Apparatus for heating the contents of a container are well known. For example, the hob of a gas cooker or an electrical cooker is suitable for heating the contents of a container by placing the container with the contents therein on the hob. Apparatus for cooling the contents of a container is also well known, for example, a conventional domestic refrigerator. However, apparatus for both heating and cooling the contents of a container where the apparatus selectively and alternately can heat or cool the contents of a container is not known. There are many occasions where it would be desirable to be able to both heat and cool as desired the contents of a container, for example, the contents of a cup, mug, beverage can or the like. For example, one may wish to heat a drink or beverage in cold weather, while in warm weather one may wish to cool the beverage. Typically, it may be desired to heat or maintain a cup or a mug of tea or coffee hot, while on the other hand, it may be desirable to cool or chill beverages, such as, for example, water, soft drinks and the like.

In office and industrial environments, it is desirable that office workers and operatives should consume an adequate amount of liquid during the day in order to

avoid dehydration. At certain times of the day an individual may prefer a hot or warm drink, for example, tea or coffee, while at other times of the day an individual may prefer a cooled or chilled drink, for example, water or a soft drink. This requires two different types of apparatus in order to provide the individual with the drinks he or she may require, namely, a hot plate or hob, an electrical kettle or the like for heating water to make tea or coffee, and a refrigerator for cooling or chilling water or soft drinks. This is inconvenient and undesirable.

Additionally, such heating apparatus, for example, a hob, an electrical kettle, and such cooling apparatus, for example, fridges and the like are of such a size as not to be suitable for locating on a desk or work station of an individual. Thus, even where a beverage is cooled or chilled in a refrigerator, on removal from the refrigerator, over time the temperature of the beverage may rise to a level at which the beverage is no longer palatable. Similarly, tea and coffee tends to cool over a relatively short period of time to a temperature at which it is no longer palatable. Thus, unless an individual at a desk, work station or the like is prepared to interrupt their work on many occasions throughout a day, they can readily become dehydrated due to lack of readily available palatable beverages at their desk or work station. There is therefore a need for apparatus which overcomes this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such apparatus.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for altering the temperature of the contents of a container, the apparatus comprising a receiving means of heat

conductive material for receiving the container in heat transfer co-operation therewith, a thermal mass, and a first heat transfer means operably located between the receiving means and the thermal mass for transferring heat between the receiving means and the thermal mass, characterised in that the first heat transfer means is selectively and alternately operable for transferring heat from the thermal mass to the receiving means for operating the apparatus in a heating mode for heating the contents of the container, and for transferring heat from the receiving means to the thermal mass for operating the apparatus in a cooling mode for cooling the contents of the container.

In one embodiment of the invention the first heat transfer means is locatable between the receiving means and the thermal mass in a first orientation for operating the apparatus in the heating mode, and in a second orientation for operating the apparatus in the cooling mode.

Preferably, the first heat transfer means is located within a main housing, the main housing being selectively and alternately locatable in the first and second orientations between the receiving means and the thermal mass.

In one embodiment of the invention the main housing comprises a first member of heat conducting material, and a second member of heat conducting material, the first heat transfer means being located for transferring heat from the second member to the first member.

Advantageously, the first member is selectively and alternately co-operable with the receiving means and the thermal mass in heat transfer co-operation therewith, and the second member is selectively and alternately co-operable with the receiving means and the thermal mass in heat transfer co-operation therewith.

Ideally, the first and second members define respective first and second major surfaces for selectively and alternately engaging corresponding heat transfer surfaces of the receiving means and the thermal mass with heat conductive engagement for transferring heat between the first member and the corresponding one of the receiving means and the thermal mass, and the second member and the corresponding one of the receiving means and the thermal mass.

Preferably, the main housing is releasably engageable with the receiving means and the thermal mass.

In one embodiment of the invention the first heat transfer means is a heat pumping means.

In another embodiment of the invention the heat pumping means is an electrically powered heat pumping means. Preferably, the heat pumping means comprises at least one peltier cell. Advantageously, the heat pumping means comprises a plurality of peltier cells.

In one embodiment of the invention an electrical connecting means is provided for

supplying electrical power to the heat pumping means.

Preferably, the electrical connecting means comprises a first electrical contact on the first member of the main housing, and a second electrical contact on the second member of the main housing, the first and second electrical contacts being engageable with a third electrical contact on one of the receiving means and the thermal mass, when the one of the first and second members of the main housing is in heat transfer co-operation with the one of the receiving means and the thermal mass on which the third electrical contact is provided.

