The trunk of an automobile provides a secure area for transporting various items. For instance, the trunk of an automobile is commonly used to transport groceries from a grocery store to a consumer's home. A problem with transferring items within a trunk space is that the space is not properly conditioned for transfer of perishable items. The temperature in a trunk space can easily exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit or be well below freezing. Dairy and meat products can quickly spoil under such conditions.
When the automobile is used for transporting, in either an extremely warm or extremely cold environment, care must be taken to prevent spoilage of food. Typically consumers place the grocery items within the passenger seating area for transportation purposes. However, it is not always convenient to place grocery items in the passenger seating area since the items take up occupant space and is dangerous to passengers since unsecured items can become lethal projectiles during an accident.
Should the automobile be used in a cold environment, the grocery items placed in a trunk may be subject to freezing. This can also pose a danger for liquids, especially carbonated liquids, can literally explode if frozen. Further, the thawing and freezing of food can lead to accelerated spoilage.
What is needed is a device for controlling the temperature in the trunk of an automobile allowing the transfer of perishable items in a secure area.