Patent Publication Number: US-6658857-B1

Title: Portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device and method of using

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates containers, more particularly, to a portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device and associated method of using the device. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     In today&#39;s modern times, the commuter times are getting longer, and various other automobile road trips are also getting longer. As a consequence, the motorist often finds a need for both heating food and chilling beverages within the automobile. A wide variety of portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance devices is currently available on the commercial market and an even larger number of these types of devices are known in the art of portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance devices, for example, the portable heating and cooling appliance disclosed by Munz and Collins in U.S. Pat. No. 3,111,166; the portable battery operated hot-cold storage unit disclosed by Pullens in U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,727; the vehicle thermoelectric cooling and heating food and drink appliance disclosed by Trachtenberg and Trachtenberg in U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,190; the portable beverage dispenser disclosed by Forrester in U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,318; the portable electric water heater for outdoor use disclosed by Alston and Cattron in U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,025; and the thermoelectric container disclosed by Kahl and Taylor in U.S. Pat. No. D350,048. 
     While all of the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device having a generally rectangular box, a hinge, a generally rectangular lid, a locking means, and a power cord, in which the box has a divider wall which defines a partition between a left and a right chamber within the box, wherein the box further includes: an outer shell; an insulation layer; a inner shell; a power input plug; a first heat transfer unit; a first network of cooling/heating coils; a first control knob having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other; a first spigot having a first button and a first drain; a second heat transfer unit; a second network of cooling/heating coils; a second control knob  28  having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other; and a second spigot having a second button and a second drain. This combination of elements would specifically match the user&#39;s particular individual needs of making it possible to to use the device in the method comprising the steps of adjoining, affixing, allowing, closing, disconnecting, grabbing, inserting, letting, lowering, obtaining, placing, positioning, pressing, pulling, pushing, raising, removing, setting, taking, turning, and unplugging. The above-described patents make no provision for a portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device having a generally rectangular box, a hinge, a generally rectangular lid, a locking means, and a power cord, in which the box has a divider wall which defines a partition between a left and a right chamber within the box, wherein the box further includes: an outer shell; an insulation layer; a inner shell; a power input plug; a first heat transfer unit; a first network of cooling/heating coils; a first control knob having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other; a first spigot having a first button and a first drain; a second heat transfer unit; a second network of cooling/heating coils; a second control knob  28  having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other; and a second spigot having a second button and a second drain. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device having a generally rectangular box, a hinge, a generally rectangular lid, a locking means, and a power cord, in which the box has a divider wall which defines a partition between a left and a right chamber within the box, wherein the box further includes: an outer shell; an insulation layer; a inner shell; a power input plug; a first heat transfer unit; a first network of cooling/heating coils; a first control knob having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other; a first spigot having a first button and a first drain; a second heat transfer unit; a second network of cooling/heating coils; a second control knob  28  having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other; and a second spigot having a second button and a second drain. In this respect, the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a means for making it possible to use the device in the method comprising the steps of adjoining, affixing, allowing, closing, disconnecting, grabbing, inserting, letting, lowering, obtaining, placing, positioning, pressing, pulling, pushing, raising, removing, setting, taking, turning, and unplugging. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present device and method of using, according to the principles of the present invention, overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device and method of using are disclosed. The device comprises: a generally rectangular box, a hinge, a generally rectangular lid, a locking means, and a power cord. The box has a divider wall which defines a partition between a left and a right chamber within the box. The box further includes: an outer shell; an insulation layer; a inner shell; a power input plug; a first heat transfer unit; a first network of cooling/heating coils; a first control knob having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other; a first spigot having a first button and a first drain; a second heat transfer unit; a second network of cooling/heating coils; a second control knob having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other; and a second spigot having a second button and a second drain. The hinge is attached to the outer shell of the box. The lid is dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box, in which the lid is attached to the hinge, whereby the lid is pivotally attached to the box. The locking means is for locking together the lid to the box, in which a first portion of the locking means is attached to the box, and a second portion of the locking means is attached to the lid. The power cord has a first socket end and a second socket end, in which the first socket end is operationally connectable to the power inlet plug of the box, and the second socket end is operationally connectable to a standard cigarette lighter power output in an automobile. The method of using the device comprises the steps of adjoining, affixing, allowing, closing, disconnecting, grabbing, inserting, letting, lowering, obtaining, placing, positioning, pressing, pulling, pushing, raising, removing, setting, taking, turning, and unplugging. 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known type portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device, which will be described subsequently in great detail, is to provide a new and improved portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a generally rectangular box, a hinge, a generally rectangular lid, a locking means, and a power cord. The box has a divider wall which defines a partition between a left and a right chamber within the box. The box further includes: an outer shell; an insulation layer; a inner shell; a power input plug; a first heat transfer unit; a first network of cooling/heating coils; a first control knob having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other; a first spigot having a first button and a first drain; a second heat transfer unit; a second network of cooling/heating coils; a second control knob  28  having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other; and a second spigot having a second button and a second drain. The hinge is attached to the outer shell of the box. The lid is dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box, in which the lid is attached to the hinge, whereby the lid is pivotally attached to the box. The locking means is for locking together the lid to the box, in which a first portion of the locking means is attached to the box, and a second portion of the locking means is attached to the lid. The power cord has a first socket end and a second socket end, in which the first socket end is operationally connectable to the power inlet plug of the box, and the second socket end is operationally connectable to a standard cigarette lighter power output in an automobile. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution of the art may be better appreciated. 
