip 13 more robust in this embodiment.

Notable aspects of the embodiment of FIG. 26, which can be implemented in various embodiments and in particular substituted in any other embodiment illustrated and/or referenced herein, concern the bottom end 5 of the container body 3. While the lower floor 19 has been integrated with the outer tubular wall 18 in various other embodiments, the lower floor 19 is formed separately in the embodiment of FIG. 26. The lower floor 19 is formed from a different type of material as the outer tubular wall 18.

The embodiment of FIG. 26 demonstrates that the lower floor 19 can be formed from a different type of material than the outer tubular wall 18. While the outer tubular wall 18 can be formed from a relatively hard plastic (e.g., polycarbonate) as an example, the lower floor 19 can be formed from relatively soft plastic, such as silicone. Such soft plastic can be skid resistant and can be forgiving on scratch-prone surfaces on which the container body 3 can be placed.

The lower floor 19 can included an integrated valve 6. While the valve 6 is a separate component that is supported by the lower floor 19 and is formed by a different material as the main body of the lower floor 19 which spans mostly or entirely across the chamber 9 in various other embodiments, the valve 6 is formed from the same material as the main body of the lower floor 19 which spans across most or all of the chamber 9 in the illustrated embodiment. Such an integrated valve 6 can take various forms, but in the illustrated embodiment the valve 6 is formed by a vertical tunnel through the material that forms the lower floor 19. The vertical tunnel collapses to not let the passage of air through the tunnel to maintain the vacuum within the chamber 9, but the tunnel can be penetrated by a needle as previously referenced and illustrated for developing and breaking the vacuum in the chamber 9.

The lower floor 19 includes a body 57 which inserts into the circular space in the outer tubular wall 18. The body 57 can insert in the manner of a plug, such as by press fitting or otherwise squeezing into the circular space of the outer tubular wall 18. The body 57 can be radially compressed which helps secure the body 57 in the annular space in the outer tubular wall 18 and/or helps to close the tunnel of the valve 6.

The body 57 forms the standoff 28 and also a recess for the lower opening of the valve 6.

The lower floor 19 develops an annular seal 56 with the outer tubular wall 18 to seal the chamber 9. The annular seal 56 can be generated on the radially inward side of the outer tubular wall 18 and/or on the radially outward side of the outer tubular wall 18. A ring 58 of the lower floor 19 extends radially beyond the outer tubular wall 18 and circumferentially surrounds the outer tubular wall 18.

Interfaced fastening 20 connects the outer tubular wall 18 to the lower floor 19. The fastening 20 can be threading of the outer tubular wall 18 and the lower floor 19, but could alternatively be snap fit, press fit, ridges and grooves, friction fit, latch, magnetic, or other mechanism. In various embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the ring 58 forms fastening 20 together with an outer circumferential surface of the outer tubular wall 18, but in various other embodiments the fastening 20 is formed from an inner circumferential surface of the outer tubular wall 18 and an outer circumferential surface of the plug 57. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening 20 is radially outward from the outer tubular wall 18 while the seal 56 is radially inward of the outer tubular wall 18, but in various other embodiments the fastening 20 is radially inward from the outer tubular wall 18 while the seal 56 is radially outward of the outer tubular wall 18. In still other embodiments, the fastening 20 is radially outward from the outer tubular wall 18 while the seal 56 is also radially outward of the outer tubular wall 18. In still other embodiments, the fastening 20 is radially inward from the outer tubular wall 18 while the seal 56 is also radially inward of the outer tubular wall 18.

FIGS. 27-29 demonstrate various embodiments in which a module 42 is located within the chamber 9. As previously mentioned, the outer shell 7 can be removed to expose the chamber 9. When the inner container 8 is not within the outer shell 7, the bottom of the inner container 8 is exposed. In such an expose state, it module 42 can be mounted to the bottom and of the inner container 8. A mount 8 extends from the inner container 8. The module 42 can be attached to the mount 40. The module 42 can be attached to the mount 40 via fastening 41.

Fastening 41 can be threading, snap fit, press fit, ridges and grooves, friction fit, latch, magnetic, or other mechanism. The module 42 can likewise be disconnected from the mount 40 and a different module 42, or the same module 42, can be connected to the mount 40. The mount 40 can be a ring that extends downward from the lower floor 16 and/or the inner tubular wall 15. As shown, the module 42 can be inserted partially into the ring that forms the mount 40. While the ring is depicted to extend entirely around the module for to circumferentially, the mount 40 can be interspaced such that it does not extend entirely circumferentially around the module 42.

The aspect previously demonstrated of the inner container 8, outer shell 7, and/or the bridge 23 being removeable and swappable with an inner container 8, outer shell 7, or bridge 23 of a different configuration and then reassembled into the container body 3, can be implemented in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 27-29. As such, the particular configurations of the container bodies 3 shown can be modified as described elsewhere herein. This is true for all embodiments referenced and/or shown herein, in that the components can be exchanged for different components to customize each beverage containers 1.

While it is contemplated that the module 42 be used within the vacuum of the chamber 9, the module 42 may be used in a beverage container 1 without the vacuum. Thus, a valve may not be present or the valve is merely not used to develop the vacuum. A double-walled container body 3 can still provide some insulation benefits but not as much as when a vacuum is developed.

With the module 42 attached to the inner container 8, the inner container 8 can be inserted into the outer shell 7 and the fastening 14A reconnected to secure the outer shell 7 to the inner container 8, with the module 42 axially between the upper floor 16 and the lower floor 19. The vacuum can then be developed in the chamber 9 via the valve 6 as previously described. In this way, the module 42 can be within the vacuum of the chamber 9. Further, the module 42 can be exposed to the vacuum. The chamber 9 can be circumferentially entirely around the module 42 and can be above and below the module 42.

The module 42 hangs from the inner container 8. The module 42 does not contact the outer shell 7. As shown, the module 42 may only contact the inner container 8. The module 42 is in the shape of a puck, however other shapes are possible.

Module 42 can be in various different configurations. In the embodiment shown, the module 42 includes a case 43 and an interior 44. The case 43 can be a base of the module 42, giving structure to the module 42. In this embodiment, the interior 44 includes a thermal reserve. The thermal reserve can exchange thermal energy with the beverage in the hold 12 to stabilize the temperature of the beverage. For example, the interior 44 can be filled with a liquid (e.g., water and/or glycol), gel, or solid, which can be cooled (e.g., frozen). The chamber 9 insulates the module 42 such that the module 42 may primarily or only exchange thermal energy with the inner container 8 and the beverage contained therein. Therefore as the beverage heats up due to heat ingress, the module 42 can accept the thermal energy to cool the beverage within the hold 12. As such, the module 42 being insulated by the chamber 9, can exchange thermal energy with the beverage you only to the extent that the beverage unwantedly heats or cools. The module 42 may also be heated to deliver thermal energy to the beverage to the extent the beverage cools within the hold 12.

