US Patent 7089749 Thermoelectrically heated/cooled cupholder system

A system for retaining and controlling the temperature of a beverage, suitable for installation in an automobile, includes a generally cylindrical, open-topped heat-conductive expandable cupholder, a heat-conductive liner, one or more thermoelectric devices located on a vertical exterior side of the cupholder, a heat sink contacting the thermoelectric device and thermally insulated from the cupholder; and a switch. The placement of the thermoelectric device and an improved arrangement for contact between the cupholder and the cup enable more efficient heat transfer.