Apparatus for displaying battery products

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for packaging, displaying by hanging or standing, and storing of electrical products, batteries in particular. The apparatus (100) for packaging a product or products for display, such as a retail sales display, involves an anterior packaging member (2) and a posterior packaging member (4), the anterior (2) and the posterior (4) packaging members being mounted together, such as by seam-mounting (9), in a fitted flange configuration. The anterior (2) and the posterior (4) packaging members each have a complementary contour for accommodating the product, with the anterior packaging member (2) having a specific contour shaped to minimize rotation of the battery on display so that the logo on the battery is optimally displayed. The apparatus (100) may also include feet (40) for standing as well as a convex display contour (3).

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND LIMITED AUTHORIZATION FOR USE

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of the present patent application contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all rights under the copyright laws of the United States (17 U.S.C. §106).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0002] The present application is technologically related to concurrently filed U.S. design patent applications (serial numbers yet to be assigned, attorney docket numbers P1512, P1513, P1514).

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention involves cylindrical product packaging. More particularly, the present invention involves AA, AAA, C and D size battery product packaging. Even more specifically, the present invention involves battery packaging for retail display and retail storage.

BACKGROUND ART

[0004] Currently, electronic products are typically sold in a hanging plastic packaging. Electronic product packaging, especially for batteries, is traditionally configured for only containing the product for display but not for optimizing the display orientation of the contents. As such, a long-felt need is seen to exist for a packaging apparatus for conveniently packaging, displaying by both hanging or standing, and storing of electronic products, especially of batteries. A longstanding problem with current battery packaging apparatus has to do with battery product rotation after packaging. Due to battery spin after packaging, battery logos which were aligned for optimum display characteristics at the time of packaging can become misaligned subsequent to packaging. This misalignment results in a less appealing product display. Additionally, optimizing display of inserts and providing a means for self standing packaging has been another challenge in the field of battery packaging. With other cylindrical products such as shotgun shells, model rocket motors, candies, mints and writing implements, important information is present on the products which needs to be optimally displayed.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention addresses this long-felt need for a packaging apparatus for conveniently packaging, displaying by both hanging or standing, and storing of batteries in a manner which optimizes aligned logo orientation and product display. Generally, the present apparatus for packaging a product for display, such as a retail sales display, involves an anterior packaging member and a posterior packaging member, the anterior and the posterior packaging members being mounted together with complementary curvature to result in a convex display surrounding the packaged batteries.

[0006] The anterior and the posterior packaging members may each have a complementary contour for retaining the battery product, with at least one packaging member having a complementary contour. The anterior and posterior packaging members respective complementary contours each may have a molded protrusion for accommodating the lengthwise body portion of the battery. The complementary contour may change in size and number in order to accommodate batteries of various sizes such as AA, AAA, C and D.

[0007] The anterior and the posterior packaging members may each be formed from a material having an optical property such as transparency, translucency, and opacity. The anterior and the posterior packaging members may each also have an advertising member, such as one or more inserts. The anterior packaging member may have a floor member for alternatively facilitating standing of the apparatus on a horizontal surface for display. The anterior packaging member and the posterior packaging member may each have at least one coincident orifice for facilitating displaying the at least one product by hanging as well.

[0008] In addition to the aforementioned, similar anti-rotation benefits could be extended to other packaged tubular articles to prevent rotation and optimize display. These articles include but are not limited to shotgun shells, cosmetics, candies or mints with a substantially round axis, tools and writing implements.

[0009] Advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to, conveniently packaging, displaying by both hanging and standing, and storing of batteries with logos substantially displayed as originally packaged in their initial alignment with minimal battery logo reorientation over time. In addition, each package may be nested or complementary-fitted on any other such package, as well as stood on end with the convex display face displayed prominently. Other features of the present invention are disclosed, or are apparent in the section entitled Detailed Description of the Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Figures. Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the apparatus, in an assembled state, for packaging, displaying, and storing of battery products, in accordance with the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus, in an assembled state.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded top view of the apparatus.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom view of the apparatus.

[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded right side elevation view of the apparatus.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates, in a front perspective view, the apparatus 100 for packaging, displaying, and storing of electronic products, especially of batteries, in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises an anterior packaging member 2 and a posterior packaging member 4, wherein the anterior and the posterior packaging members 2, 4 are mounted together in a fitted flange configuration by at least one technique such as seam-mounting, adhesion, interference-fit, compression-fit, tongue and groove, clip, staple, and tape. When the anterior and posterior packaging members 2,4 are assembled, the seam 9 borders the top horizontal package frame member 8 and the side vertical package frame member 10. The anterior and the posterior packaging members 2, 4 each have a complementary contour for accommodating one or more battery product or products (not shown). The anterior packaging member has molded protrusions for the curved rear battery compartments 17 and front battery compartments 19. Each of the battery compartments have a conforming shape for accommodating a body portion of a battery, as well as rear portions disposed behind the front portion of the anterior battery package member 2 and, therefore, not shown in this figure. In addition to the conforming shape of the front battery compartment, the anterior packaging member includes a top horizontal battery compartment frame 20, a secondary horizontal battery compartment frame 24, a vertical front battery display shelf 34 and a horizontal front battery display shelf 36. To minimize battery rotation, the front battery compartments each include a cathode center containment protrusion 27, a cathode inner ring depression 29, a cathode ring protrusion 30, a cathode outer ring depression 33, and a horizontal package contour groove 39. It is noteworthy that the anti-spin property of the described packaging functions primarily due to the snug placement of a battery against the contours of the cathode center containment protrusion 27, cathode ring protrusion 30 and the horizontal package contour groove 39. The anterior and the posterior packaging members 2, 4 may each be formed from a material having an optical property such as transparency, translucency, and opacity. The anterior and the posterior packaging members 2, 4 may each also have an advertising member, such as at least one insert (not shown). The primary display portion of the insert is viewed through the display face of the battery package 15, except for portions that have been removed to make way for the optional slot shaped hole 11 with hanging rack guide 14 for vertical hanging. Positioned between the anterior and posterior packaging member 2, 4 may be at least one insert (not shown). The anterior packaging member 4 may have one or more display package foot 40 for alternatively facilitating displaying of the product by standing of the apparatus 100 on a horizontal surface Sh (not shown).