As such, the module 42 may be heated or cooled, such as when outside of the chamber 9, and then placed within the chamber 9 when the container body 3 is assembled, to heat or cool the beverage within the hold 12. After use, the module 42 can be removed from the chamber 9 and once again heated or cooled for reuse. In some embodiments, the module 42 can be microwaved when in the chamber 9 not requiring disassembly of the container body 3. As another alternative, a hot or cold water can be poured into the hold 12 when the container body 3 is assembled in the module 42 is in the chamber 9, such hot or cold water transferring thermal energy with the module 42 to heat or cool the module 42. The water can then be poured out and the beverage can be poured into the hold 12, with the module 42 now charged to be hot or cold to heat or cool the beverage in the hold 12.

FIG. 28 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 27. In particular, everything can be the same except that the module 42 is different. While the module 42 in the embodiment of FIG. 27 was not electronic, the module 42 in the embodiment of FIG. 28 is electronic. The module 42 includes an electronic thermal regulator 48. The electronic thermal regulator 48 can be a heating element which receives clinical energy to heat up, with such heat being delivered to the beverage within the hold 12. The module 42 includes control circuitry 46. Control circuitry can include any type of logic circuitry, such as gate arrays, a chip, a processor, or other circuitry for performing various functions as described herein. Such control circuitry can include code or other type of logic instruction to be executed by chip or other type of processor for carrying out the functions. In some embodiments, the control circuitry 46 includes a sensor for measuring the temperature of the beverage within the hold 12, in which the control circuitry 46 then controls the electronic thermal regulator 48 to heat up and deliver heat to the beverage within the hold 12 when the sense temperature falls below a threshold level. The control circuitry 46 may deliver power to the electronic thermal regulator 48. The control circuitry 46 is shown as a discrete area of the module 42, various components of the control circuitry 46 can be distributed within or on the module 42.

The control circuitry 46 may receive electrical power from the battery 45. The battery 45 is also part of the module 42. The battery 45 can receive power from the power receiver 47. It is noted that the power receiver 47 is optional and not all embodiments will include the power receiver 47 as part of the module 42. For example, the battery 45 may be recharged when the module 42 is outside of the chamber 9, such as via a cord. However, the particular embodiment of FIG. 28 demonstrates charging across the chamber 9. In this embodiment, the module 42 includes a power receiver 47 and a station 49 on which the container body 3 can sit. The station 49 includes a power transmitter 50. Both of the power receiver 47 and the power transmitter 50 can be inductors, amongst other options for transmitting electrical power wirelessly. Such inductors can be coils. Station 49 includes a power source 52 which can be electrical cord or battery amongst other options. Station 49 includes control circuitry 51 which can be similar to the control circuitry 46 of the module 42 by including program instructions and processor or other chip for performing various functions, including managing the power transmitter 50 to transmit power wirelessly across the chamber 9 to the power receiver 47 of the module 42. In this way, power can be transmitted across a vacuum. The beverage container 3 can be placed on the station 49 for recharging of the battery 45 and then removed from the station 49 for drinking and transport while the battery 45 can continue to supply power to the module 42 to allow the module 42 to thermally regulate the temperature the beverage from within the chamber 9.

The module 42 of the embodiment of FIG. 28 includes an electric display 61. The electric display 61 can be an electrically dynamic graphic generator. The electric display 61 can include dynamic graphical elements composed together in the form of pixels (e.g., individual lights, LED, cells, etc.) which can be powered and controlled by the control circuitry 46 to display images, text, graphics, animation, or other patterns, statically or dynamically. The text could indicate the temperature of the beverage within the hold 12 as sensed by the control circuitry 46 so that the temperature of the beverage can be known before or during consumption. The electric display 61 could additionally or alternatively show the set temperature to which the control circuitry 46 drives the electric thermal regulator 48.

The electric display 61 is visible through the outer shell 7. The electric display 61 can extend entirely circumferentially around the module 42 in some embodiments (e.g., about the vertical axis), or merely partially around the module 42. The electric display 61 can be curved to follow the generally cylindrical shape of the beverage container 3.

Any embodiment referenced herein can include a station 49 for providing power to any module 42, such as the embodiment of FIG. 29.

FIG. 29 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 28 except that the module 42 is different. The module 42 include a case 43. The module 42 includes control circuitry 46 and a battery 45 which can operate similarly to that are described. While the module 42 of the embodiment of FIG. 29 can optionally include thermal regulation functions, in this particular embodiment module 42 supports dynamic graphical elements 54. Dynamic graphical elements 54 can be a screen, an array of lights (e.g., light emitting diodes, liquid crystal diodes), a grouping of pixels, or other system which can display and dynamically change graphic. The dynamic graphical elements 54 can be supported by a holder 53. For example, the dynamic graphical elements 54 can be arrayed around and along the holder 53, the holder 53 being tubular. In various embodiments, the dynamic graphical elements 54 are on the outer periphery of the holder 53 and are visible from outside of the container body 3 and fully around the container body 3. The holder 53 can be a polymer frame which extends from the case 43 of the module 42 or other structure. The holder 53 can be tubular and can extend within the chamber 9.

The dynamic graphical elements 54 extend vertically and partially or fully circumferentially within the chamber 9. The dynamic graphical elements 54 and/or holder 53 can extend entirely circumferentially around the chamber 9 and/or inner container 8. In this way, the dynamic graphical elements 54 can form a screen or other type of array that extends fully circular, 360 degrees around the inner container 8, and can display graphics fully around the inner container 8. However in various embodiments, the dynamic graphical elements 54 can extend only partially around the inner container 8 but not fully around the chamber 9 and/or the inner container 8. The dynamic graphical elements 54 are supported on a holder 53. The holder 53 is supported by the case 43 of the module 42, however various embodiments can support the dynamic graphical elements 54 differently. As shown, the dynamic graphical elements 54 extend from below the case 43 to above a midpoint of the container body 3. The dynamic graphical elements 54 can display images, text, graphics, animation, or other patterns, statically or dynamically. The text could indicate the temperature of the beverage within the hold 12 as sensed by the control circuitry 46 so that the temperature of the beverage can be known before or during consumption. Animations, TV shows, advertisements, and other displays can be displayed on the dynamic graphical element 54.

The graphics displayed on the dynamic graphical elements 54 can be managed by the control circuitry 46, which can include a graphics processor. The patterns to be displayed can be saved in memory of the control circuitry 46. Control circuitry 46 can also include wireless circuitry for wirelessly digitally communicating (e.g., via Bluetooth protocol) with control circuitry off the board of the beverage container 1, such as that of a smart phone, tablet, computer, or other system. For example, such offboard control circuitry can wirelessly communicate with the control circuitry 46 for programming the control circuitry 46 with what to display on the dynamic graphical elements 54 and went to display it. In this way, a user can use their smart phone or other device to cause their beverage container 1 to display different colors, text, images, or other graphics. While a plurality of dynamic graphical elements 54 are shown, in various embodiments only a single dynamic graphical element 54 is present.

