U.S. patent application number 12/145859 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for thermoformed battery package.
Invention is credited to Mark A. Ferguson, Scott W. Osiecki, Tyler T. Watson.
Application Number | 20090321304 12/145859 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41172157 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090321304 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watson; Tyler T. ; et
al. |
December 31, 2009 |
THERMOFORMED BATTERY PACKAGE
Abstract
A battery package comprises a rear member, a front member
pivotally connected to the rear member and batteries. The package
has an open and a closed position. At least one of the front member
and the rear member include support structure for supporting the
batteries in the interior space. The rear member includes a foot
allowing the battery package to stand substantially upright on a
horizontal surface. The front member and the rear member include
aligned openings for allowing the package to be hung on a rod.
Therefore, the package can alternatively be positioned on the
horizontal surface and be hung on a rod by extending the rod
through the aligned openings for display purposes. The package can
also include a resealable closure allowing the front member and the
rear member to be maintained in the closed position.
Inventors: |
Watson; Tyler T.; (Auburn,
NY) ; Osiecki; Scott W.; (Skaneateles, NY) ;
Ferguson; Mark A.; (Memphis, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL C. POPHAL;EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY INC
25225 DETROIT ROAD, P O BOX 450777
WESTLAKE
OH
44145
US
|
Family ID: |
41172157 |
Appl. No.: |
12/145859 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/703 ;
206/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2207/00 20130101;
B65D 75/24 20130101; B65D 2585/88 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/703 ;
206/467 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/88 20060101
B65D085/88; B65D 73/00 20060101 B65D073/00 |
Claims
1. A battery package comprising: a rear member; a front member
pivotally connected to the rear member; the front member being
pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery
package having a closed position wherein the front member is
engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space
therebetween, the battery package also including an open position
allowing access to the interior space; batteries in the interior
space; at least one of the front member and the rear member
including support structure for supporting the batteries in the
interior space; the rear member including a foot allowing the
battery package to stand substantially upright on a horizontal
surface; and the front member and the rear member including aligned
openings; wherein the battery package can alternatively be
positioned on the horizontal surface and be hung on a rod by
extending the rod through the aligned openings for display
purposes.
2. The battery package of claim 1, wherein: the rear member and the
front member are thermoformed.
3. The battery package of claim 2, wherein: The rear member and the
front member are unitary and integral.
4. The battery package of claim 1, further including: a resealable
closure allowing the front member and the rear member to be
maintained in the closed position.
5. The battery package of claim 4, wherein: the resealable closure
comprises engaging surfaces of the front member and the rear member
for locking the battery package in the closed configuration.
6. The battery package of claim 5, wherein: the engaging surfaces
each form four sides of a truncated pyramid.
7. The battery package of claim 5, wherein: the resealable closure
further includes a strip of material connected to both the front
member and the rear member, with the strip of material including a
pull tab extending around a side of the battery package and
releasably connected to the front member by a releasable
adhesive.
8. The battery package of claim 1, wherein: the foot includes a
bottom surface and a U-shaped wall extending from a rear surface of
the rear member, the bottom surface of the foot and the U-shaped
wall forming an intersection, with the intersection abutting the
horizontal surface when the battery package is positioned on the
horizontal surface.
9. The battery package of claim 1, wherein: the support structure
comprises a plurality of slots receiving the batteries therein.
10. The battery package of claim 9, wherein: the plurality of slots
comprises a plurality of aligned slots, with each one of the
batteries being located in one of the aligned slots.
11. The battery package of claim 10, wherein: the slots are arcuate
and cover more than 180.degree. of a circle.
12. The battery package of claim 1, wherein: the support structure
is located on the rear member.
13. A battery package comprising: a rear member; a front member
pivotally connected to the rear member; the front member being
pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery
package having a closed position wherein the front member is
engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space
therebetween, the battery package also including an open position
allowing access to the interior space; batteries in the interior
space; at least one of the front member and the rear member
including support structure for supporting the batteries in the
interior space; the front member and the rear member including
aligned openings; and a resealable closure allowing the front
member and the rear member to be maintained in the closed
position.
14. The battery package of claim 13, wherein: the rear member and
the front member are thermoformed.
15. The battery package of claim 14, wherein: the rear member and
the front member are unitary and integral.
16. The battery package of claim 13, wherein: the resealable
closure comprises engaging surfaces of the front member and the
rear member for locking the battery package in the closed
configuration.
17. The battery package of claim 16, wherein: the engaging surfaces
each form four sides of a truncated pyramid.