In one embodiment of the invention each third electrical contact is provided on the thermal mass.

Preferably, at least two mutually electrically insulated first electrical contacts are provided, and a corresponding number of mutually electrically insulated second electrical contacts and mutually electrically insulated third electrical contacts are provided.

Advantageously, each first and second electrical contact comprises a ring contact, and each third electrical contact comprises a spring loaded contact for co-operating with the corresponding one of the first or second electrical contacts. Ideally, the ring contacts are concentric with each other.

In another embodiment of the invention the electrical connecting means comprises

an electrical connector for connecting each third electrical contact to a computer.

In one embodiment of the invention the electrical connector is adapted for receiving a power supply from the computer.

In another embodiment of the invention the electrical connector is adapted for receiving the power supply from a computer through a firewire cable.

In a further embodiment of the invention the electrical connecting means comprises a communicating means for communicating data between the apparatus and the computer.

Advantageously, the receiving means comprises a container engaging surface defining a portion of the container for engaging the container in heat conductive engagement for transferring heat between the receiving means and the container.

Preferably, the container engaging surface of the receiving means defines a base of a container.

In one embodiment of the invention the container engaging surface of the receiving means defines the base of a standard beverage can.

In one embodiment of the invention a second heat transfer means is provided for transferring heat between the thermal mass and ambient air. Preferably, the second heat transfer means comprises a fan. Advantageously, the fan is an electrically

powered fan.

In one embodiment of the invention the thermal mass is of a heat conductive material.

In another embodiment of the invention the thermal mass comprises a support housing for supporting the first heat transfer means thereon, the support housing defining a hollow interior region for housing the second heat transfer means therein.

Preferably, the support housing comprises a cylindrical side wall which defines the hollow interior region. Advantageously, a plurality of communicating openings extend through the side wall for facilitating air circulation between the hollow interior region and ambient air. Preferably, a plurality of heat exchange fins are located on the outer surface of the thermal mass for transferring heat therefrom to ambient air.

In one embodiment of the invention a temperature probe is located in the receiving means for contacting the container for monitoring the temperature of the container.

In another embodiment of the invention a control circuit is provided for monitoring the temperature probe, the control circuit being responsive to the temperature probe for operating the first heat transfer means.

In a further embodiment of the invention the apparatus further comprises a container, the container defining a hollow interior region for holding the contents the temperature of which is to be altered, and being engageable with the receiving

means for transferring heat between the receiving means and the contents of the container.

Preferably, the hollow interior region of the container is adapted for receiving the apparatus so that when the apparatus is not in use, the apparatus may be stored in the container.

Advantageously, at least the base of the container is of heat conducting material for transferring heat between the receiving means and the contents of the container.

Ideally, the container is of a heat conducting material.

In one embodiment of the invention the container is a cup.

In another embodiment of the invention the container is for containing a beverage for drinking therefrom.

The advantages of the invention are many. By virtue of the fact that the apparatus is suitable for both heating and cooling the contents of a container, it is ideally suitable for heating or cooling as desired a beverage, in a cup, mug, can or the like. By providing the first heat transfer means as a heat pumping means, and in particular in the form of a peltier cell or cells, a relatively small compact unit which is suitable for standing on a desk, work station or the like is provided. A further advantage of the invention is achieved when the first heat transfer means and other electrically

powered components of the apparatus are powered by a computer, and particularly, when powered through the firewire outlet of the computer, since this provides a ready supply of power to the apparatus. Furthermore, by connecting the apparatus to the computer through the firewire port, data may be communicated between the computer and the apparatus, and indeed, the apparatus may be controlled under the control of the computer. Further, the apparatus may be arranged to feed back data to the computer for display on the computer screen, for example, the mode of operation of the apparatus could be fed back through the firewire port of the computer and the mode of operation could be displayed on the computer screen.

Additionally, the temperature of the contents of the container could be read from the temperature probe by the computer, and the temperature of the contents could be displayed on the computer screen. Furthermore, when the contents of the container have reached a pre-set palatable temperature, an appropriate message could be displayed on the computer screen.