     The invention may also include a gasket attached to the top of the box. There are of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached. 
     Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device that has all the advantages of the prior art portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device and none of the disadvantages. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such multipurpose storage unit and system economically available to the buying public. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thererof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
     Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device having a generally rectangular box, a hinge, a generally rectangular lid, a locking means, and a power cord, in which the box has a divider wall which defines a partition between a left and a right chamber within the box, wherein the box further includes: an outer shell; an insulation layer; a inner shell; a power input plug; a first heat transfer unit; a first network of cooling/heating coils; a first control knob having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other; a first spigot having a first button and a first drain; a second heat transfer unit; a second network of cooling/heating coils; a second control knob  28  having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other; and a second spigot having a second button and a second drain, wherein the hinge is attached to the outer shell of the box; wherein the lid is dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box, in which the lid is attached to the hinge, whereby the lid is pivotally attached to the box; wherein the locking means is for locking together the lid to the box, in which a first portion of the locking means is attached to the box, and a second portion of the locking means is attached to the lid; and wherein the power cord has a first socket end and a second socket end, in which the first socket end is operationally connectable to the power inlet plug of the box, and the second socket end is operationally connectable to a standard cigarette lighter power output in an automobile. This combination of elements makes it possible to use the device in the method comprising the steps of adjoining, affixing, allowing, closing, disconnecting, grabbing, inserting, letting, lowering, obtaining, placing, positioning, pressing, pulling, pushing, raising, removing, setting, taking, turning, and unplugging. 
     Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of using comprising the steps of adjoining, affixing, allowing, closing, disconnecting, grabbing, inserting, letting, lowering, obtaining, placing, positioning, pressing, pulling, pushing, raising, removing, setting, taking, turning, and unplugging. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
    
    
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and description matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device in the closed position constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device in the open position of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a closeup cross sectional front view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is an electronic schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 6 is a back plan view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device of the present invention. 
    
    
     The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 to  6  thereof, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . One preferred embodiment of a portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device  10 , the device  10  comprising: a generally rectangular box  12 , a hinge  36 , a generally rectangular lid  38 , a locking means  46 , and a power cord  48 . The box  12  has a top, four sides, a bottom and a divider wall  14 , in which the divider wall  14  defines a partition between a left and a right chamber of the box  12 . The box  12  includes: an outer shell  16 ; an insulation layer  18  attached to the outer shell  16 ; a inner shell  20  attached to the insulation layer  18 ; a power input plug  22 ; a first heat transfer unit  24  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first heat transfer unit  24  electrically connected to the power input plug  22 ; a first network of cooling/heating coils  26  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first network of cooling/heating coils  26  operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a first control knob  28  having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other, the first control knob  28  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first control knob  28  operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a first spigot  30  having a first button  32  and a first drain  34 , the first spigot  30  attached to the left chamber of the box  12  and extending outwardly from the box  12 , when the first button  32  of the first spigot  30  is depressed then the first drain  34  is fluidly connected between the left chamber of the box  12  with a surrounding area outside of the device  10 , when the first button  32  is release and not depressed then the first drain  34  is not fluidly connected between the left chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 ; a second heat transfer unit  24  attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second heat transfer unit  24  electrically connected to the power input plug  22 ; a second network of cooling/heating coils  26  attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second network of cooling/heating coils  26  operatively attached to the second heat transfer unit  24 ; a second control knob  28  having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other, the second control knob  28  attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second control knob  28  operatively attached to the second heat transfer unit  24 ; and a second spigot  30  having a second button  32  and a second drain  34 , the second spigot  30  attached to the right chamber of the box  12  and