18. The battery package of claim 16, wherein: the resealable
closure further includes a strip of material connected to both the
front member and the rear member, with the strip of material
including a pull tab extending around a side of the battery package
and releasably connected to the front member by a releasable
adhesive.
19. The battery package of claim 13, wherein: the foot includes a
bottom surface and a U-shaped wall extending from a rear surface of
the rear member, the bottom surface of the foot and the U-shaped
wall forming an intersection, with the intersection abutting the
horizontal surface when the battery package is positioned on the
horizontal surface.
20. The battery package of claim 13, wherein: the support structure
comprises a plurality of slots receiving the batteries therein.
21. The battery package of claim 20, wherein: the plurality of
slots comprises a plurality of aligned slots, with each one of the
batteries being located in one of the aligned slots.
22. The battery package of claim 21, wherein: the slots are arcuate
and cover more than 180.degree. of a circle.
23. The battery package of claim 13, wherein: the support structure
is located on the rear member.
24. A battery package comprising: a rear member; a front member
pivotally connected to the rear member; the front member being
pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery
package having a closed position wherein the front member is
engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space
therebetween, the battery package also including an open position
allowing access to the interior space; batteries in the interior
space; the rear member including support structure for supporting
the batteries in the interior space; the rear member including a
foot allowing the battery package to stand substantially upright on
a horizontal surface; the front member and the rear member
including aligned openings; a resealable closure allowing the front
member and the rear member to be maintained in the closed position;
wherein the battery package can alternatively be positioned on the
horizontal surface and be hung on a rod by extending the rod
through the aligned openings for display purposes.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to packaging, and in
particular to packaging for batteries.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0002] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery
package comprising a rear member, a front member pivotally
connected to the rear member and batteries. The front member is
pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery
package having a closed position wherein the front member is
engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space
therebetween. The battery package also includes an open position
allowing access to the interior space. The batteries are in the
interior space. At least one of the front member and the rear
member includes support structure for supporting the batteries in
the interior space. The rear member includes a foot allowing the
battery package to stand substantially upright on a horizontal
surface. The front member and the rear member include aligned
openings. The battery package can alternatively be positioned on
the horizontal surface and be hung on a rod by extending the rod
through the aligned openings for display purposes.
[0003] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
battery package comprising a rear member, a front member pivotally
connected to the rear member and batteries. The front member is
pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery
package having a closed position wherein the front member is
engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space
therebetween. The battery package also includes an open position
allowing access to the interior space. The batteries are in the
interior space. At least one of the front member and the rear
member includes support structure for supporting the batteries in
the interior space. The front member and the rear member include
aligned openings. A resealable closure allows the front member and
the rear member to be maintained in the closed position.
[0004] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
battery package comprising a rear member, a front member pivotally
connected to the rear member and batteries. The front member is
pivotable about the rear member at a pivot, with the battery
package having a closed position wherein the front member is
engaged with the rear member and defining an interior space
therebetween. The battery package also includes an open position
allowing access to the interior space. The batteries are in the
interior space. The rear member includes support structure for
supporting the batteries in the interior space. The rear member
includes a foot allowing the battery package to stand substantially
upright on a horizontal surface. The front member and the rear
member include aligned openings. A resealable closure allows the
front member and the rear member to be maintained in the closed
position. The battery package can alternatively be positioned on
the horizontal surface and be hung on a rod by extending the rod
through the aligned openings for display purposes.
[0005] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermoformed battery
package of the present invention in a closed configuration.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of the thermoformed battery package of
the present invention in the closed configuration.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a front member and a rear
member of the thermoformed battery package of the present invention
in an open configuration.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
thermoformed battery package of the present invention in the closed
configuration.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an exploded front view of the thermoformed battery
package of the present invention in the open position.
[0011] FIG. 6 is rear perspective view of the front member and the
rear member of the thermoformed battery package of the present
invention in the closed position.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a close-up view of a pivot between the front
member and the rear member of the thermoformed battery package of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left, rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal,"
and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated
in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may
assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the
specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0014] The reference number 10 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5) generally
designates a battery package embodying the present invention. In
the illustrated example, the battery package 10 comprises a rear
member 12, a front member 14 pivotally connected to the rear member
12 and batteries 16. The front member 14 is pivotable about the
rear member 12 at a pivot 20, with the battery package 10 having a
closed position (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4) wherein the front member 14 is
engaged with the rear member 12 and defining an interior space 22
therebetween. The battery package 10 also includes an open position
(FIGS. 3 and 5) allowing access to the interior space 22. The
batteries 16 are in the interior space 22. At least one of the
front member 14 and the rear member 12 include support structure 24
for supporting the batteries 16 in the interior space 22. The rear
member 12 includes a foot 26 allowing the battery package 10 to
stand substantially upright on a horizontal surface 28 (see FIG.
