Thermoelectric cooler and warmer for food with table top tray
US5860281A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2500/02
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A container useful for keeping food or beverages warm or cold includes a combination lid and tray door assembly. The lid and tray are both coupled to the container and to each other. The tray may be pivoted independently of the lid into a table top position and it may be separated from the container and used as a separate tray. The tray and lid are also pivotable together as an integral door assembly, and the lid is pivotable independently of the tray when the tray is removed or deployed as a table top. The overall height of the container is less than the overall length and the overall width so that the container has a low, stable center of gravity which permits it to be used on an unstable surface, such as an automobile seat, and so that the container does not obstruct movement or view of occupants of an automobile when it is used in an automobile. A handle of the container includes a holder for wrapping a power cord thereon, and, when disposed in a downward stowed position, provides a clearance between the bottom of the door and a supporting surface when the container is turned on its side to be used as a front opening cooler or warmer. The thermoelectric engine of the cooler/war…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.