extending outwardly from the box  12 , when the second button  32  of the second spigot  30  is depressed then the second drain  34  is fluidly connected between the right chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 , when the second button  32  is release and not depressed then the second drain  34  is not fluidly connected between the right chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 . The hinge  36  is attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 . The lid  38  is dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box  12 , in which the lid  38  is attached to the hinge  36 , wherein the lid  38  is pivotally attached to the box  12 . When the lid  38  is pivoted over the top of the box  12  then the device  10  is in a closed position. When the lid  38  is pivoted away from the top of the box  12  then the device  10  is in an open position. The lid  38  includes: an exterior shell  40 ; an insulation lining  42  attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 ; and an interior shell  44  attached to the insulation lining  42  of the lid  38 . The locking means is for locking together the lid  38  to the box  12 , in which a first portion of the locking means  46  is attached to the box  12 , and a second portion of the locking means  46  is attached to the lid  38 . The power cord  48  has a first socket end  50  and a second socket end  52 , in which the first socket end  50  is operationally connectable to the power inlet plug  22  of the box  12 , and the second socket end  52  is operationally connectable to a standard cigarette lighter power output in an automobile. 
     An optional handle  54  may be added to the device  10 . One preferred configuration of the handle  54  is that it is attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 . Another preferred configuration of the handle  54  is that it is attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 . 
     An optional rubber gasket  56  may be added to the device  10 . One preferred configuration is that the rubber gasket  56  is attached to the top of top of the box  12 . 
     The locking means  46  may be may commercially available means for locking together two components together. One preferred configuration is that the locking means  46  comprises a latch pivotally attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 ; and a coupling pin attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 , wherein the latch and the coupling pin are coupleable together, when the box  12  is in the closed position and when the latch is pivoted towards the coupling pin then the locking means  46  is in a locked mode, when the box  12  is in the closed position and when the latch is pivoted away from the coupling pin then the locking means  46  is in an open mode. Another preferred configuration of the locking means  46  comprising: a first fabric swath having a first exposed contact surface, the first fabric swath is attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 ; and a second fabric swath having a second exposed contact surface, the second fabric swath is attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 , wherein the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath and second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath are interconnectable, when the box  12  is in the closed position and when the first fabric swath is pivoted towards the second fabric swath so that the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath interconnects with the second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath then the locking means  46  is in a locked mode, when the box  12  is in the closed position and when the first fabric swath is pivoted away from the second fabric swath so that the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath does not interconnect with the second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath then the locking means  46  is in an open mode. One configuration of the first contact surface of the first fabric swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from the first contact surface of the first fabric swath; and wherein the second contact surface of the second fabric swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from the second contact surface of the second fabric swath. Another preferred configuration of the first contact surface of the first fabric swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from the first contact surface of the first fabric swath; and wherein the second contact surface of the second fabric swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from the second contact surface of the second fabric swath. 
     The inner shell  20  of the box  12  is may be made of any sturdy material. One preferred configuration of the inner shell  20  of the box  12  is that it is made of aluminum. 
     The insulation layer  18  of the box  12  may be made of any insulative material. One preferred configuration of the insulation layer  18  of the box  12  is that it is made of foam insulation. 
     The outer shell  16  of the box  12  may be made of any sturdy material. One preferred configuration of the outer shell  16  of the box  12  is that it is made of plastic, wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof. 
     The exterior shell  40  of the lid  38  may be made of any sturdy material. One preferred configuration of the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38  is that is made of aluminum. 
     The insulation lining  42  of the lid  38  may be made of any insulative material. One preferred configuration of the insulation lining  42  of the lid  38  is that it is made of foam insulation. 
     The interior shell  44  of the lid  38  may be made of any sturdy material. One preferred configuration of the interior shell  44  of the lid  38  is that it is made of plastic, wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof. 
     The hinge  36  may be any commercially available type of hinge  36 . One preferred configuration of the hinge  36  is that it comprises an elongated piano hinge  36 . 