By providing the receiving means to engage the container with heat conductive engagement, a particularly advantageous form of the apparatus is provided, in that heat transfer between the contents of the container and the apparatus can be efficiently carried out. A further advantage of the invention is achieved when a second heat transfer means is provided for transferring heat from the thermal mass to ambient air, since this enhances the efficiency of operation of the apparatus.

A particularly advantageous form of the invention is provided when the apparatus is provided with a container, and in particular, when the container defines a hollow

interior region for receiving the contents to be cooled, and additionally, where the hollow interior region of the container is adapted for receiving the apparatus, so that the apparatus can be stored in the container when not in use.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus for altering the temperature of the contents of a container, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in use, Fig. 3 is a partial transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is another partial transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the portion of the apparatus of Fig. 7, Fig. 9 is a top plan view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is an underneath plan view of the portion of the apparatus of Fig. 9, Fig. 11 is a partial transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of the apparatus of Fig. 9, Fig. 12 is a top plan view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 13 is an underneath plan view of the portion of Fig. 12, Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of the portion of Fig. 12, Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 12, Fig. 16 is another side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 12, and Fig. 17 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated apparatus according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, for altering the temperature of the contents of a container, and in this embodiment of the invention the apparatus is selectively and alternately operable in a heating mode for heating the contents of a container, and in a cooling mode for cooling the contents of a container. The apparatus 1 in this embodiment of the invention also comprises the container, which is indicated by the reference numeral 2, and is of size of a conventional mug for holding a beverage, for example, water, a soft drink, tea, coffee or the like. The container 2 is of cylindrical construction having a base 5 which is of size and shape substantially similar to the base of a standard beverage can. A cylindrical side wall 6 extends upwardly from the base 5 and terminates in an upper cylindrical portion 7 of slightly greater diameter than the cylindrical side wall 6 for a purpose to be described below. The cylindrical side wall 6 and the upper cylindrical portion 7 define with the base 5 a hollow interior region 9 for holding a beverage therein. The base 5 is of a heat conductive material, in this embodiment of the invention anodised aluminium, for facilitating rapid heat transfer through the base 5 to the beverage in the hollow interior region 9. The cylindrical side wall 6 and the upper cylindrical portion 7 of the container 2 may be of any suitable material, however, typically, the cylindrical side wall 6 and the upper cylindrical portion 7 will be formed in one piece with the base 5 and will be of the same material. A skin 10 of heat insulating material, in this embodiment of the invention cork, extends circumferentially around the cylindrical side wall 6 for minimising heat loss from the contents of the container 2 when the beverage in the container 2 is heated, and for minimising heat transfer into the beverage when the beverage in the container 2 has been cooled or chilled.

Turning now to the apparatus 1, the apparatus 1 is suitable for placing on a desk, work station or the like with the container 2 supported thereon and comprises a receiving means, namely, a receiving member 12, for receiving the container 2 in heat transfer co-operation for transferring heat between the apparatus 1 and the container 2, as will be described below, for heating or cooling the contents of the container. The receiving member 12 is supported on a main housing 14 which will also be described below, and a support housing 15 supports the main housing 14.

The support housing 15 is of cylindrical shape formed by a cylindrical side wall 17 having a bore 18 extending upwardly therein which is closed by an end plate 19.

The support housing 15 is of anodised aluminium and acts as a thermal mass. The main housing 14 is in heat conducting engagement with the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15, and is releasably engageable with the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15, and is orientable through 180°, in other words, is invertable for determining the heating or cooling operating mode of the apparatus 1, as will be described below. An annular base 16 of heat insulating material, namely, acrylic, supports the support housing 15, thereby minimising heat transfer from the apparatus 1 to a desk or work station on which the apparatus 1 is placed.

The receiving member 12 is circular in plan view and is of heat conductive material, in this embodiment of the invention anodised aluminium. The receiving member 12 comprises a container engaging surface 20 which is sized and shaped to define the base of a standard beverage can, and also to define the base 5 of the container 2,

so that when engaged on the receiving member 12, the base 5 of the container 2, or a beverage can, as the case may be, is in tight abutting heat transfer engagement with the container engaging surface 20 for efficiently transferring heat between the receiving member 12 and the container 2. A skin 21 of heat insulating material, in this embodiment of the invention cork, extends around the receiving member 12 for minimising heat transfer between the receiving member 12 and ambient air, and also for protecting a user from excessive heat or cold of the receiving member 12.

