System and methods for managing a container or its contents

A container management system, comprising:

• a lid configured to removably connect to a retainer, the lid including:
• a lid shell element having a dispensing aperture, and
• a lid support element,
• each of which are configured to be securable together using securement elements;
• an interior lid compartment formed between the lid shell element and the lid support element when the lid shell element and the lid support element are secured together;
• internal computer elements, including at least a processor and system memory, positioned in the interior lid compartment;
• and
• a first sensor to:
• detect information about the lid, the retainer, or contents of the retainer;
• and communicate with at least one of the computer elements,
• wherein the lid support element supports the first sensor;
• wherein the lid support element includes an inner frame element and an outer frame element;
• and, wherein the outer frame element includes a generally disc-shaped upper outer frame element and a lower outer frame element configured to extend almost to a bottom or to a bottom of a retainer space.

An upgraded container management system, comprising:

• a lid having a dispensing aperture, wherein the lid is configured to removably connect to a retainer, the retainer defines a retainer space configured to receive a beverage, the lid having a lid support element having a lid support opening,
• a sensor to detect information about the lid, the retainer, or contents of the retainer and configured to communicate with one or more internal computer elements;
• the one or more internal computer elements, including at least a processor, positioned in a compartment within the lid or a compartment within the retainer and configured to communicate with the sensor and with an application software executed by the processor or an external computer system;
• wherein at least some portion of the lid support element is sized and shaped to extend into the retainer space when the lid is removably connected to the retainer, thereby permitting the first sensor to be exposed directly or indirectly to the contents of the retainer while simultaneously being supported by the lid support element.