     The heat transfer unit  24  may comprise any commercially heat transfer units  24 . One preferred configuration is that the heat transfer unit  24  comprises a Peltier heat transfer unit  24 . 
     Another preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device  10  consist essentially of: a generally rectangular box  12  having a top, four sides, a bottom and a divider wall  14 , the divider wall  14  defining a partition between a first and a right chamber of the box  12 , the box  12  including: an outer shell  16 , the outer shell  16  of the box  12  is made of plastic selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof; an insulation layer  18  attached to the outer shell  16 , wherein the insulation layer  18  of the box  12  is made of foam insulation; a inner shell  20  attached to the insulation layer  18 , wherein the inner shell  20  of the box  12  is made of aluminum; a power input plug  22 ; a first heat transfer unit  24  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first heat transfer unit  24  electrically connected to the power input plug  22 , wherein the first heat transfer unit  24  comprises a peltier heat transfer unit  24 ; a first network of cooling/heating coils  26  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first network of cooling/heating coils  26  operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a first control knob  28  having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other, the first control knob  28  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first control knob  28  operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a first spigot  30  having a first button  32  and a first drain  34 , the first spigot  30  attached to the left chamber of the box  12  and extending outwardly from the box  12 , when the first button  32  of the first spigot  30  is depressed then the first drain  34  is fluidly connected between the left chamber of the box  12  with a surrounding area outside of the device  10 , when the first button  32  is release and not depressed then the first drain  34  is not fluidly connected between the left chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 ; a second heat transfer unit  24  attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second heat transfer unit  24  electrically connected to the power input plug  22 , wherein the second heat transfer unit  24  comprises a peltier heat transfer unit  24 ; a second network of cooling/heating coils  26  attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second network of cooling/heating coils  26  operatively attached to the second heat transfer unit  24 ; a second control knob  28  having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other, the second control knob  28  attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second control knob  28  operatively attached to the second heat transfer unit  24 ; a second spigot  30  having a second button  32  and a second drain  34 , the second spigot  30  attached to the right chamber of the box  12  and extending outwardly from the box  12 , when the second button  32  of the second spigot  30  is depressed then the second drain  34  is fluidly connected between the right chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 , when the second button  32  is release and not depressed then the second drain  34  is not fluidly connected between the right chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 ; and a handle  54  attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 ; a hinge  36  attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 , wherein the hinge  36  comprises an elongated piano hinge  36 ; a generally rectangular lid  38  dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box  12 , the lid  38  attached to the hinge  36 , wherein the lid  38  is pivotally attached to the box  12 , when the lid  38  is pivoted over the top of the box  12  then the device  10  is in a closed position, when the lid  38  is pivoted away from the top of the box  12  then the device  10  is in an open position, the lid  38  including: an exterior shell  40 , wherein the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38  is made of aluminum; an insulation lining  42  attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 , wherein the insulation lining  42  of the lid  38  is made of foam insulation; an interior shell  44  attached to the insulation lining  42  of the lid  38 , wherein the interior shell  44  of the lid  38  is made of plastic selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof; a means for locking together the lid  38  to the box  12 , a first portion of the locking means  46  is attached to the box  12 , and a second portion of the locking means  46  is attached to the lid  38 , wherein the locking means  46  comprising: a first fabric swath having a first exposed contact surface, the first fabric swath is attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 ; and a second fabric swath having a second exposed contact surface, the second fabric swath is attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 , wherein the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath and second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath are interconnectable together, when the box  12  is in the closed position and when the first fabric swath is pivoted towards the second fabric swath so that the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath interconnects with the second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath then the locking means  46  is in a locked mode, when the box  12  is in the closed position and when the first fabric swath is pivoted away from the second fabric swath so that the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath does not interconnect with the second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath then the locking means  46  is in an open mode, wherein the first contact surface of the first fabric swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from the first contact surface of the first fabric swath; and wherein the second contact surface of the second fabric swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from the second contact surface of the second fabric swath; and a power cord  48  having a first socket end  50  and a second socket end  52 , the first socket end  50  is operationally connectable to the power inlet plug  22  of the box  12 , the second socket end  52  is operationally connectable to a standard cigarette lighter power output in an automobile. 