2). The front member 14 and the rear member 12 include aligned
openings 18 for allowing the battery package 10 to be hung on a
rod. Therefore, the battery package 10 can alternatively be
positioned on the horizontal surface 28 and be hung on a rod by
extending the rod through the aligned openings 18 for display
purposes. The battery package 10 can also include a resealable
closure 300 allowing the front member 14 and the rear member 12 to
be maintained in the closed position.
[0015] The illustrated batteries 16 within the battery package 10
can comprise electrochemical cells for supplying voltage to battery
powered devices. The batteries 16 can comprise any of the popular
alkaline or lithium cells of the generally cylindrical shape that
are commercially available in industry-recognized, standard sizes,
including D-, C-, AA-, AAA-, and AAAA-size cells, as well as other
sizes and configurations (e.g., 9 volt batteries). Alternatively,
disc-shaped batteries commercially available for small electrically
operated devices, such as hearing aids, could be used. In the
illustrated embodiment, the battery package 10 includes four
aligned cylindrical batteries 16 therein. However, it is
contemplated that the battery package 10 could include any number
of batteries 16 therein. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the
battery package 10 could include different batteries 16 and/or a
plurality of different size batteries 16.
[0016] In the illustrated example, the rear member 12 includes the
support structure 24 for supporting the batteries 16. However, it
is contemplated that the front member 14 could include the support
structure 24 for supporting the batteries 16 or that the front
member 14 and the rear member 12 could each have support structure
and work in combination (or separately) to support the batteries 16
in the interior space 22.
[0017] The illustrated rear member 12 is configured to support the
batteries 16 from the rear. The rear member 12 includes a bowed
rear section 34 having a front surface 36 for accepting the
batteries 16 thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the batteries
16 comprise four cylindrical batteries. However, as discussed
above, any number and shape of batteries could be used. As
illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the batteries 16 are positioned to abut
the front surface 36 of the rear section 34 of the rear member 12.
The batteries 16 are aligned vertically above one another with
their cylindrical tubes being positioned horizontally. Outer
surfaces of the cylindrical tubes of the batteries abut against the
front surface 36 of the rear section 34 of the rear member 12. The
support structure 24 can comprise a shelf 37 having four curved
battery receiving surface portions 39 defining wedge-shaped ribs
38. The curved battery receiving surface portions 39 receive the
batteries 16 thereon and the wedge-shaped ribs 38 are located
between the batteries 16 and above and below the batteries 16. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, a first side stay member 42 abuts against a
first end of the batteries 16 and a second side stay member 44
abuts against a second end of the batteries 16. In the illustrated
example, each of the curved battery receiving surface portions 39
extend for more than 180.degree., thereby allowing the batteries 16
to snap into the curved battery receiving surface portions 39 and
be maintained within the curved battery receiving surface portions
39. The tops of the ribs 38 will be able to deflect to allow the
batteries 16 to be removed from the curved battery receiving
surface portions 39. While the batteries 16 are illustrated as
being supported by the support structure 24 in a substantially
horizontal orientation, it is contemplated that the support
structure 24 could be orientated such that the batteries 16 are
supported in a vertical position. Furthermore, it is contemplated
that the support structure 24 could have a different configuration
than that outlined herein. For example, the support structure 24
could compress ends of the batteries 16 to maintain the batteries
16 using the support structure 24 (either with or without touching
or engaging sides of the batteries 16). Moreover, it is
contemplated that the support structure 24 could only maintain the
batteries 16 in position when the battery package 10 is in the
closed position.