As shown, the dynamic graphical elements 54 are entirely supported by the holder 53. The holder 53 is entirely supported by the module 42. The module 42 is entirely supported by the inner container 8. The dynamic graphical elements 54 and/or the holder 53 do not contact the outer shell 7 in this embodiment. The dynamic graphical elements 54 and/or the holder 53 do not contact the inner tubular wall 15 in this embodiment. As such, the space of the chamber 9 can be radially inward and outward from the holder 53 and the dynamic graphical elements 54 along the entire vertical span of the dynamic graphical elements 54. In this way, any heat generated by the dynamic graphical elements 54 can only indirectly conduct the beverage within the hold 12 and not directly through the inner tubular wall 15. Moreover, the dynamic graphical elements 54 can be protected and insulated by the chamber 9 from the extreme hot or cold of the beverage within the hold 12. However in various embodiments the dynamic graphical elements 54 are supported by the outer shell 7 and/or the inner tubular wall 15.

The dynamic graphical elements 54 together with the control circuitry 46 can be an electrically dynamic graphic generator.

Control circuitry 46 can receive energy from the battery 54 and the control circuitry 46 can supply energy to the individual dynamic graphical elements 54 for displaying the patterns referenced herein. The module for to is removable from the inner container 8 in the same manner as the modules 42 described herein. The particular module 42 of FIG. 29 shows an optional different means of attachment to the inner container 8. While the previous embodiment showed a mount 40 having a ring that extends downward which receives part of the module 42 the embodiment of FIG. 29 includes mount 40 which is a stud that is received within the module 42 to form fastening 41. The fastening 41 can be threading, snap fit, press fit, ridges and grooves, friction fit, latch, magnetic, or other mechanism. The module 42 can be mounted and dismounted from the bottom of the inner container 8 and the container body 3 can be assembled or disassembled with the module 42 present or absent. The module 42 can receive power through power receiver 47 from a station 49 as demonstrated in the embodiment of FIG. 20. The various modules 42 of the embodiments of FIGS. 27-29 can be swapped so that a user can have a nonpowered temperature stabilizer, a power temperature stabilizer, and a display (assuming standardization of the mount 40 in the fastening 41, however different options are demonstrated in these figures for the sake demonstrating various options and brevity).

Closing the module 42 within the chamber 9, whether with a vacuum or not, helps to protect the module 42 from outside contaminates, such as water which may otherwise interfere with the electronics of the module 42. As such, the container body 3 protects the module 42 within the chamber 9.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure do not include any metal within the container body 3, or in some embodiments more broadly, do not include any metal within the entire beverage container 1. The absence of metal allows the beverage container 1 to be microwaved or subject to other environments where metal is not allowed. Microwaving allows the beverage within the hold 12 to be heated up without removal of the beverage.

Various beverage containers of the present disclosure, including any embodiments shown or referenced herein, can hold the beverage directly within the hold 12 is generally described or the hold 12 can contain another container that itself contains the beverage directly. For example, the beverage container 1 can partially or fully hold a prepackaged beverage container within the hold 12, such as a twelve ounce aluminum soda can. Other examples of prepackaged beverage containers include plastic bottles, plastic cups, and paper cups, amongst others. In this way, the beverage is still within the hold 12, but does not directly contact the inner container 8. The prepackaged beverage container can extend outward from the hold 12. The retainer 2 can engage the top or side walls of the prepackaged beverage container to keep the prepackaged beverage container partially or fully within the hold 12. For example, the retainer 2 can be a ring with a large central aperture through which the prepackaged beverage container can extend upwards, with the retainer 2 contacting the sidewall of the prepackaged beverage container to help hold the prepackaged beverage container in place within the hold 12 such as by exerting circumferential frictional force on the sidewall of the prepackaged beverage container. The prepackaged beverage container can then be removed from the hold 12 by either removal of the retainer 2 followed by removal of the prepackaged beverage container from the hold 12 or by overcoming frictional resistance that the retainer 2 provides against the sidewall of the prepackaged beverage container such that the retainer 2 remains mounted on the container body 3 while the prepackaged beverage container is pulled out of the hold 12 through the retainer 2.

An enumerated list of various embodiments follows:

1. A beverage container for thermally insulating a beverage while the beverage remains externally visible, the beverage container comprising:

• • an outer shell forming a top end and a bottom end, the outer shell comprising:
    • an opening on the top end;
    • a lower floor located on the bottom end;
    • an outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end, the outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material; and
    • a valve;
  • an inner container comprising:
    • an upper floor; and
    • an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, the inner tubular sidewall formed from a second transparent material, wherein the inner container is configured to be received within the outer shell such that a chamber is formed radially by and between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular sidewall and axially by and between the upper floor and the lower floor; and
  • wherein the valve is configured to maintain a vacuum within the chamber that thermally insulates the beverage held within the hold.

2. The beverage container of embodiment 1, wherein the first transparent material is a different type of material than the second transparent material.

3. The beverage container of embodiment 2, wherein the first transparent material is a transparent polymer material to provide shatter resistance to the outer shell, and the second transparent material is formed from a transparent glass material to provide structural stability to the inner container when the beverage is hot.

4. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein the valve is located at least partially within the lower floor.

5. The beverage container of embodiment 4, wherein the valve is exposed on an underside of the bottom floor but recessed from one or more standoffs that extend below the valve.

6. The beverage container of any of embodiments 4-5, wherein the lower floor comprises an aperture and the valve is at least partially located within the aperture.

7. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the valve is configured to be opened by needle penetration and reseal upon needle withdrawal.

8. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the valve does not contact the inner container while the valve maintains the vacuum within the chamber.

9. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the valve is integrated into the lower floor such that the valve is formed from the same material as the lower floor.

10. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the lower floor and the outer tubular sidewall are formed from different types of material.

11. The beverage container of embodiment 10, further comprising an annular seal developed between the lower floor and the outer tubular sidewall to maintain the vacuum within the chamber.

11. The beverage container of any of embodiments 10-11, wherein the lower floor is opaque while the outer tubular sidewall is transparent.

12. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-11, further comprising a bridge mounted on the top side of the beverage container, the bridge connecting to both of the inner container and the outer shell.

13. The beverage container of embodiment 12, wherein the bridge forms a first annular seal with the inner container and forms a second annular seal with the outer shell, first annular seal and the second annular seal maintaining the vacuum in the chamber.

14. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-13, further comprising inner fastening on the outer shell and outer fastening on the inner container which fix the outer shell with respect to the inner container, the inner fastening and the outer fastening allowing the inner container and the outer shell to be disconnected and reconnected.

15. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-14, further comprising at least one seal ring located radially between the inner container and the outer shell, the at least one seal ring helping to maintain the vacuum within the chamber.

16. The beverage container of embodiment 15, wherein the vacuum within the chamber relative to atmospheric pressure outside the beverage container causes the inner container and the outer shell to be urged axially together.