     One preferred embodiment of a method of using a portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device  10 , the method comprising the steps of: adjoining, affixing, allowing, closing, disconnecting, grabbing, inserting, letting, lowering, obtaining, placing, positioning, pressing, pulling, pushing, raising, removing, setting, taking, turning, and unplugging. The obtaining step comprises obtaining the device  10  comprising: a generally rectangular box  12  having a top, four sides, a bottom and a divider wall  14 , the divider wall  14  defining a partition between a left and a right chamber of the box  12 , the box  12  including: an outer shell  16 , the outer shell  16  of the box  12  is made of plastic selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof; an insulation layer  18  attached to the outer shell  16 , wherein the insulation layer  18  of the box  12  is made of foam insulation; a inner shell  20  attached to the insulation layer  18 , wherein the inner shell  20  of the box  12  is made of aluminum; a power input plug  22 ; a first heat transfer unit  24  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first heat transfer unit  24  electrically connected to the power input plug  22 , wherein the first heat transfer unit  24  comprises a peltier heat transfer unit  24 ; a first network of cooling/heating coils  26  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first network of cooling/heating coils  26  operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a first control knob  28  having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other, the first control knob  28  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first control knob  28  operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a first spigot  30  having a first button  32  and a first drain  34 , the first spigot  30  attached to the left chamber of the box  12  and extending outwardly from the box  12 , when the first button  32  of the first spigot  30  is depressed then the first drain  34  is fluidly connected between the left chamber of the box  12  with a surrounding area outside of the device  10 , when the first button  32  is release and not depressed then the first drain  34  is not fluidly connected between the left chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 ; a second heat transfer unit  24  attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second heat transfer unit  24  electrically connected to the power input plug  22 , wherein the second heat transfer unit  24  comprises a peltier heat transfer unit  24 ; a second network of cooling/heating coils  26  attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second network of cooling/heating coils  26  operatively attached to the second heat transfer unit  24 ; a second control knob  28  having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other, the second control knob  28  attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second control knob  28  operatively attached to the second heat transfer unit  24 ; a second spigot  30  having a second button  32  and a second drain  34 , the second spigot  30  attached to the right chamber of the box  12  and extending outwardly from the box  12 , when the second button  32  of the second spigot  30  is depressed then the second drain  34  is fluidly connected between the right chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 , when the second button  32  is release and not depressed then the second drain  34  is not fluidly connected between the right chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 ; and a handle  54  attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 ; a hinge  36  attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 , wherein the hinge  36  comprises an elongated piano hinge  36 ; a generally rectangular lid  38  dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box  12 , the lid  38  attached to the hinge  36 , wherein the lid  38  is pivotally attached to the box  12 , when the lid  38  is pivoted over the top of the box  12  then the device  10  is in a closed position, when the lid  38  is pivoted away from the top of the box  12  then the device  10  is in an open position, the lid  38  including: an exterior shell  40 , wherein the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38  is made of aluminum; an insulation lining  42  attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 , wherein the insulation lining  42  of the lid  38  is made of foam insulation; an interior shell  44  attached to the insulation lining  42  of the lid  38 , wherein the interior shell  44  of the lid  38  is made of plastic selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof; a means for locking together the lid  38  to the box  12 , a first portion of the locking means  46  is attached to the box  12 , and a second portion of the locking means  46  is attached to the lid  38 , wherein the locking means  46  comprising: a first fabric swath having a first exposed contact surface, the first fabric swath is attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 ; and a second fabric swath having a second exposed contact surface, the second fabric swath is attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 , wherein the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath and second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath are interconnectable together, when the box  12  is in the closed position and when the first fabric swath is pivoted towards the second fabric swath so that the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath interconnects with the second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath then the locking means  46  is in a locked mode, when the box  12  is in the closed position and when the first fabric swath is pivoted away from the second fabric swath so that the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath does not interconnect with the second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath then the locking means  46  is in an open mode, wherein the first contact surface of the first fabric swath comprises a plurality of minuscule hooks extending outwardly from the first contact surface of the first fabric swath; and wherein the second contact surface of the second fabric swath comprises a plurality of minuscule loops extending outwardly from the second contact surface of the second fabric swath; and a power cord  48  having a first socket end  50  and a second socket end  