Battery Package, Folding Cardboard for Forming the Same and Method of Using the Folding Cardboard for Packaging Batteries

This application generally relates to a battery package and more specifically relates to a battery package that can be converted from a product-presentation package to a compact storage package.

A typical sales package for dry cell batteries includes a container for carrying the batteries and a panel with an aperture for hanging the package from a hook or similar item. The panel is well-designed for presenting product information and promotional materials to attract consumers. However, after purchasing the batteries, some users may find the panel portion space-consuming when using the package for storing unused batteries.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a battery package that can be converted from a product-presentation package to a compact storage package in a simple and convenient manner. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery package that is more space-saving and logistics-friendly. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a battery package that can facilitate use of fully automated machines for packaging batteries.

The provided battery package comprises: a container portion having a cavity for carrying one or more batteries; and a panel portion having an aperture for hanging from a hook when the battery package is used as a product-presentation package. The container portion further comprise a locking flap. The panel portion is configurable to be flipped over the container portion and the locking flap is configurable to mate with the aperture to sustain the panel portion and container portion in place after the panel portion is flipped over the container portion such that the battery package is convertible from a product-presentation package to a compact storage package.

The present invention makes clever use of the hanging panel and convert it to have a closing feature for storing unused batteries in a compact way. Moreover, the structure of battery package is adaptable to different product sizes while maintaining the same footprint. Furthermore, the battery package can be used in fully automated machines for packaging batteries. Therefore, the provided battery package is space-saving, logistics-friendly and tailored for high manufacturing efficiency.

In the following description, preferred examples of the present disclosure will be set forth as embodiments which are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Specific details may be omitted so as not to obscure the present disclosure; however, the disclosure is written to enable one skilled in the art to practice the teachings herein without undue experimentation.

are perspective front, rear and bottom views of a battery packageaccording to one embodiment of the present invention respectively. Referring to, the battery package, when used as a product-presentation package, includes a panel portionand a container portionfor carrying one or more batteries. The panel portionincludes an aperturefor hanging from a hook or similar item.

The container portionincludes a top wallextending orthogonally from the panel portion; a front wallextending orthogonally from the top wall; a bottom wallextending orthogonally from the front wall; a rear wallextending orthogonally from the bottom wall; and two side wallsandextending orthogonally from two sides of the rear wallrespectively. In other words, the rear wallextends from the panel portionin a coplanar manner; the bottom wallextends orthogonally from the rear wall; the front wallextends orthogonally from the bottom wall; the top wallextends orthogonally from the front wall.

The front wallhas a width greater than the width of the rear wallsuch that the front wallhas two wingsextending orthogonally from the two side wallsrespectively. The bottom wallhas a trapezoidal shape with a longer parallel sideconnected to the front wall and a shorter parallel sideconnected to the rear wall. The front wallhas an openinglocated adjacent to the bottom wall.

The width of the front wallis defined according to the size and quantity of the batteries to be carried. The widths of the top wall, bottom wall, side wallsandare defined according to the size of the batteries to be carried.

The rear wallincludes a locking flapformed in a central region of the rear wall; and a tear stripformed along an interface line between the panel portionand the rear wall.

shows how the battery packageofis converted from a product-presentation package to a compact storage package. As shown, after the tear stripis removed, the panel portioncan be flipped towards the container portion. The locking flapis then configured to mate with the apertureto sustain the panel portion and container portion in place such that the battery package is converted from a product-presentation package to a compact storage package. In other words, the aperturecan act as a locking slot mating with the locking flapto secure the panel portionand container portionin place when the panel portionis flipped over the container portion.

shows a sheet of folding cardboardfor forming the battery package. As shown, the folding cardboardincludes a first panel elementhaving an aperture; a top wall elementconnected to the first panel elementat a fold lineformed between the first panel elementand the top wall element; a front wall elementconnected to the top wall elementat a fold lineformed between the top wall elementand the front wall element; a bottom wall elementconnected to the front wall elementat a fold lineformed between the front wall elementand the bottom wall element; a rear wall elementconnected to the bottom wall elementat a fold lineformed between the bottom wall elementand the rear wall element; a second panel elementconnected to the rear wall elementthrough a tear strip.

The second panel elementhas a same shape and a same size as the first panel element

The folding cardboardfurther includes a first side wall elementconnected to a first side of the rear wall elementat a fold lineformed between the rear wall elementand the first side wall elementa second side wall elementconnected to a second side of the rear wall elementat a fold lineformed between the rear wall elementand the second side wall element

The folding cardboardfurther includes a first side flap elementconnected to the first side wall elementat a fold lineformed between the first side wall elementand the first side flap elementand a second side flap elementconnected to the second side wall elementat a fold lineformed between the second side wall elementand the second side flap element

The widths of the top wall element, bottom wall element, side wall elementsandare substantially equal to the diameter of dry cell batteries to be packed in the battery package. The width of the front wall elementis substantially equal to a product of diameter and quantity of dry cell batteries to be packed in the battery package.

shows a battery packaging process according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the battery packaging process includes the following steps: S: a single sheet of folding cardboard is folded to form a flat box; S: the flat box is popped up to form a popped-up box; S: one side wall of the popped-up box is sealed; S: batteries are inserted into the popped-up and partially-sealed box by an automatic feeding machine; S: another side wall of the popped-up box is sealed.

shows more details on how a flat box, that is the battery package at a flat box state, is formed from the folding cardboardin step S. As shown, the flat boxmay be formed by folding the cardboardalong the fold line; and attaching the first panel elementand the second panel elementIn other words, the panel portionis formed at the flat box state.

Referring back to, in step S, the flat box may be popped up by folding the flat box outwardly along the fold lines,,and.

In step S, one side of the popped-up box may be sealed by folding the first side wall elementupwardly along the fold linefolding the first side flap elementalong the fold lineand attaching the first side flap elementon the front wall element.

In step S, another side of the popped-up box may be sealed by folding the second side wall elementupwardly along the fold linefolding the second side flap elementalong the fold lineand attaching the second side flap elementon the front wall element.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated. While the methods disclosed herein have been described with reference to operations performed in a specific order, it will be understood that these operations may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form an equivalent method without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of the operations are not limitations. While the apparatuses disclosed herein have been described with reference to specific structures, shapes, materials, composition of matter and relationships . . . etc., these descriptions and illustrations are not limiting. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the objective, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto.