A
vacuum flask (also known as a
Dewar flask,
Dewar bottle or
Thermos) is an
insulating storage vessel that greatly lengthens the time over which its contents remain hotter or cooler than the flask's surroundings. Invented by
Sir James Dewar in 1892, the vacuum flask consists of two s, placed one within the other and joined at the neck. The gap between the two flasks is partially evacuated of air, creating a near-
vacuum which significantly reduces heat transfer by
conduction or
convection.