The main housing 14 comprises a first member, namely, a first plate member 23 and a spaced apart second member, namely, a second plate member 24 which are joined by and spaced apart by a cylindrical side wall 25. The side wall 25 defines with the first and second plate members 23 and 24 a hollow interior region 27. The first and second plate members 23 and 24 are of heat conducting material, in this embodiment of the invention anodised aluminium. The side wall 25 is of translucent or transparent heat insulating material, in this embodiment of the invention acrylic. A first heat transfer means, which in this embodiment of the invention is provided by a heat pumping means, namely, a heat pump, which comprises a peltier cell 28. The peltier cell 28 is located within the hollow interior region 27, and is sandwiched between and in heat conducting engagement with the first and second plate members 23 and 24, so that the peltier cell 28 pumps heat from the second plate member 2. 4 to the first plate member 23, when powered up. The first and second plate members 23 and 24 are identical to each other. The first plate member 23 defines a first major surface 29, while the second plate member 24 defines a second major surface 30, and both are shaped for releasably engaging a corresponding heat

transfer major surface 32 of the receiving member 12 and a corresponding heat transfer major surface 33 of the support housing 15 for ensuring efficient heat transfer between the first and second plate members 23 and 24 on the one hand, and the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15 on the other hand with which they are in engagement, respectively.

Since the first and second major surfaces 29 and 30 of the first and second plate members 23 and 24 are identical to each other, the main housing 14 may be inverted between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15.

Accordingly, when it is desired to operate the apparatus 1 in the heating mode, the main housing 14 is located between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15 in a first orientation with the first plate member 23 in engagement with the receiving member 12, and the second plate member 24 in engagement with the support housing 15, so that as the heat pump action of the peltier cell 28 transfers heat from the second plate member 24 to the first plate member 23, heat is transferred from the thermal mass of the support housing 15 to the receiving member 12, and in turn to the container 2. When it is desired to operate the apparatus 1 in the cooling mode, the main housing 14 is inverted into a second orientation with the first plate member 23 in engagement with the support housing 15, and the second plate member 24 in engagement with the receiving member 12, so that as. the heat pump action of the peltier cell 28 transfers heat from the second plate member 24 to the first plate member 23, heat is transferred from the receiving member 12, and in turn from the container 2 to the thermal mass of the support housing 15.

The first and second plate members 23 and 24 each comprise an inner central plate 34 and an outer annular plate 35 extending around the inner central plate 34 and in heat conductive engagement therewith. The peltier cell 28 is in heat conductive engagement with the inner central plate 34 of the respective first and second plate members 23 and 24. The combination of the inner central plate 34 and the outer annular plate 35 of each first and second plate member 23 and 24 forms a recess 37 in the corresponding first and second plate members 23 and 24 for receiving a corresponding projection 38 from the receiving member 12 and a corresponding projection 39 from the support housing 15. The co-operating action of the projections 38 and 39 with the recesses 37 in the first and second plate members 23 and 24 align and locate the main housing 14 with the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15.

Retaining means for retaining the main housing 14 in engagement with the support housing 15 and the receiving member 12 comprise magnets 40 and 41 which are located centrally in the inner central plates 34 of the first and second plate members 23 and 24, respectively, which co-operate with corresponding magnets 45 and 46 in the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15, respectively, depending on the orientation with which the main housing 14 is located between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15.

A printed circuit board 48 extending around the peltier cell 28 comprises an electronic control circuit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the peltier cell

28.

A temperature probe 50 is slideably located in a heat insulating sleeve 51 of acrylic material which extends through the receiving member 12. The temperature probe 50 is lightly spring urged, by a compression spring (not shown), into engagement with the base 5 of the container 2 for monitoring the temperature of the base 5 of the container 2 for determining the temperature of the contents of the beverage therein.

A releasable electrical connection (not shown) between the temperature probe 50 and the control circuit (not shown) on the printed circuit board 48 delivers electrical signals from the temperature probe 50, which are read by the control circuit, and the operation of the peltier cell 28 is controlled by the control circuit on the printed circuit board 48 in response to the temperature monitored by the temperature probe 50.

Returning now to the support housing 15, heat transfer fins 52 extend radially from and substantially longitudinally along the support housing 15 for transferring heat between the support housing 15 and ambient air for maintaining the support housing 15 substantially at the temperature of the ambient air.