52 , the first socket end  50  is operationally connectable to the power inlet plug  22  of the box  12 , the second socket end  52  is operationally connectable to a standard cigarette lighter power output in an automobile. The positioning step comprises positioning the device  10  into an area in the automobile. The adjoining step comprises adjoining the second socket end  52  of the power cord  48  into the standard cigarette lighter power outlet in the automobile. The affixing step comprises affixing the first socket end  50  of the power cord  48  into the power input plug  22  of the device  10 . The pulling step comprises pulling pivotally upwards the first fabric swatch so that the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath does not interconnect with the second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath whereby the placing the locking means  46  is in the open mode. The raising step comprises raising pivotally the lid  38  away from the top of the box  12  when the locking means  46  is in the open mode, whereby placing the device  10  in the open position. The placing step comprises placing a sandwich into the left chamber of the device  10  when the device  10  is in the open position. The inserting step comprises inserting a can of carbonated soda into the right chamber of the device  10  when the device  10  is in the open position. The closing step comprises closing pivotally the lid  38  onto the top of the box  12 , whereby placing the device  10  in the closed position. The lowering step comprises lowering pivotally downwards the first fabric swatch so that the first exposed contact surface of the first fabric swath interconnects with the second exposed contact surface of the second fabric swath when the device  10  is in the closed position, whereby placing the locking means  46  is in the closed mode. The turning step comprises turning the first control knob  28  to enable the first heat transfer unit  24  to warm up the left chamber of the device  10  when the sandwich is placed in the left chamber of the device  10 . The setting step comprises setting the second control knob  28  to enable the second heat transfer unit  24  to cool the right chamber of the device  10 . The allowing step comprises allowing the placed sandwich to warm up. The removing step comprises removing the warmed up sandwich from the left chamber of the device  10 . The letting step comprises letting the inserted can of carbonated soda cool down. The grabbing step comprises grabbing the cooled down can of carbonated soda from the right chamber of the device  10 . The disconnecting step comprises disconnecting the second socket end  52  of the power cord  48  from the standard cigarette lighter power outlet in the automobile. The unplugging step comprises unplugging the first socket end  50  of the power cord  48  from the power input plug  22  of the device  10 . The taking step comprises taking the device  10  away from the automobile. The pressing step comprises pressing downwardly onto the first button  32  of the first spigot  30  so that the first drain  34  is fluidly connected between the left chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 . The pushing step comprises pushing downwardly onto the second button  32  of the second spigot  30  so that the second drain  34  is fluidly connected between the right chamber of the box  12  with the surrounding area outside of the device  10 . 
     Another preferred embodiment of the method consist essentially of the steps of: adjoining, affixing, allowing, closing, disconnecting, grabbing, inserting, letting, lowering, obtaining, placing, positioning, pressing, pulling, pushing, raising, removing, setting, taking, turning, and unplugging. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, which depicts a perspective view of an preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device  10  showing a generally rectangular box  12 , a hinge  36 , a generally rectangular lid  38 , a locking means  46 , and a power cord  48 . The box  12  is shown having a top, sides, an outer shell  16 , and a handle  54 . The lid  38  is shown dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box  12 , in which the lid  38  is pivotally attached to the box  12 . The handle  54  is shown attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 . The lid  38  is shown pivoted over the top of the box  12  then the device  10  is in a closed position. The locking means is shown locking together the lid  38  to the box  12 , in which a first portion of the locking means  46  is shown attached to the box  12 , and a second portion of the locking means  46  is shown attached to the lid  38 . The power cord  48  is shown having a first socket end  50  and a second socket end  52 , in which the first socket end  50  is operationally connectable to the power inlet plug  22  of the box  12 , and the second socket end  52  is operationally connectable to a standard cigarette lighter power output in an automobile. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, which depicts a view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device  10  showing a box  12 , a hinge  36 , a lid  38 , and a locking means  46 . The box  12  is shown having a top, four sides, a handle  54 , and a divider wall  14 , in which the divider wall  14  is shown defining a partition between a left and a right chamber of the box  12 . The box  12  is shown having a power input plug  22 ; a first heat transfer unit  24  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 ; a first network of cooling/heating coils  26  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 ; a first control knob  28  having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other, in which the first control knob  28  is shown attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , wherein the first control knob  28  is shown operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a second heat transfer unit  24  is shown attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , in which the second heat transfer unit  24  electrically connected to the power input plug  22 ; a second network of cooling/heating coils  26  is shown attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , in which the second network of cooling/heating coils  26  operatively attached to the second beat transfer unit  24 ; and a second control knob  28  is shown having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other, in which the second control knob  