17. The beverage container of any of embodiments 15-16, wherein the inner container does not contact the outer container when the vacuum is maintained within the chamber.

18. The beverage container of any of embodiments 15-17, wherein the one or more seal rings is elastic to buffer changes in dimension of the outer shell such that the outer shell can flex under external pressure to change shape without causing the inner container to change shape to the point of fracturing.

19. The beverage container of any of embodiments 15-18, wherein the one or more seal rings comprises a single seal ring which seal develops an inner annular seal with the inner container and an outer annular seal with the outer shell.

20. The beverage container of any of embodiments 15-18, wherein the one or more seal rings comprises an inner seal ring which seal develops an inner annular seal with the inner container and an outer seal ring which develops an outer annular seal with the outer shell.

21. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-20, wherein:

• • the lower floor is a separate part from the outer tubular sidewall,
  • the outer tubular sidewall comprises an bottom opening configured to receive the lower floor, and
  • the outer shell further comprises fastening which fixes the lower floor to the outer tubular sidewall.

22. The beverage container of embodiment 17, wherein the inner container is removable from within, and introducible into, the outer shell by being moved through the bottom opening in the outer tubular sidewall to detach or fix the inner container relative to the outer shell when the lower floor is not fixed to the outer tubular sidewall.

23. The beverage container of any of embodiments 1-22, wherein:

• • the outer shell is one of a plurality of different outer shells with different aesthetic appearances, and
  • the inner container can be received in the plurality of different outer shells, respectively, to form the chamber and support the vacuum.

24. A beverage insulation system, comprising:

• • the beverage container of any of embodiments 1-23; and
  • a pump configured to interface with the valve to remove air from the chamber to develop the vacuum within the chamber during a suction stroke of the pump and exhaust the air to atmosphere during a pump stroke.

25. The beverage insulation system of embodiment 24, wherein the pump comprises a needle configured to penetrate the valve opening of the valve for both of, selectively, air removal to develop the vacuum and air supply to end the vacuum.

26. A method of insulating a beverage with a beverage container, the method comprising:

• • inserting an inner container into an outer shell to form a chamber,
    • wherein the inner container comprises an upper floor and an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, the inner tubular sidewall formed from a second transparent material,
    • wherein the outer shell comprises a top end, a bottom end, an opening on the top end, a lower floor located on the bottom end, and an outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material and extending from the top end to the bottom end, and
    • wherein the chamber is formed both of radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular sidewall and axially between the upper floor and the lower floor;
  • developing a vacuum within the chamber through a valve located at least partially within the outer shell; and
  • insulating the beverage within the hold with the vacuum at least partially surrounding the hold.

27. The method of embodiment 26, further comprising developing a first annular seal between one or both of the inner container and the outer shell with a first seal ring, the first annular seal supporting the vacuum in the chamber and located radially directly between the inner container and the outer shell.

28. The method of any of embodiments 26-27, further comprising developing a second annular seal with the inner container with a second seal ring, the second annular seal supporting the vacuum in the chamber and located radially directly between the inner container and the outer shell, wherein the first annular seal is developed with the outer shell.

29. The method of embodiment 28, wherein the first seal ring does not contact the inner container and the second real ring does not contact the outer shell when the vacuum is maintained in the chamber.

30. The method of any of embodiments 26-29, further comprising developing a second annular seal with the inner container with a first seal ring to support the vacuum in the chamber.

31. The method of any of embodiments 26-30, wherein the inner chamber does not contact the outer shell when the vacuum is maintained in the chamber.

32. The method of any of embodiments 26-31, wherein both of the inner container and the outer shell are exposed to the vacuum in the chamber when the vacuum is developed.

33. The method of any of embodiments 26-32, further comprising repeating the steps of inserting, developing, and insulating with another outer shell in place of the outer shell, the another outer shell and the outer shell having different appearance.

34. The method of any of embodiments 26-33, further comprising repeating the steps of inserting, developing, and insulating with another inner container in place of the inner container, the another inner container and the inner container having different appearance.

35. The method of any of embodiments 26-34, further comprising mounting a bridge on the inner container and the top end of the outer shell, the bridge supporting the vacuum when the vacuum is developed.

36. The method of embodiment 35, wherein mounting the bridge comprises inserting an insertion ring of the bridge directly radially between the inner container and the outer shell.

37. The method of any of embodiments 35-36, further comprising swapping the bridge for another bridge as being mounted on the inner container and the top end of the outer shell, the another bridge supporting the vacuum when the vacuum is developed, the bridge and the another bridge having different opening configurations for drinking the beverage.

38. The method of any of embodiments 26-37, wherein the first transparent material is a different type of material than the second transparent material.

39. The method of any of embodiments 26-38, wherein developing the vacuum comprising:

• • connecting a pump to the valve;
  • operating the pump to withdraw air from the chamber and exhausting the air to atmosphere; and
  • disconnecting the pump from the valve.

40. The method of embodiment 39, wherein connecting the pump to the valve comprises penetrating the valve with the needle and disconnecting the pump from the valve comprises withdrawing the needle from the valve.

41. The method of any of embodiments 39-40, further comprising terminating the vacuum in the chamber by penetrating the valve with the needle or a different needle to channel air from the atmosphere back into the chamber.

42. The method of any of embodiments 26-41, wherein the valve is located at least partially within the lower floor.

43. The method of any of embodiments 26-42, wherein the valve does not contact the inner container while the valve maintains the vacuum within the chamber.

44. The method of any of embodiments 26-43, wherein inserting the inner container into the outer shell to form the chamber further comprises fixing the inner container with respect to the outer shell with fastening.

45. The beverage container of embodiment 44, wherein fixing the inner container with respect to the outer shell with fastening comprises engaging threading by rotating one or both of the inner container and the outer shell.

46. The method of any of embodiments 26-45, wherein inserting the inner container into the outer shell to form the chamber further comprises separately attaching each of the inner container and the outer shell to a bridge, the bridge comprising an insert ring that is disposed radially directly between the inner container and the outer shell when the vacuum chamber is developed.

47. The method of any of embodiments 26-46, further comprising terminating the vacuum within the chamber by reintroducing air through the valve, wherein after terminating the vacuum the inserting and developing steps are repeated.

48. A beverage container for holding a beverage, the beverage container comprising:

• • an outer shell forming a top end and a bottom end, the outer shell comprising:
    • an opening on the top end;
    • a lower floor located on the bottom end; and
    • an outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end, the outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material;
  • an inner container comprising:
    • an upper floor; and
    • an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, wherein the inner container is located within the outer shell such that a chamber is formed at least in part radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular; and
  • an electrically dynamic graphic generator located within the chamber, the electrically dynamic graphic generator configured to generate graphics viewable from outside of the beverage container through the first transparent material.

49. The beverage container of embodiment 48, wherein the electrically dynamic graphic generator comprises a plurality of light generators.

