Patent ID: 8104295
Filing Date: 2012-01-31
Classification: B60H,B60N,F25B,F25D

Abstract:
1. A cup holder assembly, comprising: a housing comprising a first cup holder member and at least a second cup holder member; wherein the first cup holder member comprises a generally unitary structure defining a first interior cavity; wherein the second cup holder member comprises a generally unitary structure defining a second interior cavity; wherein each of the first and second interior cavities is configured to receive a beverage container therein; wherein each of the first and second cup holder members is formed, at least in part, by a bottom wall and a generally continuous side wall, said side wall comprising a wall thickness extending from an exterior of the housing to the first or second interior cavity; wherein the side wall and the bottom wall of the first and second cup holder members together form a monolithic structure; a cooling system that comprises: a first thermoelectric device having a first side thermally coupled the first cup holder member and a first heat exchanger positioned within a passage; a second thermoelectric device having a first side thermally coupled to the second cup holder member and a second heat exchanger positioned within the passage; and a fluid transfer device configured to transfer air through the passage and to the first and second heat exchangers; the side wall of the first interior cavity comprises a first conduction element located on or near an entire periphery of the first interior cavity, said first conduction element extending across an entire wall thickness of the side wall of the first cup holder member; the side wall of the second interior cavity comprises a second conduction element located on or near an entire periphery of the second interior cavity, said second conduction element extending across an entire wall thickness of the side wall of the second cup holder member; wherein the first and second conduction elements are configured to thermally transfer heat between the first thermoelectric device and the first interior cavity or between the second thermoelectric device and the second interior cavity; wherein the first side of the first thermoelectric device is directly coupled to the generally unitary structure of the side wall of the first cup holder member; wherein the first side of the second thermoelectric device is directly coupled to the generally unitary structure of the side wall of the second cup holder member; and wherein heat transfer between the first thermoelectric device and the first interior cavity is generally configured to occur through an entire circumference of the generally continuous side wall of the first cup holder member; and wherein heat transfer between the second thermoelectric device and the second interior cavity is generally configured to occur through an entire circumference of the generally continuous side wall of the second cup holder member.