28  is shown attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second control knob  28  is shown operatively attached to the second heat transfer unit  24 . The handle  54  is shown attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 . The hinge  36  is shown attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 . The lid  38  is shown dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box  12 , in which the lid  38  is attached to the hinge  36 , wherein the lid  38  is pivotally attached to the box  12 . The lid  38  is shown pivoted away from the top of the box  12  so that the device  10  is placed in an open position. The first portion of the locking means  46  is shown attached to the box  12 , and the second portion of the locking means  46  is attached to the lid  38 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 3 which depicts a closeup cross sectional front view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device  10  showing a box  12 , a rubber gasket  56 , a lid  38 , and a handle  54 . The box  12  is shown having an outer shell  16 ; an insulation layer  18  attached to the outer shell  16 ; a inner shell  20  attached to the insulation layer  18 . The rubber gasket  56  is shown attached to the top of the box  12 . The handle is shown attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 . A network of cooling/heating coils  26  is attached to the left chamber of the box  12 . The lid  38  is shown dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box  12 , in which the lid  38  is shown over the top of the box  12  over the gasket  56  so that the device  10  is in a closed position. The lid  38  is shown to include: an exterior shell  40 ; an insulation lining  42  attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 ; and an interior shell  44  attached to the insulation lining  42  of the lid  38 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 4 which depicts a cross sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device showing a box  12 , a hinge  36 , a lid  38 , a gasket  56 , and a locking means  46 . The box  12  is shown to include an outer shell  16 ; an insulation layer  18  attached to the outer shell  16 ; a inner shell  20  attached to the insulation layer  18 ; a first heat transfer unit  24  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 ; a first network of cooling/heating coils  26  is shown attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , in which the first network of cooling/heating coils  26  is shown operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a first control knob  28  is shown having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other, the first control knob  28  is shown attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , the first control knob  28  is shown operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 . The rubber gasket  56  is shown attached to the top of the box  12 . The hinge  36  is shown attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 . The lid  38  is shown dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box  12 , in which the lid  38  is shown attached to the hinge  36 , wherein the lid  38  is shown pivoted over the top of the box  12  on top of the gasket  56  so that the device  10  is in a sealed closed position. The lid  38  is shown to include: an exterior shell  40 ; an insulation lining  42  attached to the exterior shell  40  of the lid  38 ; and an interior shell  44  attached to the insulation lining  42  of the lid  38 . The locking means is shown locking together the lid  38  to the box  12 , in which a first portion of the locking means  46  is shown attached to the box  12 , and a second portion of the locking means  46  is shown attached to the lid  38 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 5 which depicts an electronic schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device  10  showing a first heat transfer unit  24  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 ; a first network of cooling/heating coils  26  attached to the left chamber of the box  12 , in which the first network of cooling/heating coils  26  is shown operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a first control knob  28  having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat is operationally connected to each other, in which the first control knob  28  is shown operatively attached to the first heat transfer unit  24 ; a second heat transfer unit  24  is shown attached to the right chamber of the box  12 ; a second network of cooling/heating coils  26  is shown attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , in which the second network of cooling/heating coils  26  is shown operatively attached to the second heat transfer unit  24 ; a second control knob  28  having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other, in which the second control knob  28  is shown attached to the right chamber of the box  12 , the second control knob  28  is shown operatively attached to the second heat transfer unit  24 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 6 which depicts a back plan view of a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device  10  showing a box  12 , a hinge  36 , and a lid  38 . The box  12  is shown including a first spigot  30  and a second spigot  30 . The first spigot  30  is shown having a first button  32  and a first drain  34 . The second spigot  30  is shown attached to the right chamber of the box  12  and extending outwardly from the box  12 . The hinge  36  is shown attached to the outer shell  16  of the box  12 . The lid  38  is shown dimensioned to substantially fit over the top of the box  12 , in which the lid  38  is shown pivoted over the top of the box  12  then the device  10  is in a closed position. 
     As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
     While a preferred embodiment of the portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” or the term “includes” or variations, thereof, or the term “having” or variations, thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. In this regard, in construing the claim scope, an embodiment where one or more features is added to any of the claims is to be regarded as within the scope of the invention given that the essential features of the invention as claimed are included in such an embodiment. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within its spirit and scope. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.