Additionally, a second heat transfer means, in this embodiment of the invention an electrically powered fan 54, illustrated in block representation in Fig. 11, is located in the bore 1.8 for circulating ambient air through the bore 18 through longitudinally extending slots 55 in the cylindrical side wall 17 of the support housing 15 for further facilitating in maintaining the temperature of the support housing 15 at the temperature of the ambient air. The electrically powered fan 54 is operated under

the control of the control circuit (not shown) on the printed circuit board 48 in response to the temperature monitored by the temperature probe 50. Releasable electrical connections (not shown) are provided between the fan 54 and the control circuit.

Openings 56 through the annular base 16 communicate with the bore 18 for further facilitating air circulation through the bore 18.

A counter-bore 58 into the bore 18 of the support housing 15 accommodates an annular ring 59 extending from the annular base 16 for locating and securing the annular base 16 and the support housing 15 together.

An electrical connecting means for providing electrical power to the printed circuit board 48, and in turn to the peltier cell 28 through the main housing 14 comprises first and second electrical contact means, namely, mutually electrically insulated concentric first and second electrically conductive contact rings 60 and 61. The first contact rings 60 are provided on the outer annular plate 35 of the first plate member 23, while the second contact rings 61 are provided on the outer annular plate 35 of the second plate member 24. In this embodiment of the invention two first contact rings 60 are provided on the first plate member 23, and two second contact rings 61 are provided on the second plate member 24. The first and second contact rings 60 and 61 are illustrated only in Figs. 5,7 and 8, and although illustrated as sitting proud of the outer annular plates 35, in practice are recessed into the outer annular plates 35 and electrically insulated therefrom to sit flush with the outer annular plates

35. Two third electrical contact means, namely, two electrically conductive contact pins 63 located in the support housing 15 and extending from the heat transfer major surface 33 thereof engage the corresponding two contact rings of the first and second contact rings 60 or 61, depending on whether the main housing 14 is located between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15 in the first or second orientation. The contact pins 63 are spaced apart and electrically insulated from each other and are also electrically insulated from the support housing 15 and are lightly spring urged through the heat transfer major surface 33 of the support housing 15 for engaging the corresponding pair of the first or second contact rings 60 or 61.

Electrical connections (not shown) extend from the first and second contact rings 60 and 61, respectively, through the first and second plate members 23 and 24, respectively, to the printed circuit board 48 for supplying electrical power to the control circuit from the first and second contact rings 60 and 61.

The electrical connecting means also comprises three electrical connectors 65,66 and 67 which are located in the annular base 16. The connector 65 is a mains electricity electrical connector 65 for supplying mains electricity to the apparatus 1.

The connector 66 is a firewire electrical connector 66 for receiving an electrical power supply from a firewire port of a computer, and the connector 67 is a USB electrical connector 67 for receiving an electrical power supply from a USB port of a computer. Electrical cables (not shown) extend through the bore 18 of the support housing 15 for connecting the three connectors 65,66 and 67 to the appropriate ones of the contact pins 63 for in turn supplying power from the connectors 65,66 and 67 to the printed circuit board 48, through the first and second contact rings 60

and 61, depending on the orientation of the main housing 14. It is also envisaged that data may be communicated between the control circuit (not shown) on the printed circuit board 48 and a computer connected into either the firewire electrical connector 66 or the USB electrical connector 67, and in which case, additional first and second contact rings 60 and 61 and additional contact pins 63 will be provided for facilitating data communication between the control circuit on the printed circuit board 48 and the computer. The apparatus 1 is illustrated in Fig. 2 powered from a computer 68 through a firewire cable 69.

Two light emitting diodes 70 and 71 are provided on the printed circuit board 48.

The light emitting diode 70 glows red while the light emitting diode 71 glows blue.

The light emitting diodes 70 and 71 are alternately operated under the control of the control circuit depending on the orientation of the main housing 14. When the main housing 14 is located between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15 in the first orientation for operating the apparatus 1 in the heating mode and the peltier cell 28 is powered up, the red light emitting diode 70 is illuminated and thereby is visible through the cylindrical side wall 25 of the main housing 14, thus indicating that the apparatus 1 is being operated in the heating mode. The blue light emitting diode 71 is operated when the peltier cell 28 is powered up and when the main housing 14 is located between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15 in the second orientation for operating the apparatus 1 in the cooling mode.