[0017] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus, in an assembled state. The apparatus 100 depicts the counterpart contour rear battery containment 18 to contain the rear batteries (not shown). Please note, as the top, bottom and side contour grooves are not present in the rear battery compartment 18, rear batteries (not shown) would not be subject to the anti-rotation properties of the claimed invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates, in an exploded top view, the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, and the disposition of the product being packaged, in accordance with the present invention. The conforming shape around the front battery are particularly noticeable in this illustration, as the cathode center containment protrusion 27 snugly fits the front battery preventing lateral movement which could lead to battery rotation. The cathode inner ring depression 29, a cathode ring protrusion 30, a cathode outer ring depression 33 all add to the anti-rotation properties of front batteries within the battery package. The anterior packaging member 2 and the posterior packaging member 4 each comprise an interior contour for accommodating and retaining the battery product and an exterior contour for a complementary-fit of the apparatus to any such other apparatus. An additional display face convex contour 3 can be seen which emphasizes display of any marketing inserts (not shown).

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates, in an exploded bottom view, the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention. The anode ring indentation 88 assists in preventing battery rotation due to a flush conformation with front batteries. The bottom of the foot stand is also visible at 68.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates, an exploded right side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention. To provide for proper display when rack mounting is not desired or present, foot stand front 69 and foot stand side contour 67 are shown in side profile and provide for stand alone display when assembled as apparatus 100.

[0021] Moreover, no requirement exists for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present invention, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, it should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications in form, semiconductor material, and fabrication material detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims. No claim herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

SCOPE OF INVENTION

[0022] While the particular method and apparatus, as herein shown and described in detail, are fully capable of attaining the above-described advantages of the invention, the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is understood to be merely representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0023] The present invention finds industrial applicability in the packaging industry, particularly when cylindrical shaped articles are contained, more particularly when the articles are batteries.

Claims

1. An apparatus for displaying, packaging and storing at least one battery product comprising:

a front packaging member, and a rear packaging member, the rear packaging member being affixed to said front packaging member,

at least one front battery compartment, the at least one front battery compartment each include a cathode center containment protrusion, a cathode inner ring depression, a cathode ring protrusion, a cathode outer ring depression, a horizontal package contour groove and at least one anode ring indentation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one package display foot.

3. An apparatus for packaging, displaying, and storing at least one cylindrical product, comprising:

a front packaging member, and a rear packaging member, the rear packaging member being affixed to said front packaging member, and

a means for minimizing cylindrical product rotation of said at least one cylindrical product, the means incorporated into said front packaging member.

4. An apparatus, as recited in claim 3, wherein the said means for minimizing cylindrical product rotation comprises an upper contour for receiving said cylindrical product in close proximity so as to minimize cylindrical product rotation.

5. An apparatus, as recited in claim 3, wherein the said means for minimizing cylindrical product rotation comprises a lower contour substantially conforming to said cylindrical product in close proximity so as to minimize cylindrical product rotation.

6. An apparatus, as recited in claim 3, wherein the said means for minimizing cylindrical product rotation comprises a top cylindrical product contour and a bottom cylindrical product contour for receiving said cylindrical product in close proximity with said means for minimizing rotation.

7. An apparatus, as recited in claim 6, wherein said cylindrical product is at least one battery.

8. An apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein said means for minimizing cylindrical product rotation is designed to accommodate a battery selected from the group of AA, AAA, C and D battery size.

9. An apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein said means for minimizing cylindrical product rotation is designed to accommodate multiple batteries of the same size selected from the group of AA, AAA, C and D battery size.

10. An apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein said means for minimizing cylindrical product rotation is designed to accommodate multiple batteries of different sizes selected from the group of AA, AAA, C and D battery sizes.

11. An apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein said means for minimizing cylindrical product rotation includes at least one horizontal and at least one vertical backstop.

12. An apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein said means for minimizing cylindrical article rotation includes at least one horizontal package contour groove.

13. An apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein said apparatus further comprises display feet on the bottom of the apparatus.

14. An apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein said apparatus further comprises a display face convex contour.

15. An apparatus for packaging, displaying, and storing at least one cylindrical product contained between a rear packaging member and a front packaging member affixed to the rear packaging member, the first improvement comprising:

a top orientation member, a bottom orientation member, and

a means for minimizing article rotation by substantially conforming to the top and bottom of said cylindrical article and optimized to prevent rotation of said at least one cylindrical article, the second improvement comprising display feet incorporated into said front packaging member, and,

the third improvement comprising a display face convex contour for optimum display of packaging inserts.