50. The beverage container of any of embodiments 48-49, wherein the electrically dynamic graphic generator comprises a screen.

51. The beverage container of any of embodiments 48-50, wherein the electrically dynamic graphic generator comprises a graphics array.

52. The beverage container of embodiment 51, wherein the graphic array is located directly radially between the inner container and the outer shell.

53. The beverage container of embodiment 52, wherein the graphics array curves at least partially around the inner container.

54. The beverage container of embodiment 51, wherein the graphics array wraps at least 180 degrees around the inner container.

55. The beverage container of embodiment 51, wherein the graphics array wraps 360 degrees around the inner container.

56. The beverage container of any of embodiments 48-55, further comprising a battery located within the chamber which powers the electrically dynamic graphic generator.

57. The beverage container of any of embodiments 48-56, wherein a vacuum is maintained in the chamber such that the electrically dynamic graphic generator is exposed to the vacuum.

58. The beverage container of any of embodiments 48-57, wherein a valve is at least partially located within the outer shell, the valve maintaining the vacuum.

59. The beverage container of any of embodiments 48-58, wherein the electrically dynamic graphic generator comprises a base located axially between the upper floor and the lower floor.

60. The beverage container of any of embodiments 48-59, wherein the base hangs from the inner container.

61. The beverage container of any of embodiments 59-60, wherein the base does not contact the outer shell.

62. The beverage container of any of embodiments 59-61, wherein the electrically dynamic graphic generator comprises a graphic array which is supported by the base, the graphic array located at least in part radially directly between the inner container and the outer shell.

63. The beverage container of any of embodiments 48-62, further comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the electrically dynamic graphic generator displays a temperature parameter based on an output from the temperature sensor.

64. The beverage container of embodiment 63, wherein the temperature sensor is positioned to measure a temperature indicative of the temperature of the beverage within the hold.

65. A beverage container for holding a beverage, the beverage container comprising:

• • an outer shell forming a top end and a bottom end, the outer shell comprising:
    • an opening on the top end;
    • a lower floor located on the bottom end;
    • an outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end, the outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material; and
    • a valve located at least partially within the outer shell;
  • an inner container comprising:
    • an upper floor; and
    • an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, the inner tubular sidewall formed from a second transparent material, wherein the inner container is located within the outer shell such that a chamber is formed at least in part radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular; and
  • a bridge mounted on the top end of the outer shell, the bridge indirectly connecting the inner container to the outer shell, the bridge maintaining a vacuum within the chamber.

66. The beverage container of embodiment 65, wherein the bridge includes an insert ring which is located directly radially between the inner container and the outer shell.

67. The beverage container of any of embodiments 65-66, wherein the bridge supports a first annular sealing ring which develops a first annular seal with either the inner container or the outer shell, the first annular seal maintaining the vacuum.

68. The beverage container of embodiment 67, wherein the first annular sealing ring is located directly radially between the inner container and the outer shell.

69. The beverage container of any of embodiments 67-68, wherein the bridge supports a second annular sealing ring which develops a second annular seal with the other of the inner container or the outer shell, the second annular seal maintaining the vacuum.

70. The beverage container of any of embodiments 65-69, wherein the bridge comprises first fastening which directly connects with complementary fastening of the either the inner container or the outer shell.

71. The beverage container of embodiment 70, wherein the first fastening and the complementary fastening are threading.

72. The beverage container of any of embodiments 65-71, wherein the bridge comprises second fastening which directly connects with complementary fastening of the other of the inner container or the outer shell.

73. The beverage container of any of embodiments 65-72, wherein the bridge includes an annular cavity that receives part of one of the outer shell or the inner container.

74. The beverage container of any of embodiments 65-73, wherein a suction force maintained by the vacuum urges the bridge against the inner container and the outer shell to help maintain the vacuum.

75. The beverage container of any of embodiments 65-74, wherein the bridge is one of a plurality of bridges, each of the plurality of bridges having different shapes of openings for drinking the beverage, each of the plurality of bridges other than the bridge respectively configured to mount on the inner container and the outer shell to maintain the vacuum in place of the bridge.

76. The beverage container of embodiment 75, the plurality of bridges comprising a cup bridge, a sealable spout bridge, and a coffee sipping bridge.

77. The beverage container of any of embodiments 65-76, wherein the bridge comprises an opening having a width that is less than a quarter of the largest inner diameter of the inner container.

78. The beverage container of any of embodiments 65-77, wherein the bridge is a ring.

79. A beverage container for holding a beverage, the beverage container comprising:

• • at least one outer shell, each of the at least one outer shell forming a top end and a
    • bottom end, each of the at least one outer shell comprising:
    • an opening on the top end;
    • a lower floor located on the bottom end; and
    • an outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end, the outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material;
  • at least one inner container, each of the at least one an inner container comprising:
    • an upper floor; and
    • an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage;
    • fastening that mounts each of the at least one inner container to each of the at least one outer shell such that the inner container is located within the outer shell such that a chamber is formed at least in partially radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular and axially between the lower floor and the upper floor.

80. The beverage container of embodiment 79, wherein the at least one outer shell comprises a plurality of outer shells, the plurality of outer shells having different shapes and/or aesthetic appearances amongst the plurality of outer shells.

81. The beverage container of any of embodiments 79-80, wherein the at least one inner container comprises a plurality of inner containers, the plurality of inner containers having different shapes and/or aesthetic appearances amongst the plurality of inner containers.

82. The beverage container of any of embodiments 79-81, wherein the at least one inner container hangs from the at least one outer shell.

83. The beverage container of any of embodiments 79-82, wherein a vacuum is maintained in the chamber.

84. The beverage container of embodiment 83, wherein a vacuum is developed in the chamber.

85. The beverage container of any of embodiments 83-84, further comprising a first annular seal developed by a first annular seal ring, the first annular seal maintaining the vacuum.

86. The beverage container of embodiment 85, wherein first annular seal ring is located above the fastening.

87. The beverage container of embodiment 85, wherein first annular seal ring is located below the fastening.

88. The beverage container of any of embodiments 79-87, further comprising a second annular seal developed by a second annular seal ring, the second annular seal maintaining the vacuum.

89. The beverage container of any of embodiments 79-88, wherein the fastening is threading.

90. The beverage container of any of embodiments 79-89, wherein the at least one inner container extends out from, and above, the at least outer shell.

91. The beverage container of any of embodiments 79-90, wherein the at least outer shell is transparent.

92. The beverage container of any of embodiments 79-91, wherein the at least one inner container is transparent.

93. The beverage container of any of embodiments 79-92, further comprising a bridge which includes at least part of the fastening which connects the at least one inner container to the at least one outer shell.

94. A beverage container for holding a beverage, the beverage container comprising:

• • an outer shell forming a top end and a bottom end, the outer shell comprising:
    • an opening on the top end;
    • a lower floor located on the bottom end; and
    • an outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end, the outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material;
  • an inner container comprising:
    • an upper floor; and
    • an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, wherein the inner container is located within the outer shell; and
  • a chamber formed at least in part radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular and axially between the upper floor and the lower floor; and
  • internal circuitry, the internal circuitry including an inductive receiver, the internal circuitry configured to receive power transmitted at least in part wirelessly through the chamber.

95. The beverage container of embodiment 94, wherein the internal circuitry is located below the upper floor and above the lower floor.

96. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-95, wherein the internal circuitry hangs within the chamber from the inner container.

97. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-96, wherein the internal circuitry is not in direct contact with the outer shell.

98. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-97, wherein power is transmitted axially within the chamber between the upper floor and the lower floor to the internal circuitry is located.

99. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-98, wherein the internal circuitry is located, at least in part, radially directly between inner container and the outer shell.

100. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-99, wherein the internal circuitry includes a battery that is charged by the power transmitted at least in part wirelessly through the chamber.

101. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-100, wherein the internal circuitry includes a thermal regulation component that heats or cools to increase or decrease the temperature of the beverage within the hold.

102. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-101, wherein the internal circuitry includes a heater configured to generate heat to increase the temperature of the beverage within the hold.

103. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-102, wherein the internal circuitry includes a temperature sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of the temperature of the beverage.

104. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-103, wherein the internal circuitry includes a temperature sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of the temperature of the beverage.

105. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-104, wherein the chamber is a vacuum chamber.

106. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-105, wherein the lower floor is not formed from metal.

107. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-106, wherein the internal circuitry includes an electrically dynamic graphic generator.

108. The beverage container of any of embodiments 94-107, further comprising a station, the station having an upward support surface on which the beverage container can be placed which supports the beverage container, the station comprising an inductor for generating the power transmitted at least in part wirelessly through the chamber to be received by the inductive receiver while the beverage container is supported on the upward support surface of the station.

109. A beverage container for holding a beverage, the beverage container comprising:

• • an outer shell forming a top end and a bottom end, the outer shell comprising:
    • an opening on the top end;
    • a lower floor located on the bottom end; and
    • an outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end, the outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material;
  • an inner container comprising:
    • an upper floor; and
    • an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, wherein the inner container is located within the outer shell; and
  • a chamber formed at least in part radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular and axially between the upper floor and the lower floor; and internal circuitry, the internal circuitry hanging from the inner container such that the
  • internal circuitry is at least in part located directly between the upper floor and the lower floor and such that at least part of the chamber is located directly below the internal circuitry.

110. The beverage container of embodiment 109, wherein the internal circuitry does not contact the lower floor.

111. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-110, wherein the internal circuitry does not extend above the upper floor.

112. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-111, wherein the chamber is a vacuum chamber.

113. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-112, wherein the internal circuitry is located within the chamber.

114. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-113, wherein the internal circuitry comprises a battery.

115. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-114, wherein the internal circuitry comprises a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of the temperature of the beverage.

116. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-115, wherein the internal circuitry includes a thermal regulation component that heats or cools to increase or decrease the temperature of the beverage within the hold.

117. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-116, wherein the internal circuitry includes a heater configured to generate heat to increase the temperature of the beverage within the hold.

118. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-117, wherein the internal circuitry includes an electrically dynamic graphic generator.

119. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-118, wherein the internal circuitry is part of a module that can be mounted to the inner container and removed from the inner container.

120. The beverage container of any of embodiments 109-119, further comprising a station, the station having an upward support surface on which the beverage container can be placed which supports the beverage container, the station comprising an inductor for generating power transmitted at least in part wirelessly through the chamber to be received by the internal circuitry.

121. A beverage container for holding a beverage, the beverage container comprising:

• • an outer shell forming a top end and a bottom end, the outer shell comprising:
    • an opening on the top end;
    • a lower floor located on the bottom end; and
    • an outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end, the outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material;
  • an inner container comprising:
    • an upper floor; and
    • an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, wherein the inner container is located within the outer shell; and
  • a vacuum chamber is formed radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular and axially between the upper floor and the lower floor; and
  • internal circuitry located within the vacuum chamber.

122. The beverage container of embodiment 126, wherein the internal circuitry does not contact the lower floor.

123. The beverage container of any of embodiments 121-122, wherein the internal circuitry does not contact the outer shell.

124. The beverage container of any of embodiments 121-123, wherein the internal circuitry does not extend above the upper floor.

125. The beverage container of any of embodiments 121-124, wherein the internal circuitry comprises a battery.

126. The beverage container of any of embodiments 121-125, wherein the internal circuitry comprises a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of the temperature of the beverage.

127. The beverage container of any of embodiments 121-126, wherein the internal circuitry includes a thermal regulation component that heats or cools to increase or decrease the temperature of the beverage within the hold.

128. The beverage container of any of embodiments 121-127, wherein the internal circuitry includes a heater configured to generate heat to increase the temperature of the beverage within the hold.

129. The beverage container of any of embodiments 121-128, wherein the internal circuitry includes an electrically dynamic graphic generator.

130. The beverage container of any of embodiments 121-129, wherein the internal circuitry is part of a module that can be mounted to the inner container and removed from the inner container.

131. The beverage container of any of embodiments 121-130, further comprising a station, the station having an upward support surface on which the beverage container can be placed which supports the beverage container, the station comprising an inductor for generating power transmitted at least in part wirelessly through the vacuum chamber to be received by the internal circuitry.

132. A beverage container for holding a beverage, the beverage container comprising:

• • an outer shell forming a top end and a bottom end, the outer shell comprising:
    • an opening on the top end;
    • a lower floor located on the bottom end; and
    • an outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end, the outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material;
  • an inner container forming a top end and a bottom end, the inner container comprising:
    • an upper floor; and
    • an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, wherein the inner container is located within the outer shell; and
  • a chamber formed at least in part radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular and axially between the upper floor and the lower floor; and
  • an accessory module located within the chamber, the accessory module hanging from the inner container such that the accessory module is at least in part located directly between the upper floor and the lower floor and such that at least part of the chamber is located directly below the accessory module.

133. The beverage container of embodiment 137, wherein the accessory module does not contact the lower floor.

134. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-133, wherein the accessory module does not contact the outer shell.

135. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-134, wherein the accessory module only contacts the inner container while hanging within the chamber.

136. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-135, wherein the accessory module does not extend above the upper floor.

137. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-136, wherein the accessory module is configured to attach to the inner container and detach from the inner container via fastening.

138. The beverage container of embodiment 137, wherein the fastening is engaged and disengaged by relative rotation.

139. The beverage container of any of embodiments 137-138, wherein the fastening is threading.

140. The beverage container of any of embodiments 137-138, wherein the fastening comprises a snap fit connection.

141. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-140, wherein the chamber is a vacuum chamber such that the accessory module is exposed to the vacuum.

142. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-141, wherein the accessory module is a thermal regulation module configured to exchange thermal energy with the beverage to stabilize the temperature of the beverage.

143. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-142, wherein the accessory module is thermally insulated by the chamber.

144. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-142, wherein the thermal regulation module is configured to deliver thermal energy from the beverage to keep the beverage hot.

145. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-144, wherein the thermal regulation module is configured to remove thermal energy from the beverage to keep the beverage cold.

146. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-145, wherein the thermal regulation module comprises a battery and is configured to consume power from the battery to actively one of heat or cool the beverage.

147. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-146, wherein the thermal regulation module comprises an internal medium that contains hydrogen dioxide such that the thermal regulation module is configured to be chilled outside of the chamber and then attached to the inner container to cool the beverage.

148. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-147, wherein the outer shell is configured to separate, at least in part, from the inner container to expose the bottom of the inner container for mounting of the accessory module onto the inner container and removal of the accessory module from the inner container.

149. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-148, wherein the outer shell is configured to separate, at least in part, from the inner container by the lower floor separating from the outer tubular sidewall to allow insertion of the accessory module into the chamber and mounting of the accessory module onto the inner container as well as dismounting of the accessory module from the inner container and removal of the accessory module from the chamber.

150. The beverage container of any of embodiments 132-149, wherein the outer shell is configured to separate from the inner container by the inner container being removable from within the outer shell to allow mounting and dismounting of the accessory module from the inner container, the inner container being insertable into the outer shell with the accessory module mounted on the inner container to form the chamber with the accessory module inside of the chamber.

151. A method of holding a beverage, the method comprising:

• • opening a chamber of a beverage container, the beverage container comprising:
    • an outer shell forming a top end and a bottom end, the outer shell comprising:
      • an opening on the top end;
      • a lower floor located on the bottom end; and
      • an outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end, the outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material; and
    • an inner container forming a top end and a bottom end, the inner container comprising:
      • an upper floor; and
      • an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, wherein the inner container is located within the outer shell; and
  • mounting an accessory module to the inner container; and
  • closing the chamber with the accessory module within the chamber, the accessory module hanging from the inner container within the chamber so that the accessory module is at least in part located directly between the upper floor and the lower floor and such that at least part of the chamber is located directly below the accessory module, the chamber formed at least in part radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular and axially between the upper floor and the lower floor.

152. The method of embodiment 151, wherein the accessory module does not contact the lower floor when the chamber is closed.

153. The method of any of embodiments 151-152, wherein the accessory module does not contact the outer shell when the chamber is closed.

154. The method of any of embodiments 151-153, wherein the accessory module only contacts the inner container while hanging within the chamber when the chamber is closed.

155. The method of any of embodiments 151-154, wherein the accessory module does not extend above the upper floor when the chamber is closed.

156. The method of any of embodiments 151-155, wherein the accessory module is configured to attach to the inner container and detach from the inner container via fastening.

157. The method of any of embodiments 151-156, wherein the fastening is engaged and disengaged by relative rotation.

158. The method of embodiment 157, wherein the fastening is threading.

159. The method of embodiment 157, wherein the fastening comprises a snap fit connection.

160. The method of any of embodiments 151-159, wherein the chamber is a vacuum chamber such that the accessory module is exposed to the vacuum when the chamber is closed.

161. The method of any of embodiments 151-160, wherein the accessory module is thermally insulated by the chamber when the chamber is closed.

162. The method of any of embodiments 151-161, wherein the accessory module is a thermal regulation module, and the method further comprises the thermal regulation module exchanging thermal energy with the beverage to stabilize the temperature of the beverage.

163. The method of embodiment 162, wherein the thermal regulation module delivers thermal energy from the beverage to keep the beverage hot.

164. The method of embodiment 162, wherein the thermal regulation module removes thermal energy from the beverage to keep the beverage cold.

165. The method of any of embodiments 162-164, wherein the thermal regulation module comprises a battery and consumes power from the battery to actively one of heat or cool the beverage.

166. The method of embodiment 162, wherein the thermal regulation module comprises an internal medium that contains hydrogen dioxide such that the thermal regulation module is chilled outside of the chamber and then cools when beverage when mounted to the inner container.

167. The method of any of embodiments 151-166, wherein opening the chamber comprises the outer shell separating, at least in part, from the inner container to expose the bottom of the inner container.

168. The method of any of embodiments 151-167, wherein opening the chamber comprises the outer shell separating, at least in part, from the inner container by the lower floor separating from the outer tubular sidewall, and mounting the accessory module comprises inserting the accessory module into the chamber and attaching the accessory module to the inner container.

169. The method of any of embodiments 151-168, wherein opening the chamber comprises separating the inner container by the inner container being removed from within the outer shell, and closing the chamber comprises inserting the inner container into the outer shell with the accessory module mounted on the inner container.

170. A beverage container of any of embodiments 1-169 and further including one or more of any aspect(s) referenced in this disclosure and/or shown in any of the FIGS.

171. A beverage container including the features listed in any two embodiments of any of embodiments 1-170.

172. A method including the steps of any two embodiments of any of embodiments 1-170.

Inventive aspects of the present disclosure can be realized in various other beverage containers, such as bottles and jugs (e.g., having narrower top ends). Any of the embodiments referenced herein can include a handle extending laterally from the side of the container body, such as a “U” or loop which can be gripped by hand. In some embodiments, the aperture 21 is located on the side of the outer shell 7, within or proximate the handle. The valve 6 can then be within the aperture 21, such that the valve 6 is at least partially within the handle or accessible through the handle. The exteriors of containers and/or the interiors of holds can be frustoconical, bring wider upwards and narrower downwards.

Various beverage container embodiments do not contain electronics, such as no battery, electrical circuits, and further no heating elements (e.g., via electrical, chemical, combustion). However, such features could be incorporated.

Diameters are measured along the radial direction, orthogonal to the axis AA.

Any seal or sealing component referenced and/or shown can be formed from various polymers, such as polyurethane, rubber (e.g., nitrile rubber), silicone, and polytetrafluoroethylene, amongst other options (including the other materials referenced herein).

Any structural component (e.g., part or all of the outer shell 7 and/or inner container 8) can be formed from a transparent polymer, such as polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyester, or polyethylene. Any type of glass, as further referenced herein, is also an option. These polymer and glass materials can also be used to form the bridge, the retainer, lid, base, or other components.

The inner container can be formed from borosilicate glass and/or glass made from silica, sodium carbonate, and calcium oxide. Other components referenced herein can also be formed from glass materials, such as the outer shell 7.

It is noted that the materials referenced herein may be coated, such as with paint, polymer (e.g., rubber), ceramic, or other coating. Therefore, while a wall (including a layer, sleeve, floor, etc.) may be polymer or glass, the entirety of the wall may not be polymer or glass, and parts or all may not be fully transparent.