[0018] The illustrated rear member 12 can also include a structure
for providing stability to and for supporting the battery package
10. For example, the rear member 12 can include a first side wall
30 connected to a first side of the bowed rear section 34 and a
second side wall 32 connected to a second side of the bowed rear
section 34. The first side wall 30 includes a first side inwardly
extending U-shaped channel section 46 defining the first side stay
member 42 and the second side wall 32 includes a second side
inwardly extending U-shaped channel section 48 defining the second
side stay member 44. The first side inwardly extending U-shaped
channel section 46 also includes a first top wall 50 and the second
side inwardly extending U-shaped channel section 48 includes a
second top wall 52. A peripheral inverted J-shaped step 54 is
connected to a front edge of the first side wall 30, a front edge
of the second side wall 32, a top edge of the bowed rear section
34, and a bottom edge of the bowed rear section 34 except for a
bottom interruption 56. The peripheral inverted J-shaped step 54
provides support to the battery package 10 and assists in
maintaining the battery package 10 in the closed position as
discussed in more detail below. The peripheral inverted J-shaped
step 54 forms a substantially rectangular surface 58, except for
the bottom interruption 56. The peripheral inverted J-shaped step
54 tapers from a larger area in a front of the rear member 12 to a
smaller area in the rear of the rear member 12. A planar rim 60 is
connected to the peripheral inverted J-shaped step 54 at the
smaller area of the rectangular surface 58. The planar rim 60 also
spans the bottom interruption 56. The planar rim 60 can include a
pull tab extension 62 allowing a user of the battery package 10 to
easily grip the rear member 12 for moving the battery package 10 to
the open position. The pull tab extension 62 can include a channel
64 for providing support and strength to the pull tab extension 62.
The front member 14 of the battery package 10 is pivotally
connected to a first side of the planar rim 60 of the rear member
12.
[0019] In the illustrated example, the front member 14 is connected
to the rear member 12 and defines the interior space 22 when the
battery package 10 is in the closed position. The front member 14
includes a bowed section 90 having a rear surface 92. The
illustrated front member 14 can also include a structure for
providing stability to and for supporting the battery package 10.
For example, the front member 14 can include a first side wall 100
connected to a first side of the bowed section 90 and a second side
wall 102 connected to a second side of the bowed front section 90.
Front edges of the first side wall 100 and the second side wall 102
as well as the top and bottom ends of the bowed front section 90
connect to a peripheral inverted L-shaped step 104 for providing
support to the battery package 10 and for assisting in maintaining
the battery package 10 in the closed position as discussed in more
detail below. The peripheral inverted L-shaped step 104 forms a
substantially rectangular surface 106 that tapers from a larger
area in a front of the front member 14 to a smaller area in the
rear of the front member 14. A planar rim 108 is connected to the
peripheral inverted L-shaped step 104 at the smaller area of the
rectangular surface 106. The planar rim 108 can include a pull tab
extension 110 allowing a user of the battery package 10 to easily
grip the front member 12 for moving the battery package 10 to the
open position. The pull tab extension 110 can include a channel 112
for providing support and strength to the pull tab extension
110.
[0020] In the illustrated example, the front member 14 is
configured to rotate relative to the rear member 12 to move the
battery package 10 between the open configuration and the closed
configuration. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, a second side 113
of the front member 14 is pivotally connected to a first side 114
of the rear member 12 by having the planar rim 108 of the front
member 14 at the second side 113 connect to the planar rim 60 of
the rear member 12 at the first side 114. The planar rim 108 of the
front member 14 can be connected to the planar rim 60 of the rear
member 12 by a living hinge. It is further contemplated that the
planar rim 108 of the front member 14 can be connected to the
planar rim 60 of the rear member 12 via tape or any other
connection means forming the hinge. The hinge allows the front
member 14 to be rotated relative to the rear member 12.
Furthermore, the front member 14 is configured to be at least
partially locked to the rear member 12 in the closed configuration.
In the illustrated embodiment, the rectangular surface 58 of the
J-shaped step 54 of the rear member 12 is configured to be accepted
within the rectangular surface 106 of the L-shaped step 104 of the
front member 14 (see FIG. 4). Moreover, at least one side of both
the rectangular surface 58 of the J-shaped step 54 of the rear
member 12 and the rectangular surface 106 of the L-shaped step 104
of the front member 14 can be tapered towards the rear. For
example, all four sides of both the rectangular surface 58 of the
J-shaped step 54 of the rear member 12 and the rectangular surface
106 of the L-shaped step 104 of the front member 14 can be tapered
towards the rear (e.g., like the sides of a pyramid). Accordingly,
when the battery package 10 is moved to the closed configuration
from the open configuration, the rectangular surface 106 of the
L-shaped step 104 of the front member 14 will snap over the
rectangular surface 58 of the J-shaped step 54 of the rear member
12, thereby at least partially locking the battery package 10 in
the closed position.