In this embodiment of the invention the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 is

shaped to accommodate the apparatus 1 therein so that when the apparatus 1 is not in use, the apparatus 1 may be stored within the container 2. The apparatus 1 is illustrated located within the container 2 in Fig. 4. The upper cylindrical portion 7 of the container 2 accommodates the receiving member 12.

In use, the apparatus 1 is withdrawn from the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 and placed standing on a desk, work station or otherwise with the annular base 16 engaged on the desk or work station. The receiving member 12 is removed from the main housing 14, and the main housing 14 is oriented and located on the support housing 15 in the appropriate first or second orientation, depending on whether the apparatus is to be operated in the first or the second mode. The receiving member 12 is then replaced and engaged with the main housing 14. The container 2 with the beverage contained therein is placed on the receiving member 12 with the base 5 of the container 2 engaging the container engaging surface 20 of the receiving member 12. The apparatus 1 is then connected to a power supply, either a mains electricity power supply, or a power supply from a firewire port or a USB port of a computer.

Depending on the source of the power supply, an appropriate socket connector is connected into the appropriate one of the connectors 65,66 and 67. The apparatus 1 is then ready for use, and heating or cooling of the beverage in the container 2 commences. It is envisaged that the apparatus 1 may also be powered by a combination of all or any two of a mains supply, a USB or a firewire supply.

The temperature probe 50 abutting the base 5 of the container 2 monitors the temperature of the base and in turn the temperature of the beverage in the container

2. The control circuit reads signals from the temperature probe 50 and determines the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 from the signals received therefrom. The peltier cell 28 is operated until the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 is at the desired temperature. Although not illustrated, a means is provided for inputting the desired temperature of the beverage into the control circuit, or alternatively, the desired temperature may be entered through the computer if the apparatus 1 is being powered either through a firewire or USB port of a computer.

The peltier cell 28 remains active until the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 is at the desired temperature. During heating or cooling of the beverage in the container 2, as the case may be, the fan 54 is appropriately operated under the control of the control circuit on the printed circuit board 48. When the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 is at the desired temperature, the peltier cell 28 is deactivated by the control circuit on the printed circuit board 48, and the light emitting diode 70 or 71 which had been illuminated is switched off, thereby indicating that the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 is at the desired temperature. The apparatus 1 may be operated continuously and as the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 drifts from the desired temperature, the peltier cell 28 would again be activated for appropriately transferring heat to or from the container 2.

When the apparatus 1 is not required, it can be stored in the container 2 as illustrated in Fig. 4.

Additionally, when the apparatus is not required for heating and cooling a beverage,

it is envisaged that it may be placed on its side on a desk or worktop with the annular base 16 projecting towards an individual or an article to be heated or cooled, and with the fan operating a cool or warm air stream would be directed at the individual or article by the fan.

Although not illustrated, it is envisaged that a tilt switch may be provided on the printed circuit board for switching power to the appropriate one of the light emitting diodes 70 and 71 depending on the orientation of the main housing 14.

While the apparatus 1 has been described for heating or cooling a beverage in the container 2 of the apparatus 1, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 1 is also suitable for heating or cooling the contents of a beverage in a standard beverage can by placing the beverage can with its base engaged on the container engaging surface 20 of the receiving member 12.

While the first heat transfer means has been described as comprising a peltier cell, any other suitable heat pumping means may be used, or indeed, any other suitable heat transfer means may be used.

While the heat pumping means has been described as comprising a single peltier cell, more. than one peltier cell may be provided.

It is envisaged that a lid may be provided for the container for retaining the contents thereof at a desired temperature.

It is also envisaged that the light emitting diodes may be arranged to flash or twinkle when the contents of the container are at the desired temperature. It is also envisaged that a vibrator may be mounted on the printed circuit board, and the vibrator would be responsive to the temperature of the contents of the container being at the desired temperature for indicating by way of vibration that the contents of the container are at the desired temperature.

It is also envisaged that the main housing may be of other shape and construction, and indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the printed circuit board, or boards, may be arranged to be in direct electrical contact with the contact pins on the support housing, and with the temperature probe.

Further, it is envisaged that a thermistor may be located in the container, and the temperature probe 50 would be replaced by an electrical contact, which would relay signals from the thermistor to the control circuit on the printed circuit board through appropriate electrical connection between the receiving member and the main housing 14.