The term cylindrical as used herein does not mean that a corresponding surface or component that is cylindrical has a constant diameter. Rather, the diameter can change along its length, unless specified to have a constant diameter. Cylindrical does not necessarily mean that the outer surface is perfectly circular, as ovular or faceted (e.g., octagonal profiles) can also be cylindrical, unless otherwise noted. Likewise, the term tubular does not necessarily mean that a corresponding surface or component that is tubular has a constant diameter, rather the diameter can change along its length, unless specified to have a constant diameter.

The beverages referenced herein may be consumed via a straw or spout that extends through the container body opening and, if included, the outlet aperture of a retainer.

A statement that the vacuum chamber is atmospherically sealed by each of the inner tubular sidewall, the outer tubular sidewall, upper floor, and/or the lower floor, the seal, bridge (if present) and/or the valve does not necessarily mean that the vacuum chamber is sealed by only these structures, unless it is stated that only these structures form the walls that seals the vacuum chamber. Intermediary structures may also help seal.

Two components that are described as connected are not necessarily in contact with each other without an intermediary component, unless it is specified that they are directly connected, in which case the two components are in contact with each other. Although not necessarily stated in each embodiment, any two materials that are contacting in any of the FIGS. can be described (e.g., specifically claimed) as directly connected, and any two components described herein as being connected can be described (e.g., specifically claimed), optionally, as directly connected. Any two components shown in any of the FIGS. as in contact with each other can be described (and claimed) as directly connected.

Optional language is used herein describing what “can” or “may” be present, or what “various” embodiment may include, not what is or must necessarily be present. Therefore, if in reference to an embodiment, it is stated that an aspect “may” or “can” be present, then the option can be included, or left out, of the embodiment, particularly in a claim. Each sentence or paragraph can refer to multiple, independent aspects. A claim can be amended with a select word or phrase from a sentence or paragraph without taking the whole sentence or paragraph. The walls shown in the embodiments may be the only walls of the particular containers. For example, the outer tubular sidewall may be the outermost wall of the container body. In such an example, no wall may be present directly radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular sidewall, and/or no wall may be present axially between the upper floor and the lower floor, and/or no wall may be present axially between the axis and the inner tubular sidewall (e.g., defining the hold).

The present disclosure is made using several embodiments to highlight various inventive aspects. Modifications can be made to the embodiments presented herein without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that someone can mix various aspects from the presented embodiments and remain within the scope of this disclosure. For example, this disclosure contemplates that a single element disclosed in part of a sentence of a paragraph can be implemented in a different embodiment (or claimed) apart from the other aspects of the rest of the sentence and paragraph. Likewise, an aspect of part of an embodiment shown in a FIG. can be implemented in a different embodiment (or claimed) apart from the rest of the embodiment shown in the FIG. The scope of the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. Rather, this disclosure is presented in an illustrative manner to demonstrate several of many possibilities within the scope of this disclosure. The scope of the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A beverage container for thermally insulating a beverage, the beverage container comprising: an outer shell forming a top end and a bottom end, the outer shell comprising: an opening on the top end;a lower floor located on the bottom end; andan outer tubular sidewall extending from the top end to the bottom end; andan inner container comprising: an upper floor; andan inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, wherein the inner container is configured to be received within the outer shell such that a chamber is formed radially by and between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular sidewall and axially by and between the upper floor and the lower floor; andwherein the chamber can close to thermally insulates the beverage within the hold, and the chamber is openable and recloseable.

2. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising fastening that connects the outer shell to the inner container, the fastening configured to be disengaged such that the inner container is separable from the outer shell so that the inner container is removed from the outer shell, and the inner container and the outer shell are reconnectable such that the inner container can be placed back inside of the outer shell with the inner container reconnected to the outer shell via the fastening so that the chamber can be resealed.

3. The beverage container of claim 2, wherein one or both: the inner container can be swapped for a different inner container having a different appearance than the inner container, and the different inner container can be swapped in place of the inner container inside of the outer shell for forming the beverage container; andthe outer shell can be swapped for a different outer shell having a different appearance than the outer shell, and the different outer shell can be swapped in place of the outer shell so that the inner container is inside of the different outer shell for forming the beverage container.

4. The beverage container of claim 2, further comprising a bridge to which both of the inner container and the outer shell connect, the bridge comprising an insert ring which is located radially directly between the inner container and the outer shell.

5. The beverage container of claim 4, wherein the bridge of one of a plurality of different bridges having different drinking apertures, the plurality of different bridges being swappable to form the beverage container such that each bridge of the plurality of different bridges is configured to connect to both of the inner container and the outer shell connect to form the chamber.

6. The beverage container of claim 2, wherein the inner container does not directly contact the outer container while the chamber is maintained.

7. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the lower floor can be disconnected from the outer tubular sidewall, and the lower floor can be connected to the outer tubular sidewall via fastening to close the chamber.

8. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a module located within the chamber while the chamber is closed.

9. The beverage container of claim 8, wherein the module hangs from the inner container.

10. The beverage container of claim 8, wherein thermal energy is exchanged between the module and the beverage in the hold to stabilize the temperature of the beverage.

11. The beverage container of claim 8, wherein module is electric.

12. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the module is configured to receive power wirelessly from across the chamber to power the module.

13. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the module comprises one or more dynamic graphical elements within the chamber, and the outer tubular wall is at least partially transparent so that the one or more dynamic graphical elements can be viewed from outside of the container body.

14. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a valve that extends through the outer shell, the valve allowing a vacuum to be developed within the chamber.

15. The beverage container of claim 14, further comprising an annular seal ring located radially directly between the inner container and the outer shell which generates at least one annular seal with one or both of the inner container and the outer shell to support the vacuum.

16. The beverage container of claim 14, wherein the valve is configured to be opened by penetration by a needle for removal of air from the chamber, and the valve is configured to close by removal of the needle.

17. The beverage container of claim 14, further comprising electronic circuitry located within the chamber while the vacuum in the chamber is maintained.

18. The beverage container of claim 14, wherein both of the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall are at least partially transparent such that the beverage within the hold can be viewed from outside of the container body while the vacuum is maintained in the chamber.

19. The beverage container of claim 18, wherein the first transparent material is a different type of material than the second transparent material.

20. A method of insulating a beverage with a beverage container, the method comprising: inserting an inner container into an outer shell to form a chamber, wherein the inner container comprises an upper floor and an inner tubular sidewall, the upper floor and the inner tubular sidewall forming a hold, the hold configured to contain the beverage, the inner tubular sidewall formed from a second transparent material,wherein the outer shell comprises a top end, a bottom end, an opening on the top end, a lower floor located on the bottom end, and an outer tubular sidewall formed from a first transparent material and extending from the top end to the bottom end, andwherein the chamber is formed both of radially between the inner tubular sidewall and the outer tubular sidewall and axially between the upper floor and the lower floor;developing a vacuum within the chamber through a valve located at least partially within the outer shell; andinsulating the beverage within the hold with the vacuum at least partially surrounding the hold.