[0021] As discussed above, the battery package 10 includes at least
two features for displaying the battery package 10: the foot 26 and
the aligned openings 18. The illustrated rear member 12 includes
the foot 26, which allows the battery package 10 to stand
substantially upright on the horizontal surface 28 (see FIG. 2).
The foot 26 comprises an angled U-shaped top wall 68, a first side
wall 70, a second side wall 72 and a bottom wall 74. The angled
U-shaped top wall 68 extends rearwardly from a bottom of the bowed
rear section 34 and a bottom of the shelf 37 adjacent the bottom
interruption 56. The bottom wall 74 extends rearwardly from a top
edge of the planar rim 60 that extends along the bottom
interruption 56. The first side wall 70 and the second side wall 72
are substantially triangular and are each connected to the angled
U-shaped top wall 68, the bottom wall 74 and the bowed rear section
34 of the rear member 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an intersection
94 between the bottom wall 74 and the angled U-shaped top wall 68
act with a planar edge 82 at a bottom of the planar rim 60 of the
rear member 12 to allow the battery package 10 to stand
substantially upright on the horizontal surface 28. It is
contemplated that the foot 26 could have other configurations that
allow the battery package 10 to stand substantially upright on the
horizontal surface 28. For example, the walls could be curved
and/or have any peripheral shape.
[0022] In the illustrated example, the battery package 10 can
include a feature for allowing the battery package 10 to be hung
from a display rack (not shown): the aligned openings 18. The rear
member 12 includes a rear hanging opening tube 200 having a rear
central opening 202. The front member 14 includes a front hanging
opening tube 204 having a front central opening 206. The front
hanging opening tube 204 is aligned with the rear hanging opening
tube 200 such that the front central opening 206 is aligned with
the rear central opening 202 of the rear hanging opening tube 200.
In the illustrated embodiment, the aligned openings 18 comprise the
front central opening 206 and the rear central opening 202, which
are configured to accept a hanger rod (not shown) typically used to
display batteries in a store as is well known to those skilled in
the art therein.
[0023] The illustrated battery package 10 can be easily formed and
batteries can easily be packaged in the battery package 10. It is
contemplated that the front member 14 and the rear member 12 can be
formed as one piece and folded relative to each other. For example,
the front member 14 and the rear member 12 can be thermoformed. The
batteries 16 can also be placed onto the rear member 12 and the
battery package 10 can be moved to the closed configuration to
thereby package the batteries 16 in the battery package 10. It is
contemplated that the pivot line between the front member 14 and
the rear member 12 can be perforated or weakened to allow the
elements to easily pivot relative to each other. It is also
contemplated that the front member 14 and the rear member 12 could
have a C-shaped pivot 600 to allow the front member 14 to easily
pivot relative to the rear member 12 (see FIG. 7).
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the battery package
10 during assembly of the battery package 10. In assembling the
battery package 10, the battery package is positioned in the open
position and the batteries 16 are placed within the support
structure 24 as described above.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the battery package 10 can
include a releasable closure 300 for maintaining the battery
package 10 in the closed position. The releasable closure 300 can
include a strip of material connected to the rear member 12 (see
FIGS. 4 and 5). The strip of material can include a pull tab 302
extending around a side of the battery package 10 and releasably
connected to the front member 14 by a releasable adhesive. The pull
tab 302 can be connected to the front member 14 to maintain the
battery package 10 in the closed position and the pull tab 302 has
to be removed from the front member 14 or broken before the battery
package 10 can be moved to the open position to allow access to the
interior space 22 and the batteries 16. It is noted that the pull
tab extension 62 and the pull tab extension 110 can be easily
grasped and moved away from each other to move the battery package
10 to the open position.
[0026] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated
that the battery package 10 can be formed of any formable material
(e.g., plastic (e.g., PETG)) and can be formed or molded in any
manner. It is also contemplated that the battery package 10 could
be thermoformed and made of plastic. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that any portion or the entire battery package 10 can
be transparent, translucent or opaque. It is also contemplated that
a front sticker 400 can be placed on the front member 14 for
advertising or informational purposes and/or a rear sticker 402 can
be placed on the rear member 12 for advertising or informational
purposes (see FIG. 5). Furthermore, it is contemplated that the
battery package 10 can be inclined on the support surface (as
illustrated in FIG. 2) or can be vertical relative to the support
surface. Moreover, it is contemplated that the battery package 10
could be entirely or almost entirely covered by a shrink wrap
sleeve. It is to be understood that such concepts as described
herein are intended to be covered by the following claims unless
these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
* * * * *